How to become a certified transcriber in Kenya

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Transcription is one of the most in-demand digital skills in Kenya today. With the growth of online content, podcasts, webinars, interviews, and court recordings, the need for accurate transcribers continues to rise. If you’re detail-oriented, a good listener, and fluent in English or Kiswahili, this could be a great opportunity for you. In this guide, we’ll explain how to become a certified transcriber in Kenya, the training involved, certification options, and how to start earning.

Whether you want to work online, join a transcription company, or freelance, this article provides a clear path to kickstarting your transcription career.

What Is Transcription?

Transcription is the process of converting spoken audio or video content into written text. A transcriber listens to recordings and types out what is said word-for-word (verbatim), clean (without fillers), or edited for clarity.

Types of transcription work:

• Academic research interviews

• Court and legal recordings

• Podcast and YouTube captions

• Medical transcription

• Business meetings and reports

Why Become a Certified Transcriber in Kenya?

Transcription is a flexible, work-from-home career that doesn’t require a degree to start. With certification, you gain credibility, better job opportunities, and access to high-paying clients.

Benefits:

• Work for Kenyan or international clients

• Earn in Ksh or USD

• Flexible hours – part-time or full-time

• Build a freelance or agency business

• Certification boosts your trust level on platforms

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Transcriber in Kenya

1. Learn the Basics of Transcription

Before certification, understand what the job requires. Start by practicing:

• Listening carefully to audio recordings

• Typing quickly and accurately

• Using punctuation correctly

• Understanding different accents

• Following formatting guidelines

You can find free practice audio on websites like GoTranscript Sample Tests.

2. Enroll in a Transcription Course

To become certified, enroll in a professional transcription course. Many Kenyan institutions and online platforms offer quality training.

Best Transcription Training Platforms in Kenya:

• Ajira Digital Kenya (Free government training)

• TranscribeMe Training Hub (online)

• Work Online Kenya (by eMobilis)

• Udemy or Coursera (International, affordable)

• Online transcription academies on Teachable or Thinkific

Course Duration:

• 2 weeks to 1 month (short courses)

• Self-paced (if online)

Topics Covered:

• Types of transcription

• Formatting and style guides

• Using transcription tools

• Grammar and punctuation rules

• Passing transcription tests

3. Get Certified

After completing your training, you’ll receive a certificate of completion or professional certification depending on the course provider.

While there is no national license required in Kenya, having certification from recognized training institutions helps you:

• Apply for online transcription jobs

• Build client trust

• Stand out in the market

Recommended certifications:

• Ajira Digital Transcription Certificate

• Udemy “General Transcription” Certificate

• GoTranscript or Rev practice test certificates

4. Set Up Your Transcription Tools

To work as a transcriber, you’ll need:

• A laptop or desktop

• Good internet connection

• Headphones (noise-cancelling preferred)

• Transcription software (e.g., Express Scribe, oTranscribe, Descript)

• Typing speed test tools (e.g., TypingTest.com)

You may also install grammar checkers like Grammarly to polish your work.

5. Take and Pass Transcription Tests

To qualify for transcription platforms or freelance jobs, you must pass grammar and audio tests.

Popular test platforms:

• GoTranscript

• Rev.com

• TranscribeMe

• Scribie

• PeoplePerHour

• Upwork

Tip: Most platforms offer a free practice test. Read their style guide before attempting.

6. Start Applying for Jobs or Freelancing

Once certified, you can apply for jobs or offer your services directly to clients.

Ways to get transcription jobs:

• Join transcription platforms like GoTranscript, TranscribeMe, or Rev

• Register on freelancing sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer

• Offer your services locally to researchers, journalists, legal firms

• Promote your work on social media and LinkedIn

Typical Pay:

• Local clients: Ksh 500–2,000 per audio hour

• International platforms: $10–$30 per audio hour

7. Improve Your Skills and Grow

To succeed long-term as a transcriber:

• Improve typing speed (aim for 50+ WPM)

• Learn time-stamping and captioning

• Upgrade to medical or legal transcription

• Take proofreading or editing courses

• Build a brand and offer services as a freelancer

You can also grow into other roles like transcription trainer, editor, or virtual assistant.

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to become a certified transcriber in Kenya is a smart move for students, job seekers, or stay-at-home individuals. With basic equipment, proper training, and certification, you can start earning online or locally. Transcription is more than typing — it’s a digital skill that can open doors in today’s remote work economy.

Tip: Start small with free tools and practice files, get certified, then scale up as you gain confidence and clients.

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