YouTube has become a thriving platform for Kenyan creators to showcase talent, build communities, and earn multimillion-dollar fortunes. From comedy and investigative journalism to music and travel vlogs, Kenya’s top YouTubers span a wide variety of genres and generations.
This guide explores the Top 15 Richest Kenyan YouTubers in 2025, highlighting their subscriber base, monthly earnings in USD and KES, age, and the content that brought them fame.
Top 15 Richest YouTubers in Kenya:
| YouTuber Name | Monthly Earnings (USD) | Net Worth (USD) | Monthly Earnings (KES) |
| Crazy Kennar | $112K – $575K | $2.5M – $8.5M | Ksh 14.5M – 74.7M |
| Flaqo Raz | $120K – $546K | $2.1M – $7.8M | Ksh 15.6M – 70.9M |
| Njugush TV | $100K – $215K | $1.8M – $3.9M | Ksh 13M – 27.9M |
| Dee Mwango | $100K – $210K | $1.6M – $3.5M | Ksh 13M – 27.3M |
| Henry DeSagu | $55K – $112K | $1.1M – $2.5M | Ksh 7.1M – 14.6M |
| Sauti Sol | $30K – $55K | $850K – $1.5M | Ksh 3.9M – 7.1M |
| Otile Brown | $16K – $25K | $500K – $850K | Ksh 2.1M – 3.25M |
| Diana Bahati | $15K – $20K | $450K – $650K | Ksh 1.95M – 2.6M |
| Mungai Eve | $12K – $20K | $400K – $650K | Ksh 700K – 1.5M |
| Iam Marwa | $7.5K – $20.1K | $350K – $550K | Ksh 975K – 2.6M |
| Abel Mutua | $8K | $161K – $10M | Ksh 1M – 1.25M |
| Khaligraph Jones | $8.5K | $235K – $500K | Ksh 1.1M – 1.16M |
| Kabi WaJesus | $6K – $15K | $300K – $450K | Ksh 780K – 1.95M |
| Jacky Vike (Awinja) | $5K – $12K | $49M Net Worth | Ksh 650K – 1.56M |
| Thee Pluto | $4K – $10K | $70M Net Worth | Ksh 520K – 1.3M |
1. Crazy Kennar – $2.5 Million – $8.5 Million:
Subscribers: 678K
Age: 26 (Born 1998)
Real Name: Kennedy Odhiambo
Source of Income: Comedy skits, brand sponsorships (Tusker, Airtel), merchandise
Crazy Kennar is Kenya’s biggest YouTube success story, transforming his university humor into a multimillion-dollar empire.
Starting as a peer teacher, he gained explosive popularity through character-driven comedy that authentically captures Kenyan university and social experiences.
His engaging gameplay, skits, and collaborations attracted a massive global following, particularly across East Africa.
Kennar later launched brand partnerships with major companies like Tusker and Airtel, expanding his influence beyond YouTube.
Known for consistent uploads and highly shareable content, he’s an icon in Kenya’s digital entertainment world.
His net worth of $2.5M–$8.5M places him in a league of his own as Kenya’s premier comedy creator, making him not just a content creator but a full-fledged entertainment entrepreneur.
2. Flaqo Raz – $2.1 Million – $7.8 Million:
Subscribers: 886K
Age: 27
Real Name: Flaqo Raz
Source of Income: Character comedy, viral videos, merchandise, brand deals
Flaqo Raz, known for his hilarious character “Mama Otis,” became Kenya’s comedic sensation through personality-driven humor and satirical takes on Kenyan culture.
Starting with failed R&B music ambitions, he exploded into the spotlight after a viral video mimicking celebrities went international.
His quick edits, funny character impressions, and authentic personality made him one of East Africa’s top creators.
Flaqo regularly collaborates with other YouTubers and brands, increasing his reach across multiple platforms.
With 774K subscribers and 137 million total views, he continues to dominate the comedy scene with creative flair and character innovation.
His estimated net worth of $2.1M–$7.8M demonstrates the financial potential of niche comedy content creation.
3. Njugush TV – $1.8 Million – $3.9 Million:
Subscribers: 678K
Age: 34 (Born 1991)
Real Name: Timothy Kimani
Source of Income: Comedy content, family vlogs, brand endorsements, mentoring
Njugush, whose real name is Timothy Kimani, is known for his relatable humor and engaging family content that resonates deeply with audiences. Starting with appearances on “The Real Housewives of Kawangware” in 2014, he exploded into prominence with viral videos and authentic family storytelling. His collaborations with wife, Celestine Ndinda, bring genuine warmth to his content.
Njugush has received the Xtreem Award for Comic of the Year twice and maintains strong engagement across social media with 2.7 million Instagram followers. He also mentors aspiring artists and content creators, giving back to Kenya’s creative community. With a net worth of $1.8M-$3.9M and consistent 5-8 monthly uploads, he represents sustainable, family-focused YouTube success.
4. Dee Mwango – $1.6 Million – $3.5 Million:
Subscribers: 466K
Age: 28
Education: Moi University graduate
Source of Income: Travel vlogs, comedy skits, lifestyle content, sponsorships
Dee Mwango is a Kenyan YouTube personality and solo female traveler who has gained prominence for her inspiring adventures across 36+ countries.
Her channel showcases diverse cultural experiences, from Zanzibar’s vibrant nightlife to Philippine village life, highlighting authentic human connections across borders.
She combines travel documentation with comedic skits and relationship commentary.
With 725 million total views (the highest among all Kenyan creators), her content appeals to both local and international audiences seeking genuine cultural exploration.
Her regular 10-15 monthly uploads maintain strong audience engagement and algorithm favorability.
Her estimated net worth of $1.6M–$3.5M reflects the premium value of authentic travel and cultural content that educates while entertaining.
5. Henry DeSagu – $1.1 Million – $2.5 Million:
Subscribers: 686K
Age: 31
Real Name: Ithagu Kibicho
Source of Income: Comedy content, sponsor humor, merchandise, YouTube ads
Henry Desagu recently celebrated reaching 500K subscribers, becoming one of Kenya’s earliest online comedy success stories.
Known for his humorous takes on sponsors and the “Team Mafisi” movement, he pioneered online comedy when YouTube was still emerging in Kenya.
His relatable skits and authentic personality built a dedicated fanbase over nearly a decade.
Desagu’s high upload frequency (15–20 videos monthly) demonstrates his commitment to audience engagement and algorithm performance.
His early adoption of digital entertainment positioned him as a foundational figure in Kenya’s YouTube landscape.
With a net worth of $1.1M–$2.5M and consistent growth, he exemplifies how long-term dedication to craft builds sustainable digital wealth.
6. Sauti Sol – $850K – $1.5 Million:
Subscribers: 1.21M
Age: Group Channel (founded 2005)
Source of Income: Music videos, album sales, brand licensing, YouTube ads
Sauti Sol is a renowned Kenyan Afropop band that transformed YouTube into a music distribution and fan engagement platform.
Formed in Nairobi in 2005 as an a cappella group, they evolved into one of Africa’s most respected musical acts, blending traditional Kenyan rhythms with modern pop aesthetics.
Their 2008 debut album “Mwanzo” gained critical acclaim and a massive fanbase.
Their collaborative albums, including “Afrikan Sauce” (2019) featuring Burna Boy and “Midnight Train” (2020) featuring Yemi Alade, expanded their continental reach and international recognition.
With 343 million total views and consistent 3.42 million monthly views, Sauti Sol demonstrates how musicians monetize YouTube through ads, licensing, streaming revenue, and live events.
Their net worth of $850K–$1.5M primarily from YouTube, reflects how music content generates passive income over the years.
