Imagine walking into a supermarket, picking up what you need, scanning your items, and walking out—no long queues, no delays, no hassle.
That’s the future Meule Overmars Wafula envisions with M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP, a smart self-checkout solution tailored for Africa.
Wafula, an innovator with a passion for merging technology and business, developed the idea after a frustrating shopping experience. But the real turning point came while watching a movie about retail management.
“It made me realize how critical seamless shopping experiences are for consumers,” Wafula said.
Raised in both Nairobi and Busia, Wafula’s journey into technology and entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. Initially drawn to the medical field, a stint at the Busia Customs Border shifted his focus.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, with a specialization in Finance, which has helped him bridge the gap between innovation and commercial viability.
His passion for problem-solving led him to create M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP, a retail automation system designed to make shopping faster and more efficient.
Challenges and Breakthroughs faced by the University student
“We’ve all experienced the frustration of long queues. With M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP, I wanted to solve that problem by introducing self-service checkout in a way that makes sense for the African market,” Wafula explained.
Bringing the idea to life wasn’t easy. Funding and assembling the right team were major hurdles.
“Finding people who shared my vision and had the necessary expertise was tough,” Wafula admitted. But with persistence and the support of mentors, advisors, and his team—including Dolphine Mwaitsi and Paul Wekesa—he pushed forward.
Wafula won the Baraton Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award, and M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP was later shortlisted for the prestigious Presidential Innovation Award.
“It was a moment of validation for all the hard work we put in,” he said.
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Scaling for Impact
With recognition now fueling momentum, Wafula is focused on scaling. His first strategic partnership is with the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, where M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP is being refined in a real-world setting before expanding into the broader retail market.
“The goal is to revolutionize retail in Africa,” he said. “Faster checkouts, reduced queuing times, and increased efficiency—these are not just conveniences; they’re the future of shopping.”
Beyond M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP, Wafula envisions a tech-driven Africa where young innovators tackle real-world challenges. He plans to establish an innovation hub to support budding entrepreneurs and contribute to shaping Africa’s digital economy.
For those looking to bring their ideas to life, Wafula’s advice is simple: “Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Solve real problems, build a strong network, and stay resilient.”
As M-KIONDO CHAPCHAP continues to gain traction, one thing is clear—Wafula’s self-checkout revolution is just getting started.
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