Online Jobs—Alternative Ways to Earn in Kenya

The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for anyone looking to earn a living online. In recent years, Kenya has seen a remarkable surge in online job opportunities and this is due to a number of factors, including:

• The increasing availability of high-speed internet in Kenya.
• The growing popularity of freelancing platforms.
• The increasing demand for skilled workers in the digital economy.

These factors have made it possible for Kenyans to find online jobs that offer flexibility, accessibility, and the chance to earn a decent income from the comfort of their homes. 

In this article, we will discuss 12 of the best online jobs in Kenya that pay well. We will also provide some tips for finding and getting an online job in Kenya. So whether you are looking at transitioning in your career or just want to supplement your income, read on to learn more about these great opportunities.

Online Jobs in Kenya That Pay Well

Here are 12 online jobs in Kenya that pay well:

1. Freelance writing

Freelance writing is the act of writing for clients on a contract basis. This means that you are not an employee of the client, but rather an independent contractor. As a freelance writer, you are responsible for finding your own clients, setting your own rates, and managing your own time.

To become a freelance writer, you need to have strong writing skills, be able to meet deadlines and be able to work independently. You should also be able to research topics and write in a variety of styles.

Here are some of the things that you need to do to become a freelance writer:

• Build a portfolio: This is a collection of your best writing samples. It will help potential clients see your work and decide if you are a good fit for their project.
• Pitch your services: Once you have a portfolio, start pitching your services to potential clients. You can do this by sending application letters, attending industry events, or submitting your work to writing contests.
• Set your rates: It is important to set fair rates for your work. This will help you attract the right clients and make a good living as a freelance writer.
• Be professional: This means meeting deadlines, communicating effectively with clients, and delivering high-quality work.

Freelance writing can be a great way to make a living and have more control over your work.  

2. Virtual Assistance

A virtual assistant (VA) is a person who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. VAs typically work with small businesses and entrepreneurs, but they can also work with individuals and larger organizations.

The specific tasks that a VA performs can vary widely, but some common tasks include:

• Administrative tasks: This includes tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing email, and bookkeeping.
• Technical tasks: This includes tasks such as website design and development, social media management, and graphic design.
• Creative tasks: This includes tasks such as writing, editing, and proofreading.

To become a virtual assistant, you need to have strong organizational and time management skills, be able to work independently and be able to use a variety of software applications. You should also be able to communicate effectively with clients and be able to meet deadlines.

3. Data Entry

Data entry is the process of entering data into a computer system. This can include tasks such as entering customer information, product data, or financial records. Data entry jobs are typically repetitive and require good typing skills and attention to detail.

To become a data entry freelancer, you need to have the following skills:

• Basic computer skills
• Good typing skills (at least 40 words per minute)
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to meet deadlines

To get started as a data entry freelancer, you can create a profile on one or more of these websites and start bidding on projects. You can also network with other data entry freelancers and find leads through them.

4. Remote research assistance 

Remote research assistance is the process of conducting research remotely, typically for a client or employer. Remote research assistants typically gather information from a variety of sources, including online databases, scholarly journals, and government websites. They then summarize the information and present it in a clear and concise way.

To become a remote research assistant, you need to:

• Have strong research skills. You should be able to find and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
• Have excellent communication skills. You should be able to write and speak clearly and concisely.
• Be able to work independently. You should be able to manage your time and workload effectively.
• Be detail-oriented. You should be able to pay attention to detail and accuracy.

The best site for you will depend on your skills and experience, the type of research assistant jobs you are looking for, and your budget.

5. E-commerce

E-commerce, or electronic commerce, is the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. It is a rapidly growing field, and there are many different ways to run an e-commerce store.

To run an e-commerce store, you need to:

• Choose a niche: What products or services do you want to sell?
• Set up an e-commerce platform:  There are many different e-commerce platforms available, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.
• Market your store: You need to let people know about your store and the products or services that you offer: This can be done through search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, or paid advertising.
• Ship your products: Once you have made a sale, you need to ship the product to your customer. You can either ship the product yourself or use a shipping company.

There are many different sites where you can sell your products, including:

• Amazon
• eBay
• Etsy
• Shopify
• WooCommerce

The best site for you will depend on the type of products or services that you want to sell, your target audience, and your budget.

E-commerce can be a great way to start a business or grow an existing business. If you are willing to put in the work, you can achieve success in this field.

6. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a marketing strategy in which a business partners with an affiliate to promote its products or services. In return for promoting the products or services, the affiliate earns a commission on any sales that they generate.

To become an affiliate marketer, you need to:

• Choose a niche: What products or services are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about?
• Find affiliate programs: There are many different affiliate programs available, so take some time to research and find ones that are a good fit for you.
• Create content: You need to create content that will promote the products or services that you are affiliated with. This could include blog posts, videos, social media posts, or anything else that you think will be effective.
• Drive traffic to your content: This could be done through search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, or paid advertising.

 If you're looking for a career that allows you to work from home and be your own boss, affiliate marketing could be a good option for you.

7. Social media marketing

Social media marketing is the use of social media platforms to promote a product or service. It involves creating and sharing content, engaging with followers, and measuring results. Social media marketers need to have a strong understanding of the different social media platforms, as well as the target audience they are trying to reach. They also need to be creative and able to come up with engaging content that will capture people's attention.

Here are some of the tasks that a social media marketer might do:

• Create and share content on social media platforms
• Respond to comments and messages from followers
• Run social media ads
• Measure the results of social media campaigns
• Track the performance of social media channels
• Collaborate with other departments, such as marketing and sales

If you're looking for a career that allows you to use your creativity and connect with people, social media marketing could be a good option for you

8. Remote Customer Service

Remote Customer Service jobs entail providing assistance and support to customers remotely. This can involve answering questions, resolving problems, and providing information about products or services. 

The specific duties of a customer service representative will vary depending on the company and industry, but some common tasks include:

• Answering phone calls and emails from customers
• Logging and tracking customer inquiries
• Troubleshooting problems and providing solutions
• Providing information about products or services
• Resolving customer complaints
• Upselling or cross-selling products or services

Customer service jobs can be a great way to start your career. They offer flexible hours, good pay, and the opportunity to help people. 

9. Transcription

Transcription is the process of converting audio or video recordings into text. Transcriptionists listen to the recordings and type what they hear, making sure to capture the correct words and phrases. They may also need to edit the text to correct any errors or omissions.

To become a transcriptionist, you need to have the following skills:

• Excellent listening skills
• Fast and accurate typing skills
• Attention to detail
• Good grammar and punctuation skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to meet deadlines

If you're looking for a flexible and easy way to make money, transcription could be a good option for you.

10. Online language teaching 

Online language Teaching involves teaching a language to students remotely, typically via video conferencing software. Online language teachers typically create and deliver lesson plans, grade assignments, and interact with students through online forums or chat.

To become an online language teacher, you need to:

• Have a strong understanding of the language you want to teach. 
• Be comfortable using technology. 
• Be able to communicate effectively. 

Online language teaching can be a great way to make money while sharing your knowledge and expertise with others.  

11. Blogging

Blogging simply involves writing and publishing regular entries on a personal website or blog. To start a blog, all you need to do is write about your thoughts, experiences, and interests. You can also write about news, events, or anything else that you want to share.

There are many ways to earn money online through blogging. Here are a few of the most common methods:

• Advertising: You can display ads on your blog and earn money each time someone clicks on an ad.
• Affiliate marketing: You can promote other people's products or services on your blog and earn a commission each time someone makes a purchase.
• Selling your own products or services: You can sell your own products or services on your blog, such as ebooks, courses, or coaching.
• Sponsorships: You can partner with brands to promote their products or services on your blog.
• Consulting: You can offer your expertise to businesses or individuals as a consultant.

Blogging can be a great way to share your thoughts, experiences, and interests with the world while also earning money from it.

12. Proofreading

Earning money through proofreading entails editing written documents to ensure that they are free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. Proofreaders typically work with a variety of documents, including articles, essays, reports, and marketing materials.

To start proofreading jobs, you need to:

• Develop your proofreading skills: This includes having a strong understanding of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. You can improve your proofreading skills by taking online courses, reading books on proofreading, or working as an intern or volunteer proofreader.
• Build a portfolio of your work: This will show potential clients your skills and experience. You can include samples of your proofreading work in your portfolio.
• Network with other proofreaders: This is a great way to learn about new opportunities and get referrals. You can network with other proofreaders through online forums, professional organizations, or social media.

If you are a detail-oriented person with a strong command of grammar and spelling, then proofreading may be a good fit for you.