Safaricom has launched a Kenyan classifieds site that will enable buyers and sellers to access items through its portal.
Kenya’s leading network operator says anything can be bought on mobile through the platform, which will compete in the classifieds market with the likes of OLX, Nation Media Group’s NSoko, MySoko and Capital FM’s Capital Classifieds.
The portal is divided into segments, including property, cars, electronics and jobs.
Safaricom subscribers can also subscribe to receive alerts on opportunities on the website by dialling *665# toll free.
To access information in the various categories users will pay KSh1, except for the jobs section where it will cost KSh5 to receive an employer’s contact.
It is however unclear whether Safaricom’s entry into the classifieds market is purely to make money through the portal or to increase in the number of visitors to its site.
A number of classified portals have closed down in Kenya in recent years, including Mocality and Dealfish, which were succeeded by OLX, while such sites are facing stiff competition from Facebook’s classified segments.
