An Old Mutual report released this week confirmed what most Kenyans already know — financial pressure is mounting and side hustles are no longer optional for many households. Here are the side hustles with the best returns in 2026 based on real Kenyan market conditions.
Why Side Hustles Matter More in 2026
The cost of living in Kenya has risen significantly. Rent, food, electricity, school fees and transport have all gone up faster than salaries. The Old Mutual Financial Wellness Monitor 2025 shows that a growing number of Kenyans are relying on at least one side income to meet monthly obligations.
Side Hustles Ranked by Earning Potential and Startup Cost
| Part-time or full-time | Monthly Potential | Startup Cost | Time Required |
| Boda boda (own bike) | KSh 30,000–60,000 | KSh 80,000–150,000 | Full time |
| Uber/Bolt driver (own car) | KSh 40,000–80,000 | KSh 700,000+ | Part or full time |
| M-PESA agency | KSh 15,000–40,000 | KSh 50,000–100,000 | Part time |
| Online freelancing | KSh 20,000–150,000 | KSh 0–5,000 | Flexible |
| Content creation (YouTube/TikTok) | KSh 5,000–200,000+ | KSh 5,000–30,000 | Part time |
| Mitumba business | KSh 10,000–50,000 | KSh 10,000–30,000 | Weekends |
| Food delivery (Glovo/Jumia Food) | KSh 15,000–35,000 | KSh 0 (use own bike) | Part time |
| Tutoring and coaching | KSh 10,000–60,000 | KSh 0 | Evenings/weekends |
| Airbnb hosting | KSh 20,000–80,000 | Depends on property | Part time |
| Social media management | KSh 15,000–80,000 | KSh 0–5,000 | Flexible |
Best Side Hustles If You Have No Capital
These require almost zero startup money and can begin earning within days:
- Freelance writing on Upwork or Fiverr—Kenyan writers earn USD 5–50 per article
- Virtual assistant work — help international clients with admin tasks remotely
- Online tutoring on platforms like Preply or through WhatsApp groups
- Social media management for small Kenyan businesses
- Food delivery using a bicycle or on foot in dense areas
Best Side Hustles If You Have KSh 10,000–50,000
- Mitumba clothes business from Gikomba—buy bales and sell on Facebook or at home
- Smokies and eggs cart near a busy junction—low stock cost, daily cash
- Mpango wa akaunti — M-PESA float business in your area
- Phone repair course and toolset — high demand, low competition in estates
- Printing and photocopy services near a school or government office
Side Hustles to Avoid in 2026
- Pyramid schemes disguised as investment clubs — if returns sound too good, they are
- Unregistered forex trading platforms — many are outright scams
- Selling on credit before you have steady cash flow — kills your hustle before it starts
How to Register Your Side Hustle as a Business
If your side hustle earns more than KSh 20,000 per month consistently, register it. Go to eCitizen and register as a sole proprietor for KSh 950 total. This opens access to Hustler Fund business loans, SACCO business accounts, and formal contracts with clients.
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