One of the most common questions I get asked is whether my love for writing pays my rent and utility bills. For sure, I am usually hesitant to respond to such questions, but today, I will be completely transparent. To be able to benefit from writing fully, you must be willing to put in the “smart and hard” work together so as to be able to reap all the ripe fruits in it. For me, writing is not just a side hustle or a job; it is a survival skill where each day presents new opportunities to learn and grow.
In Kenya, youth aged 15-34 face an unemployment rate of 67%, with this demographic comprising 35% of the Kenyan population. The competition for securing traditional jobs is becoming harder every day. However, the silver lining is that millions of Kenyan youth have access to the internet, meaning that if they’re determined, they can earn online through opportunities such as content writing, graphic design, and digital marketing.
For me personally, I have never failed to utilize any opportunity to try to have food on my table. My journey with writing started three years ago, a few years after joining university to study Mathematics and Computer Science. However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdown period that I remember very well having the energy to engage fully in writing and coding simultaneously. Fast-forward to the present day, I won’t say I’m a guru at it, but as I mentioned previously, I take each day as a chance to learn and embrace new ideas. The journey itself has its own fair share of ups and downs. I have made mistakes and learned from them, and while trying to give you a glimpse of my journey in this niche, I also try to share solutions and baby steps to get you started, plus what to avoid.
How Did I Break Into Writing with Zero Experience?
For many interested in writing or any online work in Kenya, freelance platforms have become a seemingly quick and easy route into it. That’s where I started too, but to be honest, they work well if you have the needed experience and skills—which wasn’t the case for me. I hope this doesn’t scare you, but if it does, you should know that there are alternative pathways that can work better for beginners.
When breaking into writing, skills matter most. If this doesn’t make sense yet, below is the unfiltered roadmap of what worked (and what did not) for me, plus my advice on how to quickly grow, whether going independent or working for others.
Upwork, Fiverr, and Early Rejections
Upwork and Fiverr were among the first platforms I tried for jobs, but sadly, they didn’t work out for me because I lacked the skills to compete with other freelancers. Upwork alone has 18 million freelancers, so you can imagine how difficult it can be to get an entry-level role with competition both locally and internationally.
But the fact that it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. The journey is tough, but not giving up on what you believe in is really what matters. What no one told me when I was getting started is that you first need to develop the skills, adopt the right attitude towards the job, and build a portfolio to showcase your work.
Most freelance platforms operate on a bidding system, meaning that you must write a proposal to a client, convincing them why they should consider you over other freelancers who are also bidding for the same task. A good way to stand out is to have a portfolio to showcase your past projects.
Having a portfolio doesn’t mean that you have to build a website from scratch. Many free platforms today, such as Medium and LinkedIn, allow you to publish your work samples for free, which you can then share with your clients.
Pro Tip for Beginners: With zero experience, instead of looking for online content writing gigs on international platforms, you can source jobs directly from local job sites such as MyJobMag and BrighterMonday, since they have much lower competition for entry-level roles. Some platforms, like NerdyTurtlez, pay between KES 200 and KES 500 per 250 words, making them excellent starting points for new writers.
The Power of Mentorship and Networking
My biggest breakthroughs in landing writing gigs have not come through freelance platforms but through networking with other professionals. When I realized that things were just not working for me, I accepted the opportunity to be mentored and be shown how the writing industry actually operates.
One of the challenges I faced when I first started blogging was launching my first blog in September 2021. I was naive and excited about writing and publishing my content, but I couldn’t help wondering why my posts weren’t performing, even though I knew how to write.
However, it wasn’t until I sought mentorship that I realized that writing is not just about hitting the publish button but a process that requires proper research, outlining, drafting, proofreading, SEO optimization, formatting, and more.
As you can see, accepting coaching allows you to understand deeper elements you might not know. Additionally, it’s not just about gaining knowledge. If you become skilled at something, networking can open endless doors through referrals to many clients in the industry.
Networking Strategy That Works: Join local writing groups on Facebook, LinkedIn professional networks, and attend virtual writing workshops. Many Kenyan writers share opportunities within these communities before posting them publicly.
