Digital Economy: List of Ways to Make Money Online in Kenya

• A survey by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) revealed that at least 1.2 million (five per cent) of Kenyans work online
• The study noted that those working online earn an average of KSh 20,773, showing the role played by the digital economy
• Data from the National Study on Digital and Digitally Enabled Work in Kenya revealed that digital marketers topped the list of online workers at 461,523

A survey by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) revealed that at least 1.2 million (five per cent) of Kenyans work online.

The study noted that those working online earn an average of KSh 20,773, showing the role played by the digital economy.

Data from the National Study on Digital and Digitally Enabled Work in Kenya as reported by People Daily revealed that digital marketers topped the list of online workers at 461,523.

They were followed by website articles and academic writers at 266,402 and 168,022 respectively.

To work online one needs skills, a portfolio to show potential employers and tools (laptop, internet and power).

Way to make money online in Kenya

1. Academic writing

Academic writing has proven to be a reliable source of income for most Kenyans who have failed to get other jobs.

Thanks to the internet, writers are getting jobs from academic writing websites.

Lamech Cheruiyot, one such writer, revealed he makes up to KSh 50,000 monthly in a good season from academic writing.

“Academic writing pays well during the peak season when most clients are on-board. In a good month, I can make KSh 50,000. However, the amount varies depending on the academic calendars abroad. On a low month, I take home between KSh 20,000 and KSh 30,000,” Cheruiyot told TUKO.co.ke.

2. Freelancing

Freelancers are in charge of their careers. They work either part or full-time based on their negotiations.

Depending on your skills, there are several opportunities for freelancing including web design, video editing, search engine optimisation (SEO), photography, videography and translation.

As a freelancer, create a curriculum vitae (CV) and portfolio to market yourself. You can then search for jobs or pitch to potential employers.

3. Online store

A survey by Statista in 2022 indicated 52% of Kenyans buy their electronics online followed by bags and accessories (47%), shoes (36%), clothing (34%) and household appliances (28%).

So opening an online store offers an opportunity to get more consumers.

In this case, you can sell anything online and you can do it in the comfort of your home.

4. Airbnb business

The Airbnb business has gained momentum in Kenya over the last few years.

Business Daily reported that landlords who rented out their properties for short-term in December 2022, for instance, earned an average of $308 (KSh 40,100).

To start the business, one must register online at the Airbnb website. You can then rent a house and accommodate clients. It costs an average of KSh 2,000 to rent a room per night.

5. Content creation

Creating content on social media is another hot cake that has made millionaires.

YouTube, for example, pays one when he or she has a minimum of 4000 watch hours and 1000 subscribers. All you need is to open a channel.

To start with, you can shoot videos with your phone. Choose a niche that you are passionate about and as easy as it may sound, earning from the platform takes time, perseverance and consistency.

6. Digital marketing

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an important part of our lives.

From sharing personal experiences to promoting businesses, social media has revolutionised the way we communicate and interact with each other.

But not everyone understands the potential of social media as a marketing tool. You can make money by selling consulting services to companies, ads or becoming a social media manager.

Janet Machuka, a journalist turned social media marketer who founded a thriving digital marketing community – the Africa Tweet Chat Academy – said she learned about social media marketing at her workplace.

“I did not go to a business class on campus. I studied media studies at Moi University,” Machuka told TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive interview.

Source: TUKO.co.ke