Some of you may recall that a while back I gleefully reported having made $150 in two hours. That was like a wake-up call, and I have since been applying myself online in ways I had not thought of previously. The results have been amazing!
See, I started blogging (and this internet thing) when I was still in high school (in the delightful town of Nyahururu) so I’ve been around the net quite a while. And I’ve always been tech-savvy so I got to know my way around the net pretty quick. I think I know how to do most things online. However, making money online has always been like that elusive Holy grail – I never seemed to “get” how it’s done. But now I do.
I’m not quite sure how, I didn’t see it coming. It’s been a very gradual process, though. A lot of small payments led to that ‘big’ one of $150, and as I said earlier on, the $150 spurred me on to vigorously try my hand at other projects I have been thinking of. The results were really nice and the earnings pretty sweet 
It’s been a slow gradual process getting to this point and nothing happened overnight. But, boy, the education and experience is priceless!
Guess what, though? Making money online is not hard. Anyone can do it, even you. The two most important things you need are the will to do and patience/perseverance. With those two in place, I’m 100% sure that you too can make money online. It’s not that hard – there’s usually a well known set of steps to follow and all you need to do is to apply them diligently. I’m no expert but I do make good money online. www.likechapaa.com is my attempt to teach what I know, if you care to read. You can even subscribe (free) or sign up to receive free email updates if visiting the site often is too much of a hassle.
Most of the sites that write about making money online are pretty good. They also all talk about making money from a distinctly non-Kenyan viewpoint. However, I have come to learn that being in Kenya makes a huge (yet subtle) difference to the process of making money online. Specifically:
I’ve seen many many small websites run by Europeans/Americans that make money off advertising, especially Google Adsense. This doesn’t work very well back home. I’m not saying it is not possible, I am saying that it requires a lot of hard work, and a large userbase. Unless yours is a pretty big/well known website, making money off advertising is a pipe dream. So don’t depend on it until your website is very well known.
But then, does that mean that small Kenyan websites cannot make money online? Nope. I run several of these, so i should know. The trick is, since you cannot really rely on selling adverts, you have to sell something else. Find a product or service (yours or not) that is appropriate to your website and sell it.
Finally, many Kenyans are yet to come online. Some other Kenyans do access the internet, but don’t go beyond Yahoo mail. This means that a lot of people do not frequently access the internet. This also means a lot of your potential customers/clients simply have no way of getting to you. This is why a healthy dose of traditional, real world, marketing should be included in your marketing strategy. You cannot rely on purely online marketing without mixing it with some offline stuff.
That’s it, my take on the nuances of making money online in Kenya. Why aren’t you making money online? Are you going to try? You know, I go to sites where people make money online (e.g. Rent A Coder) and I’m just amazed by the numbers of Indians (or people from that part of the world) who are out there, making hundreds of US dollars a day. Can you imagine that? Hundreds of them, broken English and all. Yet they are making it. Why can’t we in Kenya? I don’t know if it is pride, but I feel we can do a better job than most of them do. We just have to seize this opportunity.
God bless you.
Photo by timbrauhn.
Hi Kelvin, Welcome aboard. Its very encouraging to hear this post coming from a fellow Kenyan. Currently, Am based in Nairobi Area and I School in Nyahe B. Great to hear your are from Nyahururu too. I started this Venture of Make Money Online some two years ago. and In total I’ve made nearly 4,000$ cumulatively. I run a couple of websites which I’ll not list here so that my comment will not be listed as spam, but I’ve been trying to rally Kenyan to get started online by a group in facebook and a newsletter in one of my sites.
Yesterday I strated another blog in wordpress that simplifies the whole logic of make money online by being a virtual employee, advertising or affiliate marketing. You can check it out. Its Possible to do it and get rewarded for it.
If you want to know who I am do a search on “mike ndegwa search engine optimization method” and see how I wrote one article and it was quoted everywhere including businessweek.com. Being Online is Exciting, i feel like i can type on and on. but if you stumble on one of my sites take your time and learn more.
Mike Ndegwa
#1 Most Sought after internet Marketing Trainer in Kenya and the broad East and Central Africa. Coaches Business to Use High Octane Marketing Strategies that result to Increased long term Profits and Niche Dominance.
Hi Mike
Wow it feels really good to read your comment – you being a Kenyan! I think I read your post on CarloCab some time. Good stuff and an absolute honor to finally “meet you”.
Welcome to my little corner of the world, trying to get my countrymen to get in on this internet thing (no use keeping it all to myself
).
