As the cost of living continues to rise and traditional part-time jobs become harder to secure, Kenyan college students are increasingly turning to online side hustles to bridge the financial gap.
What is driving this shift is not just unemployment, but the growing availability of digital work that requires little formal training, flexible hours, and pays directly to mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa.
For many students, online hustles have moved from being “extra cash” options to essential income streams that support rent, food, and school-related expenses.
Why online side hustles are gaining popularity
Kenya’s youth unemployment challenge, combined with pressure from tuition fees and accommodation costs, has pushed students to look beyond campus-based work. Online platforms now allow students to work remotely using smartphones or laptops, eliminating the need for fixed schedules or physical presence.
Another major driver is accessibility. Unlike traditional jobs that demand experience or formal qualifications, many online hustles are skill-light and learnable within weeks. The rise of government-backed digital training programmes and free online tutorials has lowered entry barriers even further, making digital work attractive to first- and second-year students.
What online hustles students are doing
One of the most common entry points is virtual assistance. Students help entrepreneurs and small businesses manage emails, schedule meetings, or handle customer inquiries. With basic communication skills and internet access, students can earn between Sh25,000 and Sh60,000 per month depending on workload and clients.
Data annotation and AI-related microtasks have also gained traction. These roles involve reviewing content, labelling images, or checking AI-generated responses for accuracy. While repetitive, they are beginner-friendly and pay an average of Sh500 to Sh1,200 per hour, allowing students to work in short bursts between classes.
Social media management is another growing option, particularly for students already active on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. Managing posts, replying to comments, and tracking engagement for small businesses can earn students between Sh15,000 and Sh40,000 monthly, often requiring just a few hours per day.
Online tutoring and academic support services remain popular among high-performing students. Those teaching high school subjects or basic university units online can earn between Sh1,000 and Sh2,500 per hour, depending on the subject and platform used.
How students are getting started
Most students begin by learning through free resources on YouTube or enrolling in short online courses that take two to four weeks to complete. Platforms such as Ajira Digital and Jitume provide free training and certification, helping students build credibility when applying for online work.
Creating simple online profiles on freelancing platforms or joining local digital job groups on Telegram and WhatsApp is often the next step. Students are advised to start small, build consistency, and gradually increase their rates as they gain experience.
Payment convenience has also played a key role. Many platforms now support PayPal-to-M-Pesa withdrawals, enabling students to receive earnings quickly without needing traditional bank accounts.
How much time and money is involved
Most online side hustles require between one and four hours per day, making them manageable alongside coursework. On average, students who commit consistently can earn between Sh10,000 and Sh50,000 per month, while more skilled or disciplined workers can exceed this range.
While online hustles are not without challenges—such as unreliable platforms and delayed payments—the flexibility and income potential continue to make them attractive to students navigating Kenya’s tough economic climate.
As digital work becomes more mainstream, online side hustles are no longer just stopgap solutions. For many Kenyan college students, they are fast becoming a practical pathway to financial independence and future career growth.
