PickUp Mtaani (pick up for collect, Mtaani for neighborhood) [1] is an e-commerce tech-driven logistics company founded in 2020. The company provides affordable delivery services across Kenya, especially for e-commerce businesses.

Pick Up Mtaani
Company typePrivate
IndustryLogistics
FounderKen Okiya and Robert Mwalugha
Headquarters
Nairobi
,
Kenya
Websitenew.pickupmtaani.com

History

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The company was founded in 2020, by Kenyan entrepreneurs, Robert Mwalugha and Ken Okiya. The cofounders are childhood friends from Mombasa who also graduated from Kenyatta University, who did not secure jobs.[2] As a result, they both started delivering packages using motorbikes, locally known as bodaboda.[3] The company was founded on the basis of increased demand of internet shopping in Kenya. However, the high delivery costs make it difficult for small and medium enterprises especially.[1]

In 2023, PickUp Mtaani launched their app, which is supported by both iOS and Android. Initially, the clients using the service placed their delivery orders via Pick Up Mtaani's website. There are two types of the app, one for clients and the other for Pick Up Mtaani agents[4]

Concept

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Once a customer has shopped from an online store, they enquire whether the seller ships through Pickup Mtaani. Once confirmed, a flat-rate delivery fee is paid via MPESA, to PickUp Mtaani's Paybill. The seller then drops the bought item to PickUp Mtaani local pick up Mtaani point. The buyer is then sent a unique code, via SMS, which they use to pick the package. One must include the name PickUp Mtaani Agent Location and PickUp Mtaani Agent Name.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Digital Society. "Pick-Up Mtaani: solving Kenya's e-commerce delivery challenge". Vodafone. Vodafone. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  2. ^ Dianah, Esther. "Boda boda delivery duo now runs budding logistics start-up". The Standard. The Standard. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  3. ^ Wambui, Faith. "Pick Up Mtaani has made deliveries easier and cheaper for small businesses". HAPA KENYA. HAPA KENYA. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  4. ^ Kombo, Sakwa. "Pick Up Mtaani New Mobile App Promises New Features". techweez. te hweez. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  5. ^ Matheka, Grace. "How Pick-Up Mtaani is thriving in the Kenyan e-commerce delivery space". HAPAKENYA. HAPAKENYA. Retrieved 11 July 2024.