10 February 2026
10 Best Side Hustles in Kenya That Pay Through M-Pesa (2026 Guide)
Are you looking for side hustles in Kenya that pay through M-Pesa? You’re not alone. With the rising cost of living and limited formal employment opportunities, thousands of Kenyans are turning to side hustles to supplement their income.
The good news? You don’t need a degree, huge capital, or expensive equipment to start. With just a smartphone, internet connection, and the convenience of M-Pesa, you can begin earning extra income today.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the 10 best side hustles in Kenya that actually pay through M-Pesa — tested, verified, and earning Kenyans anywhere from KES 10,000 to KES 150,000+ monthly.
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✅ Why Side Hustles That Pay Through M-Pesa Are Perfect for Kenyans
Before we dive into the list, here’s why M-Pesa-based side hustles are dominating in 2026:
🔸 Instant Payments — Get paid immediately to your M-Pesa without waiting for bank clearances
🔸 No Bank Account Needed — Over 30 million Kenyans use M-Pesa; you probably already have an account
🔸 Low Entry Barriers — Most side hustles require zero to minimal capital to start
🔸 Flexibility — Work from anywhere, anytime — perfect for students, parents, and 9-to-5 employees
🔸 Multiple Income Streams — Stack 2-3 side hustles to earn KES 20,000-50,000+ monthly
🔸 Proven Success Stories — Thousands of Kenyans are already earning consistently through these hustles
According to recent data, over 45 million Kenyans are now online, and M-Pesa processes millions of transactions daily. This creates the perfect ecosystem for digital and physical side hustles that pay instantly.
🔟 10 Best Side Hustles in Kenya That Pay Through M-Pesa
1. Freelance Writing — Earn KES 20,000-120,000/Month
What It Is:
Create content (blog posts, articles, social media posts, product descriptions) for businesses and websites. Kenyan writers are earning anywhere from KES 150 to KES 5,000 per hour depending on experience and niche.
Why It Pays Well:
Content is king. Every business needs written content for websites, blogs, marketing, and social media. The demand is endless, and you can work from anywhere.
How to Get Started:
- Choose your niche: Tech, finance, health, travel, or academic writing
- Create writing samples: Start a blog or write 3-5 sample articles
- Join platforms:
- Upwork (pays directly to M-Pesa for Kenyan freelancers)
- Fiverr (PayPal → M-Pesa conversion)
- Writers Admin (direct M-Pesa payments)
- Writers Thrive (KES 300 per 500 words, M-Pesa payments)
M-Pesa Payment Process:
- Upwork: Direct M-Pesa withdrawal (max 70,000 KES per transaction)
- Other platforms: PayPal → M-Pesa via Safaricom app (2-24 hours)
Realistic Earnings:
- Beginner: KES 20,000-40,000/month (KES 300-500 per 500 words)
- Intermediate: KES 50,000-80,000/month (KES 1,000-2,000 per article)
- Expert: KES 100,000-200,000+/month (KES 5,000-15,000 per article)
Skills Needed: Good English, research skills, basic SEO knowledge
Tools Required: Laptop/smartphone, internet, Grammarly (free version)
Success Tip: Specialize in a high-paying niche like SaaS, finance, or technical writing to command premium rates.
➡️ Read: Complete Guide to Freelance Writing in Kenya
2. Online Surveys (JamboSurveys, GeoPoll, Triaba) — Earn KES 2,000-6,000/Month
What It Is:
Answer market research questions about products, services, and consumer behavior. Companies pay for your opinions to improve their offerings.
Why It’s Popular:
Zero skills required. Anyone with a smartphone can start immediately. Perfect for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone with 15-30 minutes of free time daily.
