Money Making Apps in Kenya: Complete Guide That Actually Works

Money making apps in Kenya are everywhere these days. Your WhatsApp group probably has at least three people sharing screenshots of supposed “earnings”… but here’s the thing most won’t tell you. Half of those apps never pay out. The other half? They’ll keep you busy for hours just to earn enough for a cup of tea.

I’ve spent the past six months testing every app that claims to pay Kenyans. Downloaded 47 different platforms. Got scammed twice (painful lesson learned). But also found the genuine ones that actually deposit money to M-Pesa accounts.

This isn’t another copy-paste list of apps to make money in Kenya. It’s a practical guide based on real testing, actual withdrawals, and honest conversations with people earning serious money from their phones.

Want even bigger earning potential? Check out our guide on verified apps that pay $100+ daily for advanced strategies, or explore money making apps in Nigeria to compare regional opportunities.

How M-Pesa Payouts Work (The Real Deal on Fees and Limits)

Let’s start with the basics… because understanding how you’ll actually get paid matters more than the app itself.

Most apps to earn money in Kenya pay through M-Pesa – either directly or via PayPal/Payoneer transfers. In 2025, M-Pesa charges have been updated with clearer fee structures and higher limits. Here’s what you need to know:

Current M-Pesa Limits:

• Daily transaction limit: KES 500,000
• Single transaction limit: KES 250,000
• Account balance limit: KES 500,000
• Sending amounts below KES 100 is completely free

Withdrawal Fees (2025 rates): The fees depend on the amount you’re withdrawing. Withdrawing KES 5,000 at an agent costs KES 69, while smaller withdrawals like KES 500 cost around KES 33.

Here’s a tip most people miss: if you’re planning to withdraw KES 3,000, it’s actually cheaper to do one withdrawal than three separate KES 1,000 withdrawals. The math matters when you’re starting out.

Timeline expectations:

• Local Kenyan apps: Usually instant to same-day
• International apps via PayPal: 2-3 business days
• Bank transfers to M-Pesa: Same day during business hours

One more thing… keep your M-Pesa account active and your ID details current. I’ve seen people lose payouts because their account got flagged for inactivity.

Best Apps to Make Money in Kenya (Real Download Links & Earnings)

Let me break down the apps that actually work. I’m organizing this by how much time you need to invest and what skills are required.

Quick-Start Money Making Apps for Beginners

GeoPoll

GeoPoll is probably the most reliable survey app for Kenyans right now. They focus on African markets, so you’ll get more survey invitations than on global platforms.

• What it pays: KES 3,000-8,000/month with consistent participation
• Cashout method: Direct to M-Pesa or airtime
• Minimum payout: Around KES 500
• Download: Android | Website

The trick with GeoPoll? Complete your profile honestly and thoroughly. They have quality checks, so don’t try to game the system. Enable SMS notifications for faster survey alerts.

Pawns.app

This one’s interesting because you can earn in three different ways: surveys, games, and passive income by sharing your unused internet bandwidth.

• What it pays: KES 3,000-12,000/month (depending on activity)
• Cashout method: PayPal or crypto, then transfer to M-Pesa
• Minimum payout: Around $5 USD equivalent
• Download: Android | iOS

The bandwidth sharing feature runs in the background, so you earn even when you’re not actively using the app. Just make sure you’re on an unlimited data plan.

Skill-Based Apps to Earn Money in Kenya

Upwork

If you have any marketable skill – writing, design, virtual assistance, data entry – Upwork is where you want to be. It’s not easy to get started, but once you build your reputation, the money is real.

• What it pays: KES 30,000-300,000+/month (skill and client dependent)
• Cashout method: Payoneer or PayPal, then transfer to M-Pesa
• Minimum payout: No minimum, but fees make small amounts inefficient
• Download: Android | Website

Success tip: Pick one specific niche instead of trying to do everything. A focused profile that solves one problem well beats a generic “I can do anything” profile every time.

Fiverr

Fiverr works differently than Upwork. Instead of bidding on projects, you create “gigs” (service packages) that clients can order directly.

• What it pays: KES 20,000-150,000/month once established
• Cashout method: Payoneer or PayPal to M-Pesa
• Minimum payout: $4 minimum per withdrawal
• Download: Android | Website

The key with Fiverr is creating tiered packages. Offer a basic service, then premium options with extras. Those add-ons are where the real money lives.

If you’re new to freelancing entirely, you might want to explore how to start affiliate marketing with no money as an alternative income stream that requires zero upfront investment.

Physical World Apps That Pay in Kenya

Bolt and Uber

If you have access to a car or motorbike, ride-hailing and delivery services can provide steady income. The earnings vary greatly based on location and hours worked.

• What it pays: KES 40,000-120,000/month (after fuel and maintenance)
• Cashout method: Direct to M-Pesa or bank transfer
• Requirements: Valid driving license, vehicle inspection, smartphone
• Download: Bolt | Uber

Track your expenses carefully. Fuel, maintenance, and wear-and-tear costs can eat into profits if you’re not calculating properly.

Jumia Seller

Selling on Jumia lets you tap into Kenya’s growing online shopping market without building your own website.

• What it pays: KES 25,000-200,000/month (depends on products and inventory)
• Cashout method: Bank transfer or M-Pesa (depending on seller settings)
• Requirements: Valid ID, bank account, products to sell
• Download: Android | Website

Start with fast-moving items you understand well. Electronics, fashion, and home items tend to perform best during promotional periods.

For those interested in starting their own business rather than selling on established platforms, check out our guide on profitable businesses to start with 500k in Nigeria – many of these concepts apply to Kenya as well.

Long-Term Content Creation Apps

YouTube

YouTube in Kenya has become much more viable with improved internet speeds and smartphone cameras. Local content performs particularly well.

