This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
On November 29, 2019, Nairobi News reported on the growing popularity of Black Friday in Kenya.
The US 'Black Friday' holiday, held every year on the day after Thanksgiving, is known for shops opening early, long queues, and cheap goods.
While the US has witnessed chaotic scenes as bargain hunters barge into shops, Kenyan online retailers like Jumia have been offering deals for the better part of the month.
These deals include special offers limited to a specific time, discounts, and free delivery from their outlets.
According to Google, Kenya had 13 million active internet users in 2018, and major campaigns like Black Friday are seen to help digitize the economy.
Interestingly, the term 'Black Friday' originated in the 1950s in the US, where the day after Thanksgiving was not a holiday.
Workers would often call in sick to enjoy a four-day weekend, and employers soon nicknamed the day 'Black Friday'.
