The dream of earning legitimate income online has become increasingly important for many Kenyans seeking financial independence. While the internet offers numerous opportunities, finding genuine platforms that actually pay can be challenging. In our continuing series on reliable online income sources, today we explore Utest—a platform that enables you to earn money by testing applications and websites from the comfort of your home.
If you’re interested in technology, looking for flexible freelance work, or simply need a side hustle that pays in real currency, this guide provides everything you need to get started with Utest in Kenya.
What is Utest?
Utest is a global crowdtesting platform that connects companies needing quality assurance with freelance testers worldwide. Founded in 2007 and now part of Applause Inc., Utest has established itself as one of the leading platforms in the digital testing industry.
As a tester on Utest, your primary responsibility is to identify bugs, usability issues, and functionality problems in pre-release software products. Companies rely on this real-world feedback to improve their digital products before public launch. In exchange for your valuable insights, Utest compensates you with real money—making it a legitimate online earning opportunity that requires no initial investment.
How Does Utest Work?
The Utest business model revolves around connecting companies (clients) with a global network of testers (you). Here’s the process:
- Client Requests: Companies submit their digital products for testing
- Project Creation: Utest project managers organize these requests into “test cycles”
- Tester Selection: Testers are invited based on their devices, location, skills, and ratings
- Testing Phase: Selected testers examine the product and report issues
- Verification & Compensation: Reports are reviewed, and testers are paid for valuable contributions
When selected for a project, you’ll typically:
- Test specified websites, mobile applications, or software according to instructions
- Identify and document bugs (errors, crashes, inconsistencies)
- Provide feedback on user experience and interface design
- Submit structured reports through Utest’s reporting system
Types of Testing on Utest
Utest offers various testing opportunities based on client needs:
Functional Testing
Verifying that features work as intended across different devices and conditions. This is the most common type of testing and often the easiest for beginners to start with.
Usability Testing
Evaluating how intuitive and user-friendly an application is, often with specific tasks to complete while providing feedback.
Localization Testing
Checking if applications are properly adapted for different languages and regions, particularly relevant for Kenyan testers providing an African perspective.
Security Testing
Identifying potential security vulnerabilities (typically assigned to more experienced testers).
Exploratory Testing
Freely exploring applications to find unexpected issues without following strict test cases.
Getting Started with Utest in Kenya
Setting up your Utest journey requires several important steps:
- Sign Up: Visit www.utest.com and create a free account
- Complete Your Profile: Add detailed information about:
- Your devices (smartphones, tablets, computers)
- Operating systems and versions
- Internet connection types
- Languages spoken (English proficiency is essential)
- Professional skills and testing experience
- Identity Verification: Submit required documentation to verify your identity
- Utest Academy: Complete the training modules in the Utest Academy—this is crucial for understanding testing fundamentals and Utest’s specific requirements
Important Location Considerations for Kenyans
While Utest is available worldwide, Kenyan testers should be aware that project availability may differ based on location. Some projects specifically target Kenya or Africa for regional testing, while others might prioritize testers from Western countries.
Note: Although some testers attempt to use VPNs or false locations to access more projects, this practice violates Utest’s terms of service and can result in permanent account suspension. Always maintain honesty regarding your actual location and testing environment.
