Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it.
Making money online in Kenya isn’t some magic bullet.
It takes work.
It takes hustle.
But it IS possible.
And these 15 apps? They’re your weapons in the fight for financial freedom.
Forget those “get-rich-quick” schemes. This is about real opportunities, real strategies, and real people (like you) making real money.
Apps to Make Money Online in Kenya
To make it easier for you, here is a table showing top 15 apps to make money online in Kenya.
| App Name | Earning Potential | Payment Methods | Best For |
| Pesapal | Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 50,000+ per month (agents) | M-Pesa, bank transfer | Entrepreneurs, small business owners |
| Branch | Ksh 500 – Ksh 5,000+ per month (referrals) | M-Pesa | Anyone needing quick loans or wanting referral rewards |
| Ibotta | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000+ per month (cashback) | PayPal, gift cards | Savvy shoppers who want cashback on groceries |
| Swagbucks | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 10,000+ per month (surveys, tasks) | PayPal, gift cards | Anyone with spare time who enjoys surveys, videos, and online tasks |
| Upwork | Ksh 10,000 – Ksh 100,000+ per month (freelancing) | Direct deposit, PayPal | Skilled professionals (writers, designers, developers, etc.) |
| Fiverr | Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 50,000+ per month (freelancing) | Direct deposit, PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card | Freelancers offering specific services (“gigs”) |
| Airbnb | Ksh 10,000 – Ksh 100,000+ per month (renting) | Direct deposit, PayPal | Homeowners with spare space |
| Etsy | Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 50,000+ per month (selling crafts) | Direct deposit, PayPal, Etsy Payments | Artists and crafters |
| YouTube | Ksh 10,000 – Ksh 1,000,000+ per month (ad revenue) | Direct deposit | Content creators, entertainers, educators |
| TikTok | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 100,000+ per month (brand deals, sponsorships) | Direct deposit, PayPal | Content creators, influencers |
| Foap | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 10,000+ per month (selling photos) | PayPal | Photographers |
| Zoom | Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 50,000+ per month (tutoring) | Direct deposit, PayPal | Educators, subject matter experts |
| Google Opinion Rewards | Ksh 500 – Ksh 2,000+ per month (surveys) | Google Play credit | Anyone with a smartphone |
| Ajua | Ksh 500 – Ksh 2,000+ per month (surveys, feedback) | M-Pesa, airtime | Anyone who enjoys sharing their opinions |
| GeoPoll | Ksh 500 – Ksh 2,000+ per month (surveys) | M-Pesa, airtime | Anyone interested in taking surveys |
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
1. Pesapal
To open our list of the best apps to make money online in Kenya is PesPal.
See, you already know M-Pesa is a game-changer. But Pesapal takes it to the next level.
Think of it as your all-in-one money hub. Send and receive cash, pay bills, buy airtime… the works.
But here’s where the money-making magic happens:
- Become a Pesapal agent: Set up shop and offer Pesapal services to your community. Every transaction earns you a commission. Boom!
- Sell goods and services online: Use Pesapal to accept payments from customers all over Kenya. No more cash-only limitations.
- Sambaza airtime: Buy airtime in bulk at a discount, then resell it for a profit. Simple, yet effective.
What you should do now:
- Download the Pesapal app: Get familiar with the features and explore the different ways to earn.
- Find a high-traffic location: If you’re becoming an agent, location is key. Think busy markets or shopping centers.
- Promote your services: Let people know you’re a Pesapal agent! Spread the word online and offline.
Top tools:
- Pesapal app: Your gateway to mobile money magic.
- Social media: Use Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to reach potential customers.
2. Branch for Instant Loans and Referral Rewards
Need some quick cash? Branch has you covered. But it’s not just about borrowing. It’s about earning too.
Here’s the deal:
- Refer a friend: Get someone to sign up for Branch using your unique referral link, and you both get rewarded.
- Build your credit: Use Branch responsibly, and you’ll build a credit history. This opens doors to larger loans and better financial opportunities down the line.
What you should do now:
- Download the Branch app: It’s quick and easy to get started.
