The long break is here again. From October 20th through December, most Kenyan teachers will step out of the classroom and into the longest school holiday on the CBE and 8-4-4 calendars. For many, this time brings an urgent question: how do I keep the income flowing until January?

As the school year wraps up and the long holiday begins, global tutoring demand is spiking. This is your chance to start teaching online to earn a dollar-based income.

And the best part? These tutoring gigs aren’t just stopgaps. They are stepping stones into broader opportunities like instructional design, curriculum publishing, and eLearning careers, a path ElevateHub champions for teachers ready to transition beyond the classroom.

The Holiday Goldmine: Why October–December is Prime Time

Here is why this window is golden:

• Global demand is peaking. Students in the US, Europe, and Asia are in the thick of their school terms. Parents are looking for tutors to help kids settle into routines, catch up, or prep for exams.
• Kenyan teachers have an edge.
  • Strong English fluency.
  • A global reputation for discipline and work ethic.
  • A time zone that syncs neatly with evening lessons for Europe and early sessions for Asia.

ElevateHub Note: Remote tutoring is an excellent short-term fix, but don’t stop there. Each session you teach builds digital confidence and experience that can launch you into higher-value careers like instructional design and publishing. That’s where ElevateHub comes in to help you chart the bigger path.

5 Top Online Tutoring Platforms for Kenyan Teachers

1. Preply – The Professional Marketplace

• Model: Open marketplace.
• Barrier: No strict degree required—just a strong tutor profile.
• Kenyan Teacher Advantage: Experienced teachers can set higher rates for specialized subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, or Business English. With consistency and reviews, your profile can climb quickly.

2. italki – The Flexible Language Hub

• Model: Language-focused marketplace.
• Barrier: None if you sign up as a Community Tutor. No TEFL, no degree needed.
• Kenyan Teacher Advantage: Perfect for fluent English speakers who want full control of their schedules. Teachers can also offer Swahili or local language lessons to diaspora learners.

3. Cambly – The Ultimate Low-Barrier Start

• Model: On-demand conversation practice.
• Barrier: None at all—no degree, no certificate, no prior experience. Just good English and reliable tech.
• Kenyan Teacher Advantage: Ideal for testing the waters. You can log in anytime, chat with learners, and earn. While the pay is lower ($10–$12/hour range) compared to others, it’s guaranteed work and instant confidence-building.

4. Engoo / Native Camp – Structured and Ready

• Model: Company with a set curriculum.
• Barrier: None—training and lesson materials are provided.
• Kenyan Teacher Advantage: Great if you prefer guided lessons instead of self-marketing. You show up, follow the prepared materials, and get paid. Their student pool is global, so you’re rarely short of lessons.

5. Superprof – All Subjects Welcome

• Model: General tutoring marketplace.
• Barrier: None. You simply list your profile.
• Kenyan Teacher Advantage: This is where you can shine beyond English. Offer tutoring in other subjects such as music, art, or even life skills. With parents abroad looking for support in Kenyan curriculum subjects, Superprof can open a unique niche.

Tech & Strategy Checklist for Success

The Tech Test

• Internet: Fast and stable. Wired connection preferred.
• Audio: Good headset with clear microphone.
• Space: Quiet, professional background.

The Application Test

• Video introduction: For platforms like Preply and italki, this is your golden ticket. A clear, confident, and professional video will make or break your application. Keep it short, warm, and polished.

The Time Zone Advantage

• Evening (Kenya time) = prime slots for Europe.
• Early mornings/late nights = perfect for Asia and the US.
• Start with 2–3 hours daily, then adjust based on bookings.

The long holiday doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With just your laptop, reliable internet, and your teaching skills, you can start earning in dollars before December.

Action step: Pick one of the platforms above and apply this week. Remember, it often takes a couple of weeks to get approved, so the earlier you act, the sooner your holiday paychecks start rolling in.

👉 Visit elevatehub.ke for resources, mentorship, and opportunities that go far beyond tutoring.