26 July 2025
πΈ How to Earn Money Online in Kenya Through M-Pesa (Even as a Student!)
In todayβs digital age, making money online isnβt just for techies or business owners. If you live in Kenya and have a smartphone, internet access, and an M-Pesa account, you can earn money online in Kenya through M-PesaΒ β even as a student or stay-at-home parent!
This guide shows you realistic, legit, and beginner-friendly ways to earn online in Kenya, with a focus on one thing: M-Pesa payments.
π Why More Kenyans Are Earning Online via M-Pesa
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π’ No bank account needed
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π’ M-Pesa is fast, reliable, and trusted
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π’ You can work from your phone
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π’ You get paid in Kenyan Shillings directly
Whether you want to earn airtime, save for fees, or support your family β these options are flexible and require little to no capital.
π 10 Simple Ways to Earn Money Online in Kenya Through M-Pesa
1. Paid Online Surveys
Thousands of Kenyans earn daily by answering questions and giving feedback online.
π§ Platforms to try:
π² All these support direct or indirect M-Pesa payouts!
2. Freelance Gigs on Ajira or Upwork
If you can write, design, code, or transcribe β you can sell your skill online.
πΌ Get paid via PayPal β Withdraw to M-Pesa
π οΈ Skills in demand: transcription, article writing, logo design, virtual assistant
3. Selling Digital Products
Design eBooks, Canva templates, or printables, then sell on:
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Payhip
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Selar
π° Payment methods can be integrated with M-Pesa or PayPal.
4. Mobile Microtasks (Ukweli, Remotasks)
Earn by labeling images, checking maps, or moderating content.
β± Tasks pay as little as $0.10, but they add up fast!
πΈ Most pay via PayPal/Skrill β M-Pesa.
5. Affiliate Marketing (Jumia, Kilimall, Bet sites)
Promote links. Earn a commission when someone buys or signs up.
π You can start promoting products on your TikTok, blog, or WhatsApp status.
6. Online Transcription & Captioning
Use platforms like:
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GoTranscript
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TranscribeMe
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Rev
π§ All you need is earphones, internet, and typing speed!
7. Creating YouTube Shorts
Make quick, helpful or funny content and monetize views, affiliate links, or sponsored promos.
π₯ Use your phone + editing apps like CapCut
π΅ Earnings come via PayPal or brand deals β both convertible to M-Pesa.
8. Answering Questions for Money
Sites like SurveyTime and InboxDollars pay you to give your opinion.
π₯ You can earn $1β$5 per day.
π Use M-Pesa withdrawal apps like Chipper Cash, Skrill, or Pesapal.
9. WhatsApp/Telegram Reselling
Buy data bundles, Netflix accounts, or digital products in bulk β then resell in chat groups.
πΈ Payment is instant via M-Pesa. Easy to scale!
10. Online Tutoring or Coaching
Are you good at math, Swahili, or cooking? Teach online.
π List your service on Facebook, LinkedIn, or platforms like Tutorke.
π² Get paid via M-Pesa after each class.
π§ Pro Tips to Start Earning Faster
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Sign up for multiple platforms (but avoid overwhelm)
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Always use your real names and M-Pesa number
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Refer friends to earn bonuses
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Donβt fall for scams that ask you to pay to join
β οΈ Red Flags to Avoid
β “We pay Ksh 1,000 per day” ads
β “Pay registration fee” sites
β Pages without reviews or proof of payment
β Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a student, a mum at home, or just looking for something extra on the side β there are legit ways to earn online and get paid via M-Pesa in Kenya.
Start with online surveys, microtasks, or selling simple services. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and the income will grow over time.
π Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the easiest ways to earn money online in Kenya via M-Pesa?
A: Start with survey sites like GeoPoll or Triaba, WhatsApp reselling, transcription on GoTranscript, or affiliate marketing using TikTok.
Q2: Can students really make money online in Kenya?
A: Yes! Many students earn part-time by doing surveys, transcription, digital product reselling, and managing social media for small businesses.
Q3: Is PayPal necessary to earn money online in Kenya?
A: Not always. Some platforms pay directly via M-Pesa, but others (like Remotasks or GoTranscript) pay through PayPal which you can link to M-Pesa using Chipper Cash.
Q4: How much can I earn per week with online jobs in Kenya?
A: It depends on the time and effort. Most beginners make KES 500β2,000 weekly doing surveys, microtasks, or digital reselling.
Q5: What apps or tools do I need to get started?
A: Youβll need Gmail, M-Pesa, possibly PayPal/Skrill, and tools like Canva, Chipper Cash, CapCut, or WhatsApp Business.