Introduction
In Kenya’s challenging economic environment, relying solely on one income source is risky. Rising costs of living, stagnant salaries, and financial goals (school fees, building a home, starting a business) make extra income essential for many Kenyans. Enter the side hustle - additional work done alongside your main job to supplement income.
Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a goal, or simply have more financial breathing room, a side hustle can help. The good news: Kenya offers diverse opportunities for earning extra money, from online gigs to offline businesses, requiring minimal to moderate startup capital.
This comprehensive guide covers practical side hustle ideas for Kenyans, how to start, costs involved, time commitments, and tips for balancing with your main job.
Why Start a Side Hustle?
Financial Benefits
Extra Income: KES 5,000-50,000+ monthly (depending on hustle)
Financial Goals: Pay school fees, save for land, build emergency fund
Debt Reduction: Extra money toward loans
Investment: Capital for future business
Personal Benefits
Skill Development: Learn new skills (business, marketing, tech)
Entrepreneurial Experience: Test business ideas with low risk
Network Expansion: Meet new people, potential clients
Flexibility: Many side hustles allow flexible hours
Potential to Replace Main Job: Successful side hustle can become full-time business
Important Considerations
Time Commitment
Realistic Assessment: Side hustle requires time (evenings, weekends)
Balance: Don’t neglect main job, family, health
Start Small: Begin with a few hours/week; scale as you learn
Energy Management
Avoid Burnout: Working 2 jobs is exhausting
Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, health
Know When to Stop: If affecting health or main job, reconsider
Legal/Employment Considerations
Check Employment Contract: Some contracts prohibit outside work (especially competitors)
Taxes: Side income is taxable (register for iTax if earning significantly)
Business Registration: Some hustles require business registration, licenses
Initial Investment
Start Small: Many hustles require little capital
Reinvest Profits: Use early earnings to grow
Avoid Debt: Don’t borrow to start risky venture
Online Side Hustles
1. Freelance Writing
What You Do: Write articles, blog posts, website content, copywriting for clients
Skills Needed: Good English writing, research, meeting deadlines
Platforms:
- Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer (global)
- Kenyan Facebook groups (“Writers Hub Kenya,” etc.)
- Direct pitching to blogs/companies
How to Start:
- Create portfolio (write sample articles; publish on Medium, personal blog)
- Create profile on freelancing platforms
- Apply to writing gigs
- Network in writer groups
Earnings: KES 500-5,000 per article (varies by length, complexity, client)
Time: Flexible (evenings, weekends)
Capital Needed: KES 0-5,000 (laptop, internet)
Best For: Anyone with good writing skills
2. Graphic Design
What You Do: Design logos, social media graphics, flyers, business cards for clients
Skills Needed: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva (free tool)
Learning: YouTube tutorials, Udemy courses (KES 1,000-3,000)
Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, 99designs, local Facebook groups, PigiaMe
How to Start:
- Learn design basics (2-3 months practice)
- Create portfolio (design samples; use Behance or personal Instagram)
- Join platforms, apply to gigs
Earnings: KES 1,000-20,000 per project (logo, flyer, social media package)
Capital: KES 0-10,000 (laptop, software - Canva is free; Photoshop ~KES 1,500/month)
Best For: Creative people
3. Social Media Management
What You Do: Manage social media accounts for businesses (post content, engage, grow followers)
Skills Needed: Social media knowledge, content creation, basic design
Platforms: Direct outreach to local businesses, Upwork, Fiverr
How to Start:
- Learn social media marketing (free courses on YouTube, HubSpot)
- Offer to manage for small business (even free initially for portfolio)
- Create portfolio showcasing growth you achieved
- Pitch to businesses
Earnings: KES 5,000-30,000 per client per month
Capital: KES 0-5,000 (phone/laptop, internet, design tools)
Best For: Social media-savvy individuals
4. Online Tutoring
What You Do: Teach students online (English, math, science, etc.)
