Nairobi has no shortage of web designers, from freelancers to large agencies. Prices and quality vary a lot, and many business owners only discover the problems after they have paid. These ten checks will help you choose someone who builds a website that works for your business and stays under your control.
10 things to check before you hire
1. Live websites they have built
Ask for links to live sites, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone, click around, and fill in a contact form. Websites for businesses similar to yours are the best evidence.
2. Who will own the domain and hosting
Your domain name and hosting account should be registered in your name or your company’s name, with your email address. If the developer owns them, you may struggle to move or even renew your own website later.
3. How fast their sites load on mobile data
Most visitors in Kenya browse on phones using mobile data. Test a few of the developer’s sites with Google PageSpeed Insights. A slow site loses visitors before they read a single word.
4. Mobile design, not just a shrunk desktop site
Good developers design the phone layout first. Buttons should be easy to tap, text readable without zooming, and the call or WhatsApp button always within reach.
5. Experience with M-Pesa and local payments
If you want to sell online or take deposits, ask whether they have integrated M-Pesa STK Push, Paybill or Till payments before. Done well, M-Pesa integration confirms payments automatically instead of relying on screenshots.
6. SEO basics included in the price
Page titles, meta descriptions, clean URLs, a sitemap and Google Search Console setup should come with every professional build. Ask exactly what is included and what costs extra.
7. A written scope and timeline
You should receive a document listing the pages, features, price and delivery date before any work starts. Vague quotes lead to arguments later.
8. Whether you can update the site yourself
Ask which system the site is built on and whether you will get training. You should be able to change prices, add photos or post news without calling the developer each time.
9. Support after launch
Find out how long support lasts after the site goes live, what it covers, and what monthly maintenance costs after that. Websites need updates and backups to stay secure.
10. Clear payment terms and reviews
A deposit is normal, but the terms should be written down. Check the developer’s Google reviews and ask for a client you can call.
Questions to ask on the first call
- What will the website help my business achieve, and how will we measure it?
- Which of your past projects is closest to what I need?
- Will the domain, hosting and site files be in my name?
- How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
- What happens if I need changes after launch?
Red flags to walk away from
- No live examples of their work
- Refusing to register the domain in your name
- No written quote or scope
- Full payment demanded before any design is shown
- No mention of mobile design, speed or SEO
Frequently asked questions
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency in Nairobi?
A freelancer can be cheaper for a small site. An agency is usually better when you need design, development, payments and SEO handled together, or ongoing support from more than one person.
How much should I pay a web developer in Kenya?
It depends on the size of the site and the features you need. Professional business websites in Kenya typically range from about KES 40,000 to over KES 110,000, with online stores and custom systems costing more.
What should be in a website contract?
The pages and features, the price and payment schedule, the delivery date, who owns the domain and files, what support is included after launch, and what changes cost.
Can I move my website to another developer later?
Yes, if the domain, hosting and site files are in your name. That is why ownership is one of the first things to confirm before you hire anyone.
Talk to a Nairobi web design team
At SeriaTech Solutions we design and build fast, mobile-first websites for Kenyan businesses, with the domain and hosting in your name and SEO basics included. Read about our web design service, see our guide to website costs in Kenya, or request a website quote.