
How to monetize your content as a Kenyan content creator
Morris Mburu
Feb 03, 2026
4 min read
According to the 2025 Creative Economy Vision reports, Kenya now boasts over 2.6 million active creatives, with 500,000 in formal employment and over 2.1 million making their mark in the informal digital space. From TikTok storytellers and Gengetone artists to digital illustrators, podcasters and influencers, the "creator economy" is no longer just a hobby; it’s a powerhouse.
However, even with millions of followers, many Kenyan creators face the same hurdle: How do you receive a "thank you" that actually pays the bills? While global platforms have tipping features, they often don’t play nice with local mobile money.
That’s where ZenLipa Tipping comes in. It’s a tool designed specifically for the Kenyan context, bridging the gap between your talent and your fans' gratitude.
What is ZenLipa Tipping?
ZenLipa Tipping is essentially your Digital Tip Jar. It allows anyone who appreciates your work to send you money directly using M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or Card. Whether you are a fitness coach sharing routines on Instagram or a writer with a loyal newsletter following, ZenLipa gives you a professional way to receive support without the awkwardness of sharing your personal phone number for direct "Send Money" transactions.
How to Create Your Tipping Link (The Simple Steps)
Setting up your digital tip jar is remarkably straightforward. You can go from signing up to receiving your first tip in just a few steps:
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Register: Create your account on the Zenlipa Dashboard
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Customize Your Link: Navigate to the Tipping section and create a custom URL that matches your brand (e.g., zenlipa.co.ke/tip/YourHandle).
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Set Your Ground Rules: Here is the best part, you can set a minimum tip amount. If you want to ensure your notifications are meaningful and avoid the "1 bob" spam, you can set your minimum to KES 50, KES 100, or whatever fits your brand.
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Share: Place the link in your social media bios, podcast show notes, or as a pinned comment during your live sessions.
Imagine you are a high-profile social influencer or a podcaster hosting a weekly deep-dive session. Your audience is engaged, they’re laughing, and they’re gaining value from your insights.
Instead of waiting for a corporate sponsorship that might take months to clear, you have your ZenLipa link pinned. A fan who feels particularly "seen" by your commentary can click the link and send KES 1,000 as a token of appreciation.
Here is the best part, many high-net-worth supporters prefer to stay out of the limelight. ZenLipa allows them to tip you anonymously. They can also include an anonymous note, a private word of encouragement that doesn't appear in public comments but lands directly in your WhatsApp messages. It’s a powerful, private way to receive messages from your core supporters.
Managing Your Earnings
ZenLipa gives you the tools to manage it like a business.
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Real-time Dashboard: Track every single cent. You can see which days your content performed best based on the tipping volume.
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Flexible Withdrawals: When you're ready to cash out, you aren't restricted. You can withdraw your funds instantly to your Mobile Money (M-Pesa/Airtel Money) or directly to your Bank Account. Whether you’re paying for new gear or settling your monthly bills, your money is accessible when you need it.
The era of the "starving artist" is over in Kenya. With millions of creators now active, the difference between those who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to how easy they make it for their audience to support them. ZenLipa Tipping removes the friction, protects your privacy, and puts the control back in your hands.
Start building your digital tip jar today. Set up your link, choose your minimum amount, and get ready to withdraw your earnings directly to M-Pesa or your bank account.
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