How To Get Online Writing Jobs in Kenya (and Get Paid)

We’ve been there before: jobless, underpaid, or looking for a solid way to make extra cash. So you grab your phone and Google how to get online writing jobs in Kenya, hoping this could finally be the thing that gets you out of a tight spot. If that’s you right now, this guide is for you.

You see, freelance writing has moved from that thing you do on the side to a full-on way to earn a living for many Kenyans. The good part? You don’t need a degree or fancy setup to begin. And the better part? You can start now. All it takes for this online job opportunity is decent grammar, a capable laptop, reliable internet, a willingness to learn, and some strategy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to land writing gigs that pay real money, whether article writing, ghostwriting, blogging, or even social media copywriting. And yes, some pay via M-Pesa.

Let’s start with the basics.

Online Writing Jobs Overview

Online jobs are writing gigs you can do from your PC (and occasionally, smartphone) for someone else, whether overseas or locally. They are legitimate online jobs for Kenyans and come in all shapes and sizes. And yes, you get paid real money, most of the time in dollars and sometimes in M-Pesa.

You could be:

• Authoring blog posts or articles for websites
• Creating social media posts for small businesses
• Ghostwriting eBooks
• Writing product descriptions
• Handling academic writing gigs, though, proceed with caution due to the ethics involved (think Unemployed Professors writing accounts)
• Crafting service pages, landing pages, or email sequences (cue copywriting)
  

In short, if it involves putting words together in a way that makes sense, someone’s probably willing to pay for it. There are three routes Kenyans can get started:

1. Online writing sites in Kenya

These are Kenya-based websites that connect freelance writers with clients. Some offer M-Pesa withdrawals, which is great if you don’t have PayPal. You’ll see names like Nery Turtlez or ProWritersTime pop up when you search. Some people make money from them, others have horror stories. Before trusting a site with your ID and time, check Reddit or Glassdoor. If there’s no real feedback from actual users, proceed with caution.

2. Freelance platforms or content mills

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Verblio, and Textbroker assign work to writers on demand. While competitive, they are decent places to begin once you build some online writing skills from Kenya coaches or learning platforms like Udemy. You’ll get hands-on experience meeting deadlines, following client briefs, and handling feedback, which is valuable practice for higher-paying writing gigs later on.

3. Contract writing

Here, you find your own clients on LinkedIn or by cold-pitching companies, and negotiate your rate. This route pays more but also takes more effort upfront. Still, it’s the dream for many writers once they’ve got a few projects under their belt.

How Do I Become an Online Writer in Kenya? Start Here

Okay, so you’re ready to start. But not so fast. You don’t want to hop on Facebook and say how badly you need a writing job. That’s how scams happen.

First, set yourself up for success. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Choose a niche

You don’t need to write about everything. In fact, that’s the fastest way to get burnt out or ignored.

Instead, focus on a few areas you’re good at or want to learn more about. Maybe you love tech, skincare, finance, parenting, or cryptocurrency. Whatever it is, start reading content in that niche and practicing how to write for it.

A niche helps you stand out. After all, clients want to know you get their industry. For example, a potential client looking for someone who understands skincare is more likely to trust a writer who specializes in beauty and lifestyle content than a generalist.

Plus, niching down makes you easier to refer to others. 

2. Improve your writing skills

The writing bar isn’t super high online, but clients still expect clean, readable content. That doesn’t mean you have to sound like a professor; at the very least, be clear and helpful. The tone will vary from casual, conversational to professional, depending on the voice of the brand you’re writing for and the type of writing (blog vs essay).

Start with free tools like Grammarly to catch typos and weird sentences. And if your writing feels a bit wordy or clunky? The Hemingway App can help make it sharper and easier to follow.

If you’re ready to level up, consider investing in freelance writing coaching in Kenya; it typically costs around Ksh 3,000. Plus, you can explore affordable online courses in writing and copywriting on platforms like Udemy and Coursera, which come with a certificate you can share via link, LinkedIn profile, or PDF. For free freelance writing training in Kenya, Ajira Digital remains one of the best options. 

For better pay, master optimization. Most clients want blog content that ranks on Google. That’s where SEO writing (plus AI optimization) comes in, and it’s not as scary as it sounds.

3. Build a mini portfolio

A portfolio is what separates you from everyone else shouting they can online. You don’t need a fancy website at first. Create a couple of samples and put them in a Google Drive folder, Medium, or a free WordPress.com site. Don’t worry if they’re not client work; write as if they were.

