Let’s face it: teachers are among the most underpaid workforce in Kenya. How did I arrive at this conclusion? Look here: a teacher reports to work at 8 a.m. and works until 5 p.m. On average, a teacher in Kenya earns Kshs. 40,000 per month, having worked tentatively 40 hours per week, translating to an average of 160 hours per month. Quick mathematics reveals that a Kenyan teacher is paid Ksh. 250 per hour on average.
For this reason, Kenyan teachers are always seeking alternative means of cash flow to supplement their strained payslips. In a world where balancing the books can be as challenging as teaching them, we understand the need to explore side hustles that are not only financially rewarding but also flexible enough to accommodate a busy teaching schedule.
This blog looks into the best side hustles for teachers in Kenya, offering practical advice, creative solutions, and informative guidance to help you unlock the door to financial stability while doing what you love most—teaching. We won’t suggest farming and pig rearing as a side hustle because we believe in providing professionally aligned sources of income that will help you grow professionally and look at side hustles from a different perspective. So, if you’re ready to discover how to maximize your earning potential as a teacher, let’s get started and explore these exciting opportunities together.
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Why does a teacher need a side hustle?
The ever-increasing cost of living has made it challenging for teachers to make ends meet on their regular salaries. As I pointed out earlier, the average teacher’s monthly income often falls short of covering the necessities. Let’s find out why, in this economic climate, having a side hustle has become not just a choice but a necessity for teachers:
Rising Cost of Living: The cost of goods and services, from groceries to housing, has steadily risen. For teachers, these increasing expenses can significantly strain their financial well-being. A side hustle can provide the financial cushion needed to keep up with these escalating costs.
Inadequate Salaries: Despite their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future, teachers in Kenya often receive salaries that must be commensurate with their responsibilities. This discrepancy between the immense value they bring to society and their compensation can make it challenging to meet daily needs and long-term financial goals.
Unforeseen Expenses: Life is full of unexpected events and expenses, whether it’s a medical emergency, home repairs, or unexpected educational costs for children. A side hustle can help teachers build a financial safety net to cope with these surprises without plunging into debt.
Professional Growth: Many teachers are passionate about their subjects and constantly seek professional growth opportunities. A side hustle can provide the funds necessary to attend workshops, and conferences or pursue advanced degrees, enabling them to become better educators.
Retirement Planning: Teachers, like everyone else, must think about their financial future, including retirement. A side hustle can serve as an additional source of income that allows for more substantial retirement savings, ensuring they can enjoy their post-teaching years with financial security.
Improved Quality of Life: Earning extra income through a side hustle can greatly enhance a teacher’s quality of life. It can mean affording a more comfortable home, better healthcare, or even indulging in well-deserved vacations, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.
A side hustle for teachers isn’t merely about padding their wallets; it’s a means to achieve financial stability, pursue professional growth, and improve their overall quality of life in the face of a challenging economic landscape. It is a proactive response to the real-world challenges teachers in Kenya confront daily.
The best side hustles for teachers in Kenya
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored and analyzed the best side hustles for teachers in Kenya. For each side hustle, we’ve discussed why it’s an ideal choice, the steps to get started, and assessed the ease of making Ksh. 10,000. Whether you want to expand your income, showcase your expertise, or explore new horizons, this list is your key to unlocking a world of possibilities for those seeking extra income, financial stability, and professional growth. Let’s dive into the best side hustles for teachers in Kenya.
Tutoring
Tutoring is individualized learning support delivered by a professional to improve students’ skills and knowledge. It can be one-on-one help, small group sessions, or assistance in specific subjects, often utilizing videos or online tutorials. Tutors can specialize in various subjects, including math, English, and science.
Why it’s suitable: Kenyan teachers often excel in specific subjects, making tutoring a natural side hustle. You can provide one-on-one or group tutoring, leveraging your expertise to help students excel.
How to Start: Begin by promoting your tutoring services through local schools or community centres. You can also use online platforms like Chegg Tutors and Tutor.com.
Ease to Start (1-5): 4, Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 4
Online Teaching
Online teaching involves leveraging digital platforms to provide educational content to students, offering flexibility and accessibility beyond traditional classrooms.
Why it’s suitable: As the digital landscape evolves, teachers can offer online courses in their specialized subjects, allowing for flexibility and reaching a broader audience.
