The world of online work is filled with many opportunities, and stepping into it means embracing the freedom to work from anywhere, the ability to earn dollars, or the opportunity to work on your own terms. But for those just starting, it can be difficult to figure out. With no experience especially, it might feel like you are facing a steep learning curve. Sometimes, it takes a lot of time to get that first online job. Other times, you don’t even know where to start. But it doesn’t have to be like this if you have the right tools and resources.
In this piece, we will be looking at some beginner problems and solutions to help you score your first online job in Kenya.
“I’m Struggling to Get Started” – Identify What You Can Offer
“I Have No Experience” – Create Your Own Opportunities
“I Don’t Know What Platforms to Try” – Go to the Right Platforms
“Why Do I Keep Getting Rejections” – Improve Your Applications
“I Don’t Know How to Use Remote Work Tools” – Get Comfortable with the Basics
“How Do I Win In the Face of Competition?” – Stand Out with Personal Branding
“I Don’t Have a Laptop” – Use Your SmartPhone
“What Legit Online Jobs Can I Do” – Find Your Match
“What Online Jobs Pay Through Mpesa” – Look for Flexible Platforms
“I Need Fast Income” – Start with Gig Work
A common challenge for beginners looking to score their first online job is not knowing where to start. The solution lies in self-assessment. Begin by listing your skills. That is, anything you’re good at, even if it seems simple. For instance, organizing schedules or creating engaging social media posts can all translate into valuable online skills. If you don’t have skills that are in demand, there is an opportunity to explore fields that interest you and develop relevant skills.
To do this, use free or affordable platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, or Coursera to learn about in-demand skills. Pick one area that excites you. Dedicate five to six months to gain knowledge and hands-on practice.
One of the biggest problems for newcomers is finding online jobs with no experience. The good news is you can create your own. How?
Start small by offering your services for free or at a low rate. It could be to friends, family, local businesses, or nonprofits. For example, you can volunteer to design a simple website, manage a social media page, or write articles for a blog. These small projects will serve as the foundation of your portfolio and build your confidence. Remember, every completed project strengthens your credibility and increases your chances of landing bigger roles in the future.
Using the right online platforms can make all the difference between scoring or taking time to land your first online job. Instead of blindly searching the internet, focus on remote-friendly job boards tailored to online work. Set up alerts on two to three platforms so you are notified when relevant opportunities arise. Spend at least 30 minutes daily reviewing and applying to jobs that match your skills and interests.
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If you notice your applications are either not getting seen or accepted, you should change your approach. Most times, it is because you use generic applications. To secure online jobs, tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for. Carefully read the job description and highlight specific skills or experiences that align with the employer’s needs. Quantify your achievements if possible. For example, instead of saying, “I managed social media accounts,” try, “I increased social media engagement by 40% within three months.”
Your cover letter should start with a compelling opening line that captures the hiring manager’s attention. Avoid clichéd introductions and instead focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
It is also important to understand that every platform for securing online jobs is unique. On Upwork for instance, the hirer's tone ordinarily determines how you will write your cover letter. So you should adapt your style to match the tone of the job poster. If they maintain a formal, business-like tone, mirror that approach. If their tone is more casual and conversational, feel free to be less formal.
Many online jobs require you to use digital tools for communication, collaboration, and task management. If you’re unfamiliar with platforms like Notion, Slack, Trello, or Google Workspace, take the time to learn them. These tools are straightforward, and quick tutorials on YouTube can bring you up to speed.
Practice using these tools by setting up mock projects or collaborating with friends. For example, create a simple task board on Trello or a to-do list on Notion. Familiarity with these tools will boost your confidence and impress potential employers.
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The online job market has a lot of competition. A lot of experienced professionals are fighting for the same gig. But you can differentiate yourself by building a strong personal brand. Share your expertise on LinkedIn or Twitter by posting valuable insights, engaging with industry leaders, and participating in relevant discussions. Even small actions, like commenting thoughtfully on someone’s post, can help you make connections and gain visibility.
Quick Tip: If you’re targeting a specific niche, create content that showcases your skills. For example, if you’re interested in UI/UX design, post your work on platforms like Behance. Consistently putting yourself out there will make you stand out to potential employers.
Laptops are not the only means of getting online jobs done. If you don’t have one, you can use your smartphone. Most online jobs have been optimized for smartphones, allowing you to perform tasks like content writing, virtual assistance, transcription, or social media management directly from your phone. You can also download apps like Google Docs and Notion to handle assignments and organize your workflow. For tasks like graphic design or video editing, apps like Canva and CapCut can get the job done. As you earn, try to save up for a laptop, but don’t let its absence hold you back.
There are a lot of legit online jobs you can do to make money in Kenya. The list is endless from content writing to social media management and even web development. To score your first online job, find your match. Look for a job that best aligns with the skills you already have. If you are good across multiple industries, for instance, you can write and design graphics, try creating a specialized profile or CV for each of these. This will help employers recognize your expertise and match your qualifications to their specific needs.
View Online Jobs in Kenya 2025
You are likely worried about how you would get paid seeing that most online job platforms do not consider local financial payments. But this doesn’t have to be an issue. Online job platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow payments through Payoneer or PayPal which can be linked to your M-Pesa account. To link your PayPal to your M-Pesa account, visit www.paypal-mobilemoney.com/m-pesa, log into your PayPal account, enter your M-Pesa account phone number, accept the terms and conditions, and enter the 6-digit code sent to the number associated with your M-Pesa.
If you are looking to earn money quickly, freelance gigs or short-term contracts are good ways to start. Platforms like Fiverr offer opportunities for microtasks or small projects. Examples include editing videos, designing simple graphics, or performing basic research tasks.
Complete these gigs to build your reputation and gain positive reviews. Over time, you can transition to higher-paying, long-term opportunities. Don’t forget that your initial goal is to gain traction.
Starting your online career or getting that first online job may seem challenging at first, but with the right mindset and approach, you can overcome any hurdle. By building the necessary skills, targeting the right opportunities, and positioning yourself as a professional, you will gradually establish yourself in the online market. Keep in mind to stay focused and continue learning.
Very informative .thanks