In kenya and other African countries, a growing generation of young, internet-savvy individuals has embraced new, online technology. In Kenya, 18-24% make online purchases,the number of mobile cell phone subscriptions has topped 9 million. A new group of internet developers are eager to increase buying options by providing discounted deals on a wide range of products and services.
Online shopping in Kenya has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years and is fast becoming popular. Here’s a list of the top ten online stores for all your needs including clothes, electronics, motor vehicles, household goods and many, many more:
This is unquestionably Kenya’s Amazon. Jumia  Kenya is a marketplace listing products from hundreds of small businesses in Nairobi. Their most popular products are phones, laptops, tablets and households.  Jumia phones, jumia households and jumia fashion perfectly targets the right needs of majority of Kenyans lying in the middle income tier. Their aggressive marketing has definitely affected Kenya’s shopping (Not long from today before the sales volume in traditional brick and mortar stores, Nakumatt and Tuskys, starts dwindling). Jumia Kenya accepts either cash, mobile money (MPESA, Airtel Money, YU-Cash) or credit card modes of payments. They do deliveries to either the buyers home or to designated pickup points located in different parts of the country and charge depending on location and weight of the items.(Add link too the other article)
OLX is basically a second hand goods marketplace. It allows Kenyans who want to sell used items to reach thousands of interested buyers. All one needs is to set up an account and then fill in details of the item on sale. It’s not all that rosy for the buyers and sellers though. A lot of caution is needed while buying and selling as it is also a marketplace for cons.
Kilimall is a capable competitor in the Kenya online ecosystem. Just like Jumia, Kilimall gives hundreds of small business owners a platform to sell their products provided they are new and genuine. The online retailer provides home deliveries in Nairobi and through Posta to other parts of the country. Late 2015, the shop partnered with Mobile firm Cubot to be their supply channel, a cooperation that has seen Cubot Note S, Cubot X16 and X17 phones become some of the best-sellers in Kenya.
Similar to OLX, PigiaMe is a marketplace for both new and used items. The platform allows sellers to reach their target market. As is the case with OLX a lot of caution is needed when buying or selling on this platform.
5. Kaymu Market
A sister company to Jumia Kenya. Kaymu Jumia market is designed for small sellers rather than the branded sellers that list on Jumia Kenya. The website allows the customers to directly communicate with the seller and also rate them.
The website lists daily deals and discounts on travel, hotels, events and hundreds of products. They use a similar model to Groupon allowing consumers to take advantage of group’s bargaining power. It may be worth having a look at their offers before purchasing any product.
Cheki.co.ke is arguably Kenya’s biggest cars vendor. The website lists both new and used cars and allows the customers to compare prices, read reviews and find spare parts. In a bid to attract even more people, Cheki also links the customers with loan providers.
Online shopping is definitely a growing industry as supported by the recent developments. Kenya online shopping has made it possible for people to shop at their convenience. They can order for products from anywhere and at any time of the day. For the shops, it means orders can be made even when the costumer is not at the physical store and into the eerie hours of the night when the shop is closed. The projected trend is that more offline shops will join the band wagon.
8. electrohub.co.ke
Electro Hub is to the male species what a candy store is to kids. In stock is everything from tyres, speakers and watches to phones. Payment by M-Pesa and Airtel Money is accepted.
9. mimi.co.ke
Mimi is a clothes, shoes and accessories online store owned and sometimes modelled by Kenyan media personality Julie Gichuru. Some public figures have been spotted rocking Mimi’s collection. And if online shopping is not your thing, Mimi has a physical store in Nairobi.
10. mamamikes.co.ke
Buys do not get more unique than on Mama Mikes. You can buy anything from goats, airtime to supermarket vouchers. You can even pay electricity bills through Mama Mikes. This site is a favourite of people in the Diaspora for surprising and gifting their loved ones in East Africa. Orders can be also be placed by Whatsapp!
