Quick answer: Dropshipping (selling products you do not stock, with the supplier delivering) can work in Kenya when you use local suppliers who deliver fast and accept cash or M-Pesa on delivery. International dropshipping from abroad is harder because of long delivery times, customs and returns. Start with a few products from reliable local sellers, market them well, and agree delivery and returns in writing. Affiliate selling on Buy More Mall is an even lower-risk start.
How Dropshipping Works
- You list a product online at your price.
- A customer orders and pays (or pays on delivery).
- You order from the supplier at their price and give the customer’s delivery details.
- The supplier delivers; you keep the difference.
Local vs International Dropshipping
| Local (Kenya) | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | 1–3 days | Weeks |
| Payment | M-Pesa, pay on delivery | Card, prepaid |
| Returns | Easier | Hard and costly |
| Customs | None | Duties and delays |
Finding Reliable Suppliers
- Wholesalers and shops that already deliver across Kenya.
- Sellers on Buy More Mall who agree to deliver on your behalf.
- Test-order yourself first to check quality and delivery time.
- Agree prices, delivery fees, stock updates and returns in writing.
Pricing and Profit
Price = supplier price + delivery + payment charges + marketing + your margin. A product that costs KSh 1,500 and sells for KSh 2,200 leaves KSh 700 before ads and returns; if you spend KSh 400 on ads per sale, your real profit is KSh 300. Track this per product.
Where to Sell
- A free Buy More Mall shop (free, with M-Pesa checkout).
- WhatsApp catalogue and status.
- TikTok and Instagram with product videos.
- Your Stay Home Network profile and groups.
Legal Basics
Register a business name and get a KRA PIN as you grow (see our guides on registering a business and getting a KRA PIN), keep records of sales and supplier payments, and describe products honestly.
The Lower-Risk Start: Affiliate Selling
With the Buy More Mall affiliate programme you share product links and earn a commission when people buy. No stock, no delivery handling and no customer payments to manage. Many sellers start here, learn what sells, then move to dropshipping or their own stock.
Example: Phone Accessories in Nairobi
A seller partners with an accessories shop that delivers within Nairobi. She posts short videos of earphones and chargers on TikTok, takes orders on WhatsApp, collects payment on delivery, and pays the shop daily. She drops products with many returns and doubles down on the two that sell steadily.
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: pick 3–5 products and test-order from the supplier.
- Week 2: set up your shop and product photos/videos.
- Week 3: post daily and run a small test ad.
- Week 4: review profit per product; keep winners, drop losers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling products you never tested.
- Long international delivery with no warning to customers.
- Ignoring returns in your pricing.
- Using suppliers’ photos that misrepresent the product.
Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.
Create your free Stay Home Network account, or log in with H-MAIL on app.stayhomenetwork.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dropshipping work in Kenya?
Yes, especially with local suppliers, fast delivery and pay-on-delivery or M-Pesa.
How much do I need to start dropshipping in Kenya?
Little stock money, but budget for marketing, test orders and a phone with data.
Where do I find dropshipping suppliers in Kenya?
Local wholesalers and online sellers who agree to deliver for you; test them first.
Is dropshipping legal in Kenya?
Yes, as long as you register as needed, pay taxes and describe products honestly.
Is affiliate marketing better than dropshipping?
Affiliate marketing is lower risk; dropshipping can earn more per sale but needs more work.
What products sell well with dropshipping in Kenya?
Products with clear demand, good margins and low return rates, tested on a small scale.
Cover photo: Craft sellers in Kenya using mobile money. Photo: Craft artisans mobile money Kenya by imtfi, CC BY-SA 2.0.
