Balozy: Online Service Marketplace connecting service providers with clients

Steve Ng’ang’a was helping his parents build a house in Nakuru when he struggled to get reliable professionals, especially plumbers and electricians.

"That frustration of searching on Google, Facebook was so intense. We didn’t wanna repeat the same experience, so that is how Balozy idea started flourishing in my mind. And then the more we do analysis we realise that other Kenyans are having the same issues. So we realised the best way is to come up with an app where you can find affordable, valid and convenient service providers," Steve says.

Balozy is a one-stop-shop for almost all essential service providers. From mama fua to mechanics, service providers are onboarded in a rigorous process that includes background checks to ensure integrity.

Wycliffe Otieno, a carpenter, and Yvonne Nduku, a cooking gas vendor, are some of the service providers who have enlisted their services on Balozy. Beldina Kiritu, a baker, has also been getting services through the platform.

"I came across Balozy app one year ago. Before then it was so difficult for us to get clients, we were relying on those who walked into the workshop. But with the Balozy app you just get a phone call. With the clients that I have got, I have even gotten more referrals," Otieno says.

"I have used the Balozy app for one year now. I mostly use plumbers, electricians, Mama Fua and make-up artists. These service providers are very efficient, reliable. They come do the job even if it means coming with an extra person, but they do the job," Kiritu added.

So far, over 2000 service providers have enlisted on Balozy. Steve says this is because of Balozy’s business model which allows the service providers to earn more. Steve also says Balozy ensures protection of the data shared by the providers.

Balozy is currently available in 30 counties in Kenya. With his team of five, Steve now looks forward to making the platform accessible in every corner of the country, before scaling it to the East African region. 

"Right now our primary market is Nairobi, but we are already in 30 counties in Kenya. We’ve built a platform that is scalable which means that it’s just a matter of just changing the location and it can move to other African countries. So hopefully we may be targeting Tanzania very soon, and then we will be looking at Uganda and Rwanda. But we want to focus on Sub-Saharan Africa because we know this product is needed in Africa," Steve added.