7. Otile Brown – $500K – $850K:
Subscribers: 1.63M (highest among all Kenyan creators)
Age: 30 (Born 1994)
Real Name: Jacob Obunga
Location: Kisumu
Source of Income: Music videos, R&B content, YouTube ads, brand endorsements
Jacob Obunga, known as Otile Brown, is a talented Kenyan R&B singer and songwriter who rose to prominence with his hit single “Imaginary Love” featuring Khaligraph Jones.
His debut album “Best of Otile Brown” (April 2017) established him as an independent artist with full creative control and significantly higher revenue retention.
As an independent artist since 2017, Otile has produced several successful songs with impressive YouTube views, including “Chaguo La Moyo” (20M views) and “Baby Love” (11M views).
He earned the “Male Video of the Year” award at the 2018 Pulse Music Awards.
With 1.51 million subscribers and 4.23 million average monthly views, his music reaches global audiences.
His net worth of $500K–$850K shows how music artists build wealth through YouTube’s combination of ads, streaming, licensing, and concert promotions.
8. Diana Bahati – $450K – $650K:
Subscribers: 1.3M (first Kenyan woman to surpass 1M subscribers)
Age: 36 (Born 1988)
Real Name: Diana Marua Bahati
Location: Migori County
Source of Income: Family vlogs, lifestyle content, music (Diana B), YouTube ads
Diana Marua Bahati is a versatile Kenyan rapper, singer, and content creator who made history by becoming the first Kenyan woman to surpass 1 million YouTube subscribers.
She received YouTube’s prestigious gold plaque recognition for this milestone achievement.
In 2021, she introduced her musical persona “Diana B” with her debut song “Hatutaachana.”
Diana’s channel focuses on family vlogs, lifestyle content, and behind-the-scenes entertainment industry insights.
With 20–25 monthly uploads, she maintains consistent audience engagement and algorithm favorability.
Throughout her career, she has received several awards, including Best Gospel Song at the 2014 Mdundo Awards.
Her net worth of $450K–$650K and 4.85 million average monthly views demonstrate the profitability of family-lifestyle content when combined with music production and brand partnerships.
9. Mungai Eve – $400K – $650K:
Subscribers: 183K
Age: 24 (Born 2000)
Full Name: Evelyn Wanjiku Mungai
Source of Income: Investigative journalism, celebrity interviews, street content
Mungai Eve is Kenya’s breakout investigative journalism star who became a self-made millionaire at just 21 years old.
Her channel, launched February 17, 2024, quickly garnered 757K subscribers through exclusive celebrity interviews and untold stories that traditional media overlooks.
Her content includes investigative pieces covering the Machakos Gengetone Festival and behind-the-scenes entertainment industry revelations.
Despite her channel’s recent launch, she generates between Ksh 700,000 and 1.5 million monthly through investigative content.
Her 18–25 monthly uploads and high engagement rates demonstrate audience hunger for authentic investigative journalism from a young female perspective.
At just 24 years old with a net worth exceeding $400K–$650K, she represents Kenya’s new generation of digital-first journalists building media empires independent of traditional broadcasting.
10. Iam Marwa – $350K – $550K:
Subscribers: 575K
Age: 32
Real Name: Fredrick Marwa
Education: Jomo Kenyatta University graduate
Source of Income: Travel vlogs, social media mastery content, YouTube ads
Marwa (Fredrick Marwa) is a pioneering travel vlogger who documented adventures across 36+ countries, including Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia.
His channel demonstrates how travel content attracts international audiences with higher CPM rates, significantly boosting revenue potential.
He offers unique value through his “Master Class on Social Media Success,” educating aspiring creators.
His channel, launched November 3, 2014, has accumulated 173 million total views and 1.8 million average monthly views.
With 30–40 monthly uploads, he maintains aggressive content schedules that drive consistent monetization.
His net worth of $350K–$550K reflects premium international viewership combined with educational content commanding higher advertising rates.
He exemplifies how travel content creates global income streams for Kenyan creators.
11. Abel Mutua – $161K – $10 Million Net Worth:
Subscribers: 829K
Age: 45+
Source of Income: Film production, YouTube storytelling, merchandise, partnerships
Abel Mutua is a Creative Director, content creator, and actor known for his storytelling prowess.
