Kenyan actor Tyler Mbaya, popularly known as Baha, has questioned why some Kenyans living in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada are reluctant to help fellow Kenyans access freelancing opportunities despite being approached by strangers willing to facilitate the process.
In a statement shared online on Monday, October 19, 2026, Baha said some people outside Kenya were willing to help Kenyans open freelancing accounts in exchange for a weekly revenue-sharing arrangement, but friends and relatives living in the same countries often dismissed similar requests as scams.
“Total strangers are opening for us freelancing accounts in the USA, UK & Canada, then we split revenue every week. Lakini, ukiambia your friends & relatives in the same countries to do the same wanakwambia ni scam ati uunataka kuwarudisha home. Kenyans nani alituroga jameni?”Baha said.
His remarks sparked a conversation about trust, financial opportunities and the willingness of Kenyans living abroad to support people back home.
The actor appeared to question why people who have personal relationships with Kenyans seeking online work might be more suspicious than strangers offering similar arrangements.
However, his statement did not identify the individuals offering the accounts or specify the platforms involved.
Freelancing accounts and how they work
Freelancing platforms connect people offering professional services with clients seeking specific tasks. They allow users to create profiles, showcase their skills, apply for jobs and receive payments for completed assignments.
Upwork is one such platform, connecting freelancers with clients looking for services such as writing, graphic design, software development, virtual assistance and digital marketing. Freelancers can submit proposals for available jobs and negotiate payment with clients.
Fiverr allows freelancers to advertise specific services, known as Gigs, in areas such as video editing, translation, programming, writing and graphic design. Clients browse the available services and place orders based on their needs and budgets.
PeoplePerHour connects businesses with freelancers offering services such as web development, content creation and marketing. Clients can hire professionals for specific projects or work arrangements based on agreed rates.
Each platform has its own registration, identity verification and payment requirements. Freelancers should provide accurate personal information and check the rules before entering arrangements involving accounts registered or managed by other people.
What freelancers should consider
Although assistance from someone abroad may help a beginner understand how online work platforms operate, opening an account through another person is different from receiving guidance on setting up one’s own profile.
Freelancers should confirm that any proposed arrangement complies with the platform’s rules, understand how earnings will be shared and retain control of their personal information and payments.
Baha’s remarks highlight the debate around trust and access to international online work, particularly as more Kenyans explore digital opportunities beyond traditional employment.
