In the developed world, classifieds are very popular. You will find many opting to sit on their computers and search different sites to get what they need. Only on rare occasions would you find them venturing out to do the buying. In most cases, this is done to get out and exercise or bond with their friends.
In Kenya, online classifieds are not relatively new but they are not popular. This is however slowly changing thanks to sites like OLX.
OLX is a site that has slowly gained popularity among the masses in Kenya.
“I remember when you needed something, you had to walk along numerous streets looking for that one store that had it. You would walk along Biashara street ask for that piece of fabric and be told to go downtown. Then you walk down to River Road only to be told to head back to Biashara street. After a whole day of walking, you head home without what you need. OLX has put an end to this. Today all you have to do is have internet connection and you can search for your goods at your convenience. You can sit in a matatu and shop for that living room couch you need. Or you could be at the doctor’s and get your son that rare revision book that the school insists he needs .All this is possible thanks to the growing popularity of OLX†Says Naomi Wanjiru
With such experiences becoming the norm, shopping practices in Kenya are about to see a dynamic shift.
OLX is an all inclusive site. You can get your basic household goods as well as comfort goods. The only thing not on OLX as of now is groceries. That is one thing I would love to see be available.
It’s cheaper surfing the internet rather than spending fare running across town looking for a gift or household good yet you won’t get it.
Kenya is slowly adapting things form the Western world, some not so great but others are simply a god-send. We are seeing people opt to transact online on OLX. It might not be the norm, but soon we will have companies placing ads on OLX rather than just relying on walk-ins.