Side hustles are becoming increasingly popular in Kenya as young professionals seek to supplement their income and increase their financial stability.
The high cost of living in the country has also pushed the prices of basic commodities through the roof, forcing many Kenyans to seek ways of improving their financial independence.
We take a look a look at some well-paying side hustles that can provide additional income for persons willing to spare some of their free time to improve their financial freedom.
1. Personal Training
Personal training continues to gain traction in the country as more people desire to stay fit and healthy.
If you are a fitness enthusiast you may want to tap into the opportunity during your free time and make some money doing what you love from the comfort of your home or at a local fitness centre.
You can use your knowledge, experience, and skills to design fitness programs, conduct fitness assessments, and provide one-on-one or group training sessions to clients.
With the rise of online platforms such as YouTube, you can also offer your services online. You don’t need an expensive camera to start off. You can begin with your smartphone and upgrade with time when you get more clients and resources.
2. Managing Social Media and Digital Operations for startups
There are a lot of opportunities currently in Kenya for tech-savvy individuals seeking to supplement their income.
Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) prefer to outsource most of their digital operations to cut costs and this offers opportunities for professionals seeking part-time jobs.
For instance, companies may seek a website designer or developer to build their website or outsource their social media management team to improve their online presence.
The jobs are often advertised on popular professional platforms such as Linkedin. If you have the required skills you may want to try the opportunities.
3. Graphic Design Side Hustle
Graphic design is a rapidly growing field, and there are many opportunities available for graphic designers in Kenya today.
Marketing and advertising agencies are always looking out for persons with graphic designers to engage in their projects either full-time or part-time.
You can seize the opportunity and work as a freelance graphic designer for companies and individuals on your own terms.
4. Photography/Videography
Photography is also one of the rewarding side hustles one can consider to boost their income. With the right skills and a good camera, one can make good money doing freelance work for companies and individuals.
For instance, during the weekend you can spare some hours and do professional shoots at weddings, birthday parties, funerals and other events.
5. Sign up for ride-hailing services
If you have a car and a driving licence you can sign up as a driver for popular ride-hailing services in the country such as Uber, Bolt and Little Cab and instead of going home early after work, you can make a few trips and earn some money.
With a good customer service rating, you’ll get more rides and make more money.
6. Delivery services
As the e-commerce industry in Kenya grows, there is an increased demand for delivery services. Individuals can sign up as delivery drivers for e-commerce platforms such as Jumia, Glovo, and Rupu.
Delivery services offer a flexible schedule, allowing individuals to work on their own terms and earn a decent income.
7. Freelancing on Upwork
Many young people are making a decent income online helping companies or individuals complete a wide range of professional tasks.
With numerous online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, skills Kenyans can easily find work and earn a decent income from the comfort of their homes.
Skills such as web development, programming, and graphic designing are in high demand on the platforms.
You can also leverage your fluency in English or writing to write and proofread stories, assignments and research projects for clients.
8. Blogging/Content creation
With the advancement of technology in the country, you can make a decent income by blogging or vlogging about various subjects online.
For instance, you can start a travel blog where you document your experiences and help other Kenyans or foreigners choose travel destinations or showcase your cooking skills on YouTube.
Google’s Adsense program has helped many Kenyans make a living by doing what they love online.
9. Baking
If you love baking and have the right skills there are numerous opportunities for you in the country.
You can start a home-based baking business and offer your baked goods for sale to family, friends, and neighbours. This could include cakes, cupcakes, bread, cookies, and other baked goods.
You can also bake cakes and supply them to events such as weddings, parties, and corporate events.
You can also start an online bakery and sell your baked goods through social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and food delivery apps.
If you love teaching others how to do stuff, you can offer baking classes to teach others how to bake in person or through online platforms such as YouTube.
10. Airbnb
Airbnb business is gaining traction in the country as many Kenyans continue to embrace travel and adventure, an activity that was previously common with foreign tourists.
If you have a spare room in your house, you can consider renting it out through Airbnb and make money.
