General freelance marketplaces: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, Guru, Contra and more
Open marketplaces accept almost any skill. They're where most Kenyan freelancers get their first reviews, and competition is high, so a sharp profile and a clear niche matter.
1. Upwork
What it is: The largest freelance marketplace, with hourly and fixed-price contracts from clients worldwide.
| Work | Writing, design, development, virtual assistance, marketing, data, admin and more |
| Fees for you | A service fee of 0–15% per contract (Upwork's variable fee since May 2025, shown before you apply) and paid “Connects” to apply for jobs |
| Getting paid | M-Pesa (directly in Kenya), Payoneer, bank or other methods in your account |
| Kenya | Open to Kenyan freelancers; profile approval isn't guaranteed |
| Competition | High |
| Best for | Most skills, especially longer contracts |
How to start: Choose one niche, write a focused profile, add 2–3 portfolio pieces, and send short, tailored proposals. Full guide: Upwork step by step. Pros: Biggest client base; payment protection on contracts. Cons: Connects cost money; tough first jobs; profile approval can be slow. Watch out: Anyone selling “approved Upwork accounts” or asking you to work under their account is breaking the rules.
2. Fiverr
What it is: A marketplace where you list fixed-price services (“gigs”) and buyers come to you.
| Work | Design, writing, video editing, voice-over, programming, marketing, AI services |
| Fees for you | 20% from each order |
| Getting paid | Payoneer, PayPal or bank (options vary) |
| Kenya | Open to Kenya |
| Competition | High in popular categories |
| Best for | Clear, packaged services (e.g. “a logo in 3 days”) |
How to start: Create 2–3 specific gigs with strong thumbnails and clear packages; reply fast. Full guide: Fiverr step by step. Pros: Buyers find you; good for repeatable services. Cons: 20% fee; ranking takes time. Watch out: Never deliver outside Fiverr or accept payment off the platform.
3. Freelancer.com
What it is: A large bidding marketplace and contest site.
| Work | Development, design, writing, data entry, engineering |
| Fees for you | A fee per project (a percentage or a minimum amount) and paid membership options |
| Getting paid | PayPal, Payoneer, bank or other methods |
| Kenya | Open to Kenya |
| Competition | Very high, with many low-budget jobs |
| Best for | People willing to bid a lot and enter contests |
How to start: Bid only on jobs you can do well; verify your account; build a few reviews. Pros: Huge job volume. Cons: Price competition; some low-quality clients. Watch out: Clients asking you to pay a “registration” or “security deposit” are scammers.
4. PeoplePerHour
What it is: A UK-based marketplace with projects and fixed-price “offers”.
| Work | Design, web development, writing, marketing |
| Fees for you | A service fee on earnings (tiers vary) and proposal credits |
| Getting paid | PayPal, Payoneer or bank |
| Kenya | Open to freelancers worldwide including Kenya |
| Competition | Medium to high |
| Best for | Designers, developers and writers wanting UK and European clients |
How to start: Get your profile approved with a strong portfolio; post “offers” as well as bidding. Pros: Good-quality clients. Cons: Profile approval can be strict. Watch out: Keep all communication on the platform.
5. Guru
What it is: A long-running marketplace with flexible payment options and workrooms.
| Work | Programming, design, writing, admin, engineering |
| Fees for you | A service fee that depends on your membership level |
| Getting paid | PayPal, Payoneer or bank |
| Kenya | Open to Kenya |
| Competition | Medium |
| Best for | Freelancers who want a less crowded marketplace |
How to start: Complete your profile, add portfolio samples, and use the free bids carefully. Pros: Less crowded than the biggest platforms. Cons: Fewer jobs. Watch out: Use SafePay (the platform's escrow) for every job.
6. Contra
What it is: A commission-free platform where freelancers build portfolio-style profiles and sell services.
| Work | Design, product, development, writing, marketing |
| Fees for you | Free for freelancers (clients pay fees); paid upgrades optional |
| Getting paid | Payment methods offered in your account |
| Kenya | Open to many countries; check payout options for Kenya |
| Competition | Medium |
| Best for | Designers and creatives with strong portfolios |
How to start: Build a beautiful portfolio profile and share it on LinkedIn and social media. Pros: Keep what you earn; great portfolio pages. Cons: You bring much of your own traffic. Watch out: Check payout methods work for you before taking a project.
7. Truelancer
What it is: A freelance marketplace popular in Asia and Africa.
| Work | Web development, design, writing, data entry |
| Fees for you | A fee per project and membership plans |
| Getting paid | PayPal or bank |
| Kenya | Open to Kenya |
| Competition | High, budget-focused |
| Best for | Beginners building first reviews |
How to start: Bid on small projects you can deliver perfectly. Pros: Easy to start. Cons: Low budgets. Watch out: Avoid clients wanting work before funding the milestone.
8. Hubstaff Talent
What it is: A free directory where remote companies find freelancers.
| Work | Development, design, marketing, support, admin |
| Fees for you | Free for freelancers and companies |
| Getting paid | Paid by the client directly (agree how) |
| Kenya | Open to freelancers worldwide |
| Competition | Medium |
| Best for | Freelancers who want direct clients without fees |
How to start: Create a detailed profile; apply to listed jobs. Pros: No fees. Cons: No payment protection. Watch out: Use written agreements and milestone payments for direct clients.
Summary
- Upwork and Fiverr are the biggest and work for Kenyans; Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, Guru, Contra, Truelancer and Hubstaff Talent are alternatives.
- Each charges differently: service fees, bid credits or memberships (Contra and Hubstaff Talent are free for freelancers).
- Keep payments on the platform and never pay a client.
Check yourself
Which marketplace calls fixed-price services “gigs”? (one word)
Show answer
fiverr
Which platform lets Kenyans withdraw to M-Pesa directly? (one word)
Show answer
upwork
Is Contra commission-free for freelancers? (yes or no)
Show answer
yes