If you've never signed up for an online task platform before, the process can feel uncertain — especially when a payment screen appears and you're not sure what to expect. This guide walks you through the complete process so nothing surprises you.
We're using VelloEarn's platform as the example because it's the most comprehensive M-Pesa-native task platform available to Kenyans right now.
Before you start — what you need
Your phone. A Safaricom M-Pesa registered number (the same number you'll use throughout). An email address. KES 550 available on M-Pesa (KES 200 returns to you immediately after activation, so net cost is KES 350). About five minutes.
That's it. No CV. No ID scans. No professional references.
The sign-up process — step by step
Step 1: Go to velloearn.co.ke/join
Read the full page first. It explains exactly what the KES 550 covers, what tasks are available, and what the dashboard looks like. Read it. A lot of the confusion people experience at the payment screen comes from not knowing what to expect — this page fixes that.
Step 2: Tap "Activate My Account"
This takes you to Starhela's registration form at starhela.com/register.php.
Step 3: Fill in your registration details
Username — choose something you'll remember. This is your platform identity. Mobile — enter your number in the +254 format (your M-Pesa registered number). Email — a working email you check. Password — something secure. Confirm password. Country — Kenya. Tick the terms and conditions box. Tap "Create Account."
Step 4: The payment screen appears
You'll see an M-Pesa STK payment screen. Your phone number is pre-filled. The amount shown is KES 545 – KES 550 (you may see a small platform discount applied, which is why it sometimes shows KES 545).
Tap "ACTIVATE."
An M-Pesa pop-up will appear on your phone asking for your PIN. Enter your PIN. Confirm.
Step 5: If the STK push doesn't appear
Don't panic. This happens occasionally due to M-Pesa network delays. Below the ACTIVATE button there's a "Pay Manually to Till" option. Tap it. You'll get a Till number to send the payment to directly from your M-Pesa app (the same way you send money to a business). This always works.
Step 6: Your dashboard goes live
The moment payment confirms, two things happen immediately: your KES 200 welcome bonus appears in your dashboard balance, and all your earning tracks become available — AI training, chatting, surveys, and the rest.
What to do in the first 30 minutes after activation
Go to the AI training section. Read the task guidelines carefully — this takes 20 minutes and is the most important 20 minutes you'll spend on the platform. Your accuracy score starts from your first task. Starting carefully is worth more than starting fast.
Complete your first five tasks. Don't rush. You're building your baseline accuracy score, which determines your access to higher-paying task categories over time.
Check your earnings — they update in real time. Watch your balance move.
Your first withdrawal
Once your balance reaches KES 500, go to the withdrawal section, confirm your M-Pesa number, and request the transfer. It arrives within 30 minutes. This is how you verify the platform is real — do it early, before you've invested significant time.
Full walkthrough at velloearn.co.ke/join.
Also worth reading: How Starhela works · Is Starhela legit in Kenya?
