Technological advancement has disrupted the traditional boundaries of employment and opened doors for online jobs in Kenya. Today, anyone can make money online thanks to the proliferation of internet connectivity and the rise of countless online platforms. Before you venture into online jobs, it’s essential to do thorough research so you can determine which option best fits your interests and skillsets.
In this article, we discuss the diverse online jobs in Kenya, from freelance writing to virtual assistance. We’ll also explore the skills and tools that you need to thrive in online employment.
Benefits of Online Jobs in Kenya
First off, we’ll discuss the benefits of working remotely. The main advantage of working online is that you get greater flexibility. Many online jobs allow you to create your own schedule. In addition, remote working is an effective way to avoid the high cost of renting a workspace.
You only need a reliable internet connection and a computer when working remotely. Thus, you can work as a digital freelancer from home, eliminating the need to commute. Lastly, remote jobs can increase your earning potential when done alongside your primary job.
Top 15 Online Jobs in Kenya in 2024
Here are the top online jobs that pay well in Kenya.
Freelance writing
If you’re self-motivated and enjoy writing, this is the best online job for you. Freelance writing involves creating content for clients. As a freelance writer, you can write different types of content, including articles, website content, blog posts, scripts, advertisements, short stories, and instruction manuals. The demand for creative freelance writers has increased significantly in the past few years as more individuals and companies seek top-quality content.
To be a great freelance writer, you must be able to research, find solid sources, and write in different styles. Effective communication is also a core skill you should master as a freelance writer. Also, you should know how to write quality content that meets the client’s demands.
Here are PRO tips to succeed in freelance writing:
- Identify appropriate writing categories: Identify the writing subjects or categories that fit your interests.
- Learn different writing styles: You’ll need to write in different styles to satisfy the client’s needs.
- Build strong research skills: Learn how to research and find reputable sources. Always include proper citations in your content to avoid plagiarism.
- Prioritize time management: As a freelance writer, it is essential to meet deadlines to build a good reputation.
- Figure out your rate: If you’re a new freelance writer, you’ll want to set your rates lower than what expert writers charge.
- Showcase your portfolio: Share some top-notch writing samples to give potential clients a preview of your writing style.
- Build relationships with clients: Take every project as a chance to establish good relationships with your clients, causing them to return for more work.
Freelance writing is one of the great ways to make money online in Kenya. Top freelancing writing sites include Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Indeed.
Data Entry
Data entry jobs entail filling information into companies’ databases. Many companies hire data entry clerks to add raw data from paper documents into electronic databases. Data entry professionals also review data for accuracy and update outdated information. The data entry tasks vary from company to company.
You need proficiency in the following skills to succeed as a data entry clerk.
- Fast typing speed (minimum of 40 words per minute – WPM)
- Solid verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work under strict deadlines.
- Attention to detail
- Ability to conduct research and gather data
- Summarization skills
Social Media Manager
Social media management makes it to our list of top online jobs in Kenya. As a social media manager, you’ll help individuals or companies build communities on social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Facebook. You’ll create and publish creative content, including posts and ad campaigns. In addition, you’ll manage private messages and engage users of the platforms.
If you’re used to creating content that gets a lot of likes and comments, social media management is perfect for you. The opportunities for social media managers are vast as companies seek to gain and maintain customers. Sites like Indeed, Upwork, and LinkedIn can help you kick-start your career in this role.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants offer remote support services to companies and professionals. As a virtual assistant, you can perform various administrative tasks, including email management, data entry, phone call management, scheduling appointments, handling travel arrangements, bookkeeping, and preparing reports. The demand for virtual assistant is rapidly growing as companies seek to increase efficiency, cut costs, and enhance their operations.
The specific tasks performed by a virtual assistant depend on the client’s needs and the assistant’s skills. Ensure you have the following skills before venturing into virtual assistant jobs.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent computer proficiency
- Bookkeeping
- Social Media management
- Good concentration and self-motivation
- Creativity
- Organization and time management.
The great thing about becoming a virtual assistant is that you can simultaneously take jobs from several clients. In addition, hourly pay rates for virtual assistants range from Ksh1,500 to Ksh3,000, depending on the projects’ scope. The best virtual assistant websites include Fiverr, Upwork, Wishup, and Virtual Staff Finder.
Graphic Designer
Being a graphic designer makes it to our list of well-paying online jobs in Kenya. As a graphic designer, your responsibility is to create visual content in digital and print form. You’ll ensure advertisements, digital media, publications, newsletters, product packaging, websites, and apps are aesthetically appealing. The demand for graphic designer is ever-increasing as brands hunt for visual content to cement their online presence.
