In the sprawling metropolis of Nairobi, an army of riders on two wheels form the lifeblood of the city’s commerce and connectivity. John Bosco Okenera, a 32-year-old from Busia now making his home in Kangemi, Nairobi, is one of these unsung heroes.
His journey from a security guard to a motorcycle owner is a powerful narrative of ambition. Yet, his story also serves as an urgent call for companies to recognize the true value of the riders who power their platforms.
For John Bosco, being a rider that uses Glovo is not just a job; it’s a life-altering opportunity. He speaks with deep satisfaction about the achievements this work has made possible. “The most significant thing for me has been the ability to buy my own land (shamba) this year,” he shares, a milestone he never dreamed of in his previous role.
Today, he owns his own motorbike, a stark contrast to his past. “A motorbike can cost around Ksh 200,000. As a security guard, that would have been completely out of reach,” he notes.
The transition from employee to asset owner represents a fundamental shift in his economic standing, driven by the unique advantages of platform-based work.
John Bosco appreciates that Glovo provides essential gear, including helmets, bags, and reflectors which he paid through installments. Crucially, he notes that the company provides insurance coverage in case of accidents, offering a vital safety net for riders on the hazardous city roads. He highlights several key benefits, like flexibility and freedom, unlike traditional jobs, he has the liberty to manage his own time.
If personal matters arise, he does not need to request leave; he has the autonomy to decide his work schedule. The ability to receive his pay daily is a game-changer. “My earnings are not withheld until the end of the month,” he explains. This immediate access to cash allows him to address his family’s needs without the long wait for a monthly salary.
He frames riders as both the driving force and key partners in the service. “As partners in the company’s success, we make that final, essential connection to the customer, playing a direct role in smooth operations,” says John Bosco.
For any young person looking to join the delivery sector, he offers a blend of encouragement and stern advice rooted in his own experience.
“It is a good sector, but focus is the most important thing is to treat it as your primary job, the one that supports your life. If you are not serious, you risk everything,” he says.
With hard work and a clear vision, he believes anyone can succeed. A positive attitude is non-negotiable. “If you reject the work mentally, you will never benefit from it,” he says.
Glovo provides the tools, from daily pay to insurance coverage, that empower you to take control of your career.