How to Earn Money with Glovo in Kenya: 2026 Guide
1Introduction
Glovo is one of Kenya’s leading on-demand delivery platforms, offering flexible earning opportunities for riders with bicycles, motorbikes, or cars. Since entering Kenya in 2018, Glovo has expanded to over 25 cities and holds approximately 33% market share in the online food delivery sector, making it the leading platform alongside competitors like Uber Eats and Bolt Food.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about earning with Glovo in Kenya: realistic earning potential in Kenyan Shillings (after expenses), payment methods via M-Pesa, exact requirements, and proven strategies used by top-performing riders in 2026.
2Does Glovo Work in Kenya?
Yes, Glovo works in Kenya as of 2026. The platform operates in over 25 Kenyan cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, Ruiru, Kikuyu, Kitengela, Ngong, Rongai, Karen, Syokimau, Diani, Machakos, and Kajiado.
Glovo has established itself as a major player in Kenya’s gig economy. The platform partners with major chains like Chicken Inn, Carrefour, Naivas, Quickmart, and hundreds of local restaurants and stores. In 2021, Glovo partnered with ImaliPay to offer financial services to riders, including fuel financing, smartphone financing, personal and accident insurance, and savings products.
Unlike Remotasks which exited Kenya in 2024, Glovo continues to actively recruit riders and expand its operations. The platform offers two ways to work: as an independent contractor (managing your own taxes and receiving payments directly from Glovo) or through fleet partners (third-party logistics companies that employ you and handle administrative tasks).
3Ways to Earn Money with Glovo in Kenya
Glovo riders earn through multiple revenue streams. Understanding all earning components helps maximize your income:
Base Pay Per Delivery
The foundation of Glovo earnings is the base payment for each completed delivery. This varies by city and vehicle type, typically ranging from KES 100-250 per order. Motorbike riders generally earn more than bicycle riders due to longer distance capabilities.
Distance-Based Payments
Glovo calculates payments based on Google Maps shortest route. Longer deliveries earn additional per-kilometer fees. This incentivizes riders to accept orders outside the immediate city center where competition is lower.
Time and Weather Bonuses
Glovo offers increased rates during peak hours (lunch 12pm-2pm, dinner 6pm-9pm), night shifts, and bad weather conditions. Rain bonuses can significantly boost earnings during Nairobi’s wet seasons.
Quest Challenges and Promotions
Periodic incentives reward riders for completing specific numbers of deliveries within set timeframes. For example, complete 50 deliveries in a week and earn an extra KES 2,000 bonus.
Customer Tips
Unlike some platforms, Glovo passes 100% of customer tips directly to riders. Providing excellent service, communicating delays promptly, and being professional can significantly increase tip income.
Stacked Orders
When multiple customers order from the same restaurant, Glovo offers “stacked orders” allowing you to pick up several deliveries at once. The app automatically calculates optimal delivery routes, increasing earnings per hour.
4How Much Can You Earn in Kenya?
Realistic Glovo earnings depend on your vehicle type, hours worked, location, and expenses. Here are data-driven estimates for Kenyan riders in 2026:
| Rider Type | Gross Monthly | Expenses | Net Monthly (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Bicycle (4 hrs/day) | KSh 15,000-25,000 | KSh 1,000-2,000 | KSh 14,000-23,000 |
| Full-Time Bicycle (8 hrs/day) | KSh 25,000-35,000 | KSh 2,000-3,000 | KSh 23,000-32,000 |
| Part-Time Motorbike (4 hrs/day) | KSh 25,000-40,000 | KSh 8,000-12,000 | KSh 17,000-28,000 |
| Full-Time Motorbike (8 hrs/day) | KSh 45,000-70,000 | KSh 15,000-22,000 | KSh 30,000-48,000 |
| Top Performer (Nairobi CBD) | KSh 60,000-80,000 | KSh 18,000-25,000 | KSh 42,000-55,000 |
(See also: FAFSA Fraud Kenya Explained 2026)
5How to Withdraw Money in Kenya
Glovo processes payments weekly, making it one of the more reliable gig platforms for consistent cash flow. The payment cycle runs Monday to Sunday, with funds transferred 2-3 business days after the billing period closes.
Payment Methods Available to Kenyans:
- M-Pesa (Primary): Most riders prefer M-Pesa for instant mobile money access. Provide your registered M-Pesa number during registration.
- Bank Transfer: Direct to your Kenyan bank account. Takes 2-3 business days after the billing period.
- Wallet Feature: Manage cash orders and manual cash-outs via M-Pesa Paybill 510800 using your Rider ID as account number.
Cash Orders Handling:
Some orders require cash payment at pickup, drop-off, or both. The cash you collect is deducted from your next virtual payment. Track all cash transactions in the app’s “Wallet” section to ensure accurate accounting.