Cover different styles if you can; one blog post, one product description, maybe a home page for a fake brand. If you’ve done academic writing, include an essay or research summary. And why not try LinkedIn articles?

But suppose you have already worked with a client. Ask if you can include your work in your portfolio. Most will say yes if the work is public (like a blog post) or if you remove their name from private stuff.

4. Polish your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is slept on, but it’s a goldmine if you use it right.

• Start with a specific headline. “Freelance writer | SEO blog writer | Open to remote writing projects” beats merely saying “Writer.” 
• Fix your About section. Talk about what you do, what you write about, and what kind of clients you work with. Mention your niche, your experience level, and what value you bring. 
• Adding certifications from your online courses and a link to your portfolio goes a long way. These small details build trust and show that you’ve invested in your skills, boosting your odds of getting online writing jobs in Kenya.
• Connect and engage with relevant decision-makers like content managers, editors, and startup founders. These are the people who often hire writers. I’ve personally seen some of them post or DM writers about online writing opportunities.
• Post consistently, even if it is once a week. It could be a short tip, a story about your writing journey, or even celebrating small wins. It might feel slow at first, but that consistency adds up. That’s how your feed becomes a place where potential clients, other writers, and potential collaborators notice you and root for you.

Where to Find Legit Writing Jobs In Kenya (and Get Paid)

Once your writing samples and profile are in place, it’s time to stop watching YouTube videos about freelance writing and start applying. 

Most Kenyan writers begin by applying on freelance platforms and cold-pitching businesses. Let’s break that down, and more..

1. Apply on global freelance platforms 

Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour are among the best freelance sites in Kenya and beyond, where you can earn from home. Every day, clients post jobs here, including writing gigs for blogs, websites, eBooks, and more. When you sign up, create a proper profile with a clear headline, detailed bio, and links to your writing samples.

Pro tip: Don’t wait for invitations. Search for writing jobs, filter by “entry-level” or “intermediate,” and send proposals regularly. Use personalized messages, not copy-paste templates, to show that you read the client’s brief and understand what they need.

These sites are competitive, yes, but if your profile is clean and your samples are solid, someone will take a chance on you.

Also, explore writing sites that pay daily for beginners. You might find platforms or agencies that work specifically with Kenyan writers and offer M-Pesa payouts. They may not pay much, but for new writers, that instant cashout is helpful. Just make sure you vet them properly; some can be shady.

2. Check out Google Jobs

Search “content writer jobs” or something similar on Google, then look under the “Jobs” tab. You’ll be surprised how many opportunities show up, including remote roles. Some listings directly link you to the hiring companies’ websites, while others redirect to hiring platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor.

If something catches your eye but you are too swamped to send an application right away, you can save it for later. There’s also an option to share the job listing via email or WhatsApp, so yes, you can WhatsApp yourself the job link to revisit it when you’re settled and ready to apply.  

3. Pitch directly to businesses

This is where most people hesitate, but it’s one of the best ways to land high-paying online writing jobs in Kenya. A pitch is a short, clear message that simply says you’re a writer and can help. 

Start by identifying businesses that already have blogs or websites but don’t seem to update them often, or whose content could use some serious upgrade. Then, reach out to decision makers in these companies with a friendly, direct message via email or LinkedIn. You probably know how to search on LinkedIn, but what about email? A tool like Hunter can help. You only need to type in the company’s domain (like examplecompany.com), and it’ll populate possible email addresses for people at that business. 

Keep your outreach message short and personal. Mention their name, include a few lines about what you like about their business, and explain how you can help them do better with their content. Don’t forget to link to your best samples.

You don’t need to start with big brands. Local businesses are more approachable, open to affordable help, and easily the best options for writing jobs that pay via M-Pesa in Kenya. Once you’ve got a few wins, slowly reach out to international clients as your confidence and portfolio grow.

4. Article writing sites

Unlike content mills that pay peanuts for bulk work, article writing sites are more like niche media outlets looking for writers who can contribute quality content. 

Take SlashGear, for example. It covers everything from gaming and science to cars and tech. Then there’s Jalopnik, which is all about car culture, House Digest for home improvement hacks, Chowhound if you love food, and MoneyDigest if finance is your thing. All of these fall under Static Media, a parent company that works with even freelance article writers in Kenya. I can vouch that some of their roles pay quite well once you get in.

Unlike traditional pitching, where you send in a draft and wait, these sites don’t accept unsolicited submissions. Instead, they open paid writing positions from time to time. So you’ll need to keep tabs on their career pages or LinkedIn job listings to apply..

