The Connected Summit 2023 brought together experts from the e-commerce industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector in Kenya.
The panellists agreed that the potential for e-commerce in Kenya is vast, and with the right technological tools, infrastructure, and regulatory environment, the sector can significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
They called on the government and private sector players to work together to create an enabling environment for e-commerce to thrive in Kenya.
One of the key challenges facing e-commerce in Kenya is the lack of trust among consumers. A recent study by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics found that only 15% of Kenyans had made a purchase online in the past year. This is due in part to the lack of awareness about e-commerce, as well as concerns about security and fraud.
To address this challenge, the panellists called for the development of transparent platforms that use technology to verify users and identify fraudsters.
They also emphasized the need for online dispute resolution to solve disputes from unsatisfied parties.
Another challenge facing e-commerce in Kenya is the lack of a national address system. This makes it difficult for businesses to deliver goods to customers, and it also makes it difficult for consumers to track their orders.
The panellists called on the government to develop a national address system to address this challenge. They also noted that the lack of reliable internet access in rural areas is a barrier to e-commerce growth. They called on the government to invest in infrastructure to improve internet access in rural areas.
Despite the challenges, the panellists were optimistic about the future of e-commerce in Kenya. They noted that the country has a young, tech-savvy population that is increasingly using online platforms to shop and do business. They also noted that the government is supportive of the e-commerce sector and is working to address the challenges that it faces.
The panellists concluded by calling on the government and private sector players to work together to create an enabling environment for e-commerce to thrive in Kenya. They emphasized that e-commerce has the potential to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of Kenyans.
