Firm launches service for buying and sending goods upcountry

Copia Kenya has launched a new online shopping solution that makes it easier for people living in urban areas to buy goods and have them delivered to their friends and family upcountry.

The ground-breaking new service consists of an e-commerce website that provides consumers living in urban areas of Kenya the ability to shop for products ranging from household goods, to farming tools, electronics, construction materials and more.

At checkout, all a customer needs to do is provide the phone number of the friend or family member upcountry. Copia does the rest - locating the recipient, identifying the nearest delivery centre agent among its thousands of agents and delivering the goods in two to four days.

This model transforms e-commerce by affording both urban shoppers and their rural family and friends greater choice, affordability and convenience when shopping for everyday items.

“Copia’s rapid growth in just five years shows the demand that exists among Kenyans in both rural and urban areas for digitally-powered solutions that make their day-to-day shopping needs easier.” said Tim Steel, CEO, Copia Kenya while speaking during the launch of Copia Online at Tatu City Industrial Park.

Copia has 3,700 agents across Central Kenya and parts of Rift Valley. The agents are small shopkeepers who operate as ordering and distribution centres within their rural communities.

“E-commerce has the potential to transform Kenya’s economy while helping to uplift the living standards of millions of people. However, this can only happen if they are rolled-out with logistics and distribution solutions tailor-made to work for Kenya.” Mr Steel added.