With my experience online for the last couple of years> I’ve put it all together. Online opportunities that work well for Kenyans (don’t worry about Paypal and Clickbank) you don’t need them in my new system. Everyone is guaranteed to make money with the Easy to use Supreme Cash System by Mike Ndegwa
What do you teach in this new system?
Kelvin, I don’t teach, this is not a coaching website. It’s access to four streams of income that you can activate and start making money in less than 14 days Guaranteed. You’ll be suprised when you join, its not the usual blogging, affiliate marketing e.t.c. that’s why I put it together at a price of $17. i laid the step by step logical flow of what you need to do exactly and I guarantee you’ll make money. I have over 16 websites but 80% of my earnings come from Using the methods laid in the Supreme Cash System. You really should try it out we’ve people joining from accross the |Globe, India, Uganda, Kenya, USA, Australia, UK, Egypt and even Portugal. It’s getting exciting http://tinyurl.com/scs-proof
How does this supreme cash system work? I hope once somebody joins he/she will not be required to pay more money! I also hope it is something doable i.e complication should not arise after paying the $17
@Rahab $17 is consultation in some streams of income you might be required to spend.
Would be willing to have a random reader of this website try out the system and report back on the results?
It could work well for both of us
@Kelvin am the author of SCS let me know what you’d like to know
Well a lot of people have asked me if SCS is legit. I thought a very good way to verify this would for a random reader of Like Chapaa was given an opportunity to test SCS and then report back via an article on it here at Like Chapaa. If the report is positive you could get a massive amount of new clients.
Gentlemen,
You are the Kenya we want! keep it up!
Thanks Nelson. It is very encouraging to get positive feedback like this.
Feel free to ask for what you want to see.
Hey Mike nice site this one …likechapaa.com…am also interested in making money online esp in advertising…I have sold adverts for a leading media company’s website as an employee lakini I want to start my own site ..you can give me some insight do I buy a site @ (www.flippa.com) ama I build a local one…moreover I would like to use an effective SEO to ensure more hits..I’m willling to spend in advertising the site..thanks
Hey Solomon! Welcome to Like Chapaa. It’s almost free to build your own site these days it only takes time and hard work on your part. Why don’t you give that ago? Then, simultaneously, buy a small but profitable website. This should, ideally, be a site with passive income. Doing this will mean you dive head first into internet business, and you will learn quickly what you need to do to make the site you are building successful.
What do you think?
Hey Solomon, great to see more people interested in getting into this field. Check out ‘Biashara30′ a 30 day program offered by likechapaa where we teach you pretty much everything we know, help you start up an online business and stay with you until you start making money. Sign up soon because the spots are filling up fast
i am new to this make money online programs. i used Adsense and Adbrite for making money online.
How did it go?
hai how are you?
so tell me how do you make money on the internet? and how do i get paid? you there are alot of schemes
There are two ways to make money online:
Hi, what about experiences with sites like legitonlinejobs.com – do you have any? Or any comments on whether it works in this part of the world?
I don’t know, D….I don’t like the look of that site. It’s too….’salesy’. They’re trying too much to sell their product to you. Why not just get a job at a place like getafreelancer.com or odesk.com?
Hi, its good to see that internet business is growing in Kenya. I have a blog that I started some time back but I have not been able to make any money out of it. I have tried all sorts of internet marketing e.g adsence, linkreferrals etc but i have not succeeded. To an extent that now Iam giving up. I have actually not written any content for some time now. Please check it out and advise.
Hey Rahab, have a look at this series of articles: http://likechapaa.com/2009/09/what-if-i-want-to-make-money-right-now-what-do-i-do/
Here are some additional thoughts:
1. I think you’ve written too few articles. You need lots and lots of articles (a few a week, every week)
2. What is your blog about? This isn’t very clear at the onset. You need to carve out a niche
3. How do you want to ‘monetize’?
Hi Kelvin:
Thanks so much for the kind of advice you are offering to us and the hope that we shall succeed. Like Rahab got stuck and didnt have the pacience but with the word of advice …I know she will give it a try again. For me am so interested and willing to do the online biz but have no ideas and thats why am looking forward to you for your advice and all the support.
The other thing most of kenyans….arent used to online issues…thats why the growth is so slow but with time….majority will embrace it.
Thanks so much to you Kelvin.
You’re very, very welcome, Eunice.
Dear Kelvin,
I read somewhere in one of your replies that you cant advice on any data entry job…..I understand its really alot of work and it underpays……but i wont mind you advising me of any which you trust since we have so many scams …then i try it. I wanna try several online jobs…… Hope you will get me some good detailed information.
