A Mastercard study on consumer spending revealed that nearly four out of five (79%) surveyed consumers in Kenya are shopping more online since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic.
This proves that Kenya has one of the most vibrant e-commerce ecosystems in Africa and during the lockdown period, more businesses decided to open up more online shops and they anticipate that e-commerce will accelerate further.
Data, clothing, healthcare, banking, and other fast-moving consumer goods have seen the highest surge of online activity. An overwhelming 92 percent of consumers in Kenya said they had paid for data top-ups online, 67 percent for clothing, and over 56 percent said they had bought computers and other equipment.
With the rapid rise in online shopping, consumers are also becoming increasingly aware of the associated risks. And, with 77 percent of consumers now managing their banking needs online, 68 percent have said that a secure checkout was fundamental for a good shopping experience.
Kenyans adopting these online shops are attracted by some factors such as;
1. Free Deliveries/Fair Delivery Charges
Some online stores offer free deliveries on chosen products on their catalogue and if not, they charge a fair delivery fee to the buyers specific area of delivery, which could be at the buyer's doorstep and they specify when the goods bought are expected.
2. Reviews From Other Buyers
Other buyers rate the online stores based on their buying experience and obviously, no buyer would be happy to buy goods from a seller with the worst of reviews. Having these in mind the sellers must try and offer the best customer experience in order to get a top rating for more clients to buy from them.
3. Wide Variety to Choose from at a Glance
Buyers are not pressured to buy stuff that they do not like by the sellers as it happens in traditional shops. A buyer can manoeuvre from shop to shop comparing the merchandise in terms of price and designs of products that they desire with just a click of a button.
4. Discounts and Flash sales
Online shops are well known to give fair discounts on products especially on clearance sales and shoppers get this information easily through their gadgets and they take advantage of these opportunities. Flash sales retail at very amazing discounts, some of them even giving almost a 50% discount on products.
5. Time Efficiency
Shoppers do not have to go round from shop to shop searching for products, they have to scroll on their gadgets and choose what they want in a few minutes compared to shopping traditionally where you have to go from shop to shop.
6.Anonymity
For Kenyans who love their privacy, no one has to know what you are buying from an online store and your products come while they are packed or sealed.
Some notable online shops in Kenya include but are not limited to; Jumia, Kilimall, Jiji, Shopit, Cheki, and Electro hub.
