Online shopping on the rise in Kenya since pandemic started

A study on consumer spending has revealed that almost 80 percent of Kenyans have been shopping online more often since the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The study on consumer spending in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted by Mastercard also revealed that 50 percent of respondents in Nigeria, 48 percent in Ghana, and 47 percent in Kenya have enrolled at an online university since the pandemic began.

According to the study released on Tuesday, a staggering 92 percent of consumers in Kenya said they had paid for data top-ups online, 67 percent had paid for clothing, and more than 56 percent had bought computers and other equipment via the internet.

In addition, social media has increasingly become the main platform of choice for Kenyan online shoppers looking for the most attractive products and offers. The study revealed that 56 percent of respondents said they had discovered new sellers through the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

"In this post-COVID world, we are seeing an undisputable transformation in the way everyday transactions are being conducted. As people increasingly lean on e-commerce for their shopping. Businesses who will remain relevant must ensure their customers continue to enjoy a safe, convenient, and secure experience when shopping with them," said Kari Tukur, the vice-president in charge of products for Mastercard in Sub-Saharan Africa.