Transcription work is one of those online jobs that sounds simple on paper: listen to audio, type what you hear, get paid. But like many things, the reality has more layers. If you’re considering transcription as an income source in Kenya, here’s everything you need to know to start right and earn fairly.
What Transcription Actually Involves
Transcription means converting audio or video recordings into written text. This could be interviews, meetings, podcasts, lectures, medical recordings, or legal proceedings. Someone speaks, you type every word, and you get paid per audio minute transcribed.
But here’s what many beginners don’t realize: typing 10 minutes of clear audio might take you 30-40 minutes when you’re starting. Why? You’ll need to rewind sections, check spelling of names, format properly, and catch every “um” and “ah” if it’s verbatim transcription.
Skills You Actually Need
Fast and accurate typing - If you’re still doing the two-finger hunt-and-peck method, transcription will frustrate you. You should aim for at least 60 words per minute with good accuracy. Free sites like TypingClub or Keybr can help you practice.
Good English comprehension - You need to understand different accents, catch context, and know proper grammar and punctuation. Transcription isn’t just typing sounds; it’s making sense of spoken language.
Focus and concentration - You’ll wear headphones for hours, listening carefully while your fingers fly across the keyboard. Distractions kill productivity and accuracy.
Basic computer skills - You need to know how to use word processors, adjust playback speed, and follow formatting guidelines. Most platforms have specific style guides you must follow.
A quiet workspace - Background noise makes it hard to hear audio clearly. Find a quiet corner where you can concentrate without interruptions.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need much to start, but these basics matter:
Decent headphones - Not the earbuds that came with your phone. Get proper over-ear or on-ear headphones that let you hear clearly without cranking volume to dangerous levels. You can find good ones for Ksh 1,500-3,000.
Reliable internet - Most platforms require you to work online, downloading audio files and submitting completed transcripts. Stable internet prevents frustration.
A working computer - Phones won’t cut it for serious transcription work. You need a laptop or desktop with a comfortable keyboard.
How Payment Really Works
This is where many beginners get disappointed. Transcription platforms pay per audio minute, not per minute of your time. Here’s what that means:
If a platform pays Ksh 100 per audio minute and you transcribe 10 minutes of audio, you earn Ksh 1,000. Sounds good, right? But if that 10 minutes took you 40 minutes to complete, you’re actually earning Ksh 1,500 per hour of your time - not the thousands you might have imagined.
Beginner rates typically range from Ksh 60-150 per audio minute depending on the platform and audio quality. As you gain experience and speed, your effective hourly rate improves dramatically.
Audio quality matters hugely - Clear audio with one speaker? Fast money. Multiple speakers with heavy accents and background noise? Slow, painful work that might not be worth the rate.
Legitimate Platforms for Kenyans
Several real transcription platforms hire Kenyans:
Rev - Popular but competitive. Pays via PayPal weekly. You’ll need to pass their test.
TranscribeMe - Accepts beginners and offers shorter audio clips to start. Lower rates but easier to get accepted.
GoTranscript - Decent rates and accepts international workers. Has a qualification test.
Scribie - Good for beginners with shorter files. Rates start lower but increase with experience.
All these platforms require you to pass entry tests showing you can transcribe accurately following their style guides. Some people take these tests multiple times before passing, so don’t be discouraged.
The Registration Fee Scam
Here’s where many Kenyans lose money. If someone on WhatsApp, Telegram, or even Facebook offers you “transcription work” but requires you to pay a registration fee, activation fee, or training fee - walk away immediately.
Real transcription platforms never charge you to work for them. They might test you, train you, and even reject you, but they will never ask for money upfront.
The scam works like this: They show you impressive screenshots of “daily earnings,” add you to a group with fake success stories, then tell you to pay Ksh 500-2,000 for “registration” or “training materials.” Once you pay, either they disappear or they give you fake tasks that never result in payment.
Remember: Money flows TO you in real work, not FROM you.
Tips for Success
Start with the entry tests - Don’t pay for “transcription courses.” The tests themselves teach you what platforms want. If you fail, study the feedback and try again.
Build speed gradually - Don’t burn out trying to transcribe for 8 hours straight at first. Build stamina over weeks.
Use transcription software - Free tools like Express Scribe let you control audio playback with keyboard shortcuts, dramatically improving efficiency.
Choose your audio wisely - When starting, pick clear, simple files. Avoid heavy accents, multiple speakers, or poor audio quality until your skills improve.
Track your actual earnings - Calculate how much you earn per hour of your time, not just per audio minute. This helps you decide if it’s worth continuing.
The Bottom Line
Transcription can provide legitimate side income or even full-time work if you’re skilled and dedicated. But it’s not easy money, and it definitely takes time to build speed and efficiency. If you’re patient, willing to learn, and careful to avoid scams, transcription can be a solid addition to your income streams. Just go in with realistic expectations, and never pay to access “opportunities” that real professionals don’t charge for.