- Share your referral link: Spread the word on social media, via email, and through word of mouth.
- Borrow responsibly: Only take out loans you can afford to repay.
Top tools:
- Branch app: Your one-stop shop for loans and referrals.
- Social media: The perfect platform to share your referral link.
Read also: 11 Ways to Make Money Online in Kenya as a Student
3. Ibotta for Cashback on Groceries
Who doesn’t love saving money on groceries? With Ibotta, you can earn cashback on everyday purchases.
Here’s how it works:
- Browse offers: Check the app for cashback deals on your favorite products.
- Shop as usual: Buy the items at your local supermarket.
- Upload your receipt: Snap a photo of your receipt and submit it through the app.
- Get cash back: Watch the money roll in!
What you should do now:
- Download the Ibotta app: Start browsing offers and planning your shopping trips.
- Check for new offers regularly: Ibotta adds new deals all the time.
- Combine with coupons: Maximize your savings by using Ibotta alongside manufacturer coupons.
Top tools:
- Ibotta app: Your cashback companion.
- Coupon apps: Combine with other apps like Flipp or Coupons.com for even more savings.
4. Swagbucks To Get Paid for Everyday Activities
Swagbucks is like the Swiss Army knife of online earning in Kenya. You can earn points (called “SB”) for doing a variety of activities, like:
- Taking surveys: Share your opinions and get rewarded.
- Watching videos: Earn SB for watching entertaining content.
- Shopping online: Get cashback on purchases from your favorite retailers.
- Searching the web: Use Swagbucks as your default search engine and earn SB for every search.
What you should do now:
- Sign up for Swagbucks: It’s free and easy to join.
- Complete daily goals: Set a target for how many SB you want to earn each day.
- Refer your friends: Earn a percentage of your friends’ earnings when they sign up using your referral link.
Top tools:
- Swagbucks website and app: Access all the earning opportunities from your computer or phone.
- Swagbutton: A browser extension that alerts you to cashback opportunities and SB-earning activities.
5. Upwork for Freelancing Freedom
Got skills? Upwork is your platform to connect with clients from around the world and get paid for your work.
Whether you’re a writer, designer, developer, or virtual assistant, there’s a demand for your talents on Upwork.
What you should do now:
- Create a killer profile: Showcase your skills and experience in a way that attracts clients.
- Bid strategically: Don’t undersell yourself, but also be realistic about your pricing.
- Deliver exceptional work: Build a strong reputation by consistently exceeding client expectations.
Top tools:
- Upwork website and app: Your gateway to freelancing success.
- Portfolio website: Showcase your best work to potential clients.
6. Fiverr is a Gig Economy Goldmine
Fiverr is another great platform for freelancers. It’s known for its “gigs” – small, well-defined services that you can offer for a fixed price.
What you should do now:
- Identify your niche: What are you good at? What services can you offer?
- Create compelling gig descriptions: Make your gigs stand out from the crowd.
- Deliver on time and communicate clearly: Keep your clients happy and build a strong reputation.
Top tools:
- Fiverr website and app: Your marketplace for gigs.
- Communication tools: Use tools like Slack or Zoom to stay in touch with clients.
7. Airbnb To Turn Your Space into Cash
Got a spare room? Or maybe an entire apartment you’re not using? Airbnb lets you rent out your space to travelers and earn extra income.
What you should do now:
- Create a welcoming listing: Showcase your space with high-quality photos and a detailed description.
- Set competitive prices: Research similar listings in your area to get an idea of what to charge.
- Be a great host: Provide excellent service and make your guests feel at home.
Top tools:
- Airbnb website and app: Manage your listings and communicate with guests.
- Home staging tools: Make your space look its best with the help of decluttering and decorating apps.
8. Etsy To Sell Your Crafts Online
If you’re crafty, Etsy is the perfect platform to sell your handmade goods. From jewelry and clothing to home decor and art, there’s a market for unique, handcrafted items.
What you should do now:
- Find your niche: What kind of crafts are you passionate about?
- Take high-quality photos: Showcase your products in the best possible light.
- Write compelling product descriptions: Highlight the unique features of your items.
