Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda Gets A Boost As Nigerian Logistic Startup, Kobo360 Launches In Kenya
Kobo360, Nigeria’s technology logistics platform has launched in Kenya five months after operating in the Kenyan ecosystem, it seeks to use Kenya as a penetration point to the East Africa region.
The Nigerian startup is keen on boosting intra-African trade by connecting and supporting cargo owners, truck owners& drivers and cargo recipients, Africa CEO Kagure Wamunye said that the firm eyes a 20 percent reduction in the cost of logistics in the region.
Speaking during the launch of the event, Ms Kagure said that Kenya is an ideal location owing to the high technology adaptation rate as well as its steady growing market which makes it easier to fuel logistics in East Africa and beyond.
“There is a huge desire for things to get better in Kenya and that is why we saw Kenya as a good hub to launch operations. From here we will expand to other East African regions.
“We anticipate to strengthening our links across this region, which will bring us closer to building our Global Logistics Operating System (G-LOS) to ensure fast and low-cost movement of goods for businesses on the continent,” she said.
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The Nigerian startup is also focused on aligning its agenda to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four, especially the manufacturing and agricultural sector, “many Kenyans are in the agriculture business and the logistics platform will ultimately help farmers to earn more by reducing farm wastages and helping manufacturers of all sizes to find new markets,” Ms Kagure explained.
So far, it has over 3,000 registered trucks in the Kenyan ecosystem which are operated by more than 4,000 drivers who deliver huge values and positive experiences to Kenyan logistics partners.
Some of the logistics partners include Fast-moving commodity brands (FMCG) such as Bidco and Chandarana, millers such as Bakhresa Group, Rafiki Millers & McNeel Millers and clearing & forwarding companies like Union Logistics Limited.
“Over the past five months, our homegrown team has been running operations in beta to ensure that we build a strong fleet of trucks and service businesses in Kenya looking to efficiently move goods, ” part of the statement issued stated.
The company also intends to leverage on the newly approved African Free Continental Trade Area (AFCTA) agreement to connect many African countries in the delivery of their goods to cargo recipients across the region.
“We see Africa as a focus market, if you can crack it here, then we going to make things better,” Kagure said.
“We are focusing on execution and expansion of small businesses which are looking to scale their enterprises,” she added while denying plans to merge and liaise with other logistics companies in Kenya.
The firm has a physical presence in three other African countries; Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo.
