This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
The 3 Types of Kenyan Side Hustles ¶
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing Kenyans to re-evaluate their employment contracts, side hustles have become a viable option for many. In this article, Dr. Ken Wachira identifies three distinct types of side hustles based on their foundation, purpose, and age group.
On one end of the spectrum are side hustles founded on talents, hobbies, passion, and self-taught skills. These side hustles are driven by personal satisfaction and a desire to contribute to society. Dr. Wachira associates this category with the 18-35 age group, where individuals are more likely to pursue their passions without external pressure.
However, for older individuals, such as those who have been laid off or retired, pursuing a talent or hobby-based side hustle may be a forced decision. For example, a bank teller may moonlight as a DJ, or an office secretary may model on the weekends.
On the other end of the spectrum are side hustles founded on peer pressure, fads, and get-rich-quick schemes. Dr. Wachira associates this category with the 18-35 age group, where individuals are more likely to be swayed by instant gratification and get-rich-quick schemes. Unfortunately, these side hustles often end in pain and wasted resources.
According to a research report released in February this year, only a third of Kenyans involved in side hustles were willing and ready to quit their day jobs and focus on their side hustles full-time. Dr. Wachira urges growth-oriented Kenyans to avoid the right side of the continuum and instead focus on the left side or the middle section.
Dr. Ken Wachira is a Lecturer at the School of Business and Economics, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui.
