You’re broke.
Rent is breathing down your neck.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing everyone’s thinking but nobody’s saying: making money from your phone shouldn’t feel like rocket science.
Yet every “expert” makes it sound like you need a PhD in tech to earn a shilling online.
That’s garbage.
I’ve tested dozens of apps.
Wasted hours on platforms that promised the moon and delivered dust.
But here’s what I found: the best money-making apps in Kenya are simple, direct, and pay to M-Pesa.
No fluff.
No fake promises.
Just real apps that put real money in your pocket.
Why Most Money-Making Apps Fail Kenyans
Let me be straight with you.
90% of money-making apps are built for Americans.
They don’t understand M-Pesa.
They don’t get Kenyan internet speeds.
They definitely don’t care about your hustle.
In Kenya, mPesa is the most widely used money transfer method for the top earning applications because it is easily accessible to everyone and also has a low transfer charge.
That’s why this guide focuses on apps that:
- Pay directly to M-Pesa (or have easy transfer methods)
- Work with Kenyan internet speeds
- Don’t require expensive equipment
- Have proven track records in East Africa
The 4 Categories of Money-Making Apps in Kenya That Actually Work
Before we dive into specific online money making apps in kenya, understand this:
Money-making apps consist of a few categories: Long-term freelancing apps, short-term task apps, delivery and taxi apps, and apps to sell your stuff.
Category 1: Freelancing Apps These are your goldmines if you have skills.
Category 2: Task & Survey Apps Quick money for simple tasks.
Category 3: Passive Income Apps Money while you sleep (sort of).
Category 4: Local Service Apps Kenyan-built for Kenyan problems.
Top Freelancing Apps That Pay to M-Pesa
1. Upwork
The heavyweight champion.
Upwork payments via M-Pesa typically transfer immediately but may take up to five business days. The service is only available to freelancers in Kenya using their own registered M-Pesa accounts. Transactions are limited to 70,000 KES.
What you can do:
- Writing
- Web development
- Graphic design
- Virtual assistance
- Data entry
Realistic earnings: KSh 20,000 – KSh 150,000 per month
Why it works: Global clients, direct M-Pesa payments, massive job volume.
2. Fiverr
Your skills, your price.
Best for:
- Creative services
- Digital marketing
- Voice-overs (perfect for Kenyans with good English)
- Logo design
Realistic earnings: KSh 5,000 – KSh 80,000 per month
Pro tip: Start with simple services like “I will write a 500-word article for KSh 500”
3. ApexListings
Apexlistings offers online jobs in Kenya that pay through Mpesa. It is a site like Fiverr in some ways but made for the Kenyan market. Apexlistings allows you to sell your freelance skills to buyers who are looking for help with tasks and the money you earn is sent to your Mpesa.
Why it’s different: Built specifically for Kenyans.
Services in demand:
- Social media management
- Content writing in Swahili
- Local business consulting
- Mobile app testing
Survey and Task Apps That Actually Pay
4. SagaPoll
SagaPoll, SweatCoins, and Prolific have established themselves as trusted choices for African users.
What you do: Answer surveys about products and services.
Payment method: M-Pesa
Time investment: 10-30 minutes per survey
Realistic earnings: KSh 2,000 – KSh 8,000 per month
5. Premise Kenya
Local surveys for local businesses.
What makes it special: Kenya-specific surveys about local businesses and services.
Realistic earnings: KSh 3,000 – KSh 12,000 per month
6. GeoPoll
African-focused survey platform.
From Geopoll to Triaba, learn about the different survey sites that pay through Mpesa and get started with making passive income.
Best for: Quick surveys during commute or lunch breaks.
Payment: Direct to M-Pesa
Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money
7. MPL Pro
MPL Pro: Hosts tournaments for popular games with cash prizes for winners
Games available:
- Ludo
- Chess
- Fruit Chop
- Pool
Reality check: Only skilled players make consistent money.
Potential earnings: KSh 1,000 – KSh 20,000 per month (if you’re good)
8. Winzo Gold
Winzo Gold: Offers skill-based gaming competitions with cash prizes
Warning: Don’t get addicted. Treat it like a skill-based side hustle, not gambling.
9. Cashyy
Cashyy: Features simple games with real money rewards, available in both Nigeria and Kenya
How it works: Play games, earn coins, redeem for cash.
Realistic expectation: Pocket change, not rent money.
Passive Income Apps
10. Pawns.app
This qualifies Pawns.app as one of the top earning mobile apps in Kenya 2025 for your diverse income streams and smart wealth creation.
What it does: Uses your unused internet bandwidth.
Setup: Download, install, forget.
Realistic earnings: KSh 500 – KSh 2,000 per month
Perfect for: People with unlimited internet plans.
11. SweatCoin
Walk and earn.
