The A-Z of Web Design Pricing in Kenya

Black Shepherd Technologies
Kenya
August 27, 2025

Understanding the cost of web design in Kenya can be confusing due to a wide range of prices. A website can cost anywhere from KES 15,000 to over KES 1,000,000, depending on the scope and complexity. The final price is determined by a combination of key factors, features, and the provider you choose.

Here’s a comprehensive A-Z guide to understanding web design pricing in Kenya.

A. The Core Components

  • A. Domain Name & Hosting: These are the essential, non-negotiable costs. A domain name (e.g., yourcompany.co.ke) costs between KES 1,000 and KES 2,000 per year, while hosting (the server that stores your website) can range from KES 2,500 to KES 20,000+ annually, depending on the plan’s resources.
  • B. Design & Development: This is the bulk of the cost. It includes the visual layout (design) and the coding that brings the site to life (development). The cost here depends heavily on whether you choose a custom or template-based design.

B. Pricing Models

  • C. Fixed-Price Packages: Most Kenyan agencies and freelancers offer fixed-price packages (e.g., Starter, Business, Enterprise). This model provides predictability and transparency for the client.
  • D. Hourly Rates: Some freelancers, especially for smaller or more complex projects, may charge an hourly rate, which typically ranges from KES 1,000 to KES 5,000 per hour depending on their experience.
  • E. Value-Based Pricing: A more modern approach where the price is determined by the business value the website will generate, rather than hours or features. This model is often used by experienced agencies for high-value projects.

C. Types of Websites and Their Costs

  • F. Landing Page: A single-page website for a specific marketing campaign. Cost ranges from KES 10,000 to KES 20,000.
  • G. Small Business/Brochure Website: A simple informational site with 5-10 pages (Home, About Us, Services, Contact). Cost ranges from KES 20,000 to KES 50,000.
  • H. E-commerce Website: An online store with product listings, a shopping cart, and a payment gateway. The price varies widely based on the number of products and features, from KES 50,000 for a basic store to over KES 300,000 for a large-scale platform.
  • I. Corporate Website: A more advanced, custom-designed site for larger organizations, often with unlimited pages, advanced functionality, and a bespoke design. Cost ranges from KES 100,000 to KES 300,000+.
  • J. Membership/Custom Websites: A complex platform with user logins, tiered access, or a custom application. These projects are priced based on the specific functionality and can easily exceed KES 300,000.

D. What’s Included (and What’s Not)

  • K. Content Management System (CMS): Most quotes will include a CMS like WordPress, allowing you to update your own content. Some providers may charge an additional fee for setting this up (KES 5,000 – KES 10,000).
  • L. Content Creation: The cost of writing professional copy, taking high-quality photos, or creating videos is often an extra cost.
  • M. SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Basic on-page SEO is usually included in the main fee, but a full SEO strategy to get your site to rank on Google is a separate, ongoing service that can cost from KES 15,000 to KES 50,000+ per month.
  • N. Payment Gateways: Integrating local payment solutions like M-Pesa is a crucial feature that may incur an additional cost, usually starting from KES 10,000.
  • O. Maintenance & Security: A website needs regular updates and security monitoring. Many quotes will include a period of free support (e.g., 3 months), but you should budget for a long-term maintenance plan, which can cost from KES 5,000 per month.

E. Key Factors that Influence Price

  • P. Complexity: The more complex a website’s features are (e.g., live chat, booking forms, CRM integration), the higher the price.
  • Q. Customization: A fully custom design is always more expensive than using a pre-made template, as it requires more time from a skilled designer.
  • R. Revisions: The number of design revisions or changes a client can request is often capped in the contract. Excessive changes can lead to additional fees.
  • S. Turnaround Time: A tight deadline may require the designer to work overtime, which could result in a higher quote.
  • T. Provider Expertise: An experienced, reputable agency will charge more than a new freelancer, but they also offer a higher level of quality, strategy, and reliability.

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