Other tasks for graphic designers include:
- Combining color, text, and image to create visual elements
- Design logos
- Select photos, colors, and fonts for website layouts
- Creating digital illustrations utilizing software
- Translating ideas and data into images
Key skills you need to kick-start your career in graphic design include creativity, artistry, communication, organization, time management, and computer skills. An experienced graphic designer can earn Ksh2,000 -Ksh3,000 if they find work on a site like Upwork or Fiverr.
Online Tutoring
The list of best online jobs in Kenya is incomplete without online tutoring. Online tutors’ primary responsibility is teaching students of all ages various subjects, including math, science, physics, Art, languages, and history. Online tutoring sessions occur via videoconferencing software like Zoom or Google Meet.
To get started as an online tutor, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
- Have expertise in a specific subject
- Have a college-level education
- Fluency in specific languages
- Access to fast and reliable internet
- Excellent communication and technology skills
Online tutoring offers an excellent opportunity for you to make money online. You can find tutoring tasks online on Brainfuse, Tutor.com, Udemy, TutorMe, and Chegg.
Transcription
Being a transcriptionist is another example of online jobs in Kenya that allow you to make money online. As a transcriptionist, your responsibility is to listen to video and audio records and convert what you hear into written words. You may transcribe various audio or video files, such as recordings for interviews, meetings, market research, phone calls, or video calls.
Some companies that offer transcription jobs may require you to type everything you hear, including “hmmm,” “um,” and “uh.” You’re required to provide a clean text free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Here are vital skills you’ll need to thrive as a freelance transcriptionist.
- Fast typing speed
- Good spelling, punctuation, and grammar
- Basic computer proficiency
- Ability to type with accuracy
- Have good hearing
- Attention to detail
- Effective time management
To get started as an online transcriptionist, you’ll need a computer, headset, mechanical keyboard, fast internet connection, and word processor. Sites that offer transcription jobs include TranscribeMe!, SpeechPad, Crowdsurf, Daily Transcription, CastingWords, Go Transcript, and Transcription Hub.
SEO Expert
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts evaluate websites and update content for better optimization. If you’re new to this field, becoming an SEO expert may appear difficult. However, you can start your career as an SEO expert by developing the right technical and soft skills.
As an SEO expert, you’ll be responsible for the following roles.
- Finding relevant keywords needed to increase organic traffic for websites
- Optimize website content and pages
- Improve website design and user experience
- Build high-quality dofollow backlinks from authoritative websites.
- On-page optimization
Perhaps you’re asking yourself: How do I find SEO jobs in Kenya? It’s possible to land a remote SEO job through sites such as UpWork, Fiverr, Indeed, and LinkedIn. The estimated hourly pay rate for a seasoned SEO expert on Fiverr is between Ksh2,500 and Ksh5,000.
Blogging
Blogging is ultimately one of the most lucrative and rewarding online jobs in Kenya. You can start a blog to share information on specific subjects. To succeed in blogging, you must choose a suitable niche with enough content to engage the readers. Some of the profitable blog niches include, but are not limited to;
- Make money online
- Personal Finance
- Health and Fitness
- Travel and Adventure
- Food and cooking
- Lifestyle
Starting a blog is not difficult or expensive. You can certainly create your blog without coding skills or web development experience. Website builders like WordPress, Blogger, or Wix allow you to build a website using free themes and templates. Premium themes or templates may cost you between Ksh2,000-Ksh20,000.
And how do you make money through blogging? There are many ways to earn from blogging, including brand partnerships, affiliate links, premium content, and selling digital products.
Related Article: Top 16 Profitable Side Hustles in Kenya in 2024
E-commerce
E-commerce entails the exchange of products and services on the internet. Over the past few decades, e-commerce has revolutionized how people shop. People no longer need to go to physical stores for shopping. The process of shopping can now be done with a few clicks. The e-commerce industry has grown astronomically, with over 2 billion people globally buying goods and services online every year.
The growth in this industry has opened money-making opportunities for many people. You can set your e-commerce platforms, including:
- Amazon
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- Magneto
- BigCommerce
- SquareOnline
- Jiji Kenya
Choose an appropriate site based on the type of your products or services and your target audience. You can also start your e-commerce business using social media, like TikTok and Facebook. You’ll need to promote your website or channel to attract more customers. Ensure there’s demand for the goods and services you plan to sell.
Bottom Line
Starting an online job can be an effective way to make money and achieve greater work-life balance. There are a multitude of online jobs that you can start in Kenya. Your choice entirely depends on your skills, interests, and budget. But it’s essential to be watchful and avoid online jobs. Check for red flags such as grammatical errors, fake company names, fake URLs, unsolicited job offers, and unrealistic earning potential.