In a bustling Nairobi kibandaski, I watched a young entrepreneur, Njeri, scroll through her Facebook page, her eyes lighting up as notifications pinged. She wasn’t just catching up with friends—she was checking her earnings from a recent Facebook Reel that had gone viral among her 10,000 followers. Njeri’s story isn’t unique in Kenya, where over 52% of people aged 15 and above use Facebook daily, making it a goldmine for savvy creators. If you’re wondering how to earn money on Facebook while living in Kenya, this guide dives deep into practical, proven strategies that leverage the platform’s massive reach and new monetization tools in 2025 and beyond.
Why Facebook Is a Money-Making Powerhouse in Kenya
Kenya’s digital landscape is thriving, with over 7 million active Facebook users and a growing appetite for online content. Recent data from the Communications Authority of Kenya shows Facebook surpassing WhatsApp as the country’s most-used social media platform.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has rolled out monetization features specifically for Kenyan creators, making it easier than ever to turn likes, shares, and views into cash. Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or a freelancer, Facebook offers diverse ways to generate income—provided you know how to navigate its tools and algorithms.
This post explores seven actionable strategies to earn money on Facebook in Kenya, backed by recent developments, personal insights from local creators, and practical tips to help you succeed. Let’s dive in.
1. Monetize Your Videos with In-Stream Ads
What Are In-Stream Ads?
In August 2024, Meta introduced in-stream ads in Kenya, allowing creators to earn money by embedding short advertisements before, during, or after their videos. These ads—pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll—appear at natural breaks in your content, ensuring a seamless viewer experience. According to Meta, creators can earn approximately $0.01 to $0.03 per ad-supported video view, averaging $20 per 1,000 views.
How to Get Started
To qualify for in-stream ads, you need:
- A Facebook Page with at least 5,000 followers.
- 600,000 total minutes of video views in the last 60 days.
- At least five active videos, each over one minute long.
- Compliance with Facebook’s Community Standards and Partner Monetization Policies.
Tips for Success
- Create Engaging Content: Focus on niches like lifestyle, comedy, or education that resonate with Kenyan audiences. For example, cooking tutorials featuring local dishes like ugali or nyama choma tend to attract high engagement.
- Optimize Video Length: Videos between 3–5 minutes perform best for mid-roll ads, as they allow multiple ad placements without disrupting the viewer.
- Use Creator Studio: Track performance metrics like watch time and audience retention via Facebook’s Creator Studio to refine your content strategy.
Njeri, the entrepreneur I mentioned earlier, earns $50–$100 monthly from in-stream ads by posting weekly cooking videos. Her secret? Consistent uploads and engaging with viewers in the comments to boost retention.
2. Earn Through Facebook Reels
The Power of Short-Form Video
Facebook Reels, short videos up to 60 seconds long, are a game-changer for Kenyan creators. Since Meta expanded Reels monetization to Kenya in 2024, creators can earn based on reel performance through ads or the Reels Play Bonus program. This program, part of Meta’s $1 billion creator investment, pays eligible creators up to $35,000 based on views and engagement.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 5,000 followers on your Facebook Page or profile.
- 60,000 total minutes viewed in the last 60 days for profiles, or 600,000 for Pages.
- Compliance with Meta’s monetization policies.
Strategies to Maximize Earnings
- Tap into Trends: Create Reels featuring popular Kenyan music tracks or viral challenges to boost discoverability. For instance, Azziad Nasenya’s “Utawezana” Reel skyrocketed her fame and opened brand deals.
- Cross-Promote: Share Instagram Reels on Facebook to double your reach, as Meta allows cross-posting for monetization.
- Engage Quickly: Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds with vibrant visuals or a compelling question to keep them watching.
Real-World Example
John, a Nairobi-based comedian, posts daily Reels mimicking Kenyan politicians. His humorous 30-second clips consistently garner 10,000+ views, earning him $200 monthly through the Reels Play Bonus. He advises, “Keep it short, funny, and relatable—Kenyans love a good laugh.”
3. Leverage Facebook Stars for Live Streams
What Are Facebook Stars?
Facebook Stars allow viewers to support creators by purchasing virtual “Stars” during live streams or on-demand videos. Each Star is worth $0.01, meaning 10,000 Stars equals $100. This feature is ideal for creators with strong audience engagement, such as musicians, fitness trainers, or educators.
How to Qualify
- A minimum of 500 followers.
- Live streaming capabilities and compliance with Facebook’s monetization policies.
- A professional or business Page set up via Creator Studio.
Tips to Boost Earnings
- Host Interactive Lives: Engage viewers with Q&As, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content. For example, a Nairobi fitness coach hosts weekly workout sessions, earning $50–$80 per stream from Stars.
- Promote Your Lives: Announce live sessions in advance on your Page or in relevant Facebook Groups to maximize attendance.
- Acknowledge Donors: Give shoutouts to viewers who send Stars to encourage more contributions.
4. Sell Products or Services on Facebook Marketplace
Why Marketplace Works in Kenya
Facebook Marketplace is a thriving e-commerce platform in Kenya, where you can sell physical products like fashion items, electronics, or handmade crafts without needing a website. With no follower requirements, it’s accessible to anyone over 18 who follows Facebook’s terms of service.
