Online Business in Kenya That Pay Through M-Pesa

Published on: January 1, 2024 | Category: Business & Entrepreneurship

In recent years, Kenya has emerged as a hub for digital innovation, with mobile money leading the way. M-Pesa, Safaricom's mobile payment platform, has revolutionized how Kenyans transact — and today, it's a gateway for entrepreneurs to earn income online.

From freelancing to e-commerce, many online business models now integrate M-Pesa as a primary payment option due to its reliability, speed, and widespread adoption.

Here's a look at some of the most promising online business ideas in Kenya that pay through M-Pesa.

1. Freelancing & Digital Services

With remote work on the rise globally, many Kenyans are monetizing their skills online:

  • Writing & Editing: Content writing, copywriting, and proofreading for international blogs, companies, and authors.
  • Graphic Design & Branding: Creating logos, social graphics, packaging design, and digital marketing materials.
  • Web Development & Programming: Building websites, apps, and custom software.
  • Virtual Assistance: Providing admin support like email management, scheduling, bookkeeping, and customer support.

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to get paid in foreign currency and then withdraw funds to local accounts that support M-Pesa (through intermediaries or local payout partners). Many Kenyan freelancers also invoice clients directly and receive M-Pesa payments for their work.

2. Online Tutoring and Courses

With an increasing demand for education and skills upgrading, online tutoring is thriving:

  • Language Lessons: English, French, Swahili, etc.
  • Academic Tutoring: Math, sciences, business subjects.
  • Skills Training: Coding, digital marketing, graphic design.

Tutors can collect fees through M-Pesa by sending payment links, using M-Pesa PayBill numbers, or integrating with education platforms that support mobile money.

3. E-Commerce & Dropshipping

Selling goods online has never been easier:

  • Social Media Shops: Facebook Marketplace, Instagram shops, and WhatsApp stores.
  • E-commerce Websites: Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and integrate M-Pesa for payment processing.
  • Dropshipping: Sell products without inventory — your supplier ships directly to customers.

Because many buyers in Kenya prefer mobile payments, including M-Pesa boosts conversion and trust.

4. Digital Content & Monetization

Content creators on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and blogging sites can monetize their influence:

  • Sponsored Content & Brand Deals
  • Ad Revenue (YouTube AdSense)
  • Fan Support / Donations (via M-Pesa)
  • Selling Digital Products (ebooks, presets, templates)

Creators often use M-Pesa PayBill or Buy Goods numbers to receive supporter payments directly.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting products or services:

  • Join affiliate programs (local or global)
  • Share custom affiliate links
  • Earn a commission for every sale or lead generated

Some Kenyan affiliate programs pay directly to M-Pesa, while international ones may pay via PayPal or bank — which you can then transfer to M-Pesa through linked services.

6. Online Marketplaces & Aggregators

Many online platforms in Kenya support M-Pesa for transactions:

  • Jumia & Kilimall: Sell products and withdraw earnings to bank accounts linked to M-Pesa.
  • Sky.Garden & Shopify: Enable merchants to receive payments via M-Pesa.

Consumers can browse and pay instantly, making online shopping seamless.

7. Services & Booking Platforms

Entrepreneurs are also earning by creating services that utilize M-Pesa:

  • Travel Booking Platforms
  • Event Ticketing Websites
  • Food Delivery & Courier Services
  • Beauty & Wellness Booking Applications

These platforms embed M-Pesa payments to reduce friction and increase customer trust.

Why Kenya Is Ideal for M-Pesa-Based Online Business

  • Huge Mobile Money Adoption: Millions of Kenyans use M-Pesa daily.
  • Low Transaction Barriers: Easy set-up for PayBill and Till numbers.
  • Trusted System: M-Pesa is widely accepted and integrated with banks and online platforms.
  • Flexibility: Works on basic phones and smartphones alike.

Tips for Success

  • ✅ Register a PayBill or Till number for your business
  • ✅ Provide clear payment instructions to customers
  • ✅ Use invoicing tools that support M-Pesa
  • ✅ Build online presence through social media and SEO
  • ✅ Offer excellent customer service
Download Buy Goods Till Number Template

Conclusion

The digital economy in Kenya is rapidly expanding, and with M-Pesa at its core, entrepreneurs have a powerful payment system to monetize skills and products online. Whether you're freelancing, selling products, teaching, or creating content, there's ample opportunity to build an online business that earns real income — all paid conveniently through M-Pesa.