The KEPSA E–commerce Booster Program
targeting 2000 Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises (MSMES) launched on 25th
February 2021, has surpassed the set target with over 2,500 MSMES receiving the
training which covered Introduction to e–commerce, Digital Marketing, Aftersales,
Content creation & management. 1300 businesses were on–boarded onto various e–
commerce marketplaces to increase and diversify their revenue streams hampered by
the Covid–19 pandemic.
The MSMEs targeted by the program were struggling with their digital brand presence
with majority of the MSMES reporting they were either unaware of missed
opportunities or did not have a digital brand strategy, which means they were edged
out by their counterparts already offering their products and services online.
As the COVID–19 pandemic continues to cause disruptions in global and regional value
chains, it is clear that e–commerce is an important tool and solution for both
businesses and consumers. E–commerce can support small businesses in reducing
their costs and effectively reaching their customers; it is an economic driver for both
domestic growth and international trade that makes economies more competitive. The
COVID–19 pandemic has occasioned a spike in business–to–consumers (B2C) online
sales and an increase in Business–to–Business (B2B) e–commerce. The increase in B2C
sales is particularly evident in online sales of medical supplies, household essentials
and food products. As a result, attention has been drawn to several challenges
hindering the full potential of ecommerce across countries. 
The KEPSA E–commerce Booster Program achieved the following:
• MSMEs gained the digital skills necessary to engage in the digital economy and
improve livelihoods. This also raised their proficiency in implementing effective
digital campaigns, and increasing their brand awareness, value and sales
conversions across multiple digital channels.
• At least 1,300 MSMEs were on boarded on various e–commerce platforms thus
• The MSMEs were able to expand their local and cross–border e–commerce
presence.
The KEPSA Chief Ececutive Officer, Ms Carole Kariuki acknowledged that the COVID–19
pandemic had pushed businesses to be innovative and get out of their comfort zones
by expanding their sales and services on e–commerce platforms. ‘We are trying to help
business leaders understand what’s going on in the market and how the world is
changing and help them identify strategic opportunities that are available and those
that may not have been possible even just a year ago.’
Speaking at the event the Cabinet Secretary for ICT Innovation and Youth Affairs Joe
Mucheru said the government is increasing the internet and mobile network grid in the
country by investing in last mile connectivity. ‘A 2020 report by the Internet World
Stats rated Kenya’s internet penetration as the highest in Africa with 87.2% of the
population connected; The e–commerce sector has significant potential to create new
jobs directly on online marketplaces, supporting services and spin–off economic
activities.’
Trade Mark East Africa Kenya Country Director, Ahmed Farah HSC, noted that COVID–
19 has had a significant impact on the general economy. Many enterprises have faced
challenges which have in extreme cases led to business closure and loss of
employment. Some of the measures that TradeMark East Africa prioritises in its
approach to work are aimed at ultimately reducing poverty and creating wealth for our
people while we protect our environment.’
Present at the launch was the KEPSA Founding Chair Dr. Manu Chandaria who said
that the program was timely because MSMEs are the backbone of the country’s
economy. Dr. Chandaria had earlier supported KEPSA’s revolving fund initiative by
donating Ksh 5 Million to the program.
Mr. Adolfo Alonso, the Finance and Private Sector Development Programme Manager
at the European Union(EU) Delegation to the Republic of Kenya, appreciated the
achievements of the program adding that the EU would be increasing funding to the
TradeMark East Africa and was looking forward to continue supporting the KEPSA E–
Commerce Booster Program.
“I applaud all efforts by both the private and public sector, development partners and
other stakeholders towards recovery. These efforts are already showing immense
results and therefore celebrate and commend KEPSA and other partners for the work
they have done to support this initiative,” Remarked Ms. Eunice Ogolo, Private Sector
Development Lead at the British High Commission.