NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 17 – Retail chain Nakumatt Holdings has announced the completion of a major Information Technology (IT) systems upgrade that will allow shoppers to pay for their utility and related bills on the tills.
The system upgrade which involves the integration of an advanced switching system capable of directly linking with other service providers has been undertaken as part of Nakumatt’s commitment to raise its service convenience levels for its loyal shoppers.
Speaking when he confirmed the new development, Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Atul Shah disclosed that the firm had invested more than Sh30 million in the systems upgrade project.
With the integration of the new switch, Nakumatt customers will in coming days manage to pay for their water, electricity, Pay TV, mobile phones and related bills at the tills as they pay for their shopping.
This is in addition to the facility that Nakumatt shoppers already enjoy of will directly buying their respective mobile operators airtime vouchers, among other virtual products including cash withdrawals.
“At Nakumatt, we are continuously seeking new ways to improve on our customers lifestyles while exploring avenues to add value and enhance convenience for our customers. This investment epitomizes this commitment,” Mr Shah explained.
And added: “Following the systems integration, the next move will now centre on retaining service agreements with local service providers wishing to provide value added services to their customers in a convenient way.”
Technically, the new upgraded switching system allows Nakumatt Holdings to inter-connect and share customer data with partners such as utility service providers, banks, Pay TV firms and Telecom firms from its tills enabling customers to conveniently withdraw cash at our tills or settle their bills at any of the 28 Nakumatt branches.
In the emerging fast paced Kenyan lifestyle trends, Mr Shah noted that customers now want to conduct all their errands such as banking, shopping, paying bills, entertainment and even Medicare all in one place.
“This presents an opportunity for all service providers to consider joining forces to not just meet, but exceed the customers’ expectations,” Mr Shah said.
The announcement by Nakumatt Holdings comes hot on the heels of the firm’s New Year promise to continue revolutionalising retail trade in East Africa.
The new system integration also confirms Nakumatt Holdings continued commitment to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with other local enterprises.
