31 Online Jobs in Kenya: Top Remote Opportunities

The Kenyan job market isn’t exactly the best in the world. 

But fortunately, there are other ways to make money that don’t involve formal employment. And perhaps the easiest of them all is making money online. You can do it as a side job to complement your current job or even go full-time if you’re one of the lucky ones. 

Picture this; you wake up, open your laptop and get to work on your bed, sofa, or balcony with your morning coffee or Uji. You can be in your jammies, a suit, or workout clothes. It doesn’t matter.

Sounds like a dream?

Well, for most online workers, the flexibility that comes with remote work is a dream come true.

In this guide, we are going to look at the brass tacks on how to make money online in Kenya, and also take a look at some of the sites where you can find online jobs.

Read on.

How to make money from Online Jobs in Kenya

You’re going to need several things to make money online. Depending on your plan, skills, a decent mobile phone or laptop and an internet connection will suffice. 

In addition, you’re going to need patience. Online work may be the easiest way to make money, but it won’t make you rich in a month or two. 

Blogging

Blogging is photography, writing, and other media that one self-publishes online. The hallmarks of blogging are informal language, frequent updates, and an open forum for two-way interactions with readers.

Once you figure out what your blog will be about, you need to get a website where your content will go. If you are tech-savvy, you can buy a domain name and build a website from the ground up.      

How to make money blogging

Once you have created a blog, you need ways to monetize it. You can do that by;

Affiliate marketing:

You earn money from marketing other people’s products and services with affiliate marketing. For example, if you have a wellness and fitness blog, you can find workout clothes, health supplements, or gym equipment you love and market them on your site. The marketing company gives you a commission off each sale you make through your site.

Affiliate marketing is a wide field, and that’s we’ve put together this piece on how to get started in affiliate marketing in Kenya that gives more detail on what it is and how to get started.

Selling Adspace:

Once you have your blog up and running and it has significant traffic, you can explore selling ad space. This means just that; selling blank space on your site where marketers can place ads at a fee.

Sponsored Content/Guest Post fees:

Marketers always seek to get their information out to as many readers as possible. Therefore, if your blog attracts enough traffic, you can also charge a fee for people to post content on your site.

Pick up Freelance Work Online

There are many ways to make money online. One of the best, most consistent ways to do so is to pick up freelance work online through sites like Upwork, Fiver, and Freelancer.com. These are platforms for freelancers to offer various services, such as freelance writing, graphics design, digital marketing, programming, and being a virtual assistant. 

Again, getting noticed will take time and a bit of luck. So, be patient and be patient. You’re waiting for your skills. Other ways to make money online in Kenya are;

Take Online Surveys for Money

Did you know that you can get paid to take surveys? It’s easy; just answer a few (or a lot) of questions, and you’ll get paid a decent amount. But first, you’ll need to sign up at a paid survey site, like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Opinion Outpost, and Survey. It might take a while, though, since some sites don’t let you cash out instantly until you reach a certain threshold.   

Website Flipping

Though not a common online job in Kenya, website flipping is quite profitable and a good idea to tap into.

The idea behind this is that you find websites that are on sale and have viable metrics. Then, purchase them and resell them at a higher price.

However, you must note that flipping websites is not as easy as ABC.

When buying the websites, you need to keep the following in mind;

• Negotiate – most site owners are out to make exaggerated profits, and if you don’t negotiate for the best prices, you may end up overpaying for a website.
• Metrics matter – it will not make any logic to buy a website with close to zero traffic and no earning potential, hoping to resell it. So before you buy a website, ensure you’ve gotten all the important metrics and confirmed them to be legit.
• Make the site better – once you’ve found a site with growth potential, invest more to improve it. Increase its traffic and even the income generated. With this, you’ll be better positioned to sell it at a higher price than you bought it.

Tip: Start small, and as you learn the ropes, you can get into buying and selling larger sites.

Running A YouTube Channel

Running a YouTube channel entails shooting interesting video content and posting it on your YouTube channel. You need to find ways to drive traffic to your channel because the more subscribers and followers you have, the more money-making potential your channel will have. 

To grow your channel, you must create content and promote it on multiple channels.

You can begin scouting for avenues to partner with local brands with time. If your channel has a significant viewership, you can make good money from helping make local brands. They will be happy to pay you via M-Pesa.

Sell old books on Amazon

You can also make money selling old books online. The best way to do this is to link up with a supplier of old books and have them supply you with copies in bulk at a relatively low price. But before that, you should take the business on a test run. How? 

Well, if you love reading, you’ve probably accumulated a fair number of books over the years. So try selling those and see how it goes. 