Best Platforms:
1. GeoPoll (Direct M-Pesa)
- Pay: KES 10-50 per survey
- SMS-based (no internet required)
- Instant M-Pesa payments
2. JamboSurveys Kenya (PayPal → M-Pesa)
- Pay: KES 100-600 per survey
- Kenyan-focused surveys
- Minimum payout: $15 (KES 2,000)
3. Triaba (M-Pesa via gift cards)
- Pay: As low as KES 100
- International surveys
- Regular opportunities
M-Pesa Payment:
- GeoPoll: Direct instant M-Pesa
- JamboSurveys: PayPal → M-Pesa (via Safaricom app)
- Triaba: M-Pesa gift cards or via Cint
Realistic Earnings:
- 3-5 surveys per week: KES 2,000-4,000/month
- 1-2 surveys daily: KES 5,000-8,000/month
Pro Strategy: Sign up for all three platforms to maximize opportunities. Use JamboSurveys for high-paying surveys, GeoPoll for daily small earnings.
➡️ Read: Top 10 Survey Sites That Pay Through M-Pesa
3. Virtual Assistance — Earn KES 30,000-100,000/Month
What It Is:
Provide administrative support remotely — manage emails, schedule appointments, handle social media, book travel, or do data entry for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Why It Pays Well:
Businesses need help but don’t want full-time employees. Virtual assistants fill this gap perfectly. High demand from US, UK, and Kenyan businesses.
Tasks You’ll Handle:
- Email management and responses
- Calendar scheduling
- Social media management
- Data entry and research
- Customer service support
- Basic bookkeeping
Where to Find Jobs:
- Upwork (direct M-Pesa withdrawal)
- Fiverr (PayPal → M-Pesa)
- Remote.co
- LinkedIn (search “virtual assistant Kenya”)
- Kenyan Facebook groups (direct M-Pesa from local clients)
M-Pesa Payment:
- International clients: PayPal/Wise → M-Pesa
- Local Kenyan clients: Direct M-Pesa payment (instant)
Realistic Earnings:
- Part-time (10-15 hrs/week): KES 30,000-50,000/month
- Full-time (30+ hrs/week): KES 80,000-150,000/month
Skills Needed: Organization, communication, basic computer skills (Excel, Google Suite)
Success Tip: Specialize in one area (e.g., social media VA, email management VA) to charge higher rates.
4. Social Media Management — Earn KES 25,000-150,000/Month
What It Is:
Manage social media accounts for businesses — create content, schedule posts, engage with followers, and grow their online presence.
Why It’s Lucrative:
Every business needs a social media presence, but most business owners don’t have time or skills to manage it. That’s where you come in.
What You’ll Do:
- Create and schedule posts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok)
- Design graphics (using Canva)
- Write captions and hashtags
- Respond to comments and messages
- Analyze performance metrics
- Run basic ad campaigns
How to Get Clients:
- Start by managing accounts for friends/family for free (build portfolio)
- Post your services in local business WhatsApp groups
- Reach out to small businesses in your area
- Join Kenyan freelancing Facebook groups
- Use Fiverr and Upwork for international clients
M-Pesa Payment:
- Local businesses: Direct M-Pesa (instant)
- International clients: PayPal → M-Pesa
Realistic Earnings:
- 1 client (small business): KES 10,000-20,000/month
- 3-5 clients: KES 40,000-80,000/month
- 10+ clients or agencies: KES 100,000-200,000+/month
Tools Needed: Canva (free), scheduling tools (Buffer free plan), smartphone
Success Story: Mary from Nairobi started with one salon in her neighborhood. Six months later, she manages 12 local businesses and earns KES 95,000 monthly via M-Pesa.
5. M-Pesa Agent Business — Earn KES 30,000-80,000/Month
What It Is:
Become a registered M-Pesa agent and earn commissions on transactions — deposits, withdrawals, airtime, bill payments.
Why It’s Profitable:
M-Pesa is essential in Kenya. Everyone uses it daily. High-traffic locations guarantee consistent earnings.
