10 Ways to Make Money Online in Kenya Using Just Your Phone

Almost everyone in Kenya today has a smartphone. It’s how we chat on WhatsApp, save money on digital apps, or scroll endlessly on TikTok. But beyond entertainment, your phone can actually become a tool to make money online in Kenya.

Thousands of Kenyans are already doing it — selling mitumba clothes live on TikTok, running WhatsApp shops, or even earning from chatting with strangers abroad. The best part? You don’t need a laptop, an office, or even a huge budget. Just your phone, internet bundles, and consistency.

Here are 10 practical ways to make money online in Kenya using just your phone — no fluff, no scams, just real side hustles in Kenya you can start today.

1. Selling Mitumba Clothes on TikTok Live

TikTok isn’t just about dances and funny videos anymore — it’s now a massive online market. Many small-scale traders in Gikomba and other markets have discovered that they can sell entire bales of mitumba clothes using TikTok Live.

How It Works

• You go live on TikTok, hold up each item, and viewers comment “mine” if they want it.
• Buyers pay via M-Pesa before you pack and deliver.
• Shoppers trust live sellers more because they see the clothes in real-time.

For example, a seller who buys a mitumba bale for Ksh 15,000 can easily make Ksh 40,000–50,000 when selling through TikTok. Some sellers go live for just 2 hours a day and clear stock.

What You Need

• A TikTok account with consistent posting.
• A ring light and good lighting (cheap ones go for Ksh 1,500–3,000).
• Reliable bundles or Wi-Fi.

Pro tip: Go live at night (7 pm–10 pm) when more people are online and in a “shopping mood.”

👉 Related read: How to Start a Mitumba Business in Kenya (Step-by-Step Guide)

2. Earning From Chatting Apps & “Talk to Strangers” Platforms

Yes, you can literally make money online just by chatting with people online. Globally, there are apps where people pay to talk to others for fun, advice, or even language practice.

Some examples include:

• Wakie – lets you chat or call strangers looking for conversation.
• Paltalk and HelloTalk – pay or offer “gifts” to chat partners.
• Friendship apps – some let fans send gifts that you can convert into cash.

In Kenya, many young women use such platforms to earn by simply being friendly and talkative. A few hours of chatting daily can bring in $10–20 (Ksh 1,200–2,500).

👉 You could also explore our post on profitable side hustles to start with less than 5000 for more options.

3. TikTok & Instagram Micro-Influencing

You don’t need 100,000 followers to be an influencer. In fact, micro-influencers (with 3,000–10,000 followers) are now more in demand in Kenya because they feel relatable and charge less.

How It Works

• Build a loyal following around a niche (beauty, food, comedy, lifestyle).
• Brands like cosmetics sellers or online boutiques approach you for promotions.
• Payment can be in cash or free products.

A small Kenyan influencer can earn Ksh 500–2,000 per promo post, while bigger ones make Ksh 10,000+ per deal.

Pro tip: Start with barter deals (free wigs, free meals in exchange for a promo), then scale to charging money once your audience grows.

4. Running a Betting Tips Telegram Channel

Sports betting is massive in Kenya, and many hustlers make money online not by betting — but by selling betting tips.

How It Works

• Start a Telegram channel and post free football tips to attract followers.
• Once you build trust, launch a VIP group where members pay weekly/monthly for “premium tips.”
• You can also earn via affiliate deals with betting companies.

A Telegram channel with just 2,000–5,000 active members can earn Ksh 20,000–100,000 per month. And because most games are fast-paced, this is one of the quickest ways to make money online in Kenya.

Pro tip: Don’t fake slips. If you’re honest and give realistic tips, your channel will grow organically.

5. Voice-Over Work Using Your Phone

If you have a clear voice and can speak English, Kiswahili, or even Sheng, you can make money recording voice-overs using just your phone.

Opportunities Include:

• Radio jingles and adverts.
• YouTube narrations.
• TikTok/Instagram skits for brands.
• Audiobooks.

Most smartphones today have microphones good enough for entry-level jobs. Pair that with free editing apps like BandLab or WavePad to clean your recordings, and you’re good to go.

Kenyan voice-over artists charge between Ksh 1,000–5,000 per short gig.

👉 You may also find this useful: Top Freelance Skills Africans Can Learn Online in 6 Months

6. Running a WhatsApp Business Shop

WhatsApp is the number one social app in Kenya, which makes it perfect for selling. Many small businesses — perfumes, cosmetics, baked goods, thrift items — run entirely on WhatsApp.

Steps to Start

1. Download WhatsApp Business (free).
2. Upload your products in the catalog section.
3. Post on your status daily.
4. Use broadcast lists to market without spamming groups.

With consistent posting, sellers can make Ksh 1,000–10,000 per day. Customers pay directly via M-Pesa.

7. Content Creation on TikTok & YouTube

This is one of the most profitable long-term hustles you can do with a smartphone.

How It Works

• Create short, engaging videos (lifestyle, hacks, comedy, tutorials).
• Build a following.
• Monetize via YouTube ads, TikTok Creator Fund, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing.

Even beginners can make Ksh 5,000–20,000 a month, while established Kenyan creators earn six figures.

👉 Related: How to Start Freelancing Without Experience in Africa (Beginner Guide) 

8. Paid Referrals & Cashback Apps

Many Kenyan apps now pay you for referrals.

Examples Include:

• Branch, Tala, Zenka – bonuses for each new user you refer.
• Jumia, Sendy, Glovo – credits or cash for referrals.

If you earn Ksh 200 per referral, just 50 sign-ups can bring you Ksh 10,000 in a month.

9. Online Writing & Transcription

This remains one of the most popular online jobs in Kenya. And yes — you can start with just your phone.

Opportunities Include:

• Academic writing (essays, reports).
• Blog writing for websites.
• Transcription (turning audio into text).

Platforms like TranscribeMe pay around $5–15 (Ksh 700–2,000) per audio hour. Beginners in writing usually earn Ksh 200–500 per page/article.

Pro tip: Building a personal website will help you establish yourself as a professinal brand. If you an academic writer, you buy ready-made essay writing themes here

👉 Related: Kenya PAYE Tax Calculator (for freelancers tracking income).

10. Selling Digital Products

Not everything has to be physical — you can sell digital items created directly from your phone. Start by downloading beginner-friendly design apps like Canva and build cool digital templates for sale.

Examples:

• E-books (recipes, relationship guides, business tips).
• Study materials (KCSE revision papers, notes).
• Graphic design templates (social media posters, logos).

Once created, you can sell unlimited copies. Sellers charge anywhere from Ksh 500 to Ksh 2,000 depending on demand.