11 Best Online Jobs in Kenya: Guide to Working Remotely
The internet has opened up a world of opportunities for people to work and earn an income online. With an increasing number of Kenyans gaining access to stable internet connections, online jobs in Kenya present an excellent way to work remotely and flexibly.
The global demand for freelance services also continues to grow rapidly across various sectors.
This article explores some of the best online jobs in Kenya today that you can do from the comfort of your home or anywhere else with an internet connection.
The opportunities cut across diverse fields like writing, administrative tasks, software development, design, tutoring, consulting and more.
To succeed in online jobs, you require key skills like good communication, time management, self-motivation and discipline.
Most of the online jobs also require you to have a computer, smartphone or tablet and reliable internet connectivity.
Once you have these, you can sign up on various freelance platforms that connect you to clients worldwide.
Let’s look at some of the top online jobs you should consider venturing into today:
Table of Contents
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is one of the best online jobs in Kenya by far!
It involves creating content for different clients on a remote basis.
There is high demand for writers across industries to create sales pages, blog posts, social media posts, SEO articles, scripts, copies and more.
Some of the main benefits of freelance writing include:
- Flexible working hours – You can work at your own convenience from anywhere. This is ideal for students, stay-at-home parents and anyone else with other commitments.
- Variety – There is a wide variety of writing projects available on topics of your interest. You get exposed to different industries.
- Income potential – Experienced freelance writers can earn over Kshs. 100,000 monthly with consistent work. Top writers earn much more.
- Low barrier to entry – You only need writing skills, a computer and internet to start. No formal qualifications required.
- Ability to work for international clients – There is global demand for writers online so you can get clients worldwide.
Some of the types of freelance writing opportunities available include:
- Content writing
- Copywriting
- Articles and blog posts
- Newsletters and email copies
- Social media content
- Web content
- Scriptwriting
- Resume writing
To start, create a portfolio of sample writing and sign up on popular freelancing sites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com.
You can also directly approach companies and market your skills.
Virtual Assistant
Another one of the best online jobs in Kenya is VA!
A virtual assistant provides professional administrative, social media management, data entry and other support services to clients remotely.
The main advantages of working as a VA include:
- Flexible schedule – Fit work around other schedules and commitments.
- Varied tasks – Exposure to many different industries and tasks.
- Income stability – Get repeat business and income stability with long-term clients.
- Low overhead costs – You only need a computer and internet which are low startup costs.
- Wide client base – There are many busy professionals and companies looking to outsource tasks.
Some of the services provided by VAs include:
- Calendar management
- Scheduling meetings/appointments
- Travel arrangements
- Customer service
- Data entry, transcription
- Email management
- Social media management
- Research
To be a successful VA you need:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Familiarity with online tools and software
- Ability to work independently
- Project management ability
- Detail orientation
- Problem-solving skills
You can find VA jobs on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Virtual Staff Finder and Belay.
Build your profile, reviews and portfolio to attract clients. VA agencies are also a good source of steady contracts.
Online Tutoring
Online tutoring allows you to teach students remotely via video chat, phone calls or instant messaging.
It provides schedule flexibility and income potential without geographical limitations.
Some benefits of online tutoring include:
- Convenient – Deliver lessons online at your own schedule. No travel needed.
- Location independent – Tutor students worldwide.
- Variety – Tutor different subjects like math, languages, science, music among others.
- Income potential – Experienced tutors can make over Ksh. 100,000 monthly. Rates vary based on lessons delivered.
- Start quickly – Register on tutoring platforms and start getting students without long processes.
You can register as a tutor on platforms like:
- Tutor.com – This connects you to US students. They have on-boarding and training.
- VIPKid – Teach English to Chinese kids on this platform. Flexible schedule.
- Superprof – Online tutoring marketplace with over 15 million students globally.
- Udemy – Create online video courses and get paid per enrollment.
To start tutoring online, you need to be fluent in your tutoring language, have strong knowledge in your field, a clear methodology and good communication skills. A suitable home setup with minimal background noise is also vital.
Building reviews and ratings will help attract more students over time. Consistency and good teaching methods also lead to repeat students.
Data Entry Jobs
Online data entry jobs involve inputting, verifying, organizing and updating data for companies remotely, even from Kenya.
It provides a flexible way to utilize your computer skills and earn working remotely in Kenya.
Benefits of online data entry jobs in Kenya include:
- Entry level skill requirements – Need basic computer and typing skills. Training is often provided.
