11 Legitimate Online Jobs In Kenya You Can Start Right Now

Tired of sending out job applications and never hearing back? Or maybe you’re wondering if it’s possible to make money online in Kenya without a degree or a pricey setup. You’re not alone. And the good news is, yes, it’s very possible. From writing gigs and data entry to transcription and virtual assistant roles, there are legitimate online jobs in Kenya that pay well, even through M-Pesa. That’s probably what brought you here, and trust us, you’re in the right place.

It doesn’t matter if you are a student looking to earn on the side, a stay-at-home parent, or a recent graduate fed up with the 9-to-5 job hunt. This guide will walk you through real freelancing jobs in Kenya, how to get started, and where to find them. For most options, all you need is a smartphone or laptop, internet, and the right skills.

What Counts as an Online Job in Kenya?

An online job is any job you can do remotely using the internet. It could be freelance, part-time, full-time, or task-based. Some pay per project, others hourly. And the best part? Most don’t need a degree—just solid skills and the ability to deliver.

Here’s what makes online job opportunities in Kenya so appealing:

• Extra pay
• No commuting
• No office dress code
• Flexible hours (though some clients abroad may want you to overlap their working hours, which means working late at night)
  

But let’s also be honest: not every “online job” is legit. If a platform promises KES 3,000 per day for liking posts on WhatsApp or asks you to pay before you earn, run. We’ll show you how to spot such red flags later, but first, let’s look at online jobs that are legit and worth your time.

Best Legit Online Jobs for Kenyans Now

From writing, web development, and transcription to virtual assistance, remote jobs come in all shapes and sizes. Below are some of the most practical and legitimate online jobs in Kenya today.

1. Freelance writing jobs in Kenya

If you’ve got a way with words or even just enjoy expressing your thoughts, online writing is a smart and scalable way to earn online in Kenya. From blog posts and product reviews to full website copy, there’s always someone out there looking for content.  Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, ProBlogger, and even Glassdoor’s freelance listings are great places to find writing gigs.

What do you need to get started with online writing in Kenya? Honestly, not much. A free Google Docs account, Grammarly to clean up your typos, and a curious mind that doesn’t mind Googling things like “how to write a meta description” at 1 a.m. Sure, you can write on your tablet if you must, but trust me, a laptop will make the hustle smoother (and save you from autocorrect drama).

Beginners writing for local Kenyan clients usually start at around KES 1,400 per 1,000-word article. It’s not flashy, but it adds up. The real growth happens when you break into international markets, where some writers are pulling 15 times that for similar work. For local gigs, M-Pesa is the go-to payment gateway. For international clients, you’ll need PayPal, Wise, or Payoneer, all of which work seamlessly here in Kenya once you get the hang of them.

Ready to hit the ground running? Check out Cheap Online Courses for Freelancing and learn how to write content that clients can readily pay real money for.

2. Online transcription jobs that even pay via M-Pesa

If you’re a good listener and can type fast without crying over typos, transcription might be your thing. This is one of the best online jobs in Kenya, and involves listening to audio recordings (think interviews, podcasts, lectures) and converting them into clean, readable text.

Platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript are recognized hubs for genuine online jobs that reward skill and speed. To get started, you’ll need a laptop, noise-canceling headphones, a quiet workspace (good luck if your neighbor blasts Mugithi all day), and solid concentration.

Most transcription sites pay via PayPal, which you can easily link to M-Pesa using Payoneer or Wise. As for earnings? It depends on how fast and accurately you type. GoTranscript pays about $0.60 per audio minute, which can stack up nicely. According to Glassdoor, the average Kenyan transcriber takes home around KES 40,000 per month 

Before you get started, be ready for a quick typing or grammar test. It’s nothing intense; it’s their way of checking your speed and that you know the difference between “your” and “you’re.” If you pass, you’re in.

3. Virtual assistant (VA)

VA roles remain some of the best internet jobs for organized multitaskers. You’ll see the role go by different names (virtual secretary, remote personal assistant, or virtual administrative assistant). However, they all mean the same umbrella: helping someone else stay organized and productive from behind the scenes.

As a VA, you’ll support entrepreneurs, CEOs, or busy professionals with their day-to-day admin tasks, like managing emails, booking meetings, doing light research, or updating spreadsheets. But it doesn’t stop there. Many VAs branch out into data entry, social media support, e-commerce management, and even light website updates.

It’s an ideal gig if you’re detail-oriented and a natural multitasker. While it’s technically possible to get started on your phone, juggling calendars, spreadsheets, and multiple browser tabs is far easier on a laptop. You’ll also need to be comfortable using tools like Google Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Zoom, and Google Meet, and have decent English writing and communication chops. If you’re willing to learn and adapt and have a Wi-Fi connection that won’t betray you mid-Zoom, you’re already halfway there.

Wondering where to find legit remote online jobs like this as a Kenyan? Check out the sites below:

• Upwork
• Belay
• LinkedIn
• Time Etc
• Zirtual
• Boldly 

Now for the numbers: VAs in Kenya earn around KES 750/hour according to PayScale. Land international clients (especially in the U.S), and you could be looking at rates upwards of $20–$30/hour (per Indeed).

