Shell's Kenyan distributor is already introducing a new range to domestic motorcyclists.
A boda boda in action Image: Daryona |
The oil major's local distributor, Vivo Energy Kenya is already filling its retail outlets with Shell's latest motorcycle lubes products designed for two and four-stroke engines. Vivo announced the push into the two-wheel sector in early June, with the 120 fuel stations already stocked.
Vivo will be selling the brands - including Advance AX3 for smaller engines and AX5 premium multi-grade for larger units - in an effort to tap into a market which has, according to government statistics, witnessed a 500% growth since 2011. Kenya currently boasts some 700,000 motorcycles on its roads.
While bikes are popular personal transport, the majority (80%) are used as motorised taxis, or boda bodas.
According to a Vivo spokesman, the company is planning to expand distribution beyond its fuel stations, hoping that competitive pricing and reduced oil change frequency will prove attractive incentives for consumers.