Online writing jobs for students in Kenya have become a key income opportunity, with many earning a living from them. However, most aspiring writers don’t know where to start or who to turn to for guidance. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to successfully start and grow your skills and become better online writers.
For one to become an online writer and grow their online writing career, you do not necessarily need a specific educational qualification like a degree. All you need are the skills and knowledge required in the field. You may consider an online job as a full-time job or an in-house writer in the profession. Here are some steps to follow when pursuing online writing jobs for students in Kenya.
1. Educate yourself on online writing
You need to do thorough research and familiarize yourself with writing. Going on the internet and seeing what other writers are saying is very crucial. Reading their blogs, podcasts and books can provide valuable information about online writing jobs for students in Kenya and the freelance writing workspace. Many writers share very informative writings on some frequently asked questions, like what it takes to be an online writer,upcooming online writing jobs for students in Kenya, the process and procedures to follow when starting online writing and to some extent, how to set up rates. These experts generally give you an overview of what online writing is and what to expect in online writing jobs for students in Kenya.
2. Familiarize yourself with writing skills.
Online writing is a business and like any other business, it needs to be well organized and have time management and writing skills for it to thrive and succeed. Be familiar with the basic concept of writing, the do’s and the don’ts in writing, how to be a good writer and ways to build your online writing career in Kenya. Know where and when to use a word and the meaning of different types of words used in your writing. The choice of word matters.
Some of these management skills in online writing jobs for students in Kenya include
a) Organization and prioritization
Being well organized helps you to know what you want to do and when to complete it. Maintaining an up-to-date calendar, writing more detailed notes and being in a neat environment may also aid in the retrieval process of documents. You might also have to prioritize your work and decide whether to start working on the more important, complex and time-sensitive task first or work on the other tasks. For you to thrive in online writing jobs for students in Kenya, you need to have a way in which things follow each other and have a plan on how to do them.
b) Goal setting and communication
For you to become a good manager and be well organized, you need to have clear goals and objectives on what you want to start and accomplish. One may opt to set short or long-term goals. Good and effective communication skills help you to outline your plans and provide problem-solving ideas to your superiors or even fellow colleagues.
c) Planning and stress management
You should have a clear plan on how to go about your day, attend meetings and effectively follow your schedule. Include time breaks in your work schedule to help manage stress levels and reduce fatigue for a productive day and output.
3. Tools required for the trade
Online writing jobs for students in Kenya requires writers to have a laptop or a desktop computer, which should be equipped with task management and writing programs and photo-editing software. It is also important for you to have a website in which you will showcase your writing samples, a business email account, a video conferencing account and a phone account. For payment purposes, you need to have a bank account and an online payment service account.
4. Identifying your niche
For online writing jobs for students in Kenya, choosing both the type of writing and the niche you want to pursue is vital. This involves choosing the area you feel that you are well specialized in and your passion towards the niche. Write as many samples of your niche as possible and post them to increase your online visibility, which can bring opportunities.
5. Create a work portfolio of your work
A strong portfolio is your ticket to showcasing your skills in writing to potential customers because most of the job ads you will apply to will ask for samples you have worked on and published. You can include articles in specific content on various subjects depending on your own knowledge and preferences.
6) Explore long-term opportunities
some of the long-term opportunities for online writing career in Kenya include
i) Technical writing
A high-paying niche where writers create technical reports and software documentation, often in technical fields. This type of online writing jobs for students in Kenya is commonly used in IT and engineering. For opportunities, one might consider starting with companies like tech startups or platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. One might also consider looking for websites like Write the Docs and Stack Overflow Jobs.
ii) Grants and proposal writing
It is a form of writing that involves creating documents to secure funding for projects, organizations and even businesses. It is highly relevant in NGOs, government bodies and startups. The key aim of grant and proposal writing is to persuade donors to fund the project. Writers contribute to meaningful courses like environmental conservation. For this type ofonline writing jobs for students in Kenya, one may opt to look for government and private foundations. NGOs, like UNICEF and websites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour may be valuable options. It is best suited for persons who want to make a change through well-funded initiatives.
iii) Journalism & Guest Writing
This type of writing offers opportunities for writers to share news, insights and stories with a worldwide audience. This is one of the types of online writing jobs for students in Kenya best suited for writers who are good at storytelling. It has several mediums, like newspapers, magazines, TVs and news websites.
