Elsa Majimbo transitioned from a viral crisp-eating skit maker during the COVID-19 quarantine period to an international influencer, model, and ambassador. Her partnerships include Fenty, Valentino, Bumble, and Beats by Dre, and she now earns over $500,000 annually. Kenya’s creative ecosystem has seen the rise of influential creatives like Lupita Nyong'o, Wabosha Maxine, Njugush, Diana Bahati, Eric Omondi, and many others. The country’s youthful population and thriving digital infrastructure have further driven this growth.

As the creative space thrives, Kenyan content creators are not only earning in Kenyan shillings (KES) but are increasingly handling multiple currencies due to international audiences, brand partnerships, and international payment systems.

This article examines how Kenyan creators are earning and saving in multiple currencies, as well as how to get started.

Also read: The easiest way to get a virtual dollar account for AdSense earnings

Earning in multiple currencies as a Kenyan creator

Kenyan creators are tapping into global opportunities, often resulting in payments in multiple currencies. Below are some ways Kenyan creators earn in various currencies.

1. Platform monetisation

Many digital platforms allow users to monetise their accounts, especially if they have attained some level of popularity in terms of views and followership.

• YouTube AdSense: Kenyan YouTubers with at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months can earn through Google AdSense. Popular creators like Wode Maya and Churchill have built substantial audiences, earning significant ad revenue from global viewers.
• TikTok Creator Fund: TikTok’s Creator Fund pays eligible creators in USD for engaging content, with payments varying based on views and engagement. Kenyan TikTok creators like Elsa Majimbo and Azziad Nasenya (Kenya’s TikTok Queen) have leveraged TikTok’s global reach to attract international brands.
• X Premium subscriptions: Creators on X with premium accounts can earn a share of subscription revenue. Apart from the premium account, you also need to generate five million impressions within a 3-month period. Payment is made through Stripe. X also allows Kenyan creators to offer exclusive content to subscribers for a recurring monthly fee. Creators need to have over 10,000 followers and be at least 18 years old.
• Facebook and Instagram: Meta’s monetisation programmes, such as In-Stream Ads and Reels Bonuses, allow creators to earn based on their reach.

2. Brand partnerships and sponsorships

International brands often collaborate with Kenyan creators to tap into their audiences and may pay in foreign currencies for promotional campaigns, especially targeting Kenyan audiences. Local creators, such as Elsa Majimbo, have secured deals with brands that pay in foreign currencies.

3. Affiliate marketing and e-commerce

Creators promote products through affiliate programmes like Amazon Associates, earning commissions. Additionally, some creators sell merchandise or digital products (e.g., e-books, courses) through platforms like Etsy, Gumroad or Shopify, receiving payments in multiple currencies based on their customers’ locations.

Also read: How to receive payments from the US marketplaces as a Kenyan seller

4. Freelance and remote work

Many Kenyan creators earn from offering freelance services like graphic design, video editing, or content writing for international clients. Many of these clients pay in USD, GBP, or EUR via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

Saving in multiple currencies as a Kenyan creator

To make the best of your earnings, it is better to save in foreign currencies to avoid money losses from currency conversion and fluctuations in KES.

Grey offers low-cost international transfers, competitive exchange rates, and virtual debit cards for spending foreign earnings directly, thereby reducing conversion fees and simplifying cross-border transactions.

Why Grey?

Grey is a top recommendation for Kenyan creators looking to manage multiple currencies with ease. Here are reasons to opt for Grey.

• Low-cost transfers: Grey charges low fees on transactions with no hidden fees, saving creators significant costs.
• Foreign accounts: Creators can open USD, GBP, and EUR accounts for free, receiving payments from various countries and digital platforms.
• Smooth integration: Grey integrates seamlessly with global platforms, allowing you to receive your earnings with ease. You can also seamlessly withdraw into your local bank account swiftly.
• Virtual USD card: This allows users spend USD directly on expenses like software subscriptions, online shopping, or travel, reducing conversion losses.

Also read: How to get an instant USD debit card in Kenya

• Competitive exchange rates: Grey offers favourable conversion rates.

Getting started on Grey

You can get started on Grey by following these steps:

• Sign up on the Grey platform: Visit Grey’s website or download the Grey app to create an account.
• Complete KYC verification: Upload your documents for verification.
• Create foreign accounts: Set up free USD, GBP, or EUR accounts.
• Link to payment platforms: Connect your Grey account to freelancing platforms and monetisation payment channels to receive foreign payments directly into your virtual accounts or share the details with your clients.

Managing multiple currencies with Grey

Thanks to a youthful and creative population, widespread internet access, and a growing appetite for digital content, Kenya's creative economy is thriving. Many creators have to manage foreign currencies, which can be a challenge without the right payment system. Grey helps Kenyan creators earn and save in multiple currencies by offering low fees, competitive conversion rates, and free multicurrency accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR.

Get started with Grey today to maximise your earnings.

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