How to Make Money on YouTube in Kenya

Quick Summary:

YouTube is a major way for Kenyans to earn money in 2025. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or creator, you can make real income doing what you enjoy. This guide shows how to start, meet monetization rules, and earn even without making your own videos.

1. Understanding How Making Money on YouTube Works

YouTube pays creators through monetization programs. Once your channel meets the eligibility criteria, you can earn from:

• Ad revenue (via Google AdSense)

• Channel memberships

• Super Chats

• Affiliate links

• Brand sponsorships

Think of YouTube as a digital stage — your videos attract viewers, brands advertise through your content, and you get a cut of the revenue.

Internal link: If you’re new to online earning, start with our foundation post — How to Make Money Online in Kenya (2025 Guide). It lays the groundwork for building sustainable online income streams like YouTube.

2. How to Start Making Money on YouTube

Starting a YouTube channel is free and accessible. You only need:

• A Gmail account

• A smartphone or camera

• Internet connection

• A niche (topic) you’re passionate about

Follow these steps to begin:

1. Create your YouTube Channel. Go to YouTube.com and sign in with your Google account.

2. Define Your Niche. Pick a topic you can stick with long-term — such as tech reviews, comedy, education, lifestyle, or music.

3. Create Quality Content. Focus on audio clarity, good lighting, and engaging storytelling. Consistency matters more than perfection.

4. Optimize for Search. Use keywords naturally in your titles, descriptions, and tags (for example, “How to make money on YouTube in Kenya”).

5. Promote Your Videos. Share your links on WhatsApp, TikTok, or blogs. Collaboration is key — feature other creators or cross-promote.

6. Engage With Your Audience. Reply to comments and build a loyal community — audience retention is what YouTube rewards most.

3. Requirements to Make Money on YouTube in Kenya

Before YouTube pays you, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Here’s what you need to qualify:

💡 Tip: You can also qualify through Shorts monetization — 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days plus 1,000 subscribers.

4. Ways to Make Money on YouTube

Once you qualify, you can earn through several revenue streams:

1. YouTube Ad Revenue

YouTube runs ads on your videos (before, during, or after playback). You earn a share of the ad revenue based on views, engagement, and location.

2. Affiliate Marketing

One of the easiest ways to diversify your YouTube income. Add affiliate links in your video descriptions for products you mention. For instance, if you review a smartphone, include a link to buy it on Amazon or Alibaba.

👉 Learn more in our in-depth guide: Affiliate Marketing in Kenya: How to Make Money Online in 2025.

You can also join HustleHub Africa’s local affiliate network, which allows Mpesa payouts through the Soko Dashboard.

3. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

As your channel grows, brands will pay you to promote their products or services. Always ensure the brand aligns with your content to maintain trust with your audience.

4. Channel Memberships

Subscribers can pay monthly fees for exclusive perks (custom emojis, members-only videos, etc.).

5. Super Chats and Stickers

If you go live on YouTube, viewers can send you money directly during the stream — a great tool for entertainers and educators.

6. Selling Merchandise

You can sell your own branded T-shirts, digital products, or eBooks. For inspiration on creative income streams, see our post on Top 10 Side Hustles in Kenya.

7. YouTube Premium Revenue

You earn a portion of subscription fees from YouTube Premium members who watch your videos.

5. How to Make Money on YouTube Gaming

Gaming is one of YouTube’s most profitable niches. Kenyan gamers are increasingly joining global audiences through games like FIFA, Call of Duty, PUBG, and Fortnite.

Here’s how you can profit:

• Record gameplay and share commentary.

• Stream live tournaments.

• Collaborate with brands for game reviews.

• Join affiliate programs for gaming gear.

Tip: Combine gaming content with affiliate marketing — link gaming equipment, headphones, or streaming tools.

6. Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos

Don’t like being on camera? You can still earn through:

• Compilation Channels: Curate royalty-free clips.

• Faceless Tutorials: Use screen recording or slides.

• AI Voiceovers & Stock Footage: Create informative videos using AI tools.

Ensure you use copyright-free material from platforms like Pexels, Pixabay, or Envato Elements.

You can also monetize such channels with affiliate links, just as explained in our How to Make Money Online in Kenya (2025) article.

7. Can You Really Make Money on YouTube in Kenya?

Yes — and many already do. Kenyan creators like King Kaka, Mungai Eve, Thee Pluto, and Crazy Kennar earn through a mix of ads, sponsorships, and brand collaborations.

Consistency and creativity are the true currency of YouTube. Start small, publish regularly, and focus on connecting with your audience.

8. How Much Money Can You Make on YouTube?

Earnings depend on:

• Niche (finance & tech pay more than entertainment)

• Audience location (US/UK views pay higher CPMs)

• Engagement rates (watch time, likes, comments)

• Content type (ads vs. affiliate-driven videos)

Average CPM in Kenya: Ksh 50–300 per 1,000 views That means a video with 100,000 views can earn Ksh 5,000–30,000 or more.

Combine that with affiliate marketing and brand deals, and your potential multiplies fast.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Copying Content: YouTube detects and penalizes reused videos.

2. Ignoring SEO: Titles and thumbnails are crucial for clicks.

3. Inconsistent Uploads: Upload regularly to build trust.

4. Clickbait Titles: Misleading titles lead to audience loss.

5. Not Engaging Viewers: Build community, not just followers.

For guidance on building long-term online income strategies, check out our post on Different Ways of Making Money Online in Kenya.

10. Final Thoughts: Turn Your Channel into a Business

YouTube isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a brand platform. If you treat your channel like a business, you can turn it into a sustainable source of income.

Use YouTube to:

• Promote affiliate links.

• Sell services or digital products.

• Build authority in your niche.

• Drive traffic to your HustleHub Africa profile.

💼 Want to go pro? Visit HustleHub Africa to learn about affiliate programs, side hustles, and online earning strategies tailored for Kenyan creators.

And if you want to build a personal brand or digital résumé, check out OneSocialStack.co.ke — a great platform for professionals and creators to connect with global opportunities.

Summary

Closing Thought

The path to YouTube success in Kenya isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy, consistency, and community. Combine your passion with purpose, use tools like HustleHub Africa to earn smarter, and start building your legacy today.

👉 Start your online income journey here: https://www.hustlehubafrica.com/auth/sign-up 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to Make Money on YouTube in Kenya