Kapu CEO Sam Chappatte with some of the agents during the official launch of service on December 5, 2022. PHOTO | COURTESY
Former chief executive of Jumia, Sam Chappatte, has launched an e-commerce company that seeks to help Nairobi residents to shop and save on their weekly grocery basket.
Dubbed Kapu, the Baba Dogo-based company says it is on a mission to reduce the cost of living and save consumers in Africa $1 billion.
Kapu allows customers to buy their desired products, including fresh produce from Kenyan farms – at wholesale prices – and have the goods delivered for free the next day to a Kapu Agent Collection Centre near their homes.
By sourcing directly from farms and manufacturers, creating a low-cost logistics model and minimal food waste, Kapu can sustainably pass on savings to their customers.
These customers access even lower prices if they place the order as a group.
Speaking during the launch, Kapu CEO Sam Chappatte said, “We think it’s unfair that consumers in Kenya spend 40% of their income on food, when Americans spend 6%. This is a huge blocker to social mobility.
“Our goal at Kapu is to build the most relevant model of e- commerce for the majority of urban consumers in Africa. By working with existing community groups and local entrepreneurs, we believe we can play a part in reducing the costs of goods, and unlocking opportunities for millions of people”.
To use the service, consumers order with their local Kapu agent and soon directly on WhatsApp.
Orders placed before 9pm are delivered the next day for free to a local Agent.
Kapu, which started operations earlier this year, has more than 1,500 Kapu Agent Collection Centres in Nairobi.
The centres are branded and easily identifiable in areas like Eastlands, Kasarani, Kawangware, South B, Kibra, Embakasi, Githurai and Kiambu.
Kapu plans to open up access to its services across Nairobi by March next year.
Its agents include mama mbogas, salons, and individuals such as stay-at-home-mums and students, who are able to earn an extra income while helping their communities save more.
“Once a customer tries Kapu, our data shows that they quickly adopt Kapu for their weekly grocery shopping needs. It works because our model is relevant – we sell the products people want, affordably, and work with trusted community partners,” added Chappatte.
In its first year of operations, Kapu expects to save consumers Sh40 million while being on track to deliver 1 million orders annually and working towards profitability.
Customers who want to try the service can dial *789*8# to register and get Sh50 cash back on their first order. Once registered, they can place an order with a Kapu branded agent in their neighbourhoods.