Data Entry Jobs

Data entry jobs are a popular online job option in Kenya. They can be completed from home or any other convenient location. This job requires basic computer skills such as typing, data entry, creating documents, inputting information into databases, etc., and knowledge about specialized software applications relevant to the work at hand.

Forex Trading

This is among the newer online jobs in Kenya where you can get paid via M-Pesa. Forex trading is buying and selling currencies on the international currency market.

The trick here is to buy currencies at the lowest possible price, then sell them later at a profit. 

Forex trading is legal in Kenya, and you can deposit and withdraw profits using M-Pesa.

Video Editing Business

Freelance video editing is also another perfect online business in Kenya you can get into today.

Over the past few years, Google trends have shown that video content consumption has spiked, which indicates a high demand for this service.

For a smooth career as a video editor, you will need a powerful computer that can run the software needed, video editing software, and some basic skills. 

While knowing how to edit videos is important when getting started, keep in mind that the lack thereof should not deter you. You can always start and learn gradually on the job.

You can find well-paying video editing jobs on platforms like Upwork.

Cryptocurrency trading

Not everyone enjoys the thrill of volatile trading activities, but if you do, trading in cryptocurrency is a viable online business in Kenya for you.

Cryptocurrency trading is slowly becoming popular in the Kenyan market, and the better if you can get into it now.

One easy way to make money trading in cryptocurrency is by holding. You buy crypto at a certain price, wait until the price goes up, and sell.

It is important to note that you need to understand the market for you to make money from crypto trading. Therefore, you will have to learn the trends and grasp the basics of trading the various coins before investing.

While this business is often quite profitable, it is prudent to remember that it is one of the most high-risk ventures.

Virtual Assistant Jobs

A virtual assistant provides administrative services to companies and individuals remotely.

Once you start as a virtual assistant, you pick which jobs to work on, your hours, and where to work from. This arrangement is often a win-win for both parties. An employer saves some money from not having to hire and pay a full-time employee complete with benefits, and you, as the VA, get paid to do what you love, with some flexibility.

Sell your photos online

There’s a vast market for photos out there. Just look at how successful stock photography sites are. So if you’re good with the camera, you might want to start selling some of your work to these sites. If your job is good enough, some buyers will reach out and ask to work directly with you, which means more money. 

Build a Podcast that pays

The podcast is one of the most significant forms of media consumption. Unlike radio, it’s easy to get into. All you need are suitable audio devices and confidence with a touch of personality. This will help you attract many listeners and land advertising/sponsorship deals. 

Offer Web development and design services

The world is slowly but surely becoming an online economy. So, every business needs or will need a website, creating massive demand for website designers. This is one field where you can make a lot of money if you have the skill. So start learning and/or leveling up and generate an income out of it. 

Resume/cover letter writing

One of the reasons why most job seekers don’t get past the application stage is that they cannot create catchy and relevant resumes and cover letters.

If you’ve got the skills and grammar required to craft killer cover letters, then you can offer it as a service and make money while at it.

Look around you. How many people are looking for employment opportunities? That’s a ready market for you to tap.

Freelance Graphic Design

If you are artsy and constantly bubbling with creative ideas, you can work as a freelance graphic designer and get paid via M-Pesa.

Graphic designers are primarily visual communicators that use specialized graphic design software to communicate ideas. Flyers, posters, billboards, and advertising content require some graphics to make them inspiring and attractive to the intended audiences.

Some companies will hire in-house graphic designers, while others hire freelancers on a need basis.

Trade in Cryptocurrency

Do you mind taking a little risk? 

If you don’t, why don’t you try crypto trading? 

You can make a lot of money from this. But you can also just as quickly lose it. So remember that this is one of the most challenging ways to make money online. You’ll need extensive knowledge of how crypto markets operate, a decent amount of capital, and of course, nerves of steel. 

Become a translator or interpreter

You can also lend your language skills online. Given how small the world has become (thank you internet), many books and websites need translating to different languages. One of these is Swahili. 

Transcription Jobs

Transcription jobs are among the oldest online jobs in Kenya and remain lucrative to date.

You can find transcription jobs on freelancing websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Rev.com. Transcription sites will pay for online jobs through M-Pesa, or have an option to move money from their platforms to your M-Pesa.

You can also get jobs from individuals with files they want to be transcribed.

Set up an online course

You can make and sell online courses. In fact, the course market is one of the most lucrative online industries. It’s a little advanced, though. To succeed, you’ll need to be highly skilled at what you’re teaching or be a good bullshitter. 

