What They Don’t Tell You About Growing as a Kenyan Freelancer

What They Don’t Tell You About Growing as a Kenyan Freelancer

Byelviswarutumo

Introduction

The life of a freelancer in Kenya looks exciting online—flexible hours, laptop lifestyle, and earning in dollars. But that’s only one side of the story. The real journey involves a lot more. If you’re serious about growing as a digital worker, you need to understand the common Kenyan freelancer struggles and growth challenges that don’t make it to social media.

1. Clients Will Ghost You

Freelancers in Kenya often get ghosted. You’ll send proposals and follow-ups, and no one will respond. You might deliver work and wait days—or weeks—for payment. This is normal in the early days. You must stay consistent and keep pitching.

Internal Link: How to Start Freelancing in Kenya with Zero Experience

2. Your Friends Won’t Understand Your Hustle

People will assume you’re jobless because you’re always home. Some will ask when you’ll get “serious” and find employment. Others won’t take your work seriously until they see results. Growing through this stage is tough, but necessary.

Internal Link: My Story: From Zero Clients to Running a 6-Figure Business

3. You’re the Team—Every Role Is Yours

As a freelancer, you’re not just a service provider. You’re also the marketer, accountant, client service rep, and admin. It’s overwhelming, but tools can help.

Helpful Tools:

  • Canva for design
  • Trello or Notion for tracking projects
  • ChatGPT for content and emails
  • Wati for automating WhatsApp follow-ups

Internal Link: AI Productivity Masterclass

4. Self-Doubt Will Creep In

You’ll compare yourself to others.
You’ll question your pricing.
You’ll wonder if you’re even good enough.
But self-doubt is part of the growth curve. Surround yourself with a learning mindset and supportive peers.

Internal Link: Why Most Kenyan Freelancers Fail (And How to Succeed)

5. Progress Is Slow—Until It’s Not

In the beginning, growth is invisible. Then one client turns into three.
Your posts get noticed.
A referral comes in.
And one day, you realize: you’re fully booked.

Internal Link: From Broke to Booked: How Freelancers Make Big Money Online

Final Thoughts

Kenyan freelancer struggles and growth go hand in hand. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a rewarding one. Learn the skills. Show up every day. Be patient with the process. This journey may start alone, but it leads to real freedom.

Start building the right skills and systems today at
courses.elvisw.online

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