Have You Struggled With These Writing Challenges? How Did You Overcome Them?

Writing in Kenya is an incredible opportunity—it’s flexible, creative, and filled with potential. But let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. If you’ve ever felt like this career is testing every ounce of your patience and resilience, you’re not alone.

I’ve faced some serious challenges as a writer, and chances are, you’ve encountered them too. Let’s break them down, share the frustration, and I’ll let you in on how I’ve managed to overcome them (most days, at least!).

1. Inconsistent Workflow and Unreliable Clients

"How am I supposed to trust this client won’t ghost me after I deliver the work? Writing jobs in Kenya feel like a gamble."

We’ve all been there: You pour your energy into a project, submit it, and then... crickets. Maybe the client delays payment or just vanishes altogether. It’s one of the most maddening parts of freelancing.

How I Overcame It:

I started treating writing like a business instead of a hustle. That meant using contracts for every job, no matter how small, with clear terms about payment timelines and late fees. I also began asking for deposits—usually 50% upfront—before starting any work. It sets boundaries and filters out flaky clients.

Building long-term relationships with reliable clients also helps. Once I found a few trustworthy people to work with, I focused on nurturing those connections instead of constantly chasing new gigs.

2. Low Pay Compared to the Effort Required

"Why am I writing so much for so little? Is this even worth the time and stress?"

Let’s be real: Writing in Kenya can feel like working for peanuts, especially when clients don’t value the time, skill, and creativity that goes into your work. Spending hours on a 500-word article for the equivalent of a meal? It’s disheartening.

How I Overcame It:

I learned to say no. As scary as it sounds, turning down low-paying gigs was the best decision I ever made. Instead, I focused on refining my skills and pitching to clients who could afford to pay more.

Specialization also helped me stand out. Instead of being a “writer for hire,” I niched down into areas like SEO content and email copywriting. Clients are often willing to pay more for a writer who’s an expert in their field.

3. Intimidation by Highly Skilled Competition

"There are so many talented writers here—why would anyone choose me?"

Imposter syndrome hits hard when you scroll through LinkedIn or a writer’s forum and see all the brilliant people out there. It’s easy to feel like you’ll never measure up or that you’re a small fish in a very big, talented pond.

How I Overcame It:

I stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on my unique voice. There’s something you bring to the table that no one else can replicate—your personal experiences, your tone, your perspective.

Also, I leaned into continuous learning. Every time I felt intimidated, I turned it into motivation to get better. I took online writing courses, read books on copywriting, and practiced daily. The more I improved, the less I felt like I didn’t belong.

4. Struggles With Complex Briefs and Unclear Instructions

"I can’t even understand what they’re asking for—how am I supposed to deliver quality work?"

Some clients seem to think you’re a mind reader. They’ll give you vague instructions like “Make it engaging” or “Add more depth,” leaving you to decipher what they actually want. It’s frustrating and time-consuming.

How I Overcame It:

I started asking questions—lots of them. If a brief wasn’t clear, I reached out to the client for clarification before starting the work. It’s better to take a few extra minutes upfront than to redo an entire project because you misunderstood.

I also created a checklist for myself, breaking down what makes a good brief (e.g., target audience, tone, style, word count). If the client didn’t provide certain details, I’d fill in the gaps with my own expertise.

5. Lack of Reliable Payment Platforms

"Will I actually get paid this time, or will the platform delay or take a cut that leaves me with almost nothing?"

Payment platforms can feel like a necessary evil. Between delays, fees, and the risk of not getting paid at all, it’s one of the biggest headaches Kenyan writers face.

How I Overcame It:

First, I did my research and started using platforms with better reputations for reliability, like Payoneer or Wise (formerly TransferWise). I also avoid platforms that charge excessive fees when possible, negotiating direct bank transfers for local clients.

For international clients, I made sure to factor platform fees into my rates so I wasn’t losing money. A little planning goes a long way in reducing payment stress.

Final Thoughts: Share Your Story

If you’ve struggled with any of these challenges, know that you’re not alone—and they’re not permanent. With a mix of resilience, strategy, and a willingness to adapt, it’s possible to overcome them and build a sustainable, fulfilling career as a writer in Kenya.

So, here’s my question for you: Have you faced these struggles? How did you overcome them? Share your story—I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated the ups and downs of writing. And if you’re still in the thick of it, know that there’s always a way forward.

Keep writing. You’ve got this.

© Copyright Jenga Online.  All Rights Reserved