Make money as an audiobook narrator

Many people who enjoy reading don’t have the time to sit down and read a book. So, they’re turning to audiobooks, which allow them to enjoy their favorite titles while doing their daily chores. As a result, the audiobook book industry is one of the fastest growing. If you have a particularly good voice, you can capitalize on this and become an audiobook narrator. 

It won’t be easy to get spotted. So, you might have to start by reading a couple of free titles and build from there.  

Dropshipping

In drop-shipping, the seller sets up a website through which they sell items they don’t keep in stock. It might sound a little weird, but it’s made a lot of people millionaires (in dollars) over the last couple of years. So, of course, getting started will not be easy. But if you master the art of dropshipping, you’ll make a lot of money. 

Write and publish an eBook.

In the traditional publishing industry, making it as a writer has often been hard.

However, the digital book industry has made things easier. You can now publish your eBooks and make money out of them without much stress.

The most challenging or rather intensive part of this online business idea is getting the writing done. Otherwise, the monetary startup costs are quite minimal.

If you want to succeed as an eBook publisher, focus on a smaller niche. The more specific your niche is, the higher the chances of succeeding and the lesser your competition. 

Also, invest in giving your eBook a professional look. This includes hiring a graphic designer to handle the cover image and any other illustrations you may need in the book.

Become an online tutor

This is similar to setting up a course but different in that you’ll work directly with your student. For instance, some foreigners are interested in learning Swahili and employ online tutors to teach them the beautiful language. If you can do this, then you’re able to start earning almost immediately.

Invest in stocks

The stock market is another big opportunity for those who don’t mind taking risks. Like crypto, you can win big or lose big. You’ll also need an excellent understanding of financial markets to succeed. 

Domain flipping

Domain flipping involves buying domains at a lower price and putting in some effort to raise their value to sell them in the future at a higher price. You’ll need some excellent SEO and website design skills to succeed. 

Sell recipes and diet plans.

The health and fitness space has experienced massive growth over the past few years. As a result, the demand for health products has greatly increased, providing a broad market to tap into.

If you have a background in nutrition and are in a position to provide factual health information in relation to food, you can get into this space and make an income while at it.

However, the biggest barrier to selling recipes and diet plans is the stiff competition in place. As a result, you need to go the extra mile to reach your audience and get them to buy from you. If it means running ads on your diet plans, be strategic–you can hire a professional to help you out.

Alternatively, you can also publish your diet plan and sell it as an eBook on Amazon.

Test websites and apps

You can also get paid to test websites and apps. However, you must first complete a short test. The amount you earn depends on the app and website you’re testing. 

Influencer marketing

You can make good money as an influencer if you have the right personality and following. This line of work will involve advertising products and/or services on behalf of companies and getting paid for the number of engagements you generate. 

Managing social media accounts

Almost all local and online businesses are on social media platforms. In addition, they typically employ someone to manage their social media accounts. Therefore, if you can craft some engaging posts and know how to respond to people on social media, this is an opportunity ripe for the taking. 

Do Voice-over work

Voice-over work is another way to capitalize on your voice and earn through online jobs in Kenya. You become a voice actor, lending your voice to apps, audiobooks, commercials, video games, and other platforms. 

Trustworthy Online Money Making Sites in Kenya 

There are many websites that allow you to make money online. A good number of these are available in Kenya for free. Some limit the number of people on their platform by vetting applications, while others are open to anyone and everyone. 

Just offer a general overview of the fact there are such sites. Then add a small paragraph that will link to a complete article on this topic. Finally, kindly remind me to research this topic. 

Benefits Of Online Jobs In Kenya

The benefits of pursuing an online job in Kenya include flexible working hours, higher income potential, access to global job opportunities, and health benefits.

Flexible Working Hours

Online jobs allow employees to balance their work and personal life in a way that suits them best. It allows employees to find time for other responsibilities such as caring for children, caring for an elderly family member, or pursuing additional educational opportunities.

The trend towards teleworking and hybrid work arrangements has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing businesses worldwide to remain operational while minimizing contact among staff members.

According to a survey from IPSOS on behalf of Microsoft, two-thirds of workers now prefer flexible working where they can switch tasks in real time depending on what is most productive.

Studies suggest that this has enabled higher productivity due to reduced distractions and disruptions at home compared with traditional office schedules. 

The ability to choose when one works also positively contributes to mental well-being, something increasingly desired amongst today’s workforce, given current economic conditions.

Higher Income Potential

Online jobs in Kenya offer an excellent opportunity for Kenyans to earn an income from anywhere in the world. Many of these online jobs also provide significantly higher income than other forms of employment due to specialized skills, experience, and demand.

Many fields have the booming potential for earning an income through remote work, such as freelance writing, virtual assistant, data entry, web design, and more.