Thanks alot
Eunice, you first need to build something of a CV – you need to be able to convince potential employers that you can handle what they will ask of you. A simple website accomplishes this quite well. You do not have to have this, but it makes everything just easier.
Next, head over to a site like http://www.getafreelancer.com (I have used it a million times) and find data entry jobs and apply for them. If you apply well enough, you WILL get hired.
Thanks dear,
I have been to that website …only that i havent understood how it actually works….though i have made some bids on a few jobs but not yet hired. What kind of a website do i need to make and or cv required. Please help.
Just a simple website, to showcase who you are and what you can do. Something like this: http://www.mariamaina.co.cc
The thing with most sites that you have to bid for jobs is this: you have to bid a LOT, maybe twenty or so times for each job.
Good morning,
Hope u had a great wkend. Its good to learn that you have come from Nyahururu…..I originate from Nyeri and have my 2 aunts married in Nyahururu.
Thanks for your support.
I will try and make one and see if i can manage.
Thanks alot.
Will keep in touch.
How is it going so far?
It would be nice if we could share how much bloggers in Africa really make online
Yes it would be, but it is nearly impossible.
Great work here Kevin. How many Kenyans especially the unemployed educated youths know about this? Most spend their internet time on face book. I think we need an ambassador to preach to them how many millions are up for grabs on the net. I am like ten months old on the internet marketing. I use ad sense although not earning much but am still to find a way to get the most out of it. If you could help here.
Keep up the great work loll
Thanks Caleb. What do you do online?
EDIT
My advice:
Just saw your blog. It looks interesting
hi kelvin you seem to understand making money online .i have tried data entry but most of them are scams on the internet . can you furnish me with info about how one can go about it on my mail i will appreciate wambugu
Thanks for the comment! Here is some info on data entry: http://likechapaa.com/2009/11/online-data-entry-jobs/
Hi Kelvin
i have been in online jobs like a year now trying to see how one can earn money. i discovered that it is not easy as one may think coz from all the project that i bid,i won only one last week but i have a problem with getting payments since i thot paypal was working in kenya unfortnately money could not be sent sing that. so i decided to use GAF but when sent what next to get it?
GAF has a credit card which is linked to your account. Apply to get this card – you can use it to make purchases anywhere in the world, even Nakumatt!
that reply on Joseph’s is a great advice. I didn’t know you can use the GAF credit card in Kenya. In fact I am stranded on how to receive payments on a client who I write articles for. I’ll definitely try it. Thanks
Please check your email, kind sir.
actually I meant reply for Dete’s comment. Sorry for swarming your blog with comments
No worries, the more the better.
I just stumbled on your site while looking for something else and now I won’t look further – feel you can help. Am looking to pay for something in dollars but don’t know how to.
You are quite right; many kenyans don’t go beyond yahoo – am one of them – which is really a waste cos I even own a pc. Hold my hand and teach how to make chapaa; I need it bad!
God bless
Hi there John! We would be glad to help. Regarding the payments – why don’t you get a credit/debit card?
Please send us an email regarding the teaching
hi kelvin good to know that nyahi guys are repin to the fullest.am from rurii,ol’kalou
n i need to make some money.how do i get on board
you can hit me up on ma email add antony.githui@gmail.com
Hi Anthony. How are you? I hope all is well. Give me a short while to get back to you fully on how you can get on bard, sawa?
thanks for this educative site about making money online in Kenya.
Actually there are tens of thousands sites that teach about Making Money online,methods which
work.But the problem of those methods being thought are non Kenyan/African based.Like CLICKBANK does not services in Kenya,(tho’ there is a way U can go about it),
Paypal not allowing one 2 receive payments in kenya, e.t.c..
But there are solutions to any of these shortcomings///…
AS a’m convinced, the most effective way one can make any cash online is through Affiliate Marketing.P{CPA Affiliates, Clickbank,CPL etc}
A’ve not made a cent online, but am on the process of getting my blog set up, and going through some tutorials about Affiliate mkting.
The best resource one can get is through Online Forums (Warrior,5 star,Webmasters World etc.which offer free tips on one becomming a successful online marketter.
BLOGGING,SEO,AFFILIATE MKETING:.>keys 2sccess
Thanks for the comment. Here’s to your success!
Rufinus,
Am from Kenya and ‘ve been stuck with various services not working in our country. So far I’ve been able to get checks from Google Adsense on a regular basis. I’ve also earned huge commissions from non-clickbank or paypal related products. I join programs that can pay via wire transfer or checks.
