Teaching, tutoring and training
If you know something well, someone wants to learn it: a Form 3 student struggling with chemistry, a parent wanting their child to code, a business owner learning Excel, a foreigner learning Kiswahili. Teaching can be done face to face, online, or through courses you record once and sell many times.
What these methods share
- Subject knowledge plus teaching skill: explaining clearly, patience, checking understanding.
- Safeguarding: when teaching children, follow child-protection good practice (parents present or informed, no private messaging without parents' knowledge, appropriate conduct online).
- Honesty about outcomes: never promise grades, admission or jobs.
- Licensing: running a formal school or college requires registration with the relevant authorities; private tutoring and short courses are simpler but still need professionalism.
- See teaching and expertise earning and online teaching platforms.
204. Home tutoring (primary and secondary)
What it is: One-on-one or small-group tutoring at students' homes or a shared venue. How it works: Assess the learner → plan sessions → regular lessons → progress updates to parents.
| Skills | Strong subject knowledge, patience, curriculum familiarity (CBC, 8-4-4 or international) |
| Cost & equipment | Books, transport |
| Where to find work | Parents in your area, schools' referrals, WhatsApp groups, churches |
| Payment | Per hour or per month, M-Pesa |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium (more students, holiday tuition) |
| Time to first income | Days to weeks |
How to start: Start with one subject you're excellent at; ask satisfied parents for referrals. Pros: Strong local demand. Cons & risks: Travel time; holiday peaks and quiet terms. Scam warning: Agencies charging tutors "registration fees" without delivering clients. Kenya notes: Follow current Ministry of Education guidance on holiday tuition; keep sessions safe and parent-approved.
205. Online tutoring (local and international)
What it is: Tutoring students over video calls. How it works: Use Zoom/Google Meet with a digital whiteboard; schedule regular sessions.
| Skills | Subject expertise, online teaching tools, reliable internet |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop, webcam, headset, stable internet with backup |
| Where to find work | Tutoring platforms (check country eligibility), parents, diaspora families, international students |
| Payment | Per session; platforms pay via PayPal/Payoneer |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Record a short intro video; offer a free trial lesson. Pros: No travel; global market. Cons & risks: Platform competition; time zones. Scam warning: "Tutoring jobs" asking for upfront payment for "verification". Kenya notes: Diaspora families want tutors who know Kenyan curricula and Kiswahili.
206. Exam revision classes and holiday programmes
What it is: Group revision for national exams or holiday enrichment programmes (coding, arts, languages). How it works: Venue or online; structured timetable; past-paper practice.
| Skills | Exam knowledge, group teaching, organisation |
| Cost & equipment | Venue, materials, marketing |
| Where to find work | Parents, schools, community centres |
| Payment | Per student per programme |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium (seasonal) |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Partner with other teachers; start small with a clear timetable. Pros: Scales with group size. Cons & risks: Regulations on holiday tuition; venue costs. Scam warning: Never sell "leaked exam papers"; it's illegal. Kenya notes: Check current rules on holiday tuition; enrichment programmes (coding, music, sports) are popular.
207. Teaching English online (ESL)
What it is: Teaching English to learners abroad (adults or children), conversational or exam-focused. How it works: Platforms or private students; lesson materials; regular schedules.
| Skills | Excellent English, clear pronunciation, teaching methods; a TEFL/TESOL certificate helps |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop, headset, quiet space |
| Where to find work | ESL platforms (many restrict to certain nationalities), private students via social media |
| Payment | Per lesson |
| Realistic earnings | Low to low–medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Consider a reputable TEFL course; build a teaching profile on platforms open to Kenyans. Pros: Large global demand. Cons & risks: Some platforms only hire "native speaker" passports. Scam warning: Fake TEFL "job guarantees" or expensive unaccredited certificates. Kenya notes: Kenyan English teachers find students in Asia, the Middle East and Africa directly.
208. Teaching Kiswahili to foreigners
What it is: Teaching Kiswahili to expatriates, tourists, missionaries, students and diaspora children. How it works: Online or in-person lessons; cultural context; materials.
| Skills | Fluent Kiswahili, teaching ability, patience |
| Cost & equipment | Phone/laptop, teaching materials |
| Where to find work | Expats in Kenya, language platforms, universities, diaspora families |
| Payment | Per lesson |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Create beginner lesson plans; list on language platforms; network with expat groups. Pros: Niche with less competition. Cons & risks: Seasonal (expats moving). Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: Embassies, NGOs and international schools have staff wanting Kiswahili.
