Roundi vs Uber/Bolt: Why Ride-Hailing Apps Don't Work for Delivery Teams

When Uber and Bolt added delivery services, many Kenyan SMEs saw an opportunity — familiar apps, existing rider networks, and instant access.

But here's the problem: these platforms were designed for ride-hailing, not delivery operations.

For businesses that need to manage daily deliveries with their own teams, the ride-hailing model creates more friction than it solves.

This post breaks down why Uber and Bolt fall short for SME delivery operations — and why Roundi offers a better path.

What Uber/Bolt Do Well

Uber and Bolt have undeniable strengths:

• Massive rider networks
• Instant availability for one-off deliveries
• Familiar apps that customers already trust

For emergency deliveries or low-volume needs, they're convenient.

Why Uber/Bolt Don't Work for Delivery Teams

The moment you need to manage delivery as a core business function, the limitations become clear.

1. Built for Single Trips, Not Multi-Stop Routes

Uber and Bolt think in terms of one pickup, one drop-off:

• No multi-stop route planning
• Each delivery is a separate transaction
• Inefficient for riders doing multiple daily stops

For businesses running scheduled delivery rounds, this model breaks down.

2. You Can't Manage Your Own Riders

On Uber and Bolt, the rider relationship belongs to the platform:

• You can't build a consistent delivery team
• No control over who handles your deliveries
• Limited accountability for delivery quality

If your business depends on delivery consistency, this creates risk.

3. Costs Scale Unpredictably

Every delivery on Uber or Bolt is individually priced:

• Surge pricing during peak hours
• Platform fees on every transaction
• No bulk pricing or subscription model

For SMEs doing 20+ deliveries weekly, this becomes expensive and unpredictable.

4. Minimal Business Tools

Uber and Bolt are consumer apps adapted for business use:

• No delivery team management
• Limited tracking and reporting
• No branded customer communication
• Basic analytics for operational insights

You're left managing delivery operations outside the platform, using spreadsheets and manual coordination.

How Roundi Is Different

Roundi isn't trying to be Uber for deliveries. It's purpose-built software for managing your own delivery operations.

Where Uber/Bolt give you access to riders, Roundi helps you build and manage your own delivery team:

• Hire your own riders and track their performance
• Plan optimized multi-stop routes
• Manage deliveries in real time
• Provide branded tracking to customers
• Control costs with flat subscription pricing

Instead of paying per trip, you pay for the tools to run delivery professionally.

When to Use Uber/Bolt vs Roundi

Use Uber/Bolt if:

• You need emergency or one-off deliveries
• Delivery is not a regular business activity
• You don't need team management or route planning

Use Roundi if:

• Delivery is core to your business model
• You make multiple deliveries daily or weekly
• You want to manage your own delivery team
• You need route optimization and operational control
• You want predictable costs and professional tools

Bottom Line

Uber and Bolt are great for what they were designed for — quick, one-off transportation.

But if delivery is a core part of your business, you need software built for that purpose.

Roundi doesn't try to be everything. It's focused on one thing: helping Kenyan SMEs run professional delivery operations.

Want to Learn More?

This comparison is part of our complete guide to delivery management in Kenya.

Read: Delivery Management Software in Kenya: Complete Guide →