Former Jumia Execs Launch Kapu E-Commerce

Former Jumia executives have come together to launch a competitor e-commerce platform, Kapu, that mainly focuses on delivery of groceries. Led by the former Jumia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sam Chappatte, Kapu aims to help customers in cities shop and save on their weekly grocery basket.

As it launches, Kapu’s model is designed for a consumer in Kenya. The model allows customers to buy what they usually buy, with the quantity they buy but on wholesale prices. The range is larger than the kiosk, including quality fresh produce from Kenyan farms, and at wholesale prices. Goods are delivered for free the next day, to a Kapu Agent collection center near their homes.
Kapu sources directly from farms & manufacturers, creating a low-cost logistics model & minimal food waste. The new startup can sustainably pass on savings to their customers. These customers access even lower prices if they place the order as a group.

To use the service, consumers order with their local Kapu agent and soon directly on WhatsApp. Orders placed before 9pm are delivered the next day for free to a local Agent.
Speaking at the launch of the new e-commerce platform, Kapu CEO Sam Chappatte (former Jumia CEO) said that he is bringing Kapu into the market to lower the spending budget for Kenyans on food.

““We think it’s unfair that consumers in Kenya spend 40% of their income on food, when Americans spend 6%. This is a huge blocker to social mobility. Our goal at Kapu is to build the most relevant model of e-commerce for the majority of urban consumers in Africa. By working with existing community groups & local entrepreneurs, we believe we can play a part in reducing the costs of goods, and unlocking opportunities for millions of people,” Chappatte said.

Kapu started its operations earlier this year and today has more than 1,500 Kapu Agent Collection Centers in Nairobi. They are branded & easily identifiable in areas like Eastlands, Kasarani, Kawangware, South B, Kibra, Embakasi, Githurai and Kiambu, all within Nairobi City. Kapu plans to open up access to its services across Nairobi by March 2023.

Kapu agents include mama mbogas, salons, and individuals such as stay-at-home-mums and students, who are able to earn an extra income – whilst helping their communities save more.