Designed to help artisans reach a wider range of clients, it offers an Android app that enables those artisans to get their activities online. 

Fundis is a digital solution developed by a Kenyan startup that connects users with professional artisans across various fields. Founded in 2019 by Liwali Kivumanyuki and Alex Ndegwa, the startup is based in Nairobi.

"Africa’s informal workforce is highly fragmented, characterized by low unpredictable earnings, poor working conditions, and low productivity. Beyond the fragmentation, many artisanal skills, knowledge, and competencies in use in Africa’s informal labor market have not been assessed, recognized, or certified, yet recruitment requires certification that the informal or non-formal market does not provide," explained Alex Ndegwa.

The mobile app, currently available only on Android, has been downloaded over a thousand times according to Play Store data. After downloading the app, users create an account to access its services. They can submit their requests through the app, which connects them with top professionals in their respective fields. Users can preview profiles and select the artisan for the job.

Once a selection is made, users can schedule an appointment for the work to be completed. Fundis offers professionals in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, tiling, masonry, and home appliance repair. The startup aims to expand its services to other African countries, beginning with Tanzania, where it is already conducting trials for a full rollout by the end of 2024.

Adoni Conrad Quenum