19 Profitable Side Hustles for Nurses in Kenya [2024 Update]

It is easy to get a job as a nurse in Kenya. In fact, if you don’t want to spend years looking for employment after graduation, a nursing course can come in handy.

However, most nurses are not paid well. Despite the many hours and devious responsibilities, nurses, especially those in private hospitals often live paycheck to paycheck. That is why you need to consider the best side hustles for nurses in Kenya.

Luckily, as a nurse, you possess valuable skills and expertise that extend far beyond the hospital or clinic walls. You can supplement your income with side hustles that not only provide financial benefits but also allow you to continue making a positive impact on healthcare.

To help you, I have prepared some of the most profitable side hustles for nurses in Kenya. In this guide, we discuss several opportunities, from medical writing to home healthcare product sales. For each side hustle we cover how to start, what you need to start, costs, and the difficulty level.

Profitable Side Hustles for Nurses in Kenya 

1. Medical Writing

Medical writing involves creating written content about healthcare topics, medical research, or patient education. This content can be in the form of articles, blog posts, research papers, or educational materials.

You can do this in one of two ways:

• Write articles for clients who have medical blogs
• In the case of academic writing, help medical students with their assignments.

• How to Start:
  • Identify your niche: Determine the specific area of healthcare you are most knowledgeable in and passionate about.
  • Develop writing skills: If you’re not already an experienced writer, consider taking writing courses or workshops.
  • Build a portfolio: Start by creating sample pieces in your chosen niche. You can use these as samples when applying for writing gigs.
  • Market your services: Create a professional website or use freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to advertise your medical writing services.
• What You Need to Start:
  • A computer and internet connection for research and writing.
  • Access to medical journals, articles, and databases for accurate information.
  • Strong writing and research skills.
  • An understanding of medical terminology and the ability to translate complex medical information into accessible content.
• Cost to Start:
  • Minimal costs are associated with setting up a website or marketing your services. These can range from KSh 5,000 depending on the IPS company you are using. The money is mostly for domain registration and hosting.
  • Ongoing costs may include subscription fees for medical databases or resources, which vary depending on the services you use.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Writing quality medical content can be challenging due to the need for accuracy and clarity.
  • The difficulty level may vary depending on your expertise in the subject matter.
  • Building a client base and establishing yourself in the field may take time and effort, but it’s a flexible and rewarding side hustle for Kenyan nurses.

2. Telehealth or Telemedicine

Telehealth or telemedicine involves providing medical consultations and advice to patients remotely, typically through video calls, phone calls, or online messaging. It’s particularly relevant given the current global shift towards telehealth services.

• How to Start:
  • Licensing and certification: Ensure you have the necessary nursing credentials and any required telemedicine training.
  • Choose a platform: Sign up with a telemedicine platform that allows you to connect with patients.
  • Set your schedule: Determine your availability for consultations and appointments.
  • Promote your services: Advertise your telemedicine services through social media, your network, and online medical directories.
• What You Need to Start:
  • A computer, smartphone, or tablet with a reliable internet connection.
  • Video conferencing software or telehealth platform access.
  • A secure and private space for conducting consultations.
  • A valid nursing license and insurance.
• Cost to Start:
  • The costs associated with starting a telemedicine side hustle may include platform fees, which can vary widely depending on the service you choose.
  • Additionally, you might need to invest in telehealth software, which could range from free options to more advanced, paid platforms.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Telehealth can be moderately challenging as you need to ensure you comply with Kenyan telemedicine regulations¹ and maintain patient confidentiality.
  • Building a client base can take time, but demand for telehealth services is increasing.

3. Home Health Care

Home health care involves providing in-home healthcare services to individuals who need ongoing medical care, assistance with daily living activities, or therapy.