Top tools:
- Etsy website and app: Your online shop for handmade goods.
- Photography and editing tools: Make your product photos look professional.
9. YouTube To Build an Audience and Earn Ad Revenue
YouTube is more than just a place to watch cat videos. It’s a powerful platform for content creators to build an audience and earn money through advertising.
What you should do now:
- Find your niche: What are you passionate about? What kind of videos do you want to create?
- Create high-quality content: Invest in good equipment and editing software.
- Promote your channel: Share your videos on social media and other platforms.
Top tools:
- YouTube Studio: Manage your channel and track your performance.
- Video editing software: Create professional-looking videos.
10. TikTok
TikTok is the hottest social media platform right now, making it one of the best apps to make online in Kenya.
And it’s not just for teenagers.
You can use TikTok to build a following and earn money through brand deals, sponsorships, and live gifting.
What you should do now:
- Find your niche: What kind of content do you want to create?
- Create engaging videos: Keep your videos short, sweet, and to the point.
- Use relevant hashtags: Increase your visibility and reach a wider audience.
Top tools:
- TikTok app: Create and share your videos.
- Video editing apps: Add effects and music to your videos.
Read also: How To Make Money Online in Kenya by Watching Videos
11. Foap To Sell Your Photos Online in Kenya
Got a knack for photography? Foap lets you sell your photos to brands and individuals around the world.
What you should do now:
- Upload high-quality photos: Only submit your best work.
- Use relevant keywords: Make it easy for people to find your photos.
- Participate in missions: Complete photo challenges for a chance to win cash prizes.
Top tools:
- Foap app: Upload and sell your photos.
- Photography equipment: Invest in a good camera and lenses.
12. Zoom To Become an Online Tutor in Kenya
Are you an expert in a particular subject? Zoom makes it easy to offer online tutoring services to students around the world.
What you should do now:
- Create a professional profile: Highlight your qualifications and experience.
- Set competitive rates: Research what other tutors are charging.
- Provide engaging lessons: Make learning fun and interactive.
Top tools:
- Zoom app: Host your online tutoring sessions.
- Teaching materials: Use online resources and create your own materials.
13. Google Opinion Rewards To Get Paid for Your Opinions
Google Opinion Rewards is a simple way to earn money by taking surveys. You’ll receive surveys about once a week, and you’ll earn Google Play credit for each one you complete.
What you should do now:
- Download the app: It’s available for both Android and iOS devices.
- Answer surveys honestly: Provide thoughtful and accurate responses.
- Check for new surveys regularly: Don’t miss out on earning opportunities.
Top tools:
- Google Opinion Rewards app: Your gateway to paid surveys.
14. Ajua To Share Your Feedback and Earn Rewards
Ajua is a platform that allows you to share your feedback on products and services and earn rewards. You can earn points for completing surveys, participating in focus groups, and referring friends.
What you should do now:
- Sign up for Ajua: It’s free and easy to join.
- Provide detailed feedback: The more information you provide, the more points you’ll earn.
- Refer your friends: Earn points for every friend who signs up using your referral link.
Top tools:
- Ajua website and app: Share your feedback and earn rewards.
15. GeoPoll To Earn by Taking Surveys in Kenya
GeoPoll is another platform that pays you for taking surveys. You can earn money by sharing your opinions on a variety of topics, including politics, social issues, and consumer products.
What you should do now:
- Sign up for GeoPoll: It’s free to join.
- Complete your profile: Provide accurate information about yourself to receive relevant surveys.
- Check for new surveys regularly: Don’t miss out on earning opportunities.
Top tools:
- GeoPoll website and app: Your source for paid surveys.
There you have it, the top 15 legit apps to make money online in Kenya.
The key takeaway?
There’s an app out there for everyone.
Find the ones that align with your skills and interests, and start building your online income stream today!
The Bottom Line
These 15 apps are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other ways to make money online in Kenya.
The key is to find something you’re passionate about and put in the work. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your financial goals.
Remember, this isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. But with the right tools and strategies, you can cross the finish line and achieve financial freedom.
Now get out there and start hustling!
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