Learning
Best freelance websites for Kenyans (compared, with links)
By Kelvin Wanyoike · · 3 min read
Thousands of Kenyans earn from clients abroad through freelance websites. Each site works differently. Here’s a plain comparison so you choose the right one to start, plus how to get paid in Kenya.
The main freelance websites
- Upwork: clients post jobs; you send proposals using “Connects”. Hourly and fixed-price contracts with payment protection. Best for long-term clients.
- Fiverr: you create “gigs” (fixed packages), and clients buy them. Best for clear, repeatable services like logos, video edits and website fixes.
- Freelancer.com: bid on projects and contests. Lots of jobs, lots of price competition.
- PeoplePerHour: UK-focused clients; proposals and fixed “offers”.
- Guru: profiles, quotes and workrooms for many skills.
- Contra: commission-free profile and payments for clients you bring yourself.
- Toptal: elite network for experienced developers, designers and finance experts, after tough screening.
- Andela, Turing and Arc: vetted networks for software engineers.
- 99designs: design contests and 1-to-1 projects.
- Preply and italki: online tutoring and language teaching.
Fees change, so check each site’s current fee page before you join.
Which should you start with?
- Packaged service (logo, CV, edits): Fiverr.
- Long-term work and willing to write proposals: Upwork.
- Experienced developer: Upwork plus Toptal, Andela, Turing or Arc.
- Teacher or language speaker: Preply or italki.
- Clients from your network: Contra or LinkedIn.
Getting paid in Kenya
- PayPal → M-Pesa: link your PayPal account to M-Pesa and withdraw to your phone.
- Payoneer: receive from many marketplaces and withdraw to a Kenyan bank.
- Direct bank transfer: supported by many platforms.
Winning your first client
- Complete your profile 100%, with a clear photo and a specific title (“Kiswahili and English transcriber”, not “Freelancer”).
- Add 3 strong portfolio samples.
- Write every proposal for that job: show you read it, explain how you’ll do it, and keep it short.
- Start with smaller jobs to earn reviews, then raise your prices.
- Keep communication and payment on the platform for protection.
Full lessons: freelance marketplaces directory and a winning profile and proposals.
Frequently asked questions
Which freelance website is best for beginners in Kenya?
Fiverr suits clear, packaged services; Upwork suits people willing to write proposals for longer-term work. Start with one and complete your profile fully.
Can I withdraw Upwork or Fiverr earnings to M-Pesa?
Many Kenyans withdraw to PayPal and then to M-Pesa, or to Payoneer and then a Kenyan bank. Check each platform’s current withdrawal options.
Is it safe to rent a freelance account?
No. Renting or buying accounts breaks platform rules and you can lose all your earnings. Use your own verified account.