Teachers in Kenya, like in many parts of the world, often seek additional income to supplement their salaries. With increasing financial responsibilities and economic challenges, having a side hustle can be a game-changer.
Fortunately, teaching provides a unique skill set that allows teachers to diversify their income streams. Below are some lucrative side hustles that teachers in Kenya can explore.
1. Private Tutoring
One of the easiest side hustles for teachers is offering private tutoring services. Parents are always looking for extra help for their children, especially in subjects like Mathematics, English, and Sciences. Teachers can offer one-on-one lessons at home, in community centers, or online through platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
How to Get Started:
- Advertise your services in local schools, churches, and social media platforms.
- Charge per session or offer a package deal for several lessons.
- Join tutoring platforms such as MwalimuPlus, TeacherOn, or Superprof.
2. Freelance Writing and Blogging
Teachers have excellent communication and research skills, making freelance writing and blogging viable options. Writing for online publications, academic writing, or starting a blog can be a lucrative endeavor.
Areas to Focus On:
- Educational content (lesson plans, exam tips, curriculum reviews).
- Blogging about teaching experiences and insights.
- Writing for content mills or as a ghostwriter for businesses.
- Academic writing for students in need of research assistance.
3. Online Courses and Digital Products
With the rise of e-learning, teachers can create and sell online courses or digital products such as lesson plans, educational e-books, and worksheets.
Platforms to Use:
- Teachable, Udemy, and Thinkific for creating courses.
- Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, or Gumroad for selling lesson plans.
- YouTube for educational videos (monetized through ads and sponsorships).
4. Farming and Agribusiness
Agriculture remains one of Kenya’s most profitable ventures. Teachers with access to land can engage in farming activities such as poultry farming, dairy farming, or vegetable cultivation.
Steps to Start:
- Identify a suitable farming venture (e.g., poultry, dairy, horticulture).
- Learn the necessary skills through training or mentorship.
- Start small and expand as you gain experience.
- Use social media to market farm produce.
5. Real Estate and Rental Business
Teachers can invest in real estate or start rental businesses. This could be through renting out extra rooms, managing hostels for students, or subletting property.
How to Start:
- Invest in small rental units in developing areas.
- Partner with real estate companies as a property agent.
- Convert part of your home into an Airbnb rental.
6. Starting a Small Business
A variety of small businesses can generate extra income. Examples include:
- Selling second-hand clothes (mitumba business): Buy in bulk from Gikomba or Toi Market and sell online or to colleagues.
- Mobile money services (M-Pesa or Airtel Money agent): Requires initial capital but provides consistent income.
- Cosmetics and beauty products: Sell perfumes, skincare products, or even offer beauty services like hairstyling or makeup.
7. Catering and Baking Business
If you love cooking or baking, you can turn it into a business. Teachers can bake cakes for birthdays and weddings, supply snacks to schools, or even operate a small restaurant.
How to Get Started:
- Take a short baking or catering course.
- Advertise through word-of-mouth, social media, and WhatsApp groups.
- Partner with schools for catering opportunities.
8. Photography and Videography
With many schools and parents in need of photography services for events, teachers can venture into photography and videography. It requires an initial investment in a good camera and some training, but it pays well.
Steps to Success:
- Learn photography basics through online tutorials or courses.
- Offer your services at school events, graduations, and family gatherings.
- Market your business through social media and local events.
9. Network Marketing and Direct Sales
Many companies, including Forever Living, GNLD, and Oriflame, offer opportunities to earn through direct sales and network marketing. Teachers can use their networks to sell health, beauty, and wellness products.
Benefits:
- No need for a large capital investment.
- Passive income potential through referrals.
- Flexible working hours that fit into a teacher’s schedule.
10. Transport Business
If you own a vehicle, consider using it for:
- Boda boda or taxi services through platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab.
- School transport services for students.
- Car hire business where you rent out your vehicle on weekends.
11. Handmade Crafts and DIY Projects
Teachers with creative skills can make handmade products such as jewelry, home decor, or African crafts. These can be sold on platforms like Instagram, Jumia, or local craft fairs.
Popular Handmade Products:
- Beaded jewelry and accessories.
- Personalized gift items like mugs and T-shirts.
- Handmade bags and shoes.
12. Event Planning and Emceeing
Teachers who are good at organizing and public speaking can earn extra cash by planning events and working as emcees for weddings, graduations, and corporate events.
How to Get Clients:
- Market yourself through social media and referrals.
- Offer free or discounted services initially to build a portfolio.
- Partner with event planners and DJs.
13. Translation and Transcription Services
Teachers proficient in multiple languages can provide translation services for businesses, churches, or legal firms. Additionally, transcription (converting audio into written text) is a growing field with numerous online opportunities.
Where to Find Work:
- Upwork, Fiverr, and Rev for transcription jobs.
- Local businesses and NGOs needing translation services.
14. Social Media Management and Content Creation
If you have a passion for social media, businesses and brands are always looking for social media managers to handle their online presence.
Ways to Make Money:
- Manage social media accounts for small businesses.
- Create and sell digital marketing services.
- Offer consultancy for teachers and schools on branding.
15. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission on sales. Teachers can leverage their blogs, YouTube channels, or social media pages to market products from companies such as Jumia, Kilimall, and Amazon.
Getting Started:
- Sign up for affiliate programs.
- Write product reviews and share referral links.
- Use social media to drive traffic to your affiliate links.
Conclusion
Kenyan teachers have numerous opportunities to earn extra income beyond their regular teaching jobs. Whether it’s leveraging their teaching skills through tutoring and online courses, diving into business, or exploring creative ventures, there is something for everyone.
The key is to start small, be consistent, and scale the business over time. With the right mindset and determination, a teacher’s side hustle can grow into a successful full-time business.
