15 Most In-Demand Freelance Skills in Kenya

Last updated on June 13th, 2023 at 09:55 am

In the past few years, freelancing has taken off as a career option, and the number of freelancers has risen dramatically. There are many skills that people think are essential for being a successful freelancer, but there’s one skill that tops the list of in-demand freelance skills. 

Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best freelancing skills for beginners.

The Most In-Demand Freelance Skills in Kenya

1). Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants are becoming more and more popular in the workplace. They are the perfect employees who can help with anything from scheduling, to research and writing.

VAs offer a variety of services that allow them to be flexible in their day-to-day work. Some common tasks include data entry, scheduling, research, and writing. As such, this is the most in-demand freelance skill.

What are some of the skills you need to work as a VA?

• Word processing skills (Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat)
• Data Entry Skills (Scratchpad, Airtable)
• Research Skills (Google Searching, Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets, Google Docs, and Sheets)
• Writing Skills (Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat)

How do I work as a VA?

You can work as a VA in a number of ways, depending on what you are most comfortable with. Some people prefer to get paid through an online platform like Upwork or Freelancer.com, while others rely on remote work-from-home opportunities.

The best way to find out how you want to work as a VA is by crunching the numbers – see how much you can earn by working a certain number of hours every week.

Related:

• How To Become A Virtual Assistant In Kenya With No Experience

2). Creative Copywriting

Creative copywriting is a type of copywriting that focuses on the creative aspects of writing. It is a combination of strategy, creativity, and creative thinking.

This type of writing can be applied in various industries such as advertising, marketing, public relations, and journalism. Creative copywriters are responsible for creating unique content that appeals to the target audience and resonates with them emotionally.

Creative copywriters use extensive skills to create a compelling message for their clients. They can use these skills to create content for websites and blogs, print materials such as brochures or flyers, social media posts, email campaigns, or direct mailers.

As a freelance copywriter, you can make up to $25 per hour and an average annual salary of $55,000.

Where can I learn the skills?

You can learn the skills of effective writing from:

• College courses: If you want to be a copywriter, you need at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in English or journalism. A master’s degree can help as well; not only will it allow you to hold a copywriting job, but it also increases your chances of getting into an advanced program such as the University of Washington’s Master of Professional Writing.
• Professional development courses: Many professionals will recommend that you take a copywriting course or master class to help you sharpen your skills, but if you don’t have the time, there are plenty of online professional development courses such as Copyblogger University and Copywriter’s Toolkit that can help you improve your skills.

3). Web Development

Web development freelance skill is a hot commodity in the tech industry. It is a perfect skill for freelancers to have because it can be used for multiple purposes and industries.

As the demand for web development has increased, so has the number of freelancers in this field. This has led to an oversaturated market where it’s difficult to find quality work. In order to make sure that you are getting the best work, you should do your research before deciding on a company or client.

What is the work of a web developer?

The core piece of a website is the code. The design is meant to enhance it and make it more attractive, but the code itself is what creates the functionality. Web Developers need to be familiar with various software platforms such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL. They also need to know how databases work and have experience with different languages that are programming language based.

Where can you learn these skills?

Most people learn how to code at a coding Bootcamp. You can find them throughout the country, or in schools and universities that offer programming classes. The downside of going to a Bootcamp is the cost involved and assuming you don’t have any prior experience with coding, it’s very difficult to know what you’re getting into.

Another option for learning to code is through online resources, such as Codecademy. Or online courses on Udemy or Coursera.

A third option is to find a software program that allows you to learn coding through the use of video tutorials. For example, CodeAcademy offers the option for students who are interested in learning how to code through videos.

4). Graphic Design

Graphic design is another one of the most in-demand freelance skills. It is a highly creative skill requiring much time, effort, and practice.

The graphic design market is expected to grow by 3% annually and the demand for freelance graphic designers will increase by 5% annually during the same period.

Graphic designers are responsible for designing marketing materials such as brochures, posters, advertisements, signage, logos, and websites. They also create infographics that are used in magazines and newspapers to provide information about specific topics.