5. Review sites

You can get paid for sharing your opinion. It doesn’t need to be fancy writing; honest, structured feedback clicks for these sites. Examples include:

• Listverse: Pays $100 for each accepted article. The catch? It has to be list-style with at least 10 interesting things. Quirky, weird, educational, and wildly entertaining lists do well here.
• SliceThePie: It’s more casual. You review things like music, fashion items, games, or videos. No experience needed; log in, give your thoughts, and earn small payments for each review. While the payouts are modest, it’s a good place to warm up your writing muscles and make a bit of lunch money while at it.
  

6. Websites that pay you to write

Some websites will pay you to write articles on specific topics, and some pay instantly once your article is approved. These are usually niche blogs or online magazines focused on industries like travel, health and wellness, crypto, parenting, women’s lifestyle, or even environmental advocacy. They are gems for freelancers who don’t mind research and love crafting thoughtful content.

The publications have clear contributor guidelines and expect you to pitch a topic that fits their voice and audience. Editors get swamped and will skip over pitches that ignore basic requirements, so follow those instructions carefully.

A few good ones to explore include Science Friday, Tractor Beam, Planetizen, and Kinship. The pay varies by site, but some offer rates starting from $0.80/word and upwards of $1,000 per article. 

 7. Writing job boards and aggregators

Mastering how to get writing clients can feel like digging through haystacks, and that’s where writing job boards and aggregators come in handy.

A job board is a platform where employers post job openings, and job seekers browse and apply based on their skills and interests. On the other hand, aggregators pull together freelance writing opportunities from across the web, including listings from job boards, company career pages, and agency websites, so you don’t have to jump between 10 different tabs to find a decent lead.

Some of these sites offer free access to job listings, while others offer “premium” or members-only online writing opportunities for a small subscription fee.

A few worth checking out:

a. WritersWeekly

This is one of the oldest newsletters in the freelance world, running since 1997. They pay $60 for 600-word articles that focus on writing and publishing, and they also compile job leads from sites like Problogger, Indeed, and LinkedIn.

b. BloggingPro

A reliable job board for remote, full-time, and freelance writing jobs. It’s fairly active, making it a good place to check in a few times a week.

c. ProBlogger

This platform used to be one of the best for freelance writers. While it’s not as active as it once was (job listings have dropped from over 100 to less than 30 per month), you can still find decent leads now and then. At the time of writing this, the most recent job was over two weeks old, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. They also have helpful writing guides.

d. Shoutt

A newer player but growing quickly, especially for content and blogging jobs. Some of the gigs here are remote-friendly and perfect for Kenyan freelancers. There’s a free plan with limited listings and a premium option that unlocks more exclusive jobs.

Whether free or paid, job boards and aggregators can save you hours of scrolling. You still have to vet each online job opportunity and tailor your application, but at least you’ll know where to look.

8. Join writer communities

You don’t have to do this alone. There are vibrant online writing communities where freelancers share tips, job leads, and even refer each other to clients.

Begin your search on local Facebook groups; these are excellent avenues for landing writing jobs that pay via M-Pesa in Kenya. You’ll also find global groups like “Cult of Copy Job Board,” which are perfect if you’re aiming to work with international clients. On LinkedIn, besides scrolling determinedly on the jobs tab, follow content writing and freelance-focused pages, then engage with other writers in the comments. You’ll learn a lot by being in the mix and might even land a referral or two.

And don’t underestimate TikTok. Yes, it’s full of entertainment, but I’ve seen well-paying online job opportunities shared there, too. Some creators break down how they find clients, what platforms are working for them, and even drop direct leads.

Writing Jobs That Pay via M-Pesa in Kenya

Wondering which online writing jobs pay through M-Pesa in Kenya? You’ve got a few solid options.

Start with local clients on Facebook and WhatsApp job groups. These are often fellow freelancers with too much workload or contractors who run writing accounts and need reliable writers to help them meet deadlines. The pay may not be huge at first, but it’s quick, and most pay via M-Pesa.

You’ll also find local brands hiring for blog writing or social media copywriting. Some are small businesses trying to grow their online presence, others are startups that need content but aren’t using big international platforms yet. Keep an eye on Kenyan job boards or company career pages; they sometimes list freelance or remote writing roles with local payout options.

