Looking to earn money online in Kenya? You’re in the right place.
The internet has opened up many opportunities for Kenyans to make extra income or even start full-time careers from home.
There are many legitimate ways to make money online in Kenya. From freelance writing to virtual assistance, the options are varied and accessible.
You don’t need special skills or a lot of startup money for many of these opportunities.
This article will show you 20+ proven methods to earn money online in Kenya in 2024. These ideas a great if you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or professional looking for a side hustle
Ways to make money online in Kenya
1) Work as a niche freelance writer
Freelance writing can be a great way to make money online in Kenya. By focusing on a specific niche, you can become an expert and command higher rates for your work.
- White paper writing: This type of writing is often used in business-to-business marketing and can pay well.
- Fitness and exercise content: Many websites and magazines need writers to create guides on topics like weight loss and healthy living.
- Grant writing: Help organizations apply for financial support by crafting compelling proposals.
- Genre novels: There’s a big market for romance, fantasy, and suspense books.
To get started, create a portfolio of your best work. Look for job postings on freelance websites such as Fiverr and Upwork, job boards or reach out directly to potential clients in your chosen niche.
Improve your skills by taking online courses or reading widely in your specialty. Set competitive rates for your services and increase them as you gain experience and build a strong reputation.
2) Become an online tutor
Online tutoring is another great way to make money in Kenya.
You can teach subjects you’re good at to students who need help. Many Kenyan students look for tutors online, and you can teach subjects like math, science, or English. You can also teach Kiswahili to people from other countries.
To start, you need a computer, good internet, and strong knowledge of your subject. Patience and the ability to explain things clearly are important.
You can find tutoring jobs on websites that connect tutors and students, such as Chegg and TutorMe, or use social media to find students.
The pay for online tutoring varies depending on what you teach and your experience. Some tutors charge by the hour, while others charge per lesson.
To be successful, be reliable and professional, always show up on time, and be prepared to teach each topic well.
As you get more students and good reviews, you can charge higher rates and earn more money.
3) Promote affiliate products
Affiliate marketing earns you a commision everytime a person you refer makes a sale. This way you make money promoting other companies’ products and services.
Many affiliate programs in Kenya offer good earning potential.
To start, choose products you like and know well. This helps you create honest, helpful content for your audience. Look for high-paying affiliate programs that match your interests.
Popular options include web hosting, online courses, and digital products. For example, ClickFunnels offers recurring commissions to their affiliates.
You can promote affiliate products through a blog, YouTube channel, or social media. Share helpful reviews, tutorials, or comparisons to attract potential buyers.
Be upfront about your affiliate links. Build trust with your audience by being honest and providing value. Focus on solving problems and helping people make good choices.
Start small and learn as you go. Test different products and marketing strategies. Track your results to see what works best for you.
With time and effort, affiliate marketing can become a steady source of income. Keep learning and improving your skills to increase your earnings.
4) Sell handmade crafts
Kenya has a rich tradition of handmade crafts. You can turn your creative skills into a money-making venture by selling your handmade items online.
Start by choosing a craft you’re good at. This could be:
- Jewelry
- Pottery
- Paintings, or
- Traditional Kenyan crafts like beadwork or woodcarvings.
Set up an online store to showcase your products. Platforms like Etsy or local e-commerce sites are great places to start.
Be sure to take clear, attractive photos of your items to catch buyers’ attention.
Next, price your crafts fairly. Consider the cost of materials and the time you spend making each piece. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs if you plan to sell internationally.
Then it’s time to promote your DIY items on social media platforms. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are excellent for showing off visual products like handmade crafts.
Also, you might want to consider offering custom orders to attract more customers. Many people love unique, personalized items.
Partner with local artisans to expand your product range. This can help you offer a wider variety of authentic Kenyan crafts.
5) Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs with various tasks online. This job lets you work from home in Kenya and earn money through Mpesa or PayPal.
As a virtual assistant, you might handle emails, manage schedules, or do data entry. You could also help with social media, customer service, or research.
To start, identify your skills and prepare the right tools. A computer and reliable internet are must-haves. Build a strong online profile to showcase your abilities.
Look for job openings on LinkedIn. This platform is great for finding virtual assistant work in Kenya. You can connect with potential clients and show off your experience.
Before applying, brush up on your skills. Read about what virtual assistants do and what clients expect. This will help you feel ready for job interviews.
