Tired of watching your data bundle disappear on endless scrolling with nothing to show for it? In Kenya today, unemployment rates and rising living costs have made side hustles more important than ever. Yet many people still believe that making money online requires a powerful laptop, expensive software, or a fully equipped home office. This mindset is costing them valuable opportunities, including legitimate online jobs in Kenya they can explore to earn a living.
The truth is, your smartphone, the same one you use for TikTok dances, sending messages, WhatsApp chats, and Instagram stories, can be a money-making tool if well utilized. With the right apps, skills and mindset, you can tap into global and local markets right from your palm.
Whether you’re a student looking for pocket money, a stay-at-home parent seeking flexibility, or a 9–5 worker in need of extra income, there are many online side husles you can start today with nothing more than your phone and a reliable internet connection.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical, legitimate online jobs in Kenya you can do with just a smartphone, plus tips on how to start and what to watch out for so you avoid scams. Let’s get into it.
Why you should start an online job as a side hustle in 2025
The way we work keeps on changing day by day. Due to internet penetration, which is higher than ever, local and international companies are increasingly hiring remote workers. With this, Kenyans can quickly tap into this opportunity that was once out of reach with just the aid of their smartphones.
Here’s why an online side hustle should be on your radar this year.
a) Financial security
With the rising cost of living, having a side hustle has become more important than ever. Multiple sources of income can help you cover daily expenses and bills with less financial strain. Whether you are a student, unemployed, or working a 9–5 job, a side hustle can fit into your schedule, allowing you to earn extra money in your free time and potentially turn it into a significant source of income.
b) Skill growth and career opportunity
Online jobs can be a field where you learn and polish digital skills. These skills will boost your CV, making you more competitive in the job market and may land you a higher-paying job in the future. Some stat jobs, like freelancing as part-time jobs and later transitioning to full-time jobs.
c) Pursuing passion
Online jobs come in different forms. You might be employed but like to still venture into what you like doing. Online jobs in Kenya offer you this rare opportunity to work on your passion and still earn an income out of it.
Top online jobs in Kenya to earn extra money
Here are some proven side hustles that may add to your income.
1) Online writing and content creation
If you enjoy writing, you might consider writing blogs and articles about different niches of your choice. Apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, which are free tools, may be of great significance. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to apply for online writing jobs from anywhere. Another option is copywriting, where you create catchy captions or marketing text for social media brands, earning KSh 2,000–20,000 per month per client.
With a smartphone you can also venture into transcription work with platforms like GoTranscript or TranscribeMe, where you type out audio recordings for $0.30–$1.10 per audio minute. If you are fast and accurate, microwriting for brands on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram can earn you a significant amount of income.
2) Social Media management
Managing social media accounts for companies and businesses is another booming side hustle. These companies and businesses need an active online presence to interact but lack the time to handle it by themselves due to busy working schedules. You can schedule and create posts for these businesses using Meta Business Suite, Buffer, or Hootsuite. Additionally, you can create photos or videos using tools like Canva, InShot, or CapCut and sell them to businesses for a certain amount of money depending on the quality and agreement. Building your own online presence and having a huge amount of followers on social media may also land you advertisement deals through Kenyan networks like Wowzi.
3) Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from another company and earning a commission on sales made through your referral. Affiliate marketing is growing rapidly due to the adoption and growth of e-commerce. With this opportunity, you can earn an income without needing your own product. To be successful in this field, you need to pick a niche that aligns with your passion. May it be tech, fashion, sports, etc.
Build an audience through social media platforms, youtube blogs or articles. Work on products that you actually use to build trust with your audience. To start earning, sign up for affiliate programs, get an affiliate link and start promoting their products and services on social media. Affiliate marketers in Kenya make about KSH10,000-KSH50,000 a month, making it a hive for online jobs in Kenya.
4) Digital marketing
Digital marketing is high in demand as businesses want to promote their businesses online and reach their audience and potential customers. Skills like search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email marketing and digital marketing could be the right side hustle for you. This is a good option, as many companies are looking to grow their sales online.
5) Graphic designing
With graphic designing you can turn your talent into a money-making side hustle. Platforms like Canva offer some tools that will aid in designing. You can create amazing logos, eye-catching social media graphics, business cards and other graphic materials. Local businesses are in search of visual content for their brands. To begin on this, you will be required to have knowledge of design principles, which you can learn through YouTube channels that are offered for free. As you grow your portfolio, you can charge more depending on the complexity.
6) Online surveying
Online surveying in Kenya is a simple smartphone-based side hustle where you get paid to answer questions for companies and research firms about products, services or market trends. You can join platforms like Toloka, Swagbucks, Timebucks, Surveytime.io or ySense, with surveys usually taking 5–20 minutes and paying via PayPal (withdrawable to M-Pesa), gift cards or cryptocurrency. To earn more, register on multiple platforms, keep your answers consistent to avoid disqualification and ensure you have a stable internet connection for faster completion. The amount paid depends on the platform you are using. This is one of the many online jobs in Kenya that only require a reliable internet connection and a smartphone.
7) Virtual assistance
Virtual assistance is one among many online jobs that are flexible. It involves providing administrative support to entrepreneurs, busy individuals and companies. You are required to handle tasks like
- Managing emails
- Data entry
- Social media scheduling
- Bookkeeping
- Appointment scheduling
When you deliver these tasks with excellence, clients are often willing to pay you by the hour, sometimes at rates that can quickly add up to a substantial income. Common platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can offer this type of online job.
8) Starting a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a type of business where you sell products without keeping inventory. It is gaining popularity as most businesses are looking for ways to sell their goods without the need of a physical store. You partner with suppliers who handle the storage and shipping of products. Your responsibility is to market and make sales of your products.
