#6 Best Freelancing Platforms in Kenya

Last updated on July 6th, 2023 at 06:41 am

Are you tired of your 9-5 office job and you just can’t wait to ditch the suit and tie? Well, congratulations for thinking outside the box! 

In this day and age, freelancing has become the new cool. And the good news is that Kenya has a lot of options for you. 

Goodbye traffic jams and hello pajama uniform?!

But before you jump into the freelance bandwagon, you need to know where the money is. 

No one wants to be the next broke joke, right? 

So, let’s cut to the chase and have a look at the top freelancing platforms in Kenya. 

Are you ready to become a freelancer extraordinaire? 

Let’s go!

Importance of freelancing platforms for freelancers in Kenya

Freelancing platforms have become a crucial source of income for many Kenyan freelancers. 

These platforms offer a range of benefits for freelancers, including access to a global pool of clients, flexible working hours, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world.

One of the most significant advantages of using freelancing platforms in Kenya is that they provide excellent opportunities for career growth. 

Freelancers can learn new skills and gain experience by working on different projects across various industries. 

These platforms allow freelancers to build their portfolios and establish themselves as experts in their respective fields.

Another key benefit of using freelancing platforms in Kenya is that they offer a level playing field for all freelancers. 

Regardless of their location or background, anyone can sign up on these platforms and start bidding on jobs.

This lets everyone showcase their skills and land gigs matching their expertise. 

In short, freelance platforms play an essential role in connecting clients with talented freelancers while providing job opportunities for Kenyans seeking flexible employment options. 

Top Freelancing Platforms in Kenya

#1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing platforms in Kenya, providing a variety of jobs for freelancers. 

The platform has numerous features that make it stand out, including an easy-to-use interface and a wide range of job categories that cater to different skill levels. 

Freelancers can also access various tools such as time tracking, invoicing and payment processing.

One significant advantage of Upwork is its vast client base. 

With millions of clients on the platform, freelancers have access to a broad range of projects across multiple industries. 

Upwork offers a secure payment system that ensures timely payment for completed tasks.

However, one drawback of Upwork is its high competition among freelancers. 

Due to the large number of users on the platform, getting your profile noticed by potential clients can be challenging. 

Another challenge faced by some freelancers on Upwork is the high commission rates charged by the platform on each project completed.

The types of jobs found on Upwork are diverse and include web development, graphic design, content creation and digital marketing among others. 

Upwork remains an excellent option for Kenyan freelancers looking to expand their reach globally and access numerous job opportunities from reputable clients worldwide.

Related: How To Start Freelancing on Upwork in Kenya

#2. Freelancer

Freelancer.com is a global freelancing platform where Kenyan freelancers can find opportunities from all over the world across hundreds of different categories, including data entry, programming, virtual assistance among others. 

Clients post projects they need help with while interested freelancers bid on them by proposing their cost per project or hourly rates. 

Payments are made through secure channels once the project is completed satisfactory to both parties involved.

#3. Fiverr

Fiverr is another one of the most popular freelancing platforms in Kenya that offers a wide range of services ranging from graphic design, digital marketing, writing and translation, programming and tech, video and animation as well as music and audio. 

The platform allows freelancers to create profiles showcasing their skills and expertise while clients can post projects for freelancers to bid on or search for already existing portfolios that match their needs. 

One unique feature about Fiverr is the option for sellers to offer “gigs,” which are specific services they offer at fixed prices starting at $5. 

Clients can easily browse through these gigs based on their budget or specific requirements. 

Also, Fiverr has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for both clients and freelancers to communicate throughout the project’s duration.

However, with its popularity comes stiff competition among freelancers, making it harder for newbies to land gigs without having an established reputation or solid portfolio. 

Nevertheless, with dedication and consistent effort in building one’s brand on the site over time, one can become successful in finding freelance jobs through Fiverr.

#4. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is a specialized website that offers a wide range of remote job opportunities, including part-time, full-time, and freelance jobs in Kenya. 

It features a variety of categories, such as education, training, journalism, and writing.

The website ensures that all job listings are genuine and authentic by verifying and screening each opening. 

It takes care of filtering out any fraudulent companies and scams, setting it apart from other online job boards. 

Also, Flexjobs does not display any advertisements on its page.

To access the freelance jobs, users must register for a subscription. 

There are four plans available, with pricing starting from $6.95 per week. 

Every subscription provides unlimited access to the job listings, as well as a personalized work portfolio, career advice, and free skills testing.

Users can pay for their subscription using a prepaid card or PayPal. 

The website also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, assuring users they can get a full refund if they are unsatisfied with the service.

#5. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance platform that connects businesses with freelancers globally. 

It has over 1.5 million registered users from all over the world, including Kenya. 

The platform offers a variety of services such as web development, graphic design, content writing, digital marketing and more.

One of the key features of PeoplePerHour is its Escrow Payment Protection system that ensures payment security for both freelancers and clients. 

The system only releases payment once the work is completed and approved by the client. 

PeoplePerHour provides tools to help freelancers enhance their portfolio and manage their projects efficiently.

