How to Start Transcription in Kenya: Complete Guide

Last updated on September 6th, 2023 at 08:12 pm

Are you looking for a flexible and lucrative job in Kenya? Have you considered starting a transcription business? Transcription involves converting audio or video recordings into written or electronic text documents. 

It is a side hustle that you can do from the comfort of your home, and it is in high demand in Kenya.

As a transcriptionist, you will listen to audio or video recordings and type out what you hear. 

You will need to have excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and good typing speed. 

Transcription can be done for various industries, including legal, medical, and media. It is a versatile job that allows you to work on your own schedule and choose the type of transcription work that interests you.

Key Takeaways

• Transcription in Kenya is a lucrative and flexible job that you can do from home.
• As a transcriptionist, you will need excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and good typing speed.
• Transcription can be done for various industries, including legal, medical, and media.

What is Transcription?

Transcription is the process of converting audio or video recordings into written text. 

It involves listening to the recordings and typing out the spoken words, often with the help of transcription software. 

Transcription is used in a variety of industries, including legal, medical, and media.

In Kenya, transcription is becoming an increasingly popular work-from-home job that allows you to earn money by transcribing audio files for clients. 

As a transcriptionist, you will need to have excellent listening skills, be able to type quickly and accurately, and have a good command of the English language.

There are several types of transcription, including verbatim, clean verbatim, and intelligent verbatim. 

Verbatim transcription involves transcribing every word, including filler words like “um” and “uh.” 

Clean verbatim transcription omits filler words and repetitions, while intelligent verbatim transcription involves editing the text to improve readability while still preserving the meaning of the original recording.

To become a successful transcriptionist in Kenya, you will need to have the right equipment, including a computer, a good pair of headphones, and transcription software. 

You will also need to be able to meet deadlines and communicate effectively with clients.

What Does a Transcriptionist Do?

As a transcriptionist, your primary job is to convert audio or video recordings into written documents. 

This means that you will listen to audio recordings of conversations, speeches, interviews, or any other type of recording, and transcribe them into written documents that can be used for various purposes.

Transcriptionists are responsible for ensuring that the written documents are accurate and free from errors. 

This requires a good understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules, as well as the ability to type quickly and accurately.

In addition to transcribing audio recordings, transcriptionists may also be responsible for editing and proofreading documents to ensure that they are error-free. 

They may also be required to research and fact-check information to ensure that the documents are accurate and reliable.

To be a successful transcriptionist in Kenya, you will need to have excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. 

You will also need to be able to work under tight deadlines and be comfortable working with a variety of audio recording formats.

Transcription Process:

To start transcribing in Kenya, you will need to follow a specific process to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Listen to the audio: The first step in transcription is to listen to the audio recording carefully. Make sure you have a good pair of headphones and a quiet environment to listen to the audio.
   
2. Transcribe the audio: Once you have listened to the audio, you can start transcribing. Type out the words you hear in the audio recording. It is important to transcribe everything you hear, including filler words like “um” and “ah.”
   
3. Punctuation and formatting: After transcribing the audio, you will need to add punctuation and formatting to the text. This includes adding periods, commas, and paragraph breaks.
   
4. Proofread and edit: Once you have finished transcribing and formatting the text, you will need to proofread and edit it. Make sure the text is accurate, and there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
   
5. Submit the transcription: Finally, you can submit the transcription to the client. Make sure you follow the client’s guidelines for submitting the transcription.
   

It is important to note that transcription can be a time-consuming process, especially for longer audio recordings. However, with practice, you can improve your transcription skills and become more efficient.

Types of Transcription:

Transcription is a versatile field with different types of transcription services that cater to specific industries. 

Here are the most common types of transcription services you can offerin Kenya:

1. General Transcription:

General transcription involves transcribing audio or video recordings that do not require specialized knowledge. 

This type of transcription is suitable for interviews, podcasts, webinars, and other recordings that do not have technical jargon or industry-specific terminology.

2. Medical Transcription:

Medical transcription involves transcribing medical dictations, such as patient histories, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. 

Medical transcriptionists must have a good understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology to accurately transcribe medical records.

3. Legal Transcription:

Legal transcription involves transcribing legal dictations, such as court hearings, depositions, and legal briefs. 

Legal transcriptionists must have a good understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, and the legal system to accurately transcribe legal records.

4. Academic Transcription:

Academic transcription involves transcribing lectures, seminars, and research interviews for academic purposes. 

Academic transcriptionists must have a good understanding of academic terminology, research methodology, and citation styles to accurately transcribe academic records.

5. Captioning and Subtitling:

Captioning and subtitling involve transcribing audio or video recordings and adding captions or subtitles for the hearing-impaired or non-native speakers. 

