L–R: William Boinnet, Director, Tess Distributors Ltd; Simon Mwangi, Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the football tournament; Kasim Manya, Golden Boot winner; and Stephen Gikonyo, Lubricants & LPG Sales and Marketing Manager, Vivo Energy Kenya, during the awards ceremony at the 2nd Mechanic Wellness Day held in Eldoret./HANDOUT
More than 100 mechanics from across the North Rift converged in Eldoret on Saturday as Vivo Energy Kenya recognised their contribution to keeping the country's transport, agriculture and business sectors running through the second annual Mechanics Wellness Day.
The event celebrated the often-overlooked professionals while reinforcing the company's commitment to their health, skills and long-term wellbeing.
Held under the theme, Celebrating the People Behind Kenya's Mobility Ecosystem, the event recognised mechanics for the critical role they play in supporting Kenya's economy through vehicle and equipment maintenance, repairs and quality assurance.
According to Vivo Energy Kenya, mechanics are central to the country's mobility ecosystem, servicing tractors that prepare farmland, trucks transporting produce, buses connecting communities and family vehicles travelling across the country.
The company said their expertise keeps people moving, businesses operating and agricultural value chains functioning every day.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Vivo Energy Kenya Lubricants and LPG Sales and Marketing Manager Stephen Gikonyo described the event as a tribute to the professionals whose work 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," he said.
Gikonyo said Shell Lubricants would continue investing in mechanics beyond supplying quality products.
"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," he said.
The company said it supports mechanics through technical training, product knowledge programmes, safety education and access to world-class lubrication solutions to help workshops improve service delivery and build customer confidence.
It added that mechanics also play an important advisory role by helping motorists make informed maintenance decisions, improve engine performance, extend vehicle life and reduce operating costs through the use of high-quality lubricants.
The wellness event combined health services with sports and recreational activities in recognition of the demands of the profession. Participants took part in football matches, pool and darts competitions, indoor games and comprehensive health screening.
Equity Afya's Ezra Omwancha said mechanics face unique occupational hazards because of the nature of their work.
"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," he said.
The event also gave mechanics an opportunity to interact with colleagues, their families and industry partners before culminating in an awards ceremony recognising winners of the various sporting and recreational competitions.
Vivo Energy Kenya said it would continue championing the wellbeing, recognition and professional growth of mechanics, saying investing in the people behind Kenya's mobility is an investment in the country's economic future.
