Many employed people have looking for alternative ways to boost their income including side hustles that they do on their free time.
A recent Infotrak survey indicates that 73 per cent of Kenyans are either in severe financial distress or struggling to make ends meet with only five per cent comfortably managing.
Considering the circumstances, 45 per cent of Kenyans are engaged in side hustles to supplement income, the report states.
10 Side Hustles to Boost Your Income in Kenya
1. Freelancing
Offer your skills and services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local freelancing websites. This could include writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, and more.
While freelancers do take on contract work for companies and organizations, they are ultimately self-employed.
Freelancers are responsible for all sorts of things that traditional employees are not, such as setting their work hours, keeping track of time spent on different projects, billing clients, and paying their own employment and business taxes. Freelancers are not considered employees by the companies they work for, but rather contractors who earn on per task or per hour basis.
2. Online tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject or skill, consider offering tutoring services online. As an online tutor, your primary task will be to provide guidance and support to students. Online tutors are needed in nearly every subject and field.
You might assist with course materials, share study strategies, or offer academic advice for tests and projects. Tutoring online is diverse and flexible. Platforms like ElimuPlus, Chegg Tutors, Tutor.com, or even setting up your own online tutoring service can be lucrative.
3. E-Commerce
E-commerce is powered by the internet. Customers use their own devices to access online stores. They can browse products and services that stores offer and place orders. Start an online store and sell products through platforms like Jumia, Kilimall, or even through your own website.
Consider dropshipping, where you sell products without having to handle inventory. E-commerce businesses avoid the costs of running physical stores, such as rent, inventory and cashiers.
Read 5 Side Hustles for Stay at Home Mums and Dads
4. Blogging/Vlogging
If you have a passion for a particular topic, consider starting a blog or YouTube channel. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing where you can promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.
This will, however require consistency in coming up with new and exciting content.
Deciding between blogging and vlogging comes down to personal comfort with being on camera, time availability, passion, business goals, and whether you wish to outsource content creation.
5. Real estate agent
If you have good networking and communication skills, consider becoming a part-time real estate agent. Those who are interested in having a physical visit can then pay you to give them a tour when you are off-duty.
You could also make an arrangement to get a commission from the landlord for every client you bring on board. Some of the clients might also need to rent short-term stay houses while they are on vacation or visiting an area for a few days. You will need to own a phone with a very good camera to advertise the rentals through your networks across all your social media platforms.
6. Photography
If you have a talent for photography, offer your services for events, portraits, or stock photography. You can sell your photos online through platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Focus on a specific niche that you’re particularly knowledgeable about.
This will help you find a dedicated audience more easily, as well as position yourself as an expert of reference in that field. This could be anything from a specific type of photography or reviews of professional gear, to post-processing advice and business tips.
7. Fitness coaching
If you’re knowledgeable about fitness and health, consider offering personal training or coaching services. This can be done in-person or online.
You can decide your schedule on your terms. Clients who can afford to have you come to their homes for training will most likely always have the ability regardless of the economy. Follow the money. If they want convenience and are willing to pay for it, provide the service they want. In most cases, they already have the equipment needed. If they need more, they will buy it.
8. Event planning
If you enjoy organising and planning events, consider starting a part-time event planning business. This could include weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
Ultimately, it takes time, persistence, and dedication to build up a long enough list of clients to reach a point where you can get steady business.
Once you do, though, you’ll be able to get a lot more money and may even be able to convert your event planning side hustle into a full-time career. If you perform each task really well you will be sure to get referrals.
9. Cab driver
If you own a car, you can sign up as a driver for rideshare platforms such as Uber or Bolt. Ride hailing is a 24/7 business and one can pick the hours and days they want to work.
This flexibility is particularly appealing for those with unpredictable schedules or responsibilities that may vary day by day. One can also use the app for food delivery from restaurants to their clients. You can also choose to register your bicycle or motorbike for the same purpose.
10. Virtual assistance
Offer administrative and support services to businesses and entrepreneurs who need help with tasks such as email management, customer service, transcribing documents, preparing statements and letters, organizing files, coordinating schedules and calendars, making travel arrangements, and generally taking charge of administrative tasks to help a client focus on the other aspects of their jobs.
Summing it up: 10 Side Hustles to boost your income
Whether you are employed or unemployed, working in the formal or informal sector, these are some simple f the side hustles to boost your income. You can do this at your own free time or even change it to your full-time job. If it gives you good money, why not?
