Kenyan e-courier startup Sendy has expanded operations to Kisumu, signalling the beginning of the company’s growth outside of its home city of Nairobi.
Launched in 2014, Sendy offers a marketplace for last-mile package delivery and logistics services, allowing customers to send packages and documents using a mobile application that connects them to motorcycle riders, and drivers of vans and pickup trucks.
Users can see available Riders on the map in real-time, set pickup and drop-off locations, and receive a price quote before placing your order. Accounts can be topped up with M-Pesa or a credit card.
Disrupt Africa reported in November of last year Sendy became the first recipient of investment from Kenyan mobile operator Safaricom’s US$1 million Spark Venture Fund, walking away with an undisclosed amount of funding.
The startup is now beginning its expansion outside of Nairobi, and is now available to users in the Lake Victoria city of Kisumu. Chief operating officer (COO) Malaika Judd told Disrupt Africa this was the first stop as Sendy grew its coverage.
“Moving to Kisumu is about piloting our solution in another city and connecting cities. It’s the first step in a much bigger play to bring door-to-door service from one city to another without drop off and pick up stations,” she said.