The business has signed a one-year rolling contract with leading online classifieds company OLX, which was launched across the country on 1 April following a successful three-month trial in Nairobi.

The new service means sellers can bring their goods to any one of 141 G4S sites in Kenya, from where the packages will be securely transported to a convenient collection site for the buyer. The package will arrive within 12 hours of it being deposited by the seller.

In the past, online shoppers in Kenya have fallen victim to scams by unscrupulous sellers, and this service not only makes sure they receive the items they have paid for, but the use of security questions and ID confirmation ensures that packages reach the intended recipient.

“This partnership goes a long way to deliver our commitment to provide convenient and secure services to our customers,” said G4S Secure Logistics Director, Geoffrey Mwove.

Similar to an existing partnership with leading online retailer Jumia, this new service means G4S is being trusted with the security of people’s belongings and purchases in Kenya on a massive scale.

The new partnership with OLX makes use of G4S Kenya’s existing logistics infrastructure. The company’s fleet is able to transport almost every type of item of any size up to 10 tonnes – from clothes, kitchen utensils and electronics to bulky office furniture and equipment, and more besides.

As well as offering transport security, the other major benefit is convenience for those sellers who don’t have the time to track down a logistics company capable of shipping large or unwieldy items across the country.

G4S Kenya Managing Director Chris Manning said: “This is a valued partnership for us, as it underscores our commitment to improve our efficiencies and quality of service to our customers.

“All our efforts towards expansion of our business are channelled towards providing our customers with value-added service offerings and secure logistics solutions across all our 141 locations in Kenya.”