• How to Start:
  • Licensing and certification: Ensure you have the necessary nursing credentials and, if required, home health care certification.
  • Develop a business plan: Outline your services, target market, and pricing structure.
  • Marketing and networking: Promote your services to local healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations.
  • Staff and supplies: Hire any necessary staff, such as caregivers or aides, and acquire medical supplies and equipment. This is optional since you can comfortably do the job yourself.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Nursing license and, if necessary, home health care certification.
  • Basic medical equipment and supplies, which can vary depending on the services you offer.
  • Liability insurance for home health care providers.
  • A vehicle for transportation if required.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs for starting a home healthcare business can be significant. They may include licensing fees, insurance, equipment costs, and staff salaries.
  • The exact costs will depend on the scale and services you plan to offer.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Starting a home healthcare business can be challenging due to the need for compliance with healthcare regulations and the responsibility of caring for patients in their homes.
  • Building a client base and maintaining a high standard of care is crucial for success.

4. Nursing Education

Offering nursing education involves teaching nursing courses or providing tutoring to nursing students. This can be done in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, or online platforms.

• How to Start:
  • Qualifications: Ensure you have the necessary educational qualifications, such as a nursing degree and relevant certifications.
  • Choose a niche: Decide which nursing courses or subjects you want to teach or tutor, such as maternity, pharmacology, or clinical skills.
  • Create educational materials: Develop lesson plans, presentations, and study guides.
  • Find teaching opportunities: Apply for teaching positions at local educational institutions, or advertise your tutoring services online.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Nursing degree and relevant certifications.
  • Teaching materials, including textbooks, presentations, and assessments.
  • Access to educational facilities or platforms for teaching, or a suitable online teaching setup.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs can include creating teaching materials and marketing your services. These expenses can vary based on your specific approach and the resources you use.
• Difficulty Level:
  • The difficulty level can vary based on the level and subject matter you are teaching.
  • Building a reputation as a quality educator may take time, but your expertise as a nurse can be a valuable asset in this side hustle.

5. Medical Consulting

Medical consulting involves providing expert advice and guidance to healthcare organizations, clinics, or private practices to improve their operations, quality of care, and regulatory compliance.

• How to Start:
  • Identify your expertise: Determine your specific area of expertise within healthcare, such as patient care, quality assurance, or healthcare management.
  • Build a network: Connect with local healthcare providers and organizations to offer your consulting services.
  • Develop a consulting portfolio: Create case studies or examples of how you’ve helped healthcare organizations improve their processes and patient care.
  • Set your rates and terms: Decide on your fees, consultation hours, and terms of service.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Deep knowledge and experience in a specific area of healthcare.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Access to relevant healthcare literature and guidelines.
• Cost to Start:
  • Minimal costs, mainly related to marketing and creating a professional consulting website.
  • Any specific certifications or licenses required for your consulting niche might entail additional expenses.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Difficulty can vary depending on the complexity of the consulting projects you take on.
  • Building a client base may require networking and demonstrating your expertise through case studies and successful consulting projects.

6. Health and Wellness Coaching

Health and wellness coaching involves helping individuals achieve their health and fitness goals by providing guidance, motivation, and support. This can encompass various aspects of wellness, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

• How to Start:
  • Obtain relevant certifications: Consider becoming a certified health and wellness coach through programs accredited by reputable organizations.
  • Define your coaching niche: Determine whether you want to focus on specific areas like weight management, stress reduction, or lifestyle improvement.
  • Create a coaching plan: Develop personalized wellness plans for your clients, including goals, strategies, and progress tracking.
  • Marketing your services: Advertise your coaching services through social media, community events, or online platforms.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Health and wellness coaching certification.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of nutrition, fitness, and wellness principles.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs can include certification fees, marketing expenses, and any resources you use to create coaching plans.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Building a client base and helping clients achieve their goals can be challenging, but your nursing background can add credibility to your coaching services.
  • Developing your coaching skills and techniques may take time and continuous learning.

7. Medical Transcription

Medical transcription involves converting audio medical content into written documents. This service is crucial for maintaining accurate patient records and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

• How to Start:
  • Training: Consider taking a medical transcription course to learn the required skills and terminology.
  • Equipment and software: Invest in a good quality headset, a foot pedal for controlling audio playback, and transcription software.
  • Build a client base: Offer your services to local healthcare providers, clinics, or hospitals. You can also find remote medical transcription jobs through job boards or freelancing platforms.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Transcription equipment (headset and foot pedal).
  • A computer with transcription software.
  • Strong listening and typing skills.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs may include training fees, equipment, and software. These costs can vary but are relatively low compared to other side hustles.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Medical transcription can be challenging due to the need for accuracy, understanding medical terminology, and adapting to different dictation styles. However, it’s a flexible option that allows you to work from home.