Virtual assistants in Kenya can earn between KES 1,500-2,500 per hour. This translates to about $15-25. Some assistants charge per project instead of hourly rates.
To succeed, be organized and communicate well with clients. Meet deadlines and deliver quality work. As you gain experience, you can take on more clients or specialize in certain tasks.
6) Start and monetize a niche blog
Starting a niche blog can be a great way to make money online in Kenya.
Pick a topic you’re passionate about and have knowledge in. This could be anything from Kenyan cuisine to local travel tips.
Set up your blog using a platform like WordPress and a relevant pagebuilder like Elementor or Gutenberg.
Your next focus would be creating helpful content that your readers will find valuable. Focus on quality over quantity.
Choose one social media platform to promote your blog. Master it before expanding to others. This helps you build an audience.
Once you have steady traffic, you can start to monetize your blog in several ways:
- Display ads: Join an ad network that will place ads on your site. You earn money when readers view or click on these ads.
- Affiliate marketing: Recommend products or services and earn a commission when readers buy through your links.
- Digital products: Create and sell your own digital products, such as ebooks, courses, or printables related to your niche.
- Offering services: Offer services related to your blog content, such as web design or consulting.
7) Leverage YouTube Monetization
With YouTube you can create videos about topics you enjoy and share them with viewers around the world.
To start making money on YouTube, join the YouTube Partner Program. This lets you earn money from ads shown on your videos.
To join the program, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year. Once you meet these goals, you can apply to monetize your channel.
There are different ways to make money on YouTube:
- Ad revenue: YouTube shows ads on your videos, and you get a share of the money.
- Sponsorships and product placements: Work with companies to promote their products.
- Channel memberships: Viewers pay a monthly fee to access special content you create just for them.
- Selling products or merchandise: Design t-shirts, mugs, or other items with your channel’s logo.
To succeed on YouTube, post videos regularly and engage with your audience. Use eye-catching titles and thumbnails to attract viewers.
Building a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort. Be patient and keep creating content you’re passionate about.
8) Start a SaaS company
Starting a Software as a Service (SaaS) company can be a profitable online business in Kenya. You can create software that solves specific problems for businesses or individuals.
Begin by identifying a need in the market. Look for gaps in existing software solutions or areas where businesses struggle with efficiency.
Develop a minimum viable product (MVP) to test your idea. This allows you to gather feedback from potential customers and refine your offering.
Focus on creating user-friendly interfaces and reliable functionality. Kenyan businesses appreciate software that’s easy to use and doesn’t require extensive training.
Consider offering a free trial period to attract customers. This lets potential clients test your software before committing to a purchase.
Price your SaaS product competitively. Research similar offerings in the Kenyan market to ensure your pricing is attractive to local businesses.
Implement a subscription-based model for steady income. Monthly or annual subscriptions can provide a reliable revenue stream for your SaaS company.
Market your SaaS product through online channels. Use social media, content marketing, and targeted ads to reach potential customers in Kenya.
Provide excellent customer support. Quick responses and helpful solutions will set your SaaS company apart in the Kenyan market.
As your customer base grows, continually improve your software. Regular updates and new features will keep clients satisfied and encourage long-term subscriptions.
9) Do dropshipping
Dropshipping is a popular way to make money online in Kenya. You can start an online store without holding inventory or handling shipping.
To begin, choose products to sell and find reliable suppliers. Many Kenyan dropshippers use AliExpress or DHgate as suppliers. These platforms offer a wide range of products at competitive prices.
Consider starting with a niche market to stand out from competitors. Focus on products that are in demand but not oversaturated in the Kenyan market.
Next, set up your online store. You can use e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to create your website. These platforms make it easy to list products and manage orders.
Marketing is crucial for success in dropshipping. Use social media and online advertising to attract customers to your store. Focus on creating compelling product descriptions and high-quality images.
When a customer places an order, you auto-purchase the item from your supplier. The supplier then ships the product directly to your customer.
You keep the difference between the retail price and the wholesale price as profit.
Dropshipping in Kenya has some advantages:
- It requires less upfront investment
- Offers flexibility in terms of location and working hours.
- You can run your business from anywhere with an internet connection.
- No shipping or warehousing logistics
However, be aware of the challenges. Profit margins can be slim due to competition. You also have less control over product quality and shipping times.
Thus choosing reliable suppliers is crucial in this business as it helps minimize these challenges.
