Energy and innovation take centre stage at Vivo agriculture conference

Vivo Energy Kenya Finance manager Soumaya Haddad (left) with Simba Corp's Maureen Nyakio during the Vivo agriculture conference in Nakuru. [Courtesy]

Over 100 stakeholders from Kenya's agricultural sector gathered in Nakuru on Wednesday for a one-day conference organised by Vivo Energy Kenya, the local distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants. The event, held at the Midlands Hotel, focused on how innovation in energy use and farm machinery can help make agriculture more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. The conference brought together a diverse mix of farmers, agribusiness leaders, processors, regulators, and original equipment manufacturers. Vivo Energy Kenya Commercial Manager Mark Senteu reiterated the company's commitment to supporting the agriculture industry by offering products and services tailored to its evolving needs.

"As Vivo Kenya, we are committed to walking the journey with our farmers and Agri-processors," he said. Additionally, the company will ensure that it has access to world-class fuels, lubricants, and partnerships that deliver real value.

The discussions centred around cost-saving strategies, new technologies, and the role of energy solutions in boosting farm productivity. One of the key announcements was the launch of a new Shell fuel formulation, which company representatives said could extend mileage by up to 15 kilometres per full tank.

The improved fuel efficiency is expected to help farmers and transporters reduce operating costs, particularly in rural areas where fuel prices and logistics pose ongoing challenges.

Vivo Energy also highlighted the importance of high-performance lubricants, which, according to technical experts at the event, can help extend the lifespan of farming machinery, improve fuel economy, and reduce downtime caused by mechanical failures.

Machinery suppliers present at the event demonstrated modern agricultural equipment, underscoring the role of mechanisation in increasing yields and reducing manual labour.

They emphasised that combining new equipment with appropriate maintenance and energy solutions is critical to achieving productivity gains. Participants also visited exhibition booths featuring partner companies offering technical insights and services.

Among them was Cons-Syn Lubricants Ltd, a supplier of food-grade lubricants used in post-harvest and processing operations. Their team offered practical knowledge of hygiene standards, regulatory compliance, and high-performance needs within the food value chain.

Throughout the day, speakers and attendees exchanged views on a range of sector challenges, including rising input costs, climate-related risks, and the need for better infrastructure to support agribusiness.

Many agreed that collaboration between the energy and agricultural sectors is becoming increasingly important as the country seeks to modernise its food systems and support small- and medium-scale producers.

As Kenya's agricultural sector continues to adapt to shifting demands and environmental pressures, events like this conference serve as a reminder of the value of innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions at every level of the value chain.