This archive report was first published on 7 May 2021.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt labor markets globally, innovative solutions are emerging to help businesses adapt and thrive. In Kenya, data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that approximately 2 million workers lost their jobs between March and June 2020 due to the pandemic-induced lockdown.
For George Ngugi, a Kenyan entrepreneur, the pandemic presented an opportunity to pivot and start an online business. With no other source of income, he approached his friend who ran a salon business in Kabati and asked for a small space to operate his online business.
His friend, who had extra space at Neema salon, agreed to sublet it to him at a small fee. This marked the beginning of George's journey as a Jumia pickup station agent, a role that has enabled him to earn up to Ksh 50,000 per month.
“I met a Jumia employee who told me about the power of the internet, and I was quick to jump on it since it did not require much capital,” George said. “I was excited to learn that I can earn up to Ksh 50,000 per month by becoming a Jumia pick-up station and helping customers in the Muranga area place orders.”
As more businesses grapple with the effects of the pandemic, the benefits of switching to online platforms are becoming increasingly evident. For George, becoming a Jumia pickup station agent has not only provided a steady income but also expanded his knowledge about online sales and boosted his revenue.