- Variety – Work with different types of data like sales figures, survey responses, insurance info, names, addresses etc.
- Flexible schedule – Set your own work hours. Can work part-time.
- Work from anywhere – Only need a computer and internet connection.
- Companies hire globally – Data entry jobs are available for people worldwide.
Types of data entry jobs available:
- General data entry – Basic data inputs like names, addresses, figures etc.
- Survey forms – Input survey responses and information.
- Image annotation – Add descriptions and tags to images to train AI systems.
- Transcription – Convert audio and video files to text documents.
- Product or website cataloging – Input product specs or website information.
To get started, create a profile on sites like:
Focus on building accuracy, speed and great client feedback. Having a home office setup that minimizes distractions also helps focus.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Offering accounting and bookkeeping services online has become popular due to the convenience of outsourcing these tasks.
The global shift towards remote work has also increased demand for online accounting help.
Benefits of online accounting and bookkeeping jobs include:
- High demand – Many businesses need help managing accounts and finances but don’t require full-time staff.
- Income potential – Experienced bookkeepers can earn over Ksh. 150,000 monthly. Rates vary based on workload.
- Varied tasks – Exposure to different aspects like data entry, reconciliation, reporting, analysis and more.
- Flexible schedule – Manage your own work hours. Can work as much or little as you want.
- Work from anywhere – Deliver services remotely to clients worldwide.
- Low startup costs – Mainly need a laptop, accounting software, internet and skills.
Services provided include:
- Account and data entries
- Bank and credit card reconciliations
- Payroll processing
- Financial reporting
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Tax preparations
- Auditing support
To get started, you need:
- Accounting training and experience
- Bookkeeping qualifications
- Excel skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication and client management
Sign up on freelancing websites like Upwork, and Toptal and make money with this one of the best online jobs in Kenya!
Programming and Tech
Technology professionals like programmers, app developers and software engineers are in global demand. With the right skills, you can work remotely with companies everywhere.
Benefits of online programming and tech jobs include:
- High compensation – Experienced programmers can earn over Ksh. 300,000 monthly depending on role and skills.
- Variety – Work on diverse projects from websites and apps to security and system administration.
- Continuous learning – Opportunities to grow your skills and stay updated on emerging trends.
- Global opportunities – Work with well-paying clients across different countries and industries.
- Be your own boss – Freelance at your pace or work with different employers.
Some of the top tech jobs available online in Kenya include:
- Software development – Build desktop, web and mobile apps.
- Web development – Design, develop and manage websites.
- Game development – Create video games for different platforms.
- Data science – Collect, analyze and interpret large data sets.
- Cybersecurity – Implement effective security systems and controls.
To get started, have the required tech skills and certifications. Build a portfolio of your work and reviews. Sign up on platforms like:
You can also market directly to tech companies and startups who need experienced freelancers.
Graphic Design
Yes, another one of the best online jobs in Kenya!
Graphic design involves creating visual concepts and content like website designs, logos, ads, marketing material and more.
Advantages of freelance graphic design work:
- Flexible schedule – Work hours that suit your needs.
- Creativity – Exercise your creativity across different design projects.
- Income potential – Experienced designers earn over Ksh. 150,000 monthly. High hourly rates.
- Variety – Work on diverse design projects from brochures to packaging.
- Global opportunities – Clients worldwide need graphics for their brands.
- Low startup costs – Mainly need a computer and design skills/software.
Types of graphic design jobs available:
- Logo design
- Website design
- Print design – Business cards, brochures, banners etc.
- Packaging design
- Advertising design – Posters, flyers, billboards etc.
- Presentation design – Pitch decks, reports etc.
- App and icon design
- Infographic creation
- Newsletter design
- Book and ebook formatting
To start, have design training, build a portfolio and get testimonials. Sign up on sites like:
Social media and direct outreach to potential clients also helps grow your business. Focus on client satisfaction and timely delivery.
Online Sales and Marketing
This is another one of the best online jobs in Kenya.
Online sales and marketing roles provide income while leveraging your marketing skills. With many businesses going digital, there is high demand for online marketing professionals.
Benefits of remote sales and marketing jobs include:
- Flexible schedule – Work hours that meet your needs.
- Income potential – Commission-based roles allow high earners to make over Ksh. 200,000 monthly.
- Variety – Exposure to diverse industries, campaigns and strategies.
- Digital skills development – Opportunity to grow your online marketing skills.
- Global opportunities – Companies worldwide need support on digital marketing initiatives.
- Low barrier to entry – Mainly need a computer, internet and skills to start.
