Samuel Ashitiba: Leveraging Mentorship for Success in the Gig Economy 

Samuel Ashitiba, a business management graduate specialising in entrepreneurship, is a dedicated gig worker based in Nairobi’s Utawala Estates. He works as a short-term research support consultant for various organisations, providing on-site and remote data collection, field team management, and data management services. Alongside this, Samuel runs an online shop selling household and non-household items. His diverse career showcases his drive to explore multiple income streams while adapting to the dynamic gig economy.

Motivation to join the mentorship program

Samuel joined the mentorship program on June 27, 2024, driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of the gig economy, especially within the research support services sector. He was eager to learn how to access online research work such as transcription, remote data collection, and project management tasks.

“The idea of having an expert mentor guide me through the trends in the gig economy and the chance to network with fellow gig workers greatly motivated me,” Samuel shares.

Additionally, the opportunity to access free, tailored online courses on the Atingi platform to enhance his knowledge and skills in the gig economy was a significant factor that encouraged him to join.

Personalised mentorship experience and key learnings

Samuel’s mentorship focused on leveraging digital platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, and others to secure consultancy work and build a professional network.

“I learned how to effectively revamp my LinkedIn profile, craft compelling CVs, and develop a standout professional profile,” Samuel explains.

He also gained insights into essential tools and resources for gig workers, such as having a well-prepared resume, a strong digital presence, and the discipline to excel in a competitive environment.

Samuel’s mentor provided crucial support materials, including templates for LinkedIn and CV writing, resources for finding digital jobs, and examples of well-done profiles.

“This hands-on support and personalised guidance made a big difference in how I approach my work and present myself to potential clients,” he adds.

Impactful takeaways from the mentorship

A pivotal piece of advice Samuel received from his mentor was to focus on building a digital portfolio and actively engaging with potential clients. This approach has significantly improved his visibility and success on platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn.

“After reworking my profile on Upwork, I landed a transcription gig. On LinkedIn, I attracted more connections by reorganising my profile,” Samuel says.

His refined resume also opened doors for remote roles, such as a multi-country enumerator position where he is currently in the final interview stages.

Developing new skills for the gig economy

The program equipped Samuel with crucial skills to market himself online, optimise his profiles on various platforms, and manage client relationships effectively. “These skills are key to enhancing my ability to secure and deliver quality work in the gig economy,” Samuel notes.

His approach to the gig economy has become more strategic, allowing him to identify lucrative opportunities and manage multiple projects efficiently. “The atingi course on ‘Introduction to navigating the gig economy’ set the pace for my long term success because it offered me the foundational and practical knowledge on finding work on digital platforms, the importance of rating and how to overcome platform work challenges,” he attests. 

Overcoming challenges and moving forward

Before joining the program, Samuel struggled with effectively marketing his services online. “The mentorship helped me create a compelling online presence and strategically approach potential clients,” he reflects. Now, Samuel balances consultancy services for three different clients and credits his new skills for this capability.

Future Aspirations and the Role of Mentorship

Looking ahead, Samuel aims to establish himself as a reliable and consistent consultant in the gig economy. “The mentorship has laid a strong foundation for my future career by equipping me with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue this path confidently,” he says. His journey is proof of the transformative power of targeted mentorship and the potential of youth to thrive in the gig economy.

About the Project Partners: 

Digital Transformation Center, Kenya (DTC)

The DTC is an initiative implemented in Kenya by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union through the German Development Cooperation. It was commissioned in early 2023 to support the country’s digital transition towards a sustainable and human-centred digital economy and society. For more information, email dtc-kenya@giz.de.