To get started as a graphic designer, the first step is to complete a graphic design course. Once you have the certificate, apply to work in the field at a design studio or start your own freelance business. You can find clients through a portfolio, word of mouth, and reputable design websites.

5). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development

Artificial intelligence is a skill that is in demand in many industries. It is being used for different purposes such as writing content, generating ideas, and automating tasks.

AI developers are the most sort-after freelancers because they have the skill set of an expert in AI and can help you with your project.

Who is this for?

If you are interested in how machines operate and interact with people, many exciting opportunities are coming up.

Based on a study by LinkedIn, AI roles make up a majority of the top emerging positions for 2020. More than three-quarters of the companies surveyed revealed plans to develop AI capabilities over the next two years.

Choosing artificial intelligence as your freelance career will not only enable you to work for high-end companies, but also allow you to write your own scripts for home-automated devices like Alexa or Google Home. Then, you can make extra profit by selling them on the Amazon Alexa store or the Google Home app.

6). Data Analysis

Data analysis is a skill that is in high demand in the freelance market. The reason for this is that it helps companies and organizations to understand their business processes and performance.

Data analysis also helps organizations make better decisions by giving them insights into the collected data. Data analysis skills are not just limited to statistics but can be used for all types of data analytics like data mining, machine learning, predictive analytics, etc.

The skillset of data analysis can be learned by anyone with a passion for numbers and problem-solving. It requires a lot of time and effort to master this skill as it requires a thorough understanding of statistics and computer science concepts like algorithms, linear regression models, random sampling methodologies, etc.

7). Online Security and Ethical Hacking

The Cybersecurity Market Report published by Cybersecurity Ventures, predicts that the cybersecurity budget for businesses will increase to $1 trillion by 2021. Rising online threats are forcing businesses to increase their budget as they prioritize cybersecurity and the protection of their vast digital data.

Cybersecurity is becoming a top concern for the majority of businesses, which has led to the creation of more positions and new opportunities for online security experts. It is a relatively recent trend that has taken off strongly over the past few years.

What is the work of cybersecurity specialists?

Cybersecurity specialists are experts in the field of cybersecurity. They deal with hardware, software, and infrastructure that can be used for malicious purposes. In addition to securing critical business assets such as data and systems, cyber security specialists also work on prevention methods for cyber-attacks such as preventing theft or fraud.

As an ethical hacker, your work will expose vulnerabilities in computer networks and devise solutions for resolution. Ethical hacking is different from traditional hacking in that a hacker typically tries to make money through illegal means, whereas ethical hackers act in order to identify security risks and make systems commercially viable.

9). Accounting and Bookkeeping

According to a study by the Small Business Report, 60% of small business owners admit they don’t know how to manage their finances and lack the funds to hire an expert full-time. This means that there is now a niche in the market for freelance accountants and bookkeepers who often provide their services at a much more affordable price point.

Freelance accountants and bookkeepers are often able to provide services at a much lower price point. As a freelance accountant and bookkeeper, your responsibility is to provide the customer with financial and accounting services, while they are responsible for other aspects such as tax compliance.

Freelance accountants and bookkeepers help their customers navigate the complicated world of taxes.

Many clients use freelance accountants and bookkeepers as a way to get an unbiased opinion from someone who is not affiliated with any particular corporation or business.

To get started in this field, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, as well as experience working in the field.

10). Writing

In 2022, content writing is another most in demand freelance skills. Content writing is a broad term that includes copywriting, blogging, and SEO.

Content writers are the most sought-after freelancers in 2022. The demand for content writers is increasing because of the increased use of social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. Your work as a content writer is to create content for websites, blogs, and more.

Content is basically anything you write about on the internet.

The skills required in this field include producing content on a tight deadline, writing headlines that will generate traffic, and working under pressure.

Related:

• How to Become a Freelance Writer in Kenya from Scratch

11). Illustration

Illustrators are people who create illustrations in any form of media such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, drawing, photography, and digital art.

