Contractors and their clients can now interact much easier following the launch of an online portal (www.contractors.co.ke) that will create a database for the various types of service providers in Kenya as well as tenders and other contract opportunities.
The portal which runs by the tag line “Be Known, Be Seen, Showcase” targets specialized and unspecialized contractors from various categories including: Building and Construction, Electrical and Electronics, Internet and computing, Metalwork and Welding, Oil and Gas, Road and Infrastructure, Woodwork and Carpentry, Tailoring among others.
According to the chief operations officer Boniface Mwambia the website which was launched in a city hotel yesterday hopes to formalize and bring automation to this specialty where a majority of work opportunity and publicity for companies is spread by word of mouth.
“What currently happens is when I want to construct a house I look for a friend who says he is a contractor despite no previous service records or comparison in price. The website will allow especially individuals have various companies bid for such works and thus in future we expect better quality constructions and competitive pricing,” says Mr Mwambia.
The portal will also make known tenders from both government and the private sector as a value added service to its listed members.
Contractors will provide details such as business name, specialty, link to their website, contact details, equipment and office location.
Listing on the website is currently free although the creators hope to monetize as they improve services such as background checks and blacklisting of contractors.
“As our database grows we hope to store all feedback we receive from clients who procure services from contractors listed on our site. After the work is completed we will post their feedback for other clients who might consider using our listed firms to know their history. This ensures quality and drives out shoddy contractors out of business,” he adds.
Contractors who perform well in various tenders will also receive recommendations and ratings by the clients.
The website will also enable unemployed skilled youth to know where to seek job opportunities in the future.
The portal targets 1,000 listings in the first year of operations with the potential to expand to neighboring countries soon.