4. Web development

Want to build the internet, one website at a time? That’s basically what web developers do, and it’s one of the most in-demand genuine online jobs in Kenya right now. After all, businesses worldwide need someone who can code things into existence, be it simple WordPress pages or a full-blown HTML-based e-commerce website. 

The best part? You don’t need to be a coding wizard to start. With beginner-friendly tools like WordPress, you can start building real sites after just a few weeks of focused learning. It’s also a solid online income opportunity for IT, computer science, or software engineering students and grads in Kenya. 

Platforms like Upwork, Careerjet, LinkedIn, BrighterMonday, and Toptal are great places to find web development clients once you’re confident in your skills. Even Kenyan companies occasionally post remote web development gigs, so keep an eye out.

You’ll need a laptop, reliable internet, and a bit of patience. But make no mistake; website building is a high-income skill that can open serious doors. Start with small projects, build your skillset and portfolio, and soon, you could be charging hundreds of dollars per site. Clients often pay via PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, or even Remote.com.

5. Online teaching jobs in Kenya

If you’re great at explaining things (especially subjects like Math, English, or Swahili), why not teach them online and get paid in dollars? Online teaching jobs in foreign countries are on the rise, and many platforms are open to qualified and fluent English-speaking Kenyans.

Most tutoring platforms require you to speak clearly, communicate confidently, and know your stuff. Some may ask for subject-specific certifications, like a TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) if you want to teach English internationally.

Here are a few trusted companies that Kenyans can count on for online tutor jobs:

• Preply
• Cambly
• TeacherOn
• Verbling
• Italki
• Varsity Tutors

And no, you don’t need a fancy home office or PC to get started. Many tutors are teaching online with only a smartphone. Master your favorite subject, install tools like Squid, MS OneNote, Kahoot, and Blooket for interactive lessons, and turn on DND (Do Not Disturb) to prevent interruptions mid-session.

Pay for online teaching ranges from $10 to $38 per hour, depending on the subject and platform. According to Glassdoor, the estimated average salary for an online English tutor in Kenya hovers around KES 35,000, with room to grow as you gain experience. Payments are usually made via PayPal, Wise, or Payoneer, and you can easily transfer the funds to your M-Pesa account when you’re ready to cash out.

6. Social media assistant (Gen Z, this is for you)

If you spend hours scrolling through Instagram or TikTok (maybe even creating your content) and know what makes for viral social media content, you could get paid for it. Many small businesses and solo entrepreneurs in Kenya and abroad need help running their social pages. That includes everything from creating eye-catching posts to replying to DMs and scheduling content. And guess what? You could be their next social media assistant or manager.

For this highly recommended online job, please get comfortable with tools like Canva, Buffer, and Meta Business Suite, but the best part? You can do pretty much everything from your smartphone. 

Social media gigs are available on Upwork, via referrals, or by pitching directly to Kenyan brands that need help standing out online.

Payment varies depending on your skills, the size of the company, what tasks you handle, and whether you’re freelancing or on contract. According to YuDigify, a top-rated digital marketing agency, entry-level social media marketers in Kenya can expect around KES 30,000 per month per client. Once you prove yourself, it’s easy to scale and take on multiple clients.

PS: Social media management also counts among the best online jobs for students in Kenya.

7. E-commerce/Online reselling

Love buying and selling things? You can turn that into a full-blown online hustle. Plenty of Kenyans are already flipping clothes, books, electronics, and beauty products on platforms like Jiji, Instagram, and Facebook Marketplace. Others are cashing in on digital products like ebooks, printables, and Canva & Excel templates, all of which you can create and sell online, right from the comfort of your home or apartment. 

This is one of the most beginner-friendly online legit jobs in Kenya, particularly if you have a bit of marketing flair and a drive to hustle. Typically, all you need is your smartphone, social media access, and a way to receive payments (hello, M-Pesa). However, watch out for fake vendor registration fees on sketchy pages. If it feels off, it probably is.

And how about going bigger with dropshipping in Kenya? This e-commerce model lets you run an online shop without ever handling the inventory. You market and sell the items, and once a customer places an order, you forward it to a third-party supplier (aka the dropshipper), who handles packaging and delivery. In many setups, your only job is to market the products and manage customer communication, while the supplier deals with fulfillment behind the scenes.

8. Remote data entry jobs in Kenya

If you’re a Kenyan student juggling 8 a.m. lectures, CATs (those with customized questions per student), and the occasional maandamano (ah yes, greetings from the government), data entry might just be your low-stress entry into the online workspace. It’s one of the best online jobs in Kenya for student life—low pressure, flexible hours, and no complex skills required. You’ll mostly be entering info into spreadsheets, updating records, or doing basic research online.

Platforms like Clickworker, Microworkers, and Upwork regularly post remote data entry gigs, but don’t sleep on Google search. Type “remote data entry jobs Kenya” and you can expect a lengthy list of opportunities from both local and international companies. Job boards like BrighterMonday or freelancing WhatsApp/Facebook groups also drop good leads if you keep your eyes peeled.

