Kenya is a great nation with lots of opportunities. Not many countries have the kind of peace the country enjoys, so the lack or unavailability of 9 to 5 jobs shouldn’t stop one from earning a living. Indeed, a number of people are leaving office jobs for the informal sector. Depending on where you live, listed below are 8 practical tips on how to make money in Kenya. Most of these methods of making money in Kenya will require basic education and can be pursued either as part-time activities or full-time occupations.
1. Working online – Ksh. 30,000
Can you use computers? Are you in a position to access the internet? Well, those are the main tools you need to successfully work online. A basic understanding of common computer packages such as Microsoft Office will also be needed. The internet is like a big office where almost every piece of skill is needed. From data entry and simple article writing to more complex tasks such as computer programming and graphics, there is always enough for everyone.
2. Turn your car into a taxi – Ksh. 30,000
A number of Kenyans are already reaping benefits from this investment. Of course, it’s only possible if you own a car. If you go to work, you can hire a driver to operate the car as a taxi while you continue with your job; all he has to do is drive you to work and pick you up after work. Doing it alone after work is not a good idea as it could cause fatigue, but then some have managed to carry a few passengers in their cars to and from work.
See Also: 5 Job Hunting Tips for Kenyans
3. Rent out extra rooms – Ksh. 10,000
Congested towns like Nairobi and Mombasa are known for high rents. If you have an extra room, you can make some little income from it. This is also known as subletting. People who are just starting a new job in town and students will usually make great tenants. You’ll have to work out which rooms to sublet; you don’t want a tenant walking across you’re sitting room on the way to his/her room.
See Also: How to Search and Get the Some Real Jobs in Kenya
4. Part-time tutoring – Ksh. 20,000
If you are well-educated and already have a job but looking for extra income, this would be a great option. Most of the private schools and colleges are in need of professional tutors. You can take up evening classes which run from immediately after working hours to 8 pm or 9 pm in the night. Accounting and computing are some of the most in-demand subjects.
5. Tuition from home – Ksh. 20,000
This doesn’t just apply to teachers; even college and university graduates are welcome. If you live in a large estate, you are very likely to attract quite a few customers. You’ll have to be very careful with your schedule though. Because the kids go to school, tuition sessions should be in the evenings, on the weekends and during holidays.
6. Brokering – varies
If you can get between a seller and the buyer, you will always be paid. Some have managed to live wholly as brokers and they will tell you it’s much more rewarding than sitting in the office. How much you take home at the end of the day depend on your industry. Real estate brokers are paid quite handsomely. Just ensure that you comply with all the laws.
7. Babysitting – Ksh. 20,000
People who stay at home the whole day can make some money from babysitting. Parents are increasingly getting wary of hiring permanent house helps; not only is it expensive, it has proved to be quite risky. Approach parents from within the estate, area or environment where you can be trusted. Even if you were to charge Ksh.100 per day per child, you’d still walk home with Ksh. 1,000 per day on 10 children which isn’t a bad return.
8. Agriculture – depends
Many Kenyans who have moved from office jobs to agriculture have never returned to their old jobs. With agricultural produce, a market is never a problem irrespective of where you live. Depending on available space, poultry farming and vegetable farming are some of the most rewarding projects. If you can find ways of getting a greenhouse; passion fruits, tomatoes, capsicum and cucumbers are very good options.
Summary
Making money is all about solving the other person’s problems, however little the problem might be. For people looking to add to their monthly incomes, these eight ideas would be a great starting point.
