Freelancing is booming in Kenya, with thousands of professionals in Nairobi, Mombasa, and beyond earning money online. But one challenge many Kenyan freelancers face is receiving payments from international clients seamlessly. Enter M-Pesa—Kenya’s leading mobile money platform that makes freelance payments easy, fast, and secure. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to use M-Pesa for freelance payments, from setting up your account to cashing out your earnings. Let’s get started!
Why M-Pesa is Perfect for Kenyan Freelancers
M-Pesa, operated by Safaricom, is used by over 30 million Kenyans in 2025, making it the go-to platform for financial transactions. For freelancers, M-Pesa offers:
- Ease of Use: Access your money via your phone, anywhere in Kenya.
- Global Reach: Link M-Pesa to platforms like PayPal for international payments.
- Low Fees: Affordable transaction costs compared to bank transfers.
- Security: Trusted and secure, with fraud protection features.
Whether you’re a writer in Eldoret or a designer in Kisumu, M-Pesa simplifies the payment process so you can focus on your work.
Step 1: Set Up Your M-Pesa Account
If you don’t already have an M-Pesa account, here’s how to get started:
- Register with Safaricom: Visit a Safaricom agent with your ID (e.g., National ID or Passport) to activate M-Pesa on your phone number.
- Download the App: Install the M-Pesa app from Google Play Store or iOS App Store for easier access.
- Deposit Funds: Add money to your M-Pesa wallet at an agent or via your bank account to activate the account.
- Set a PIN: Secure your account with a unique PIN to protect your funds.
Tip: Ensure your M-Pesa account is linked to an active Safaricom line with reliable network coverage.
Step 2: Link M-Pesa to PayPal for International Payments
Many freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer pay via PayPal. Here’s how to connect PayPal to M-Pesa:
- Create a PayPal Account: Sign up at paypal.com using your email and link it to a bank account (optional for withdrawal).
- Link M-Pesa to PayPal:
- Log into your PayPal account.
- Go to “Wallet” and select “Link a Bank.”
- Choose “M-Pesa” and enter your Safaricom number.
- Confirm the link via a code sent to your phone.
- Withdraw Funds: Once linked, transfer money from PayPal to M-Pesa (takes 1–3 days, fees apply: KSh 70–200 per transaction in 2025).
- Check Your Balance: You’ll receive an SMS from M-Pesa confirming the funds in your wallet.
Local Hack: Use PayPal’s mobile app to track transfers on the go, especially if you’re freelancing from rural areas like Nyeri or Nakuru.
Step 3: Use M-Pesa with Local Freelance Platforms
Some Kenyan platforms like Kuhustle allow direct M-Pesa payments:
- Select M-Pesa as Payment Option: When setting up your profile, choose M-Pesa for withdrawals.
- Receive Payments: After completing a job, the client pays directly to your M-Pesa account.
- Confirm Receipt: You’ll get an SMS notification (e.g., “KSh 5,000 received from Kuhustle”).
- Withdraw Cash: Visit an M-Pesa agent or use the app to withdraw at an ATM (fees: KSh 34 for KSh 2,500 in 2025).
Tip: Keep track of your earnings in a notebook or app to manage your freelance income.
Step 4: Pay for Freelancing Tools with M-Pesa
M-Pesa isn’t just for receiving payments—you can use it to pay for tools that boost your freelance career:
- Internet Bundles: Buy Safaricom data bundles via M-Pesa to stay online for client meetings.
- Subscriptions: Pay for tools like Grammarly or Canva Pro using M-Pesa through PayPal or directly if the platform supports it.
- Coworking Spaces: Many Nairobi coworking spaces (e.g., iHub) accept M-Pesa for daily or monthly passes.
Success Story: Sarah, a graphic designer from Thika, uses M-Pesa to pay for her Canva Pro subscription, saving time and ensuring she never misses a design deadline.
Step 5: Secure Your M-Pesa Account
With online scams on the rise, protect your M-Pesa account:
- Don’t Share Your PIN: Never give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from Safaricom.
- Verify Transactions: Always double-check the recipient’s number before sending money.
- Report Issues: Call Safaricom at 100 or use the M-Pesa app to report suspicious activity.
- Reverse Wrong Transactions: Dial 4569# to reverse a transaction if you send money to the wrong number (must be within 24 hours).
Tip: Use M-Pesa’s “Hakikisha” feature to confirm the recipient’s name before sending money.
Step 6: Manage Your Freelance Earnings
Once your earnings hit your M-Pesa account, manage them wisely:
- Save with M-Shwari: Lock away a portion of your earnings in M-Shwari for interest (up to 5% annually in 2025).
- Pay Bills: Use M-Pesa to pay rent, KPLC bills, or buy airtime to stay productive.
- Budget Smartly: Allocate funds for taxes, savings, and reinvesting in your freelance business (e.g., buying a better laptop).
Why M-Pesa is a Game-Changer for Freelancers
In 2025, M-Pesa remains a lifeline for Kenyan freelancers, bridging the gap between global opportunities and local convenience. Whether you’re earning $100 on Upwork or KSh 5,000 on Kuhustle, M-Pesa ensures your money is accessible and secure. Ready to streamline your freelance payments? Link your M-Pesa to PayPal today or explore local platforms that support direct M-Pesa payments. Have tips or questions? Share them in the comments or join the conversation on X with #KenyaFreelancers2025!
Want more freelancing tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly guides, or check out our free eBook on “Top 10 M-Pesa Hacks for Kenyans in 2025”. Share this post with a friend who’s freelancing in Kenya!