Types of Journalism:
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Hard news, which focuses on current events like politics, business and health matters.
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Feature writing, which is in-depth stories on social, cultural, or human interest topics.
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Investigative journalism, which requires research, interviews, and often exposing hidden truths.
Types of Guest Writing:
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Focus: Writing articles or guest posts for established websites, blogs and different media outlets.
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Goal: Share expertise, opinions, or valuable content in exchange for exposure or a certain fee.
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Topics can range from lifestyle, finance, sports, tech, and health to more niche areas of choice.
Journalism & Guest Writing types of online writing jobs for students in Kenya are flexible, as one can freelance or join a media organization. Websites like ProBlogger and Freelancer may offer opportunities. One might also prefer to reach out to different media houses like The Nation or The Standard. International media houses like BBC and CNN may be a great choice.
6. Setting up your online professional presence
Having a professional online presence is essential for anyone pursuing online writing jobs for students in Kenya. It showcases your skills, experience, and consistency—traits that can attract potential clients or job opportunities. Start by creating a compelling LinkedIn profile that highlights your writing abilities. Be sure to regularly update it with new projects, achievements, and samples of your work. Following other writers in your niche can also give you insider insights and help you stay informed about trends and opportunities in the writing world.
7. Start searching for an online writing job
Look for job opportunities on freelance platforms, job boards and social media to have an active online writing career in Kenya. Showcase your credibility with guest posting. You should also be ready to be turned down and rejected and know how to deal with different feedback. Job boards are perfect if you’re looking for a high-profile job. Ask clients for feedback on their encounter while working with you, as this builds trust and also attracts new clients.
8. Be professional and persistence
Communicate clearly and respond promptly to clients in a more professional way. You should also ensure that you deliver high-quality work to clients on time and practice the act of being patient. For a great online writing career in Kenya, you have to be persistent and take time to learn. An online writing career in Kenya, being a profession, requires one to exercise codes of ethics.
9. Set your ratings pricing and payment
Setting up your freelancing charges as a starter might be a little bit difficult. This will require you to do research on the industry standards and also consider some factors like level of expertise. The more you gain experience in your online writing career, do not hesitate to adjust your ratings. Some of the money transfer platforms include PayPal and M-Pesa.
10. Continue learning
The best thing you can do as an online writer is to keep learning so as to discover new writing ideas. All professionals at some point in time were where you are and have the right experience to guide you through your online writing career in Kenya. Listen to podcasts and read their blogs for a continuous increase of skills. You can also read social media marketing tips. Read and attend more specialized courses to help you open up new ideas on your online writing career in Kenya.
11. Consider Blogging or Self-Publishing
These are two powerful fields for one to start an online writing career in Kenya. Blogging allows you to share your idea, build your audience and establish an online presence. You can start blogging in free platforms like blogger but for monitization consider using self-hosted WordPress blog. In this case, you will be required to buy a domain and hosting which are relatively affordable in Kenya. Ensure that you put your focus in crafting high-quality content and remember to promote it on social media platforms. For content monitorization of content through ads consider using (Google AdSense) or you can sponsor you post.
Self-publishing is another great way to earn a living and have a great online writing career in Kenya from your writing, especially through eBooks. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a popular platform where you can publish for free and earn royalties. To use KDP from Kenya, you’ll need a Payoneer account to receive payments from clients. You can also sell your own eBooks locally through platforms like Selar or Payhip, which support M-PESA services and bank payments. Whether you’re writing fiction, guides, or motivational content, self-publishing offers flexibility and passive income potential.
12. Understand the Online Writing Market in Kenya
For a successful online writing career in Kenya, you need to specialize in a niche that has a high demand in the market for you to stand out. Due to the rapid expansion of digital space in the country, businesses across various sectors are looking for content for their websites, social media, blogs and marketing materials which they can get from writers. The demand for skilled writers in Kenya is high, especially in niches such as health, tourism, education, tech and e-commerce. This is due to the increasing number of businesses transitioning to online platforms and the rise of Kenya as a tech hub and gaining digital literacy rapidly.
