Introduction
We’ve all been there — rent is due, your M-Pesa balance reads zero, and payday feels a lifetime away. The good news is that being broke in Kenya doesn’t mean you’re helpless. With creativity, resourcefulness, and a smartphone, there are plenty of ways to make quick cash — even without capital.
Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or working Kenyan struggling with the rising cost of living, this guide outlines 15 practical ways to get money fast in Kenya. These ideas are legal, realistic, and doable with little or no investment.
Sell What You Don’t Need
One of the quickest ways to get cash is by selling items you no longer use. Kenyans often have valuable stuff lying around — an old phone, electronics, shoes, clothes, or furniture.
How to do it:
- List your items on Jiji Kenya, Pigiame, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Use clear photos and honest descriptions.
- Price slightly lower than market rates to attract quick buyers.
Pro tip: Phones, laptops, and home appliances sell fastest. You can make Ksh 2,000–20,000 in a day depending on what you sell.
Offer a Skill or Service in Your Neighborhood
Do you know how to braid hair, wash cars, design posters, fix electronics, or do laundry? Turn that skill into quick income.
Advertise your services in WhatsApp groups, church, or on local noticeboards.
Examples:
- Braiding or barbering at home
- House cleaning or laundry services
- Cooking and selling snacks
- Graphic design or CV writing
Even if you charge just Ksh 300–1,000 per client, a few jobs a day can sort out your short-term cash problems.
Try Online Freelancing
If you have access to the internet, online freelancing is one of the best modern ways to get money in Kenya. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Remotasks pay for skills such as writing, transcription, data entry, and graphic design.
Getting Started:
- Create a professional profile.
- List your skills clearly.
- Start with simple jobs to build reviews.
Earnings: Ksh 500–5,000 per task depending on experience.
Tools needed: Laptop or smartphone, internet connection, and a PayPal account.
Become a Jumia or Glovo Delivery Rider
If you own or can rent a motorbike, you can start earning quickly through Jumia Food, Glovo, Uber Eats, or Bolt Food. These companies are always recruiting delivery partners.
What you need:
- Smartphone
- Valid driver’s license (Class F or G)
- Reflector jacket and good customer service
You can earn Ksh 1,000–3,000 per day delivering food and parcels.
Participate in Online Surveys and Microtasks
Websites like Swagbucks, TimeBucks, Remotasks, and Clickworker pay users to complete simple online activities like surveys, image labeling, or watching ads.
While the pay isn’t huge, it’s a fast way to make a few hundred shillings daily with your phone.
Earnings: Ksh 300–1,000 per day
Payment options: PayPal, Bitcoin, or gift cards.
Offer Academic Writing or Typing Services
Academic writing remains a booming side hustle in Kenya, especially among students. If you’re good in English and research, you can get started quickly by working for established writers or on platforms like EssayPro, WriterBay, or StudyPool.
Alternatively, offer typing services to college students or NGOs.
Earnings: Ksh 500–3,000 per assignment.
Caution: Stick to legitimate clients to avoid scams.
Do Online Transcription Jobs
Transcription involves listening to audio files and typing what you hear. Websites like TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, and Rev accept Kenyan workers and pay weekly via PayPal.
Requirements:
- Good English skills
- Headphones
- Reliable internet
Earnings: Ksh 1,000–5,000 daily for skilled typists.
Join Affiliate Marketing Programs
Affiliate marketing is a fast-growing way for Kenyans to make money online by promoting products. You earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
Popular Programs:
- Jumia Kenya Affiliate Program
- Amazon Associates
- Travelstart Affiliate
Promote products on WhatsApp, Facebook, or TikTok.
Earnings: Ksh 500–10,000 per week depending on traffic.
Rent Out What You Own
If you have something valuable but not in daily use — like a camera, sound system, tent, vehicle, or power tools — you can rent it out for instant cash.
List your assets on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Peers’ WhatsApp groups
- Local posters
For instance, renting out speakers for a weekend event can earn Ksh 2,000–8,000.
Start Selling Street Food or Snacks
You don’t need a fancy restaurant to make money. Selling samosas, smokies, boiled eggs, chapatis, or mandazis is a proven money maker in Kenya.
Startup Cost: Ksh 1,000–5,000
Profit: Ksh 500–2,000 daily
Hotspots: Matatu stages, schools, and construction sites.
If you cook well and stay consistent, this simple idea can evolve into a daily income stream.
Become a Social Media Influencer
If you love TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, use your content to make money. With consistency, you can attract followers and partner with brands.
Ways to Earn:
- Sponsored posts
- Affiliate links
- Product sales
- Brand ambassador deals
Even with 5,000 followers, micro-influencers can earn Ksh 5,000–50,000 per campaign.
Pro tip: Choose a niche (e.g., comedy, fashion, tech, or lifestyle) and post consistently.
Offer Online Tutoring or Coaching
If you’re good in academics, music, language, or a technical subject, you can tutor students online or in person. Use platforms like TutorMe, Preply, or Kenyan Facebook groups.
Alternatively, offer coaching services for local exams like KCSE or university courses.
Earnings: Ksh 500–3,000 per session.
You can even teach through Zoom or WhatsApp.
Try Digital Content Creation
If you can record videos or take good photos, digital content creation can become a steady source of income.
You can make short videos for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook Reels and earn through views, ads, and sponsorships.
Starting tools:
- A smartphone with a good camera
- Free editing apps like CapCut or InShot
- Strong Wi-Fi or mobile data
Consistency pays. Many Kenyans are now earning Ksh 20,000–300,000+ per month from content creation.