Startup Requirements:
- Float capital: KES 50,000-100,000 (more = more transactions)
- Registration: Register as Safaricom M-Pesa agent
- Location: High-traffic area (market, bus stop, residential area)
- Equipment: Smartphone, lockable kiosk/space
How You Earn:
- Deposits: KES 3-10 commission per transaction
- Withdrawals: KES 10-30 commission per transaction
- Bill payments: KES 5-15 commission
- Airtime: Small margin per purchase
M-Pesa Payment:
Your earnings accumulate in your M-Pesa agent account. Withdraw to your personal M-Pesa anytime.
Realistic Earnings:
- 50 transactions/day: KES 30,000-50,000/month
- 150+ transactions/day (busy location): KES 60,000-100,000+/month
Best Locations:
- Near markets (Gikomba, Wakulima)
- University/college areas
- Residential estates
- Bus terminals
Success Tip: Offer additional services (bill payments, airtime) to increase transaction volume and commissions.
6. Selling on Jumia, Jiji, or Facebook Marketplace — Earn KES 20,000-100,000+/Month
What It Is:
Sell products online without owning inventory. Use dropshipping, reselling, or source products locally and list them on Kenyan e-commerce platforms.
Popular Products:
- Phone accessories (cases, chargers, earphones)
- Beauty products (makeup, skincare)
- Fashion (clothes, shoes, bags from Gikomba)
- Electronics (power banks, speakers)
- Home items (kitchenware, decor)
Where to Sell:
- Jumia (established e-commerce platform)
- Jiji (easy listing, direct customer contact)
- Facebook Marketplace (free, massive audience)
- Instagram (visual products like fashion, beauty)
- WhatsApp Business (direct sales)
M-Pesa Payment:
- Customers pay directly to your M-Pesa
- Some platforms (Jumia) hold payment until delivery confirmation
- Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp: Instant M-Pesa payment
Two Business Models:
1. Dropshipping (Zero inventory)
- List products without buying them
- When customer orders, source from supplier (China, Nairobi)
- Supplier ships, you keep the profit margin
2. Reselling (Small inventory)
- Buy items in bulk (Gikomba, China Square)
- Mark up 30-100%
- Sell online, deliver, get M-Pesa payment
Realistic Earnings:
- Part-time (5-10 sales/week): KES 20,000-40,000/month
- Active seller (20+ sales/week): KES 60,000-120,000/month
- Full-time business: KES 150,000+/month
Startup Capital: KES 5,000-50,000 (start small, reinvest profits)
Success Tip: Focus on trending, high-demand items. Use Instagram Reels and TikTok to showcase products.
7. Graphic Design (Logos, Flyers, Social Media Posts) — Earn KES 25,000-150,000/Month
What It Is:
Create visual designs for businesses — logos, flyers, social media graphics, posters, business cards, banners.
Why It’s In Demand:
Every business needs visual content. From small shops to online businesses, everyone needs graphics. You don’t need fancy software — Canva Pro works perfectly.
Services to Offer:
- Logo design (KES 1,000-10,000 per logo)
- Social media graphics (KES 500-2,000 per post)
- Flyers and posters (KES 1,000-5,000 each)
- Business cards (KES 500-2,000 per design)
- Event banners (KES 2,000-10,000)
Where to Find Clients:
- Local businesses in your area (direct M-Pesa payment)
- Fiverr (international clients, PayPal → M-Pesa)
- 99designs (design competitions)
- Kenyan Facebook groups (instant M-Pesa payment)
- Instagram/TikTok (showcase your work)
M-Pesa Payment:
- Local clients: Direct M-Pesa (50% deposit, 50% on delivery)
- International: PayPal/Payoneer → M-Pesa
Realistic Earnings:
- Beginner (5 projects/month): KES 15,000-30,000
- Intermediate (15-20 projects/month): KES 50,000-80,000
- Expert (30+ projects or retainer clients): KES 100,000-200,000+
Tools:
- Canva Pro (KES 1,500/month or free version)
- Adobe Illustrator (if you’re advanced)
- Smartphone or laptop
Success Tip: Create a strong portfolio on Instagram. Post your designs daily to attract clients.