13. Be aware of legal aspects of online writing
As an online writer who takes his or her online writing career serious, there is a need to protect your work. Freelance contracts should include, deadlines, payment terms, and intellectual property rights to avoid disputes which may ruin your reputation. it’s important to negotiate these terms clearly in your contracts and coming into an agreement. Freelancers should be cautious about plagiarism as copying work composed by another writer may lead to legal issues. Ensure that you protect your clients data with the Data Protection Act (2019) because some of these information are very sensitive. Protect your reputation by delivering the assignment on time. This will be of great help when pursuing online writing career in Kenya.
Where to Find Online Writing Jobs in Kenya
As more Kenyans venture into the world of freelance writing, knowing where to find reliable and well-paying online writing jobs is important. The digital workspace offers a wide variety of opportunities for writers across different platforms, from global freelance marketplaces to local websites and government-backed initiatives. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get your foot in the door or an experienced writer aiming to get more clients, the right platform can significantly impact your career growth. Below is a comprehensive list of the most effective places to find online writing jobs in Kenya, complete with detailed descriptions to help you choose the best fit for your writing journey and career.
Global Freelance Marketplaces
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular freelance platforms globally and it is ideal for writers looking to build a serious online writing career. It offers a wide range of writing jobs, including blog posts, website content, SEO writing, and technical writing. Freelancers need to create a strong profile and send competitive proposals to land them in jobs. While it can be competitive at first, Upwork allows Kenyan freelancers to work with international clients and get paid through secure methods like PayPal and Payoneer.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a gig-based platform where freelancers create specific services known as gigs that clients can purchase online. It is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require pitching for jobs like other platforms. Kenyan freelancers can start by offering services such as article writing or editing at affordable rates and gradually increase their prices as they gain more reviews and experience. Fiverr is popular in Kenya because it is easy to join and supports local payment methods through Payoneer.
3. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com connects clients with writers across various industries. Writers can bid for jobs ranging from simple blog posts to more specialized tasks like technical manuals. However, it’s important to be cautious of low-paying gigs and competition from other freelancers.This platrform offers online writing jobs for students in Kenya and aids them in building a portfolio and finding part-time writing gigs. It also help as writers gain more experience in this field.
4. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance platform that also online writing jobs for students in Kenya. It features both hourly projects and fixed-price offers. Writers can create attractive profiles and offer their services in fields like blog writing, product descriptions, editing and proofreading. It is particularly good for finding clients from Europe and offers a professional interface that promotes quality work.
Kenyan & African-Based Platforms
5. Ajira Digital
Ajira Digital is an initiative by the Kenyan government through the Ministry of ICT to provide online writing jobs for students in Kenya and the youths. It provides free training, mentorship and access to online writing jobs through platforms like Upwork and Guru. Ajira also offers in-person training centers across Kenya and is one of the most trusted sources for anyone starting out in online work.
6. Kuhustle
Kuhustle is a Kenyan freelance platform that features local and international jobs in writing, tech and design. It connects businesses with freelance professionals for remote work, making it ideal for writers looking for clients within East Africa region. Writers can browse for job listings, submit proposals and negotiate terms directly with potential clients.This platform is good for online writing jobs for students in Kenya.
Job Boards for Writers
7. ProBlogger Job Board
ProBlogger is a niche job board that exclusively posts blogging and content writing jobs. It is widely trusted by professional writers and clients. Jobs on ProBlogger tend to be high-quality and often pay more than general freelance platforms. It’s ideal for bloggers with experienced online writing career in Kenya looking for consistent, well-paying gigs.
8. BloggingPro
BloggingPro is another job board dedicated to blogging, editing, and content writing opportunities. It posts fresh job listings daily, with most clients based in the U.S. and the U.K. This platform is suitable for Kenyan writers looking for international gigs and those who specialize in digital marketing or long-form blog writing and content writing.
