Driving the E-commerce Agenda in Africa!

 I got to know about the KEPSA E-commerce Booster Program through the group Formula Botanica as well as on Facebook, where I was tagged on the program’s launch post by my husband. I clicked on the link provided, filled out the form, and was selected. My motivation for joining the program was due to the fact that I needed to have a very good online presence, perfect my digital marketing and structure the business ideas that I had. My biggest aha moment came with the realization that I could make my own website using one of the templates that we were introduced to during the training. In addition, I was inspired to go back to the drawing board and re-brand thanks to an example of a brand that we were shown during the Module 3 class on online branding and digital marketing. My product designs had been inconsistent to say the least. Donsy, my program associate, worked with and encouraged me to establish uniformity across my products and social media handles. He also assisted me in setting up Google My Business site and was later pleasantly surprised to discover that I had 10,000 online visits. Thank you for the opportunity, the program was very eye-opening. Being a pharmacist, this program helped me to learn more about e-commerce and marketing on a deeper level. The program was very interactive. I loved the trainers from Amari Consulting, particularly Beryl who gave everybody in class a chance to participate and talk about their business.

DR. Laura Mwangi: Afrogenesis Products, https://www.draloraproducts.com/

 I came to know about the KEPSA E-commerce Booster Program through social media. The program offered an opportunity for us to get insights on how to improve our business. In the period leading to the booster program, the business performed averagely. We had a general idea on operations but had no clear pathway or trajectory on what we wanted to achieve. Additionally, I had not fully grasped the concept of a brand and how impactful it can be. My highlight was during Module 3, when we were taken through how a brand ought to be, how to set goals, manage advertisements, budgeting and forecasting. Overall, the training provided a chance for us to reflect on the business from a managerial point of view as well as on our brand exposure. During onboarding, my program associate, Matthew was very helpful particularly in setting up the Google My Business site. Currently, we are developing our campaign schedule using the digital campaign tool that was shared during the training. From the schedule, we are able to look at what we want to achieve, reflect on our data and budget up for that. I would say that over time, we expect to see results from the changes that we are making. Personally, I am grateful for the support we have received through the program. To be honest, it has been quite an interesting journey. It’s encouraging to see organizations such as KEPSA, Amari Consulting and their partners come together to assist SMEs to digitize.

Martin Waweru: Keekapu, https://keekapu.com/

 Before the covid-19 pandemic struck, I used to sell caramel popcorn at children’s parties, weddings and other events. Following the covid-19 protocols, health issues related with sugar and handling, the sales dropped. This set me on the path to finding alternative ways to pivot. The idea to start a home decor business came to me while at home inspired by the process of re-making my own space as well as from some of the videos I watched online. When I saw Caroline Mutoko and Abigail talk about the KEPSA E-commerce Booster Program on Facebook, I applied because I wanted to learn more about e-commerce and running a business online. My biggest aha moment was during training when I realized that I needed to make products with my customers in mind. I also got to learn how to develop my brand and how to align it to my target audience. Vincent, my associate, was very accommodative during the onboarding session. He took me step by step through building my own website. I thought building websites was only for IT experts. We built mine using a template we were introduced to in class in 2 hours; something I am quite excited about. So far, I have seen engagement increase on my pages. I have been receiving enquiries especially from my facebook and instagram pages on my products. Currently, I am in the process of developing my brand. This program has been life changing. I have learnt so much. Building my own website has given me the confidence in my ability; that I can do so much more for myself. With the knowledge gained from class, I can also teach others. I would encourage other businesses to join this program should there be another one because it’s truly life changing.

Mary Koi: Serenity Home Decor, https://60bf3065abcc5.site123.me/