How to Make Money Online in Kenya: 14 Proven Ways to Make Money Online

  • There are many easy & legitimate ways to make money online in Kenya.
  • It’s important to be aware of scams and to do your research before signing up for any online money-making opportunity.
  • Some of the best ways to make money online in Kenya include freelance writing, affiliate marketing, blogging, vlogging and YouTube channels, online tutoring, graphic designing, web development, social media management, online surveys, selling products online, and investing in stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Ways To Make Money Online In Kenya

The internet has opened up many opportunities for people to make money online in Kenya. With the growth of technology and tools such as MPESA, many Kenyans can now earn a living or passive income using the internet from the comfort of their home, office, or a co-working space. Today, let’s look at how to make money online in Kenya by exploring 13 of the best ways including business ideas, ventures, and other online job opportunities you can try.

We’ll also provide tips for succeeding in each of these areas. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just looking for a side hustle, this article will provide you with the information you need to get started.

Making Money Online in Kenya

Making money online has become a popular way for Kenyans to earn extra cash from the comfort of their homes.

Many Kenyans make money by working online as freelancers. At least 1.2 million Kenyans working online, earn an average of Sh20,773 per month. [1]

With the advancement of technology and the internet, there are numerous legitimate ways to earn money online in Kenya to your MPESA straight away. However, not all of them are legitimate. It’s important to be aware of scams and to do your research before signing up for any online money-making opportunity.

Most online money-making sites in Kenya require a few essential elements to successfully work remotely. To work online in Kenya, you need:

  1. Skills: Depending on the type of online work you’re pursuing, make sure you’re equipped with the skills necessary to excel in your chosen field.
  2. Fast and Reliable Internet: For those seeking online jobs in Kenya, a stable internet connection is a lifeline for online work. Slow or unreliable internet can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
  3. Computer: A computer/laptop or smartphone is your primary tool. Ensure it’s in good condition and can handle the tasks required for your online work.
  4. Power Backup: Power outages are common in some regions. Having a reliable power backup, such as a UPS or generator, ensures uninterrupted work even during outages.
  5. Quiet Location: A distraction-free environment is crucial for productivity. Find a quiet space where you can focus on your tasks without interruptions.
  6. Portfolio: Having a portfolio showcasing your skills and past work can impress potential clients or employers. It’s your chance to demonstrate your capabilities and establish credibility

Exploring different ways to generate income online in Kenya is important for diversification, flexibility, increased earning potential, skill development, job security, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Must Read: Top Online Business Ideas in Kenya for Beginners

14 Proven Ways to Make Money Online in Kenya

Here are some of the best ways to make money online in Kenya:

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a great way to make money online in Kenya. And for good reason. It’s easy to get started and an excellent way to earn extra money on the side or as a full-time job.

If you have a passion for writing and a good command of the English language, you can leverage your skills to earn a decent income. The beauty of freelance writing is, it allows you to earn money online and get paid through MPESA after completing your project.

Here are some types of freelance writing you can consider:

Content Writing

Content writing involves creating articles, blog posts, and other types of written content for websites. Many businesses and individuals are looking for quality content to attract visitors to their sites, and they are willing to pay for it. As a content writer, you can choose to specialize in a particular niche, such as technology, health, or finance.

Copywriting

Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive marketing copy that promotes a product or service. If you have a knack for writing compelling sales copy, you can make a good living as a copywriter. Many businesses need copywriters to create sales pages, email sequences, and other marketing materials.

Technical Writing

For students in Kenya, technical writing offers an accessible avenue for income. Technical writing involves creating instructional manuals, user guides, and other technical documentation. If you have a background in a technical field such as engineering or computer science, you can leverage your expertise to become a technical writer. Many companies require technical writers to create documentation for their products and services.

See: A Beginner’s Guide to Freelancing

2. Start an Affiliate Marketing Business

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money online in Kenya because it’s easily accessible. It involves promoting other people’s products and services and earning a commission on each sale made through your unique affiliate link.

To get started as an affiliate marketer in Kenya, you need to select an affiliate niche, set up a blog, choose a profitable affiliate program, choose the right products to promote, create high-quality content that promotes the products, and drive traffic to your affiliate links.

