This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt businesses worldwide, companies are forced to make tough decisions to stay afloat. In Kenya, Sokowatch, a tech-enabled e-commerce platform, has found innovative ways to navigate the crisis.
Founded by CEO Angela Nzioki, Sokowatch allows informal retailers to order goods at any time and receive same-day deliveries. The company leverages partnerships with suppliers to offer better deals for shopkeepers in informal settlements.
When the pandemic hit, Sokowatch knew it had to act fast. 'We knew there would be challenges within the supply chain, so we decided to bring our experience to eliminate or at least reduce the disruption on the deliveries of essential goods,' Nzioki explained in an interview with Business Today.
One of the key strategies Sokowatch employed was the launch of the Sokocash e-voucher scheme. This program uses the company's technology systems to distribute e-vouchers to families in need living in informal settlements. Families receive SMS e-vouchers to redeem at a nearby shop supplied by Sokowatch. Once the goods are collected, the transaction is confirmed via the Sokowatch app, and the shopkeeper is instantly credited for goods issued.
Since the launch of the scheme, shops taking part have seen average weekly sales volume increases by 54%. The e-voucher program has also seen good acceptance in the community, with a 94% uptake.
As a CEO, Nzioki has had to make difficult decisions to ensure the safety of her staff. 'Ensuring the safety of our staff remains our first priority,' she said. 'Our office-based staff are able to work from home, and we have been advising the team on the best ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance.'
The company has also taken steps to protect its drivers, who are essential to the delivery of goods to communities. 'We set up handwashing locations and provided them with antibacterial spray bottles to carry, as well as have them wear gloves and masks,' Nzioki explained.
Despite the challenges, Sokowatch has been able to maintain its operations, thanks to the resilience of its staff and the support of the Kenyan government. 'Kenyans are a resilient and resourceful people,' Nzioki said. 'The government acted very swiftly in the early stages of the outbreak, which is highly commendable.'
As the country looks to recover from the effects of the pandemic, Nzioki is optimistic about the future. 'We are confident that, as a nation, we will recover from the effects of this crisis,' she said.