Navigating the Utest Platform
After logging in, you’ll encounter several key sections:
Dashboard Elements
- Home: Your central hub showing announcements and available projects
- Academy: Training modules and certification courses
- Projects: Current and upcoming test cycles you can join
- Issues: Where you report and track bugs you’ve submitted
- Community: Forums to connect with other testers and get support
- Payments: Track your earnings and payment history
Profile Elements
- Tester Rating: Your performance score (affects project invitations)
- Device Inventory: List of your testing equipment
- Skills Assessment: Evaluations of your testing abilities
- Payment Information: Your PayPal account connections
Skills Development for Success
While Utest doesn’t require formal qualifications to join, developing these skills will significantly improve your success rate:
Essential Skills
- Attention to Detail: Spotting small inconsistencies and errors
- Clear Communication: Writing concise, understandable bug reports
- Basic Technical Knowledge: Understanding how applications work
- Time Management: Meeting project deadlines consistently
- Problem-Solving: Identifying the steps to reproduce issues
Advanced Skills
- Test Case Creation: Designing systematic testing approaches
- Automation Tools: Familiarity with basic testing automation
- UI/UX Principles: Understanding design best practices
- Mobile/Web Technologies: Knowledge of how different platforms work
Strategies to Get Projects Quickly
To maximize your earning potential on Utest in Kenya:
- Complete the Academy Thoroughly: Finish all modules and practice tests—this greatly increases your chances of selection
- Optimize Your Profile:
- List every device you own, even older models
- Keep operating systems and applications updated
- Highlight any relevant technical experience or education
- Be Consistently Active:
- Log in daily to check for new projects
- Respond quickly to invitations (they often fill up fast)
- Participate in the community forums to increase visibility
- Start with Smaller Projects:
- Accept introductory test cycles to build your rating
- Perform well on simpler projects to qualify for higher-paying ones
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity:
- Submit fewer, well-documented bugs rather than many low-quality reports
- Follow instructions precisely to avoid rejection
Payment System
Utest processes all payments through PayPal.
Payment cycles happen twice a month — on the 15th and 30th.
You must link a verified PayPal account to your Utest profile to receive payments.
Make sure your PayPal account can receive international payments, and that your name matches your Utest account name.
Earning Structure
- Bug Bounties: Payments for accepted bug reports (typically $3-$25 per bug based on severity)
- Test Case Execution: Fixed payments for completing specific test cases
- Bonuses: Additional rewards for exceptional contributions or participation
Earnings Potential for Kenyans
- Beginners: $20-$50 per week with consistent activity
- Intermediate Testers: $50-$100 per week after building a strong rating
- Expert Testers: $100+ per week with access to specialized projects
Exchange rates from USD to KES (Kenyan Shilling) can significantly enhance the value of these earnings compared to local income opportunities.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Utest for Kenyan Freelancers
Utest Advantages
-
Easy to Get Started:
No complex requirements for opening an account. -
Transparency:
Clear guidelines on each project about what is expected. -
Community Support:
Access forums where you can interact with and learn from experienced testers. -
Consistent Project Availability:
New projects appear regularly, offering multiple earning chances.
Utest Disadvantages
-
Inconsistent Communication:
Since communication is handled by individual companies running the tests, some experiences may be very smooth while others may be confusing. -
Possible Payment Delays:
Although rare, some testers have experienced payment delays, mostly when the client delays verifying bug reports. -
Location Bias:
Testers from non-Western countries like Kenya sometimes receive fewer project invitations compared to those from the United States or Europe.
Alternatives to Utest in Kenya
If you want to diversify your testing income, consider these alternatives:
Similar Platforms
- Testerwork: Similar structure but sometimes fewer projects
- TestBirds: European-based platform with occasional projects for Africa
- UserTesting: Focus on usability with video recordings (requires good English)
- TestIO: Another global testing platform accepting Kenyan testers
Success Tips from Experienced Testers
- Consistency is Key: Log in and check for projects daily
- Documentation Matters: Learn to write clear, detailed bug reports
- Invest in Learning: Study software testing fundamentals beyond Utest Academy
- Network with Other Testers: Join local tech communities and Utest forums
- Track Technology Trends: Keep updated on new devices and software
Conclusion
Utest represents a legitimate opportunity for Kenyans to earn income online through software testing. While it requires patience and persistence to build a profitable testing profile, the platform offers genuine potential for those willing to develop their skills and maintain consistent participation.
Whether you’re a student seeking part-time income, a tech enthusiast wanting to monetize your interests, or someone looking to build experience in the global digital economy, Utest provides a structured pathway to online earnings with minimal startup requirements.
By approaching the platform with dedication and a willingness to learn, you can transform this opportunity into a sustainable income stream while developing valuable skills for Kenya’s growing technology sector.
Don’t forget to also check out our other blogs where we guide you on how to best navigate the freelancing market. Also checkout our online writing course where we discuss matters to do with freelance writing in greater detail.