As a freelancer on PeoplePerHour, you have access to job opportunities posted by clients worldwide. 

You can bid on these jobs or offer your services through your profile page. While there are many other freelance platforms in Kenya, PeoplePerHour stands out for its user-friendly interface, reliable payment system and quality job opportunities for freelancers in various fields.

#6. Dribbble

Dribbble is a top platform for creative professionals to connect, communicate and collaborate with each other. 

Artists and designers make use of this site to showcase their work portfolios and promote their personal brands.

Boosting your chances of getting hired is possible through creating an impressive portfolio on Dribbble by registering for an account and uploading your designs.

Another way to find job opportunities is by browsing the job board on Dribbble. 

This incredible website offers different types of jobs, including UI/UX design and content creation. 

However, access to freelance job lists is only available to premium users.

To access premium features on Dribbble, users can upgrade their accounts for a fee ranging from $5 to $15 per month. 

Users can upload videos and multi-shot images to their profiles with a premium account. 

Premium account holders get priority placement on the hiring search listings.

These top-rated freelance platforms offer countless opportunities for skilled Kenyans looking for work flexibility and independence outside traditional employment avenues.

At the same time, allowing businesses access to affordable talent without breaking the bank on full-time staff salaries and benefits plans, amongst other costs associated with recruitment processes that come along with employing permanent staff members within their organizations.

How to Choose the Right Platform for You

As you can see, there are a ton of freelancing platforms in Kenya.

How do you know the right one for you?

Here are some things to consider;

Your skills and experience

As a freelancer, your skills and experience are crucial to landing high-paying gigs on various platforms in Kenya. 

Most clients seek freelancers with a proven track record of excellence and can deliver quality work within tight deadlines. 

And they pay well as well?.

So you can choose a platform depending on your level of expertise.

If you consider yourself an expert in your field, here are some platforms to join:

• Toptal (www.toptal.com): Toptal is an exclusive freelancing platform that caters to top-tier freelancers in the fields of software development, design, finance, and project management. It has a rigorous screening process and only accepts the top 3% of freelancers, making it a platform for highly skilled experts.
• 99designs (www.99designs.com): 99designs is a platform specifically for designers, where freelancers can participate in design contests or work on direct projects. It’s known for its high-quality design projects and attracts experienced designers from around the world.
• Catalant (www.catalant.com): Catalant is a platform that connects experienced consultants and experts in various fields such as business strategy, marketing, and finance, with clients looking for specialized expertise. It’s geared towards professionals with extensive experience and expertise in their respective fields.
• Expert360 (www.expert360.com): Expert360 is a global platform that connects experienced professionals with businesses for project-based work. It focuses on areas such as consulting, strategy, finance, and operations, and requires freelancers to have a strong track record of experience and expertise.

However, if you’re new to the industry, don’t worry; some platforms offer entry-level jobs that can help you build your portfolio and gain the necessary experience.

• Fiverr (www.fiverr.com): Fiverr is a popular platform that allows freelancers to offer their services, or “gigs”, in various categories such as writing, graphic design, social media management, and more. It’s known for its simple and user-friendly interface, making it a good option for beginners.
• Freelancermap (www.freelancermap.com): Freelancermap is a platform that focuses on IT and tech-related projects, making it a great choice for beginners with technical skills such as programming, web development, and design. It allows freelancers to create a profile and showcase their skills to potential clients.
• PeoplePerHour (www.peopleperhour.com): PeoplePerHour is a freelancing platform that specializes in digital services such as web design, content creation, and marketing. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and offers opportunities for beginners to find projects and build their portfolio.
• Guru (www.guru.com): Guru is a freelancing platform that offers a wide range of projects in categories such as programming, writing, design, and more. It allows freelancers to create a profile, bid on projects, and showcase their skills and experience.

Your target clients and industries

Different freelancing platforms cater to different types of clients and industries. 

For example, if you’re targeting clients in the creative industry, platforms like Fiverr or 99designs may be a good fit. 

If you’re focusing on IT and tech-related projects, platforms like Upwork or Freelancermap may be more suitable. 

Research and choose a platform that aligns with the type of clients and industries you want to serve.

Your budget and payment preferences

Freelancing platforms in Kenya have varying fee structures, such as commission fees, membership fees, or transaction fees. 

Consider your budget and payment preferences when choosing a platform. 

For example, if you have a limited budget, platforms with lower commission fees or no membership fees like Fiverr or Guru may be preferable. 

If you prefer specific payment methods, ensure that the platform supports those methods.

Your availability and work schedule

Some platforms require freelancers to bid on projects or compete for gigs, which may require more time and effort. 

Others may have more flexible arrangements, allowing you to set your own rates and work hours. 

Consider your availability and work schedule when choosing a platform that suits your needs.

Tips for Creating a Winning Profile

PPH has over 1.5 million registered users.

So if you were to join this platform, you’d be going up against millions of other freelancers eyeing the same job as you!

So, how do you get an edge?

It comes down to who has an iconic profile.

To increase your odds of success, do the following.

a).  Showcase your skills and expertise

One of the best ways to stand out on freelancing platforms in Kenya is to showcase your skills and expertise.

