Nairobi SMEs Scale Using E-Commerce Platforms

Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nairobi are increasingly turning to major e‑commerce platforms like Jumia to grow their businesses, as digital training and marketplace access open up new sales opportunities. A recent benchmarking tour organized by KEPSA brought 30 Nairobi entrepreneurs to Jumia’s warehouse, where they learned about inventory management, cashless payments, and efficient fulfillment processes. This digital shift is being supported by a broader push to modernize how SMEs operate. Through the e‑Biz Kwa Vijana initiative, over 2,000 MSMEs have received training in e‑commerce and digital marketing, and 632 of them have been onboarded onto online trading platforms. Researchers have also documented a clear link between e‑commerce adoption and increased sales among Nairobi SMEs. A 2024 study found that businesses using online platforms enjoy a measurable boost in revenue. Business leaders and experts say the implications are significant. By leveraging e-commerce, Nairobi-based SMEs are expanding their reach beyond local markets, tapping into national demand and reducing reliance on traditional, costlier retail channels. However, hurdles remain — some businesses still lack strong digital strategies, and logistical or payment infrastructure can be a barrier. Still, entrepreneurs remain optimistic, noting that e-commerce is proving to be a powerful tool for scaling and long-term sustainability.