How To Make Money Online In Kenya For Beginners

Kenya has embraced the digital and gig economy enthusiastically, providing a trove of opportunities for beginners aiming to supplement their income through online work. A recent study by Ajira Digital reveals that 5% of the adult population in Kenya works online, a figure poised to grow in the coming years. As a beginner, you might wonder, "How do I tap into this burgeoning field?" This comprehensive guide will equip you with the know-how to navigate and excel in the online working sphere.

3 Prerequisites for Online Work

Before diving headfirst into online work, you need to establish what you intend to do. Are you seeking self-employment or looking to work virtually for individuals or corporations?

Online jobs can mirror formal employment, complete with deadlines and reporting hierarchies. Other jobs offer autonomy and leadership roles, hinging on your preferences, skillset, and available opportunities. Regardless of your path, these three essentials form the foundation of online work:

Skills

For any online job, having a diverse skill set is vital. Capitalise and digitize your current abilities or acquire new ones. Soft skills like communication, time management, and autonomous workability are crucial alongside technical and hard skills.

Portfolio

A robust portfolio is a compelling demonstration of your skills. Maintain an up-to-date portfolio to entice potential employers and clients.

Tools

Basic requirements include reliable internet, a functional personal computer, and a consistent power supply. Depending on your job, you might require specific software or hardware, such as quality headphones, for transcription work.

10 Avenues for Online Money Making for Beginners

Online work offers flexibility and a wide variety of opportunities. Here are ten online jobs suitable for beginners:

1. Freelancing

Freelancing allows you to sell your unique skills and expertise online. You control your schedule, set your rates, and choose your projects. As a freelancer, popular fields include video editing, writing, SEO specialist, and web design. To begin your freelancing journey, create a compelling CV and portfolio and seek gigs.

2. Open a Print-On-Demand (POD) Online Store

The POD business model is beginner-friendly and risk-free. With POD, you customize and sell products without worrying about inventory, equipment, or logistics. It's as simple as picking a print-on-demand company, customizing your products, and listing them for sale.

3. Selling Online Courses

If you have expertise in a subject, you can share it with the world while making money. Online education platforms like Skillshare allow you to create and sell courses on any subject.

4. Participate in Market Research

While it may not be the highest-paying gig, market research provides a way to earn while seeking other opportunities. Companies pay for your insights and feedback on their products and services.

5. Content Creation

If you have a knack for creativity, platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram offer opportunities to earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and more.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing lets you earn passive income by promoting someone else's products. When your audience purchases through your referral link, you earn a commission.

7. Selling Digital Products

Selling digital products such as templates, spreadsheets, e-books, and digital art allows you to create a product once and sell it repeatedly.

8. Virtual Tutoring

Online tutoring platforms provide opportunities to teach subjects you are proficient in, from academic subjects to musical instruments and languages.

9. Dropshipping

With drop shipping, you sell products directly from the manufacturer or wholesaler to the customer. It eliminates the need for inventory, making it a low-risk option.

10. Microtasks and Surveys

Sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk allow you to earn money by completing small tasks like data entry, transcriptions, surveys, and more. While the pay is often modest, it's a good starting point for beginners.

Expanding Your Online Income Opportunities

After mastering the basics and finding your niche, the next step is scaling your income. Below are tips to help you expand your online income opportunities:

Diversify Your Income Streams

Make sure to limit yourself to one form of online income. You can be a content creator on YouTube while freelancing or teaching online courses. Diversifying ensures you have multiple income streams, cushioning you from unforeseen circumstances.

Continuously Upgrade Your Skills

The digital economy evolves rapidly, and staying relevant requires constant learning. Take advantage of online courses and free resources to upgrade your skills and stay ahead of the competition.

Build Your Online Presence

Creating a personal brand helps you attract clients or audiences. Maintain a professional online profile, engage with your audience, and leverage social media platforms to showcase your skills and work.

Network

Connect with like-minded individuals within your field. Networking helps you discover new opportunities, learn from others, and gain valuable contacts.

Invest in Yourself

Ensure you have the necessary tools to work effectively online. This may mean investing in high-quality equipment, faster internet, or digital tools and software.

READ ALSO: TOP 26 Online Emergency Loans in Kenya

Wrapping-Up

Making money online in Kenya requires resilience, continuous learning, and a strong work ethic. However, the flexibility and potential financial rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor. With this guide, you can embark on your journey to financial independence through online work. Remember, the digital economy's beauty is that it respects skills, creativity, and innovation over geographical location. Embrace the opportunities and thrive online.

FAQs

Q: How can I ensure that an online job is legitimate?

A: Do thorough research about the company or individual offering the job. Read reviews from other users or workers, check their online presence, and verify their contact details. Beware of jobs that seem too good to be true, ask for payment upfront, or need to provide clear job descriptions.

Q: What skills do I need to start working online?

A: The skills needed will depend on the type of online work you want to pursue. However, basic computer literacy, good communication skills, and proficiency in English are often essential.

Q: Can I make a full-time income from working online?

A: Yes, many people in Kenya and across the globe earn a full-time income from online work. The income potential will depend on factors like your skills, the time you invest, and the work you do.

Q: How can I get paid for my online work?

A: Payment methods will vary depending on the platform or employer. Common techniques include bank transfers, mobile money (like M-Pesa), and digital payment systems like PayPal and Payoneer.

Q: Do I need a website to start making money online?

A: Not necessarily. While having a personal website can help showcase your portfolio or sell products, many online jobs and income streams don't require one. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Etsy, among others, provide the necessary infrastructure to sell your services or products.

Q: How can I avoid scams while working online?

A: Only share sensitive personal information like your bank details if you know the platform's legitimacy. Be cautious about offers that require you to pay upfront. Always research thoroughly before starting work or engaging with an online platform.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate and up-to-date information, the digital landscape is dynamic, and the specific opportunities or platforms mentioned may change over time.

Always do your due diligence before engaging with an online platform or opportunity. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any actions taken as a result of reading this content, including any loss or damage of any kind. The reader is responsible for their actions and results using the information.