Kenya Transport & Logistics

In this exclusive interview with Marcopolis, John Wanjohi, CEO of Hipora Business Solutions, outlines the company’s transformation and regional expansion since 2022. Operating as a leading inventory management company in East Africa, Hipora has successfully penetrated new markets including Zambia and Rwanda, with operations already established in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Despite political fluctuations in Kenya, the company has experienced stable growth in Uganda and Tanzania, and anticipates 20% year-on-year growth as it continues to address critical gaps in inventory visibility, loss prevention, and retail audits. Hipora’s flagship technology, Hiplapia, is a customized retail audit and inventory management system that captures real-time data, detects policy non-compliance, and enhances inventory control for retail and FMCG sectors.

To combat inventory loss in transit—a major issue in FMCG distribution—Hipora deploys stock distribution officers who monitor and report every movement of goods, ensuring full supply chain transparency. This human-resource-based inventory solution sets Hipora apart from competitors and supports its logistics and warehousing services, which include dispatch verification, inventory checks, and loss accountability.

The company’s latest ventures include the rollout of full-service warehousing in Kenya, offering clients end-to-end responsibility for inventory. Hipora also supports SMEs through SOP audits and business process restructuring, providing customized stocktaking services on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. These efforts have helped build a loyal client base across retail, manufacturing, and distribution sectors.

Investing heavily in workforce development, Hipora has launched the HiPora Academy, a training institution focused on soft skills, ethical decision-making, and inventory management. With over 900 employees across four countries, the company is also committed to youth empowerment, onboarding 20 to 30 young professionals every quarter, especially from disadvantaged communities.

Looking ahead, Wanjohi envisions expansion into Ethiopia, Mozambique, and potentially Malawi and Botswana, positioning Hipora as a regional leader in retail audits, inventory control, and warehousing solutions in Africa. The company aims to partner with compliance bodies and attract investors to scale its impact and technological capabilities.