Posted on :Wednesday , 2nd December 2020

Kenya leading in the package through the mobile Internet and shows Kenyans' propensity to browse through their smartphones and desktops. The largest market group are urban, young and tech-savvy people between the age group of 25 and 34.

The 2020 Kenya Food Index shows that online foods and beverages in Kenya is currently $1.8 billion and expected to touch $3.8 billion by the year 2024- African Development Bank (AFDB).

By 2024, the nation is expected to double its 2,1 million active online customers. 

"This project is stimulating because it promises the creation of employment and the injection into the local economy – provided that digital economy can thrive," says the Jumia e-commerce platform.

Close to 1,000 Kenyan restaurants and partners Jumia Food is present in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa. 

Jumia Food's non-restaurant facilities are supplied to customers at the doorstep, including food, beverages, Pharmacies gas and water. From March to August 2020 Chicken was the most ordered cuisine in the region followed by pizza and burgers. 

This is in line with Covid-19's limitations which keep families at home and drive people into office and home deliveries by closing hotels and restaurants. On average, Kenyans spent Sh2.000 on Jumia Food, 25% higher than last year's same time, while the lowest price of food costs is Sh200. 

"Restoration and supermarket delivery is rising exponentially, as more customers want to shop from their home or offices and want to evade crowds. This year we have worked hard to boost service quality," said Jumia CEO Sam Chappatte.

Jumia Food's average delivery time in Kenya is 35 minutes, he noted. 

"By the end of the year, I expect us to do better. We also register more restaurants and stores, particularly smaller independents, so that customers can choose from at affordable prices," added Chappatte. 

Foreign cuisines grow in popularity and Kenyans prefer burgers and pizzas and explore various dishes such as Indian and Chinese food. New services such as Jumia Prime have played a key role in lowering food procurement prices, since the service provides customers who subscribe to the service with unlimited free delivery.  The key e-commerce site of Jumia is also free to supply (for free delivery on products). 

Enhanced access to famous sellers and growing mobile and internet penetration in the country have helped raise awareness online shopping platforms, such as Jumia Food.