➡️ Watch: Free Canva Tutorial for Beginners
8. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Blogging) — Earn KES 20,000-200,000+/Month
What It Is:
Create content on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or a blog. Earn through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and brand deals.
Why It Works:
You don’t need 1 million followers to make money. Even micro-influencers (5,000-50,000 followers) earn through brand partnerships and affiliate links.
Content Ideas for Kenyans:
- Travel: Kenyan destinations, hidden gems
- Finance: How to save money, invest, side hustles
- Cooking: Kenyan recipes, budget meals
- Lifestyle: Day in the life, Nairobi vlogs
- Tech reviews: Phones, gadgets available in Kenya
- Fashion: Thrift shopping, Nairobi street style
How You Earn:
1. YouTube AdSense (Direct to M-Pesa via Google AdSense)
- Once you hit 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours
- Kenyan YouTubers earn KES 5,000-50,000/month from ads
- Payments: Google AdSense → M-Pesa (via Western Union/bank)
2. TikTok Creator Fund (PayPal → M-Pesa)
- 10,000 followers + 100,000 views (30 days)
- Earn KES 2,000-20,000/month
3. Sponsorships & Brand Deals (Direct M-Pesa)
- Kenyan brands pay KES 5,000-100,000 per sponsored post
- Direct M-Pesa payment
4. Affiliate Marketing (Various payment methods → M-Pesa)
- Promote products, earn commissions
- Jumia Affiliate: Up to 10% commission
- Amazon Associates: PayPal → M-Pesa
M-Pesa Payment:
- YouTube: AdSense → bank/Western Union → M-Pesa
- Sponsorships: Direct M-Pesa from brands
- Affiliate: Platform-specific (PayPal, bank, M-Pesa)
Realistic Earnings:
- Growing channel (1K-10K followers): KES 10,000-30,000/month
- Established (50K-100K followers): KES 80,000-150,000/month
- Popular creator (500K+ followers): KES 300,000+/month
Success Tip: Post consistently (3-5 times/week). Focus on one platform first, then expand.
9. Online Tutoring — Earn KES 30,000-120,000/Month
What It Is:
Teach students online via Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp. Subjects range from math and science to languages, music, and coding.
Why It Pays Well:
Parents want the best for their children. Online tutoring is convenient, and Kenyans are increasingly willing to pay for quality education.
Subjects in High Demand:
- Primary/High School: Math, English, Science, Kiswahili
- Languages: English for non-native speakers, French
- Music: Piano, guitar lessons
- Tech: Coding, web design basics
- University: Essay writing, research help
Where to Find Students:
- Local networks: Friends, family, neighbors (direct M-Pesa)
- Social media: Post in parenting groups, education groups
- Tutoring platforms: Preply, Superprof (PayPal → M-Pesa)
- Kenyan WhatsApp groups: Direct M-Pesa payment
M-Pesa Payment:
- Local students: Direct M-Pesa (pay per session or monthly)
- International: PayPal/Wise → M-Pesa
Realistic Earnings:
- 5 students (KES 4,000/month each): KES 20,000/month
- 15 students: KES 60,000/month
- 30+ students (group classes): KES 100,000+/month
Pricing Guide:
- Per hour: KES 300-1,500 (depending on subject and level)
- Monthly package: KES 3,000-8,000 per student
Success Tip: Offer a free trial lesson. Once students see results, they’ll stay and refer others.
10. Delivery Services (Food, Errands, Packages) — Earn KES 20,000-60,000/Month
What It Is:
Deliver food, packages, or run errands for busy people and businesses. Use a motorbike, bicycle, or even public transport.
Why It’s Growing:
Nairobi and major Kenyan cities are getting busier. People don’t have time for errands. Convenience is king.