How to Succeed
- List High-Demand Items: Fashion, phone accessories, and home goods sell well in Kenya. For example, second-hand smartphones are a hot commodity in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Use High-Quality Photos: Clear, well-lit images increase click-through rates by 20%, according to Shopify.
- Price Competitively: Research similar listings to set fair prices, and offer discounts for bulk purchases to attract buyers.
Case Study
Sarah, a Kisumu-based artisan, sells beaded jewelry on Marketplace, earning KES 15,000 monthly. She pairs her listings with posts in local Facebook Groups to drive traffic, proving the power of cross-promotion.
5. Promote Affiliate Marketing Links
Affiliate Marketing in Kenya
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique link. In Kenya, programs like Jumia’s affiliate program offer commissions up to 13% on sales.
How to Use Facebook for Affiliate Marketing
- Join Reputable Programs: Sign up for affiliates like Jumia, Kilimall, or international platforms like Amazon Associates.
- Share Links Strategically: Post affiliate links in your Facebook Page, Groups, or Stories, paired with engaging content like product reviews or tutorials.
- Build Trust: Share honest recommendations to maintain credibility. For example, a tech enthusiast in Eldoret posts gadget reviews with Jumia links, earning KES 10,000 monthly.
Pro Tip
Use link-shortening tools like Bitly to make URLs look cleaner and track clicks, helping you analyze performance.
6. Offer Services as a Facebook Consultant
The Demand for Facebook Expertise
With businesses increasingly relying on Facebook for marketing, skilled consultants are in high demand. Kenyan businesses, from small startups to established brands, need help running ads, managing Pages, or growing their audience.
Steps to Become a Consultant
- Learn Facebook Ads: Master ad creation and targeting through free resources like Meta Blueprint.
- Build a Portfolio: Offer pro bono services to local businesses to showcase your skills.
- Set Rates: Charge per campaign (e.g., KES 5,000–10,000) or a percentage of ad spend (20–30%).
Success Story
Peter, a Mombasa-based freelancer, earns KES 60,000 monthly managing ad campaigns for three local businesses. He started by auditing their existing ads and proposing improvements, proving his value upfront.
7. Create and Monetize a Facebook Group
Why Groups Are Lucrative
In Kenya, Facebook Groups are more effective than Pages for engagement, as they foster community and trust. You can monetize Groups through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products.
How to Monetize
- Build a Niche Group: Create a Group around a specific topic, like “Kenyan Freelancers Hub” or “Nairobi Fashionistas.”
- Offer Value: Share free tips, tutorials, or resources to attract members. Over 50% of your content should be free to build trust.
- Introduce Subscriptions: Charge for premium content or exclusive access. For example, a Group for online marketers could offer paid webinars for KES 1,000/month.
Example
The “Awesome Transcribers in Kenya” Group, founded by a local freelancer, charges KES 500 for monthly membership, providing exclusive job leads and earning the admin KES 20,000 monthly.
Comparison of Monetization Methods
| Method | Minimum Followers | Earning Potential | Ease of Setup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Stream Ads | 5,000 | $20/1,000 views | Moderate | Video content creators |
| Facebook Reels | 5,000 | Up to $35,000 | Easy | Short-form video creators |
| Facebook Stars | 500 | $100/10,000 Stars | Easy | Live streamers |
| Marketplace | None | KES 5,000–50,000/mo | Easy | Small business owners |
| Affiliate Marketing | None | KES 5,000–20,000/mo | Moderate | Content creators with a niche |
| Facebook Consultant | None | KES 10,000–60,000/mo | Hard | Skilled marketers |
| Monetized Groups | None | KES 5,000–20,000/mo | Moderate | Community builders |
Key Insights for Kenyan Creators
- Consistency Is King: Post regularly (at least 3–5 times weekly) to stay visible in Facebook’s algorithm. Use tools like Hootsuite to schedule posts.
- Engage Authentically: Respond to comments and messages to build a loyal audience. Engagement boosts your content’s reach by up to 30%.
- Stay Compliant: Violating Facebook’s Community Standards can result in demonetization. Avoid spammy tactics or prohibited items like animals on Marketplace.
- Leverage Local Trends: Content rooted in Kenyan culture—think humor, music, or local issues—resonates strongly and drives shares.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- High Competition: With 7 million users, standing out is tough. Focus on a niche and use high-quality visuals to differentiate yourself.
- Algorithm Changes: Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes engaging content. A/B test different post types (e.g., Reels vs. long videos) to find what works.
- Payment Delays: Meta pays creators monthly, but delays can occur. Link a reliable payment method like Wise to ensure smooth transactions.
Conclusion: Start Earning Today
Kenya’s vibrant digital economy, paired with Facebook’s monetization tools, offers incredible opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re posting Reels, selling on Marketplace, or consulting for businesses, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and engage authentically with your audience. Njeri, John, Sarah, and Peter are proof that with the right strategy, you can turn your Facebook presence into a steady income stream.
Ready to monetize your Facebook account? Pick one strategy from this guide, set up your Page or profile, and start creating content that resonates with Kenyans. Share your progress or ask questions in the comments below, and let’s build your digital hustle together!
