n Kenya, a website with an integrated payment gateway is not just about having an online store; it’s about providing a seamless and trustworthy experience for customers. The ability to accept payments through local mobile money solutions like M-Pesa is a non-negotiable feature that can make or break your online business. The price for this type of website is a combination of the development cost, payment gateway setup fees, and ongoing transaction costs. The total cost typically ranges from Ksh 50,000 to over Ksh 500,000, depending on the complexity.
Key Factors that Drive the Cost
The price of a website with an integrated payment gateway is a direct reflection of the functionality, security, and development expertise required.
- Type of Integration:
- Plugin-Based Integration: This is the most affordable and common method for platforms like WordPress (WooCommerce) or Shopify. A pre-built plugin connects your website to a payment gateway. The cost is primarily for the plugin license and the developer’s time for installation and configuration.
- Custom API Integration: This is a more complex and expensive option for businesses that need a bespoke solution. A developer writes custom code to integrate your website directly with a payment gateway’s API (e.g., Safaricom’s M-Pesa Daraja API). This is necessary for unique functionalities and for websites not built on standard e-commerce platforms.
- Payment Gateway Fees:
- Setup Fees: Some payment gateways charge a one-time setup fee to activate your business account. This can range from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 20,000. However, many now offer a free setup to attract new businesses.
- Transaction Fees: This is an ongoing cost that is essential to budget for. Payment gateways charge a percentage of each transaction processed. For M-Pesa, this is often a small percentage of the transaction value.
- Security Measures: A website that handles payments must be highly secure. The cost will reflect the implementation of advanced security protocols to protect customer data and prevent fraud. This includes an SSL Certificate (often a recurring annual cost), secure hosting, and robust security plugins or features.
Pricing Tiers for Kenyan E-commerce Websites
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs for a website with an integrated payment gateway in the Kenyan market:
1. The Basic E-commerce Package (Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 150,000)
This is a great starting point for a small business or a new online store.
- Features: A professional e-commerce website with up to 50 products, a standard shopping cart, and a secure checkout page. It includes integration with a single, popular payment gateway like M-Pesa using a plugin.
- Ideal for: Small retailers, artisans, and startups that want to test the online market and require a simple, reliable way to accept payments.
2. The Professional E-commerce Package (Ksh 150,000 – Ksh 300,000)
This is a more robust solution for growing businesses that need a professional edge.
- Features: A custom-designed e-commerce store with a larger product catalog (up to 500 products), advanced product filtering, and integration with multiple payment gateways (e.g., M-Pesa, Pesapal, and card payments). It also includes features like customer accounts, order tracking, and a blog for content marketing.
- Ideal for: Established SMEs and businesses that want to scale their online presence and offer a variety of payment options to their customers.
3. The Enterprise-Level E-commerce Solution (Ksh 300,000 – Ksh 500,000+)
This is for large-scale operations or businesses with complex e-commerce needs.
- Features: A bespoke, high-performance website with a massive product capacity, advanced security features, and a custom API integration with your chosen payment gateway. It can also include integration with your inventory management system, CRM, or a logistics provider.
- Ideal for: Wholesalers, large retailers, and businesses that need a fully customized and scalable platform to handle a high volume of sales.
The True Value of Your Investment
A website with an integrated payment gateway is the engine of your online business. Investing in a professional, secure, and user-friendly payment system is a non-negotiable step toward building customer trust and driving sales. It automates your revenue collection, reduces friction in the checkout process, and allows your business to operate 24/7.