How to Be a Ghostwriter and Make Money

Ghostwriting is one path worth exploring if you’re looking into writing jobs from home. It’s where you craft content, whether blog posts, eBooks, online courses, or scripts, but under someone else’s name. And surprise: it can pay more than regular writing gigs.

You can find ghostwriting opportunities on Upwork, specialized job boards, or by pitching directly to coaches, business owners, influencers, or founders through LinkedIn. If you’re consistent and good at what you do, referrals start to come in.

Many ghostwriters eventually build content agencies that handle everything from blogs and newsletters to social media and sales pages. I’ve also seen YouTube creators hiring ghostwriters for scripts, which is another route you can try once you gain some experience.

There are ghostwriting apps that pay, too, like LucidNovel. Once accepted, you get paid through signing bonuses, revenue share, or book completion bonuses. For example:

• Write a book with 30,000+ words and you’ll receive a $200 signing bonus if you’re exclusive to them, or $75 if you’re not.
• For books between 80,000 and 119,999 words, exclusive writers earn a $200 completion bonus, while non-exclusive writers get $100.
  

That’s not bad if you enjoy storytelling and long-form writing.

How Can I Earn Money by Writing Blogs?

“How can I write blogs and turn that into cash?” You’re not the only one asking.

Start by understanding how blog posts are structured. Then, write 3 to 5 solid samples and learn some SEO basics. Once that’s done, you’ve got two main paths:

a. Freelance blog writing gigs

Plenty of clients need writers for regular blog content. These include marketing agencies, startups, and online brands. You’ll find such jobs on Glassdoor, FlexJobs, LinkedIn, Workana, and Problogger. If you land a gig that gives you a byline or author profile on a well-known site, even better. It builds credibility.

What about Indeed? Unfortunately, most job listings there aren’t accessible to Kenyans, and verification usually needs a phone number from a supported country.

b. Start a blog

Why not launch a blog focusing on a topic you’re passionate about, then monetize it through ads, affiliate links, or digital products? Just know that Google Ads won’t work on a free site. You’ll need to host it on platforms like HOSTAFRICA or any local provider.

If you’re using WordPress.com, you’d need to upgrade to their premium plan, which costs around $8/month. That’s close to Ksh 12,000 a year, not counting Forex charges or VAT. Self-hosting in Kenya is usually more affordable and gives you more control.

How Much Is One Paid for Online Writing in Kenya?

Now that you’ve got a grip on how to get started, let’s talk money. So, how much do online writers make in Kenya?

It depends on your niche, skill level, and who you’re working with. If a fellow Kenyan freelancer gives you subcontracted work, you’ll likely earn between Ksh 1 to 2 per word as a beginner. So if you’re writing 1,200 words a day, you’re looking at Ksh 1,200 to 2,400 daily, which is not bad for a start, especially if you’re consistent.

But that’s not where you want to stay forever.

You’ll earn better if you work directly with Kenyan brands looking for blog writers or social media content creators. Even better? Go for international clients in South Africa, the U.S., Europe, or Australia. Many Kenyan writers are already doing this and pulling in over Ksh 400,000 per month from a mix of regular clients and high-paying ghostwriting projects. Yep, the screenshots on LinkedIn aren’t lying; you only need the skills and consistency to get there.

Final Thoughts: Write for Cash, Skip the Scams

Online writing jobs in Kenya are real, accessible, and increasingly profitable. Double down on building the required skills, pitching ethically, and delivering quality work. It might not feel like fast money, but it adds up with time and effort.

Whether you’re chasing after ghostwriting gigs, trying to earn from blogging, or looking for writing jobs that pay via M-Pesa, the most important move is to start now. You could begin with one blog post, a pitch, or even a single LinkedIn post. Regardless, stay consistent and curious ( think signing up for freelance writing coaching in Kenya to get local expert help). However, avoid flashy job ads, random account sellers, or anyone asking for a “registration fee” (unless it’s a legit job board or a trusted aggregate site you’ve researched).

Need more guidance on how to make money online in Kenya legitimately? Check out our Freelancing category for more practical tips and insights.

Ezekiel Maina

Ezekiel Maina is the brains behind ContentGenics, where he pairs creativity and strategy for B2B and B2C content. He has written for brands like House Digest, iFoundries, and BeamJobs, covering topics like home improvement, real estate, freelancing, digital marketing, and career development. By day, he’s crafting content or catching up with clients from his home office, lost in a good book, or occasionally chasing adventure outside. By late evening, he’s typically deep in a documentary rabbit hole on Netflix or YouTube.