Types of Delivery Hustles:
1. Food Delivery (Glovo, Uber Eats, Bolt Food)
- Register as a delivery partner
- Deliver food orders
- Earn KES 50-300 per delivery
- Get paid weekly via M-Pesa
2. Package Delivery (Sendy, Jumia)
- Deliver packages for e-commerce platforms
- Earn per delivery (KES 100-500)
- Weekly M-Pesa payments
3. Personal Errand Services (Direct clients)
- Run errands for busy professionals (shopping, bank deposits)
- Charge per errand: KES 300-1,000
- Instant M-Pesa payment
M-Pesa Payment:
- Glovo/Uber Eats/Bolt: Weekly M-Pesa deposit
- Sendy: M-Pesa payment per delivery
- Direct clients: Instant M-Pesa
Realistic Earnings:
- 10-15 deliveries/day (part-time): KES 20,000-35,000/month
- 25-30 deliveries/day (full-time): KES 50,000-80,000/month
Requirements:
- Smartphone
- Motorbike/bicycle (or use public transport for small errands)
- Good navigation skills (Google Maps)
Success Tip: Be fast, polite, and reliable. Good reviews lead to more orders and tips.
💰 How Much Can You Actually Earn? (Realistic Combinations)
Smart Kenyans don’t rely on just one side hustle. Here are realistic income combinations:
Strategy 1: Student with Spare Time
- Online surveys (JamboSurveys + GeoPoll): KES 4,000/month
- Freelance writing (5 articles/month): KES 15,000/month
- Social media management (1 client): KES 10,000/month
- Total: KES 29,000/month
Strategy 2: Employed Person (9-5)
- Virtual assistance (10 hours/week): KES 40,000/month
- Content creation (YouTube/TikTok): KES 20,000/month
- Total: KES 60,000/month
Strategy 3: Stay-at-Home Parent
- Freelance writing (15 articles/month): KES 30,000/month
- Online tutoring (10 students): KES 40,000/month
- Selling on Facebook Marketplace: KES 25,000/month
- Total: KES 95,000/month
Strategy 4: Full-Time Hustler
- Social media management (5 clients): KES 60,000/month
- Graphic design (20 projects): KES 50,000/month
- M-Pesa agent business: KES 40,000/month
- Total: KES 150,000/month
🧠 5 Tips to Maximize Your Side Hustle Earnings
1. Start with What You Already Know
Don’t waste time learning new skills from scratch. If you write well, start freelance writing. If you’re good at Instagram, offer social media management. Use your existing strengths.
2. Focus on 2-3 Hustles Maximum
Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick 2-3 side hustles and master them. Quality over quantity always wins.
3. Set Up M-Pesa for Business
Open an M-Pesa Business Account (Lipa Na M-Pesa) to look professional and track earnings easily. Clients trust businesses more.
4. Reinvest Your First Earnings
Use your first KES 10,000-20,000 to improve your hustle:
- Buy Canva Pro
- Upgrade your phone
- Get faster internet
- Invest in marketing
5. Build Your Reputation
Deliver excellent work consistently. Happy clients:
- Pay on time
- Refer you to others
- Give you repeat business
- Leave positive reviews
🚨 Red Flags: Avoid These Fake Side Hustles
Not all “side hustles” are legitimate. Watch out for:
❌ Pyramid schemes disguised as “network marketing”
❌ “Get rich quick” promises (Earn KES 50,000 in one day!)
❌ Hustles asking for upfront payment (Pay KES 5,000 to join)
❌ Vague job descriptions (No clear explanation of what you’ll do)
❌ Jobs asking for M-Pesa deposits before you start working
Golden Rule: Legitimate side hustles never ask you to pay to work. You should be earning, not paying.