9. We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a remote job board that includes a dedicated writing section. It features content writing, copywriting and editorial jobs from companies around the world. Most listings are for full-time remote positions, which makes it a great option for online writing jobs for students in Kenya looking for more stable work.
Remote Job Boards
10. Remote.co
Remote.co offers a curated list of remote jobs, including writing, marketing, and customer support roles. It features both freelance and full-time opportunities. This platform for online writing jobs for students in Kenya is ideal for writers seeking long-term remote contracts and offers an easy application process.
11. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a premium remote job board that charges a subscription fee but offers high-quality, verified listings. It filters out scams and provides flexible writing job opportunities for writers, from freelance gigs to part-time and full-time roles. It is best for serious writers who are willing to invest a little to find reliable, well-paying work.
Social Media & Networking
12. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is not just a professional networking site, it also has a strong job search feature for online writing jobs for students in Kenya. Kenyan writers can search for “freelance writing” or “remote content writing” and set alerts to get notified of new upcoming opportunities. Participating in writing-related groups and sharing samples of your work can also attract potential clients ready to work with you.
13. Facebook Groups
Facebook has several active groups where writing gigs are posted daily. Groups such as “Kenyan Freelance Writers,” “Online Writing Jobs Kenya,” and “Freelance Writers’ Hub” are great places to find both local and international opportunities. These groups also offer support, resources and discussions among fellow freelancers and offer online writing jobs for students in Kenya.
14. Cold Pitching (Direct Outreach)
Cold pitching involves reaching out directly to potential clients, businesses, blogs or startups, by email. Writers can introduce themselves, share a few relevant writing samples and explain how they can add value to the client’s content strategy. It is one of the proactive ways to land high-paying online writing jobs for students in Kenya, secure long-term work and build lasting relationships.
15. Writing Agencies That Hire Kenyans
Several academic and content writing agencies regularly hire Kenyan writers and this may be a good opprtunity for online writing jobs for students in Kenya. These agencies include UVOCorp, WriterBay and Livingston Research. Most of these platforms require an English proficiency test and writing samples. While they can be very competitive, they offer a steady flow of work for skilled writers and are particularly popular among university graduates.
Challenges of Freelance Writing in Kenya
Although freelancing presents itself with numerous opportunities, it is also faced with some challenges that writers need to navigate to have a better online writing career in Kenya.One major problem in freelancing is payment issues. Many international clients prefer using payment platforms like PayPal which are not fully accessible in Kenya and this is a big challenge to writers. It’s tough to get paid for online writing jobs for students in Kenya because of this. Additionally, local payment methods like bank transfers come with a high transaction fee which is a burden to writers. The client and the writer should both agree on the payment platform that best suit them to avoid such issues.
Another challenge is access to internet especially in rural areas. Writers in rural area areas with unreliable or slow internet connectivity find it hard to deliver the work in time. This can be a major problem for writers in remote place. The rise of freelancing globally has made local writers to face stiff competition especially from global freelancers. Areas like copywritng, SEO and content marketing face stiff competition. For local writers who want to pursue online writing career in Kenya, you will be required to refine your skills, create a strong portfolio and offer something unique to potential clients for you to stand out.
Time management for freelancers is a common challenge because it requires a high level of discipline to stay productive. Exercising codes of ethics in freelancing is also crucial in pursuing online writing jobs for students in Kenya. Meeting deadlines, balancing projects and ensuring a consistent output can be a problem especially for begginers who are still learning to manage time effectively.
Conclusion
As many people venture into online writing, skills and knowledge about the business are essential. Online writing will require patience and more research for a good and successful online writing career in Kenya. Having this step-by-step guide will help you to know how to go about online writing and the key things to look for. There are many online writing jobs for students in Kenya and more companies are looking for potential online writing service providers .
FAQ
Is online writing a good career?
Yes. Crafting social media blogs, online writing is growing in demand.
Are online writing jobs in demand?
Yes. The industry is evolving, and writing takes many forms, like copywriting and this opens opportunities.
How to find an online writing job?
Use platforms like Fiverr, Truelancer, and Upwork, or use websites like Remote.co and explore for opportunities.