Kenya's E-Commerce Volume To Hit KSh 500 Billion By 2027

Kenya’s E-Commerce Volume Set to Reach Ksh500 Billion by 2027

Kenya’s E-Commerce volume is set to reach Ksh500 billion by 2027. Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo on Tuesday, November 19, said revenues from E-commerce were projected to grow by over six per cent in 2023 resulting in a projected volume of Ksh 500 billion by 2027.

According to PS K’Ombudo, Kenya is aligning the National E-Commerce Strategy to the East African e-commerce strategy, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol on E-Commerce and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal no. 9.

Moreover, K’Ombudo said the government will align with international best practices and catalyze e-commerce by improving digital infrastructure.

This will be achieved partly through enhancing online payment systems and streamlining regulatory frameworks to facilitate seamless cross-border trade and ensure consumer protection.

Panelists At The E-Commerce Day East Africa. Photo: Otps — Panelists at the E-commerce day East Africa. Photo: OTPS

Furthermore, K’Ombudo whose speech was read on his behalf by Timothy Were, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Director at the State Department for Trade during the eCommerce Day East Africa said the public-private sector partnerships will drive sustainable development, create jobs and improve livelihoods.

“These figures portray Kenya’s e-commerce potential and capacity for job creation and poverty reduction objectives,” K’Ombudo said

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Kenya’s Digital Services

At the same time, K’Ombudo revealed that Kenya is developing a digital services export strategy as part of the strategy to position Kenya as the regional Centre for excellence in digital innovation and digital services exports.

The e-Commerce Day East Africa that is produced by the e-Commerce Institute brings together public and private sector leaders to craft strategies focused on promoting the development of digital commerce.

Consequently, it will develop the Internet business industry at a regional and global level and accelerate the incorporation of online channels by companies and entrepreneurs.

On the other hand, K’Ombudo added that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the eTrade Alliance and the eCommerce Institute have been key in developing Kenya’s e-commerce sector.

Key development initiatives supported by USAID include Google Hustle Academy E-Commerce Training, Brighter Monday Kenya- Ebiz Kwa Vijana and eCommerce Day East Africa. Other partners include GIZ, the Tony Blair Institute and Microsoft Corporation.

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