A recent report by Jumia, the popular online shopping platform, has revealed on what Kenyans in rural areas love to order the most. And the winner is…beauty and perfume products! According to the report, these delightful items account for a whopping 16 percent of total sales in rural areas. Looks like the allure of beauty knows no boundaries!

But that’s not all! The report also reveals the other hot-selling categories in these scenic regions. Coming in at second place is the home category, including furniture and bedding, which grabs 11 percent of the sales. Right behind it are phones and TVs, both snatching up a respectable 11 percent and 10 percent, respectively. And let’s not forget about those computing devices, making their mark with 7 percent of the rural sales. Talk about staying connected!

So, why are these rural dwellers flocking to Jumia? Well, it turns out that favorable prices, product availability, and a wide variety of choices are the big draws. Who can resist a good deal, right? Once an order is placed, these goodies take a quick 2-5 days to reach their eagerly awaiting owners in the countryside. Patience is a virtue, after all.

Now, let’s talk geography. The report highlights some fascinating regions that show great promise for online shopping. Eldoret, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kitale, and Kisumu take the spotlight as the most happening areas for Jumia lovers. And guess who’s leading the pack? Youths! It seems that the younger generation is embracing the convenience and charm of online shopping like never before.

But it’s not just about buying and selling. Jumia’s report sheds light on the immense opportunities e-commerce brings to rural areas. These online marketplaces open doors for underserved regions, providing access to a vast array of products while creating employment opportunities. It’s a win-win situation!

Speaking of wins, Chris Nyaga, the Head of Logistics at Jumia Kenya, chimes in on the perks of e-commerce. He shares, “E-commerce enables all consumers to buy products at the same price whether they live in Nairobi, Meru, or Lodwar. Delivery costs have also decreased over the years; the average delivery cost to rural areas is now around Sh 300, depending on the item’s size. Pick-Up Station deliveries have helped reduce prices and minimize the environmental impact.” Good news for shoppers everywhere!

Now, here’s an eye-opener: a whopping 72 percent of Kenya’s population lives outside the main cities. Can you believe that? In these areas, getting access to a supermarket is no easy feat. That’s where e-commerce steps in, filling the gap and meeting the rising demand. It’s like having a virtual supermarket right at your fingertips.

But wait, there’s a catch. The future of e-commerce in rural areas may be bright, but there are a few hurdles to overcome. Low internet penetration, poor infrastructure, and a lack of trust among consumers have impacted service delivery. Trust is a crucial ingredient, my friend.

To tackle this challenge head-on, Jumia has come up with a nifty solution. They collaborate with JForce, a fantastic network of over 25,000 independent sales agents spread across the country. These diligent folks work tirelessly to build trust within local communities. They inform customers about Jumia’s amazing offers and lend a helping hand when it comes to placing orders. Teamwork makes the dream work!

So, there you have it. Jumia has revealed the secret shopping habits of Kenyans in rural areas. From beauty products to furniture, phones to TVs, the online shopping revolution is sweeping across the countryside. With e-commerce making strides and overcoming obstacles, rural regions are on their way to embracing the convenience and excitement of online shopping. Who said the city gets to have all the fun?