Some of the best affiliate marketing programs in Kenya are Jumia Affiliate Program, Kilimall Affiliate Program, Betway Affiliate Program, Safaricom Affiliate Program, and Betin Affiliate Program.

Here’s the truth: If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick-scheme, affiliate marketing is a no-no. It takes time, around 4+ weeks, to earn money. It’s a great way to make side income online if you already have a loyal reader base that consumes your content. That said, with the right strategy and effort, affiliate marketing can be a lucrative way to make money online in Kenya.

Read Also: The Pros and Cons of Affiliate Marketing

3. Start Blogging

You can make money online from home in Kenya by starting a blog or website. Blogging in Kenya is an excellent way to earn a side income online, especially as a student or stay-at-home mom. Mpesa payments make it easy to get paid. With a blog, you can share your ideas, opinions, and experiences with the world while earning money at the same time. There are two main types of blogging: personal blogging and business blogging.

Personal Blogging

Personal blogging is when you write about your personal experiences, interests, and hobbies. It can be about anything, from travel to food to fashion. To make money from personal blogging, you need to attract a large audience. This can be done by creating high-quality content that is engaging and shareable. Once you have a large audience, you can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

Read Samuel’s step-by-step guide on how to create a website in 30 minutes from home. It’s one of the best assets you can have.

Business Blogging

Business blogging is when you write about a particular industry or niche. It is usually done by businesses to establish themselves as experts in their field and to promote their products or services. To make money from business blogging, you need to create content that is informative and helpful to your target audience. This will attract a loyal following, which can be monetized through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

When it comes to blogging, it is important to choose a niche that you are passionate about and that has the potential to attract a large audience. You also need to be consistent in your blogging efforts and create high-quality content regularly. With the right approach, blogging can be a lucrative way to make money online in Kenya.

Continue Reading: Ways to Monetize Your Blog or Website

4. Start a Vlogging and YouTube Channel

If you enjoy creating videos and have a passion for a particular topic or niche, then starting a YouTube channel could be a great online way to make money.

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, and it has over 2 billion monthly active users. This means that there is a huge audience out there for your content.

To start a successful YouTube channel, you need to have a clear idea of what your channel will be about and who your target audience is. You should also invest in quality equipment, such as a good camera and microphone, to ensure that your videos look and sound professional.

Once you have created your channel, you can start monetizing your content through YouTube’s Partner Program. This program allows you to earn money from ads that are displayed on your videos. You can also earn money through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing.

To be successful on YouTube, you need to create high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience. You should also be consistent with your posting schedule and engage with your viewers by responding to comments and messages.

5. Offer Online Tutoring Services

Tutoring is a lucrative online opportunity in Kenya. With the rise of e-learning, there is a huge demand for online tutors who can teach a variety of subjects to students of all ages. Subjects like mathematics, science, and languages are in demand.

Some of the best online tutoring platforms that you can use to make money include:

1. Chegg

Chegg is a popular online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors across a wide range of subjects. Chegg also offers a tutoring app that allows you to tutor on the go.

2. TutorMe

TutorMe is another great online tutoring platform that is easy to use, and you can set your hours and rates. TutorMe also offers a mobile app that allows you to tutor on the go.

3. VIPKid

VIPKid is a platform that connects English teachers with students in China. As a teacher, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience. VIPKid pays its teachers between $14 and $22 per hour, and you can set your hours.

6. Become a Transcriptionist

Transcription is an ideal starting point into the online job market in Kenya. This role involves converting spoken content from audio or video files into written text. It’s a sought-after service, as businesses, content creators, and researchers require accurate transcripts. Whether you’re a student seeking a steady online income or an individual exploring online opportunities, transcription is a viable choice.

To get started as a transcriptionist, acquire a good computer, headphones, and software. Improve your typing, detail, and language skills. Practice listening to diverse accents and content. Begin with simple projects and advance for experience and confidence.

7. Graphic Designing

If you have a creative mind and a good eye for design, graphic designing is a creative way to make money online for beginners. Especially because it’s a low-investment business that’s easily accessible to students and stay-at-home individuals. Mpesa payments make it easy to get paid.

