Frequently asked questions
Everything about buying and selling on Shopi — fees, Shopi Agent, safety, messaging and coverage across Kenya. If something is not answered here, contact us.
What is Shopi?
Shopi is Kenya's free social marketplace where people discover, buy and sell locally. Browse a personalized feed of nearby products, chat directly with buyers and sellers, or use Shopi Agent to make buying and selling faster and easier.
What is Shopi Agent?
Shopi Agent is your AI buying and selling assistant. It can turn a photo into a complete listing by generating titles, descriptions, categories and product details. It can also help buyers find products by understanding natural conversations instead of relying on exact search terms.
Does Shopi handle payments or delivery?
No. Shopi does not process payments, arrange delivery or take commission. Buyers and sellers agree directly on the price, payment method and delivery or pickup that works for them.
How is Shopi different from other marketplaces?
Shopi combines a personalized social feed with AI-powered assistance. Instead of only searching or filling long forms, you can discover products naturally, use Shopi Agent to create listings or find products, and connect directly with nearby buyers and sellers.
How does Shopi personalize my feed?
Your feed learns from what you view, save and message about. The more you use Shopi, the better it becomes at showing nearby products and categories that match your interests.
What can I buy and sell on Shopi?
Almost anything that can be bought and sold locally in Kenya, including cars, phones, electronics, fashion, furniture, home items, farm produce, livestock and much more.
How do I post something for sale?
You can post manually by adding photos or videos, or let Shopi Agent guide you through the process. Upload a photo, answer a few simple questions and Shopi Agent generates the title, description, category and other listing details for you.
How do buyers and sellers communicate?
Every listing includes built-in messaging so buyers and sellers can chat directly, ask questions, negotiate and agree on payment and delivery without leaving Shopi.
Is Shopi free to use?
Yes. It's free to browse, free to post and Shopi takes 0% commission on your sales. You keep every shilling you earn.
Does Shopi work across Kenya?
Yes. Shopi is built for local discovery across all 47 counties. Nearby listings are prioritized so you can find products close to you, while still being able to discover listings from other parts of Kenya.
Do I need an account to browse Shopi?
No. You can browse the feed, explore listings and search without an account. You only need to sign in when you want to message a seller, save a listing or post something for sale.
How do I create an account on Shopi?
Sign up with Google, with an email address and password, or with Apple on Apple devices. You do not need a registered business, a website or a verified phone number to join.
Is it safe to buy and sell on Shopi?
Shopi keeps the conversation on the platform so you can ask questions before you commit. Meet in a public place, inspect the item before paying, and never send money before you have seen what you are buying. The Safety Centre covers this in more detail.
What can Shopi Agent not do?
Shopi Agent writes listings and helps you find products. It does not message sellers on your behalf, negotiate prices, or complete purchases. Every conversation and every deal stays between the buyer and the seller.
Does Shopi chat happen on WhatsApp?
No. Buyer and seller messaging happens inside Shopi's own chat. Shopi does not require or link a WhatsApp account.
What items are not allowed on Shopi?
Illegal goods, weapons, drugs, counterfeit products, live animals outside permitted livestock categories, and anything else covered by the Prohibited Items policy. Listings that breach it are removed.
Which parts of Kenya does Shopi cover?
All 47 counties. Nearby listings are surfaced first — from Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Meru to smaller towns — while good listings can still travel across the country.
Can I use Shopi in Kiswahili?
Yes. Shopi is available in both English and Kiswahili. Switch language from the menu, or visit any page under /sw.
Still need help?
Browse other categories on Shopi
Phones and electronics
Samsung, iPhone, used phones, smart TVs, laptops and speakers from sellers across Kenya.
Land, plots and property
Land, plots, houses for sale and houses for rent, from Nairobi to Nyahururu and Nyandarua.
Cars for sale
Used cars with photos or video, make, model, year, mileage, price and direct buyer chat.
Beauty and cosmetics
Skincare, makeup, perfumes, wigs and hair products from local beauty sellers.
Selling on Shopi
How to post an item for free, what to include, and how buyers reach you.