Have you seen the new OLX Kenya ‘Kaa Ridhoo’ advert on TV?
If you haven’t check it out.
OLX which is the leading online classified site in Kenya has partnered with the ICT Authority and Consumer Federation of Kenya to promote online safety of consumers buying and selling through online platforms. Part of the Kaa Ridhoo campaign is the advert that educates consumers on how to buy and sell online safely. The campaign will run for one month. The campaign focuses both on online and offline transactions.
OLX Kenya Country Manager, Mr. Peter Ndiang’ui talked about the need to educate consumers on the need to be cautious as they transact online. The campaign is meant to create awareness to the Kenyan population on how to ensure they are not conned online.
“As an online platform, we have not been exempt from cases of unscrupulous individuals. We have been trying to do our due diligence, and provide as much information as necessary to our clients regarding their safety,” he said, “As we are not involved in the transactions between sellers and buyers, this campaign offers the perfect opportunity to reach a wider market.”
Mr. Ndiang’ui says the company has taken steps to help cushion their clients and encourage them to continue using the platform. OLX Kenya will be partnering with the KK security group trained private investigators and the police as well to ensure that any issues that arise during transactions are dealt with. OLX Kenya is also in advanced stages of putting up a toll free number which customers can call in case they sense that something is not right with a transaction when they are in the process of a transaction.
Cybercrime has been a concern for the government and stakeholders. The PS, Ministry of ICT, Mr. Joseph Tiampati says that they are aware of the challenges and are working to enhance the security of Kenya’s cyber space.
“In June, we launched the National Cyber Security Framework, which consists of the strategy, Digital Certificates and a portal where Kenyans can report about incidences. We are working with various stakeholders to realize these goals.”
ICT Authority Marketing Director, Ms. Eunice Kariuki, noted that cases of Cybercrime have been on the rise in the country.
“We not only want to reach those affected by fraud offline, as is the case with OLX, but online clients as well. Our mandate as the ICT Authority is to co-ordinate the ICT sector, establish, develop and maintain secure ICT infrastructure and systems, and to market Kenya as a local and international ICT hub. If Kenyans do not trust online platforms, it is a setback for us,” she continued. The ICT Authority will soon start using digital certificates which will act as digital ID’s for those contracting online. The system is already piloting at Kenya Revenue Authority.”
Mr. John Juma, Vice Chairman, COFEK said that COFEK was committed to consumer protection, education, research, consultancy, litigation, anti-counterfeits campaign and business rating on consumerism and customer-care issues. “We laud efforts such as this campaign by relevant stakeholders to ensure that the consumers become more knowledgeable and aware of how to keep safe. We will continue to work with organizations that commit to consumer protection as is our mandate.”
