Nurturing Talent, Building Careers

Daniel Oyile

HOD Health

My Experience at M-Gas

From the moment I was onboarded at M-Gas, my experience has been fantastic. My plate was already full, but not with things I didn’t know how to handle—rather, with challenges that I could sort out. There’s nothing more fulfilling than walking into a place that needs your input and being able to resolve issues. Although we aren’t there yet, I’m confident that step by step, we’ll reach our target.

M-Gas stands out from other organizations I’ve worked for, primarily because of the large number of employees, many of whom are young and new to the oil and gas industry. This provides me with a great platform to share my knowledge and experience, particularly in using technology to enhance sales in the oil and gas sector, something unique to M-Gas.

My Career Journey and Insights into the HSE & LPG Field

My journey in the oil and gas industry began as an engineering supervisor at Shell and BP. Later, I became an LPG Operations Supervisor, a role that sparked my passion for LPG. Over the years, I’ve held various positions at companies like ExxonMobil and Kenol Kobil, where I played a significant role in improving operations and safety, such as reducing losses in LPG transportation and managing health and safety operations.

My transition into Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) was driven by early career training and a passion for safety and quality management. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to set up operations across East, Central, and Southern Africa and lead the transition of quality management systems to ISO 9001:2015 standards.

My Personal Life Mantra or Guiding Principle

My guiding principle is “creating my own path and walking in it.” I strive to be the best in whatever I do. The path I’m on now is one I created long ago, and I’m far from reaching its end. With a clear mission and vision, I believe anyone can achieve what they set out to do within a given timeframe. Even when I see others taking different paths and succeeding, I remain committed to my own, which has led me to become a sought-after consultant in the industry.

My Advice for Someone Interested in Pursuing a Career in HSE

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in HSE, my advice is to excel in the work you’re currently doing. Every career path begins with doing justice to your current role, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. By giving it your all, someone will notice, opening doors to new opportunities that will help you build your career. You won’t be in the same role forever, so take pride in your work and use it as a stepping stone to greater things.

My Advice for Someone Looking to Join M-Gas

For anyone looking to join M-Gas, seize every learning opportunity that comes your way. Embrace challenges and be proactive in your role, as these experiences will shape your future and career trajectory. Don’t underestimate the impact you can make; by doing your best, you can contribute significantly to the organization and grow professionally.

Alex Sereti

Senior Manager

Experience at M-Gas

My journey at M-Gas has been incredibly dynamic and rewarding. Coming from a background in FMCG, where the environment was fast-paced and centered on quick consumer goods, transitioning to M-Gas—a utility company specializing in oil and gas—presented a new set of challenges. Shifting into last mile logistics, where our focus is on delivering products directly to the customer’s doorstep, required a significant change in perspective. What makes this journey truly exciting is the opportunity to transform lives by providing clean cooking solutions. Our work at M-Gas goes beyond logistics; it’s about making a tangible difference in our customers' lives by offering them a safer, more efficient way to cook.
When I started at M-Gas, the company was still in its infancy, and I was tasked with building the last mile department from the ground up. This involved creating the structure, processes, and systems necessary for efficient market entry and expansion. Today, we have grown significantly, with a robust team of logistics technicians, supervisors, and sales representatives working together to ensure our products reach customers seamlessly. It’s been a remarkable journey of growth for both the company and me personally.

Career Journey and Insights into the Last Mile Field

My career began in sales with an FMCG company, where I progressed from a sales merchandiser to a sales representative. Despite my academic background in mathematics and economics, I was always drawn to supply chain management, which led me to pursue further studies in supply chain excellence. This education, supported by my employer, gave me a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end supply chain management—from supplier relations to warehousing, distribution, and logistics.
As my career advanced, I managed large fleets and distribution networks, gaining valuable experience in logistics and operations before advancing to Warehouse Manager. Transitioning from a global beverages company in FMCG to the oil and gas sector was a significant shift but allowed me to apply my logistics expertise on a larger scale. At M-Gas, I was responsible for creating the logistics arm, developing strategies to align with the company’s goals, and building a team capable of executing these strategies effectively.
The last mile field is rapidly evolving as companies increasingly recognize the importance of logistics in providing exceptional customer service. While last mile logistics is a well-established concept in many developed countries, in regions like Africa, we are transitioning from traditional distribution models to more direct, customer-focused approaches. The future of last mile logistics is promising, with growing opportunities to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Personal Life Mantra

I am guided by the principle of legacy. To me, it’s essential to live each day as if it were my last, ensuring that my actions today will have a lasting impact. Whether in a leadership role or hands-on capacity, I strive to create a positive impact in everything I do. This mindset pushes me to always do my best and build something meaningful that will endure long after I’m gone.

Advice for Aspiring Last Mile Professionals

To succeed in the last mile field, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning and adapting to new developments in supply chain management. The field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and processes emerging that can significantly enhance efficiency and customer experience. Aspiring professionals need to be proactive in their learning, staying informed about the latest trends and innovations. Understanding increasingly sophisticated customer preferences is also key. The ability to offer superior service at the lowest cost will set you apart in this competitive industry.

