How To Make Money in Kenya | 15 Easy Ways

Earning money online in Kenya is no longer something only tech experts can do. With just a smartphone or laptop, internet access, and some dedication, you can use simple skills to make a real income.

If you’ve been asking yourself how to make money online in Kenya, this guide gives you easy and practical ideas you can try right away. If you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or simply want extra income, there are beginner-friendly options like freelancing, online selling, social media work, online teaching, and affiliate marketing.

The good news is you can do most of these jobs from anywhere, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, or your hometown and many platforms pay through M-Pesa, PayPal, or bank transfer.

In this 2025 list, we share 15 real and trustworthy ways to make money in Kenya. Choose one, start small, and watch your earnings grow over time.

How to Make Money Online in Kenya

Here are 15 easy and proven ways to start making money online.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the most common ways to earn online in Kenya. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you with clients from around the world.

You can offer services such as writing, graphic design, programming, or virtual assistance. Here’s how you can start:

Choose a skill you’re good at.
Create a strong profile on freelancing sites.
Apply for jobs and deliver great work so clients keep coming back.

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2. Online Writing & Blogging

Writing is a big industry in Kenya. You can work on academic papers, create content for websites, or start your blog.

Blogs can make money through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate links. You can do this by:

Picking a topic you enjoy.
Setting up a blog on WordPress or Blogger.
Monetising with Google AdSense or affiliate marketing.

3. Transcription Services

Transcription means listening to audio or watching videos and typing out the words. It’s perfect for fast typists with good listening skills.

Platforms like TranscribeMe and GoTranscript hire Kenyans. How to get started:

Take a free online transcription course.
Apply to trustworthy transcription companies.
Get paid for every audio minute you work on.

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Many businesses hire people to manage their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter accounts.

If you can create interesting posts and grow followers, this can be a great source of income.

To start, learn the basics of social media marketing, offer your services to small businesses, and charge them a monthly fee for account management.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is when you promote products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link.

You can start by signing up for affiliate programs like Jumia, Kilimall, or Amazon Associates, sharing the links on your blog, social media, or YouTube, and focusing on products that people are likely to buy.

6. YouTube Content Creation

YouTube offers plenty of opportunities for creative Kenyans to make money. You can post videos about comedy, cooking, travel, or any topic you enjoy, and earn from ads, brand sponsorships, and selling your products.

To begin, create a YouTube channel, upload high-quality videos regularly, and enable monetization once you meet YouTube’s requirements.

7. Selling Products on Jumia & Kilimall

You can sell goods online without owning a physical shop by using platforms like Jumia or Kilimall.

Start by registering as a seller, uploading clear product photos and descriptions, and using social media to promote your items.

8. Virtual Assistance

A virtual assistant works from home to help clients with tasks like answering emails, scheduling meetings, or data entry.

To start, identify your strengths in areas like administration or customer service, find clients on freelance websites, and build a good reputation to keep getting work.

9. Stock Photography

Did you know that if you take great photos, you can sell them on stock photography websites like Shutterstock, iStock, or Adobe Stock?

A simple way to make money from this is:

Take bright, clear pictures.
Upload them to stock photo sites.
Earn money whenever someone downloads your image.

10. Online Tutoring

If you’re knowledgeable in a subject, you can teach students online. This could include school subjects, different languages, or even hobbies like playing the guitar.

You can get started by joining tutoring platforms such as Preply or TeachMe2, or by offering lessons over Zoom. Once you prepare clear lesson plans, you can charge students on an hourly basis.

11. Forex & Crypto Trading

Forex and cryptocurrency trading involve buying and selling currencies or digital coins to make a profit. While it can be risky, it can also be rewarding if you develop the right skills.

Begin by learning the basics from free resources, choose a trustworthy trading platform, and start with small investments to reduce your risk.

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12. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to run an online shop without keeping any stock. When a customer places an order, your supplier ships the product directly to them.

You can start by creating an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, finding a reliable supplier, and focusing on advertising to attract customers.

13. App & Website Testing

Companies often pay people to test their websites and apps to find bugs and improve user experience.

You can sign up with platforms like UserTesting or TryMyUI, follow the given instructions, and get paid for each test you complete.

14. Online Surveys & Market Research

Online surveys and market research give you the chance to share your opinion on products and services in exchange for payment.

While it won’t make you a fortune, it’s a quick way to earn extra cash. Simply join sites like Toluna, Swagbucks, or ySense, complete surveys regularly, and withdraw your earnings via M-Pesa or PayPal.

15. Podcasting

Podcasting is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya. You can earn from sponsorships, advertisements, and offering exclusive paid episodes.

Start by choosing a topic you enjoy discussing, record clear and engaging audio, and publish your episodes on platforms such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

How to Make Money Online in Kenya Through M-Pesa

Many online platforms let you withdraw money straight to your M-Pesa, making it easy for Kenyan freelancers and online business owners to get paid.

You can:

Connect your M-Pesa to PayPal or Payoneer and transfer your earnings.
Get paid directly by local clients.
Use Lipa na M-Pesa when selling products online.

How to Make Money Online

The secret is simple: Learn a skill, use the right platform, and keep going. Even if you don’t have advanced skills, you can start with small jobs like surveys or transcription, then move into better-paying work like freelancing or online selling.

How Do Kenyans Make Money Online?

Kenyans are using the internet in many ways to earn a living. For instance:

Students are doing freelance writing jobs.
Creators making money on YouTube.
People earn commissions through affiliate marketing with M-Pesa payments.
Teachers are giving lessons online to students in Kenya and abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a living working online in Kenya?

Yes, many Kenyans work full-time online and earn enough to cover their expenses.

Do I need a laptop to make money online?

Not always. Some jobs, like social media management and surveys, can be done using a smartphone.

Is making money online in Kenya legit?

Yes, but you must avoid scams. Always work with reputable platforms.

How do I receive payment?

Most online jobs pay via M-Pesa, PayPal, or bank transfer.

Conclusion

By choosing to write articles, manage social media accounts, teach online, or sell products through e-commerce platforms, there is space for everyone to grow.

With tools like M-Pesa, receiving payments has never been easier, making online work even more accessible to Kenyans in all parts of the country.

Start small, focus on a skill you enjoy, and commit to improving over time. Before long, your side hustle can become a dependable income stream that gives you both financial freedom and flexibility.

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