How to Earn Money with Remotasks in Kenya: 2026 Guide
1Introduction
Remotasks emerged as one of the most popular online earning platforms for Kenyans between 2021 and early 2024, promising dollars for completing simple microtasks from home. The platform gained massive attention after President William Ruto highlighted success stories of Kenyan youth earning through the platform in January 2024.
However, in March 2024, Remotasks abruptly ceased operations in Kenya, leaving thousands of workers without income. This guide provides a complete historical overview of how Remotasks worked, what happened, and most importantly, legitimate alternatives that actually accept Kenyan workers in 2026.
2Does [APP NAME] Work in Kenya?
As of March 8, 2024, Remotasks blocked all Kenyan IP addresses. Users attempting to access the site receive the error: “Sorry, you have been blocked. You are unable to access remotasks.com.”
Remotasks officially exited the Kenyan market on March 8, 2024, citing “enhanced security protocols” and operational changes. The shutdown affected thousands of Kenyan workers who had come to depend on the platform for income, including students, stay-at-home parents, and unemployed youth.
The exit came just two months after President Ruto publicly praised the platform during the launch of the Trans-Nzoia Community ICT Hub, where student Brian Kipchumba showcased earnings of KSh 45,000 earned between December 2023 and January 2024.
While the company cited “administrative errors” and security protocols, industry analysts suggest the exit was linked to increasing scrutiny over labor practices, tax compliance discussions with Kenyan authorities, and widespread account sharing/VPN usage among Kenyan workers attempting to access higher-paying regional tasks.
3Ways to Earn Money with [APP NAME] in Kenya
When Remotasks was operational in Kenya, workers could earn through several task categories. Understanding these helps identify similar opportunities on alternative platforms.
Image Annotation and Labeling
Workers drew bounding boxes around objects in images, categorized photos, or labeled elements to help AI recognize patterns. This was the entry-level category requiring minimal training.
Audio Transcription
Converting audio clips to text, including conversations, podcasts, and voice recordings. Required good English comprehension and attention to detail.
3D LiDAR Annotation
The highest-paying category involved annotating 3D environments and point cloud data for self-driving car technology. Required completing an intensive 2-week bootcamp training program, sometimes offered physically in Nairobi and Eldoret.
Data Collection and Categorization
Searching the internet to collect specific information, comparing similar objects, or identifying keywords describing text and images.
AI Training and Evaluation
Evaluating AI responses, ranking chatbot answers, and providing feedback on machine learning outputs to improve systems like ChatGPT.
4How Much Can You Earn in Kenya?
When operational, Remotasks paid per completed task rather than hourly rates. Earnings varied significantly based on task complexity, accuracy scores, and time of work.
| Task Type | Pay per Task | Estimated Hourly Rate | Monthly Potential (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Image Tagging | $0.02 – $0.10 | $1 – $3 (KSh 130 – 390) | KSh 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Audio Transcription | $0.05 – $0.20/min | $2 – $5 (KSh 260 – 650) | KSh 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Data Categorization | $0.03 – $0.15 | $1.50 – $4 (KSh 195 – 520) | KSh 8,000 – 20,000 |
| 3D LiDAR Annotation | $0.50 – $5.00 | $10 – $25 (KSh 1,300 – 3,250) | KSh 40,000 – 80,000+ |
(See also: How to Earn Money with Toloka in Kenya: 2026 Guide)
5How to Withdraw Money in Kenya
Remotasks processed payments weekly every Thursday. However, the platform never integrated direct M-Pesa payments, requiring workarounds that added costs for Kenyan workers.
Payment Methods Previously Available:
- PayPal (Primary): Required a verified PayPal account. Funds arrived in 3-5 business days after Thursday processing.
- Airtm: Alternative digital wallet option available before March 2024.
- Payoneer: Available for some users depending on account status.
