Table of Contents
Introduction – How I Got Into the Errand Service in Kenya
I never imagined that I would one day be running an errand service in Kenya, but life has a funny way of showing you opportunities when you least expect it. A few years ago, I was juggling a demanding job, family responsibilities, and personal errands that seemed endless. Like many Kenyans in Nairobi, I barely had time to breathe.
One day, after missing an important delivery because I was stuck in traffic, I realized there must be others in the same situation. That’s when I thought — why not turn this into a business? From that moment, my journey into the world of errand services began.
Why Errand Services Are Growing in Kenya
The demand for errand services in Kenya is skyrocketing. With rapid urbanization and busy lifestyles, many people simply don’t have the time to run errands themselves. Moreover, Nairobi’s traffic congestion means even a simple trip to the market can take hours.
In addition, the rise of on-demand errands in Kenya has been fueled by mobile technology. Now, customers can book services instantly through platforms like the Thoonjo Task Platform, making it easier for service providers to connect with clients.
Lessons from My Early Adventures
My early days were full of trial and error.
Once, I accepted four deliveries across Nairobi within two hours. I didn’t check the traffic situation, and by the time I got to the last client, I was two hours late and completely drained. That’s when I learned the importance of time management and realistic scheduling.
Another lesson was about saying “yes” to everything. In the beginning, I thought the more jobs I accepted, the better. But this only led to burnout and low profits. Eventually, I started focusing on specific errands where I could deliver exceptional service—personal shopping, business deliveries, and home assistance.
Tools and Resources That Helped Me
Running an errand service in Kenya requires the right tools. I relied heavily on:
Smartphone apps for navigation, scheduling, and mobile payments (M-Pesa, Google Maps).
Social media platforms for marketing and client communication.
The Thoonjo Task Platform (internal link to your blog on Thoonjo services) to connect with verified customers.
Additionally, I kept a small but reliable network of fellow service providers who could step in when I was double-booked.
The Tools and Resources I Use Daily
Running errands is easier when you have the right tools. My daily must-haves include:
A smartphone – My entire business runs through calls, texts, and task management apps.
Mobile money apps – M-Pesa is essential for fast payments.
Reliable transport – I started with public transport and later partnered with boda boda riders.
A GPS app – Google Maps saves me countless hours.
The Thoonjo task platform – It connects me with people actively looking to hire someone for errands in Kenya.
Common Challenges and How I Overcame Them
Like any business, my errand service in Kenya had its fair share of obstacles.
Traffic and Delays: Nairobi’s unpredictable traffic often made deliveries late. I started planning routes during off-peak hours.
Trust Issues: Some customers were hesitant to give personal errands to a stranger. I overcame this by wearing branded T-shirts and showing business registration documents.
Scheduling Conflicts: When multiple errands came in at once, I used a booking calendar to avoid mix-ups.
How I Found My First Clients
Finding clients for my errand service in Kenya was all about being proactive. I told everyone I knew about my services. Moreover, I offered discounts for referrals, which helped spread the word quickly.
Interestingly, one of my first big clients came from a Facebook post in a community group. They needed weekly grocery deliveries, and they’ve been with me ever since.
Scaling My Errand Business Across Kenya
After building a steady client base in Nairobi, I started expanding my errand service in Kenya to other towns. I partnered with local service providers in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, ensuring that my customers could enjoy reliable services even when they traveled.
Furthermore, I began offering personal assistant services in Kenya, which included managing schedules, making reservations, and even helping with event planning.
Final Thoughts – My Advice to Future Errand Entrepreneurs
Starting an errand service in Kenya changed my life. Not only did it give me financial independence, but it also allowed me to help busy individuals reclaim their time. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own service, take that first step the demand is here, and the opportunity is wide open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
From my experience, part-time errand runners can earn between KSh 10,000–30,000 monthly, while full-time professionals can earn KSh 50,000–80,000 or more depending on workload and client base.
When I began, I didn’t have a license, but registering my business later helped me attract corporate clients and gave me more credibility.
Absolutely! I started using matatus and boda bodas before eventually partnering with delivery riders. You can still run errands efficiently without owning a vehicle.
The most requested errands I get are grocery shopping, parcel deliveries, bill payments, personal shopping and small business deliveries.
I started with friends and family, then moved to advertising on Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and signing up on the Thoonjo task platform to connect with clients.
I tested per-task pricing, hourly rates, and subscription packages. Eventually, I found that offering tiered packages works best for attracting different types of clie
For me, the biggest challenges were unpredictable traffic, last-minute cancellations, and juggling multiple urgent requests at the same time.
Once I had steady work, I hired and trained assistants, partnered with local businesses, and offered premium unlimited-errand packages to loyal clients.
Yes. The demand for on-demand errands in Kenya is growing as people get busier and value convenience more. With good service, clients often become long-term customers.
Definitely. Many people I know start part-time on weekends or after work before deciding to go full-time once they build enough clientele.