Advice for Joining M-Gas

M-Gas is an exciting and fast-growing company with a strong set of values. Working here offers a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is making a real difference in people’s lives by providing essential services. The last mile department, in particular, is an excellent place for young professionals eager to learn and grow. Here, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world challenges, working alongside passionate and enthusiastic colleagues. It’s a place where you can make a significant impact, both in your career and in the lives of our customers.

Josephine Wambui

Senior Accountant

Experience at M-Gas

When I first joined M-Gas, I was immediately struck by the unique challenges that come with working in a startup environment. It was a significant shift from my previous roles in more established companies. The fast-paced environment at M-Gas demanded a high level of teamwork, innovation, and adaptability. I had to quickly learn how to think outside the box, benchmarking against other companies while developing systems from scratch. This experience has pushed me to grow both professionally and personally, teaching me the importance of being flexible and adaptable, especially when transitioning from a well-established company to a dynamic startup like M-Gas.

Beyond the Borders

During my tenure at M-Gas, I’ve had the privilege of working beyond Kenya, particularly with the Tanzania Finance team.

Challenges and Adaptations: Working with the Tanzania team has been an incredible experience, presenting unique challenges. The regulatory environment is different, and I’ve had to navigate new business practices and cultural norms. Developing a new depot from scratch and engaging with local suppliers in a different territory has been a valuable learning experience.

Teamwork and Innovation: Overcoming these challenges requires strong teamwork and innovative thinking. I am actively involved in benchmarking systems, learning from other providers, and implementing solutions to create an effective financial system from the ground up. This role has underscored the importance of adaptability and understanding local business environments.

Cultural Insights: The business culture in Tanzania fosters growth, and understanding these cultural dynamics has helped tailor our business strategies to local conditions, enhancing our performance and growth.

Career Journey and Insights into the Finance Field

My career journey in finance has taught me the importance of staying flexible, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning. Finance is a constantly evolving field, and staying ahead means keeping up with the latest developments, including international financial reporting standards. Networking, although challenging as an introvert, has been crucial for building strong partnerships with banks, suppliers, and colleagues. These relationships are key to achieving our financial goals. Another insight is the significance of aligning personal goals with the company’s objectives, which not only upgrades my skills but also encourages me to think like an entrepreneur—an essential mindset in a startup environment.

Personal Life Mantra or Guiding Principle

My personal life mantra revolves around approaching every challenge with a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship. I believe in the importance of having a long-term perspective and ensuring that proper controls are in place to secure the longevity of the business. It’s not just about doing my job well; it’s about understanding the impact my work has on the company’s success and the lives we touch. This guiding principle keeps me focused on what truly matters and drives me to contribute meaningfully to M-Gas.

Advice for Someone Interested in Pursuing a Similar Career Path (Finance)
For anyone interested in pursuing a career in finance, my advice is to remain open to change and committed to continuous learning. The financial landscape is always evolving, so adaptability to new regulations and business environments is crucial. Building a strong network and continually upgrading your skills are essential. Understanding your company’s strategy and aligning it with your personal growth will help you advance in your career and make you a more valuable asset to your organization.

Advice for Someone Looking to Join M-Gas

If you’re considering joining M-Gas, know that it’s a unique opportunity, especially for those early in their careers. The startup environment here offers immense opportunities for personal and professional development. You’ll need to be adaptable, innovative, and ready to take on diverse roles. Understanding the company’s culture and strategies is crucial, as is being aware of the different challenges we face in various regions, such as Kenya and Tanzania. Working at M-Gas has been an incredible journey, and it’s an experience that can significantly shape your career if you’re ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

Sylvia Abinya Mbugua

Depot Sales Manager.

Experience at M-Gas
Working at M-Gas has been both challenging and fulfilling. Managing depot sales operations has given me a comprehensive view of overseeing customer growth, logistics, assets, and leading a large team. This role has taught me invaluable lessons about operational efficiency, effective team management, and the critical importance of customer satisfaction in a service-oriented industry.

Career Journey and Insights into Sales Operations
My career in sales operations has been dynamic and insightful. I’ve learned that effective communication, data-driven decision-making, and a deep understanding of customer needs are essential for success. Continuous improvement of processes is key to ensuring scalability and sustainability within the operations.

Personal Life Mantra
My guiding principle is to always strive for excellence while maintaining empathy and integrity in everything I do. This approach helps me stay focused on delivering results while treating others with respect and compassion.

Advice for Pursuing a Career in Sales Operations
To excel in sales operations, it’s crucial to gain experience across various functions such as customer service, data analysis, and logistics. A holistic understanding of these areas enables you to make informed decisions that benefit the entire operation. Strong analytical skills are equally important; being able to interpret data, utilize analytics tools, and understand key performance indicators (KPIs) will help you optimize processes and drive results. Embracing continuous learning is vital in this rapidly evolving field to stay effective and ahead in your role.

Advice for Joining M-Gas
When preparing to join M-Gas, research the company’s mission, values, and market position to ensure alignment with your goals. Highlight your relevant skills, emphasizing your experience in managing operations efficiently, handling large teams, and achieving measurable results. Express genuine passion for your work and demonstrate how your expertise can contribute to M-Gas’s growth and continued success.