Getting Money to M-Pesa:
Since Remotasks did not pay directly to M-Pesa, workers had to:
- Receive USD in PayPal
- Use PayPal Mobile Money service (paypal-mobilemoney.com) to convert to KSh
- Or withdraw to a Kenyan bank account then transfer to M-Pesa
6Requirements to Get Started
- Age: Minimum 18 years old
- Internet: Reliable connection (Safaricom/Airtel data bundles)
- Device: Computer or smartphone (laptop required for complex tasks)
- Payment Account: Verified PayPal account
- Skills: Strong English reading and writing, attention to detail
- Training: Completion of unpaid certification courses (2-10 hours for basic tasks, 2 weeks for LiDAR)
(See also: How to Earn Money with Clickworker in Kenya: 2026 Guide)
7Pros and Cons
Pros (When Available)
- Legitimate platform owned by Scale AI (US company)
- Free to join with no upfront investment
- Flexible work hours from home
- Weekly payments every Thursday
- No minimum withdrawal amount
- Free training and skill development
- Physical bootcamps occasionally held in Nairobi/Eldoret
Cons (Contributed to Exit)
- Platform no longer available in Kenya (March 2024)
- Unpaid training required before earning
- Very low pay for beginners ($1-5/hour)
- Inconsistent task availability
- No direct M-Pesa integration
- High account suspension rate
- Sudden offboarding without warning
- Payment delays for new accounts
8Tips to Maximize Earnings
While Remotasks is no longer an option, these strategies apply to similar microtasking platforms like Toloka, Clickworker, and Appen that still accept Kenyan workers:
- Specialize in High-Value Tasks: Complex annotation pays 3-5x more than basic tasks. Invest time in advanced training.
- Work Night Hours: Task availability peaks when the US is awake (9 PM to 6 AM Kenyan time).
- Prioritize Accuracy: Quality scores determine task access. One rejected task can cost days of opportunities.
- Join Communities: Kenyan online worker communities share task alerts and tips via WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Use Proper Equipment: A laptop with 8GB+ RAM is essential for complex tasks; smartphones limit earning potential.
- Track True Hourly Rates: Calculate time spent versus earnings. Skip tasks paying less than KSh 200/hour.
- Maintain Multiple Platforms: Never rely on one source. Combine Toloka, Clickworker, and freelance work.
(See also: How to Earn Money with Upwork in Kenya: 2026 Guide)
9Frequently Asked Questions
No. Remotasks blocked all Kenyan users on March 8, 2024. Attempting to access the site from Kenya results in a block message. The company has not announced plans to return despite government negotiations.
No. Remotasks actively detects VPN usage and bans accounts immediately. This practice violated their terms of service and contributed to the platform’s decision to exit the Kenyan market entirely.
Remotasks stated that workers would receive payments for completed work via their linked payment accounts. However, many workers reported issues with AirTM freezing accounts and returning funds to Remotasks. If you have unpaid earnings from before March 2024, you may need to contact Remotasks support directly, though success rates vary.
The most reliable alternatives currently accepting Kenyans include: Toloka (Yandex) for microtasks, Clickworker for data annotation, Appen for AI training tasks, Remotasks alternatives like Data Annotation Tech, and Freelancer platforms like Upwork and Fiverr for skilled work.
President Ruto announced in July 2024 that the government was negotiating with Remotasks to resume operations, requiring a “framework” for accountability. However, as of March 2026, the platform remains blocked and no official return date has been announced.
10Final Verdict: Is It Worth It in Kenya?
Remotasks is not an option for Kenyans in 2026. The platform’s abrupt exit in March 2024 left thousands without income and demonstrated the precarious nature of platform-dependent gig work.
However, the skills learned on Remotasks (image annotation, data labeling, transcription) remain valuable. Kenyan workers should pivot to verified alternatives like Toloka, Clickworker, and Appen, which continue to accept Kenyan workers and offer similar task types.
The key lesson from the Remotasks experience is diversification. Never depend on a single platform for income. Combine microtasking with freelance skills, local gig work, and multiple international platforms to build resilient income streams.
Ready to Earn? Try These Active Alternatives
Since Remotasks is blocked, start with these platforms that actually work in Kenya today:
Sources and References
- Nation Africa – “Remotasks website ‘blocked in Kenya'”
- Business Daily Africa – “Online gig site Remotasks exits Kenya”
- Rest of World – “Scale AI’s Remotasks is booting workers with no explanation”
- Kenyans.co.ke – “Ruto Reveals Negotiations With Online Work Platform Remotasks”
- Wealthy Kenyans – “Make Money with Remotasks in Kenya”
- Data Workers Organization – Research on Remotasks Kenya closure impacts