He evolved from “Tahidi High” actor (character Freddie) to independent scriptwriter, producer, and digital content creator.
His “Mkurugenzi” series pioneered long-form storytelling formats on Kenyan YouTube, attracting international film interest.
His wide net worth range ($161K to $10 million) reflects diversified income from YouTube ($1M–$1.25M monthly average), film sales, production contracts, and strategic partnerships.
He engages audiences through entertaining and educational content addressing societal issues, relationships, and personal growth.
His platform generates over 254K daily views, demonstrating strong audience loyalty.
As a KIMC graduate and industry veteran, he represents how traditional media skills translate to digital platform dominance through authentic storytelling innovation.
12. Khaligraph Jones – $235K – $500K Net Worth:
Subscribers: 933K
Age: 35+
Source of Income: East African hip-hop music, YouTube ads, production services
Khaligraph Jones is a prominent Kenyan rapper and music producer who rose to prominence with his influential contributions to the East African hip-hop scene.
His content primarily features original music compositions, collaborations with regional and international artists, and behind-the-scenes production insights.
He has become a mentor figure in Kenya’s hip-hop community.
His channel, launched July 20, 2012, accumulated 126.7 million total views and maintains excellent engagement with a 4.06% engagement rate and 88.5/100 YouTube score (Favikon ranking #1 in Kenya).
Despite lower upload frequency (0.25 videos/week), his music content generates recurring revenue through YouTube ads, streaming services, and merchandise.
His $235K–$500K net worth reflects how music artists build sustainable income through consistent quality and community respect rather than high upload frequency.
13. Kabi WaJesus – $300K – $450K:
Subscribers: 902K
YouTube Score: 86.6/100 (Favikon ranking #5 in Kenya)
Age: 32
Source of Income: Family lifestyle content, pranks, faith-based messaging
Kabi WaJesus is a Creative Director known for family-oriented lifestyle content emphasizing Christian faith, relationships, and parenting.
His unique value proposition combines humor with faith-based messaging, creating content for spiritually-conscious families.
His pranks, family moments, and mental health discussions address postpartum depression and relationship challenges authentically.
His channel focuses on Christ-centered life promotion through wholesome family content, differentiating him in the saturated family vlog space.
With strong engagement across YouTube and TikTok, he builds a community around faith-based values while maintaining an entertainment appeal.
His net worth of $300K–$450K and 86.6/100 YouTube score indicate strong audience loyalty and advertiser-friendly content preferences.
14. Jacky Vike (Awinja Nyamwalo) – $49 Million Net Worth:
Subscribers: 516K+
YouTube Score: 86.3/100 (Favikon ranking #7 in Kenya)
Age: 42
Real Name: Jacqueline Nyamwalo
Source of Income: Acting, comedy, lifestyle content, brand partnerships
Jacky Vike, known professionally as Awinja Nyamwalo, exemplifies successful TV-to-YouTube transitions.
She gained initial fame through the popular “Papa Shirandula” television series, then leveraged her existing fanbase to build a substantial YouTube presence.
Her Netflix productions, including “Nairobi Half Life” and “Ni Sisi,” expanded her reach to international audiences.
Her YouTube presence focuses on comedy, acting insights, and relatable lifestyle content addressing Kenyan cultural experiences.
She actively engages her audience on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube through humorous takes on entertainment and personal experiences.
Her estimated net worth of $49 million reflects combined income from acting contracts, YouTube revenue, Netflix productions, and brand partnerships.
She demonstrates how established entertainers extend career longevity and increase earnings through platform diversification.
15. Thee Pluto – $70 Million Net Worth:
Subscribers: 1.02M
YouTube Score: 84.2/100 (Favikon ranking #14 in Kenya)
Age: 32
Source of Income: Real estate development, forex trading, social experiments, YouTube content
Thee Pluto is a Kenyan real estate developer and forex trader who leverages YouTube for entertainment and education. His content includes social experiments, pranks, vlogs, political commentary, fashion reviews, and economics discussions. He actively promotes his podcast and YouTube channel while building his primary real estate business.
