A total of 631 women in informal business across ten local markets within Kisumu County have occupied the digital space in search of market for their products.
This comes after LakeHub organization, in partnership with the UNDP and the Russian Embassy, piloted an E-Commerce platform christened Chichwa E-Commerce.
The digital trade platform will seek in to increase women’s business ventures through the internet.
This technology will help women entrepreneurs access wider markets, increase their customer base and grow sustainable businesses post Covid-19 pandemic
LakeHub CEO
According to LakeHub CEO James Odede, the platform will provide a wide market and increased customer base.
“This technology will help women entrepreneurs access wider markets, increase their customer base and grow sustainable businesses post Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
He further noted the engagements in the digital space will provide social and economic growth since.
Chichwa E-Commerce
Women from fresh produce, second-hand clothes (Mitumba), Juakali/Artisan and Kiosk/Kibanda food vendors informal business sectors were recruited to the platform.
The platform will enable customers order goods online and pay upon delivery.
Technology is increasing opportunities for social and economic growth. However, several obstacles stand in the way of women’s entrepreneurship, access to markets and business growth
Dorcas Owino, LakeHub
The prices of the commodities will include the delivery charges.
E-Commerce
Dorcas Owino, the director of programs at LakeHub, stated that the aim of the platform is to close the gender gap in e-commerce.
Owino says despite Kenya being ranked top in internet penetration rates in Africa there is a big disparity between male and female internet usage.
This will also ensure women in informal businesses transition to trade via formal e-commerce platforms.
“Technology is increasing opportunities for social and economic growth. However, several obstacles stand in the way of women’s entrepreneurship, access to markets and business growth,” she said.