In the world of on-demand delivery services, Glovo has rapidly emerged as a game-changer in the Kenyan market with a commitment to convenience, social impact, and sustainability.
From training couriers for safety and professionalism to empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs, Glovo’s efforts are making a tangible difference in the Kenyan ecosystem.
We interviewed Ivy Maingi, the Interim General Manager, Glovo Kenya, on their impact initiatives and growth strategies in Kenya and the future of on-demand services in the region.
Q: What key milestones has Glovo achieved in its journey in Kenya this far?
A: We entered the Kenyan market with a vision to provide easy access to a wide range of products and services within the city. Over time, we have expanded our services across various categories, including local restaurants, grocers, supermarkets, and retail stores to become a prominent player in the on-demand delivery space in the country.
Additionally, we have initiated projects to benefit the communities we work with. Some of our notable achievements is the Mass Courier Safety Training project in partnership with Nairobi County, a Learning and ​Development Training programs for our partners and couriers to enhance their business acumen and financial literacy. We also recently introduced Glovo Ads in Kenya, allowing brands, restaurants, and shops to accelerate their business growth and engage with millions of consumers and Glovo Local which enables restaurants and retailers to digitize their business. These milestones reflect our dedication to making Glovo an integral part of the Kenyan ecosystem, supporting local businesses, and fostering collective growth for partners and couriers.
Q: Could you elaborate on the goals and impact of the recently launched ​Mass Courier Safety Training project?
A: The Mass Courier Safety Training project, a collaboration with Nairobi County, aims to enhance courier safety and professionalism. It focuses on three key objectives: imparting riding skills, educating couriers in customer service, and providing financial literacy training. Our objective is to diminish accidents and enhance road safety by providing couriers with essential skills and knowledge. This initiative has yielded positive results, enhancing safety awareness and service quality among couriers. Nairobi County’s strong support has enabled us to reach a wider audience, including county couriers. So far, we’ve trained 150 couriers, and we plan to fund driver’s license acquisition for 50 couriers through AA Kenya. Additionally, financial literacy training equips them to manage their earnings effectively and enhances digital literacy for better app usage.
Q: Beyond safety, what other courier development program has Glovo invested in?
A: We have invested in The Couriers Pledge, a commitment by the company to increase the social rights and benefits available to couriers, regardless of employment or work status with the company, launched in October last year. This project has several pillars: fair earnings, 360 safety, community, and equality. In Kenya, couriers have access to diverse learning opportunities, including online platforms and in-person courses covering skills like business, finance, language, and coding. More than 350 Kenyan couriers have used our online Learning and Development resources. Additionally, through our partnership with Tunapanda, an organization focused on digital literacy and vocational training, we’ve already trained 20 couriers, with another 40 anticipated to be trained in late 2023.
A: Glovo has partnered with organizations to facilitate training programs for the couriers. For example, we partnered with the Ongoza Institute, an accelerator for early-stage high-growth young entrepreneurs, and with Tunapanda Institute, a non-profit social enterprise that runs training in extremely low-income environments and helps couriers willing to undertake. Other platforms that collaborate with us are Sololearn, providing coding and programming courses, Busuu, a language learning app and Goodhabitz, a skill upgrading platform. By partnering with these organizations, Glovo provides couriers with valuable knowledge and skills that can help them excel.
Q: Are there plans to scale up the Couriers L&D Training Program and expand training to other locations in Kenya?
A: Yes, we are determined to expand the Couriers L&D Training Program. We’re committed to ensuring that couriers from all locations in Kenya can access and benefit from it. All Glovo app riders, whether in Nairobi or elsewhere, have access to these platforms. While not all couriers currently use them, our goal is to encourage greater utilization to enhance their skills and professionalism, strengthening the courier community across Kenya.
Q: Why is Impact and Sustainability important for a brand like Glovo in a country like Kenya?
A: Impact and Sustainability is fundamental for Glovo in Kenya because it demonstrate our commitment to engaging with and contributing to the Kenyan community. This fosters goodwill and trust among our stakeholders. We also recognize our responsibility to make a positive impact beyond our core business, and impact initiatives allow us to address social issues and promote positive change. Our long-term sustainability goals support the growth and development of our partners, couriers, and the communities we serve.
Q: What initiatives within Glovo’s network are aimed at enhancing the growth and capabilities of partners beyond Couriers?
A: Glovo has introduced various initiatives to empower partners beyond couriers, including restaurants, small businesses, and entrepreneurs:
Glovo Ads: We launched Glovo Ads, enabling multinational brands, corner shops, restaurants, and small businesses to promote products and services on our platform. This initiative helps partners expand their businesses and engage with millions of users across 25 countries, both on and off the app.
Glovo Local: offers digital and operational solutions, dedicated tools for point-of-sale operations, and marketing support to help businesses manage operations, reach new customers, and enhance visibility.
Learning & Development (L&D) Training for Partners: In addition to courier training, we’re committed to enhancing the business skills and performance of our partners. We collaborate with organizations like the Ongoza Institute to deliver intensive two-day L&D training programs for early-stage entrepreneurs in Kenya. Our aim is to empower partners to thrive on the Glovo platform.
These initiatives collectively create a robust and supportive ecosystem for all partners within the Glovo network.
Q: Any upcoming plans or strategies for further expanding and enhancing Glovo’s presence in the Kenyan market?
A: We will continue to focus on exploring opportunities to expand our services to new cities and regions within Kenya. Couriers will continue having access to a wide range of Learning and Development offers, like Sololearn, Busuu, and the second part of the partnership with Tunapanda Institute. We will continue investing in technology and app enhancements to provide a seamless and convenient experience for both our customers and partners, and strengthen our partnerships and collaborations with local authorities, businesses, and communities to create a positive impact. Our goal is to become an even more integral part of Kenyan daily life, offering convenience, reliability, and opportunities for economic growth to all our stakeholders.
Read:Â Glovo, Quickmart To Offer Home Deliveries In New Partnership Deal