8. Medical Coding and Billing

Medical coding and billing involve translating medical services and procedures into standardized codes for insurance claims and billing purposes. Accurate coding is vital for healthcare facilities to receive proper reimbursement.

• How to Start:
  • Training: Enroll in a medical coding and billing course to learn the required coding systems (such as ICD-10 and CPT).
  • Certification: Pursue certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) to enhance your credibility.
  • Software and tools: Invest in coding software and resources like coding books.
  • Find work or clients: Look for remote or on-site medical coding and billing positions, or offer your services to local healthcare providers.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Coding software, books, and references.
  • A computer with internet access.
  • Coding certification (optional but highly recommended).
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs include training and certification fees, coding software, and reference materials. The total investment can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on your choices.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Medical coding and billing require a good understanding of coding systems and the ability to accurately translate medical procedures into codes. The difficulty level can vary based on the complexity of the cases you handle.

9. Clinical Research

Participating in clinical research studies or working as a research coordinator involves contributing to medical research, testing new treatments or medications, and helping to advance medical knowledge.

• How to Start:
  • Education: Consider furthering your education by taking courses or obtaining certifications in clinical research.
  • Networking: Connect with local research institutions, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies to find opportunities.
  • Research coordinator role: Apply for positions as a clinical research coordinator, where you’ll help manage and oversee research studies.
  • Volunteer for trials: Some clinical trials may need participants; volunteering can be a way to gain experience.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Relevant education or certifications in clinical research.
  • Strong organizational and data management skills.
  • The ability to work with research teams and follow protocols.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs are primarily associated with education and certification, which can vary based on the program you choose. There may also be minor expenses for attending conferences or training events.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Clinical research can be challenging due to the need for meticulous data collection and adherence to research protocols. However, it can be a highly rewarding and impactful side hustle.

Certainly, let’s continue with the next three side hustles for Kenyan nurses:

10. Health Blogging or Vlogging

Health blogging or vlogging involves creating and sharing content related to health, nursing tips, patient education, or healthcare topics through written blogs or video platforms like YouTube. This can be a creative way to educate and inspire others.

• How to Start:
  • Choose your niche: Determine the specific health or nursing topics you are passionate about and want to cover.
  • Create content: Start writing blog posts or filming videos. Ensure your content is well-researched, accurate, and engaging.
  • Build an online presence: Share your content on social media, collaborate with other bloggers/vloggers, and engage with your audience.
  • Monetize your platform: As your audience grows, you can earn income through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
• What You Need to Start:
  • A computer or camera for content creation.
  • Strong writing and/or video creation skills.
  • A website or YouTube channel for publishing content.
  • Knowledge of SEO and social media marketing to reach a wider audience.
• Cost to Start:
  • Initial costs may include setting up a website or creating a YouTube channel, which can range from a few hundred dollars to less if you use free platforms.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Building an audience and monetizing a blog or vlog can be challenging, and it may take time before you start earning significant income. However, it’s a flexible and creative way to share your expertise.

11. Online Nursing Courses

Creating and selling online nursing courses involves developing educational content that helps nursing students or professionals enhance their knowledge and skills. You can use platforms like Udemy or Teachable to market your courses.

• How to Start:
  • Identify your niche: Choose a specific area of nursing or healthcare that you are knowledgeable in and passionate about teaching.
  • Create course materials: Develop video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and downloadable resources for your course.
  • Choose a platform: Select an online course platform to host and sell your courses.
  • Market your courses: Promote your courses through your website, social media, and email marketing.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Expertise in a specific nursing or healthcare subject.
  • Strong presentation and teaching skills.
  • Access to course creation software or platforms.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs may include platform fees, software for creating and editing course content, and marketing expenses.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Creating and marketing online courses can be challenging, but it can be a scalable way to share your expertise with a global audience and generate passive income over time.