Here, you are required to use your imagination to create a visual representation of something that does not exist. You can use your skills to help the audience understand and empathize with what they are reading or watching.

Illustrators are responsible for creating images that capture the reader’s attention and inspire them to go on with the story. They also provide an image that can be used in a variety of ways including book covers, magazines, posters, websites, and advertisements.

A lot of companies avoid using popular, stock images because it can make them look too similar to their competitors. By hiring illustrators and paying an extra fee, they’re often able to stand out amongst the crowd.

To accompany the variety of articles, ads, and promotional materials for both online and offline marketing campaigns, illustrators create numerous designs that are intended to evoke a specific emotion from the target audience. They can also be used for educational purposes or as a standalone piece of artwork.

12). Videography

What is the work of a videographer?

Videographers are the creative professionals who are responsible for capturing moments and turning them into memories. They use a variety of tools like a camcorder, camera, or even their own smartphone to create videos that can be used in advertising, documentary films, documentaries, or even social media posts.

And as a freelance videographer, you will be working with businesses and individual clients to capture their creative vision in video form.

Becoming a videographer requires a significant commitment and skillset. A lot of training, education, and hands-on experience are required as well as in-depth knowledge of how to record and edit video.

13). SEO

Another one of the most in demand freelance skills is SEO consultant. It is a skill that requires a lot of experience and expertise to be able to effectively do it.

The importance of SEO has increased in the past few years with the rise of online marketing. This means there are more opportunities for freelance SEO consultants than ever.

Freelance SEO consultants can help businesses grow their online presence and increase their search engine rankings. The work of an SEO consultant is to make a website rank higher in search engine rankings.

Their work can be done with in-depth analysis of websites, social media, and analytics to ensure the website performs optimally.

SEO consultants typically charge anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 per month for their services. They may have one or more clients at a time and be on call to address any issues.

An SEO consultant can do common tasks include keyword research, content creation, social media management, link building, analytics tracking, and web design.

14). Social Media Manager & Community Manager

Social media managers are responsible for monitoring and managing social media accounts. They also manage the community and build relationships with followers, potential clients, and other stakeholders.

A social media manager is a digital marketing professional who manages the day-to-day operations of a company’s online presence across various social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.

In order to be a successful social media manager today, you should have an understanding of digital marketing strategy, content creation, and promotion across multiple channels including paid advertising.

15). Video Editing

The work of video editors is to manipulate, edit, and transform raw footage into a finished product. They are in charge of the post-production process which includes adjusting the brightness, color, and contrast levels; editing out unwanted sounds; adding special effects such as transitions & wipes; and much more.

As the world moves towards video content, the amount of work and demand for video editors is steadily increasing.

Some of the most common tasks in this position include

• Creating a rough cut (outline) of an episode
• Editing and rearranging raw footage to suit the needs, style, and genre of the finished product
• Adding or removing scenes
• Transcribing dialogue after take-off of the director’s breathing or other noises
• Pulling audio from an ordinary video source like Youtube and applying effects such as pitch change, noise reduction, and echo
• Adding music
• Editing sound on an audio editor like Audition
• Maintaining a log for later use, especially in cases where the footage is not available for use

How to Find Out What Skills You Should Care About

The skills you should care about are based on your career goals and personality. If you want to be a doctor, then you should care about science, biology, math, and engineering.

If you want to be a writer or an English teacher, you should focus on writing and communication skills. 

To find out what skills are important for your career goals, take time to reflect on what kind of work you enjoy doing the most, and then think about what skills you have or can develop in order to become better at it. 

You should also consider whether or not you have the personality type that is most likely to succeed in the fields of writing, language, and communication. 

To find out what career goals are right for you, take some time to think about your interests and what kind of work you enjoy doing the most. 

Meditating on these questions and making a list of important skills can help you figure out what career goals are right for you.

Related: How to Start Freelancing in Kenya & Make Money (Step by Step)