University education is considered a key component of personal and professional development in Kenya. Every year, thousands of students graduate from universities in the country, hoping to secure good jobs and build a better future for themselves.
However, the reality is often quite different, as graduates face a highly competitive job market and limited employment opportunities.
According to the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, it takes a Kenyan university graduate an average of five years to secure a job. This can be a challenging and disheartening experience, particularly for those who have invested time and resources in their education.
In the face of weak economic growth and limited job opportunities, many graduates are turning to entrepreneurship and alternative career paths to support themselves.
Though considered illegal, online writing is one such alternative career path that has become increasingly popular in Kenya in recent years. The growth of the internet and the increasing demand for written content has created opportunities for writers to earn a living online.
Online writing can provide a flexible and lucrative career option for university graduates struggling to find employment.
Kennedy Juma is one such graduate who has succeeded in the online writing industry. After graduating with a degree in Information Sciences, Juma was looking for a means of survival while he continued his studies.
“I was broke and was looking around for a teaching job when my friend Nyasuma introduced me to online writing,” said Juma.
He earned a meager Sh.80 per page back then but had to keep writing to sustain himself during the school vacations.
More than two years after graduating with a degree in Information Sciences, Juma continues to thrive in the writing industry, which he had first considered a survival means.
“I wasn’t looking for employment. I was only after a means of survival after which I would continue my studies and become a Computer Security expert and ensure systems are foolproof,” he explains.
Juma explains that online writing requires a good understanding of the writing process, language, plagiarism issues, and structure.
To reap full returns from the investment made in buying an online writing account, it’s important to have a solid writing foundation and continuously improve one’s skills. He also points out that buying a good online writing account can cost between Ksh 40,000 and Ksh 200,000.
However, the amount of money earned depends on one’s efforts and can provide a significant source of income for those willing to invest the time and effort.
Academic writing is one of the most popular types of online writing and can provide a good source of income for university graduates.
Academic writing jobs pay Ksh 200 to Ksh 2,500 per page, and writers can earn Ksh 2,000 or more per day, translating to over Ksh 60,000 per month. With the right skills and dedication, online writing can provide a viable and rewarding career path for university graduates struggling to find employment.
While online writing can provide a source of income for university graduates, it’s important to acknowledge the broader issues facing the job market in Kenya.
The high unemployment rate among university graduates is a cause for concern. It can lead to frustration and desperation and contribute to social issues such as drug addiction and illicit activities.
