by Moses Odunga

The Rise of WhatsApp Businesses: How Small Shops in My Town Went Digital

A few years ago, if you needed to buy eggs or fresh vegetables in my village in Butula, you had to visit the market, rain or shine. Today? A quick “Niweke tray ya mayai na sukuma mbili” on WhatsApp gets your order packed and delivered by boda boda in minutes.

Welcome to the new era of WhatsApp businesses, where small shops and even mama mbogas are going digital—not through websites or apps—but through the green icon we’ve all come to depend on.

How It Started

The shift began quietly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Movement was limited, but the need for essentials never stopped. That’s when many shop owners realized:
Everyone is on WhatsApp.
Customers, suppliers, neighbors—they were all a message away. A few brave shopkeepers started sending daily price lists and offers via WhatsApp Status. Orders trickled in. Then they boomed.

Why It Works

• Zero setup cost: No website, no app. Just a phone and data bundle.
• Familiarity: People trust WhatsApp. It feels personal.
• Instant feedback: Sellers can reply in real time, send voice notes, photos, even share payment info via M-PESA.

What I’ve Seen

One mama mboga near my home now gets bulk orders from teachers and health workers through her WhatsApp list. She even sends “flash sales” like “2kg tomatoes for 80 bob till 4PM!”
Another friend runs a small electronics business and uses WhatsApp Catalog to showcase earphones, phone covers, and Bluetooth speakers. Payments are made via M-PESA, delivery by boda.

The Impact

• Less walking, more planning: Shoppers can compare prices, budget better.
• Broader reach: Sellers serve customers from other villages without leaving their stalls.
• Digital literacy boost: Even elders are now using voice notes to order items.

Final Thought:
The digital shift isn’t always flashy. It’s not about AI or big tech giants. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a mama mboga learning how to post on WhatsApp Status—and changing her entire business because of it.

Would you like a version of this tailored to your own experience as a side hustler or with your cattle/chicken business? It could make a great personal blog or social media post too.