Kenyan startup Contractors has gone live with its online portal aimed at allowing users to interact with and book various types of service provider.
Contractors offers a database of various types of service provider in Kenya, as well as tenders and other contract opportunities.
It targets specialised and unspecialised contractors in various categories, including building and construction, electrical and electronics, internet and computing, metalwork and welding, oil and gas, and road and infrastructure.
Chief operations officer Boniface Mwambia said the startup hopes to formalise and bring automation to an area where the majority of work opportunities and publicity for companies are generated by word of mouth.
“What currently happens is when I want to construct a house I look for a friend who says he is a contractor, despite no previous service records or comparison in price. The website will allow especially individuals have various companies bid for such works, and thus in future we expect better quality constructions and competitive pricing,” he said.
The portal will also make known tenders from both government and the private sector as a value added service to its listed members.
Contractors can provide details such as business name, specialty, link to their website, contact details, equipment and office location.
Listing on the website is currently free, though the creators hope to monetise with additional services such as background checks and the blacklisting of low quality contractors.
“As our database grows we hope to store all feedback we receive from clients who procure services from contractors listed on our site. After the work is completed we will post their feedback for other clients who might consider using our listed firms to know their history. This ensures quality and drives out shoddy contractors out of business,” Mwambia said.
Contractors is targeting 1,000 listings within its first year of operations, with the potential to expand to neighbouring countries soon.
