From Parcel Drops to Prescription Pickups—What You Need to Know Before You Book

In Kenya, errands and delivery services are the backbone of everyday convenience. Whether you’re managing a short-stay in Syokimau, running a business in Machakos, or coordinating last-mile logistics in Kisumu, verified runners and delivery pros ensure speed, safety, and dignity. This guide breaks down real costs, service types, regional trends, and how to hire trusted errand runners through Balozy.

đź’° National Snapshot: Errands & Delivery Costs in Kenya (2025)

Service Type Cost Range (KES) Notes
Local Parcel Delivery (within town) 150–500 Motorbike or foot delivery
Inter-Estate Delivery 300–1,000 Includes fuel and time
Prescription Pickup & Drop 200–600 Includes pharmacy coordination
Grocery Errands 300–1,000 Includes shopping and delivery
Document Drop-Off (e.g., KRA, NSSF) 300–800 Includes queueing and submission
Food Delivery (non-app based) 200–500 Local restaurants, estate setups
Bulk Delivery (e.g., water, gas) 500–2,000+ Includes bowser or cylinder handling
Event Errands (decor, cake, gifts) 500–2,500+ Includes multi-stop coordination
Business Errands (bank, licensing) 500–1,500+ Includes queueing and reporting
Same-Day Courier (within city) 500–2,000 Includes tracking and priority
Inter-City Delivery (e.g., Nairobi–Machakos) 1,000–3,000+ Includes fuel, tolls, and time
Monthly Errand Subscription 5,000–15,000 Includes 8–20 errands
Estate-Wide Delivery Coordination 10,000–30,000/month Includes scheduling and dispatch
Emergency Errand (under 1 hour) +300–1,000 surcharge Based on urgency and location
Balozy Verified Runner Booking Free–200 App-based booking and tracking

Source: ,

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s logistics capital—home to high-demand estates, short-stay hosts, and business errands.

  • Local Parcel Delivery (e.g., Kilimani, Syokimau):
    • KSh 200–500
    • Includes motorbike, tracking, and drop-off
  • Business Errands (e.g., bank, KRA):
    • KSh 500–1,500+
    • Includes queueing, submission, and reporting
  • Monthly Subscription (10 errands):
    • KSh 8,000–12,000
    • Includes priority booking and WhatsApp updates

Balozy Tip: Nairobi runners often offer real-time WhatsApp updates and receipts—perfect for short-stay hosts and estate managers.

2. Machakos

Affordable and expressive—Machakos runners serve estates, schools, and short-stay builds.

  • Prescription Pickup (e.g., Mlolongo, Athi River):
    • KSh 200–600
    • Includes pharmacy coordination and delivery
  • Grocery Errands:
    • KSh 300–1,000
    • Includes shopping, packing, and drop-off
  • Document Drop-Off (e.g., NSSF, NHIF):
    • KSh 300–800
    • Includes queueing and submission

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos runners offer estate-wide packages—great for gated communities and short-stay hosts.

3. Mombasa

Coastal errands blend tropical logistics, Swahili hospitality, and salt-resistant packaging.

  • Food Delivery (e.g., Nyali, Bamburi):
    • KSh 200–500
    • Includes restaurant coordination and drop-off
  • Event Errands (decor, cake):
    • KSh 500–2,000+
    • Includes multi-stop coordination
  • Bulk Delivery (e.g., water, gas):
    • KSh 500–2,000+
    • Includes bowser or cylinder handling

Balozy Tip: Ask for coastal-experienced runners—humidity affects packaging, timing, and perishables.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side errands focus on cultural pride, natural logistics, and guest-ready comfort.

  • Inter-Estate Delivery (e.g., Milimani, Manyatta):
    • KSh 300–1,000
    • Includes fuel and time
  • Petty Errands (e.g., airtime, snacks):
    • KSh 150–500
    • Includes purchase and drop-off
  • Emergency Errand (under 1 hour):
    • KSh 500–1,500
    • Includes priority dispatch

Balozy Tip: Ask for Luo-inspired packaging and updates—perfect for legacy homes and cultural short-stays.

5. Eldoret

Known for spacious compounds and farm-friendly errand setups.

  • Same-Day Courier (e.g., Elgon View):
    • KSh 500–2,000
    • Includes tracking and priority
  • Estate-Wide Delivery Coordination:
    • KSh 10,000–30,000/month
    • Includes scheduling and dispatch
  • Water & Gas Delivery:
    • KSh 500–2,000+
    • Includes bowser or cylinder handling

Balozy Tip: Eldoret runners often offer generator-friendly setups—ask for rural packages and travel rates.

📦 What’s Included in Errands & Delivery Services?

Service Element Included? Notes
Purchase & Pickup âś… Verified runners only
Queueing & Submission âś… For documents and licenses
WhatsApp Booking âś… Available for most Balozy pros
Safety & Hygiene âś… Clean packaging, PPE, sanitization
Real-Time Updates âś… Location, receipts, delivery status
Multi-Stop Coordination ✅/❌ Optional for events and bulk errands
Emergency Dispatch ✅/❌ Available with surcharge
Subscription Discounts ✅/❌ Monthly plans available
Fuel & Time Inclusion âś… For inter-estate and inter-city errands
App-Based Tracking âś… Available via Balozy

Balozy Tip: Always confirm errand scope, payment method, and delivery window before booking.

🧠 What Affects Errand & Delivery Costs?

âś… Distance & Location

  • Longer routes cost more
  • Inter-city errands include fuel and tolls

âś… Urgency

  • Same-day or emergency errands include surcharges

âś… Number of Stops

  • Multi-stop errands cost more than single pickups

âś… Item Type

  • Fragile, bulky, or perishable items require special handling

âś… Occasion Type

  • Weddings, birthdays, and business errands may require premium coordination

đź’ˇ Smart Ways to Save on Errands & Delivery

  1. Use Verified Balozy Runners: Compare ratings, speed, and packaging quality
  2. Bundle Services: Combine errands, deliveries, and subscriptions for discounts
  3. Choose Local Talent: Hiring within your town reduces transport fees
  4. Book Early: Weekend and holiday slots fill up fast
  5. Ask for WhatsApp Estimates: Avoid surprises with clear scope and pricing

📲 How to Hire an Errand Runner or Delivery Pro Using the Balozy App

Step-by-Step:

  1. Download the Balozy App
  2. Tap “Find a Service”
    • Select “Errands & Delivery” or search keywords like “parcel drop,” “grocery errand,” “document runner,” or “water delivery”
  3. Filter by Location & Urgency
    • Choose your area and delivery speed
  4. Browse Verified Profiles
    • View ratings, WhatsApp contacts, and pricing
  5. Chat or Call Directly