9) SEO consulting
SEO consulting is an online service you can offer using just a smartphone, helping businesses improve their website visibility on search engines like Google and Bing so they attract more customers. As an SEO consultant, your work may involve keyword research, optimizing website content, improving site speed and creating strategies to rank higher in search results.
You can find clients through Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, or by pitching directly to local businesses with poorly optimized websites. Essential tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ubersuggest, and SEMRush all have mobile-friendly versions or apps, making it possible to work without a computer.
Pay varies widely depending on your expertise and the client’s budget. Success in this field requires strong digital marketing knowledge, an understanding of search engine algorithms, and the ability to communicate clear, actionable strategies to potential clients.
10) Online selling and e-commerce
You can turn your smartphone into a shop by selling products on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Instagram by simply taking clear photos, posting prices, and accepting payments via M-Pesa. Products like clothes, shoes, cosmetics and electronics sell well and profits can reach KSh 1,000–5,000 a day depending on sales.
Dropshipping through platforms like Jumia or Kilimall lets you sell without keeping stock. You only order from suppliers after receiving a customer order. Digital products like e-books, printable designs or online courses can also be sold via Gumroad or Payhip, offering a passive income stream.
11) Start a podcast
Podcasting is among the many online jobs in Kenya that are growing rapidly. You create and share audio content on topics you are passionate about. These topics may include business, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment and many others. You can record episodes using free apps like Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters), Podbean, or even your phone’s voice recorder, and then edit them with mobile tools like WavePad or CapCut before publishing. Once the podcast gains a massive audience, you can monetize your content through sponsorships, listener donations (via M-Pesa or Patreon), and ad placements. To stand out in this field, you will need a clear niche, good audio quality, consistent uploads of your content and engaging storytelling that keeps listeners coming back.
Tips to help you make money online
To succeed and stand out in online jobs in Kenya, you need to keep the following in mind:
i) Prioritize on one skill
When you are starting, it is tempting to do everything. But this will slow your progress. Instead, pick one skill you are passionate about and polish it. Put your focus on getting good at it, build a small portfolio, pitch yourself adn find paying clients. Once you are good at it and the skill starts bringing steady income, you are now open to pursuing other skills. This focused approach builds expertise and makes you more attractive to clients.
ii) Stay consistent
Most people who take online jobs in Kenya work for months before getting big returns, unlike most who give up after a month or two because results are slow at first. Have a clear plan and schedule, stick to it, continue applying for jobs and market your services. Consistency builds a portfolio, reputation and client base and that’s what leads to stable income.
iii) Have multiple income streams
Online jobs may be unpredictable at times. Balance fast-paying gigs like surveying with long-term skills like writing, SEO and e-commerce that build consistent earnings over time. By doing this, you won’t struggle to pay your bills. If one income source slows down, another can step in to cover your expenses.
iv) Use legit platforms
Scams are common in online jobs in Kenya, especially on social media, where fake jobs lure people with “too good to be true” pay. Stick to trusted platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Swagbucks, Wowzi or Freelancer. These sites have built-in payment protection so you don’t work for free. Always check reviews of any new site before joining, and avoid paying upfront fees to “get hired.” Even on social media, verify that a business or recruiter is genuine before accepting work to avoid these scams that may lead to loss of funds.
Watch out for money-making scams
Scams in online jobs in Kenya are unfortunately common, especially on social media, and they target people eager to earn quickly. These scams often involve fake job postings promising huge pay for little work, but they usually ask for “registration fees,” “training fees,” or “account activation” payments before you start
Once you send the money, the scammer disappears with your money. Others include fake data entry jobs where you’re sent large files and told to pay for special “software” to open them, phishing scams that trick you into sharing your personal details or login credentials and payment scams where a client gives you work but refuses to pay afterward.
There are also Ponzi and pyramid schemes disguised as online businesses, where you earn only by recruiting others rather than doing real work, and fake survey or trading apps that show “earnings” on screen but never allow withdrawals.
To avoid scams, stick to trusted platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer or Wowzi and always research a company or client before accepting work. Never pay to get a job, avoid deals that sound too good to be true, and insist on clear contracts or platform-based payment protection. Also, watch out for jobs offering unrealistic pay. A good rule is if the job requires you to pay before you earn, it’s almost always a scam.
FAQs
Which is the most legit online job for beginners?
Freelance writing is one of the most legit online jobs. It’s easy to start with free tools, doesn’t require advanced tech skills, and has a steady demand from blogs, businesses, and content creators. You can begin on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork and grow as you gain experience.
What is the money-making app that pays through M-Pesa?
Legit options where you can find online jobs in kenya include:
- Ajira Digital—Run by the Kenyan government in partnership with various platforms.
- Remotasks – Pays via M-Pesa through PayPal or Deel.
- Upwork—You can withdraw earnings to M-Pesa via PayPal or Payoneer.
- Wowzi—It pays influencers and content creators directly to M-Pesa.
- Patazon—A product review and task app with M-Pesa withdrawals.
Can I get a job online with no experience?
Yes, you can get an online job without prior experience. Many companies that hire virtual assistants don’t require previous work history and provide on-the-job training for the necessary tasks. However, you’ll still need certain abilities to perform well and increase your chances of being hired.
Conclusion
Making money online no longer requires a computer, expensive software, or a professional office. With just your smartphone, the right skills, and a consistent work ethic, you can tap into a variety of online jobs in Kenya that offer steady income streams. Whether it’s writing, social media management, affiliate marketing, or running your own online store.
The key is to focus on one skill at a time, remain consistent, diversify your income sources, and use only trusted platforms to protect yourself from scams. In 2025, your phone is more than a tool for entertainment. It’s a powerful gateway to financial independence if you choose to use it wisely.