Social media is no longer just for scrolling and sharing memes. In Kenya, TikTok is becoming an e-commerce platform, especially among the youth. With the introduction of TikTok Shops, Kenyans are now buying and selling products within the app.
What Are TikTok Shops?
TikTok Shops allow creators and businesses to sell products directly from their TikTok profiles and videos. You can:
Tag products in your content
Link to products in the in-app store
Buy products without leaving TikTok
This has turned casual browsing into impulse buying – all in one place.
Why TikTok Shopping Is Trending in Kenya
Several factors are driving this:
Young audience: TikTok has millions of Gen Z and millennial users in Kenya
Video-based marketing: Short videos feel more authentic than traditional ads
Affordable products: Fashion, beauty and home items under KSh 1000 are popular
Creative sellers: Small businesses are using viral challenges and influencers to drive sales
What’s Being Sold on TikTok in Kenya
Phone accessories (ring lights, earbuds, power banks)
Makeup and skincare products
Trendy clothes and sneakers
Decor items and kitchen hacks
Digital services like graphic design or phone customization
How Kenyan Sellers Are Using TikTok Creatively
Some smart tactics we’ve seen from Kenyan TikTok sellers include:
Posting live demos of their products in action
Jumping on trending sounds to showcase their stock
Using local slang and humor to connect with followers
Sharing customer feedback and packaging processes
Challenges for TikTok Sellers in Kenya
Despite the hype, it’s not all smooth sailing:
Lack of integrated payment and delivery systems
Many transactions still rely on DMs and M-Pesa
Concerns about scam accounts and fake products
Content moderation issues – some accounts get flagged or banned
TikTok has shown interest in expanding its official Shop feature to Africa, which could change the game.
Tips for Kenyan Businesses Looking to Sell on TikTok
Use popular hashtags like
#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt
or#KenyaTikTokShop
Keep videos short, fun and visually engaging
Collaborate with micro-influencers
Respond quickly to comments and messages
Always include pricing and delivery info clearly
Final thoughts
Jumia and Kilimall are facing stiff competition, TikTok is the new market for Gen Z. If you’re a small business, this is your chance to go viral – and make money while at it.
Stay tuned. TikTok Shops is coming for Kenya.