10) Start a digital marketing agency
Starting a digital marketing agency in Kenya can be a profitable venture.
You can offer services such as
- Social media management
- Social media marketing
- Social and search ads management
- Content creation, and
- Search engine optimization to local businesses.
Start by identifying your niche and target market. Focus on industries you understand well or have experience in. This will help you provide more valuable services to your clients.
Build a strong online presence for your agency. Create a professional website and showcase your skills on social media platforms.
This will help attract potential clients and demonstrate your expertise.
Networking with local business owners as well as attending industry events is crucial. Building relationships is equally key to finding clients for your new agency.
You can also use online platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find initial projects.
Invest in the right tools and software to manage your clients’ campaigns effectively. Stay updated on the latest digital marketing trends and techniques to provide the best service possible.
As you gain experience and build a portfolio, you can expand your services and raise your rates. Consider hiring freelancers or employees to help manage the workload as your agency grows.
Deliver results for your clients and maintain clear communication. Satisfied clients can lead to referrals and long-term partnerships, helping your digital marketing agency thrive in Kenya’s growing online marketplace.
11) Offer social media management services
Social media management is a growing field with good earning potential.
Many businesses need help managing their social media accounts and growing their online presence.
As a social media manager, you’ll handle tasks like
- Creating and scheduling posts
- Responding to commentS
- Aanalyzing metrics
- Managinga and moderating Facebook groups, Discord channels, Reddit communities, and LinkedIn groups
You’ll work with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.
To get started, build your own social media profiles to showcase your skills. Learn about different platforms and stay up-to-date with trends. You can also take online courses to improve your knowledge.
Consider specializing in a specific niche or industry to stand out. This can help you attract clients and command higher rates for your expertise.
12) Provide transcription services
Transcription refers to the process of converting spoken language from audio or video recordings into written text.
This practice is essential across various fields, including legal, medical, academic, and media industries, where accurate documentation of spoken content is necessary for reference, analysis, and accessibility.
To start, you’ll need good typing skills and a keen ear. You should also have a reliable computer and internet connection.
Some basic transcription software can be helpful too.
Rev.com offers online transcription jobs to Kenyans. They pay around $0.40 per audio minute, which can add up to $24 per audio hour. It’s a flexible option that lets you choose your projects.
Another option is Verbit. They use AI to help with transcription and also offer captioning work. This variety can keep your work interesting.
Speechpad is another company that hires Kenyan transcriptionists. They pay through PayPal or M-Pesa and their rates range from $0.25 to $1.00 per audio minute. The exact amount depends on the job’s difficulty.
You can improve your skills over time, leading to higher-paying jobs. Some companies offer training to help you get better. As you gain experience, you might even specialize in certain types of transcription.
Remember, accuracy is key in transcription work. Take your time and double-check your work to build a good reputation and get more jobs.
13) Create on-demand online courses
Creating on-demand online courses is a great way to make money online in Kenya. You can share your knowledge and skills with people who want to learn.
First, pick a topic you know well. It could be anything from cooking to computer programming. Think about what you’re good at and what others might want to learn.
Next, plan your course content and break it down into easy-to-follow lessons. You can use videos, text, or a mix of both to teach your material.
There are many platforms where you can host your course. Some popular ones include Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific. These sites make it easy to upload your content and manage students.
Digital marketing courses are in high demand. If you have skills in this area, consider creating a course about social media marketing or affiliate marketing.
Pricing your course right is important. Look at similar courses to get an idea of what to charge. You can start low and raise prices as you get more students and good reviews.
Remember to promote your course. Use social media and your personal network to spread the word. You can also offer a free sample lesson to attract students.
Keep updating your course with new information to keep it relevant and encourage good reviews. Happy students are more likely to recommend your course to others.
14) Become an investor
Becoming an investor is a smart way to make money online in Kenya. You can start by looking into stocks on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The NSE offers a chance to buy shares in Kenyan companies. You can research different firms and choose ones you think will do well.
Another option is to put money into money market funds. These are lower-risk investments that can give you steady returns.
To get started, you’ll need to open an account with a licensed stockbroker or investment bank. Many offer online platforms for easy trading.
It’s important to learn about investing before you begin. Read books, take online courses, or talk to financial advisors to understand the risks and rewards.
Remember to only invest money you can afford to lose. Start small and grow your investments over time as you gain more knowledge and experience.
