Kenya Readies for E-Commerce Shake-Up.

Kenya’s online shopping world is buzzing after new proposals by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) that could fine or even jail dishonest digital traders. The move comes as the government seeks to clean up the fast-growing e-commerce space, where fake listings, counterfeit goods and untraceable sellers have left many consumers frustrated.

The Ministry of Trade is also drafting a policy to create verified digital IDs for online sellers. This aims to boost confidence in the digital marketplace by ensuring every seller can be traced and that is exactly where GS1 standards can make all the difference.

   

With a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) on each product and a Global Location Number (GLN) for every registered seller, tracking the journey of goods from warehouse to customer becomes seamless. A seller’s item listed on Jumia, for instance, could be instantly verified as genuine through its GTIN while its GLN ties it to a traceable business location.

This digital fingerprinting not only builds trust but also protects honest sellers from being confused with counterfeiters. It simplifies complaint resolution, ensures accountability and strengthens compliance as Kenya’s e-commerce regulations evolve.

As the country moves toward safer and more transparent online trade, GS1 standards provide the trust layer that keeps Kenya’s digital economy credible and competitive one scan, one code, one genuine product at a time.