Paul Arithi 
Former Jumia executives have launched a new e-commerce Company “Kapu” that allows customers in cities to shop and save on their weekly grocery basket.
The company’s mission is to bring down the cost of living for consumers in my Africa..
Kapu’s model is designed for the Kenyan consumer.Customers buy the products they usually buy,in the quantities they want.The range is larger than the kiosk, including quality fresh produce from Kenyan farms,and at wholesale prices.
Goods are delivered for free the next day,to a Kapu Agent collection center 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 to customers access even lower prices if they place the order as a group (“pamoja”).
To use the service,customers 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.
Speaking during the launch,Kapu CEO Sam Chappatte said “We think it’s unfair to consumers in Kenya to to spend 40% of their income on 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 &local entrepreneurs,we believe we can play a part in reducing the costs of goods,and unlocking opportunities for millions of people “.
Kapu kick started its operations earlier this year and today has more than 1,500 Kapu Agent Collection Centres in Nairobi.They 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 2023.
Kapu agents include mama mbogas,salons,and individuals such as stay-at-home-mums and students,who are able to Warman extra income-whilst 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, affordability,and work with trusted community partners.In our first year of operations we will have saved consumers Kes.40 Million be on track to deliver 1 million orders annually and working towards profitability.” Added Chappatte.
Customers who would want to try the service can dial *789*8# to register and get Kes.50 CashBack on their first order.Once registered,they can place an order with a Kapu branded Agent in their neighborhoods.
About Kapu:
“Kapu was launched in Kenya in 2022,on a mission to reduce the cost of living and save consumers in Africa $1million.To achieve this goal,Kapus building the most relevant B2C e-commerce model for the majority of urban consumers.The Company was founded by an experienced team, launched in Kenya and is backed by top global investors.