Platforms:
- International: Preply, Cambly (teach English to foreigners)
- Local: Teach Kenyan students (advertise in parent WhatsApp groups, Facebook)
How to Start:
- Choose subject(s)
- Create profile on tutoring platforms
- Or advertise locally (flyers, social media, word-of-mouth)
Earnings: KES 500-2,000 per hour
Capital: KES 0 (laptop, internet, good internet connection)
Best For: Teachers, anyone knowledgeable in a subject
5. Virtual Assistant
What You Do: Provide administrative support remotely (emails, scheduling, research, data entry)
Skills Needed: Organization, communication, basic tech (Google Suite, Microsoft Office)
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Fancy Hands, direct outreach to entrepreneurs/small businesses
How to Start:
- Identify services you can offer
- Create profile emphasizing skills
- Apply to VA gigs
Earnings: KES 10,000-50,000/month (depending on hours and clients)
Capital: KES 0 (laptop, internet)
Best For: Organized, detail-oriented people
6. Transcription
What You Do: Convert audio/video to text
Platforms: Rev.com, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript
How to Start:
- Sign up on platform
- Take qualification test
- Start transcribing
Earnings: KES 100-400 per audio hour transcribed (varies by platform and accuracy)
Capital: KES 0 (laptop, internet, headphones)
Best For: Anyone with good listening and typing skills (relatively easy to start)
7. Web Development
What You Do: Build websites for clients
Skills Needed: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (for basic sites); more for advanced
Learning: freeCodeCamp, YouTube, Udemy
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, local networking
How to Start:
- Learn web development (3-6 months)
- Build portfolio sites
- Offer services on platforms or to local businesses
Earnings: KES 10,000-100,000+ per website (depending on complexity)
Capital: KES 0-5,000 (laptop, internet)
Best For: Tech-inclined people willing to learn coding
8. YouTube Content Creation
What You Do: Create videos, grow audience, earn from ads and sponsorships
Topics: Anything (tutorials, vlogs, comedy, education, product reviews, etc.)
How to Start:
- Choose niche (what you’re passionate/knowledgeable about)
- Create YouTube channel
- Consistently upload quality videos
- Grow subscribers (1,000+ subs and 4,000 watch hours to monetize)
Earnings: Varies widely (KES 5,000-500,000+/month depending on views and niche)
Capital: KES 5,000-50,000 (smartphone with good camera, or camera, mic, editing software - free options available)
Time: Significant time investment initially
Best For: Creative, patient people (takes months to grow)
9. Affiliate Marketing
What You Do: Promote products, earn commission on sales through your link
Platforms: Amazon Associates, Jumia Affiliate, ShareASale, specific companies (Safaricom, banks, etc.)
How to Start:
- Join affiliate programs
- Get unique affiliate links
- Promote on blog, social media, YouTube
- Earn commission when people buy through your link
Earnings: 5-20% commission per sale (varies)
Capital: KES 0-10,000 (blog/website optional; can use social media)
Best For: Anyone with audience or willing to build one
10. Blogging
What You Do: Write blog posts, monetize via ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts
How to Start:
- Choose niche
- Create blog (WordPress.com free; self-hosted better but costs ~KES 1,000-3,000/month)
- Write valuable content consistently
- Grow traffic (SEO, social media)
- Monetize (Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, sponsorships)
Earnings: KES 5,000-200,000+/month (takes time to build)
Capital: KES 0-5,000/month (hosting, domain)
Time: Long-term investment (6-12 months to see significant income)
Best For: Patient writers with expertise or passion in a topic
Offline Side Hustles
11. M-Pesa Agency
What You Do: Operate M-Pesa agent till (deposits, withdrawals, money transfers)
How to Start:
- Apply to Safaricom to become agent
- Requirements: Business location, float capital (KES 50,000-100,000), ID, business registration
- Training provided by Safaricom
- Set up shop
Earnings: Commission per transaction (KES 10-50 depending on transaction size) - potential KES 20,000-100,000+/month
Capital: KES 50,000-200,000 (float, shop rent, security)
Time: Requires someone present during business hours (can hire attendant)
Best For: Those with capital and good location
12. Selling Products Online (E-commerce)
What You Do: Sell products via Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp (clothes, shoes, electronics, beauty products, etc.)
