Side hustles in Kenya aren’t just trending—they’re transforming lives. With the cost of living rising and job security never guaranteed, finding flexible, legit ways to earn online is more important than ever.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy degree, a big budget, or a Nairobi office. Just a smartphone or laptop, internet access, and the will to learn. Whether you’re a campus student, a 9–5 employee, or a stay-at-home parent, there’s something in here for you.
Let’s walk through the best online side hustles for Kenyans in 2025—and how to start them smartly.
Key Takeaways
- Freelancing offers KES 5,000 to 150,000+ monthly with skills like writing, design, and editing
- Affiliate marketing can generate KES 1,000 to 100K+ monthly by recommending trusted products
- Content creators earn KES 10K to 200K+ through brand deals, ads, and affiliate links
- Blogging remains a powerful passive income stream when monetized properly
- Digital products provide scalable income with 24/7 sales potential
Table of Contents
Freelancing
Have a skill? Turn it into income. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour connect you with clients looking for services like writing, design, and editing.
Where to Start:
- Upwork – Great for beginners who build good profiles
- Fiverr – Better for packaged services (e.g., “I’ll design a logo for KES 2,000”)
- Remotasks – Easy, entry-level tasks (e.g., labeling images)
Skills in Demand:
- Blog writing and SEO content
- Graphic design (Canva, Photoshop)
- Video editing (CapCut, Premiere Pro)
- Virtual assistance
Potential Income: KES 5,000 to 150,000+ monthly
Affiliate Marketing
This one’s for the sharers: recommend products or services you trust, and earn when someone buys through your link.
Trusted Affiliate Programs:
- Hostinger (great for tech bloggers)
- Truehost (ideal for Kenyan SMEs)
- Jumia (Kenya’s e-commerce giant)
- Selar (for digital products)
Where to Share Links:
- Blogs or niche websites
- WhatsApp groups or statuses
- YouTube video descriptions
- TikTok / Reels product mentions
Potential Income: From KES 1,000 to over 100K/month with traffic and strategy
Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, IG)
If you’re good on camera—or just love sharing tips and stories—consider building a brand on video.
Monetize Through:
- Brand deals
- YouTube AdSense (once you’re monetized)
- Affiliate links in captions
- Selling your own digital products
Niches That Work:
- Study tips / motivation
- Financial literacy
- Skincare / haircare
- Comedy & real-life skits
Potential Income: KES 10K to 200K+ monthly depending on reach
Dropshipping & Print-on-Demand
Sell physical products online—without ever touching inventory.
Tools to Use:
- Shopify (for global reach)
- WooCommerce + Printify
- Selar.co (for local creators)
Hot Product Ideas:
- Custom T-shirts
- Phone cases
- Mugs with local slogans
- Skincare starter kits
Potential Income: KES 10K–100K+ per month
Blogging
Still one of the most underrated digital income streams in Kenya. When done right, a blog can make money while you sleep.
Monetize Via:
- Google AdSense / Ezoic
- Affiliate partnerships
- Sponsored brand posts
- Selling digital guides or services
Great Blog Niches for Kenya:
- Hustles and Money Tips
- Health & Wellness
- Tech Reviews / Hosting
- Lifestyle & Skincare
Need help setting it up? That’s what I do.
Selling Digital Products
Have something to teach or share? Package it. Digital products sell 24/7.
Product Ideas:
- eBooks (e.g., “How to Budget in Kenya”)
- Notion templates
- Resume kits
- Online courses or guides
Selling Tools:
- Payhip
- Selar
- Canva (for design)
- Notion (for planners/kits)
Potential Income: KES 1,000–50,000+ per product
Virtual Assistance (VA)
If you’re organized and reliable, you can support business owners remotely. No coding needed.
Common VA Tasks:
- Social media scheduling
- Inbox and email replies
- Calendar management
- Research
Where to Find Clients:
- Upwork
- Kenyan Facebook business groups
- LinkedIn DMs / cold outreach
Potential Income: KES 20,000–100,000 per month
Online Tutoring & Coaching
Good in math? Can speak fluent French? Know Canva design? There’s someone willing to pay to learn from you. Start with Zoom or WhatsApp video lessons.
What You Can Teach:
- Subjects (math, languages, sciences)
- Skills (blogging, design, SEO)
- Life coaching / career planning
Earnings: KES 500–3,000 per session
Surveys & Microtasks
Not the most glamorous, but it works to get started.
Websites:
- Swagbucks
- Clickworker
- Remotasks
Earnings: KES 500–3,000 weekly
Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are
You don’t need perfect equipment or perfect timing. You need a decision—and action.
The truth is: online side hustles in Kenya aren’t “easy money,” but they’re real money with the right consistency. Choose one hustle, give it 30–90 days of focused effort, and watch what happens.
Every post you write, video you shoot, or product you share is a step forward.
Further Reading
Need Help Setting Up Your Side Hustle?
I help Kenyans build practical digital side hustles that make sense—from blog setup to affiliate marketing to smart content.
