Affiliate marketing is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to make money online in Kenya. It’s a business model where you earn a commission every time someone buys a product or service through your special referral link. Think of it as digital word-of-mouth, but with earnings attached.
Whether you’re a blogger, content creator, student, or full-time employee looking for a side hustle, affiliate marketing can work for you—without needing to create your own product or service.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down how affiliate marketing works, which platforms to join in Kenya, how to promote affiliate links ethically, and how to earn sustainably.
Key Takeaways
- Affiliate marketing requires no product creation or inventory management
- Kenya’s growing digital economy creates ideal conditions for success
- Top programs include Hostinger, Truehost Kenya, and Jumia Kenya
- Success requires strategic content and audience trust
- Multiple payment methods available including M-Pesa and PayPal
- Ethical disclosure is both legal requirement and trust-builder
Table of Contents
- Why Affiliate Marketing Is Growing in Kenya
- Best Affiliate Programs in Kenya (2025)
- How Affiliate Marketing Works (In Simple Steps)
- Platforms to Promote Your Affiliate Links
- Affiliate Content That Converts
- How to Track & Get Paid in Kenya
- Legal & Ethical Tips
- Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner
- How to Start Affiliate Marketing in 7 Days
- Final Thoughts
Why Affiliate Marketing Is Growing in Kenya
The digital economy in Kenya is booming. With mobile-first consumers, increased internet penetration, and platforms like M-Pesa, affiliate marketing is easier than ever.
Reasons why affiliate marketing works well in Kenya:
- More Kenyans are shopping online (Jumia, Kilimall, travel bookings, SaaS tools)
- Local hosting companies and service providers have affiliate programs
- You don’t need to hold inventory, ship products, or deal with customers
- It’s flexible and scalable: start small, grow big
This model allows you to earn from what you already know or love sharing online—tech, fashion, tools, education, and more.
Best Affiliate Programs in Kenya (2025)
Here are the top affiliate programs that pay Kenyans reliably:
1. Hostinger
One of the best web hosting affiliate programs globally. High commissions and conversion rates.
- Commission: $60–$150 per sale
- Support: Excellent affiliate dashboard
2. Truehost Kenya
A locally-loved hosting provider. Perfect if you target small business owners or bloggers.
- Commission: 10%–15% recurring
- Payout: M-Pesa payout supported
3. Jumia Kenya
The largest eCommerce platform in Kenya.
- Commission: Up to 11% depending on product category
- Tools: Banners, product links, coupons
4. Selar / Payhip
Platforms that let people sell digital products. You can refer creators, coaches, or artists.
- Commissions: Variable (up to 25%)
5. Amazon Associates
Still works for Kenyans promoting global products. Needs a bit of setup.
- Payout: Through Payoneer
- Best for: Gadget reviews, book bloggers
Further Reading
How Affiliate Marketing Works (In Simple Steps)
- Sign up for an affiliate program
- Get your unique tracking link
- Share the link on your blog, YouTube, WhatsApp, social media, or email
- When someone clicks and buys, you earn a commission
All sales are tracked using cookies (usually valid for 7–30 days), and your earnings are calculated automatically.
Pro tip: Only promote products you use, like, or genuinely trust.
Platforms to Promote Your Affiliate Links
Don’t just dump links everywhere—be intentional.
1. Blogging
Still the most effective channel for affiliate marketing.
- Write reviews, comparisons, tutorials
- Use SEO to drive traffic from Google
2. YouTube
Create explainer videos or product reviews. Add links in the description.
- Video ranks well for long-tail keywords
3. TikTok / Instagram
Short-form videos work. Share tools you love and direct people to your bio link.
- Use Linktree or direct DMs
4. WhatsApp Business
Great for micro-influencers or if you have a community.
- Share links in statuses or broadcast lists
5. Email Marketing
Build a list using free PDFs or checklists, then promote useful tools.
Affiliate Content That Converts
Random links won’t make you money. Strategic content will.
Content types that work well:
- “Best tools for bloggers in Kenya”
- “How to start a website in 2025”
- “Why I use Truehost for all my client sites”
- Product comparisons (Hostinger vs Bluehost)
- Tutorials and walkthroughs (e.g., “How to install WordPress on Truehost”)
Structure your posts clearly:
Hook → Problem → Solution (affiliate tool) → CTA
Use CTAs like:
- ✅ “Try Hostinger here”
- ✅ “Sign up with my link and get 10% off”
How to Track & Get Paid in Kenya
Most platforms provide dashboards that show:
- Clicks
- Conversions
- Earnings
Payout methods accepted in Kenya:
- PayPal (Jumia, Selar, Amazon)
- Payoneer (Amazon, Hostinger)
- M-Pesa (Truehost, some local partners)
Pro tip: Set up PayPal to M-Pesa or link your Payoneer to Equity Bank.
Legal & Ethical Tips
- Disclose that you’re using affiliate links
- Add “This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.”
- Don’t lie. Always review honestly.
- Promote only what aligns with your audience and brand.
This builds trust and long-term success.
Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner
- Promoting everything just for money
- Not tracking clicks or earnings
- Not building content around keywords
- Ignoring your audience’s actual needs
- Not reinvesting your earnings
Start slow, stay focused.
How to Start Affiliate Marketing in 7 Days
Repeat. Stay consistent.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing is 100% possible in Kenya. It’s not a shortcut to riches, but it’s a real, long-term online business you can start today.
Focus on helping people solve problems and recommending tools you believe in. Monetization follows value.
Whether you’re a creator, blogger, or just starting out—you can earn your first commission this year if you put in the work.
Want to Get Started the Smart Way?
I help Kenyans set up affiliate-ready blogs, create strategic content, and automate their monetization funnel.
Let’s build something profitable together.
