How To Start a Blog In Kenya and Make Money

Introduction.

Starting a blog in Kenya can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes with the potential to earn some extra cash or even turn it into a full-time business.

If you’ve been wondering how to start your blog in Kenya and make money from it, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through the entire process—from picking a blog topic to setting up your blog and monetizing it.

Blogging isn’t just about writing down your thoughts. It’s a real opportunity to build a platform, grow an audience, and earn money while doing what you love.

Plus, with the internet’s reach and the growing number of internet users in Kenya (which, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya, hit 48 million by the end of 2022), now is the perfect time to dive in.

I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Whether you’re looking to share your passion for cooking, fashion, tech, or any other topic, I’ll break down the steps you need to take and how you can start earning along the way.

In this article, I’ll answer all the burning questions you might have. How do you choose a niche? What tools do you need to set up a blog?

So, by the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to get your blog up and running, and you’ll know exactly how to start earning from it. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

How Do I Start a Blog in Kenya?

Before we get into how you can make money from your blog, let’s first focus on the basics of setting it up. Here’s how you can start:

1. Pick a Niche

Choosing the right niche is the first and most important step in starting a successful blog. What are you passionate about? What can you write about consistently? Whether it’s travel, food, fashion, finance, or tech, the key is to pick something you’re genuinely interested in.

Don’t stress about picking the “perfect” niche right away. Sometimes, it’s more important to choose something you can enjoy writing about regularly, rather than chasing what seems popular or lucrative. Popular niches in Kenya include lifestyle, business tips, and entertainment.

2. Choose a Blogging Platform

Next, you need to choose a platform where you’ll host your blog. The most common platform for bloggers is WordPress. WordPress is easy to use, has a ton of free themes, and is very customizable.

You can also use platforms like Blogger or Medium, but if you’re serious about making money, I highly recommend using WordPress with a self-hosted domain (i.e., a paid domain with a hosting service).

3. Pick a Domain Name

Your domain name is your blog’s address on the internet (for example, www.mylifestyleblog.com). Pick a domain name that’s easy to remember and reflects your niche.

It should be short, catchy, and ideally include keywords related to your blog’s topic. For example, if you’re blogging about food in Kenya, something like “KenyaEats” could work well.

4. Get Hosting

To make your blog accessible on the internet, you’ll need a web hosting service. Hosting is essentially where your blog’s files live online.

There are many options available for hosting, but I recommend checking out companies like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator. They offer affordable plans and have good customer support.

5. Design Your Blog

Once you have your domain and hosting set up, you’ll need to design your blog. WordPress makes this simple with a variety of free and paid themes.

Don’t worry about making your blog look perfect right away—just focus on making it clean, user-friendly, and easy to navigate. You can always tweak it later.

How Do I Make Money from My Blog in Kenya?

Now that your blog is set up, let’s talk about the fun part—making money from it. Here are several ways you can start earning from your blog:

1. Affiliate Marketing.

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money blogging. Essentially, you promote products or services on your blog and earn a commission when someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link. For example, if you write a review about a product and someone clicks on your link to buy it, you earn a commission.

There are many affiliate programs you can join, including international ones like Amazon Associates and ClickBank, as well as local programs such as Jumia and Kilimall in Kenya. The key is to find products related to your niche that your readers will actually want to buy.

2. Ad Revenue (Google AdSense).

Another common way to make money from your blog is through advertisements. Google AdSense is one of the most popular ad networks that allows you to place ads on your blog. You earn money every time a visitor clicks on the ad.

The key here is to build a solid amount of traffic. Advertisers are more likely to pay for ads on blogs with lots of visitors. So, if you can grow your audience, you can turn ad revenue into a steady income stream.

3. Sponsored Posts.

Once you’ve built up a decent following, you can also make money through sponsored posts. This is when companies pay you to write about their products or services on your blog.

The key here is that you’ll need to have a niche that aligns with a specific market (such as tech or lifestyle) to attract brands that are willing to pay for sponsored content.

4. Selling Your Own Products.

If you have something unique to offer, you can create and sell your own products. This could be physical products, like handmade jewelry or clothing, or digital products like eBooks, courses, or templates.

Many bloggers in Kenya are tapping into this opportunity and selling items like local crafts, digital art, or even online courses about blogging or business.

5. Offer Freelance Services.

Blogging can also serve as a platform for offering your services. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you could write blog posts related to design and use your blog to attract clients. Or if you’re a writer, you can offer writing services through your blog.

Challenges of Blogging in Kenya

While blogging can be rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. Some of the common hurdles Kenyan bloggers face include:

• Low Internet Speed and Data Costs: In some areas of Kenya, internet access can be expensive or slow. This can affect your ability to upload content regularly or research for your blog. However, affordable data bundles and internet cafes in most urban areas can help you get around this.
• Monetization Challenges: Many international ad networks or affiliate programs may not work as smoothly in Kenya. However, local platforms like Jumia and Mookh offer good alternatives for affiliate marketers.
• Time and Consistency: Building a successful blog takes time, effort, and consistency. It’s not a get-rich-quick thing. You’ll need to post regularly, promote your blog, and engage with your audience to make money.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to make money from blogging in Kenya?

It varies depending on the effort you put into growing your blog. Some people start earning within a few months, but for most, it takes about a year or more to start seeing a steady income.

Q: Do I need to be an expert to start a blog?

No, you don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be passionate about your topic and willing to learn as you go. Over time, you’ll get better at writing and promoting your blog.

Q: Can I blog part-time and still make money?

Yes! Many bloggers start part-time and gradually build their income. Blogging is flexible, so you can work on it whenever you have free time.

Conclusion

Starting a blog in Kenya is an exciting journey that could lead to opportunities for income and personal growth. With the right tools, persistence, and passion, anyone can start a blog and turn it into a profitable venture.

So, are you ready to start your own blog and begin making money? What niche do you think you’ll choose to dive into first?