With unemployment on the rise in a struggling economy, many people have turned to finding work as food delivery riders, using their bikes as a means of earning a living.
One such man is Julius Kimani, a Jumia Food delivery rider. In a Q&A, Kimani revealed that to get into this business, one needs very little capital.
To begin, one can register with the company and start delivering food on foot. A suitable delivery bag for this venture costs around Sh. 3,500.
As one advances, then can invest in a bicycle whose prices range between Sh. 7,000 and Sh. 35,000 then later a motorbike. He shared that earning potential increases greatly with a motorbike as compared to a bicycle.
Kimani runs his food delivery hustle with an electric bicycle worth Sh. 70,000, which he purchased after starting with a manual geared bike costing Sh. 20,000.
This initial investment was recouped within a month, with profit on top. Kimani explained that service delivery companies pay per order, ranging from Sh. 50 to Sh. 120 for each delivery.
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Kimani advised that to enter the business, one needs to be a skilled rider familiar with the routes in their area. For instance, in the CBD, knowing the buildings for deliveries is paramount.
Some main challenges he faces include drivers disrespecting cyclists on the road, clients giving negative reviews like food being cold, and the risk of bike and phone theft, especially during night deliveries.
Nonetheless, the perks of this business include the freedom to operate at any time, without restrictions on opening and closing. In this business, hard work and dedication count for a lot.
