Freelancing in Kenya is no longer just for tech bros or digital nomads—it’s a growing movement. With rising living costs, a highly skilled youth population, and access to tools like M-Pesa, PayPal, and mobile internet, more Kenyans are turning to freelance platforms to earn a living on their own terms. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or working full-time, freelancing gives you the flexibility to earn from anywhere.
But where do you start? With hundreds of platforms out there, it can get overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this detailed guide, breaking down the best freelancing platforms you can join in 2025 as a Kenyan. Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- Kenyan freelancers can access both global and local platforms with M-Pesa support
- Specialized platforms exist for writers, designers, developers, and voice artists
- Success requires a strong profile, niche specialization, and consistent effort
- Government initiatives like Ajira Digital provide training and opportunities
- Essential tools include time trackers, portfolio builders, and payment processors
What to Look for in a Good Freelance Platform
Before you sign up for every site you come across, consider the following factors:
- Ease of Sign-Up: Can you register with your Kenyan details and documents?
- Payment Support: Does the platform allow you to receive payments through M-Pesa, PayPal, Wise, or local banks?
- Job Availability: Are there active listings in your niche—writing, design, VA, video editing, coding?
- Reputation: Do clients on the platform pay fairly and communicate professionally?
- Fees: Every platform takes a cut. Just make sure it’s reasonable.
A great freelance platform should be easy to use, open to beginners, and full of real opportunities.
Top Global Freelance Platforms for Kenyans
Upwork
Let’s start with the heavyweight. Upwork is one of the biggest freelance platforms globally, and it’s trusted by clients like Microsoft and Airbnb. That means there’s serious money floating around.
What it’s good for: Writing, graphic design, admin support, SEO, development, customer service—you name it.
- High-paying international clients
- Huge variety of jobs
- Easy to scale as you grow
- Competitive (especially in the beginning)
- Takes a 10% fee per project
- Your first few jobs may be low-paying
Fiverr
If Upwork is a job board, Fiverr is a marketplace. Here, you create “gigs”—predefined services people can buy, like “I will design a logo for Ksh 1,500.”
What it’s good for: Graphic design, social media, SEO, voiceovers, music, video editing
- Easy to start
- Perfect for creatives
- Global visibility
- Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings
- You need to promote your gigs well
Freelancer.com
This is a classic bid-for-jobs platform similar to Upwork but with less structure.
- Tons of job categories
- Easier entry compared to Upwork
- Platform interface can be messy
- Lots of low-paying gigs unless you filter
Still, it’s a great backup platform for beginners or those with solid proposal writing skills.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is particularly popular in Europe and the UK, but it accepts freelancers from Kenya too.
Best for: Developers, designers, marketers
- Hourly and fixed project options
- Curated projects from clients
- Fewer jobs compared to Upwork or Fiverr
- You need to apply for a freelancer profile approval
It’s great if you want fewer but higher-quality jobs.
Toptal
This isn’t for beginners, but if you’re highly experienced in development, UI/UX design, or finance—you can earn top dollar here.
Why it’s special:
- Toptal vets all freelancers with interviews and tests
- You get access to elite clients and projects
Note: Toptal is invite-only or application-based. If you’re still learning, skip this one—for now.
Guru
Guru is quieter but still legit. It has less competition and works well for long-term gigs.
- Lower fees
- Decent dashboard and project management tools
- Smaller job pool
- Not as popular in Kenya
Still worth exploring, especially if you want to avoid the Fiverr race-to-the-bottom pricing.
Niche Freelance Sites to Explore
Want to specialize? Try platforms tailored to your skill.
99designs – Graphic Design
Compete in design contests or get hired directly. This is ideal for logo designers, illustrators, and branding experts.
Voices.com – Voice Work
If you’ve got a great voice, you can record ads, narrations, or eLearning content.
TranscribeMe / Rev – Transcription
These platforms are beginner-friendly and pay per audio minute. Good if you’re fast at typing and detail-oriented.
Problogger Jobs / Contena – Writers
Bloggers and marketers are always hiring writers. These boards list gigs with fair pay.
We Work Remotely – Remote Jobs
Not just for freelancers—also great for remote part-time or full-time employment.
Kenyan-Friendly Freelancing Platforms
Kuhustle
This is one of Kenya’s earliest local freelance platforms.
Features:
- Local job postings
- Kenyan clients
- Pay via M-Pesa
Pros: Easy to join and operate from your phone. Not as crowded as Upwork.
Ajira Digital
An initiative by the Government of Kenya, Ajira trains youth and matches them to online jobs.
They offer:
- Free digital skills training
- Access to gigs in transcription, customer care, and data entry
- Community support via Ajira Clubs and events
Great if you’re just starting and want mentorship.
Twiva
This platform connects influencers and freelancers with Kenyan businesses.
Best for:
- Content creators
- Micro-influencers
- Marketers
Pros:
- You can get paid for your influence
- Local-friendly (M-Pesa supported)
Twiva is still growing but has a solid future in Kenya’s gig economy.
Freelance Job Boards to Bookmark
If you don’t want to stick to platforms, try job boards:
- Remotive.io – Great for developers, writers, and support agents
- Remote OK – Tech-focused jobs
- FlexJobs – Paid but highly vetted jobs
- Jobspresso – Clean UI and reliable gigs
- LinkedIn Jobs – Use filters: “remote” and “freelance”
Looking to boost your digital marketing skills?
Check out my Digital Marketing Starter Guide 2025 for a comprehensive beginner’s blueprint for online growth.
Tips to Succeed on Any Platform
No matter which site you choose, here’s what separates the successful freelancers from the rest:
- Niche down. Specialize. Don’t be a “jack of all trades.” Be a “blog writer for Kenyan startups” or a “logo designer for restaurants.”
- Have samples. Even if you’ve never worked for clients, create mock projects and publish them on Notion, Canva, or your website.
- Write great proposals. Personalize each one. Mention the client’s project, show you understand their pain, and offer a solution.
- Be consistent. Log in daily. Apply often. Don’t give up after 5 no’s.
- Overdeliver. Deliver fast, communicate clearly, and always add a little extra.
Tools to Help You Thrive as a Freelancer
- Toggl or Clockify: Track your hours
- Canva & Notion: Create portfolios and reports
- Grammarly: Fix your grammar and spelling
- HelloSign or Bonsai: Sign contracts
- Wave: Create invoices
- Wise & PayPal: Receive global payments
- Beehiiv or MailerLite: Build a client email list
Final Thoughts
The Kenyan freelance economy is booming. There’s no shortage of clients, tools, or platforms. What matters now is how you position yourself. Start small. Be consistent. Deliver quality. And learn with every gig.
Whether you want to freelance full-time or just earn some extra cash on the side, there’s a platform out there waiting for you. You just have to show up, do good work, and keep building.
Want to Launch Faster?
I help Kenyan freelancers set up their profiles, create personal brands, build mini-sites, and land their first clients.
Let’s get your freelancing career off the ground the smart way.
