How to Get Freelancing Cloud Computing Roles & Gigs

A Guide for AWS re/Start Graduates in Kenya

Date: May 30, 2025

1/13

Introduction

About Me

AWS re/Start Graduate & Cloud Practitioner
3+ years experience as a software developer
Specialized in web development & cloud solutions
Currently pursuing AWS Solutions Architect certification

Session Goals

Navigate the Kenyan cloud freelance market
Build a competitive cloud computing skill set
Find and secure freelance cloud opportunities
Leverage local networks and resources
Develop essential professional skills

Today's session draws from my personal experience transitioning from AWS re/Start to successful cloud freelancing, with practical steps you can implement immediately.

2/13

Why Freelance in Cloud Computing?

↗️

Growing Demand

37% annual growth in cloud roles in Kenya

⏱️

Flexibility

Set your own hours and work remotely

💰

Income Potential

2-3x higher rates than traditional IT roles

🌍

Global Reach

Work with clients worldwide from Kenya

Kenyan Market Trends

Government support through Ajira Digital initiative
AWS investment in local training (re/Start program)
Growing number of Kenyan businesses migrating to cloud
Shortage of qualified cloud professionals

Kenya is positioned as an emerging tech hub in Africa, with cloud computing skills becoming increasingly valuable as organizations embrace digital transformation.

3/13

Understanding the Kenyan Cloud Freelance Market

Popular Platforms

Upwork - Most Kenyan cloud freelancers start here
Freelancer - Good for beginners with competitive rates
Fiverr - Growing platform for specialized services
Ajira Digital Platform - Local opportunities

Local vs. International

Local: Lower rates but easier to secure initially
International: Higher rates but more competition
Hybrid approach: Use local success to build portfolio

In-Demand Cloud Skills

AWS infrastructure management
Cloud security implementation
Serverless architecture design
Cost optimization services
Cloud migration consulting

Most Requested Cloud Services in Kenya

AWS (85%)

Azure (60%)

GCP (40%)

DevOps (35%)

4/13

Step 1: Build & Validate Your Cloud Skills

AWS re/Start Foundation

Leverage your AWS re/Start training as a foundation
Complete all hands-on labs provided in the program
Join AWS study groups with fellow alumni
Build at least 3 personal projects using AWS services

Certification Pathway

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Entry Level)
AWS Solutions Architect - Associate
AWS Developer - Associate
Specialized certifications based on interest

Hands-on Project Ideas

Serverless web application with S3 and Lambda
Cost optimization dashboard for AWS resources
Multi-region high availability deployment
Infrastructure as Code using CloudFormation/Terraform

Portfolio Building Tips

Use findkigen.online as inspiration:

Document all projects with clear descriptions
Include technologies used and challenges overcome
Add screenshots or architecture diagrams
Link to GitHub repositories when possible

5/13

Step 2: Create a Strong Freelance Profile

Recommended Platforms

Upwork - Best for beginners with AWS skills
Freelancer - Good for short-term projects
Truelancer - Growing platform for African freelancers
Fiverr - Package services like "AWS Architecture Review"

Profile Must-Haves

Professional headshot or avatar
AWS certifications prominently displayed
Specialized skills list (specific AWS services)
Examples of cloud projects with measurable results
Link to your personal website (like findkigen.online)

Sample Profile Introduction

"AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner with hands-on experience designing and implementing cost-effective cloud solutions. Specializing in serverless architecture, infrastructure automation, and security best practices. Graduate of AWS re/Start program with a proven track record of helping businesses reduce infrastructure costs by an average of 30% while improving performance and reliability."

Proposal Writing Tips

Address client's specific needs and pain points
Provide relevant examples from your portfolio
Offer a clear implementation approach
Include timeline and deliverables
Differentiate yourself with AWS knowledge

Portfolio Website Value

Having a dedicated site like findkigen.online increases credibility and conversion rates by 40-60% when applying for freelance jobs.

6/13

Step 3: Find and Apply for Jobs

Effective Search Strategies

Use specific keywords: "AWS", "Cloud Migration", "EC2", "S3"
Filter for entry-level opportunities initially
Set up job alerts for relevant keywords
Look for fixed-price small projects to build reviews
Check "Kenyan only" or "Africa only" listings

Start Small, Think Big

Begin with smaller, achievable projects
Deliver exceptional quality to get 5-star reviews
Gradually increase your rates with experience
Aim for long-term relationships with clients

                                Winning Proposal Template
                                Personalized greeting with client's name
Demonstrate understanding of their cloud challenge
Explain your relevant experience with similar projects
Outline your approach to solving their problem
Include timeline and deliverables
Link to relevant portfolio items on findkigen.online
Call to action (consultation offer)

                            

Red Flags to Avoid

Vague project descriptions
Unusually low budgets for complex work
Clients requesting free work samples
Payment outside the platform
Unrealistic deadlines for cloud implementations

