Different platforms serve different needs. Here's how the main options compare for Kenyan small businesses.
Shops in Kenya
- No commission on sales (except 5% if you use our platform till).
- M-PESA-first design — automatic STK push, WhatsApp ordering.
- Built for mobile — run everything from your phone.
- Discovery via Shops Near Me and county/category pages.
- Starting at KSh 299/month for paid features.
Jumia
- Built-in traffic — millions of visitors monthly.
- Commission: 5–15% per sale depending on category.
- They handle logistics and returns.
- Customer belongs to Jumia, not you.
- Good for discovery, not for margins or loyalty.
Jiji
- Classifieds-style listing — you pay to promote, no per-sale commission.
- Good for one-off sales and visibility.
- No structured checkout — payments happen outside the platform.
- No order tracking or customer data.
WooCommerce
- Full control — it's your own WordPress site.
- Free plugin, but you pay for hosting, domain, SSL, and maintenance.
- Requires technical skills or a developer.
- Great if you want full control and have the budget/time for maintenance.
Which to choose?
For most Kenyan small businesses: start with Shops in Kenya for the M-PESA/WhatsApp integration and ease of use. Add Jumia for marketplace discovery once you have inventory. Move to WooCommerce only if you outgrow the platform and need full customisation.