With the growing demand for digital content, there is a high demand for graphic designers in various industries such as advertising, marketing, and publishing. Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.

There are several ways to find graphic designing jobs online. You can create a profile on freelancing websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, and bid on projects that match your skills and experience. You can also reach out to businesses and individuals on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and offer your services.

To become a successful graphic designer, you need to have a strong portfolio that showcases your work. You can create a website or use portfolio hosting websites such as Behance or Dribble to display your designs. It is also important to keep up with the latest design trends and software updates to stay competitive in the industry.

As a graphic designer, you can offer a wide range of services such as logo design, branding, web design, print design, and social media graphics. You can charge per project or hour, depending on the complexity of the project and your level of experience.

8. Web Development

You can make money online in Kenya through freelance web development. It’s a great way to earn some side income or work as a new full-time job, especially for students. With the right skills and tools, you can create websites for clients.

Web development involves creating and maintaining websites. You can specialize in front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development.

Front-end developers work on the client side of web development, dealing with the visual aspects of a website such as layout, fonts, and colors. Back-end developers work on the server side of web development, dealing with the functionality of a website such as database management and server-side scripting. Full-stack developers work on both the front-end and back-end of web development.

To get started with web development, you need to have programming skills in languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. You can also use web development frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue.js to make your work easier.

Once you have the skills, you can find clients on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. You can also create your own website to showcase your work and attract clients. Make sure to set competitive prices and provide high-quality work to retain clients and attract new ones. 

9. Social Media Management

Social media management can be a lucrative and rewarding way to make money online in Kenya, especially if you have a passion for social media and a talent for creating engaging content. Thus it’s a great online job opportunity for university students in Kenya because of the minimal investment required to set up.

As a social media manager, you will be responsible for creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, and analyzing social media metrics to improve your strategy.

To get started, you can offer your services to small businesses or entrepreneurs who may not have the time or expertise to manage their own social media accounts. You can also find opportunities on freelance job platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

When setting your rates, consider the amount of time it takes to create content and manage social media accounts, as well as the value you bring to your clients in terms of increased engagement and brand awareness.

To be successful in social media management, you should have strong communication skills, a creative eye for design, and an understanding of social media algorithms and trends. It’s also important to stay up-to-date with the latest social media platforms and features, as well as best practices for social media marketing.

10. Become an Instagram Influencer

Becoming an Instagram influencer in Kenya offers a chance to earn money online from the comfort of your home while sharing your passions with the world. With the right approach, you can harness your creativity and build a solid online presence.

To grow as an Instagram influencer:

  1. Pick a niche you love—fashion, travel, food, fitness.
  2. Share top-notch content—photos, videos—with good lighting and editing.
  3. Engage genuinely, building a community by responding to comments.
  4. Stay consistent for ongoing engagement, and set a content schedule.
  5. Collaborate with peers for wider reach and credibility.
  6. Accept brand partnerships aligned with your niche and values.
  7. Boost visibility with relevant hashtags.

11. Fill out Online Surveys

Completing online surveys is one of the easiest ways to make money online in Kenya. Online surveys are readily available and accessible, making it an excellent opportunity for beginners and students.

You can sign up for various survey sites and start earning money by sharing your opinions on various products and services. While online surveys may not make you rich, they can be a good way to earn some extra cash in your spare time.

Here are some of the best online survey sites in Kenya:

Survey SitePayment Method
TGM PanelPayPal
OffernationPayPal, Skrill, Bitcoin
TolunaPayPal, Gift Cards
SwagbucksPayPal, Gift Cards

Toluna and Swagbucks are popular survey sites to make money from home in Kenya that offer a variety of earning opportunities.

Some other survey apps to make money online in Kenya and get paid through MPESA include:

  • MobileXpression: They pay up to Ksh 400 per survey on M-Pesa. Surveys are about 15-20 minutes long.
  • Survey Savvy: Their surveys are shorter, around 5-10 minutes, and pay between Ksh 50 to Ksh 200 each.
  • Valued Opinions: You can do surveys in your free time and earn up to Ksh 500 per survey.

