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How to earn money online in Kenya

YouTube is open to Kenya, and Google and Meta take 5% tax from creators’ payouts before you see the money.

✓ Checked 8 Nov 2026 · Next check 5 Feb 2027
The Nairobi skyline seen from Uhuru Park

Open from Kenya: YouTube Partner Program. Not listed: AdSense electronic transfer, Selling on Etsy, Shopify Payments, Prolific studies and TikTok Creator Rewards. Being on a platform is one thing, and getting the money out is another.

What works from Kenya

MethodStatusWhat we found
YouTube Partner Program✓ AvailableKenya is on Google’s list of program countries.
AdSense electronic transferNot listedKenya is not on Google’s electronic transfer list. Google’s payment table shows cheque and wire transfer instead.
Selling on EtsyNot listedNot on Etsy’s payment processing fee list.
Shopify PaymentsNot listedNot on Shopify’s supported list, so a store here needs another payment provider.
Prolific studiesNot listedNot on the country list Prolific publishes for participants.
TikTok Creator RewardsNot listedNot in the lists we could read. Those lists differ, so check inside the app.
PayPal✓ AvailableWorldFirst, a payments company, said in June 2026 that Kenyan PayPal Business accounts can receive but not send; Wise’s 2024 guide lists sending as well, so check your own account. Reports say Safaricom offers PayPal withdrawals inside the M-PESA app.
Upwork and FiverrCheck at sign-upTwo guides put Upwork in over 180 countries. Fiverr publishes no country list we could read, so confirm both at sign-up.

Tax on online income in Kenya

  1. 5% off creator payoutsMeta began withholding 5% from Kenyan creators’ payouts on 1 January 2026. Google said it would withhold 5% from September 2026 YouTube earnings, paid in October.
  2. You need a KRA PINGoogle told YouTube creators to submit their PIN by 1 October 2026, or their payments would be frozen.
  3. It is being challengedA creators’ association has asked for enforcement to be halted. We found no decision to stop it.
  4. FilingPwC says self-assessment returns are due by 30 June after the year of income. From 1 January 2027, it says, the Finance Act, 2026 moves this to the last day of the fourth month after the year ends.
  5. VATPwC gives 16% on most supplies, and registration from KES 5 million of taxable supplies in 12 months.

Quick answers

Can you make money on YouTube in Kenya?

Yes. Kenya is on Google’s list of program countries. AdSense pays out at $100 in US dollars, and its threshold differs by account currency.

How does Google pay in Kenya?

Google’s payment table shows cheque and wire transfer for Kenya.

Does PayPal work in Kenya?

WorldFirst, a payments company, said in June 2026 that Kenyan PayPal Business accounts can receive but not send; Wise’s 2024 guide lists sending as well, so check your own account. Reports say Safaricom offers PayPal withdrawals inside the M-PESA app.

Do you pay tax on online income in Kenya?

Meta began withholding 5% from Kenyan creators’ payouts on 1 January 2026. Google said it would withhold 5% from September 2026 YouTube earnings, paid in October.

What people in Kenya search for

Before you pay anyone

  • Offers of pay for liking videos or rating products follow a known scam pattern.
  • Never pay a fee to get a job or to withdraw your earnings.

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Sources

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