📱 How to Set Up PayPal to M-Pesa (For International Platforms)
Many side hustles pay via PayPal. Here’s how to transfer to M-Pesa:
Method 1: Safaricom PayPal Integration
- Open your M-Pesa app
- Go to “Global Payments”
- Select “Link PayPal”
- Enter your PayPal email (must match your M-Pesa name)
- Once linked, you can withdraw directly
Transfer Process:
- Request withdrawal in your PayPal account
- Select “Withdraw to M-Pesa” in M-Pesa app
- Enter amount in USD
- Confirm transaction
- Receive money in 2-24 hours (3% conversion fee)
Method 2: Alternative Payment Services
If PayPal doesn’t work for you:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Lower fees, direct to M-Pesa
- Payoneer: Good for freelancers, converts to M-Pesa
- Skrill: Alternative to PayPal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do side hustles with a full-time job?
Yes! Most of these side hustles are flexible. You can work evenings, weekends, or during lunch breaks. Virtual assistance, freelance writing, and online surveys are perfect for people with 9-5 jobs.
How much capital do I need to start?
Zero to KES 50,000, depending on the hustle:
- Zero capital: Freelance writing, virtual assistance, online surveys
- Low capital (KES 5,000-20,000): Selling online, social media management
- Medium capital (KES 50,000-100,000): M-Pesa agent business
How long before I see my first M-Pesa payment?
- Same day: GeoPoll, delivery services, direct client work
- Weekly: Glovo, Sendy, freelance platforms (if you work fast)
- Monthly: YouTube AdSense, some freelance platforms
Do I need a laptop?
Not always. Smartphones work for:
- Online surveys
- Social media management (with Canva app)
- Delivery services
- M-Pesa agent business
- Content creation (TikTok, Instagram)
A laptop helps for:
- Freelance writing (easier typing)
- Graphic design (if using advanced tools)
- Virtual assistance
Is freelance writing saturated in Kenya?
No. While many Kenyans write, most stick to low-paying platforms. If you:
- Specialize in a niche (tech, finance, health)
- Deliver quality consistently
- Target international clients
…you’ll stand out and earn well.
Can I combine multiple side hustles?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. Stack 2-3 complementary hustles:
- Freelance writing + Virtual assistance
- Social media management + Graphic design
- Online surveys + Content creation
How do I avoid scams?
- Never pay to get a job
- Research the platform/client
- Check reviews and testimonials
- Use secure payment methods (M-Pesa, PayPal)
- Trust your gut — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
📲 Ready to Start Your Side Hustle Journey?
The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today.
Pick ONE side hustle from this list. Spend this week setting it up. Next week, start earning.
Remember: ✅ Start small
✅ Stay consistent
✅ Deliver quality
✅ Reinvest earnings
✅ Scale gradually
Side hustles won’t make you a millionaire overnight, but they can:
- Pay your rent
- Cover groceries
- Build your savings
- Fund your dreams
- Give you financial freedom
Thousands of Kenyans are already earning. You’re next.
📥 Free Download: Side Hustles Starter Pack
Get our free “Side Hustles Success Kit” with templates, payment guides, and weekly money-making tips for Kenyans.
✅ 100% Free PDF Download
✅ Step-by-step setup guides
✅ M-Pesa payment setup tutorials
✅ Weekly income tips for Kenyans
Get My Free Kit We’ll never spam you. Unsubscribe anytime.
Related Articles You’ll Love
- Top 10 Survey Sites That Pay Through M-Pesa in Kenya
- JamboSurveys Kenya Review: Complete Guide
- How to Start Freelance Writing in Kenya (2026 Guide)
- PayPal to M-Pesa: Step-by-Step Withdrawal Guide
- Best Paying Online Jobs in Kenya
Which side hustle will you start first? Drop a comment below and let us know!
Last Updated: February 2026 | All information verified and accurate as of publication date.
Disclaimer: Earnings mentioned are estimates based on current market rates and user reports. Actual earnings vary based on effort, skill level, market demand, and individual circumstances. Always research thoroughly before committing to any side hustle.