How to Start: Utilize platforms like Udemy or Coursera to create and market your courses. Alternatively, create a personal website.
Ease to Start (1-5): 3, Ease to Make Ksh.10,000 (1-5): 3
Selling Curriculum and Lesson Plans
Selling curriculum and lesson plans allows teachers to monetize their meticulously crafted educational materials, benefiting fellow educators and students.
Why it’s suitable: Teachers have a treasure trove of lesson plans and educational materials. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers allow you to monetize them.
How to Start: Create an account on educational resource platforms and start uploading your materials for sale.
Ease to Start (1-5): 3, Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 2
Creating and Selling Online Courses
Creating and selling online courses enables teachers to share their expertise on a global scale, offering in-depth knowledge on a specific subject.
Why it’s suitable: Transform your teaching skills into full-fledged online courses. Share your expertise and earn money on a global scale. The course can be sold on platforms like Udemy, Thinkific, or Payhip
How to Start: Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific make creating, marketing, and selling your online courses easy.
Ease to Start (1-5): 3, Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 3
Writing and Selling Revision Books
Writing and selling revision books empowers teachers to create comprehensive study materials, aiding students in exam preparation.
Why it’s suitable: Leverage your knowledge to create revision guides and textbooks, filling a crucial educational niche.
How to Start: Approach local publishers or consider self-publishing through platforms like Amazon Kindle.
Ease to Start (1-5): 3, Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 3
Starting an Afterschool Enrichment Program
An afterschool enrichment program provides additional learning opportunities to students outside regular classroom hours, enhancing their educational experience. Afterschool programs are in very high demand and are constantly being sought after by parents who want a different taste of learning from the normal school curriculum.
Why it’s suitable: Offer extracurricular classes or activities to students after school hours, enhancing their learning experience.
How to Start: Promote your program through local schools and community centers. Utilize your connections in the education sector.
Ease to Start (1-5): 3, Ease to Make Ksh.10,000 (1-5): 2
Starting a Corporate Training Business
Teachers are natural trainers. They spend their entire day teaching and training learners in different disciplines. It is for this reason that they are well-suited to be corporate trainers. A corporate training business allows teachers to extend their teaching skills to the professional world, conducting workshops and training sessions for employees.
Why it’s suitable: Share your teaching expertise with professionals through workshops and online training, a valuable service in the corporate world.
How to Start: Approach local businesses, advertise your services on LinkedIn, or use platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
Ease to Start (1-5): 4, Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 4
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing capitalizes on teachers’ writing skills, offering opportunities to create diverse content, from articles to educational materials.
Why it’s Suitable: Teachers can leverage their educational expertise to write articles, blogs, and educational content for various clients.
How to Start: Register on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find writing gigs.
Ease to Start (1-5): 4; Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 3
Starting a Blog
A blog is an ideal platform for teachers to share their insights, experiences, and knowledge, reaching a broader audience and potentially earning income.
Why it’s Suitable: Share your educational insights, experiences, and knowledge through a blog, attracting an audience and potential income.
How to Start: Create a blog on platforms like WordPress or Blogger and consistently produce valuable content.
Ease to Start (1-5): 2; Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 2
Starting a Homeschooling Business
Starting a homeschooling business involves offering homeschooling services to parents seeking alternative educational options, leveraging a teacher’s expertise to enhance students’ learning experiences.
Why it’s suitable: Offer homeschooling services for parents seeking alternative education options, capitalizing on your teaching skills.
How to Start: Advertise your services through local communities, social media, and word of mouth.
Ease to Start (1-5): 3, Ease to Make Ksh. 10,000 (1-5): 2
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of side hustles offers many opportunities for teachers in Kenya to enhance their income, enrich their professional lives, and secure their financial future. By tapping into your expertise and passion for education, you can bolster your monthly earnings and make a lasting impact on your students and the broader community.
Whether you tutor, create online courses, sell curriculum materials, or explore any other innovative avenues we’ve discussed, the possibilities are boundless. Embrace the world of side hustles with enthusiasm, and let it empower you to achieve the financial stability you deserve while continuing to inspire and educate the next generation. The journey starts now, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Read also:
7 Best Saccos in Kenya for Loans
10 Ingenious Ways to Save Money from Your Salary Easily
How to Make Money Online from Home Without Investment: 10 Practical Ways