How to Start:
- Choose product niche
- Source products (wholesale, thrift shops, China imports, local suppliers)
- Create Instagram business page/Facebook page
- Take quality photos
- Market (post, engage, paid ads)
- Sell, deliver
Earnings: Depends on margins (20-100% markup possible)
Capital: KES 5,000-50,000 (initial stock)
Best For: Anyone entrepreneurial
Popular Niches: Clothes, shoes, beauty products, electronics, phone accessories
13. Catering/Baking
What You Do: Bake cakes, make snacks, cater events
How to Start:
- Perfect recipes (practice)
- Get necessary equipment (oven, utensils)
- Market (social media, word-of-mouth, flyers)
- Take orders
- Deliver quality products
Earnings: KES 500-5,000+ per cake; KES 20,000-100,000 per catering gig
Capital: KES 10,000-50,000 (oven, ingredients, packaging)
Best For: Those who love cooking/baking
14. Photography
What You Do: Events (weddings, birthdays), portraits, product photography
How to Start:
- Learn photography (YouTube, practice)
- Get camera (or rent initially; smartphone can work for starting)
- Build portfolio (offer free shoots to friends/family)
- Market (Instagram, Facebook, word-of-mouth)
- Book clients
Earnings: KES 5,000-50,000+ per event
Capital: KES 30,000-200,000 (camera, lens, lighting - can start with phone)
Best For: Creative people
15. Hairdressing/Barbering (Mobile)
What You Do: Offer hairdressing or barbering services at clients’ homes
How to Start:
- Have the skill (or learn)
- Get portable equipment (clippers, scissors, combs, etc.)
- Market (social media, flyers, WhatsApp status)
- Visit clients’ homes or set up small home salon
Earnings: KES 200-1,500 per client; potential KES 20,000-80,000/month (part-time)
Capital: KES 5,000-30,000 (equipment)
Best For: Skilled hairdressers/barbers
16. Fitness Training
What You Do: Personal training, group fitness classes
How to Start:
- Get certified (optional but recommended)
- Market (social media, gyms, word-of-mouth)
- Offer services (home visits, park workouts, online coaching)
Earnings: KES 2,000-10,000 per client per month
Capital: KES 0-20,000 (certification, basic equipment)
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts
17. Car Wash
What You Do: Mobile car wash service
How to Start:
- Get equipment (buckets, sponges, vacuum, water, detergents)
- Target residential areas, offices
- Offer home/office car wash
- Market (flyers, door-to-door, social media)
Earnings: KES 300-800 per car; potential KES 30,000-100,000/month
Capital: KES 10,000-30,000 (equipment, water supply)
Best For: Hustlers willing to do physical work
18. Delivery Services (Rider)
What You Do: Deliver items for people or companies (food, parcels, groceries)
Platforms: Glovo, Uber Eats, Bolt Food (if motorbike/bicycle/car)
How to Start:
- Sign up on platform
- Get approved (background check, vehicle registration)
- Start accepting deliveries
Earnings: KES 200-500 per delivery; potential KES 20,000-80,000/month (part-time)
Capital: Motorbike/bicycle/car (or rent), smartphone, internet
Best For: Those with motorbike or bicycle
19. House Cleaning
What You Do: Offer cleaning services (homes, offices)
How to Start:
- Get basic cleaning supplies
- Market (social media, flyers, word-of-mouth, Facebook groups)
- Offer quality service
- Get repeat clients and referrals
Earnings: KES 1,500-5,000 per house; potential KES 40,000-150,000/month (part-time)
Capital: KES 3,000-10,000 (cleaning supplies)
Best For: Anyone willing to work hard
20. Selling Airtime/Data Bundles
What You Do: Buy airtime/data wholesale, resell at small profit
How to Start:
- Register as airtime reseller
- Buy credit in bulk (gets discount)
- Sell to customers (via M-Pesa, scratch cards)
Earnings: Small margins (5-10%) but volume-based; potential KES 10,000-50,000/month
Capital: KES 5,000-20,000 (stock)
Best For: Anyone; can combine with other business
How to Choose Right Side Hustle
Consider Your:
1. Skills: What are you good at? (Writing, design, cooking, tech, etc.)
2. Interests: What do you enjoy? (More sustainable if you like it)
3. Capital: How much can you invest? (Some hustles require more capital)
4. Time: How much time do you have? (Some hustles more time-intensive)
5. Resources: What do you already have? (Car, motorbike, laptop, kitchen, etc.)
6. Market: Is there demand? (Research before starting)
Start Where You Are
Don’t Wait for Perfect:
- Start with skills/resources you have
- Improve as you go
- Don’t overthink
How to Start Your Side Hustle
Step 1: Choose Hustle
Based on considerations above
Step 2: Research
- Study others doing it successfully
- Understand market, pricing, demand
Step 3: Plan
- Define services/products
- Set pricing
- Identify target customers
- Plan how to reach them
Step 4: Start Small
- Test with minimal investment
- One or few clients/products
- Learn and adjust
Step 5: Market
Free Marketing:
- Social media (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp status)
- Word-of-mouth (tell everyone)
- Flyers in neighborhood
- Online groups (Facebook, WhatsApp)
Paid Marketing (once profitable):
- Facebook/Instagram ads (start with KES 1,000-5,000)
- Google ads
Step 6: Deliver Quality
- Exceed expectations
- Build reputation
- Get referrals and repeat customers
Step 7: Scale Gradually
- Reinvest profits
- Expand offerings
- Hire help if needed
- Systematize processes
Balancing Side Hustle with Main Job
Time Management
Schedule: Dedicate specific times (evenings, weekends)
Prioritize: Main job first (it’s stable income)
Efficiency: Use productive hours wisely
Energy Management
Rest: Don’t sacrifice sleep excessively
Health: Eat well, exercise
Know Limits: If burning out, scale back
Keep Main Job Performance High
Don’t Let Side Hustle Affect Main Job:
- Complete main job duties excellently
- Don’t do side hustle during work hours (unless approved remote work)
- Avoid conflicts of interest
Communication (If Appropriate)
Some Employers Supportive: If your side hustle doesn’t compete, some employers don’t mind (check contract first)
Tips for Success
1. Start Now
Don’t Wait: Conditions never perfect
Action Beats Planning: Start, learn as you go
2. Be Patient
Takes Time: Most hustles don’t make big money immediately
Stay Consistent: 6-12 months to see significant results for many hustles
3. Provide Value
Quality: Better to have few satisfied customers than many dissatisfied
Customer Service: Respond promptly, be professional, exceed expectations
4. Reinvest
Grow Your Hustle: Use profits to improve (better equipment, marketing, stock)
5. Learn Continuously
Improve Skills: Take courses, watch tutorials
Stay Updated: Industries change; keep learning
6. Network
Connect with Others: Join entrepreneur groups, online communities
Learn from Others: Mentors, peers
7. Track Finances
Separate Accounts: Don’t mix side hustle money with personal (opens separate M-Pesa or bank account)
Track Income and Expenses: Know your profit
Save and Reinvest: Don’t spend all profits
8. Pay Taxes
Legal Compliance: Declare side income on iTax
Avoid Trouble: KRA increasingly monitoring digital income
9. Protect Main Income
Don’t Quit Job Prematurely: Wait until side hustle earns consistently (6+ months)
Have Emergency Fund: 6 months expenses before relying fully on side hustle
10. Think Long-Term
Some Hustles Can Become Full-Time Businesses: If successful, side hustle can replace main job
Build Assets: Focus on hustles that build long-term value (skills, audience, reputation)
Avoiding Scams
Too Good to Be True: “Earn KES 50,000 with 2 hours work” = likely scam
Upfront Payments: Legitimate hustles don’t require you to pay to work
Pyramid Schemes: Disguised as side hustles (focus on recruiting, not selling product)
Research: Google “[opportunity name] + scam” before committing
Conclusion
Side hustles are essential tools for financial stability and growth in Kenya’s economy. Whether you choose online freelancing (writing, design, virtual assistance), offline businesses (M-Pesa agency, catering, photography), or digital opportunities (YouTube, blogging, e-commerce), there’s a side hustle for every skill level, interest, and capital availability.
Start by choosing a hustle aligned with your skills, interests, and resources. Begin small with minimal investment, market effectively through free channels (social media, word-of-mouth), deliver exceptional quality, and scale gradually by reinvesting profits. Balance carefully with your main job, prioritize health and rest, and be patient - most successful side hustles take 6-12 months to generate significant income.
The key is starting now rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Even KES 5,000-10,000 extra per month can meaningfully impact your finances. With dedication, consistency, and smart execution, your side hustle can grow into substantial supplementary income - and potentially, your future full-time business. Your journey to financial freedom starts with that first step. What side hustle will you start today?