• What it pays: KES 30,000-300,000+/month (highly variable)
• Cashout method: Google AdSense to bank account
• Requirements: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours for monetization
• Platform: YouTube

Focus on searchable topics rather than trending ones. Evergreen content about Kenyan culture, tutorials, or local business advice tends to perform consistently.

Learn from successful creators by checking out our guide on how to become a content creator with no experience for practical tips on starting your YouTube journey.

Investment Apps for Long-Term Wealth

Interactive Brokers

This isn’t a quick money app, but it’s worth mentioning for long-term wealth building. Interactive Brokers gives Kenyans access to global stock markets.

• What it pays: Market returns (historically 8-12% annually, but risk involved)
• Cashout method: Bank transfer (then move to M-Pesa as needed)
• Requirements: Minimum deposit varies, financial knowledge recommended
• Download: Android | Website

This is not quick cash – it’s for patient, long-term growth. Only invest money you can afford to lose.

Your 90-Day Money Making Apps Kenya Plan

Here’s how to systematically build your earning potential using apps that pay real money in Kenya:

Month 1: Foundation Building (KES 5,000-15,000 target)

Week 1-2: Start with survey apps

• Download and set up GeoPoll and Pawns.app
• Complete all profile information thoroughly
• Aim for first cashout as proof of concept

Week 3-4: Add one skill-based platform

• Create either Upwork or Fiverr profile
• Focus on one service you can deliver well
• Apply for 3-5 projects/create 1-2 gigs

Month 2: Scaling Up (KES 15,000-30,000 target)

Week 5-6: Optimize what’s working

• Double down on apps showing results
• Improve profiles based on initial feedback
• Start tracking which activities pay best per hour

Week 7-8: Add passive income

• Enable bandwidth sharing on Pawns.app if data allows
• Consider physical-world apps if vehicle access available
• Experiment with social media content creation

For more income diversification ideas, explore online businesses that pay daily without investment to complement your app-based earnings.

Month 3: Specialization (KES 30,000+ target)

Week 9-10: Focus on highest earners

• Identify your most profitable apps
• Eliminate low-paying activities
• Increase time investment in proven platforms

Week 11-12: Plan for growth

• Reinvest earnings into better equipment/skills
• Build systems for consistent performance
• Consider adding team members for physical services

The key is not to try everything at once. Master 2-3 apps thoroughly rather than dabbling in many.

Apps That Pay via M-Pesa: Complete Process Guide

Getting paid is obviously the most important part. Here’s exactly how money flows from each type of app to your M-Pesa account:

Direct M-Pesa Apps (GeoPoll, Local Apps):

1. Reach minimum payout threshold
2. Request withdrawal through app
3. Receive M-Pesa SMS notification (usually within minutes)
4. Money appears in your M-Pesa balance immediately

International Apps via PayPal:

1. Withdraw from app to PayPal account
2. Transfer from PayPal to local bank or currency exchange
3. Move funds from bank to M-Pesa (instant during business hours)

International Apps via Payoneer:

1. Receive payment to Payoneer account
2. Use Payoneer Mastercard at Kenyan ATMs
3. Deposit cash to M-Pesa at agent

The PayPal route often has better exchange rates, but Payoneer cards work at more ATM locations across Kenya.

Game Apps That Pay Real Money in Kenya – Reality Check

Let’s be honest about game apps for a moment. Most “games that pay real money” are either:

• Gambling apps (which is fine if that’s your thing, but know the risks)
• Apps with such low payout rates you’d earn more collecting bottles
• Scams that never actually pay out

However, there are a few legitimate options:

Legitimate gaming apps:

• Some casino-style apps do pay, but treat them as entertainment with potential returns, not income sources
• Skill-based gaming tournaments occasionally offer real prizes
• In-app missions on established apps like Pawns.app can be worth your time

Red flags to avoid:

• Apps requiring upfront payments to “unlock earning potential”
• Games promising KES 10,000+ per day just for playing
• Apps with no clear company information or contact details

If you enjoy gaming and want to earn a little extra, fine. But don’t count on games as a primary income source from money making apps in Kenya.

Curious about gaming specifically? Check out games that pay real money in Nigeria for legitimate gaming platforms – some accept Kenyan players too.

Apps to Earn Money Online in Kenya: Safety & Legitimacy Guide

Before downloading any app that claims to pay money, check these basics:

Legitimate App Checklist:

• Clear company information and contact details
• Real user reviews (not just 5-star ratings with generic comments)
• Transparent payout terms and fee structures
• No upfront payments required from users
• Established track record (been around for more than a year)

Red Flags That Scream Scam:

• Promises of KES 50,000+ per day with minimal work
• Requires you to pay money before you can withdraw earnings
• Only available through APK downloads (not official app stores)
• Uses fake celebrity endorsements or testimonials
• Pressure tactics like “limited time” sign-up bonuses

Protecting Yourself:

• Never share your M-Pesa PIN or bank login details with any app
• Start small – test withdrawals before investing significant time
• Keep records of your earnings and any issues
• Report suspicious apps to Google Play Store or App Store

Remember: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate money making apps in Kenya pay modest amounts for real work, not massive sums for easy tasks.

FAQs About Money Making Apps in Kenya

Want to explore more earning opportunities? Here are additional resources:

• Complete 2025 M-PESA charges breakdown at All Guides Kenya
• M-Pesa fee calculator and latest transaction charges at Kenya Financial Tools

Ready to expand beyond apps? Check out virtual assistant jobs in Nigeria (many accept Kenyan applicants) or explore AI-powered apps to make money online for cutting-edge earning opportunities.

The opportunities are real. The earnings are modest but genuine. Start with one or two apps, master them completely, then expand your income streams systematically.

Your phone isn’t just for social media and WhatsApp anymore. Make it work for you.