Investing can be a great way to build wealth, but it takes patience and careful planning. Keep track of your investments and adjust your strategy as needed.
15) Start a recruitment agency
Starting a recruitment agency can be a good way to make money online in Kenya. You can help connect job seekers with companies looking to hire. This business lets you work from home using the internet.
To get started, build a website for your agency. Use it to list job openings and allow candidates to submit resumes.
You’ll need to network with companies to find out about their hiring needs.
Develop a talent pool by reaching out to potential candidates on social media and job boards. When you match a candidate with a job, you earn a commission from the hiring company.
Good communication skills are key. You’ll need to talk with both employers and job seekers regularly. Being organized helps you keep track of openings and applicants.
As your agency grows, you might hire assistants to help manage the workload. This can increase your earning potential.
Building a strong reputation takes time, but can lead to steady income.
Remember to follow Kenyan labor laws and regulations for recruitment agencies. Staying compliant is important for long-term success in this field.
16) Become a WordPress developer
WordPress is a popular platform for building websites. Learning to develop for WordPress can open up many opportunities to make money online in Kenya.
You can start by learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and PHP. These are the core technologies used in WordPress development.
There are many free online resources to help you learn these skills.
Once you have a good foundation, focus on creating custom WordPress themes and plugins. These are in high demand and can be sold to clients or on marketplaces.
Freelance web development is a great way to earn money with your WordPress skills. You can find clients on job boards or freelance websites.
Set competitive rates for your services. As you gain experience, you can increase your prices. Always deliver high-quality work to build a good reputation.
17) Become a local SEO consultant
Local businesses in Kenya need help to get found online. You can make money by helping them improve their search engine rankings.
Some great fields to target include financial institutions, real estate, and tech companies.
As a local SEO consultant, you’ll optimize websites for nearby searches. This includes updating Google Business Profiles, knowledge graphs, and building local citations.
You’ll also help with on-page SEO like optimizing title tags and meta descriptions. Creating local content and building backlinks are key tasks too.
Freelance work like SEO consulting lets you set your own rates and hours. As you gain expertise, you can charge higher fees for your services.
Network with other local business owners to find more clients. Join business groups and attend local events such as WordPress Camps to make connections.
18) Start a directory website
A directory website is an online platform that organizes and lists entries about various subjects, typically categorized for easier navigation. These entries often include links to other websites, descriptions, and additional information about the listed items or services.
These types of websites often lists businesses, services, or resources in a specific niche or location.
You can create a directory for local restaurants, hotels, or shops in your area. Another option is to focus on a specific industry like healthcare providers or educational institutions.
You can make money by charging businesses for listings or featuring premium listings. Some directory sites also earn through advertising or affiliate marketing.
Make sure your directory provides value to both businesses and users. Include helpful details like contact information, reviews, and photos.
Promote your directory through social media and local networking. Encourage businesses to link back to their listing on your site to improve your search engine rankings.
Keep your directory up-to-date and add new listings regularly. This will help attract more visitors and keep businesses interested in being featured on your site.
With time and effort, a well-managed directory website can become a valuable resource for people in Kenya looking for specific services or information.
19) Take on editing and proofreading jobs
You can earn money by taking on editing and proofreading jobs online. These tasks involve checking written content for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Many companies and websites need proofreaders to ensure their content is error-free. You can start by looking for freelance proofreading jobs on platforms like Upwork.
To get started, you’ll need strong language skills and attention to detail. It’s helpful to have a good grasp of English grammar rules and writing styles.
You can find work proofreading various types of content, such as articles, books, websites, and academic papers. Some companies like Scribbr offer online proofreading jobs specifically for academic papers.
The pay for proofreading jobs can vary. As a beginner, you might earn around $12-$18 per hour. As you gain experience and build a good reputation, you can increase your rates.
To improve your skills and find more work, consider taking online courses in proofreading. These can help you learn industry standards and best practices.
Remember to create a strong profile highlighting your skills and experience when applying for jobs. Good reviews from clients can help you attract more work over time.
20) Grow and monetize your TikTok account
TikTok offers a great opportunity to make money online in Kenya. To start, focus on creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Post consistently, at the right time, and use popular hashtags to increase your visibility.
As your following grows, you can join TikTok’s Creativity Program Beta to earn money directly from your videos. The more engagement your content gets, the more you can earn.
You can also make money through brand partnerships and sponsorships. Reach out to brands that align with your content and audience, or wait for them to contact you as your following grows.
Live streaming is another way to monetize your TikTok account. During live streams, viewers can send you virtual gifts that can be converted into real money.
Consider promoting songs in your videos. Record labels sometimes pay TikTok users to use specific tracks in an attempt to make them go viral.
You can also use your TikTok following to drive traffic to your other online businesses or services. Include links in your bio to your website or other social media accounts.
Remember, growing a successful TikTok account takes time and effort. Stay consistent, engage with your audience, and keep up with trending topics and challenges to increase your chances of success.
21) Build apps for companies
Building apps for companies is a great way to make money online in Kenya. You can create mobile or web applications that solve specific business problems. Many companies need custom apps to improve their operations or serve customers better.
To get started, learn programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript. These are popular for app development. You can find free online courses to build your skills.
Next, look for local businesses that might need apps. Reach out to them and offer your services. You can also join freelancing platforms to find app development projects.
When building apps, focus on creating user-friendly interfaces and solving real problems. Test your apps thoroughly before delivery. Make sure they work well on different devices.
Pricing for app development can vary. You might charge per project or per hour. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates.
Remember to stay updated with the latest app development trends. This will help you offer better services to your clients. You can also specialize in certain types of apps to stand out from other developers.
22) Learn, master then invest in forex trading (with caution)
Forex trading can be a profitable venture if you know your craft. It involves buying and selling currencies to profit from changes in exchange rates.
You can start by learning the basics of forex trading through online courses. Many websites offer forex trading classes. These can teach you about currency pairs, market analysis, and trading strategies.
Look for courses that fit your skill level and budget.
Practice with a demo account before using real money. This lets you test strategies without risk. As you gain experience, you can start trading with small amounts.
- Be aware that forex trading is risky. You can lose money quickly if you’re not careful.
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Set strict limits on your trades and stick to them.
- Stay updated on global economic news. These events can affect currency values. Use reliable sources for market information and analysis.
- Consider using a reputable forex broker. They should be regulated and offer good customer support. Compare different brokers to find the best fit for your needs.
Successful forex trading takes time and effort. Don’t expect to get rich quickly. Be patient and focus on learning and improving your skills.
23) Work as a remote employee
Remote work has become more common in Kenya. Many companies now offer full-time jobs you can do from home. This trend has opened up new opportunities for Kenyans to earn money online.
To find remote jobs, check job boards and company websites. Look for positions that match your skills and experience.
Some popular remote roles include customer service, data entry, and software development.
Tech jobs like web development and software engineering are in high demand. These positions often pay well and allow you to work from anywhere with a good internet connection.
When applying for remote jobs, highlight your ability to work independently. Showcase your communication skills and any experience you have with remote collaboration tools.
Once hired, set up a dedicated workspace at home. This will help you stay focused and productive. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and any necessary equipment for your job.
Remote work offers flexibility and can save you money on commuting. It also allows you to work for companies outside of Kenya, potentially increasing your earning potential.
Remember to stay organized and manage your time well when working remotely. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to maintain a healthy balance.
Optimizing your online presence
A strong online presence is key to success in Kenya’s digital marketplace. By focusing on local SEO and building a memorable brand, you can stand out and attract more customers.
SEO strategies for Kenyan markets
Start by researching popular Kenyan keywords related to your niche. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubber Suggest, or Keysearch to find terms people search for locally.
Include these keywords in your website content, titles, and meta descriptions.
Create content that addresses common questions and problems faced by Kenyan customers. This can help you rank for long-tail keywords and establish your expertise.
Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as many Kenyans access the internet via smartphones. A fast-loading site is crucial, so optimize your images and use caching.
Build backlinks from reputable Kenyan websites to boost your local authority.
Consider guest posting on popular Kenyan blogs or news sites in your industry.
Effective online branding
Your brand should reflect Kenyan values and culture while standing out from competitors.
Choose a memorable name and logo that resonates with local audiences.
Consistency is key across all platforms.
Use the same color scheme, fonts, and messaging on your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Here are some more strategies to keep in mind:
- Tell your unique story.
- Highlight what makes your business special and why Kenyans should choose you over others.
- Share your journey and values to build trust.
- Engage with your audience on popular Kenyan social media platforms.
- Respond promptly to comments and messages to show you value customer interaction.
- Consider partnering with Kenyan influencers or micro-influencers to expand your reach and credibility in the local market.