Landing Your First Paying Gig
If you’re going solo, it can be challenging, but the road less traveled often offers better rewards. Aside from networking, what has worked for me in the past is pitching directly to editors. How does it work? If you’ve been eyeing a certain publication, reach out to the editor by pitching your request to contribute to their publication.
While doing so, make sure your pitch stands out by clearly stating what you want to write for them, why, and the unique angles you’re willing to bring to differentiate yourself from the rest.
A good pitch should usually be between 100 and 200 words. The approach I use to write pitches involves using AI generators like ChatGPT as a starting point, but I always thoroughly edit the output to add a human touch before sending it for consideration.
Here’s a pitch template that has worked for me:
Subject: Article Pitch: [Specific Topic] for [Publication Name]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m a Kenyan content writer specializing in [your niche], and I’ve been following [Publication Name] for [specific reason].
I’d love to contribute an article titled “[Your Proposed Title]” that would explore [brief description of your unique angle]. This piece would be valuable to your readers because [specific benefit].
My approach would include [2-3 key points you’ll cover], and I can deliver [word count] words within [timeframe].
I’ve attached two writing samples that demonstrate my expertise in this area.
Thank you for considering my pitch. I look forward to potentially contributing to [Publication Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Important Tip: Avoid mentioning compensation in your initial proposal; focus on what you want to deliver first. If you’re accepted and your work is good enough, you’ll be hired when opportunities arise.
Building a Blog and Battling Google’s Algorithm
If you decide to venture out on your own and start a blog, you should know that blogging in Kenya has evolved significantly over time. It’s not as straightforward as it used to be, but it’s still a niche that pays well if done correctly.
Personally, I can’t deny that blogging has worked for me in the past, not just in terms of earnings but also in terms of industry exposure. The best way to scale your blog quickly is through experimentation and knowing how to set yourself apart from competitors. Your monetization channels also count toward earning revenue from your blog. Some of the best ways to earn through blogging in Kenya are via Google AdSense, affiliate links, and sponsored posts.
My Costly AI Mistake and Google’s Response
When you’re starting with a blog, one of the temptations you may face is using AI tools to write extensively. Here’s my honest take: while AI is already becoming integral to content creation, relying on it too heavily can be detrimental. My regrettable mistake was using tools such as ChatGPT excessively, and honestly, it worked for me initially until Google made algorithmic changes from time to time.
The Google core updates are Google’s means of promoting websites to rank better in search results or downranking them. As of 2026, Google heavily favors websites that display high levels of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
What I Learned: Google’s algorithms have become sophisticated at detecting AI-generated content that lacks human insight and personal experience. The key is not avoiding AI entirely, but using it as a research and editing assistant while ensuring your content reflects genuine expertise and personal insights.
2026 and Beyond: What Works and What Doesn’t
What worked for me in previous years no longer works today. Times are evolving, and with the rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies, producing content is becoming easier than ever. However, with any changes, the sooner you adapt, the easier it becomes to scale successfully.
The Dos
- Niche Expertise: Google favors content that shows authority, and the best way to demonstrate that is by finding a topic in which you have genuine expertise. There are numerous niches you can explore, from SaaS, finance, and SEO to academic writing, health, and technology. Choose one where you can consistently demonstrate deep knowledge.
- Localized Content: If you’re going to build a blog, the best way to grow is to attract loyal readers, and the most effective approach is to write about local stories and challenges while offering solutions that Kenyans can understand and implement. The best way to find writing ideas is to use keyword research tools like Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, and SEMrush to identify what Kenyans are actually searching for.
- Multimedia Integration: To boost your blog engagement and make your content more appealing, add videos, infographics, podcasts, or interactive elements.
- Consistency and Quality Over Quantity: Rather than publishing daily low-quality content, focus on creating comprehensive, well-researched pieces that truly help your audience solve problems or learn something valuable.
The Don’ts
- Over-reliance on AI: While Google claims it focuses on rewarding quality content regardless of how it’s produced, recent core updates suggest otherwise. While I don’t advocate completely avoiding AI tools, when you do use them, thoroughly edit your content to add a human touch, personal insights, and genuine expertise before publishing to avoid being downranked by search engines.