I also participate in programs that have NO selling in it and I decided to put it up into a System “www.SupremeCashSystem.net”
I use the system to make money online
Thanks for Mike Ndegwa for sharing your method..most of us here we’re jst newbies,
And fail to knw the best path to go through, in this massive sea of online marketing.
Can u please tell us how this Supreme Cash System works? Is it commission based, or
Freelance? & can it be recommended for newbies??
And another note; About ADsense,which I heard u mentioned, how does it pay cash to Kenyans?
W. union? Or EFT, or paypal??
Thanks ya’ll..
Rufinus, the Supreme Cash System is not about freelance or internet marketing. actually you’ll be suprised, it’s a whole new way of making money online and you only need to do an effort once and get Guaranteed results from 2 weeks. it also has three streams of income. I cant reveal which ones because its a paid product. You also get paid via Wire transfer, western union or international check. No paypal or those money wallets. You really should join. its really exciting and I guarantee you results. even better if you are in Kenya I offer Unrivalled support every step of the way. About Adsense, it’s hard work i only get a $100 Check sent to my post office once in a month and sometimes it takes two. By using Supremecashsystem.net see what am making in 7 days http://tinyurl.com/scs-proof
you really should get started
IN REGARDING TO AUTOMATED CONTENT CASH:
Hey mike:
According to what I know,………
Actually the best paying online methods right now are Also the hottest topics on popular forums. Talking of Automated Content Cash, I can admit that a’ve never heard of it*(maybe due to my ignorance), and would really wish to know how it works. Unless it’s a scam, I do not see if it’ll cost anything by merely pointing out how it WORKS to pay the huge cash it promises.
Before one invests his/her hard earned cash to it, They need to know this:
DOES it have money Back guarantee? If a’m unsatisfied by its services, can I request my cash back? At a given period of time? Like most clickbank products?
Does it have a forum? Etc…..
Before any system is labeled as scam, when actually it is not, every aspect of how it operates MUST be uncovered out to give out clear guidelines to would be users, before they invest a single penny to it.
This days people are so attentive to investing their cash online in fear of rising scams.
Rufinus, I agree fully with you!
AUTOMATED CONTENT CASH is a program that shows you how to make money by publishing feeds on your own wordpress site. the site makes money via affiliate marketing and agoogle adsense an example of such a site is jobs.mikendegwa.com which publishes feeds from freelancer.com
Now, about Supreme Cash System (SCS) am the author and it has links 4 streams of income I also offer 30 day money back guarantee and you get to keep the bonuses offered at the members area. SCS also offers unrivaled support to its members
This is just awesome…..i only wish i could get details on this payment thing coz i c that as th major stumbling block………..Just simple 123 steps and the preferred companies as well as hidden charges coz if Kenya is to move forward in self employment there is need to know this knowledge. It is only fair that people share coz if i come to you to as for 500 and you show me how to make 250 i might only come back to say thanks for empowering me rather than pestering you for more cash. Hope you understand that metaphor. Your take on forex trading and trusted sites as well as books that teach people on this….
does this help: http://likechapaa.com/2009/07/receiving-online-payments-in-kenya/ ?
Wonderful post about people in different parts of the world learning some of the possibilities that exist online for making money. I also agree that finding a product or service is easier for making money than earning from advertising (e.g., adsense). Once the product or service is chosen, the next challenge is to get the product or service seen by the masses and make sales. Many are not aware of new teams that are forming to advertise and sell products (recruit others) collectively in order to build businesses that result in lifetime residual incomes for all involved.
tell me exactly how the package works…am a little bit not at home.kindly acknowledge
I came across your stuff a while, very encouraging.i’m very interested in understanding how to make money online.
How does it work in Kenya REALLY?
i dont own a website, but i’m always online for one reason or another.
what options are there that dont include:
1)selling ad space
2)writting articles
What skills or talents or training do you have? 99% chance you can make it using whatever those are. To grasp at the possibilities, have a look at http://www.freelancer.com and see just how many different types of jobs once can get
I would like you to train me on how to make money online with my website. I am here in Kenya. Please call me on 0722 558373 or use skype: benjaskype4
Benjamin
Hi to all!
I would like to respond to this topic on making money online since am into it myself
There are several methods of making money online but here are three different proven methods of making money online which can work anywhere:
Method 1: Making money online selling someone else’s product i.e. Promote Affiliate Products
Method 2: Making money online selling advertising space i.e. Build Content Rich Website(s) then monetize with pay-per-click partnership programs such as Google’s AdSense program, infolink, AdBrite etc. You can sell ad space to advertisers too.
Method 3: Making money online selling your own Info Product(s) or service.
I have an article on my site just incase you need more info on the above three methods.