Quick answer: Facebook Marketplace is available in Kenya and is free to list on. Good photos, a clear title with the brand and model, an honest price and quick replies sell items fast. For safety, take payment through M-Pesa and confirm it in your M-Pesa statement before handing over goods, meet in busy public places, and ignore buyers who send "overpayments" or ask for codes.
Creating a Listing That Sells
- Title: what it is + brand + model + key detail ("Samsung 43-inch Smart TV, 2024, with remote").
- Photos: 5–8 bright photos, the front, back, labels and any defects.
- Price: check similar listings; leave a little room for negotiation.
- Description: condition, age, reason for selling, location, delivery options.
- Category and location set correctly so local buyers find it.
What Sells Well
- Electronics and phones (with receipts or boxes).
- Furniture and home appliances.
- Baby items and school things.
- Cars and car parts (with logbook checks).
- Handmade and small-business products.
Payment and Scam Safety
| Scam | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Fake M-Pesa SMS | Check your M-Pesa balance or statement, not the SMS the buyer shows you |
| Overpayment refund | Never refund "extra" money; cancel the deal |
| Verification code request | Never share codes sent to your phone; it is account takeover |
| Courier fee from buyer | Real buyers do not ask you to pay to receive their money |
| Pay before viewing (as a buyer) | Only pay after inspecting the item |
Read how to avoid online scams in Kenya for more.
Meeting and Delivery
- Meet in busy public places in daylight: a mall entrance or bank area.
- Bring someone along for big items.
- For delivery, use a known rider service and get payment first, or use a pay-on-delivery rider you trust.
- Keep chats on Messenger so there is a record.
Example: Clearing a Moving-House Sale
A family moving to another town lists a fridge, a sofa set and a TV with bright photos and model numbers. They answer messages quickly, meet buyers at home with a neighbour present, and check every M-Pesa payment in the app before items leave the house. Everything sells in under a week.
From Marketplace to a Real Shop
If you sell regularly, Marketplace buyers come and go. Put your products in a free Buy More Mall shop with M-Pesa checkout and share that link in your listings and WhatsApp Status, so repeat buyers can order without searching. See how to sell on social media and getting a till number.
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: list 5 items with great photos.
- Week 2: reply within an hour and track which listings get messages.
- Week 3: adjust prices and titles on slow items.
- Week 4: open a shop for repeat sales.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Handing over items before checking M-Pesa.
- Dark, blurry photos.
- Vague titles without the model.
- Meeting strangers in quiet places.
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
Is Facebook Marketplace available in Kenya?
Yes. You can list and buy items for free.
Does Facebook Marketplace charge fees in Kenya?
Listing is free for local pickup or delivery you arrange yourself.
How do I avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace?
Confirm M-Pesa payments in your statement, never refund overpayments, and never share verification codes.
How do I get paid on Marketplace in Kenya?
Usually M-Pesa or cash on collection; confirm payment before handing over goods.
Why are my listings not getting messages?
Improve photos, add the brand and model to the title, and check your price.
Can I run a business on Marketplace?
Yes, but move repeat buyers to your own shop and till number.
Cover photo: A used sofa set photographed for an online sale. Photo: Furniture For Sale by Joe Shlabotnik, CC BY 2.0.