6Requirements to Get Started
- Age: Minimum 18 years old
- ID: Valid national ID card or passport
- Vehicle: Bicycle, motorbike, or car in good condition
- License: Valid driver’s license (for motorbike/car)
- Insurance: Valid vehicle insurance (for motorbike/car)
- Smartphone: Android or iOS device with data
- Payment Account: M-Pesa registered number or bank account
- Activation Fee: KES 400 one-time payment (new requirement 2026)
(See also: How to Earn Money with Chumz in Kenya: 2026 Guide)
7Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide coverage (25+ cities across Kenya)
- Weekly payments via M-Pesa or bank
- 100% of customer tips go to riders
- Weather and peak hour bonuses
- Insurance coverage while on platform
- ImaliPay partnership for fuel financing
- Flexible schedule – work when you want
- Stacked orders increase efficiency
Cons
- KES 400 activation fee required upfront
- High fuel and maintenance costs (motorbike)
- Physically demanding work
- Safety risks on Kenyan roads
- Intense competition in popular areas
- Earnings vary significantly by location
- Must maintain good performance scores
- No employment benefits (independent contractor)
8Tips to Maximize Earnings
Top Glovo riders use these strategies to increase their income:
- Work Peak Hours: Focus on lunch (12pm-2pm) and dinner (6pm-9pm) rushes when order volume is highest and bonuses apply.
- Multi-App Strategy: Run Glovo alongside Uber Eats and Bolt Food simultaneously to catch more orders during slow periods.
- Accept Stacked Orders: Prioritize multiple orders from the same restaurant to increase earnings per trip.
- Optimize Your Location: Position yourself near clusters of restaurants (Westlands, Kilimani, CBD in Nairobi) during peak times.
- Provide Excellent Service: Communicate delays, be polite, and handle food carefully to maximize tips.
- Track Weather Patterns: Work during rain when bonuses are highest and many riders stay home.
- Minimize Expenses: Use fuel-efficient routes, maintain your vehicle regularly to avoid costly repairs, and track all deductible expenses.
- Join Rider Communities: WhatsApp groups share real-time information about high-demand areas and promotions.
(See also: How to Earn Money with Cashlink Agencies in Kenya: 2026 Guide)
9Frequently Asked Questions
Full-time motorbike riders working 8-10 hours typically earn KES 1,500-3,000 gross per day. After fuel and expenses, net earnings are KES 1,000-2,000. Bicycle riders earn KES 800-1,500 gross per day with minimal expenses.
Yes, Glovo pays riders weekly via M-Pesa or bank transfer. M-Pesa is the preferred method for most Kenyan riders due to instant access to funds. You can also use the Wallet feature to manage cash orders and make manual withdrawals.
You need: valid ID (18+ years), a bicycle/motorbike/car in good condition, driver’s license and insurance (for motorized vehicles), smartphone with data, and KES 400 activation fee. Register at couriers.glovoapp.com, upload documents, and wait 3-7 days for approval.
Glovo has wider coverage (25+ cities vs Uber Eats’ 7 cities) and offers more than just food (groceries, packages, “Anything” category). Uber Eats has more restaurant variety in Nairobi. Most successful riders work on both platforms simultaneously to maximize orders.
Yes, through the ImaliPay partnership, Glovo riders can access fuel financing, smartphone financing, personal and accident insurance, and savings products. This helps riders manage cash flow and access credit previously unavailable to gig workers.
10Final Verdict: Is It Worth It in Kenya?
Yes, Glovo is worth it for Kenyans seeking flexible gig work in 2026, provided you approach it with realistic expectations and proper cost management.
For motorbike owners willing to work 40-50 hours weekly, Glovo offers net earnings of KES 30,000-48,000 monthly – comparable to entry-level formal employment but with greater flexibility. Bicycle riders in dense urban areas can earn KES 20,000-30,000 with minimal operating costs.
Success requires strategy: work peak hours, multi-app with competitors, maintain your vehicle meticulously, and prioritize safety over speed. The KES 400 activation fee is a minor barrier compared to the earning potential. With ImaliPay financial services, insurance coverage, and weekly M-Pesa payments, Glovo has matured into one of Kenya’s most reliable gig platforms.
Maximize Your Income: Combine These Platforms
Don’t rely on Glovo alone. Successful gig workers multi-app:
Sources and References
- Wealthy Kenyans – “How to Make Money with Glovo in Kenya: 2026 Complete Guide”
- Business Radar – “How to Join Glovo as a Rider in Kenya: Everything You Need to Know”
- Bizna Kenya – “Requirements to register as Glovo rider in Kenya, salary details”
- Glovo Official – “Become a Rider with Glovo | Stable Work & Weekly Earnings”
- Glovo Rider Hub – “Getting started | Glovo Kenya”
- Glovo Rider Hub – “Introduction to the Wallet | Glovo Kenya”
- Local Listing Dealz – “Food Delivery Business Kenya 2026: Complete Guide”
- Glassdoor – “Glovo Courier Driver Salaries in Nairobi”
- MySalaryScale – “Delivery Man Salaries at Glovo, Kenya”