- Ignoring SEO Basics: Avoid small mistakes that can hurt your website rankings. This includes producing low-quality content while neglecting other factors, such as keyword stuffing, thin content, missing titles and meta descriptions, and poor linking practices. As a bonus, you can use tools like Neuron Writer, Surfer SEO, or Clearscope to optimize your content before publishing.
- Chasing Trends Blindly: I can’t stress this enough—avoid writing about everything simply because it’s trending. Identify one niche that suits you and become exceptionally skilled at it. This builds your authority and makes you the go-to person in that space.
- Neglecting Your Audience: Don’t write just for search engines. Your primary focus should always be creating content that genuinely helps your readers. When you solve real problems, rankings and revenue naturally follow.
Understanding Payment Systems in Kenya
One aspect I wish I’d understood earlier is how to efficiently receive payments. As a Kenyan content writer, you have several options for getting paid.
M-PESA remains the most convenient for local clients, allowing you to receive money directly to your phone. For international clients, PayPal now connects to M-PESA, making withdrawals easier. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Payoneer are also reliable options for receiving payments from global clients.
Always clarify payment terms before starting any project. Weekly payments help with cash flow management better than monthly arrangements, especially when you’re starting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make money as a writer in 2026?
In 2026, writers make money through multiple channels including freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr), direct client pitching, blogging with monetization (Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts), and specialized niches like SEO content writing, AI ethics writing, and podcast content creation. The key is choosing a profitable niche where you can demonstrate expertise, building a strong portfolio, and consistently delivering quality work that solves client problems.
How to become a content writer with no experience online?
Start by choosing a specific niche (SEO, finance, health, technology), then create writing samples on free platforms like Medium or LinkedIn to build your portfolio. Focus on local job sites like MyJobMag and BrighterMonday, where competition is lower than on international platforms. Seek mentorship from established writers, join writing communities on Facebook and LinkedIn, and practice consistently while learning SEO basics and proper research techniques.
How much does online writing pay in Kenya?
Beginner content writers in Kenya typically earn KES 1-3 per word for local clients, while experienced writers in specialized niches command KES 5-15 per word or more. Professional writers often charge at least KES 8 per word or US$ 0.05 per word. Platforms like NerdyTurtlez pay KES 200-500 per 250 words for beginners. International rates follow similar patterns: beginners earn $0.05-$0.10 per word, intermediate writers $0.30-$0.50 per word, and advanced writers $1-$1.50 per word.
Can I use ChatGPT as a writer?
Yes, but strategically. In 2026, successful writers use ChatGPT as a research and editing assistant, not as their primary writer. Google’s algorithm heavily favors content showing genuine expertise and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). The recommended approach is to use AI for 80% of routine tasks (drafting outlines, FAQs, research compilation) while dedicating 20% to high-impact original pieces with personal insights. Always edit AI outputs thoroughly, add your unique examples and expertise, and fact-check all claims before publishing.
How much should I charge for a 1000-word article?
Pricing for a 1,000-word article varies by experience and niche. Beginners typically charge $50-$100 (KES 7,000-14,000), intermediate writers $300-$500 (KES 42,000-70,000), and advanced writers $1,000-$1,500+ (KES 140,000-210,000+). For research articles, new freelancers might start around $75 while experienced writers charge $250 or more. Blog articles with less technical content typically command lower rates. When using AI assistance for significant editing and research, fair client rates range from $75-$250 for streamlined work to $250-$600+ for work that includes research, visuals, and publishing.
Which AI is best for content writing?
The top AI tools for content writing in 2026 are ChatGPT (best overall), Claude (best for natural, human-like writing), Gemini (best for Google Workspace users), Surfer (best for SEO-optimized content), and Jasper (best for scaling and workflow automation). For specific tasks, Grammarly excels at grammar and clarity checking, Copy.ai offers 90+ templates for various content types, and Rytr provides quick drafts in multiple tones. Kontent.ai is excellent for structured content creation with built-in AI assistance. Most successful writers in 2026 use a combination of these tools rather than relying on a single platform.
