In 2022, just after finishing high school, I had one dream: to buy a new smartphone and enjoy TikTok all day.
I had saved Ksh 7,500 and planned to top it up with help from my mum. That evening, I borrowed her phone to check the best deals online—looking for something affordable, bei ya mkulima mdogo.
I checked Jumia. Then Jiji. But they were way above my budget. Then, scrolling on Facebook, I found a vendor selling Lipa Mdogo Mdogo phones. The Samsung A12 caught my eye.
I was so excited. I verified the page and called the seller. He picked up instantly—polite, calm, reassuring. He promised I’d get the phone in 24 hours.
Without hesitating, I sent Ksh 12,000 to his till number. The remaining amount, I will pay in installments—that was our agreement. I called back; he confirmed receipt. Delivery was set for the next morning in Thika town. I couldn’t sleep. I was over the moon. Netflix, music, TikTok—it was all loading.
But morning came—and so did heartbreak.
"Mteja wa nambari uliopiga hapatikani kwa sasa."
I froze. Called again. Same message.
My heart sank. I couldn't believe I had been conned.
I cried—not just for the money, but because I trusted the wrong person. That pain stayed with me. And that’s when I made a promise to myself:
I will build something better. A safer way to shop and sell online in Kenya.
Today, thousands of youth in Juja, Kayole, Kisumu, and beyond are turning to social media to start businesses. Instagram shops. TikTok flash sales. WhatsApp plug groups.
But behind the grind lies chaos. According to the 2024 Kenya Digital Report (DataReportal) , 22.71 million Kenyans are active in e-commerce, but trust and delivery remain big issues. From fake vendors to poor logistics, the risks are real.
That’s why I built and now recommend Upsell—a platform built to fix these exact problems.
The mistake: You find a product on Instagram or WhatsApp, but there’s no clear price, no checkout process, and no way to verify if it’s legit. You’re left hoping the seller will deliver after payment.
How Upsell fixes it: Upsell gives every seller a clean, verified storefront—with product photos, clear pricing, and a secure M-Pesa checkout. You also choose verified pickup locations, like malls or trusted shops, before you pay.
“I picked up my order at Garden City Mall. The peace of mind is unmatched.”
— Shiko, Customer, Nairobi
The mistake: You pay for something, only to be told it’s unavailable. The seller ghosts you or delays your refund.
How Upsell fixes it: With real-time inventory, Upsell only shows you what's actually available. Sellers update their stock live, so what you see is what you get. No last-minute surprises.
“I ordered a dress, and it was ready for pickup the next day—no excuses.”
— Akinyi, Buyer, Kisumu
The mistake: You pay, then spend days calling the seller. Either the delivery guy is “on the way” or your package vanishes.
How Upsell fixes it: You choose same-day delivery or a nearby mall pickup shelf when you order. That way, you’re in control of where and when you collect your item.
“I hate waiting for riders. Now, I just pass by Two Rivers and pick it myself.”
— Brian, Shopper, Kilimani
The mistake: You only find deals by chance. Sellers post late or when you’re not online.
How Upsell fixes it: Upsell helps sellers understand when their customers are most active and recommends the best time to post or run promotions. You see offers that are actually relevant to you.
“Now, I get offers right when I’m online—it’s like they read my mind.”
— Mercy, Customer, Rongai
The mistake: You try to follow up, but the seller is overwhelmed, doesn’t reply, or blames the delivery guy.
How Upsell fixes it: From order updates to WhatsApp sync and M-Pesa receipts, Upsell automates it all. Sellers respond faster, and you always have a clear trail of your transaction.
“If I have a question, I just text the seller directly via WhatsApp. Smooth and fast.”
— Moses, Buyer, Kitengela
Why Now? E-commerce Is Changing—And So Should You
E-commerce in Kenya is evolving fast. Gen Z buyers want Instagram-level convenience with M-Pesa-level ease. They want to see it, trust it, and buy it—fast. But here’s the catch: without trust, fear rules.
If you’re a vendor out there feeling burnt out—juggling customer DMs, chasing deliveries, dealing with fake confirmations, or just trying to prove your hustle is legit—know this: you are not the problem.
The Kenyan e-commerce grind is real. It’s full of ambition, passion, and long nights. But it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your peace.
From Gikomba to Githurai, Kisumu to Kitengela, vendors are posting daily, packaging items from their bedsitters, and delivering by matatu. And still, the struggles persist:
You’re doing your best. But you need more than hustle—you need help.
That’s why Upsell was built for you. Not for big corporates. For real vendors trying to build something solid in this chaotic digital space.
Feature | Why it matters |
Same day delivery and mall pick ups | Builds customer trust |
Mpesa check out | Instant, familiar and mobile friendly |
WhatsApp order sync | Makes customer service easy |
Loyalty tools | Turns first time buyers into repeat customer |
Clean product listing | Looks professional on IG & beyond |
Live inventory management | Avoids over/underselling |
For a limited time, get 30 days of free shelf placement in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Thika—reach verified buyers, reduce delivery stress, and finally get the structure your hustle deserves.
You’ve put in the work. Now let Upsell work for you.
With five years of experience, he merges creativity with strategy to elevate brands. He specializes in storytelling and digital marketing, helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed in a competitive landscape.
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