RUBiS Energy Kenya has embarked on a corporate social responsibility partnership with the Kibera Black Stars Association (KBS) to promote social integration and improve livelihoods within the Kibera community.
The Kibera Black Stars Association comprises of Kibera Black Stars FC with 30 members aged between 16 and 27 and Slum Soka, the children’s team comprising of more than 100 girls and boys aged between 6 and 17, and a Youth Centre for education and training located in the heart of Kibera. The Kibera Black Stars are currently ranked number three in the Kenyan National Super League.
Speaking during the handover of a branded bus, leased in partnership with Loxea and DT Dobie, to the association to support sporting activities of Kibera Black Stars FC, RUBiS Energy Kenya Group Managing Director and CEO East Africa Mr. Jean‐Christian Bergeron, emphasized on the need for organizations, employees, customers, shareholders, and community members to work together for the benefit of society.
“RUBiS Energy Kenya is keen and intentional about the positive impact we bring to the community. To us, this initiative for Kibera goes beyond the communities’ wellbeing; it allows us to be mindful of the life’s journey the people of Kibera aspire to take, and how we can support them to get there” said Mr. Bergeron.
Mr. Erwan Catto, Loxea Ltd. Managing Director said their aim was to identify and offer opportunities for local talent in relation to the CFAO Motto of “With Africa for Africa”. “That is why we are excited and hopeful that our sponsorship will go a long way in building and sustaining local football talent from the Kibera community and advance our relationship to the next level,” said Catto.
Mr. Chris Ndala, DT Dobie Managing Director added that they were pleased to provide the Mercedes Benz bus.
“We wish the Kibera Black Stars the best in their future endeavours and may this Mercedes Benz bus take you places!” said Mr. Ndala
In addition to the donation of a bus and funds to promote sports and training activities of the association, RUBiS Energy Kenya will carry out a health campaign to sensitize the Kibera community on the use and benefits of LPG as a source of safe and clean energy for daily household needs.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kibera Black Stars Association Chairman Mr. James Midenyo said that the team was excited about the sponsorship and expressed his hopes towards a clean energy conscious Kibera community, propelled by its association with RUBiS who are at the forefront of safe LPG use in Kenya.
RUBiS Energy Kenya plays an active role in corporate social responsibility activities themed around education, health, safety and environment. The oil marketer has most recently supported initiatives in education through the RUBiS Energy Kenya Education Scholarship Fund that awards needy students from underprivileged homes who have performed exceptionally well. The fund supports students in both secondary and university institutions around the country.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
