Kapu e-commerce platform launched by former Jumia Executives

Former employees of Jumia have today announced the launch of Kapu, a new e-commerce platform that aims to “reduce the cost of living” in Africa. These former Jumia employees are:

• Former Jumia CEO, Sam Chappatte – will be Kapu’s CEO
• Ex-Jumia Travel MD and Jumia Food COO, Cyrus Onyiego – will be Kapu’s COO
• Ex- Jumia CMO – who will be Kapu’s Head of Marketing
• Ex-Jumia Head of Offline Sales, Stanislas Barth – who will be Kapu’s Head of Supply

The new team says Kapu’s model is designed for the Kenyan consumer. Here’s how it works:

Customers buy the products they usually buy, in the quantities they want. The range is larger than the kiosk, including quality fresh produce from Kenyan farms, and at wholesale prices.

Goods are then delivered for free the next day, to a Kapu Agent collection centre near their homes.

By sourcing directly from farms & manufacturers, creating a low-cost logistics model & minimal food waste, Kapu says it can sustainably pass on savings to their customers. These customers access even lower prices if they place the order as a group (“pamoja”).

How to order from Kapu:

1. Dial *789*8# to register (Get KES 50 cash back for first order)
2. Once registered, you can place an order with a Kapu branded agent in your neighbourhood.
3. There will also be the option to order via WhatsApp.
4. Orders placed before 9pm are delivered the next day for free to a local Agent.

Kapu says it started its operations earlier this year and today has more than 1,500 Kapu Agent Collection Centers in Nairobi.

Where Kapu Agents are currently available in Nairobi:

• Eastlands
• Kasarani
• Kawangware
• South B
• Kibra
• Embakasi
• Githurai
• Kiambu.

The new company says it plans to open up access to its services across Nairobi by March 2023.

Kapu agents include mama mbogas, salons, and individuals such as stay-at-home-mums and students, who are able to earn an extra income – whilst helping their communities save more.

Speaking during the launch, Kapu CEO Sam Chappatte said, “We think it’s unfair that consumers in Kenya spend 40% of their income on food, when Americans spend 6%. This is a huge blocker to social mobility. Our goal at Kapu is to build the most relevant model of e-commerce for the majority of urban consumers in Africa. By working with existing community groups & local entrepreneurs, we believe we can play a part in reducing the costs of goods, and unlocking opportunities for millions of people”.

“Once a customer tries Kapu, our data shows that they quickly adopt Kapu for their weekly grocery shopping needs. It works because our model is relevant – we sell the products people want, affordably, and work with trusted community partners. In our first year of operations we will have saved consumers 40M KES, be on track to deliver 1 million orders annually & working towards profitability.” added Chappatte.