Making money online in Kenya keeps getting easier with plenty of opportunities opening up for both new and seasoned freelancers. With the rise of digital transactions and the convenience of mobile money, many online platforms now offer M-Pesa as a preferred method of payment for Kenyan freelancers.
The good news is that writing isn’t the only way to earn money online in Kenya. You can promote affiliate products, offer graphic design services, or even engage in online surveys. Many Kenyans are familiar with global gig platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. However, these platforms often have steep competition and may not pay well for beginners.
This article focuses on websites that specifically pay through M-Pesa, making it easier for Kenyans to receive their earnings. Here’s a list of seven Kenyan platforms that offer payment via M-Pesa, including opportunities for writers, designers, and affiliate marketers.
1. The Penny Voice
- Niche: Personal Finance, Blogging, Freelancing
- Payment: Ksh. 5,000 per article (1,700-2,500 words)
- The Penny Voice is a blog focusing on personal finance, blogging, freelancing, and related topics. They accept guest contributions and pay writers via M-Pesa. Currently, they’re looking for listicles on topics such as the best freelance writing tools, email marketing tools, and how-to guides for bloggers and freelancers.
- Pro Tip: They only publish four guest posts a month, so make sure your pitch stands out. Review their guest post guidelines before submitting your proposal.
2. The Elephant
- Niche: Politics, Culture, Ideas, Op-Eds, Research-backed Stories
- Payment: Negotiable (depends on the piece length and complexity)
- The Elephant is a not-for-profit organization that commissions feature stories on various subjects, including politics, culture, and opinion pieces. Writers need to pitch a story idea in about 500 words, and if approved, the editorial team will discuss a suitable payment rate with the writer.
- Pro Tip: Make sure your pitch is well-researched and aligns with the blog’s thematic focus. Payment is typically processed between the 1st and 10th of the following month via M-Pesa.
3. Jumia Kenya Affiliate Program
- Niche: eCommerce, Affiliate Marketing
- Payment: Up to 11% commission per sale
- Jumia Kenya is one of the leading eCommerce marketplaces in Kenya. By becoming a Jumia affiliate, you can promote products listed on their platform and earn a commission when a purchase is made through your affiliate link. Payments are made through M-Pesa, making it convenient for local affiliates.
- Pro Tip: To maximize earnings, consider creating a blog or social media platform where you can promote Jumia products through reviews and recommendations.
4. Kilimall Affiliate Program
- Niche: eCommerce, Affiliate Marketing
- Payment: 2%-8% commission per sale
- Kilimall is another major online shopping platform in Kenya, offering an affiliate program that allows you to earn by promoting their products. Joining is free, and approval is quick. Affiliates can earn between 2% and 8% commission depending on the product category.
- Pro Tip: Track your performance using Kilimall’s real-time analytics and focus on promoting high-converting products to increase your earnings.
5. Muthurwa Marketplace
- Niche: Digital Products, House Plans, Design
- Payment: 80% commission on sales
- Muthurwa is a digital marketplace that’s ideal for designers and creatives looking to sell digital products like house plans, design templates, and more. Once approved as a seller, you can create a shop and start listing your products, with Muthurwa paying you 80% of each sale via M-Pesa.
- Pro Tip: You can also earn an extra 5% commission by promoting other sellers’ products through their affiliate program, making it a great option even for those without digital products to sell.
6. Kenya Website Experts Affiliate Program
- Niche: Web Hosting Services, Affiliate Marketing
- Payment: 15% commission per sale
- Kenya Website Experts is a leading web hosting provider in Kenya. They offer an affiliate program that pays up to Ksh. 2,000 per conversion, with payments made via M-Pesa. This program is perfect for bloggers or digital marketers with an audience interested in website hosting services.
- Pro Tip: To maximize your earnings, create content that educates potential clients on the importance of reliable web hosting, and incorporate your affiliate links within the content.
7. Nexbitke
- Niche: Freelancing, Making Money Online, Blogging, Life Hacks
- Payment: Ksh. 0.25 per word (approx. Ksh. 125 for a 500-word article)
- Nexbitke is a blog that welcomes guest contributions on various topics, including freelancing, making money online, how-to guides, and more. They pay writers weekly through M-Pesa, making it an ideal option for those seeking consistent payment cycles.
- Pro Tip: Focus on writing well-researched and engaging content to increase your chances of getting more assignments from them. Make sure to review their contributor guidelines before pitching.
Although the number of Kenyan websites that pay directly through M-Pesa is still limited, the options above offer a good starting point. By leveraging these opportunities, you can build a steady income stream without the hassle of dealing with international payment methods. For beginners, starting with writing gigs or affiliate marketing may be the easiest way to get started. As you gain experience, consider branching out into other opportunities like selling digital products on platforms like Muthurwa.
If you’re looking for more online platforms, don’t forget to search for international websites that accept writers from Kenya and pay through PayPal or other means—many of these funds can also be converted into M-Pesa via third-party services. The key to success is persistence, high-quality work, and a willingness to adapt to new opportunities in the digital economy.
