Financial expert, Nicholas Gachara, says that the lockdown and nationwide curfew has presented some new opportunities for side hustles and cheaper jobs that generate income.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, March 1, Gachara said that these jobs can offer a safe haven for professionals and employees who lost their jobs in various sectors. The capital needed is less than Ksh30,000.
With loan default rates and auctions rising, the CEO at Somakazi which trains accountants and graduates in commerce and finance warned Kenyans against taking expensive loans but rather those they can service. They can also raise funds from saved money or contributions.
"One can start a drop shipping hustle. For example, buying items cheaply and in bulk from wholesalers like in Eastleigh and selling them online via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter," Gachara said.
Some of the business to be considered are:
Consultation
"For instance, lawyers, accountants, food nutritionists, communication specialists amongst other professionals can engage their clients online. Professionals who are employed and facing a cut in pay or risk losing jobs can start these as side hustles too," Gachara said.
Tutoring
The same applies to teachers. With most schools switching to digital classes, a teacher can also offer tuition for students at cheaper charges.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Brenda Owuor, a private high school teacher based in Kibra, Nairobi, said that she converted her house into an online classroom and keeps in touch with her Maths and Geography students.
Reselling Goods
A trend that has been picking during the lockdown was where Kenyans purchase second-hand commodities such as furniture and clothes and resell through their social media pages. Some do not purchase but market the goods and later earn a commission.
Delivery and Errand Services
With the lockdown forcing many employees to stay at home, on-demand delivery services have become one of the highly sought-after markets. From food and other items.
Riders and car owners can also enrol with established delivery firms in Kenya.
In July 2020, Joan Ruto, a communication expert based in Nairobi said that Kenyans can start businesses and raise cash during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic through online platforms.
Ruto quit her job at a communication firm where she reportedly earned close to a six-figure salary per month to sell avocados on WhatsApp and also delivered them to customers. Comedian Owago Onyiro also bought and delivered fish making over Ksh 200,000 per month.
The same applies to home beauty and salonists who can market their work and visit clients to offer their services.
Commercial cleaning service
With office buildings, restaurants and other public businesses closed, they are counting on these service providers to continuously disinfect their spaces and keep employees and patrons safe.
Even once they reopen, they would require cleaning services to stop the spread of germs and viruses. One can register a company or work on a referral.
Virtual workout
With many gyms and fitness centres closed and operating with restricted capacity and hours, instructors can offer online workout services from home.
Content creation
With the digital space offering artists control over their own work, content creation has been one of the most lucrative investments. Actress Azziad Nasenya's star shone after she became famous on Tik-Tok, comedian Elsa Majimbo became an international star owing to her short Twitter and Instagram video posts.
This space offers growth for all artists who can utilise social media pages. They then earn through advertisements and Google pay.
Most comedians in Kenya shifted online after the pandemic broke out. Other private platforms also buy content and offer reward money up to Ksh 50,000 for short skits. Some videos can be recorded with a smartphone which is easily accessible to the majority of Kenyans.
Dropshipping
Not all companies that sell goods store them on site. In dropshipping, people who run e-commerce sites go to a third party to fulfil all orders.
The third party is likely a wholesale retailer or other entity that runs a warehouse and shipping operation.
This is a trend common within Nairobi CBD, especially in the fashion and accessories market.