This involves creating a professional profile that highlights your unique selling points, including your experience, education, and any certifications or awards you may have earned in your field. 

To further support your credentials, consider sharing samples of your work or testimonials from past clients.

Another effective way to showcase your skills is by taking advantage of the platform’s skill tests. 

These tests evaluate specific technical abilities and provide potential clients with a quantitative assessment of your proficiency in various areas. 

By achieving high scores on these tests, you can increase the likelihood of getting hired for jobs related to those skills.

Finally, don’t be afraid to establish yourself as an authority in your niche by publishing informative content related to what you do. 

This could be in the form of blog posts, whitepapers or social media updates sharing interesting facts about what you do – this can go a long way towards building trust with potential clients who are looking for someone they can rely on for quality work.

b). Highlight your achievements and past projects

As a freelancer, showcasing your achievements and past projects is crucial in building trust with potential clients. 

It gives them an idea of your skills, experience and level of expertise. 

One way to do this is by creating a portfolio that showcases your best work. 

Include details about the project such as the client’s name, the scope of work, your role and responsibilities, and any measurable results achieved.

Another effective way of highlighting your achievements is by including them in your pitch or proposal when applying for freelance jobs on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. 

Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve helped other clients achieve their goals or solve their problems. 

This makes you stand out from other freelancers and increases the likelihood of landing the job.

c). Use keywords and phrases relevant to your industry

This is because most clients use specific terms related to their industry when posting job opportunities on freelancing platforms. 

For instance, if you are a writer looking for writing jobs, you should use keywords such as “content creation,” “blogging,” “copywriting,” and “SEO writing” among others. 

By doing so, you increase the chances of your profile being discovered by potential clients looking for writers.

Using relevant keywords and phrases also helps you stand out from other freelancers in your field. 

It shows that you understand the industry’s jargon well and are familiar with the particular needs of clients seeking your services. 

As a result, clients will be more likely to hire you since they can easily identify what sets you apart from other applicants.

d). Set reasonable rates and expectations

Many new freelancers in Kenya tend to underestimate their worth and set low rates, which can lead to financial instability in the long run. 

On the other hand, setting too high rates may lead to a lack of clients, leading to a drop in income. 

Therefore, it is essential for freelancers to research industry standards and set competitive yet reasonable rates for their services.

In addition to setting reasonable rates, it is crucial for freelancers to manage client expectations effectively. 

This includes establishing clear communication channels with clients from the start and providing accurate timelines for project completion. 

By doing so, clients will better understand what they should expect from the freelancer throughout the project’s duration.

How to Find Freelance Jobs on the Platforms in Kenya

Besides polishing your profile, here are some strategies for finding and applying for freelance jobs on the platforms:

Use search filters to find relevant job postings

Most freelance platforms in Kenya have search filters allowing you to narrow your job search based on specific criteria such as job category, location, budget, and more. 

Utilize these filters to refine your search and find job postings that are relevant to your skills and expertise. 

This will help you save time and focus on opportunities that are more likely to be a good fit for you.

Customize your proposals to match the client’s needs and requirements

When submitting proposals for freelance jobs, make sure to personalize each proposal to address the specific needs and requirements mentioned in the job posting. 

Avoid using generic templates and take the time to understand the client’s project and offer tailored solutions in your proposal. 

This shows that you have taken the effort to understand the client’s needs and increases your chances of getting hired.

Use samples and portfolios to showcase your work

Freelancing platforms in Kenya often allow you to showcase your previous work samples and portfolios. 

Take advantage of this feature to demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential clients. 

Choose your best work that aligns with the type of projects you are applying for and make sure to highlight the relevant skills and achievements in your portfolio. 

This helps clients evaluate your capabilities and gives them a better understanding of what you can offer.

Follow up on proposals and communicate with clients

Don’t just submit proposals and wait for a response. 

Follow up with clients after submitting a proposal to express your continued interest in the project and to inquire about the status of your proposal. 

Be professional and responsive in your communication, and address any questions or concerns that the client may have. 

This shows your proactive approach and professionalism, which can set you apart from other freelancers.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we explored the top freelancing platforms in Kenya that offer opportunities for freelancers to find work. 

We started by discussing Upwork, one of the most popular freelancing platforms worldwide. Upwork has a large pool of clients and offers a wide range of job categories.

Next, we looked at Fiverr, which is known for its affordable pricing model and vast selection of job categories. 

The platform allows freelancers to create customized packages that suit their skills and experience levels.

We also discussed Freelancer.com, which has over 50 different job categories and millions of registered users worldwide. It offers various payment options and tools to help freelancers manage their projects effectively. 

Ultimately, these top freelancing platforms provide excellent opportunities for Kenyan freelancers to find work and build successful careers in the gig economy.

Freelancing is a great way to earn a living in Kenya. 

It offers flexibility, the ability to work from anywhere and independence. 

You can escape the nine-to-five grind and be your boss. 

If you are considering starting your freelance journey but have no idea where to start, several platforms offer various jobs catering to different skills.