In addition, those with specialized skills such as medicine or engineering tend to make much higher salaries by contracting their services through digital platforms ordering services across countries.

Access To Global Job Opportunities

Thanks to the growing trend of digitization and connectivity, more people are beginning to understand the opportunities accessible through working online in Kenya. Online jobs provide access to global employment opportunities by connecting individuals from different countries and continents worldwide.

This opens up possibilities for earning higher incomes as well as a variety of industry knowledge and skills one might not have otherwise been able to acquire.

With international organizations like WHO (World Health Organization) also recruiting talent through various networks around the globe, it has further paved the way for foreign employment opportunities at home in Kenya while exposing them to varied professional settings elsewhere.

Health Benefits

Online jobs in Kenya can offer a range of health benefits, particularly in comparison to more traditional forms of employment. Employee benefits such as flexible working hours and reduced stress can improve physical and mental well-being.

According to research by the World Health Organization, reducing work-related stress can help workers maintain their healthy lifestyle habits, better manage chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of burnout.

Flexible working arrangements may also allow employees to balance personal commitments more effectively without worrying about clashing timetables or long commutes leading to exhaustion.

Various studies have indicated that access to time off for those who need it most – for example, parents looking after children – is associated with improved work-life balance, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction among employees from all backgrounds, including Kenyan households.

With fewer distractions from home life during scheduled “working” hours, employers can likely benefit from increased productivity since these lifestyles allow individuals the opportunity for uninterrupted concentration on tasks at hand before switching again into relaxation mode when not working.

How to Find the Best Online Jobs in Kenya

Knowing all the available online jobs in Kenya does not guarantee you some income. Getting started in one is what will.

So, is there a standard procedure to be followed when starting an online job in Kenya?

No. Each online business is unique and requires a different approach when starting. However, there are general rules you can follow in setting up any of the business ideas mentioned above. 

Below are the general tips that will help you.

Identify your niche/product.

The first step in establishing a successful online business is establishing what product to deal with.

As listed above, there is a large number of ideas that you can try out. However, it is important to note that not every online business idea is a good fit for you. 

For example, you may excel as a freelance writer but fail miserably as a graphic designer.

What hobbies do you have? Skills acquired in school or elsewhere? Find a way to use those in your online business. For example, it doesn’t make sense to drop shipping while leaving out video editing if you are a trained video editor.

Validate the idea

Once you’ve determined what you want to get into, it’s now time to validate the idea.

Is there a market? What’s the income potential, and is it worth it compared to the amount of work to be done? What is the growth potential for that specific online business?

By answering such questions, you can filter through the various ideas and settle on the most viable ones.

Figure out all the costs involved

Before you start your online business, make sure you have a good understanding of the costs involved. While most ideas will have little capital, it’s still prudent to know how much you will spend.

For example, how much will it cost to get reliable hosting services, purchase a domain, and have the website designed if you build a website?

If you plan to get some form of training beforehand, ensure you know how much it will cost.

So, get your costs figured right so that you don’t have to watch the business fail due to a lack of enough finances to sustain it.

Get a business name

This does not require rocket science to pull off. But, before you get the ball rolling, have a name to build your brand around.

You can try and get a name that’s related to your niche. However, if you can’t find one, don’t sweat it. Instead, pick a catchy name and move on to the next thing.

Draw up an action plan

Before you start your online business in Kenya, put directives that will guide you along the way. This will include a business plan, just like in the physical world. The action plan should be detailed and clear enough to help you achieve all your business goals while meeting deadlines and eliminating possible errors that may come.

Handle the legal aspect of your online business

While whether or not to register an online business as an entity is debatable, it all boils down to the kind of activity you want to engage in.

For example, having a business license is paramount if you intend to receive payments via Lipa na Mpesa directly to your online business. In addition, having a registered business will also make it possible for you to get a business bank account.

Getting your business registered before the government catches up with you is advisable as that can attract penalties.

Get started With Online Jobs in Kenya.

The online job market in Kenya is increasing rapidly as more and more people are turning to it for higher incomes and flexible working hours. Online jobs are a great way to make money without leaving the comfort of one’s home.

The financial rewards can be huge, whether you take part-time or full-time opportunities. For those looking to spend their extra time productively, countless freelancing websites are available from which one can choose jobs that suit them best.

Online jobs have been shown to provide many benefits for Kenyan workers, such as increased income potential, flexibility with working hours, and access to global work opportunities via digital platforms.

These opportunities enable individuals who want to earn an income and contribute towards economic growth by helping build skills in the workforce. 

FAQs on how to make money online in Kenya