Captioning and subtitling require good language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to synchronize text with audio or video.

Read also: 7 Lucrative Transcription Niches in Kenya (Latest)

How Much Does a Transcriptionist Make in Kenya?

If you are considering starting a career in transcription, one of the most important things to consider is how much you can expect to earn. 

In Kenya, the average salary for a transcriptionist is around KES 50,000 to KES 80,000 per month, depending on the level of experience and the type of transcription work you do.

It’s important to note that transcription work can be highly variable in terms of pay. 

Some transcriptionists may earn less than KES 30,000 per month, while others may earn more than KES 100,000 per month. 

The amount you can earn will depend on a variety of factors, including your level of experience, the type of transcription work you do, the volume of work available, and the quality of your work.

One of the biggest factors that can affect your earnings as a transcriptionist is your level of experience. 

If you are just starting out, you may need to accept lower-paying jobs in order to build up your skills and gain experience. 

As you become more experienced, you can expect to earn more money for your work.

Another factor that can affect your earnings is the type of transcription work you do. 

Some types of transcription work may pay more than others, depending on the industry or subject matter. 

For example, medical transcription work may pay more than general transcription work, due to the specialized knowledge and training required.

Read also: How Much Do Transcribers Earn in Kenya? Latest

That said, let’s look at how you can get into transcription in Kenya.

Step 1: Acquiring the Necessary Skills

To become a successful transcriptionist in Kenya, you need to acquire the necessary skills. 

There are two ways to do this: through transcription courses or self-learning.

Transcription Courses

Taking a transcription course is an excellent way to acquire the necessary skills. It is a structured and comprehensive way of learning. 

You will learn everything from the basics of transcription to the more advanced techniques. 

There are several courses available in Kenya, both online and offline.

One of the most popular transcription courses in Kenya is offered by Omoka Digital. 

The course covers everything from the basics of transcription to the more advanced techniques. 

It is a self-paced course, which means you can learn at your own pace. The course is also affordable, making it accessible to everyone.

Self-Learning

If you prefer to learn on your own, self-learning is also an option. It involves learning through online resources such as blogs, videos, and articles. While it is a more flexible option, it requires more discipline and effort.

To start self-learning, you need to have a good understanding of the English language, good listening skills, and a good typing speed. 

You can find several resources online that can help you improve your transcription skills. 

For instance, Indeed.com provides a list of 12 transcription skills that you need to develop to become a successful transcriptionist.

Another essential aspect of self-learning is to practice regularly. 

You can start by transcribing short audio files and gradually move on to longer ones. 

You can also join transcription forums and groups to interact with other transcriptionists and learn from their experiences.

Step 2: Investing in Equipment

Starting a transcription business in Kenya requires investing in the right equipment. 

In this section, we will discuss the essential tools and software recommendations for transcription.

Essential Transcription Tools

To start transcribing, you will need a computer and a good pair of headphones. 

The computer should have a reliable internet connection, a comfortable keyboard, and a large enough screen to display the audio or video recordings. 

A laptop is a great option since it is portable and can be used anywhere.

Headphones are essential for transcribing since they help you hear the audio or video recording clearly. 

Over-ear headphones are recommended since they are more comfortable to wear for long periods. 

Noise-cancelling headphones are also a great option since they help block out background noise, making it easier to focus on the recording.

Software Recommendations

There are several transcription software options available in Kenya. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Express Scribe: This is a free transcription software that is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. It supports a wide range of audio and video file formats and has features such as speed control, hotkeys, and foot pedal support.
  
• TranscribeMe: This software is designed specifically for transcription and offers features such as automatic time-stamping, speaker identification, and text editing tools. It is a cloud-based software, meaning you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
  
• oTranscribe: This is a free, web-based transcription software that allows you to transcribe audio and video recordings directly from your browser. It has features such as playback speed control, text highlighting, and keyboard shortcuts.
  

Investing in the right equipment and software is crucial for starting a successful transcription business in Kenya. 

With the right tools, you can transcribe audio and video recordings accurately and efficiently, leading to satisfied clients and a growing business.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Transcription Business in Kenya

Starting your own transcription business in Kenya can be a great way to earn a living while working from home. 

However, before you get started, there are a few things you need to consider. 

In this section, we will discuss the legal requirements and business registration necessary to set up your transcription business in Kenya.

Legal Requirements

As a transcriptionist in Kenya, you are required to have a few legal documents to operate your business. 

First, you need to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). 

This PIN is used to identify you for tax purposes and is required when registering your business.

You also need to register for a Value Added Tax (VAT) account with the KRA if your business exceeds a certain threshold. 

VAT is a tax on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. You can find more information about VAT registration on the KRA website.

