RUBiS Energy Kenya officially launches after acquiring KenolKobil and Gulf Energy Holdings
RUBiS Energy Kenya has officially launched in Kenya after it successfully acquired Kenol Kobil Plc for Sh. 35 billion and Gulf Energy Holdings for an undisclosed amount in March and December 2019 respectively.
This acquisition saw RUBiS garner a market share of 21% and equipping it with 230 service stations countrywide. All Kenol, Kobil and Gulf service stations are expected to be rebranded to RUBiS by the end of 2022 with an approximate cost of Sh. 2.5 billion.
According to Mr Jean-Christian Bergeron, the Group Managing Director of RUBiS Energy Kenya, RUBiS drive to venture into the Kenyan market is merited on the country’s high growth rate and the confidence that RUBiS will deliver extra value to Kenyan customers.
“In addition to the acquisition of KenolKobil Plc and Gulf Energy Holdings Ltd, we will continue to invest heavily in the market through modernization of our existing retail outlets into state-of-the-art service stations. Our network of over 230 service stations is strategically and widely located across the country, thus playing a key role in delivering quality products and services to all Kenyan customers in a safe environment. We are launching an unparalleled shopping experience through our convenience store brand, RUBiS Express, by providing world-class convenience to motorists on the go, saving them time and money. We also provide a fuel card system that gives motorists total control of their fuel-related expenses through our RUBiS Card, offering convenience and efficiency when making payments at our retail outlets,” said Mr Bergeron.
With the acquisition, RUBiS Energy Kenya said they are going to maintain K-Lube as their lubricant brand and also sell the Castrol brand because that is what the Kenyan market is familiar with. “Furthermore, we are significantly investing in the development and promotion of LPG, which is a clean and affordable energy source that supports the government’s ambition for an improved quality of life for all Kenyans. We also market an extensive range of high-quality lubricants under the K-Lube and Castrol brands and our products, imported or locally blended, meet the highest specifications demanded by most automotive and equipment manufacturers” added Mr Bergeron.
To address the carbon footprint, RUBiS Energy Kenya said that over time, they are going to install solar panels in their service stations as an alternative source of energy. RUBiS said it is also looking at leveraging its integrated distribution chain to increase market share in the region with its business including Retail, Lubricants, LPG, Trading, Supply, Aviation, Commercial & Industrial and Exports to various East African countries.
RUBiS Energy Kenya has subsidiaries in Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.