Staying competitive in a world where everything has been digitized and almost every skill is in demand means having multiple streams of income is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a must, especially in Kenya’s evolving economy. With rising living costs and increasing unemployment rates, many people are finding it tough to rely on just one source of income. The job market is unpredictable, and inflation has made it harder to make ends meet. As a result, side jobs have become essential, offering Kenyans a way to earn extra money and build financial security in an uncertain economy.

Whether you’re in your 20s trying to save for your next big purchase, or in your 40s looking to secure your future, side jobs offer a great way to make extra money in Kenya. In this article, we’ll explore 10 good side jobs to make extra money in Kenya. These jobs can be done part-time, and some can even be turned into full-time businesses.

10 side jobs to make extra money in Kenya

1. Sell digital products

Selling digital products is one of the most flexible side jobs you can do in Kenya. You can create and sell things like eBooks, schedules, music, or even content calendars. The best part about digital products is that they don’t require inventory, and once they’re made, you can sell them repeatedly without extra work.

For example, if you’re a writer, you could create eBooks on topics that interest Kenyans—like how to start a business, cook popular Kenyan dishes, or even personal finance. All you need is a platform to sell your product, such as Selar, a popular platform in Kenya that allows you to sell digital products like eBooks, courses, and even services.

With Selar, you can easily set up a store, receive payments from anywhere in the world as Selar accepts multiple currencies, and market your products to a local and global audience. It’s user-friendly and perfect for anyone looking to turn their skills into a profitable side hustle.

2. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from other companies and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. In Kenya, affiliate marketing is growing fast as eCommerce expands, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make extra money without needing your own products.

To succeed in affiliate marketing, you’ll need to choose a niche that you’re passionate about—whether it’s tech gadgets, fashion, or fitness—and build an audience through social media, blogs, or YouTube. A great platform to consider is Selar’s affiliate network, where you can promote a variety of digital products, including eBooks, courses, and more. The beauty of Selar is that you can pick anything you want to sell, and with the high demand for digital products, you can see quick returns.

3. Freelancing

Freelancing offers many opportunities for Kenyans with various skills. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, web developer, or translator, freelancing is a good side job to make extra money in Kenya. You can find freelance gigs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Start by creating a profile that showcases your skills, then bid on projects that match your expertise. Many companies worldwide are looking for freelancers to help with short-term tasks, making freelancing a great way to earn money without leaving home.

4. Social media marketing

Social media is a powerful tool, and many businesses in Kenya are looking for experts to help them manage their online presence. If you’re good at creating engaging content and understand platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, social media marketing could be the side hustle for you.

You can offer services like creating content, managing accounts, and running ads for businesses. Start by building your own social media following or running ads for a small business you know to gain experience.

READ: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting Compelling Social Media Posts

5. Virtual assistance

A virtual assistant (VA) provides administrative support to businesses remotely. Virtual assistants in Kenya can offer a wide range of services such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, and even handling social media accounts.

Becoming a VA is a good side job to make extra money in Kenya because it doesn’t require you to have a physical office. Platforms like Upwork and Remote.co list virtual assistant positions, and you can offer services to both local and international clients.

6. Digital marketing

Digital marketing is in high demand, as businesses need to promote their products online. If you have skills in areas like search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, or email marketing, digital marketing could be the right side hustle for you.

You can work with small businesses in Kenya that are just getting started online or offer your services to international companies. With more businesses looking to grow their online presence, this is a good side job to make extra money in Kenya.

READ:10 Best Free SEO Tools For Content Creators In 2024

7. Online coaching

If you have expertise in a particular field, you can offer online coaching services. This could be fitness coaching, career counselling, or even business coaching. Many people in Kenya are willing to pay for personal development, especially when it comes to learning new skills or improving their lives.

You can conduct your coaching sessions via Zoom or Google Meet and charge per session. Promoting your services on social media platforms or through a website can help you attract clients from Kenya and beyond.

READ: How to Start an Online Coaching Business in Nigeria 2024

8. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is a popular online business model where you sell products without having to keep inventory. In Kenya, dropshipping is gaining popularity as more people look for ways to sell goods without needing a physical store.

With dropshipping, you partner with suppliers who handle the storage and shipping of products. Your job is to market the products and make sales. Shopify and WooCommerce are popular platforms that make it easy to set up a dropshipping store.

9. Deliver packages

With eCommerce and food delivery services booming in Kenya, package delivery has become a thriving business. Many companies need help delivering products to customers, especially in towns and cities. You can partner with eCommerce platforms like Jumia or Bolt Food to start delivering packages or meals as a side hustle.

If you have a reliable mode of transport, whether it’s a motorcycle or car, this could be a simple way to make extra money. Plus, you can work flexible hours that suit your schedule.

10. Start a podcast

Podcasting is an excellent way to share your thoughts, knowledge, or passion with an audience. In Kenya, podcasting is growing as more people consume content on the go. Whether you’re interested in discussing personal development, entrepreneurship, or current events, starting a podcast can help you build a brand while making extra money.

You can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations. With platforms like Spotify, it’s easy to start your podcast and share it on Apple or Google Podcasts.

READ: A 10-Step Guide To Starting A Podcast In 2024

There are plenty of good side jobs to make extra money in Kenya, no matter your skills or schedule. Whether you choose to sell digital products, offer freelance services, or start a podcast, the key is to pick something you enjoy and are good at. This way, your side hustle can grow into a profitable business that gives you financial freedom.

With Selar, you can start these side jobs immediately and begin earning extra income. Whether you’re selling digital products or joining the affiliate network, Selar makes it easy to kickstart your journey toward financial independence. Sign up today and explore what works best for you.