Working with foreign clients from Kenya has become a common way for freelancers to earn competitive income while expanding their professional reach. As a Kenyan freelancer, you might work with clients from the US, Europe, or Asia, delivering projects across time zones and industries. While this opens exciting opportunities, it also raises questions about how payments actually work and how to manage them efficiently.
Receiving money from international clients often involves navigating multiple currencies, payment platforms, and banking processes. Understanding these systems is essential to ensure you get paid on time, avoid unnecessary fees, and maintain smooth cash flow as you grow your freelance career.
Also read: How Kenyan freelancers are building global careers from home
For Kenyan freelancers aiming to work globally, certain platforms work better than most. They make it easier to connect with international clients, manage projects, and get paid for work across borders.
Upwork is one of the most popular platforms for Kenyan freelancers seeking international clients. It offers a wide range of projects across writing, design, marketing, and tech. With verified payment systems and client reviews, freelancers can find reliable work, negotiate rates in foreign currencies, and grow long-term professional relationships with clients worldwide.
Fiverr allows Kenyan freelancers to showcase their services as “gigs,” making it easy for international clients to find and hire them. From graphic design to digital marketing, Fiverr handles payments securely in USD. The platform gives freelancers exposure to global demand while allowing them to scale their services based on performance and reviews.
Also read: The best platforms to find remote jobs in Kenya
LinkedIn isn’t just a networking platform; it’s a marketplace for international freelance opportunities. Kenyan freelancers can connect directly with businesses, showcase their portfolios, and pitch services to foreign clients. By leveraging LinkedIn’s professional network and content sharing, freelancers can establish credibility, attract inquiries, and secure projects across different industries and countries.
Guru connects Kenyan freelancers with clients looking for long-term and project-based work. The platform supports multiple payment options and currencies, making it easier to get paid from abroad. Freelancers can create detailed profiles, highlight past work, and receive endorsements, increasing their chances of securing international clients across various professional fields.
Also read: 7 top sites to get international remote jobs in Kenya
After securing international clients, Kenyan freelancers need efficient ways to receive payments. Understanding local and global payment options ensures funds reach you safely, quickly, and with minimal fees.
M-Pesa is Kenya’s leading mobile money service, dominant for local transactions and daily spending. Freelancers can receive payments directly if platforms support M-Pesa integration or through linked digital wallets. It allows instant access to funds, easy transfers between users, and convenient withdrawals at agents or ATMs, making it a popular option for freelancers handling both local and cross-border earnings.
Direct bank transfers are secure and reliable for larger sums, making them suitable for freelancers receiving significant international payments. However, they can be slower, often taking several days to clear due to intermediary banks. Additionally, fees for cross-border transfers may be higher than digital alternatives. Proper planning and a bank with international partnerships can reduce delays and extra costs.
Digital platforms simplify global payments for Kenyan freelancers by offering instant transfers, multicurrency support, and transparent fees. These platforms allow you to receive payments directly from clients abroad, manage multiple currencies in one place, and often provide additional tools like invoicing or virtual cards, making it easier to stay organised and maintain cash flow while working internationally.
LDMAG1
Working with international clients as a Kenyan freelancer doesn’t have to be complicated. With Grey, you can receive payments in multiple currencies, convert funds instantly, and keep everything organised in one secure app. Grey makes cross-border payments simple and reliable. Sign up or download the Grey app today and start getting paid effortlessly from clients around the world.
.svg)
Back to top