You won’t need fancy software. A laptop, basic typing skills, Google Sheets or Excel, and a strong attention to detail will take you far. Speed matters, but so does accuracy, especially if you’re hoping to get repeat clients. While you can do some tasks on your phone, a laptop saves you from finger fatigue and formatting frustrations.

I came across a Facebook post offering KES 600/day for a short data entry task. That may not be flashy, but it gets the job done. And by “job,” I mean money for your bundles, daily meals, late-night snacks, and perhaps that bedsitter upgrade you’ve been eyeing.

9. Affiliate marketing in Kenya

Want to earn while you sleep? Okay, maybe not right away, but affiliate marketing in Kenya can become a steady source of passive income if you play your cards right. The idea is simple: you promote a product or service using a special tracking link, and whenever someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. You don’t handle inventory, delivery, or customer service; just good marketing.

Getting started doesn’t need money, just some creativity and internet access. You can promote through YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or even a free blog on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. Focus on a niche you understand (think clothing, skincare, tech, health, online tools), and then join affiliate programs in Kenya like Jumia Affiliate, Amazon Associates, Dr. Rashel, HostPinnacle, BrandCart, or HostAfrica. 

Pro tip: product reviews, how-tos, and comparison content work well, especially if you keep it authentic and local.

You can do all this straight from your smartphone; record videos, write posts, and share your links with your audience. It takes time to build trust and traffic, but if you’re consistent and honest with your content and master how to handle customer objections, the commissions start to stack up. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly freelancing jobs in Kenya, and the earning potential is surprisingly solid once you find your rhythm.

10. SEO audits for local businesses

If you’ve ever ranked your website, helped a friend’s biashara rank better on Google, or just geeked out over meta descriptions and page speed scores, you might be sitting on a legit online income stream.

Kenyan business owners are finally realizing that being online isn’t enough if no one can find you, but most can’t tell what’s holding their websites back. Perhaps their site takes ages to load, or the content is all vibes but no strategy. That’s where your SEO expertise comes in. You’ll assess their site health, check for broken links, optimize keywords, improve loading speed, and offer actionable recommendations to help them rank higher and attract qualified leads. Be it a shoe shop in Kisumu or a cleaning company in Nairobi, your job is to show them what’s broken and how to fix it.

To offer SEO audits in Kenya, you’ll need to be familiar with the local search landscape and tools like Google Search Console, Ubersuggest, Ahrefs (free version works fine to start), Pagespeed Insights, and maybe Screaming Frog for technical SEO. 

Skip the job boards. Your best bet is LinkedIn or email outreach. Identify local businesses with websites (or those that just launched one), check their online presence, and send a friendly pitch with one or two helpful suggestions. Once they see the value, most are open to paying for a full audit. Don’t sleep on referrals, either; many SMEs will gladly recommend you once you help them stop being invisible online. 

You’ll charge based on the depth of the analysis and whether you include extras like competitor research or a keyword roadmap. M-Pesa is the go-to for local payments, but when you go international, PayPal, Remote.com, or Wise will come in handy.

A bit about AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)…

With Zero-Click Searches (hello, Google AI Overview) claiming more screen space, ranking alone isn’t enough. If you understand how AI-generated answers work and how to optimize for visibility, brand mentions, and SERP presence even when the clicks don’t come, you’ve got an edge most SEO pros are still chasing. This is your moment to show up with answers to clients watching their traffic dip.

How to Avoid Online Job Scams in Kenya

Yes, online job opportunities in Kenya are legit, but the scams are too, thanks to a wave of shady “employers” looking to cash in on unsuspecting hustlers. They’re getting sneakier by the day, so if something feels off, don’t ignore that gut feeling.

Obvious red flags? Any person or company that asks you to pay upfront to “unlock” tasks, promises KES 4,000 per day for minimal effort, or doesn’t have a website, reviews, or any traceable online presence. That’s not how real jobs work.

To stay safe, Google the company’s name + “scam”, check online reviews, or ask around in trusted communities like Ajira Digital forums, Reddit Kenya, or legit freelancer WhatsApp groups. If you’re still unsure, trust your gut. Scams often rely on urgency and FOMO; don’t fall for it.

Bottom line? Stay sharp out there. Plenty of genuine internet jobs exist, but you must dodge the traps first.

Conclusion

Online jobs in Kenya are no longer a myth. They are real, they pay (yes, even through M-Pesa), and are waiting for go-getters like you. And you don’t have to do everything. Whether it’s writing blog posts, offering SEO audits to local businesses, doing transcription gigs with your headphones on, managing Instagram pages, reselling thrift finds on Jiji, or even teaching English to foreigners online, there’s a lane for everyone.

The key to success with one of these best legit online jobs in Kenya? Pick a skill, learn it well, and start small. With consistency, even one online gig can grow into a full-time hustle.

If you’re wondering where to start or how to level up your online venture, ContentGenics has your back. Check out our other blog posts on freelancing in Kenya, including guides on affordable online courses, where to find legit writing gigs, and pitfalls to avoid. See you there!

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.