A quiet revolution is reshaping urban life in Kenya. Once defined by in-person errands and long queues, city living is now driven by delivery apps and on-demand services in Kenya. From groceries and medicines to late-night snacks, Nairobi and Mombasa residents are turning to digital platforms to save time and money.
Time becomes the new currency
For many urban dwellers, convenience is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. In congested cities where errands can take hours, Kenya delivery apps offer speed and efficiency. What once required a matatu or boda boda trip now happens at the tap of a screen – a clear sign of a rising platform economy in Kenya.
Economic impact and job creation
This shift is fueling a fast-growing digital economy in Kenya. Glovo alone has generated over KES 15 billion in revenue for local businesses over five years, partnering with more than 4,500 stores and restaurants – 80% of them SMEs. The gig economy in Kenya is thriving, supporting over 7,000 riders who earn between KES 25,000 and KES 35,000 monthly, creating vital income in a tight job market.
Not without challenges
Delivery work remains unpredictable, with fluctuating earnings and safety concerns. Yet it offers flexible hours, entrepreneurial opportunities, and access to digital platform jobs in Kenya, particularly for young people locked out of traditional employment.
Cultural shift: Instant gratification
Food delivery is no longer seen as a luxury. Tiered fees, discounts, and cash-on-delivery options have made services more accessible. More importantly, Kenyans are embracing a culture of instant access to goods and services, shaping expectations across retail, healthcare, education, and public services.
Planning for the future
The question now is whether Kenya’s cities can keep up. Urban planning must integrate last-mile delivery networks in Kenya, improved digital infrastructure, and data-driven logistics. Policymakers must also address affordability and inclusion to prevent widening inequality.
On-demand delivery is no longer a side trend – it is defining how Kenyans live, work, and consume. The platform economy in Kenya is not just reacting to demand – it is actively shaping the future of urban life.
[The writer, Caroline Mutuku, is the General Manager, Glovo Kenya].