7/13

Step 4: Leverage Local Networks & Initiatives

Kenyan Cloud Communities

AWS re/Start Alumni Network
AWS Kenya User Group
Nairobi DevOps Community
Cloud Practitioner Meetups
Africa's Talking Developer Community

Government Initiatives

Ajira Digital Platform - official freelance portal
Digital Economy Blueprint opportunities
ICT Authority training programs
County-level innovation hubs

Tech Events & Webinars

AWS Community Day Kenya
Nairobi Tech Week
iHub Cloud Computing Events
Africa Cloud Summit
AWS online workshops (Africa-focused)

Building Your Network

Use your personal website as a networking hub:

Showcase portfolio like on findkigen.online
Blog about AWS best practices
Share success stories and case studies
Connect social media profiles
Offer free cloud architecture reviews

40%

Network Effect

of freelance jobs come through referrals

65%

Local Advantage

higher chance of landing projects through local networks

3x

Community Value

faster skill development in active communities

8/13

Step 5: Develop Soft Skills & Professionalism

Communication Excellence

Clear documentation of cloud architectures
Timely responses to client inquiries (within 4-6 hours)
Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical clients
Regular progress updates on implementations

Client Management

Setting clear expectations from the start
Creating detailed scope documents
Managing scope creep professionally
Getting feedback throughout the project

Time Management

Use tools like Trello or Asana for project tracking
Set realistic deadlines with buffer time
Break complex cloud projects into manageable milestones
Account for AWS deployment and propagation times

Professional Tools

GitHub for code version control
AWS CloudFormation for infrastructure templates
Draw.io for architecture diagrams
Slack/Discord for client communication
Cloud cost calculators for accurate estimations

Contract & Payment Best Practices
                                Always use platform protection for first-time clients
Create simple but clear contracts for direct clients
Set milestone-based payments for larger projects

                                Use M-Pesa or PayPal for local clients
Consider Wise or Payoneer for international payments
Keep records for tax purposes (KRA requirements)

9/13

Additional Tips & Resources

Niche Specialization Ideas

AWS for fintech applications (growing in Kenya)
Cloud security implementation and auditing
Serverless architecture for startups
Multi-cloud strategies (AWS + Azure)
Cloud cost optimization consulting

Staying Updated

AWS What's New blog
A Cloud Guru / Cloud Academy courses
re:Invent and re:Inforce session recordings
AWS This Week YouTube series
ExamPro and Tutorials Dojo practice exams

Financial Management

Register for KRA iTax as a freelancer
Track income and expenses using Wave or QuickBooks
Set aside 30% for taxes and emergencies
Consider registering a business for larger contracts
Separate personal and business finances

Useful Resources

findkigen.online - Portfolio example
Ajira Digital Platform - ajiradigital.go.ke
AWS re/Start Graduate Network
AWS Africa Blog - Latest regional updates
CloudKenya Slack community

2-3x

Specialization Premium

Higher rates for cloud security specialists

15%

Knowledge Advantage

More opportunities with current AWS features

30%

Tax Planning

Set aside for KRA requirements

10/13

Demo: Navigating findkigen.online

Let's explore how my portfolio site is structured to showcase cloud skills effectively:

Theophilus Korir

About

Skills

Projects

Experience

Contact

Software Developer & Cloud Specialist

A seasoned developer with AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, building responsive, user-centric solutions and pursuing Solutions Architect expertise.

Cloud Projects

• Cloud Resource Manager

• TestOrbit

• X-Mpressa

• E-commerce Platform

Technical Skills

• AWS

• Python

• Terraform

• Full-Stack Development

Certifications

• AWS Cloud Practitioner

• AWS Solutions Architect (In Progress)

Key Elements For Your Portfolio

Highlight AWS certifications prominently
Showcase cloud-specific projects with details
List specialized cloud services you're familiar with

Include architecture diagrams for complex projects
Add metrics and business outcomes when possible
Make it easy for clients to contact you

11/13

Q&A Session

Questions?

I'm happy to share more details about my experience transitioning from AWS re/Start to successful cloud freelancing.

Common Questions

How long does it take to land your first cloud freelancing job?
What rates should I charge as a beginner?
How do I handle clients with unrealistic expectations?
Which AWS certification should I pursue next?
How do I balance learning and earning?

You can also reach out after the session via:

findkigen@gmail.com | +254 758 831 526

Or connect through my website: findkigen.online

12/13

Thank You!

Start Your Cloud Freelancing Journey Today

Remember: Every expert was once a beginner. Your AWS re/Start training has given you a valuable foundation!

Key Takeaways

1. Build your skills through certifications and hands-on projects

2. Create a compelling portfolio and professional online presence

3. Start with smaller projects to build your reputation

4. Leverage local networks and the AWS community

5. Continuously learn and specialize to increase your value

Visit findkigen.online for inspiration and resources

13/13