More than 100 mechanics from across the North Rift gathered in Eldoret on Saturday as Vivo Energy Kenya recognisede the professionals whose work keeps the country’s transport, agriculture and industries running.
The second edition of the Mechanics Wellness Day, held under the theme Celebrating the People Behind Kenya’s Mobility Ecosystem, highlighted the role mechanics play in maintaining vehicles and equipment that support businesses, farmers and communities across Kenya.
From servicing tractors preparing farmland and trucks transporting produce to maintaining buses and private vehicles, mechanics help keep people, goods and essential services moving. Their work also supports sectors such as manufacturing, engineering and construction by ensuring vehicles and machinery remain operational.
The initiative forms part of Vivo Energy Kenya’s efforts to support mechanics beyond the supply of lubricants by investing in their health, professional development and overall wellbeing.
Speaking during the event, Vivo Energy Kenya’s Lubricants and LPG Sales and Marketing Manager, Stephen Gikonyo, said the company was recognising a profession whose contribution often goes unnoticed.
“This day is about celebrating and thanking the skilled men and women whose hands keep Kenya moving. Behind every safe journey, every successful delivery and every successful harvest is a mechanic whose expertise makes it possible.
“Through Shell Lubricants, we are proud to stand alongside these professionals by investing not only in high quality products, but also in their health, skills and wellbeing. We believe that behind every mechanic should be a partner that cares, and today’s event is a reflection of that commitment.”
Shell Lubricants offers training and education in addition to knowledge in terms of safety and lubrication products to aid mechanics in improving service delivery and building up customers’ trust according to Vivo Energy Kenya.
The firm argues that the role of mechanics is not just offering support but also serving as advisers to the motorists by helping them make informed decisions concerning the maintenance of vehicles which can lead to improved efficiency and reduced operational costs as a result of using high quality lubricants.
Besides recognizing their contributions, the Eldoret seminar put more emphasis on the wellbeing of the participants. Over one hundred mechanics participated in games like football, pool, and darts and received health checkups.
Ezra Omwancha of Equity Afya said mechanics are exposed to demanding working conditions that make regular health checks important.
“Mechanics often work long hours in confined spaces, lift heavy equipment, and are regularly exposed to physically demanding conditions. Through this initiative, we are providing free health screening and related medical services to help ensure they remain healthy and able to continue supporting Kenya’s transport and agricultural sectors.”
The event also provided mechanics with the chance to network with other professionals in the sector, their partners, and family members, thus building strong relationships in the sector.
The event ended with the awarding of the winners of the sports and games activities.
Vivo Energy Kenya has indicated its intent to continue backing mechanics with programs aimed at improving their welfare, skills, and professionalism amid the changing mobility landscape in the country.