When signing up for survey sites, make sure to provide accurate information about yourself to increase your chances of qualifying for surveys. Also, be aware that some survey sites may have a minimum payout threshold, so make sure to check the payment methods and minimum payout requirements before signing up.

12. Sell Products Online

Opening an online store is a lucrative way to make money on the Internet, especially since online shopping has significantly grown in Kenya over the last few years. With the rise of e-commerce platforms and dropshipping, it has become easier than ever to start your online store. Here are two ways you can sell products online in Kenya:

E-commerce

E-commerce involves creating your online store and selling products directly to customers. This can be done through platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento. With e-commerce, you have complete control over your store and can customize it to your liking. However, this also means that you are responsible for everything from product sourcing to shipping and handling.

To be successful with e-commerce, you need to have a solid understanding of your target market and be able to provide high-quality products and excellent customer service. You should also invest in marketing and advertising to drive traffic to your store.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a unique business model where you sell products without actually holding any inventory. Instead, you partner with a supplier who handles the product sourcing and shipping. When a customer places an order in your store, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer.

Dropshipping is a great option for those who want to start an online store but don’t have a lot of capital to invest upfront. It also allows you to offer a wide variety of products without having to worry about storing and managing inventory.

However, dropshipping does come with its own set of challenges. You need to find a reliable supplier who can provide high-quality products and timely shipping. You also need to be able to market your store effectively to drive sales.

13. Voice-overs: Use Your Voice for Income

Voice-over work presents a unique opportunity to earn income online, making it an appealing option for those seeking remote jobs and side hustles in Kenya. Voice-overs are in high demand due to their versatile applications. As a voice artist, you can work from the comfort of your home and contribute your voice to projects globally. This role involves lending your voice to various projects, such as commercials, animations, audiobooks, and more.

While having a naturally pleasing voice is an advantage, honing your skills is essential. Practice modulation, articulation, and control over your tone. As for equipment, invest in a good-quality microphone and headphones. A quiet recording space is crucial to maintain sound quality.

Find freelance voice-over jobs on these platforms: Best Freelance Websites for Voice Over

14. Investing in Stocks and Cryptocurrencies

Congratulations on reaching the final best way to generate income online in Kenya!

Investing in stocks and cryptocurrencies is an excellent way to grow your wealth. However, it’s important to understand the risks involved and do your research before making any investments.

Stocks

Investing in stocks can be a great way to build long-term wealth. When you buy a stock, you’re essentially buying a small piece of ownership in a company. If the company does well, the value of your stock will increase, and you can sell it for a profit.

To invest in stocks, you’ll need to open a brokerage account. There are many online brokers available in Kenya, such as EGM Securities, Standard Investment Bank, and AIB Capital. Once you’ve opened an account, you can start buying and selling stocks.

It’s important to do your research and choose stocks that have a good track record of growth. Look for companies with strong financials, a competitive advantage, and a promising future. You can use tools like financial statements, news articles, and analyst reports to help you make informed decisions.

Cryptocurrencies

Yes, it’s possible to make money online in Kenya by trading crypto on your phone. Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a decentralized, secure, and anonymous way to transfer value online. While cryptocurrencies can be a great investment opportunity, they are also highly volatile and risky.

To invest in cryptocurrencies, you’ll need to open an account on a cryptocurrency exchange. Some popular exchanges in Kenya include Binance, Paxful, and BitPesa. Once you’ve opened an account, you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

It’s important to do your research and choose cryptocurrencies that have a strong track record and a promising future. Look for cryptocurrencies with a large community, a solid development team, and a clear use case. You can use tools like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, and Reddit to help you make informed decisions.

Start Making Money Online Today

There are numerous ways to make money online in Kenya. From utilizing online earning websites to eCommerce and dropshipping, online tutoring, and even trading crypto, the opportunities are endless. Keep in mind that making money online requires effort and dedication. With the right approach and mindset, you can turn your online endeavors into a successful source of income.

Sam is an experienced freelance writer, blogger, trainer, and internet marketer. His passion lies in helping people like you start a business or side hustle and earn extra money, offline and online. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter

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