Business Registration

To start your transcription business in Kenya, you need to register your business with the relevant authorities. 

You can register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company. 

Each type of business registration has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to research and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Here are the basic steps to register your business in Kenya:

1. Choose a business name and check its availability with the Registrar of Companies.
2. Reserve your business name with the Registrar of Companies.
3. Prepare and file the necessary documents with the Registrar of Companies.
4. Pay the registration fee and obtain a certificate of incorporation.

Once you have registered your business, you can open a business bank account and start accepting clients. It is important to keep accurate financial records and file your taxes on time to avoid penalties and legal issues.

Step 4: Finding Transcription Jobs in Kenya

If you’re interested in starting a transcription job in Kenya, you’ll need to know where to look for opportunities. Here are some options for finding transcription jobs in Kenya:

Online Platforms

There are many online platforms that offer transcription jobs to freelancers. 

These platforms typically allow you to sign up for free and start working right away.

 Some popular online platforms for transcription jobs in Kenya include:

• Verbit – Verbit is an online transcription website powered by artificial intelligence to deliver quality work. Upon signing up at Verbit, one could take up other online jobs such as captioning and real-time AI transcription.
• TranscribeMe – TranscribeMe is a transcription platform that offers a variety of transcription jobs to freelancers.
• Rev – Rev is a platform that offers transcription, captioning, and translation services to clients around the world.
• GoTranscript – GoTranscript is another platform that offers transcription services to clients.

Local Opportunities

In addition to online platforms, there are also local opportunities for transcription jobs in Kenya. 

Here are some places to look for local transcription jobs:

• Hospitals and clinics – Many hospitals and clinics in Kenya require transcription services for medical records. Check with local hospitals and clinics to see if they have any transcription job openings.
• Law firms – Law firms often require transcription services for legal documents and court proceedings. Check with local law firms to see if they have any transcription job openings.
• Media companies – Media companies often require transcription services for interviews and other audio or video content. Check with local media companies to see if they have any transcription job openings.

Keep in mind that some transcription jobs may require specialized knowledge or skills. 

For example, medical transcription jobs in Kenya may require knowledge of medical terminology, while legal transcription jobs may require knowledge of legal terminology. 

If you have specialized knowledge or skills, be sure to highlight them when applying for transcription jobs.

Step 5: Building a Client Base

When starting a transcription business in Kenya, building a client base is essential for success. 

Here are some strategies that can help you attract and retain customers.

Marketing Strategies

To attract new clients, you need to market your transcription services effectively. Here are some marketing strategies that you can use:

• Create a Website: Having a website is crucial for any business, including a transcription business. Your website should have a professional design and should clearly state the services you offer. You can also include testimonials from satisfied clients to demonstrate your expertise and reliability.
  
• Use Social Media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are great for promoting your transcription services. You can use these platforms to share your blog posts, engage with potential clients, and showcase your expertise.
  
• Offer Discounts: Offering discounts to new clients is a great way to attract business. You can offer a discount on the first transcription project or a percentage off the total cost of the project.
  

Customer Retention

Once you have attracted new clients, it is important to retain them. Here are some strategies that can help you retain customers:

• Provide High-Quality Transcription: Providing high-quality transcription services is essential for retaining clients. Make sure that your transcriptions are accurate, error-free, and delivered on time.
  
• Communicate Effectively: Communication is key to building strong relationships with clients. Make sure that you are responsive to their needs and keep them informed about the progress of their transcription projects.
  
• Offer Incentives: Offering incentives such as discounts on future projects can help you retain clients. You can also offer referral bonuses to clients who refer new business to you.
  

Using these marketing and customer retention strategies, you can build a loyal client base for your transcription business in Kenya.

Read also: The Complete Blueprint to Get Transcription Clients in Kenya Today

Step 6: Sustaining Your Business

Starting a transcription business is a great way to earn money in Kenya. However, to ensure that your business thrives, you need to sustain it. Here are some tips on how to sustain your transcription business.

Maintaining Quality

One of the most important things to sustain your business is to maintain quality. 

Your clients will keep coming back if they are satisfied with the quality of your work. Here are some tips to maintain quality:

• Use good quality headphones and a reliable transcription software to ensure that you do not miss any important details.
• Proofread your work before submitting it to your client to ensure that there are no errors.
• Be consistent with your formatting and style to ensure that your work is professional.

Continuous Learning

To sustain your business, you need to keep learning. Here are some ways to keep learning:

• Attend webinars and workshops to learn new skills and techniques.
• Join online forums and groups to connect with other transcriptionists and learn from them.
• Read blogs and articles to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in transcription.

By maintaining quality and continuously learning, you can sustain your transcription business and ensure that it thrives.

Frequently Asked Questions