Start here: how freelance platforms differ, fees, getting paid in Kenya and choosing where to start
There are dozens of places to find freelance work. They're not all the same: some are open marketplaces where anyone can bid, some are vetted networks that test you first, some are specialist sites for one skill, and some are job boards for remote contracts and jobs. This subject reviews 37 of them in detail.
For step-by-step setup of the two biggest, see Upwork step by step and Fiverr step by step.
Four kinds of platform
| Kind | How it works | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Open marketplace | You bid on jobs or list services; clients choose | You're starting and need reviews |
| Vetted network | You pass skills tests and interviews; they match you with clients | You're experienced (usually developers) |
| Specialist site | One skill only: design, translation, WordPress, editing, voice | You have a clear niche |
| Remote job board | Companies post contracts and jobs; you apply directly | You want longer contracts or a remote job |
Fees, in plain words
- Marketplaces take a service fee from your earnings (Fiverr is a flat 20%; Upwork charges 0–15% depending on the contract; others vary and change: check each site).
- Some also charge for bids or “connects” to apply for jobs.
- Vetted networks are usually free for freelancers: the client pays more.
- Job boards are free to apply; the employer pays to post.
Price your work after fees. If a platform takes 20%, a KSh 10,000 job pays you about KSh 8,000 before withdrawal charges.
Getting paid in Kenya
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| M-Pesa | Some platforms (for example Upwork) let you withdraw to M-Pesa directly |
| Payoneer | Widely supported; withdraw to a Kenyan bank |
| PayPal | Withdraw to M-Pesa through the official M-Pesa–PayPal service |
| Bank transfer | Direct to a Kenyan bank account, with fees |
| Wise | Receive and convert foreign currency, withdraw to a Kenyan bank |
More detail: Getting paid in Kenya.
Rules that protect you
- Your own account, real ID. Buying, renting or “borrowing” accounts breaks every platform's rules and you can lose all earnings.
- Keep payments on the platform until you have a solid relationship and the rules allow otherwise. Off-platform payment is the most common way freelancers get scammed and banned.
- No fake reviews, no paying for reviews.
- Never pay a “client” to start a job (for training, software or equipment).
- Use a written scope for every project (see Discovery calls, quotes and contracts).
Summary
- Platforms come in four kinds: open marketplaces, vetted networks, specialist sites and remote job boards.
- Price after fees; vetted networks are usually free for freelancers.
- M-Pesa, Payoneer, PayPal and Wise are the main ways to get paid in Kenya.
- One real account, payments on the platform, no fake reviews, never pay a client.
Check yourself
What percentage service fee does Fiverr take from freelancers? (number)
Show answer
20
Which kind of platform tests you before you can get work? (one word)
Show answer
vetted
Should you buy or rent someone else's freelance account? (yes or no)
Show answer
no