Try Odd Jobs and Gigs in Your Area
When you’re broke, sometimes the fastest solution is offline. Look for short-term work around your community — people always need help with errands, cleaning, or delivery.
Examples:
- Help at construction sites
- Wash cars
- Do farm work
- Carry luggage at markets or bus stages
You can make Ksh 500–2,000 daily, and some of these jobs pay immediately.
Borrow Wisely from Trusted Sources
If none of the above works fast enough, consider borrowing responsibly — but only as a short-term fix.
Options to Explore:
- Mobile loans: M-Shwari, Fuliza, Tala, Branch, or Zenka.
- Chamas and SACCOs: Offer low-interest emergency loans.
- Family or friends: Borrow with a repayment plan to maintain trust.
Avoid predatory lenders charging over 20% interest. Use borrowed money for something productive, not luxury spending.
Bonus: Combine Two or More Methods
If you’re serious about escaping financial stress, combine several of these ideas. For instance:
- Do online writing in the morning, deliver food in the afternoon, and sell snacks in the evening.
- Rent out your bicycle while offering graphic design services online.
This approach diversifies income and helps you stay afloat even during slow weeks.
Smart Habits to Avoid Going Broke Again
Once you get quick cash, use it wisely. Many Kenyans struggle financially not because they don’t earn, but because they don’t manage money properly.
Tips for Financial Discipline:
- Budget everything — record income and expenses.
- Save a small percentage daily, even Ksh 50.
- Avoid unnecessary debts and gambling.
- Invest in a skill that increases future income.
- Join a SACCO or Chama to build savings habits.
Financial freedom isn’t about luck — it’s about consistency.
Conclusion
Being broke in Kenya doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Opportunities are everywhere — on your phone, in your neighborhood, or within your skills. You don’t need luck; you just need action.
Whether you’re selling snacks, freelancing online, or doing delivery gigs, every shilling counts. Start small, stay focused, and grow gradually. The sooner you act, the faster you recover from financial stress.
Remember: Broke is temporary. Hustle smart, stay consistent, and use your creativity — because in Kenya, there’s always a way to make money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How to Get Money Fast When You’re Broke in Kenya
1. What can I do to get money immediately in Kenya?
If you need cash urgently, the fastest options include selling unused items, doing short gigs, or offering a quick service like cleaning, laundry, or hair braiding. You can also borrow small loans through Fuliza, M-Shwari, or Tala, but ensure you have a repayment plan.
Other quick methods include freelancing online, selling snacks, or doing delivery jobs with Jumia or Glovo. Focus on what can bring instant payment rather than waiting for long-term returns.
2. How can I make money online in Kenya without investment?
You can make money online without capital through:
- Freelance writing on Upwork or Fiverr
- Transcription jobs on Rev or GoTranscript
- Online surveys via TimeBucks or Swagbucks
- Affiliate marketing (promoting Jumia products)
- Social media influencing on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram
All you need is a smartphone, internet connection, and consistency. Most Kenyans start small and grow gradually into full-time digital earners.
3. Can I make money fast without a job or capital?
Yes, you can. Start by offering services that require only your time or skills. For example:
- Wash cars, clean houses, or do laundry.
- Cook and sell simple foods like chapati, smokies, or samosas.
- Help people with errands or shopping.
These activities can earn Ksh 500–2,000 daily, even without capital. Use what you already have — your energy, skills, or network.
4. What can I sell to make quick money in Kenya?
You can sell:
- Second-hand clothes (mitumba)
- Shoes, electronics, or furniture
- Homemade food or snacks
- Phone accessories or cosmetics
- Online digital services like designs or notes
Platforms like Jiji Kenya, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp groups are great for quick sales. Clear photos and fair pricing make all the difference.
5. How can students make money quickly in Kenya?
Students can earn money through:
- Online writing or transcription
- Tutoring classmates
- Running small businesses like selling snacks or thrift clothes
- Affiliate links or YouTube content
With a smartphone and internet, students can make Ksh 500–3,000 per day from simple online jobs or services around campus.
6. Which mobile apps can help me get money fast in Kenya?
Reliable mobile apps for fast cash include:
- M-Shwari
- Fuliza
- Tala
- Branch
- Zenka
- Okash
They offer instant mobile loans ranging from Ksh 500 to Ksh 50,000 depending on your credit score. Always repay on time to increase your borrowing limit.
7. How can I make money from my phone in Kenya?
Your smartphone is a powerful money-making tool. You can:
- Take online gigs (writing, surveys, affiliate marketing).
- Create TikTok or YouTube videos.
- Sell goods through Facebook or WhatsApp.
- Receive payments through M-Pesa or PayPal.
Many Kenyans earn full-time income using just their phones.
8. Is freelancing a good way to make money fast in Kenya?
Yes. Freelancing offers flexibility and immediate payments after completing tasks. With skills like writing, graphic design, or social media management, you can earn Ksh 10,000–50,000 monthly or more. Start on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and learn from YouTube tutorials to improve your skills.
9. How can I avoid scams when looking for money online in Kenya?
Always research before signing up for any online job. Avoid platforms that:
- Ask for registration fees
- Promise unrealistic income
- Lack clear payment methods
Stick to verified sites like Upwork, Freelancer, GoTranscript, and Jumia Affiliates. Also, read online reviews or join Facebook freelancer communities for updates.
10. How can I stop being broke permanently?
To break the cycle of being broke:
- Budget your income and track spending.
- Save consistently, even small amounts.
- Invest in learning new skills that increase your earning potential.
- Avoid high-interest loans and gambling.
- Diversify income through side hustles or online work.
Financial stability comes from discipline, smart decisions, and continuous learning.
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