Most of the business around are trying to diversify. This is a move aimed at growing revenues from other sources. OLX is not an exception. The firm has been keen in growing its agriculture business section. It is for this reason that the company recently launched Kilimo Smart OLX centres. These are basically input centres that are purposed to help farmers access seeds and fertilizers which they purchase through the firm’s website.
To start with the company has set up two farm input centres in Nakuru and Nyandarua with a view of opening more. The Kilimo Smart OLX centres by OLX was realised through a partnership with Mavuno Technology, Osho Chemicals and Soil Cares. OLX understands that most farmers are unable to access the internet thus it will offer the service through a USSD code. Through this mode, farmers will be able to place their orders which are then sent to the centres for collection. The online trading platform also has a dedicated section that allows farmers to sell produce and livestock.
“In order to enable these farmers, generate more yields, it is important that right farm inputs are at their disposal. We are working with input partners Mavuno Technology, Osho Chemicals and Soil Cares to ensure farmers access quality inputs through our platform.
OLX has expanded the agriculture category by not only providing farmers a platform to sell their products and livestock, it has also given them an opportunity to access farm inputs to increase yields.”
-OLX country manager Peter Ndiang’ui
OLX launched in Kenya in 2012. At launch, OLX was focused on being an online trading platform purposely connecting buyers and sellers. Most of the goods traded them were used items. With time, OLX has partnered with retailers to sell their commodities on the site. It is estimated that site has 150,000 daily users.
