Top 7 Side Hustles You Can Start Today in Kenya (Using Just Your Smartphone)

 


In Kenya, the cost of living keeps rising, and many people are searching for ways to earn extra income. The good news is—you don’t need a laptop or big capital to start. With just your smartphone and internet bundles, you can begin a side hustle that earns you money. Here are 7 of the best side hustles you can start today.

1. Online Article Writing

If you’re good at writing, sites like Opera News Hub and Medium pay writers to publish content. Write on trending topics, news, or lifestyle, and earn based on views or reading time.

Tools you need: Opera News account, WordPress or Blogger if you want to blog.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Earn money by promoting products from Jumia, Kilimall, or Amazon. When someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.

Where to promote: WhatsApp statuses, Facebook groups, TikTok, or a free blog.

3. Transcription Jobs

Websites like GoTranscript and Rev pay people to convert audio into text. This is perfect for those who can listen carefully and type fast, even on a phone using speech-to-text.

Payment: Usually in dollars (PayPal needed).

4. Online Tutoring

Are you good at a subject like maths, English, or science? Offer tutoring to students online via Zoom or WhatsApp. You can even record lessons and sell them.

Market your service: Facebook groups, local school forums, or community pages.

5. Selling Internet Bundles or Airtime

Become an agent for apps like Tingg, T-Kash, or Paybill agents and sell airtime and data bundles at a small profit. Many people do this through WhatsApp and small kiosks.

6. Social Media Management

Many small businesses want help with Facebook or Instagram. If you can post, respond to comments, and grow pages, you can charge a monthly fee.

Charge: Between KSh 1,000–10,000 per client depending on work.

7. Content Creation

Use your phone to create content for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels. If you’re consistent and get views, you can earn through creator funds or sponsorships.

Final Thoughts

These side hustles are affordable and smartphone-friendly. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and use every free tool available. In 2025, making money online is no longer a dream—it’s a smart hustle.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Become Rich: Advice From Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"

Image
What if I told you that the secret to becoming rich doesn’t begin with money—but with a thought? In Think and Grow Rich , Napoleon Hill reveals that wealth starts in the mind , not in your bank account. Whether you're starting with nothing or have already begun your journey, here is timeless advice from Hill that can change your financial future. 1. Have a Clear, Burning Desire Wealth begins with a specific goal . Don’t just say, “I want to be rich.” Say something like, “I will earn Ksh 5 million by December 2027 through my writing and online business.” This goal becomes your mission. Write it down. Read it aloud every morning and every night. Let it burn in your heart. 2. Believe in Yourself You don’t need a university degree or rich parents. You need faith in yourself . Napoleon Hill said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Believe that riches are possible for you—even when your current situation looks hopeless. 3. Use the Power of Autosuggesti...
Read more

How to Turn Your Hobby Into a Profitable Online Business in 2025

Image
In today’s digital world, your hobby can be more than just a fun pastime — it can become a steady source of income. Many people in 2025 are making money from what they love, whether it’s cooking, photography, gaming, or crafting. If you’re passionate about something, this guide will show you how to turn your hobby into a profitable online business. 1. Identify Your Monetizable Hobby Start by asking yourself: What do I enjoy doing most? It could be anything from knitting to video editing. The next step is to research if there's a market for it. Are people buying handmade items like yours? Are they watching videos related to your skills on YouTube or TikTok? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. 2. Create and Share Valuable Content The internet loves content. Start a blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram page where you showcase your hobby. Teach people how to do what you do, share tips, or just show your process. For example, if you’re into baking, post short recipe vid...
Read more

How Kenyans Are Using Smart Hustles to Beat Unemployment in 2025

Image
In a country where youth unemployment reached 13.8% in 2024 according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, young people are refusing to sit and wait for white-collar jobs. Across Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and rural towns, a wave of digital and creative hustles is reshaping the way Kenyans earn a living, and the results are inspiring. One of the fastest-growing trends is freelancing online. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and TranscribeMe are now full of Kenyan workers offering skills in writing, transcription, graphic design, and digital marketing. According to the 2024 Africa Freelancing Report, Kenya ranks 4th in Africa for the highest number of digital freelancers. Take 24-year-old James Mwangi from Embu, for example. With only a smartphone and a Safaricom data bundle, he started offering transcription services online. In just six months, he was earning over Ksh 25,000 monthly, more than many diploma holders earn in office jobs. Another smart hustle catching attention is affil...
Read more