12. Healthcare App Development

Healthcare app development involves creating software applications that address medical or healthcare-related needs, such as patient management, medication tracking, or telehealth services.

• How to Start:
  • Learn app development: Gain knowledge and expertise in app development through courses, online resources, or joining development teams.
  • Idea and research: Identify a healthcare problem or need that can be solved through an app. Research the market and potential competitors.
  • Develop the app: Build your app or collaborate with developers if needed.
  • Launch and promote: Release your app on app stores, market it through healthcare professionals and organizations, and seek user feedback for improvements.
• What You Need to Start:
  • App development skills or a team of developers.
  • Access to app development tools and platforms.
  • Knowledge of healthcare regulations and patient data security.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the app and whether you need to hire developers. It’s not uncommon for app development to require a significant investment.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Healthcare app development is a highly technical and competitive field, but it offers substantial potential for innovation and impact. It can be a challenging but rewarding venture for nurses with technical skills.

13. CPR and First Aid Training

Offering CPR and first aid training involves teaching individuals or groups life-saving skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound care, and basic first aid. This is especially valuable as these skills can save lives.

• How to Start:
  • Obtain certification: Ensure you have the necessary certifications in CPR and first aid instruction from recognized organizations.
  • Create a curriculum: Develop course materials and lesson plans to effectively teach these life-saving skills.
  • Offer classes: Advertise your training services to schools, businesses, community organizations, and individuals.
  • Provide certification: Offer certification to participants who successfully complete the training.
• What You Need to Start:
  • CPR and first aid instructor certification.
  • Training materials, such as mannequins and first aid supplies.
  • A suitable training location, which can be a community center, your home, or on-site at client locations.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs may include certification fees, training materials, and marketing expenses. You may also need to invest in classroom equipment and supplies.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Teaching CPR and first aid requires strong instructional skills, but it can be a valuable and rewarding side hustle that helps save lives and promote community safety.

14. Healthcare Recruiter

Becoming a healthcare recruiter involves connecting healthcare facilities and organizations with qualified healthcare professionals. This role requires you to match candidates with suitable job opportunities.

• How to Start:
  • Gain recruitment knowledge: Familiarize yourself with healthcare staffing needs and regulations.
  • Build a network: Connect with local healthcare providers and organizations to understand their staffing needs.
  • Create a database: Establish a database of healthcare professionals, including nurses, looking for job opportunities.
  • Match candidates and job openings: Help healthcare facilities find the right candidates for their open positions.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Strong networking and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of healthcare staffing needs and recruitment processes.
  • Access to healthcare job boards and databases.
• Cost to Start:
  • Initial costs may include building a website or marketing your services. These expenses can vary based on your approach.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Healthcare recruitment can be competitive, but with the right connections and knowledge of the industry, it can be a profitable side hustle. Building a network and understanding healthcare job market trends are crucial.

15. Medical Equipment Sales

Selling medical equipment involves working with medical supply companies to promote and sell medical devices, equipment, and supplies to healthcare facilities and professionals.

• How to Start:
  • Training and knowledge: Gain expertise in the types of medical equipment you plan to sell.
  • Partner with suppliers: Collaborate with medical equipment suppliers or manufacturers to become a distributor.
  • Create a client base: Build relationships with healthcare facilities, clinics, and professionals who may need your products.
  • Marketing and sales: Promote your products through online and offline marketing and sales efforts.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Knowledge of medical equipment and their applications.
  • Connections with medical equipment suppliers or manufacturers.
  • Strong sales and marketing skills.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs may include obtaining product samples, building a website, and marketing expenses. The investment can vary based on your specific approach.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Selling medical equipment requires knowledge of the products and a strong sales acumen. Building relationships with healthcare professionals and facilities is key to success in this side hustle.

16. Mobile Phlebotomy Services

Phlebotomy involves drawing blood from patients for medical tests, transfusions, or donations. You can offer mobile phlebotomy services, conducting blood draws at patients’ homes or workplaces.

