Help centre
How can we help?
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most.
Getting started
Is SokoSwift Kenya free?
Yes. Creating an account, posting ads, browsing and messaging are all free. Optional paid extras, like boosting an ad to the top, are clearly labelled with the price in shillings, and you only pay if you choose to.
Do I need an account to browse?
No. Anyone can browse and search ads. You need a free account to post ads, message sellers, save ads or see a seller's phone or WhatsApp number.
How do I sign up?
Sign up with your email address and a password. It's free and takes under a minute. Then add your phone number in Settings if you want Call and WhatsApp buttons on your ads.
What's the difference between a personal and a business account?
Personal accounts are for individuals selling their own things. Business accounts are for shops, dealers, agents and other businesses: your ads are labelled as a business seller and you get a business profile. Businesses can ask us to verify them.
Posting ads
How long does my ad stay up?
Ads run for 14 days. We'll remind you a day or two before one expires, and you can renew it for another 14 days from My ads, for free and as often as you like. When something sells, please mark it as sold.
How many photos can I add?
Up to 8 photos per ad. Photos are made smaller on your phone before they upload, so they use less data.
What can't I sell?
Anything illegal in Kenya, plus weapons, drugs, prescription medicines, counterfeit or stolen goods (including phones that have been blocked or reported stolen), alcohol, tobacco and adult content. See our Terms of Use for the full posting rules.
Can I say my price is negotiable?
Yes. Choose Negotiable when you post, and buyers will see it next to your price.
Why was my ad removed?
Our team removes ads that break the posting rules or that buyers report as scams. If you think we got it wrong, contact us and we'll take another look.
Buying and safety
How do I contact a seller?
Use the message box on the ad. If the seller has switched it on, signed-in members can also call them or chat on WhatsApp.
How do I pay?
Pay the seller directly, ideally by M-Pesa or cash when you collect the item, after you've checked it. Never send money before you've seen the item or the house.
Someone sent me an M-Pesa message saying they paid. Is it real?
Check your M-Pesa balance or the M-Pesa app, not the message. Fake M-Pesa messages come from ordinary phone numbers; real ones come from MPESA. Never send back money that was "sent by mistake": ask the person to reverse it through Safaricom.
A landlord or agent wants a viewing fee. Should I pay?
No. Don't pay viewing fees, booking fees or deposits before you've seen the house in person and met the landlord or caretaker. Report the ad if someone asks.
An employer wants a registration or training fee. Is that normal?
No. Genuine employers never ask you to pay to apply, register, get a uniform or go for training. Report any job ad that asks for money.
How do I report a scam?
Use the Report button on the ad or the seller's profile. If you've lost money, call Safaricom customer care on 100 to try to reverse the M-Pesa payment straight away, and report it to the nearest police station or the DCI.
What does 'Verified' mean?
It means our team has checked the person's ID or the business's registration. It isn't a guarantee of every item, so still follow our safety tips.
Your account
I didn't get my confirmation email
Check your spam or junk folder. Emails come from our sokoswift.ke address. If it still hasn't arrived after 10 minutes, try signing up again or contact us on WhatsApp.
How will I know when someone messages me?
We email you when you get a new message. You can switch these emails on or off in Settings.
How do I delete my account?
Go to Settings and scroll to Delete account. This permanently deletes your account, ads and messages.
Still stuck? Contact our team