Introduction
If you have an e-commerce business or you simply sell your merchandise online whether it’s on Google, or social media. One of the largest challenges you will face is discovering a dependable courier carrier to deal with your deliveries. This can be a ache in the neck especially because orders will be cancelled hence the business getting losses.
Most Customers prefer their orders delivered quickly, securely, and affordably. Kenya has many courier service companies like G4S, Wells Fargo, 2NK, DHL, Fargo Courier, and even boda-boda delivery services. However, today our main Focus is Postal Corporation of Kenya. Lets get started, shall we?
What is Postal Corporation of Kenya? And Who Are They ?
Before we begin did you know that Postal Corporation of Kenya is a fully government? Yes Yes, I know! When we hear the word “government,” we think of inefficiency, poor service delivery, and endless frustrations. From government hospitals to public offices, we all know how things operate—or rather, how they fail to operate. Especially if you are a common mwananchi.
A short brief History
Postal Corporation of Kenya was part of Kenya Posts & Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC), I know that name rings a bell. It was responsible for postal services, telephone services, and broadcasting. However, in 1999, KPTC was divided into three entities:
- Telkom Kenya – For Telecommunications services.
- Communications Authority of Kenya – For regulations
- Postal Corporations of Kenya – For Postal Services.
Services Offered By Posta Kenya
Posta Kenya offers many services such as Mail and Parcel Delivery both domestically and internationally and P.O. Box services for businesses and individuals.
Why E-commerce Companies Don’t Use Postal Corporation of Kenya
1. Lack of advancement
Many E-commerce companies prefer couriers that enable their customers to pay on delivery (POD). In order to build trust and confidence from their customers. Posta Kenya has been slow to advance in such features which are modern, making it an impractical choice for many businesses.
2. Mismanagement and late deliveries
For e-commerce, quick delivery is crucial—delays lead to lost sales, negative reviews, and reduced trust, which is bad for business. Posta Kenya operates like many other government offices—slow and inefficient. Many reports mention delays, and poor tracking systems, making it unreliable for e-commerce businesses. Whereas some private couriers prioritize fast and efficient service, ensuring customers receive their packages on time. Which makes them a better choice.
3. Market pressure from private couriers
E-commerce businesses have better courier services and local boda-boda services. These private couriers offer services such as Real-time parcel tracking, Same-day deliveries within Nairobi and major towns, and Better customer support
Some private couriers deliver to different counties in just hours, while Posta Kenya struggles with speed and efficiency.
4. Low utilization of postal Office
Posta Kenya has branches in almost every county / Town. This could be a big advantage, however, due to poor innovation and lack of strategic planning, these offices remain underutilized.
Instead of using this network to create a strong logistics system, Posta Kenya continues to lose business to innovative competitors.
5. Security Issues
Many Kenyans have experienced lost, stolen, or tampered parcels when using Posta Kenya. Private couriers have better security measures, ensuring safe and accountable deliveries. For e-commerce businesses, secure delivery is a priority, which is why they prefer private couriers over Posta Kenya.
6. Slow and rigid systems
Government institutions in Kenya are known for slow, complicated procedures. Unlike private couriers with simple, fast processes, Posta Kenya often requires paperwork, long queues, and inefficient service. For an e-commerce business that depends on speed and efficiency, Posta Kenya’s complicated systems make it a poor choice.
My Final Thoughts
Now, Posta Kenya needs to pull up its socks. They have everything needed to have a vast network of post offices, an established name, and government backing. However, they need to adopt new technologies, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. If they don’t, more e-commerce businesses will continue choosing private courier services.
They need to maximize what they already have and focus on making deliveries faster, safer, and more reliable. Yes, they are cheaper, in fact, they might be the most affordable option. But at the end of the day, what is the point of saving a few shillings if it means risking your customers’ trust and their products?
E-commerce businesses in Kenya need a courier service that is fast, reliable, and customer-friendly. Unfortunately, Posta Kenya has not evolved to meet modern e-commerce demands.
Let me Know in the comments:
- What is your best courier company that hasn’t disappointed you? Drop your answer in the comments!
- If you run an e-commerce business, which courier do you use and why?
- Don’t forget to share this post with fellow entrepreneurs who might find it useful!