209. Teaching other languages (French, German, Chinese, Arabic, sign language)
What it is: Teaching a foreign language or Kenyan Sign Language you're qualified in. How it works: Group or individual lessons, exam preparation.
| Skills | Proficiency (certified levels help), teaching skills |
| Cost & equipment | Materials, laptop |
| Where to find work | Students, professionals relocating, schools, institutions |
| Payment | Per lesson or course |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Prove your level (certificates); offer beginner courses. Pros: Demand from people seeking jobs abroad. Cons & risks: Requires high proficiency. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: German and French are popular with people pursuing study and work abroad; Kenyan Sign Language skills are needed for inclusion.
210. Computer and digital skills classes
What it is: Teaching basic computer use, typing, Microsoft Office, internet safety and online services. How it works: Short courses at a centre, cyber café, church hall or online.
| Skills | Computer packages (IT basics), patience |
| Cost & equipment | Computers (or learners' own), projector |
| Where to find work | Youth, adults, job seekers, elderly learners, community groups |
| Payment | Per course |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Use the hub's free lessons as a structured curriculum; issue certificates of completion (clearly not a government qualification). Pros: Constant demand. Cons & risks: Equipment costs. Scam warning: Don't present your certificate as an official KNEC/TVET qualification. Kenya notes: Computer packages are commonly required for jobs and further studies.
211. Coding classes for children and teens
What it is: Teaching Scratch, Python, web basics, robotics or app making to young learners. How it works: After-school or holiday classes; projects-based.
| Skills | Coding, engaging teaching for children, safeguarding |
| Cost & equipment | Laptops (learners' or yours), internet |
| Where to find work | Parents, private schools, holiday camps |
| Payment | Per term or programme |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Run a pilot holiday camp; show learners' projects to parents. Pros: Growing demand. Cons & risks: Needs child-safe practices. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: CBC emphasises digital literacy; schools seek coding partners.
212. Professional skills training (Excel, data, design, marketing)
What it is: Short workshops and courses for working professionals and organisations. How it works: In-house corporate training or public workshops.
| Skills | Expertise, facilitation, practical exercises |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop, projector, venue (or online) |
| Where to find work | Companies, NGOs, SACCOs, government agencies, professional bodies |
| Payment | Per participant or per day |
| Realistic earnings | Medium to medium–high |
| Time to first income | Weeks to months |
How to start: Build a strong course outline and run a pilot; collect testimonials. Pros: High value per day. Cons & risks: Requires credibility. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: Organisations budget for staff training; some require vendor registration.
213. Recorded online courses
What it is: Creating video courses sold online, recorded once and sold repeatedly. How it works: Plan curriculum → record videos → host on a course platform or your site → market.
| Skills | Expertise, video recording, course design, marketing |
| Cost & equipment | Microphone, camera/phone, screen recorder, hosting fees |
| Where to find work | Course marketplaces, your own website, social media audience |
| Payment | Per sale; local sales via M-Pesa |
| Realistic earnings | Very low to high; depends on audience and marketing |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Validate demand with a live workshop first; then record. Pros: Scalable. Cons & risks: Marketing is the hard part; piracy. Scam warning: "Course creation coaches" promising guaranteed income. Kenya notes: Practical courses (Excel, KRA filing, farming, Canva) sell locally with M-Pesa payments.
214. Live cohort courses and bootcamps
What it is: Teaching a group live over several weeks, online or in person. How it works: Fixed schedule, assignments, community, certificate of completion.
| Skills | Expertise, facilitation, organisation |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop, video platform or venue |
| Where to find work | Your audience, partnerships with organisations |
| Payment | Per participant |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to high |
| Time to first income | Weeks to months |
How to start: Run a small first cohort at a discount; improve from feedback. Pros: Higher completion and value than recorded courses. Cons & risks: Time-intensive. Scam warning: Don't promise jobs after bootcamps. Kenya notes: Tech and digital skills bootcamps are popular with youth.
215. Corporate and NGO facilitation
What it is: Facilitating workshops, strategy sessions and training for organisations. How it works: Needs assessment → design → facilitation → report.
| Skills | Facilitation, subject expertise, report writing |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop, materials |
| Where to find work | NGOs, government programmes, companies, development agencies |
| Payment | Daily rates or consultancy contracts |
| Realistic earnings | Medium to high (experienced) |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Co-facilitate with experienced trainers; build a profile. Pros: Good daily rates. Cons & risks: Irregular; tender processes. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: Digital skills facilitation (e.g. Ajira, Jitume) and youth programmes use facilitators (digital skills facilitator).
216. Music, art and creative lessons
What it is: Teaching instruments, singing, drawing, painting, crafts or dance. How it works: Private or group lessons; recitals or exhibitions.
| Skills | Creative skill, teaching |
| Cost & equipment | Instruments/materials, space |
| Where to find work | Families, schools, churches, community centres |
| Payment | Per lesson or term |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days to weeks |
How to start: Offer trial classes; showcase students' work. Pros: Rewarding; recurring. Cons & risks: Seasonal demand. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: CBC's creative arts components increase demand.
