How LakeHub, UNDP are giving Kisumu’s Informal Traders a Lifeline through CHICHWA E-commerce Platform
By Purity Akoth
Today, more than ever, 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. Social distancing due to Covid-19 made physical access to markets impossible thereby increasing the need for e-commerce, which provides unlimited business opportunities globally.
This is why LakeHub in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed Chichwa e-commerce platform to allow women to circumvent these obstacles and sell their products online. This is key to allowing women entrepreneurs to access wider markets, increase their customer base and grow sustainable businesses post Covid-19 pandemic.
“Internet is a gateway to huge economic opportunities and with women having no access, there’s a digital disconnect and denial of opportunities, particularly for women in informal businesses” ~ James Odede CEO LakeHub.
To ensure no woman is left behind in this digital space, LakeHub has recruited 631 women in informal businesses across ten local markets within Kisumu county. Further, the women recruited are from four business sectors: Fresh produce, second-hand clothes (Mitumba), Juakali/Artisan and Kiosk/Kibanda food .
To trade on the platform, both the seller and the buyer need to register and their details verified to curb fraud. Supporting women in informal businesses to transition to selling via formal e-commerce platforms, where they can access wider markets is one of chichwa’s objectives, and in line with closing the gender gap in e-commerce.
“Many women in the market own smartphones thus don’t need any extra form of investment to sell their clothes online. Besides, as a trader I have realised that online selling is flexible, saves time and other resources,” ~ Mourine Achieng, second hand clothes trader in Kibuye Market.
Chichwa is making shopping easier and faster. You don’t need to visit the Market physically as has been the case for years. Once buyers within Kisumu order goods, the items will be delivered and payment done upon delivery including the delivery charges.
Chichwa e-commerce isn’t just about the number of sellers going online but also bringing in more diverse products and services that serve a wider market and more customer needs.