Some of the roles available include:
- Digital marketing – SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, PPC etc.
- Content marketing – Creating blogs, guides, videos, graphics.
- Affiliate marketing – Promoting products and earning commissions.
- Sales calls and lead generation
- Market research and analysis
- Email marketing and newsletters
- Webinars and product launches
To get started, develop your sales and marketing skills through online courses and certifications.
Build a portfolio highlighting campaigns you have worked on. Sign up on freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr. You can also apply directly to companies.
Social Media Management
Social media management has become a popular remote career choice in Kenya given the dominance of social platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X for brands.
Managing social media allows you to work from anywhere with a laptop and internet, making it one of the best online jobs in Kenya!
Benefits of online social media management jobs include:
- Flexible schedule – Manage your work hours conveniently around other commitments.
- Variety – Work with diverse brands and industries like healthcare, tech, e-commerce etc.
- Income potential – Experienced social media managers can earn over Ksh. 80,000 monthly. Rates vary based on workload.
- Build expertise – Grow extensive experience managing major social platforms.
- Global opportunities – Brands worldwide need social media marketing.
Services provided by social media managers include:
- Managing brand accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter etc.
- Developing engaging text, image and video content
- Monitoring conversations and responding to users appropriately
- Running campaigns and contests on social platforms
- Creating reports on key metrics like reach, engagement, clicks etc.
- Advising brands on best practices for social media
To get started, have strong writing skills and knowledge of each platform’s features. Build your portfolio highlighting campaigns you have worked on and grow your network.
Sign up on sites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer to find clients. Social media agencies are also a good avenue for steady contracts. Consistency and results will lead to more clients through referrals.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Services
Search engine optimization (SEO) involves improving websites to rank higher on Google and Bing for relevant searches.
With growing online competition, many companies hire remote SEO experts in Kenya.
Benefits of offering remote SEO services include:
- High demand – Many businesses worldwide need to improve website visibility and traffic.
- Income potential – Experienced freelance SEO experts can make over Ksh. 150,000 monthly.
- Variety – Optimize different types of websites across diverse verticals.
- Flexible schedule – Work hours that meet your needs.
- Digital skills development – Grow extensive skills in on-page and off-page optimization.
Services provided by SEOs include:
- Website optimization – Improve page speed, mobile optimization, meta tags etc.
- Technical SEO – Fix site errors, broken links, duplicate content issues etc.
- Content optimization – Create SEO-friendly content like blogs.
- Keyword research – Identify top relevant keywords to target.
- Link building – Build quality backlinks to improve domain authority.
- Rank tracking and reporting – Monitor rankings and prepare reports.
To start, develop SEO skills through courses and certifications. Offer discounted services initially to build experience and results for your portfolio. Sign up on freelancing platforms to find clients worldwide.
Cold emailing and social media marketing also helps acquire clients. Focus on delivering results through best SEO practices to retain and grow your clientele.
Translation Services
Offering translation services online is a great remote job in Kenya for multilingual individuals. With globalization, companies worldwide need accurate translations.
Benefits of working as an online translator:
- Flexible schedule – Translate at times that work for you without fixed office hours.
- Income potential – Experienced translators can earn over Ksh. 80,000 monthly depending on languages.
- Variety – Work on diverse translation projects from documents to videos and websites.
- Develop expertise – Grow your proficiency in specialized fields like legal or medical translations.
- Global opportunities – There is demand for translators in every language worldwide.
Types of translation services available:
- Document translation – Translate all types of documents and content like reports, manuals, articles etc.
- Website localization – Adapt websites to other languages and local cultures.
- Software and app localization – Translate software, apps, interfaces into other languages.
- Multimedia translation – Subtitles and closed captioning for videos, movies and TV shows.
- Interpretation – Convert speech to another language in real-time.
To get started, have strong proficiency in at least two languages. Gain qualifications through accredited institutes. Build a portfolio highlighting your translation work.
Sign up on popular freelancing sites like Upwork, Guru and Fiverr. You can also approach companies directly needing translation services. Deliver timely and accurate work to gain more clients.
Key Takeaways
- There is high demand for online skills like writing, design, tutoring, marketing across sectors.
- Online jobs provide great flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere at convenient hours.
- To succeed, develop relevant skills and build an impressive portfolio and work history on freelancing platforms.
- Consistency, professionalism and good client satisfaction will lead to more income over time.
- With hard work and discipline, online jobs offer strong income potential comparable to traditional professions.
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