Introduction
What are the best side hustles for a broke college student to make money online in Kenya? Is it really possible to make Ksh. 10,000 daily?
We know the pain of trying to pay attention to a pot-bellied lecturer who looks like he’s eaten an entire cow for breakfast while your stomach growls for lack of food. The good news is that you could leave the hard times behind you… if you’re willing to put in the effort.
There are plenty of opportunities to make money online without experience - even from the comfort of your smartphone. However, there’s no such thing as “free” money, and you will have to dedicate a good amount of time to your craft.
That said, here are seven online jobs you can start today.
1. Selling Notes
Previously, many students made a lot of money in online academic writing. However, with the rise of AI, the tides have turned, and the market is on the decline.
Here’s the catch - AI isn’t a silver bullet. Handwritten notes are still in high demand. AI often doesn’t cover topics as well as a lecturer does, and it’s easy for it to overlook crucial concepts . Kenyan students are already making a pretty penny on platforms such as PasingGrades and Docsity.
Well-organized notes can fetch up to Ksh. 50,000 during high seasons. If you’re good at taking detailed, organized notes, this could be an easy way to make money while helping others succeed in their studies.
2. Academic Writing
While online academic writing is on the decline due to AI, it’s not completely dead. Students and businesses still need well-researched content that AI tools can’t fully match.
If you have good research and writing skills, you can make decent money helping students with assignments. Websites like Studypool, EssayPro, and Uvocorp still offer writing gigs.
Applying to these platforms can be challenging, but here’s the trick - head to facebook and search “academic writing”. There are plenty groups where people sell these accounts.
Yes, academic writing accounts have to be purchased, so you do need some capital to start. However, if you can’t raise money, there are always employers in these groups who willing to hire good writers.
To succeed in academic writing, focus on niche subjects that require human expertise. such as law, business, and medical studies. AI is known to “hallucinate” (i.e. make up) court cases and medical conditions, so these fields are always in need of a human touch.
Lastly, avoid AI-generated content as most clients now use AI detectors and if you are found the penalty can be detrimental to your side hustle.
3. Thrifting
Thrifting, also known as second-hand selling, is one of the most profitable online hustles for college students in Kenya.
Many students already make money by buying mitumba clothes, shoes, and accessories from Gikomba, Toi Market, or Eastleigh and selling them online through Instagram, WhatsApp, Jiji, and Facebook Marketplace.
When I was in University, I preferred selling ladies clothes, especially dresses since they are fast moving. The best part about thrifting is that you don’t need a physical shop. You can start with as little as Ksh 1,000, take high-quality photos, and market your items on social media. If you’re good at branding and marketing, you can turn this into a serious business.
4. Virtual Assistant
Many businesses and entrepreneurs are looking for virtual assistants to handle simple administrative tasks such as managing emails, scheduling meetings, data entry, and social media management. If you have basic computer skills and can communicate well in English, you can land a virtual assistant job on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.
Some Kenyan students working as virtual assistants earn between Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 50,000 per month depending on the tasks assigned. The best part? You can work from anywhere and choose your working hours.
5. Become an Influencer
If you haven’t heard, content creation on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter (X) is big money in Kenya. The catch is, you need to have the skill to create engaging content like Azziad or Oga Obinna. Once you have an audience, you can make money through brand sponsorships, ads, and affiliate marketing.
To start, pick a niche - comedy, fashion, tech, or education - grow your audience, and engage with your followers. Brands are constantly looking for influencers with as little as 1,000+ followers to promote their products. You don’t need a huge following; what matters is engagement and content quality.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing, another booming online job is a passive income stream where you promote products and earn commissions for every sale made through your referral link. Many Kenyan students are making money promoting Jumia, Kilimall, Amazon, and other online stores.
It’s a 3-step process:
- Join an affiliate program like Jumia KOL, Kilimall Affiliate, or Amazon Associates.
- Get your unique referral link.
- Share the link on social media, WhatsApp groups, or a blog.
When someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you get a cut. Some students make Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 50,000 per month, depending on how well they market the products.
7. Blogging
Blogging is one of the best online jobs for college students in Kenya, but it requires patience. If you love writing, you can start a blog on topics like campus life, finance, fashion, tech, or travel. Once your blog gets traffic, you can make money through Google AdSense, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
To succeed in blogging:
- Choose a profitable niche.
- Post SEO-optimized articles regularly.
- Promote your blog on social media.
Websites like Fineducke started as a small blog but grew into a business. If you remain consistent, your blog could be a big source of passive income in the future.
Parting Shot
Here’s a quick rundown of the online side hustles for students, and an estimation of how much they.
Note: there range between minimum and maximum earnings is due to the discrepancy in pay for different levels of experience.
| Estimated Earnings for Online Jobs in Kenya | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Type | Average Weekly Earnings (Ksh) | Advantages | Challenges |
| Selling Notes | 2,000 - 40,000 | Well-suited for university students | Staying organized and keeping notes up-to-date |
| Online Academic Writing | 3,000 - 35,000 | Flexible hours, work from anywhere | Mastering writing and focusing on niche topics |
| Thrifting | 2,500 - 15,000 | Low startup costs, creative freedom | Finding the right style and selling effectively |
| Virtual Assistant | 2,800 - 25,000 | Flexible schedule, remote work | Managing tasks efficiently and adapting to different clients |
| Social Media Influencer | 4,000 - 20,000 | Potential for sponsorships, fun engagement | Creating consistent content and building a personal brand |
| Affiliate Marketing | 3,000 - 12,000 | Passive income potential, scalable | Learning online marketing and analyzing performance |
| Blogging | 2,000 - 10,000 | Creative outlet, long-term growth | Writing regularly and figuring out SEO and site maintenance |
| Source: Kiihela | |||
Online jobs are changing the way Kenyan students earn money. Whether it’s selling notes, online writing, thrifting, or becoming an influencer, there’s a way for everyone to make money online. The best part? You don’t need huge capital to start a side hustle, just your skills, a smartphone, and an internet connection.
Which online job interests you the most? Let me know in the comments!