In the bustling streets of Nairobi’s Kenyatta Market, Ivon Priscar Nyambaro’s story is unfolding — a narrative of resilience, empowerment, and hope amidst adversity. As a product of Kenya’s informal economy, Ivon’s journey embodies the transformative potential of initiatives like Kapu, an online business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce platform revolutionizing grocery shopping in Kenya.
According to Statista, Kenya’s urban informal economy is a vital economic force, comprising nearly five million enterprises in 2019, with a staggering 15.96 million individuals employed in 2022 — accounting for over 83% of the country’s total employment. Service activities dominate this sector, with wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants employing millions. The informal sector contributes approximately 32% of Kenya’s GDP, underscoring its significance in the nation’s economic landscape.
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For Ivon, growing up wasn’t easy. Raised by a single mother grappling with joblessness, she experienced firsthand the hardships of Kenya’s informal sector. Despite the challenges, her mother’s determination led to the establishment of a small business selling peanuts at Kenyatta Market, a sort of beacon of hope amidst adversity.
However, Ivon’s life took a decisive turn when she crossed paths with Kapu. Through this innovative platform, Ivon found not only affordable groceries but also a pathway to financial empowerment. Kapu enables buyers to save 10% on grocery purchases compared to traditional avenues, offering a lifeline to individuals like Ivon within her community.
“My life growing up wasn’t easy,” Ivon says. “My mom struggled to provide for us through manual jobs like washing clothes. Joining forces with Kapu wasn’t a decision taken lightly. Through training and support, I became a Kapu agent. In my first week, I earned Ksh3000 — an amount that seemed unimaginable before. Kapu has not only helped my shop grow but has also enabled me to invest in it, providing stability for my family.”
As a Kapu agent, Ivon’s role is critical. She facilitates orders from customers who utilise the Kapu App, earning commissions and bonuses while advocating for digital literacy in her community. Through Kapu’s platform, Ivon transcends the limitations of traditional employment, forging a path to financial independence and prosperity.
Reflecting on her journey from humble beginnings to a beacon of hope in her community, Ivon’s story encapsulates the transformative potential of initiatives like Kapu. By empowering women and communities, Kapu is not merely revolutionizing grocery shopping — it is catalysing change in Kenya’s informal sector, one empowered individual at a time.
As Kenya’s informal sector continues to thrive, companies like Kapu serve as catalysts for economic empowerment and resilience. Through innovation, collaboration and determination, Ivon’s story proves that within the challenges of the informal economy lie opportunities for transformation and growth.
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