217. Sports and fitness coaching
What it is: Coaching football, swimming, athletics, chess, martial arts or personal fitness. How it works: Group or individual sessions; academies.
| Skills | Sport expertise, coaching certification where required, first aid |
| Cost & equipment | Equipment, venue access |
| Where to find work | Schools, academies, families, gyms |
| Payment | Per session or term |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Get relevant coaching and first-aid training; start a small academy. Pros: Healthy, community work. Cons & risks: Injury liability; insurance. Scam warning: "Overseas sports scholarship" agents charging fees. Kenya notes: Kenya's athletics and football culture creates demand for youth coaching.
218. Driving school instruction (licensed)
What it is: Teaching people to drive through a licensed driving school. How it works: Theory and practical lessons following official curricula.
| Skills | Driving expertise, instructor licence, patience |
| Cost & equipment | Employed by a school, or significant investment to open one |
| Where to find work | Licensed driving schools |
| Payment | Salary or per learner |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Months (licensing) |
How to start: Meet NTSA instructor requirements; join a registered school. Pros: Steady demand. Cons & risks: Regulation and road safety responsibility. Scam warning: Never offer "licences without training"; it's illegal. Kenya notes: NTSA regulates driving schools and instructors.
219. Exam and test preparation (international exams)
What it is: Preparing students for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT and similar exams. How it works: Diagnostic tests, strategy lessons, practice exams.
| Skills | High scores yourself, exam strategy knowledge |
| Cost & equipment | Materials, laptop |
| Where to find work | Students going abroad, professionals, nurses relocating |
| Payment | Per course |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Take the exam yourself; build a structured prep course. Pros: Strong demand from people going abroad. Cons & risks: Never guarantee scores. Scam warning: Fake "guaranteed visa/score" agents. Kenya notes: Kenyan nurses and students applying abroad often need IELTS/TOEFL preparation.
220. Educational YouTube channel or podcast
What it is: Teaching through free videos, earning from ads, sponsors, memberships and courses. How it works: Consistent educational content → audience → monetisation.
| Skills | Teaching, video production, consistency |
| Cost & equipment | Phone/camera, microphone |
| Where to find work | YouTube, podcast platforms |
| Payment | Ad revenue, sponsorships, products |
| Realistic earnings | Very low for most; can grow large |
| Time to first income | Months to years |
How to start: Pick a focused subject; publish weekly; study what helps viewers (YouTube channel). Pros: Long-term asset. Cons & risks: Slow growth. Scam warning: Buying subscribers or views gets channels penalised. Kenya notes: KCSE revision, CBC help and practical skills channels attract Kenyan audiences.
221. Curriculum and learning material development
What it is: Writing schemes of work, lesson plans, revision books and e-learning content for schools and edtech. How it works: Commissioned work or self-published materials.
| Skills | Curriculum knowledge, instructional writing |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop |
| Where to find work | Schools, publishers, edtech companies, NGOs |
| Payment | Per project or royalties |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks to months |
How to start: Create sample materials aligned to official curricula. Pros: Reusable. Cons & risks: Copyright and approval processes for textbooks. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: CBC and CBET materials are in demand; tools like CBET Planner show the need in TVET.
222. Mentorship and career coaching
What it is: Guiding students and professionals on careers, CVs, interviews and skills. How it works: Paid sessions or programmes; group mentorship.
| Skills | Relevant experience, listening, honesty |
| Cost & equipment | Phone/laptop |
| Where to find work | Graduates, universities, professionals, LinkedIn |
| Payment | Per session or programme |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Mentor a few people free; build testimonials. Pros: Meaningful. Cons & risks: Must not overpromise outcomes. Scam warning: "Pay for guaranteed job placement" schemes. Kenya notes: Graduates value practical guidance on the Kenyan job market.
Summary
- Teaching methods include home and online tutoring, revision programmes, English, Kiswahili and other languages, digital and coding classes, professional training, recorded and live courses, facilitation, creative and sports coaching, driving instruction, international exam prep, educational channels, curriculum development and mentorship.
- Keep children safe, never promise grades, scores or jobs, and follow regulations.
Check yourself
What certificate helps when teaching English online? (TEFL or TESOL, give one)
Show answer
TEFL
Should a tutor ever sell leaked exam papers? (yes or no)
Show answer
no
Which Kenyan authority regulates driving schools? (abbreviation)
Show answer
NTSA
Which exam do many Kenyan nurses take before working abroad? (one of IELTS or TOEFL)
Show answer
IELTS