Technology

Low-Code / No-Code Developer

Builds applications using low-code/no-code platforms — creating business tools, workflows and automations without traditional coding. In Kenya — where businesses need digital solutions but face developer shortages — low-code developers bridge the gap.

AI exposure: 76 of 100, high exposure
Hiring trend: Rising
Hiring rate: 30%

The role

What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.

At a glance

Remote friendly: Yes
Freelance potential: High
Time to senior: 5 years

A day in the role

Builds an internal expense management app using Microsoft Power Apps. Creates an automated approval workflow with Power Automate. Builds a customer dashboard using Retool connected to a PostgreSQL database. Integrates a low-code app with a CRM via API. Designs a data model for a new business application. Trains business users on building their own Power Apps. Deploys a low-code application to production.

What it pays

Kenyan market, per month

Entry: KES 40,000-80,000
Mid: KES 90,000-200,000
Senior: KES 230,000-520,000

Exposure

How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.

Where this rating sits

1,516 rated careers

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020406080100

Rated above 95% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside technology the mean is 62, across 125 careers.

Named task by task

Already automated

AI-powered app generation from natural language descriptions
Automated workflow building from process descriptions
AI-assisted form and report generation
Generating data models from business requirements

Still human

Building applications on low-code platforms — Microsoft Power Apps, OutSystems, Mendix, Bubble, Retool
Creating business workflows — automating business processes using Power Automate, Zapier, Make.com
Building internal tools — creating dashboards, admin panels, data entry forms, reporting tools
Integrating systems — connecting low-code apps to databases, APIs, SaaS tools
Designing data models — creating database schemas and data structures within low-code platforms
Managing user access — configuring roles, permissions, security in low-code applications
Testing and deploying — testing low-code apps, deploying to production, managing versions
Training business users — enabling citizen developers to build their own solutions

Task counts

Displacing: AI can generate simple apps from descriptions — but complex business logic, integrations and process design remain human.
Augmenting: AI app generation within low-code platforms improves productivity.

Sources

Behind the rating

Microsoft Power Platform adoption in Kenya
Kenya SME digital transformation trends
Low-code platform market in Africa

Getting in

The routes into the role and what each one asks for.

What to study

8 courses

How people get in

BSc IT/BIS + low-code platform certification
4-6 yearsVery high cost
BSc IT, Computer Science or Business Information Systems plus low-code platform certifications (Microsoft Power Platform, Bubble)

Who hires

Corporate IT Departments
Consulting Firms
Self-Employed/Freelance
SMEs

Common misconceptions

Low-code isn't real development
Low-code development requires understanding of data models, business logic, integrations, security and user experience — it is professional application development using visual tools instead of code.

What happens next

How the role changes from here, and where it leads.

Growth outlook

Net demand change: +15%
Over: 2026-2028
Drivers: Business digitisation demand,Developer shortage,Low-cost app development needs,SME digital transformation
Headwinds: AI generating apps from descriptions,Platform lock-in concerns,Limited customisation for complex needs

What to learn

AI-powered low-code platforms (Copilot in Power Platform)
Advanced workflow automation and RPA
Low-code AI integration (adding AI to low-code apps)
Process mining and optimisation

Related careers

Kenyan market notes

Low-code development is a growing field in Kenya. Key context: Kenyan businesses need digital solutions but face developer shortages and high development costs — low-code platforms enable faster, cheaper application development. Key platforms: Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate — growing in enterprises using Microsoft 365), Bubble (web application builder — popular for startups and SMEs), Retool (internal tools — popular with tech companies), OutSystems (enterprise low-code — large organisations), Zapier/Make.com (workflow automation — connecting SaaS tools). Key use cases: internal business tools (expense management, leave management, inventory tracking), workflow automation (approval processes, notifications, data sync), customer portals, and data dashboards. Key employers: corporate IT departments (using low-code to build internal tools faster), consulting firms (implementing low-code solutions for clients), SMEs (affordable digital solutions without hiring developers), and freelance/consulting (building low-code solutions for multiple clients). Key challenges: AI tools generating apps from natural language (reducing need for low-code developers), platform lock-in (low-code apps are tied to platforms), limited customisation (complex requirements may need traditional coding), and limited awareness of low-code in Kenya. Salary: entry KES 40,000-80,000 (low-code developer), mid KES 90,000-200,000 (senior low-code developer or consultant), senior KES 230,000-520,000+ (low-code architect or head of low-code). Freelance low-code developers charge per project — KES 50,000-500,000+ depending on complexity.