8 Entry-Level Jobs in Kenya to Kickstart Your Career

The job market has become incredibly demanding since employers are continuously looking for advanced skills and experiences to achieve their business goals. However, depending on the industry, you can leverage entry-level jobs in Kenya today that will give you foundational skills to help with those bigger roles later.

Entry-level jobs provide an exciting and stimulating environment for networking, mentorship and figuring out exactly where your passions lie. Explore roles you’re interested in without paying too much attention to your major and build your skills and expertise gradually. Consider relevant school projects, internships and volunteer work if you lack a higher education qualification. Check out this list of top entry-level jobs in Kenya today to get started on your career journey.

1.  Business Administration

Business administrators manage various aspects of a company’s activities that ensure seamless operation. Project coordination, communication, and overseeing budgets can be the highlight of this role, which don’t require rigorous training. The versatility of this role makes it especially appealing as you can explore different sectors and find your niche. Moreover, it can be a stepping stone to more specialized positions or management roles in a corporate environment. If you have excellent organizational skills, can solve problems, have remarkable time management skills, and pay attention to detail, this role can be your ideal match.

2.  Communication and Design

Companies looking at establishing their brand authority with clients might be out hunting for communication and design experts. Key roles in successful applications include creating visual content and developing brand strategies that target specific customer segments. If you’re creative enough, have access to graphic design tools, including the Adobe Creative Suite, and are an enviable copywriter, this role can be an impeccable fit.

3.  Sales and Marketing Assistant

Sales and marketing roles are found in nearly all industries. Entry-level sales and marketing jobs in Kenya today, require a high school diploma and basic training in market research, data analysis, content creation, and social media management.

Getting an entry-level sales and marketing job can help you build a specific skill set and gain the experience needed to pursue a long-term career. When crafting your resume, it’s important to highlight your transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Additionally, showcasing relevant certifications can give you an edge.

4.  Graphic Designer

If you love curating creative visuals and have mastered design principles, including colour theory, composition, and typography, this role can be your go-to. However, it’d be best to have a little experience with design software to create visuals for print and digital media.

Remember, employers value a strong portfolio but don’t always require a degree in graphic design or a related field. The goal is to produce more captivating results that resonate with brand audiences and convert. You should be willing to receive and incorporate constructive feedback, work independently and collaboratively and be open to training and development opportunities to grow your skills.

5.  Customer Service Representative

Entry-level customer service and support jobs in Kenya today present an excellent chance for you to represent a company to its customers. As a representative, you’ll be at the forefront of your company’s customer interactions, addressing inquiries, resolving issues and providing assistance. For success in this role, you must have empathy, exceptional problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and patience.

6.  Data Analyst

As the title suggests, this role requires you to analyze information for companies and draw meaningful conclusions. Some capacities may require maintaining software applications, writing code, and testing software functionality, which can be somewhat demanding. However, if you understand how to use data analysis tools like Excel or data visualization platforms and can analyze statistics proficiently, this role will be a walk in the park.

7.  Software Development

As a software developer, you may have to understand basic HTML and know your way around coding and programming. Nonetheless, as demanding as this role may seem, it’s entry-level and provides an opportunity for career advancement and professional growth. If you can quickly adapt and learn while seamlessly collaborating with other developers, you can become more seasoned with time. You may also consider other entry-level counterparts in IT like computer support specialists or systems administrators to soft launch your career in software development.

8.  Marketing Coordinator

Businesses are constantly seeking skilled marketing experts and coordinators to assist their marketing teams and ensure successful planning and execution of marketing campaigns, strategies, and initiatives. While some employers may require a degree or associate degree for some entry-level positions, you can leverage relevant coursework or certifications.

An entry-level marketing coordinator job allows you to acquire hands-on experience in various aspects of the field such as market research, content creation, social media management and data analysis. You need to have strong communication and organizational skills and a willingness to learn and develop relevant skills to do the job well. Moreover, in today’s digital age, employees with digital marketing skills are highly sought after, therefore, developing a diverse skill set will make you an exceptional hire.

Conclusion

Entry-level jobs in Kenya today allow you to learn and develop relevant skills and expertise, build networks and discover your career interests while earning a sustainable wage. According to Glassdoor, the estimated salary for entry-level jobs in Kenya is KES 50,000 per month however, salaries may vary depending on the region, field, experience level, or qualification.

Lastly, entry-level jobs are designed for individuals who may not have extensive work experience. That does not mean you shouldn’t put in the effort to demonstrate your value. Always seek to be proactive and eager to learn and contribute to the organization by acquiring relevant certifications, honing industry specific skills and exploring avenues for professional growth.