The ride-hailing service Bolt has broadened its offerings by teaming up with Quickmart Supermarkets, enabling customers to purchase groceries and household items through the Bolt application.
Announced on June 4, the partnership gives customers access to over 12,000 products from more than 60 Quickmart locations across the country. Orders placed through the Bolt Food app are delivered directly to customers’ homes within minutes.
This expansion marks Bolt Food’s entry into the rapidly expanding on-demand retail market, where consumers can purchase fresh foods, beverages, wellness products, and household supplies with doorstep delivery.
This strategic move represents a significant advancement in Bolt Food’s transformation into a comprehensive platform addressing daily consumer requirements beyond restaurant meals.
Ali Zaryab, General Manager of Bolt Food for Kenya and Ghana, stated that the partnership aligns with the company’s vision of convenience and digital innovation. “This partnership is a significant step in how we are evolving Bolt Food, from a food delivery service to a platform that supports everyday needs,” Zaryab explained. “By collaborating with trusted brands such as Quickmart, we’re making it easier for customers to shop conveniently, and for our partners to reach more households through digital channels. We’re also creating additional earning opportunities for our courier community.”
Quickmart, marking 20 years in business, noted that the partnership reinforces its dedication to convenience-focused retail operations. Betty Wamaitha, Chief Marketing Officer at Quickmart, emphasized that the collaboration will improve shopping accessibility throughout the nation. “As Quickmart celebrates 20 years of serving Kenyan households, this partnership with Bolt Food is a powerful step in delivering on our promise of convenience,” Wamaitha stated. “By enabling customers to access Quickmart’s wide range of quality goods and services through on-demand delivery, we are making everyday shopping easier, faster, and more accessible.” With approximately 70 stores across the country, Quickmart anticipates the partnership will improve customer satisfaction while extending its digital presence.
The service launch coincides with Kenya’s expanding digital economy, where platform-based services are increasingly important for employment and income creation. The Bolt-Ipsos Gig Economy Report indicates that this sector supports approximately 1.5 million workers and generates over Ksh 100 billion yearly for the economy, with many individuals depending on these platforms as their main income source.