One of the biggest classifieds sites in Kenya, OLX, is looking to intensify its presence in Tanzania and Uganda.

The company says it has over 50,000 users daily on its platform in Kenya who are opting to buy or sell products through via the site’s listings.

It is now a matter of time before they launch a physical presence in the Tanzania and Uganda, says a company official.

“We currently have live sites in Uganda and Tanzania but we don’t have physical offices yet. We plan to grow these markets as we are doing in Kenya,” Priscilla Muhiu, marketing manager for OLX Kenya, has told ITWeb Africa.

The classifieds has recently embarked on a serious advertising campaigns in Kenya by introducing a TV show aimed to help spread the business’s message to the market.

“The concept of online classifieds is still new in Kenya and therefore there is dire need to educate the consumers on this new concept and its value proposition,” Muhiu said.

This aggressive presence has been buoyed by the increase of internet penetration in Kenya, sitting at 32% and also the local trends in e-commerce.

“Current trends also show that Kenyans have discovered the convenience of shopping online. Many companies are being compelled to take their businesses online in order to enhance their value proposition,” she said.

Companies such as Bata Shoe and FargoShopping, launched by security and courier company, Wells Fargo have brought their services online.

But the OLX service has been dogged by concerns about handling stolen goods and cases of fraud.

Last week, the company gave out a media response and told its customers to be wary of fraudsters lurking on its website.

“All ads are moderated before they are published on the site,” Muhiu told ITWeb Africa.

“The ads undergo quality checks to ensure consumers safety. However, consumers still need to take precaution when transacting in any market place whether offline or online.”

“As OLX is a market place, we constantly communicate the fundamental principles of buying and selling as tips to our consumers. We do this through our social media platforms, radio and newsletters.”