In the heart of Nairobi, its busy streets see thousands of Glovo riders navigating through the jams day in and day out, keeping the wheels of the city’s economy oiled. Among them is 32-year-old John Bosco Okenera, a proud rider from Busia now based in Kangemi.
His journey from a security guard to an independent motorbike owner is not just a personal triumph but a call for greater recognition of the riders powering delivery platforms across Kenya.
For John Bosco, joining the Glovo riders community was more than finding work; it was a turning point in his life. “The biggest thing for me has been able to buy my own land this year,” he says proudly, noting such a dream was out of reach in his previous job as a security guard.
Today, he owns his motorbike-a big step toward financial independence. “A motorbike could cost around KES 200,000,” he says. “As a security guard, that would have been completely out of reach.” In his case and for many other Glovo riders, the platform has created a path toward economic empowerment through flexible, dignified work.
John Bosco attributes success among Glovo riders to a supporting structure by the very platform they work for. He said that Glovo provides the essential gear: helmets, bags, and reflectors he paid for in installments.
More importantly, it offered insurance against accidents-a factor that had given him peace of mind through the busy roads.
He also enjoys his schedule’s flexibility, which comes with being a rider. Other jobs do not afford him the opportunity, he said, but he can manage his time so that when he needs to be off, he is off. “My earnings are not held until the end of the month,” he says. “I get paid daily, which helps take care of my family’s needs right away.”
To John Bosco, Glovo riders are not just employees, but vital contributors to the business. “We make that final, essential connection to the customer,” he explains. “Our role is central in ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.”
His message to young people looking at delivery work is simple but unyielding: focus and discipline are everything. “It’s a good sector,” he says, “but you must treat it as your main job. If you’re not serious, you risk losing everything.”
He concludes with words of encouragement, emphasizing that hard work and a positive attitude make all the difference. “If you reject the work mentally, you’ll never benefit from it,” he says. His story shows how focus and determination, especially with the right platform, can bring success.
Through Glovo, riders like John Bosco are not just earning a living but changing their destinies and keeping Nairobi on the move.
