Online grocery delivery in Nairobi is a growing sector, albeit smaller compared to food delivery services. Some key players like supermarket chains have entered this market with varying success levels. The high cost of delivery, often exceeding KES 100 per delivery, can deter many residents, who may opt for more affordable options like local roadside stalls.
Bolt Kenya has introduced Bolt Market as part of its efforts to tap into the online grocery delivery business. This move aims to expand the company’s services, increase its market share, and position itself as a reliable platform for convenient grocery deliveries. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping for food and groceries, prompting retailers to embrace delivery models to meet consumer preferences for safety and convenience.
Currently, a small percentage of Kenyans shop for groceries online, but this number is projected to increase significantly in the coming years due to the demand for efficient delivery services. Bolt Market faces challenges such as high delivery costs and competition from established players in the market. However, the service aims to cater to upscale neighborhoods where access to traditional markets may be limited.
Bolt Market is initially available in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, targeting customers within a 10-kilometer radius. The service allows customers to order groceries through the Bolt Food app and offers features like scheduled deliveries and a wide range of products. The company is exploring various pricing strategies, including discounts based on order size and distance, to attract and retain customers.
As Bolt Market expands its services, it plans to gather data from Kilimani to assess service efficiency, customer satisfaction, and market viability before scaling up to other areas. The company’s cautious approach reflects the competitive nature of the logistics business in Kenya, where success requires addressing key challenges like high delivery fees and fierce competition.
Overall, Bolt Market aims to provide a convenient and reliable grocery delivery service to customers in Nairobi, leveraging local suppliers for fresh produce and employing AI logistics for efficient deliveries. The company’s focus on data-driven decision-making and customer feedback will be crucial in shaping its future expansion plans and enhancing the overall customer experience.