His posts feature dramatic and humorous takes on relationships and societal issues, attracting audiences interested in lifestyle improvement and financial education. With an estimated net worth of $70 million from combined real estate development, forex trading, and YouTube revenue, he represents creators building diversified business empires. His emphasis on self-belief, hard work, and motivational messaging resonates with audiences seeking authentic entrepreneurial inspiration.
How Kenyan YouTubers Make Money
YouTube AdSense Revenue
Kenyan YouTubers earn approximately Ksh 100-130 ($1) per 1,000 views from AdSense, translating to about $1,000 (Ksh 100,000-150,000) for every million views. RPM (Revenue Per Mille) in Kenya typically hovers around $1, though creators attracting viewers from the United States can achieve RPMs as high as $5. Kenya’s average CPM rate stands at $3.20, significantly higher than Nigeria ($2.50) but lower than developed markets. Earnings fluctuate based on video quality, length, traffic sources, and viewer demographics, with some creators seeing RPMs below $0.50 during low-performing periods.
Brand Sponsorships and Endorsements
Top Kenyan YouTubers partner with major brands, including Infinix, Oppo, Safaricom, and Jumia for sponsored content and product placements. Crazy Kennar has secured deals with Tusker and Airtel, while lifestyle influencers collaborate with beauty brands like SuzieBeauty and Pauline Cosmetics. Brand partnerships can generate income ranging from Ksh 50,000 to several million per campaign, depending on subscriber count, engagement rates, and niche authority.
Merchandise and Product Lines
Successful creators like Sauti Sol and Wakadinali sell branded merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and music albums, through their platforms. This revenue stream provides consistent income independent of view counts and algorithmic changes.
Affiliate Marketing
YouTubers earn commissions by promoting products through affiliate links, particularly in niches like tech reviews, beauty, travel, and e-commerce. Creators receive a percentage of sales generated through their unique referral codes or links.
Paid Collaborations and Interviews
Content creators charge fees for exclusive interviews, guest appearances, and collaborative content with other influencers or brands. Mungai Eve’s celebrity interviews and investigative journalism command premium rates due to her exclusive access and investigative credibility.
YouTube Premium Revenue
Eligible creators in the YouTube Partner Program earn a share of subscription fees from YouTube Premium members who watch their content without ads. This provides additional passive income based on watch time from Premium subscribers.
YouTube Monetization Requirements in Kenya
YouTube Partner Program Eligibility
To join the YouTube Partner Program and start earning from ads, Kenyan creators must achieve:
- 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the past 12 months, OR
- 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days
Alternatively, a lower tier offers access to fan funding features (but not ad revenue) with 500 subscribers, three public videos uploaded in 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours in 12 months OR 3 million Shorts views in 90 days.
AdSense Account Setup
Creators need an active Google AdSense account linked to their YouTube channel to receive payments. Account holders must be 18 years or older; younger creators require a legal guardian to manage financial aspects. Kenya is a supported YouTube monetization market, enabling creators to receive payments in local currency.
Community Guidelines and Policies
Channels must strictly adhere to YouTube Community Guidelines, accept Terms of Service, and follow AdSense policies to maintain monetization eligibility. Content violating guidelines, including hate speech, violence, copyright infringement, or misleading information, risks demonetization or channel termination.
Content Requirements
All watch hours must come from public videos viewed by real people, not bots or artificial inflation methods. Channels need consistent uploads demonstrating genuine audience interest and engagement. Once thresholds are met, YouTube reviews applications, though qualification doesn’t guarantee automatic acceptance into the Partner Program.
Best Content Niches for Kenyan YouTubers
Comedy and Entertainment
Dominates Kenya’s YouTube landscape with creators like Crazy Kennar, Flaqo Raz, Njugush, and Henry DeSagu generating the highest earnings. Character-driven comedy, relatable skits about Kenyan life, and family humor consistently attract millions of views and strong engagement. This niche benefits from high local viewership and shareability across social platforms.