• How to Start:
  • Obtain certification: Become a certified phlebotomist by completing a training program and passing the certification exam.
  • Invest in equipment: Acquire phlebotomy supplies, including needles, tubes, and blood collection kits.
  • Build a client base: Promote your mobile phlebotomy services to doctors’ offices, clinics, nursing homes, and individuals who require blood tests.
  • Adhere to safety and regulatory guidelines: Ensure you follow all safety and ethical standards for blood collection.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Phlebotomy certification.
  • Phlebotomy supplies and equipment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs may include certification fees, equipment purchase, and marketing expenses. The overall investment can vary depending on your approach.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Phlebotomy services require precise skills and strict adherence to safety protocols. However, this can be a valuable service in high demand.

17. Medical Mystery Shopping

Medical mystery shopping involves evaluating the quality of care and services at healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. You pose as a patient to assess customer service, cleanliness, and compliance with healthcare standards.

• How to Start:
  • Research mystery shopping companies: Find reputable mystery shopping companies that specialize in healthcare evaluations.
  • Sign up as a shopper: Register as a mystery shopper with these companies.
  • Accept assignments: Choose healthcare facilities and assignments to evaluate.
  • Provide detailed reports: After each visit, submit detailed reports on your findings.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Registration with mystery shopping companies.
  • Observation and reporting skills.
  • An understanding of healthcare quality standards.
• Cost to Start:
  • Mystery shopping typically doesn’t require significant upfront costs. However, you may incur minor expenses related to transportation and time.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Mystery shopping is relatively easy to start, but it can be challenging to provide objective and thorough assessments. It’s a flexible side hustle that allows you to improve healthcare services in your area.

18. Home Healthcare Products

Starting an online store or selling home healthcare products involves offering a range of products that cater to the needs of patients, caregivers, and individuals seeking medical supplies, mobility aids, and wellness items.

• How to Start:
  • Choose a niche: Determine the types of products you want to sell, such as mobility aids, incontinence supplies, or home medical equipment.
  • Source products: Find reliable suppliers or manufacturers of these products.
  • Set up an online store: Create an e-commerce website or list your products on online marketplaces.
  • Market your products: Use digital marketing and SEO strategies to attract potential customers.
• What You Need to Start:
  • A selection of healthcare products.
  • An online platform for selling, such as a website or an e-commerce marketplace account.
  • Marketing and customer service skills.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs can vary based on the scale of your business. This includes product inventory, website development, and marketing expenses.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Running an online store for healthcare products can be moderately challenging due to competition, but it can be a rewarding venture if you can provide quality products and exceptional customer service.

19. Ebook Writing

Ebook writing involves creating informative and educational ebooks on healthcare topics, nursing practices, or health and wellness. Ebooks can be sold on various platforms or used for patient education.

• How to Start:
  • Choose your subject: Select a healthcare or nursing topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about.
  • Plan your ebook: Outline the chapters, structure, and key points you want to cover.
  • Write and format: Start writing your ebook and format it appropriately for digital distribution.
  • Publish and market: Self-publish your ebook on platforms like Amazon Kindle, and promote it through social media, your website, or healthcare forums.
• What You Need to Start:
  • Strong writing skills and a good understanding of your chosen healthcare topic.
  • Access to ebook publishing platforms or software for ebook creation and formatting.
  • Marketing and promotional skills to reach your target audience.
• Cost to Start:
  • Costs may include ebook formatting software, cover design, and marketing expenses. However, these costs can be kept relatively low.
• Difficulty Level:
  • Ebook writing can be challenging, but it provides an opportunity to share your expertise, educate others, and potentially generate passive income through book sales. With dedication and quality content, it can be a rewarding side hustle.

The Bottom Line

If you are a  Kenyan nurse looking to expand your professional horizons and boost your income, you can try these side hustles. Luckily, your roles as a  nurse encompass diverse skills, making you uniquely positioned to excel in various ventures beyond your primary healthcare roles. 

So, whether it’s providing telehealth services, starting an online nursing course, or becoming a medical equipment salesperson, these side hustles offer the potential for financial growth and personal fulfillment. 

1. Strathmore University, The Emerging Practice of Telemedicine and the Law: Kenya’s Stance