Dog Walking, Other Unconventional Ways Kenyans Make Money

• Kenyans have resorted to unconventional ways of making money and providing for their families amid a scarcity of jobs
• Walking pets is becoming a lucrative side gig for many Nairobi city dwellers, with Willy Kimani making over KSh 470,000 monthly
• Enterprises have taken advantage of the growing trend of treating pets as part of the family by starting pet cremation and funeral enterprises

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

There are many ways to make money in Kenya, but few are exciting or unique.

The rise in urbanisation and the adoption of Western cultures are responsible for the growth of these services.

Some unusual jobs that Kenyans are taking to earn income are below:

1. Pet cremation

Enterprises have taken advantage of the growing trend of treating pets as part of the family by starting pet cremation and funeral enterprises.

One such firm is Lee Funeral Home, which integrated a pet incinerator a short distance from their funeral home.

Pet owners grieve in a variety of ways. Some people decide to cremate their pet(s) and disperse the ashes in a unique location, such as a mountaintop or the sea.

Some people save their pet's hair or ashes as a keepsake in their home on a shelf.

NTV Kenya reported that the facility charges between KSh 30,000 and KSh 65,000 for the service, depending on the pet's size.

2. Dog walking

Walking pets is becoming a lucrative side gig for many Nairobi city dwellers.

Depending on the dog's size, some claim to earn up to KSh 500 each hour by walking them.

William Kimani, who walks dogs, is a prime example. Bizna Kenya reported that he can earn up to KSh 470,000 monthly strolling people's dogs.

3. Errands business

Busy professionals are discovering methods to reduce their workload thanks to those who charge for errands.

Most people who run errands can perform various tasks, from banking checks to shopping for food and clothing.

The gig, which requires little capital, has attracted several young people.

According to Who Owns Kenya, some make between KSh 5,000 and KSh 10,000 weekly. The cost varies according to the kind of errand.

4. Pet spas and saloons

In Kenya, salons and spas are no longer exclusive to human beings.

Several pet spas and salons have opened to assist pet owners in caring for young animals.

Some are mobile and can visit the residences of their clientele.

They provide a range of treatments, such as haircuts, flea rinses, nail cutting, conditioning, drying, and ear cleaning.

The charges range between KSh 3,000 and KSh 5,000, and the amount varies depending on the pet's size.

5. Babysitting

Besides being profitable, providing this kind of service is also simple.

Money254 noted babysitting earns up to KSh 1,000 per hour with little or no initial investment.

People begin this by offering their services to busy neighbours and friends.

Kenyans name their side hustles

Side hustles provide an additional source of income, offering financial security and stability from the risks associated with relying on a single source of income.

They often allow individuals to explore their passions or develop skills in areas outside their main profession.

Kenyans shared many side hustle ventures, including making flower vases, skincare soaps, and other artistic ventures.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.