Best Freelancing Websites in Kenya

Freelancing has become one of the most powerful ways for Kenyans to earn income online. Thanks to platforms that connect you with global and local clients, you can leverage your skills—writing, design, programming, marketing—and work on your own terms. In this guide, we'll explore the best freelancing websites in Kenya, how to choose the right one, and how to succeed in 2025.

We’ll also reference other HustleHub Africa guides you may find helpful:

Why Freelancing Is a Great Option for Kenyans

Low barrier to entry: You don’t need a traditional job; your skills are your capital.
Global marketplaces: Connect with clients from the USA, Europe, and beyond.
Flexible working hours: Work as much or as little as your schedule allows.
Multiple income streams: Combine freelancing with other online income sources like affiliate marketing or content creation.
Growing remote work ecosystem: With fast internet and better payment options (like Payoneer and bank transfers), Kenyan freelancers are increasingly competitive.

Top Freelancing Websites to Use in Kenya

Here are some of the best freelance websites for Kenyans in 2025, outlined by their key strengths and use cases.

Platform	Best For / Special Strengths
Upwork	Large enterprise jobs, recurring contracts, high-paying projects. Good for professionals and serious freelancers.
Fiverr	Micro-gigs, quick turnaround, design, writing, animation, logo work. Ideal for beginners. (Learn more: How to Make Money on Fiverr in Kenya)
Freelancer.com	Competitive bidding, lots of small and medium-sized jobs in multiple categories.
PeoplePerHour	Hourly projects, local and international clients, web development and consulting.
Toptal	High-end clients, software engineers, designers, and finance professionals. Requires strict vetting.
Guru	Flexible contracts, long-term collaboration, and good project management tools.
Remote OK / We Work Remotely	Remote-first job boards offering freelancing and full-time remote roles.
99Designs	Graphic designers, brand & logo design projects, contest-style gigs.
FlexJobs	Remote and freelance jobs vetted for legitimacy – great for part-time professional roles.

How to Choose the Right Freelancing Platform

When selecting a platform, consider these factors:

Skill Level and Experience
- Beginners: Fiverr, Freelancer.com
- Experienced professionals: Upwork, Toptal
Type of Projects
- Short gigs: Fiverr
- Long-term or recurring work: Upwork, PeoplePerHour
Payment Methods
- Check whether the platform supports Payoneer, bank transfers, or other payment options available in Kenya.
Fees and Commissions
- Review what the platform charges per transaction and factor it into your pricing.
Client Quality
- Some platforms attract serious clients; others are more for hobbyists. Choose according to your goals.

How to Get Started as a Freelancer in Kenya

Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to launching your freelancing career:

Register an Account
- Sign up on one or more platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour).
- Complete your profile with a professional photo, portfolio, and description.
Build a Strong Gig or Service
- Define your services clearly (e.g., logo design, copywriting, web dev).
- Set fair pricing. Beginners can start with lower-priced gigs to gain trust.
Optimize for Search
- Use relevant keywords in your service title and description (e.g. “freelance graphic design Kenya,” “freelance writing websites”).
- Focus on clarity, value, and professionalism.
Propose Thoughtfully
- On platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com, write tailored proposals.
- Showcase relevant experience, even if small; use links to past work or portfolio.
Deliver High-Quality Work
- Meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and ask for feedback.
- Over-deliver where possible to get positive reviews.
Manage Payments Safely
- Use the platform’s secure payment system.
- Consider using trusted payout services for Kenya-based freelancers.

Tips to Scale Your Freelancing Income

Leverage Your Side Hustles: Combine freelancing income with other streams like affiliate marketing (read our Affiliate Marketing in Kenya guide) or content creation on YouTube.
Specialize: Choose a niche to stand out (e.g., e-commerce writing, fintech design).
Build a Personal Brand: Use platforms like OneSocialStack to create a professional CV or portfolio and attract better clients.
Upskill Regularly: Learn new tools (like AI writing, video, or design tools) to increase your rates.
Ask for Referrals: Happy clients are often willing to refer you to others.

Common Mistakes Kenyan Freelancers Should Avoid

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem
Applying for too many jobs at once	Spreads you thin; low response rate.
Underpricing your services	Undervalues your skills and burns out quickly.
Not using a portfolio	Clients can’t assess your capabilities without examples.
Ignoring client communication	Misunderstandings and poor reviews.
Not tracking time or deliverables	Missed deadlines and underpaid hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What are the best freelancing websites for beginners in Kenya?	Fiverr and Freelancer.com are great for starting out, offering low-barrier gigs and a variety of services.
Can I get paid in Kenya from international clients?	Yes. Most platforms support Payoneer, PayPal, or bank transfers, which you can use to receive payments in Kenya.
Do I need a portfolio to start?	While not mandatory, a portfolio helps you attract better clients and justify your rates.
How much can I earn freelancing from Kenya?	It depends on your skill, niche, and work volume. Some freelancers earn a few thousand shillings a month, while others scale to full-time income.
Which is better: Upwork or Fiverr?	It depends on your goals; use Fiverr for micro-gigs and quick work, and Upwork for long-term, higher-paying contracts.
Do you pay a fee to be a freelancer on these sites?	Yes, most platforms take a service fee or commission from your earnings—read the terms before you start.

Conclusion

Freelancing is one of the best ways to make money online in Kenya in 2025. The right platform can help you unlock global opportunities, work on flexible terms, and grow your income based on your skills.

If you’re just starting out, consider joining Fiverr, Upwork, or PeoplePerHour. Build your portfolio, deliver high value, and scale your earnings strategically.

Combine your freelancing income with other revenue streams like affiliate marketing, YouTube, or TikTok (all covered in our prior guides). And if you want to present a polished professional profile, use OneSocialStack.co.ke to build a strong digital CV or portfolio.