If you’ve been considering a career in writing, you’ve probably heard people say, “Writing doesn’t really pay in Kenya.” It’s a common belief, but is it actually true?

Let’s unpack this.

Is Writing a Profitable Career in Kenya?

The truth is, there are no people standing on street corners with burning torches, desperately searching for writers and throwing money at them. No one is actively hunting you down for your talent. However, that does not mean writing is not a money-making skill. The difference lies in knowing where your skill is needed and positioning yourself to sell it effectively.

Many Kenyan writers—ghostwriters, content creators, copywriters, technical writers, and even novelists—are making a sustainable income from their craft. But it’s not just about having the skill; it’s about understanding where the demand is, how to package your skills, and how to sell them.

Where is the Market for Writers?

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring writers make is assuming that simply being a good writer is enough. Writing is a business, and like any business, it requires a market. If you don’t know where to find paying clients, you’ll struggle to make money. Here’s where writing is actually in demand:

1. Content Writing for Businesses

Companies need blog posts, website content, newsletters, and social media content. Businesses understand that content drives traffic and sales, and they are willing to pay for well-crafted, SEO-optimized content.

2. Ghostwriting

Many CEOs, influencers, and entrepreneurs want to write books, LinkedIn posts, and articles but don’t have the time or skill. Ghostwriters step in to bring their ideas to life—and they get paid well for it.

3. Copywriting

Writing sales pages, ads, product descriptions, and landing pages is a high-income skill. Brands need persuasive copy to convert visitors into buyers, and a great copywriter can charge premium rates.

4. Technical & Academic Writing

While academic writing is a controversial industry, it still provides income for many Kenyan writers. However, technical writing (such as creating manuals, research papers, and grant proposals) is a more sustainable and lucrative alternative.

5. Authoring & Self-Publishing

With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), writers don’t have to rely on traditional publishers. Many Kenyan authors are self-publishing and earning royalties from global readers.

Why Some Writers Struggle to Make Money

It’s not that writing doesn’t pay—it’s that many writers don’t know how to position themselves. Here’s why some struggle:

• They don’t market themselves: Simply being a good writer is not enough; you need to put yourself out there.
• They don’t package their services well: Are you a copywriter, a ghostwriter, or a technical writer? Clarity in your offering makes it easier to find the right clients.
• They don’t leverage digital platforms: LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, and personal blogs are powerful tools for showcasing your work and attracting clients.

The Key to Success: Packaging and Selling Your Skills

To make money as a writer, you need to package your skills effectively and know exactly what you’re selling. Writing is broad—are you selling blog writing, website content, copywriting, or ghostwriting?

Once you identify your niche, the next step is learning how to sell yourself. This includes building a portfolio, creating a strong online presence, and reaching out to potential clients.

Writing in Kenya does pay, but only for those who understand how to position themselves in the market. The demand for quality writing exists, but you must be strategic about finding opportunities and marketing your skills.

So, the real question is not “Does writing pay in Kenya?” but rather, “Are you positioning yourself correctly in the writing industry?”

How to Market Yourself as a Writer and Attract High-Paying Clients

So, you’ve established that writing pays—if you know how to position yourself. Now, the real challenge is how to market yourself and attract high-paying clients. There are two main ways to go about it:

1. Build into experience over time – This is the long game. You start small, build credibility, and gradually increase your rates.
2. Start an agency and work with experienced writers – This is a business-driven approach where your sales skills need to be sharp to attract clients willing to pay premium rates.

Let’s break down how you can market yourself effectively, whether as a solo writer or by building a writing agency.

1. Identifying Your Niche and Target Audience

Not all writing is the same. To attract high-paying clients, you need to be specific about what you offer. Some high-paying niches include:

• Copywriting (sales and marketing content)
• Technical writing (manuals, whitepapers, research reports)
• Ghostwriting (books, thought leadership articles)
• SEO content writing (blog posts, website content optimized for search engines)

Identify the niche where your skills fit best and where businesses are willing to invest money.

2. Build a Portfolio That Sells Your Skill

Clients want to see proof of your work before they invest in you. Build a strong portfolio that includes:

• Samples of past work (articles, case studies, website copy, etc.)
• Testimonials from satisfied clients
• Your best-performing pieces (if applicable, showcase analytics, engagement, or conversion rates your writing has achieved)

If you’re just starting, create sample pieces in your niche to demonstrate your skills.

3. Leverage Digital Platforms to Showcase Your Work

Your potential clients are online, so that’s where you need to be too. Some powerful platforms to market yourself include:

• LinkedIn: Position yourself as an industry expert, share valuable insights, and connect with potential clients.
• Medium/Substack: Publish well-researched articles to build credibility.
• A personal website or blog: Showcase your portfolio and expertise.
• Upwork & Fiverr: While these platforms are competitive, a well-optimized profile can attract clients.

4. Master the Art of Pitching and Sales

Whether you’re a solo writer or running an agency, you must sell your service effectively. This means:

• Crafting compelling cold emails that highlight the value you offer.
• Engaging in industry conversations on LinkedIn and Twitter.
• Positioning yourself as a solution provider rather than just a writer.
• Learning negotiation skills to confidently set and justify your rates.

5. Networking and Collaboration

• Engage with digital marketing agencies, web developers, and graphic designers who often need writing services.
• Attend business and marketing events where potential clients might be looking for content professionals.
• Offer value through free resources (e.g., an insightful LinkedIn post, an industry report) to attract leads.

6. Scaling Up: From Solo Writer to Agency Model

If you choose to go beyond solo freelancing and start an agency, the game changes. Here’s what to focus on:

• Your sales game must be strong – Clients are paying for results, not just words.
• Find and work with experienced writers to deliver high-quality content.
• Invest in branding and marketing to create a professional, trustworthy presence.
• Offer packages rather than one-off services to build long-term relationships with clients.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Wins

Marketing yourself as a writer isn’t a one-time effort. It requires:

• Consistency in content creation and engagement
• Strategic positioning in high-value markets
• A clear understanding of your worth and pricing accordingly

The money is there—the question is, are you positioning yourself correctly?