The verdict in three sentences
Same-day delivery boosts conversion by 5 to 9 % because it removes the wait, but it costs a 2,000 to 5,000 FCFA surcharge per run in Nairobi. It only pays within a radius under 10 km and with a pre-noon order cut-off to allow time to prepare and deliver. Above a certain daily volume, bringing a motorbike fleet in-house becomes cheaper than paying a per-run provider.
Cost, billable price and margin by zone
Same-day isn't decided on gut feel: each zone has its cost, its customer-acceptable price and its net margin. Bill too low and you kill profitability; bill too high and you kill the argument.
| Zone | Run cost | Billable customer price | Net margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 5 km (center) | 2,000 FCFA | 3,000 FCFA | +1,000 FCFA |
| 5-10 km | 3,000 FCFA | 3,500 FCFA | +500 FCFA |
| 10-15 km | 4,000 FCFA | 4,000 FCFA | 0 FCFA |
| 15-20 km | 5,000 FCFA | 4,000 FCFA | -1,000 FCFA |
| > 20 km | 6,000 FCFA+ | 4,000 FCFA | -2,000 FCFA+ |
The lesson is clear: beyond 15 km, same-day loses money on every run. Better to limit it geographically than to offer it everywhere and erode the margin.
Per-run provider or in-house fleet
While volumes are low, paying a per-run provider stays the most flexible. Past a threshold, an in-house motorbike fleet becomes cheaper — but it ties up capital and demands management.
| Daily volume | Recommended model | Cost per run | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 runs/day | Per-run provider | 2,000-5,000 FCFA | Zero investment |
| 10-25 runs/day | Provider + negotiated rate | 1,800-3,500 FCFA | Volume = discount |
| 25-50 runs/day | 1 in-house bike + provider | 1,500-2,500 FCFA | Switch threshold |
| 50-100 runs/day | 2-3 in-house bikes | 1,200-2,000 FCFA | Fast payback |
| > 100 runs/day | Dedicated in-house fleet | 1,000-1,500 FCFA | Logistics management required |
A bike amortized over 18 months plus the rider's salary yields a per-run cost that falls the higher the volume. Below 25 runs/day, the provider stays unbeatable on flexibility.
Mini case study
Koffi sells electronics online in Nairobi and takes 20 orders/day. He offers same-day within a 10 km radius and bills 3,500 FCFA shipping. Average provider cost: 3,000 FCFA/run, a margin of 500 FCFA x 20 = 10,000 FCFA/day. Above all, same-day lifts his conversion from 4 % to 4.3 % (+7 %): on 500 visitors/day, that adds 1.5 sales at 25,000 FCFA = 37,500 FCFA of extra daily revenue. Total gained thanks to same-day: about 47,500 FCFA/day.
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FAQ
How much does same-day delivery cost in Nairobi?
Between 2,000 and 5,000 FCFA surcharge per run in 2026, by distance. Under 5 km the cost is around 2,000 FCFA; beyond 15 km it exceeds 5,000 FCFA and becomes hard to make profitable.
Beyond what radius does same-day stop paying?
Beyond 10 to 15 km, margin turns to zero then negative. Better to limit same-day to a defined geographic zone than to offer it everywhere and lose money on distant runs.
How much does same-day lift conversion?
By 5 to 9 % in 2026, because it removes the wait that makes buyers hesitate. On 500 daily visitors at 4 % conversion, that can add one to two sales a day.
What order cut-off should you set?
Generally before noon to guarantee same-day delivery. After that, you need time to prepare, batch runs and deliver before day's end; later orders roll over to next day.
At what volume do you need an in-house motorbike fleet?
Around 25 to 50 runs/day, the per-run cost of an in-house bike (amortization + salary) drops below the provider's. Below that, the per-run provider stays more flexible with no investment.
Let's talk about your project. We frame your express delivery offer by zone, with margin calculation and automatic cut-off at checkout. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
