Kenyan consumers struggling with the rising cost of living now have a new digital tool to help them save money, thanks to the launch of an innovative shopping platform called Nuvv.
The platform, which officially went live in Nairobi this week, aims to make products and services more affordable by leveraging the power of community buying and cost-sharing.
It allows users to purchase goods collectively or split payments for high-value items and social events — a move designed to cushion households and small businesses from economic pressure.
“Our mission is to make access to essential goods and services easier for everyone — from students and families to small enterprises,” said a spokesperson from Nuvv during the launch. “Nuvv is not just a marketplace; it’s a social platform that brings people together to buy smarter and save more.”
Nuvv operates through two key features — Group Buy and Split Pay — that combine e-commerce with social networking.
Through Nuvv Group Buy, users can form or join “Nuvv Spaces”, digital communities that bring together people interested in purchasing the same product. By buying in bulk, members enjoy substantial discounts on items such as electronics, home appliances, farm inputs, food products, and more.
“It’s similar to having a WhatsApp or Facebook group, but specifically built for collective shopping,” the company explained. “Even strangers can connect through Nuvv Spaces if they’re looking for the same product — and each buyer receives their order individually after the group purchase.”
For instance, a group of parents can team up to buy school supplies in bulk, while small businesses can source stock at reduced prices through shared orders.
The Split Pay feature, on the other hand, allows users to share payment for purchases or events. A user can fill their shopping cart, share a payment link on social media, and invite others — family, friends, or even well-wishers — to contribute.
This feature targets occasions like weddings, birthdays, baby showers, fundraisers, or charitable causes, offering an easy and transparent way to pool resources online.
“A student could, for example, use Nuvv to crowdsource funds for school materials by sharing their cart link online,” the company added.
Nuvv is also designed to connect Africans at home and abroad, enabling diaspora communities to directly support purchases for family and friends back in Kenya and across Africa.
“We’re creating a bridge between the diaspora and local consumers,” said the Nuvv team. “Instead of sending money, a user abroad can contribute directly to a loved one’s shopping cart, ensuring that the funds are used exactly as intended.”
The launch comes at a time when Kenya’s inflation rate has edged up to 4.6 percent in September 2025, driven mainly by food and transport costs. With many households cutting back on spending, platforms like Nuvv are emerging as a digital solution to affordability.
Economic analysts have welcomed the innovation, saying it could empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster a collaborative shopping culture.
“Community buying can reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency,” said economist Dr. Miriam Otieno. “If executed well, Nuvv could transform how Kenyans — especially young, tech-savvy consumers — approach spending.”
Beyond affordability, Nuvv’s model blends social networking and e-commerce, making shopping more interactive and community-driven. The platform hopes to expand across Africa in the coming months, positioning itself as a continental leader in social commerce.
“Our goal is to make buying more social, transparent, and inclusive,” said the company. “Nuvv is proof that technology can bring people together to create real economic impact.”