How it works: Tracks your steps, converts to coins, redeem for cash or prizes.
Best for: People who walk a lot anyway.
Realistic earnings: KSh 200 – KSh 1,000 per month
12. EasyEquities
If you prefer passive income, EasyEquities and DataCash are your best bets.
What it is: Investment app that pays dividends.
Minimum investment: As low as KSh 100
Risk level: Medium to high
Not for: People who need money immediately.
Task and Gig Apps
13. Paidwork
Get paid real cash money for playing games, filling out surveys, watching videos, completing offers and typing texts. Earn cash money rewards by trying free games, apps, & watching short videos.
Tasks include:
- Watching short videos
- Testing apps
- Completing small offers
- Typing tasks
Realistic earnings: KSh 1,500 – KSh 6,000 per month
14. Triaba
Survey platform with Kenya focus.
Survey length: 5-15 minutes typically
Payment: M-Pesa integration available
Best practice: Complete your profile 100% for better survey matching.
15. DataCash
If you prefer passive income, EasyEquities and DataCash are your best bets.
How it works: Sell your unused mobile data.
Perfect for: People with unlimited or large data plans.
Common Questions About Money-Making Apps in Kenya
How Much Can You Realistically Make?
Here’s the truth nobody tells you:
Casual use (1-2 hours daily): KSh 5,000 – KSh 15,000 per month
Serious hustle (4-6 hours daily): KSh 20,000 – KSh 60,000 per month
Professional level (treating it like a job): KSh 50,000 – KSh 200,000+ per month
Which Apps Pay Directly to M-Pesa?
Direct M-Pesa payments:
- Upwork
- SagaPoll
- Premise Kenya
- GeoPoll
- ApexListings
PayPal to M-Pesa (easy transfer):
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- Some international platforms
Are These Apps Safe and Legitimate?
Red flags to avoid:
- Apps asking for upfront payments
- Promises of “easy money” without work
- Platforms with no reviews or ratings
- Apps requiring personal documents for simple tasks
Green flags (legitimate apps):
- Clear payment terms
- Positive user reviews
- Established company background
- Transparent fee structures
How to Avoid Scams
Rule 1: Never pay to start earning.
Rule 2: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Rule 3: Research the company behind the app.
Rule 4: Start small, test the waters.
Rule 5: Read the terms and conditions (yes, actually read them).
The Reality Check Nobody Gives You
Let me save you from disappointment.
Money-making apps in Kenya are NOT:
- A replacement for a real job (unless you’re in the top 5%)
- A get-rich-quick scheme
- Guaranteed income
- Passive money machines (despite what they claim)
Money-making apps ARE:
- Side income streams
- Ways to monetize your spare time
- Skills development platforms
- Stepping stones to bigger opportunities
Setting Realistic Expectations
Month 1: Focus on learning the platforms. Expect KSh 2,000 – KSh 8,000.
Month 2-3: Build your reputation and skills. Aim for KSh 8,000 – KSh 20,000.
Month 4+: If you’re consistent, KSh 15,000 – KSh 40,000 becomes realistic.
Year 1: Top performers can hit KSh 50,000+ monthly.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings
Diversify Your Income Streams
Don’t put all your eggs in one app.
Smart combination:
- 1 main freelancing platform (Upwork or Fiverr)
- 2-3 survey apps for fill-in time
- 1 passive income app running in background
- 1 local platform (ApexListings)
Build Your Skills While You Earn
Free resources to level up:
- YouTube tutorials
- Coursera free courses
- Khan Academy
- Local tech hubs and workshops
Track Your Time vs. Money
Simple formula: Total earnings ÷ Total hours = Hourly rate
If you’re earning less than a matatu conductor per hour, pivot to higher-paying apps.
Create Systems and Schedules
Sample daily routine:
- 6-7 AM: Complete surveys during commute
- 12-1 PM: Quick tasks during lunch
- 6-9 PM: Serious freelancing work
- Background: Passive apps running
The Bottom Line
Here’s what most articles won’t tell you:
Success with money-making apps requires the same thing as any other business:
- Consistency
- Patience
- Skill development
- Smart strategy
But the opportunity is real.
Freelancing websites are among the highest paying mobile apps in Kenya 2025. If you have marketable skills, you can make the most money on these apps.
The question isn’t whether these apps work.
The question is: Are you willing to put in the work?
Start with one app today.
Test it for two weeks.
If it works, add another.
If it doesn’t, move to the next.
That’s how you build real income streams in 2025.
Your phone is in your pocket.
Your M-Pesa is ready.
The only thing left is your decision to start.
Remember: The best app to make money online in Kenya is the one you actually use consistently. Pick one from this list and commit to it for at least 30 days before judging its effectiveness.
Read also:
