From Hustle to Hub: How Assembly Platforms Are Shaping the Future of Work in Kenya

As Kenya’s job market continues to evolve, a new wave of businesses is making waves—not by manufacturing products, but by assembling people and services into efficient, tech-powered ecosystems.

From ride-hailing giants like Uber and Bolt, to food delivery platforms like Glovo and Jumia Food, these “silo industries” are transforming informal hustles into structured economic sectors.

They don’t own taxis or kitchens. Instead, they organize independent drivers, restaurants, or couriers under one digital roof, offering scale, visibility, and convenience.

Digital Assembly Lines

“What these companies have done is build digital assembly lines,” says tech analyst Alex Kimani.

“They bring together individuals with similar services, give them a platform to operate, and in return, take a commission. It’s the future of scalable employment.”

New players are popping up in various sectors. Wasili, a Nakuru-based taxi app, has scaled rapidly by onboarding local boda bodas and taxis.

In the cleaning industry, SweepSouth Kenya connects freelance cleaners with households, formalizing a traditionally unregulated service.

Even hairstylists and barbers are joining platforms like Tress and Fixit, where customers can book appointments online.

Empowerment or Exploitation?

While these platforms offer structure and exposure, not all workers feel empowered. Many complain about high commission rates, algorithm-driven punishments, and lack of benefits.

“Some months I make more than I ever did before, but when Glovo cuts their percentage, I have to work double,” says James, a delivery rider in Nairobi. “There’s no union, no safety net.”

Experts warn that without proper regulation, this gig-based structure could breed a new kind of digital exploitation.

Regulation on the Horizon

The Kenyan government has begun looking into ways to regulate these gig platforms. A draft policy on digital labour platforms is currently under review to ensure fairness and social protection.

Meanwhile, local innovators are taking the model even further. Shamiri Health, a startup focused on mental health, is creating a network of trained community youth counselors, while Twiga Foods connects farmers directly to vendors, cutting out middlemen.

The Road Ahead

As internet penetration rises and smartphones become more accessible, more silo-style platforms are expected to emerge. Whether it’s tech repair, language tutoring, or even traditional herbalists—there’s a digital niche waiting to be built.

“The hustle is becoming formal,” says Alex Kimani. “And the platforms that figure out how to do it with fairness will define the next era of African business.”