From passion to profit: How Kenyan youth are monetizing their hobbies

From handcrafted fashion and homemade pastries to self-taught tech solutions and artisanal furniture, Kenya’s DIY culture is proving that creativity and resilience can pave the way to financial independence.

Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in Kenya, but many young people are finding innovative ways to earn a living by monetizing their passions.

Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are providing accessible and affordable avenues for these entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and reach a wide audience.

By bypassing traditional employment pathways, these youth are demonstrating that self-taught skills and digital savviness can lead to sustainable income.

Faced with limited formal job opportunities, many young Kenyans are turning their hobbies into thriving businesses.

Unlike previous generations that prioritized conventional career paths, today’s youth are redefining success by transforming their creative pursuits into profitable ventures.

With minimal startup costs and a global digital marketplace at their fingertips, they are proving that passion and innovation can be powerful economic drivers.

Social media has played a crucial role in this shift, enabling entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services without the need for expensive storefronts.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook offer free marketing channels, allowing artisans, bakers, fashion designers, and tech enthusiasts to grow their brands beyond their immediate communities.

Rachel Atieno, for instance, started crocheting in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. “My friend inspired me to start crocheting. I learned a few basic steps from her and then continued learning from YouTube tutorials.

I managed to make several pieces like tops, two-piece outfits, bucket hats, and even leg warmers,” she said.

“What began as a hobby quickly became a business when people saw my pieces on social media and asked if I could make some for them. The more tutorials I watched, the better my crocheting became,” she added.

Tech-savvy youth are also leveraging their programming and design skills to create websites, mobile apps, and digital marketing solutions for small businesses.

Many of these young professionals are self-taught, relying on free online courses and peer collaborations. Platforms like Ajira Digital and YouTube tutorials have made it easier than ever for young people to acquire digital skills that translate directly into income-generating ventures.

Muthoni Mithika, a 22-year-old student and baker, began her journey out of curiosity. “My baking journey started out of boredom during one of the long holidays in my second year of university.

I came across a cinnamon roll recipe online and decided to give it a try. As expected, it didn’t go as planned—they turned out more like rock buns than soft, fluffy rolls,” she recalled.

“I continued exploring new recipes from TikTok and YouTube and would post the results on my social media. Soon, friends and family started asking if they could purchase my baked goods. Slowly, I started getting orders, and now I run my business, Crust.n.Crumble,” she said.

E-commerce platforms like Jumia, Kilimall, and local WhatsApp groups have also provided alternative marketplaces for DIY entrepreneurs to sell their products. Additionally, trade fairs, pop-up markets, and collaborations with established brands offer exposure and networking opportunities.

As Kenya’s DIY culture continues to flourish, its impact extends beyond individual financial success. It is fostering a new generation of self-reliant, creative, and empowered youth who are contributing to the country’s economic landscape in meaningful ways. The movement is also promoting sustainability by encouraging local craftsmanship and reviving traditional skills that had been overshadowed by industrialization.

With an increasing appreciation for unique, handmade, and locally produced goods, the future looks bright for Kenya’s DIY entrepreneurs. As more young people embrace skill-based businesses, the DIY revolution is set to redefine entrepreneurship in Kenya for years to come.