Nairobi, June 25 -- Engineers, at least real engineers, build things that are meant to outlast them. Roads, bridges, structures, things that carry other people's weight. Peter Njeru Njagi has spent his entire life building. First, for the government, building roads and infrastructure, which he did for over 20 years.

Then, for himself, laying the foundations of an oil empire from a Sh45,000 sacco loan. And underneath all of it, a third structure - quieter, less visible, but the one he'll tell you matters most. A faith that has been both the blueprint and the load-bearing wall.

Njagi has built Riva Petroleum largely in the shadows. He will tell you, with some discomfort, that he has never quite figured out how to stand in what he has buil...