According to a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statics ( KNBS), Kenya’s working population currently stands at 19,999,386 People, representing 10,483,645 males and 9,515,741 females. However, despite the numbers, a large percentage of the whole population remains unemployed, especially the youths, who constitute about 29% of the entire figure. Surprisingly enough, even for those who are employed, the Salaries they earn do not meet their daily needs, forcing many of them to seek alternative means to earn more money, either through Side hustles or various Online Jobs.
By the way, 82% of the working population is majorly contributed by those in the informal sections rather than the formal sectors. Also, about 1.2 million workers, most of whom operate within the informal sector, are employed in the gig economy, which brings about annual revenue to the country at about USD 109 million. Therefore, it is very clear that the gig economy is helping those involved transition into a new set of jobs quickly and earn even more than they would be employed in the public and private sectors.
The good thing about online jobs in Kenya is that anyone can do them, even with little or no experience. The best part is that some of them do not require you to have high-end laptops, as even a smartphone is just enough to allow you to earn extra cash. So, if you are wondering which of the best online jobs in Kenya pay via smartphone, then this guide has all the answers that you need.
Best Online Jobs for Kenyans Using Smartphones
Below are some of the top 3 Jobs that we recommend to you to start earline online quickly by using your smartphone in 2025:
Freelance Writing
Quickly mention one easy-to-get online job, and writing will appear on your bucket list. It is one of the most preferable remote Jobs that one can easily do so long as one has the current market skills.
The idea of writing involves creating content for clients in different industries, including articles, Blog posts, or even social media content. While this type of online work mostly requires you to have a laptop due to the extensive research nature, it can demand from you as a skilled freelancer that it is still easier to do such work with only a phone that can access the internet.
Some of the best job websites to look for writing jobs in Kenya include international platforms such as freelancer.com, upwork, and Fiver, and even local job websites in Kenya such as Brighter Monday or My Job Mag
Thrifted Clothing
Another online venture you can pursue using your Smartphone is selling Thrifted clothes online. This works well if you have a large following on various social media platforms in Kenya, such as Instagram, Facebook, and even Tiktok.
However, to be successful at selling clothes online, you have to find a niche that is accepted by the majority of the Kenyan population, especially women and Gen Zs.
To achieve profits, you can either source your items from local thrift stores such as Toi Market, Budget Wear and Think Twice and curate your collection to target your targetted audience as mentioned previously
Photography
Many people with excellent photography skills tend to overlook smartphones and focus on getting expensive camera equipment, but the truth is that camera technologies have improved over time, and you no longer need expensive gear to succeed at this work.
Luckily, many smartphones are available in the Kenyan market, from mid-range models, such as the Tecno Camon 19 pro 5g, to expensive models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22, that can quickly get you started. To make a living from your photography skills online, focus on demand niches such as product or lifestyle shots and then expand your services as you gain more followers.
The best part is that even if you are not doing it locally, you can still earn more money by monetizing your photos on online platforms such as Shuttotcok, which allows you to earn money every time your photo is downloaded.
How Do These Jobs Offer Flexibility and Financial Stability?
There are many online Jobs today in Kenya far beyond those focused on earning extra cash using a smartphone that allows you to be your own boss. They present a range of opportunities, especially in a developing country like Kenya, where a majority of the population is struggling to have three meals in a day.
One of the advantages of working online using smartphones is their flexibility. This means that you can choose when and how much time you want to focus on the job. The best part is that you work on them as a side hustle, meaning that you don’t have to quit your 9-to-5 Jobs for those who are employed.
If done the right way online, Jobs presents much higher earnings than day-to-day Jobs because of the number of projects and clients available. Additionally, there are many platforms that one can sign up for and apply for projects; you are not limited to a single entity or tied to any Contract. Moreover, today, the majority of freelance platforms support M-Pesa making. It is easy to withdraw your earnings directly to your mobile wallet.
Finally, Online Jobs allow one to network and mingle with like-minded people in one’s area of focus, which can help one grow while gaining more clients through direct or indirect referrals.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have. We believe this guide has been a starting point for those looking for Online jobs in Kenya that require using a smartphone only. While we have listed three of them, such as Freelance writing, Photographs, and selling clothes online, you must know that there are pretty online impurities that you can explore by yourself. The best part about earning money from remote Jobs is that you withdraw it directly to your M-Pesa wallet, saving you time creating bank accounts. So, if you have any questions, please comment in the section below, and we will be there to guide you.
