NAIROBI, Kenya July 12 – Founded two months after the corona virus outbreak in Kenya, Drinkup, an alcohol delivery firm has aligned itself to online delivery of alcohol in order to reduce unnecessary movements which is key in minimizing the risk of corona virus infections in the country.
The firm, which was founded in February but launched its operations in May is solely focused on alcoholic products ranging from wines, spirits, beer amongst others.
With a fixed Sh 100 delivery fee, Kenyans across Nairobi and its environs can order their favorite drinks through the multi vendor platform, a phone call or an SMS for a delivery within 30 minutes.
Speaking to Capital Business, Drinkup Director Charles Wagura noted that the launch of firm was inspired by the need to create convenience for Kenyans in the wake of the pandemic which has necessitated the need to avoid physical contact and unnecessary movements.
“The main inspiration behind the formation of this firm is the convenience brought by online delivery and our clients do not have to go the shop, they can either call, send a text or order the drink from our online platform,” he said.
The experience in the market so far, Wagura said, “has been immense” , with more people ordering through the application with variety of drink choices for the clients and convenient drivers who can deliver quickly.
“The industry is receptive to the business, most people prefer online deliveries, this is why you see most business are turning to e-commerce,” he said.
While the business has accrued profits since May, he said the profits from the business are currently being re-invested in the company to increase its growth.
In the near future, the firm is planning to expand its services to Nakuru and Mombasa and also include the supply of drinking water to its clients.
Like any other e-commerce platform, Drinkup has experienced its fair of challenges, key among them is delayed deliveries, insufficient drivers and payment mode with many clients still preferring cash mode of payment which poses risk on transfer of the virus
“We are still learning, we are working to bring more drivers on board to increase the speed of delivery time,” he added.
Being a multi-vendor platform which hosts various shops, Wagura pointed out that the firm conducts thorough background checks on the liquor shops to ensure they have valid liquor license, are compliant with law and abide by other necessary requirements to own such such a shop.
As part of his proposals, he urged the Government to further ease the ease of doing business especially on taxation noting that the planned imposition of taxes on e-commerce will push away many Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs).
“When the ease of conducting business for online business is sabotaged, the ripple effect will be felt by those in the lower cadre in the chain including riders who rely on online deliveriEs to reap their benefits,” he concluded.
