More young people have opted for online jobs due to unemployment and loss of work caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite that, online content developer Geoffrey Kimenga says the future of online jobs remains bright.
Kimega said the pandemic has not spared the online space either, causing a reduction in the number of daily jobs. He however reiterates that more opportunities remain unexploited.
“There are countless tasks that interested job seekers can undertake to earn a living,” Kimenga told the Star during an interview.
According to Ajira Digital, a government platform that empowers young people to access digital job opportunities, there are at least 21,699 up-to-date job listings directly from employer websites. The online jobs are both local and international.
The bulk of online work from Western countries is completed by people living in developing countries, mostly in Asia and Africa.
“Some tasks like artificial intelligence, transcription and translation are easy to carry out. Report and academic writing are well paying but they need a lot of research,” Kimenga said.
For starters, he says you need a good computer, internet connectivity and a good smartphone. You must be patient and grow your online work career with purpose and direction.
To keep off from fraudsters and scammers, one has to go for credible websites.
“People lose money in false hopes of being rich too quickly through scamming. One should be careful with sites that ask too much information for there are many unscrupulous websites on the internet,” he said.
Some of the verified sites for online work include Upwork, freelancer, Guru, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour among others. "Do not be duped, trusted online work platforms are free to join."
There are at least 40,000 Kenyans registered on Upwork, the leading freelance platform. A survey of Upwork in 2014 ranked Kenya the leading in Africa and 10th worldwide on a list of countries providing workers on the site.
According to the Kenya National Bureua of Statistics, 38.9 per cent of Kenya’s youth eligible for work are unemployed. The data is from the 2019 national census.
Most of those youth are seeking opportunities online.
To create awareness of online work, the government has set up ICT hubs and support centres across the country where one can get assistance.
Michael Kazungu, the librarian in charge of the Voi Community Library in Taita Taveta county where an ICT hub and Ajira Digital centre was recently opened said youth have been introduced to the online space.
He said the programme aims to introduce young people to online work and provide the tools, training and mentorship needed for work.
Access to digital work, Kazungu said, will build wealth and grow the middle class across the country.
“Deepen your skill by taking online courses. Get recognised certification to strengthen your online work profile and demonstrate your ability to potential clients,” he said.
African Digital Schools Initiative (ADSI) Project coordinator in charge of Taita Taveta Charles Kapkiai acknowledged the importance of introducing young people especially students to the digital world.
He said digitising learning institutions will not only boost learning but also open job opportunities for learners after school.
“Competency in incorporating various ICT tools in their teaching will enrich student learning,” he said.
Last year, at least 20 secondary schools were awarded an e-Mature status for digitising learning.
Kapkiai said most schools have now acquired ICT infrastructures such as laptops, projectors, wifi, websites and digital libraries.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris