Yes, there are a lot of scams involved in online jobs, some even offering unreasonable rates. But if you search hard (and know where to search), you can certainly land a good online job that will pay your bills. Just like in business, it’s all about taking risks, right?
Success in the digital world requires dedication, continuous learning, and often, a willingness to start small and grow over time.
Also Read: Top online skills to learn right now
How to Earn Money Online in Kenya
This guide will explore various legitimate ways to make money online in Kenya, providing you with the knowledge and resources to begin your journey towards financial independence in the digital age.
How to make money online in Kenya
1. Freelancing
| Level | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry-level: | Ksh 500 – 2,000 per project |
| Intermediate: | Ksh 2,000 – 5,000 per project |
| Expert: | Ksh 5,000+ per project |
Freelancing has become increasingly popular in Kenya, with the gig economy growing rapidly. A majority of people working online are actually freelancers, handling various jobs – from Surveys to writing articles and blog posts, to doing graphic design.
Based on your skills, here are some types of freelancing jobs you can get online:
– Content Writing: Articles, blog posts, product descriptions
– Graphic Design: Logos, social media graphics, brochures
– Virtual Assistance: Email management, scheduling, data entry
– Social Media Management: Content creation, scheduling, analytics
Note: Rates can vary significantly based on the complexity of the project and the client’s budget. For instance, a well-established content writer might charge Ksh 5-10 per word, while a beginner might start at Ksh 1-2 per word.
Where to Find Jobs:
– Upwork: One of the largest freelancing platforms globally
– Fiverr: Good for offering specific, packaged services
– Freelancer.com: Offers a wide range of job categories
– PeoplePerHour: Focuses on professional services
– Local Facebook groups: search for relevant keywords and join the respective pages. Examples: “FREELANCE RESEARCH EXPERTS KENYA,” “Online jobs“
Tips for Success:
– Create a compelling profile highlighting your skills and experience
– Start with lower rates to build a portfolio and reviews
– Continuously upgrade your skills to stay competitive
2. Transcription
| Experience Level | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Beginners: | Ksh 1 – 3 per audio minute |
| Experienced: | Ksh 3 – 7 per audio minute |
| Specialized fields (medical, legal): | Up to Ksh 10 per audio minute |
Transcription is a growing field in Kenya, particularly due to the country’s large English-speaking population. The transcription industry in the United States alone is valued at nearly $26 billion in 2022 and projected to grow steadily at 5.8% annually through 2030.
Types of Transcription:
– General: Interviews, podcasts, videos
– Medical: Doctor’s notes, medical reports
– Legal: Court proceedings, depositions
– Academic: Lectures, research interviews
A typical audio hour can take 3-4 hours to transcribe, so an experienced transcriber could potentially earn Ksh 1,800 – 4,200 for a single audio hour.
Where to Find Jobs:
– Rev.com: One of the largest transcription platforms
– TranscribeMe: Offers both general and specialized transcription
– GoTranscript: Provides work in multiple languages
Skills Required:
– Excellent listening skills
– Fast and accurate typing (at least 60 WPM)
– Strong grammar and punctuation skills
– Familiarity with transcription software like Express Scribe
3. Online Tutoring
| Tutoring Type | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| ESL Tutoring: | Ksh 500 – 2,000 per hour |
| Subject Tutoring: | Ksh 1,000 – 3,000 per hour |
| Test Prep: | Ksh 2,000 – 5,000 per hour |
The worldwide market for internet-based tutoring services is forecast to increase by $196.35 billion, with an average yearly growth rate of 15.38% from 2022 to 2027. Kenya’s strong education system makes its tutors competitive in the global market.
Subjects in High Demand:
– English as a Second Language (ESL)
– Mathematics
– Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
– Computer Science and Programming
– Test Preparation (SAT, IELTS, TOEFL)
Note: Rates can vary based on qualifications, experience, and the platform used. Some platforms take a percentage of your earnings as a commission.
Requirements:
– Bachelor’s degree (in most cases)
– Teaching certification (for some platforms)
– Strong internet connection and a quiet workspace
– Patience and excellent communication skills
4. Content Creation
| Platform | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| YouTube | $0.5 – $6 per 1000 views (Ksh 50 – 600) |
| TikTok | $0.02 – $0.04 per 1000 views (Ksh 2 – 4) |
| Ksh 5,000 – 50,000+ per sponsored post (for influencers) | |
| Blogging | Ksh 10,000 – 100,000+ per month from ads and sponsorships |
This is probably the most popular online job in kenya, and has grown to become a viable career option with the rise of digital media consumption.
Popular Content Types:
– YouTube videos
– TikTok short-form videos
– Instagram posts and stories
– Blog articles
– Podcasts
Top Kenyan content creators can earn millions of shillings per month through various monetization strategies.
Where to Start:
– YouTube: Create a channel and start uploading regularly
– TikTok: Focus on trending topics and challenges
– Instagram: Build a following with consistent, high-quality content
– WordPress or Blogger: Start a blog on a niche topic
Monetization Strategies:
– Ad revenue (YouTube Partner Program, Google AdSense)
– Sponsored content
– Affiliate marketing
– Merchandise sales
– Patreon or membership programs
5. Online Surveys and Microtasks
| Type | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Surveys | Ksh 50 – 500 per survey |
| Microtasks | Ksh 1 – 100 per task, depending on complexity |
While not as lucrative as other options, online surveys and microtasks can provide supplementary income. The online survey software industry is experiencing substantial expansion, with projections indicating a 14.4% increase from $3.11 billion in 2023 to $3.56 billion in 2024.
Types of Tasks:
– Surveys
– Data entry
– Image/audio transcription
– Content moderation
– Web research
Where to Find Opportunities:
– Swagbucks: Offers surveys, watching videos, and other small tasks
– Amazon Mechanical Turk: Wide variety of microtasks
– Appen: Focuses on data collection and linguistics tasks
– Clickworker: Offers writing, research, and data processing tasks
Tips:
– Create profiles on multiple platforms to maximize opportunities
– Be consistent and check for new tasks regularly
– Be aware that earnings can be low and inconsistent
6. Affiliate Marketing
| Program | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | 1% – 10% of sale price |
| Jumia Affiliate Program | Up to 11% commission |
| Clickbank | Up to 75% commission on digital products |
Affiliate marketing is growing in Kenya, with many local and international companies offering programs. The global affiliate marketing industry is expected to reach $8.2 billion by 2022 (Awin Group).
Popular Niches in Kenya:
– Technology and electronics
– Fashion and beauty
– Health and wellness
– Finance and cryptocurrency
Note: Top affiliates in Kenya can earn hundreds of thousands of shillings per month, but earnings are highly variable and depend on traffic and conversion rates.
Where to Start:
– Amazon Associates: Wide range of products
– Jumia Affiliate Program: Local e-commerce platform
– Clickbank: Digital products and online courses
– ShareASale: Diverse range of merchants
Strategies for Success:
– Choose products relevant to your audience
– Create high-quality content (reviews, comparisons)
– Use SEO techniques to increase organic traffic
– Leverage social media and email marketing
Good Luck!
As we conclude this comprehensive guide on making money online in Kenya, it’s important to remember that success in the digital world requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Do not quit your job just yet. Wait until you land a promising opportunity. The opportunities presented here are just the beginning of what’s possible in the vast landscape of online work.
While the journey may seem daunting at first, thousands of Kenyans have already found success in these various online ventures. Your path may not be identical to theirs, but with determination and the right approach, you too can carve out your own niche in the digital economy.