Music and Music Videos
Artists like Sauti Sol, Otile Brown, and Khaligraph Jones leverage YouTube for music distribution, earning from both ads and driving streams to paid platforms. Music content generates passive income as older videos continue attracting views over the years. Collaborations with international artists expand reach beyond Kenya, increasing CPM rates.
Family Vlogs and Lifestyle
Creators, including Diana Bahati, Kabi WaJesus, and Iam Marwa, build loyal audiences through authentic family content. This niche supports multiple revenue streams, including brand partnerships with family-oriented products, merchandise, and sponsored content. Consistent daily or weekly uploads maintain viewer engagement and algorithm favorability.
Travel and Cultural Content
Dee Mwango’s success demonstrates a strong appetite for travel vlogs showcasing diverse cultures and destinations. Solo travel content, particularly from female creators, attracts international viewership with higher CPMs. Cultural exploration and authentic storytelling differentiate creators in this competitive niche.
Investigative Journalism and Interviews
Mungai Eve pioneered this space with celebrity interviews, untold stories, and street journalism. This content generates high engagement as viewers seek exclusive information and behind-the-scenes access. Interview-based channels can monetize through paid exclusive content and event coverage.
Real Estate, Finance, and Business
Though less represented in Kenya’s top earners list, finance and real estate content commands the highest CPMs globally. Thee Pluto’s integration of real estate and forex trading content positions him for premium advertising rates. Educational content on wealth creation, investment, and entrepreneurship appeals to affluent viewers and business advertisers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is the richest YouTuber in Kenya in 2025?
Crazy Kennar is Kenya’s highest-earning YouTuber with monthly earnings between $112,000-$575,000 (Ksh 14.5M-74.7M) from YouTube ads combined with brand partnerships. However, when considering total net worth including investments, Thee Pluto and Jacky Vike have accumulated larger overall wealth through real estate and acting ventures, respectively.
How much do Kenyan YouTubers earn per 1,000 views?
Kenyan YouTubers typically earn 100-130 Kenyan Shillings ($1) per 1,000 views, though this can increase to 200 Ksh for high-quality content attracting international viewers with higher CPM countries. Creators with audiences in the US or UK can achieve RPMs as high as $5, while some see RPMs below $0.50 during low seasons.
What are the YouTube monetization requirements in Kenya?
Creators need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, OR 1,000 subscribers with 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. They must link an AdSense account, be 18+ years old, and comply with YouTube Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
How long does it take to start earning money on YouTube in Kenya?
Most creators take 6-12 months to reach monetization thresholds (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours) with consistent weekly uploads. Reaching a sustainable full-time income ($1,000+/month) typically requires 18-36 months of content creation. Viral success can accelerate timelines, but sustainable growth usually comes from steady audience building.
What equipment do I need to start YouTube in Kenya?
Begin with a smartphone with decent camera quality (most modern phones work), natural lighting, and a quiet recording environment. Free editing software like DaVinci Resolve or mobile apps enable professional results. Invest in an external microphone first when upgrading, audio quality significantly impacts viewer retention more than video resolution. Gradually upgrade equipment as channel revenue justifies expenses.
Conclusion
Kenyan YouTubers are thriving in a variety of niches, proving you don’t need to be in Hollywood to build substantial digital wealth. From comedy entrepreneurs like Crazy Kennar, earning up to Ksh 74.7 million monthly, to investigative journalists like Mungai Eve, who became millionaire at 21, Kenya’s creators have demonstrated YouTube’s transformative economic potential.
Whether you’re a content creator or curious viewer, these stories show that passion, consistency, and cultural authenticity can lead to six-figure monthly incomes and multimillion-dollar net worth. YouTube has space for creators of all ages, backgrounds, and content formats in Kenya’s rapidly growing digital economy.
