If you've asked three web designers in Nairobi for a quote, you've probably had three very different answers. One says KSh 15,000, one says KSh 80,000 and one says "it depends". This guide explains where those numbers come from and what you should get at each budget.
We use our own published prices throughout. You can see every package on our pricing page.
The short answer
For a professional business website in Kenya in 2026, expect roughly:
| Budget | What it usually buys | Malaika price range |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 4–7 pages, basic SEO, analytics, one or two forms | KSh 25,000 – 45,000 |
| Growth | 6–10 pages, stronger SEO, event tracking, more layouts | KSh 55,000 – 95,000 |
| Strategic | 10–18 pages, GA4 + Search Console + Tag Manager, advanced SEO | KSh 110,000 – 190,000 |
| Bespoke | Custom functionality, advanced interactions, growth systems | From KSh 220,000 |
Most small and growing businesses land in the Starter or Growth bands. Spending more only makes sense when the site has more to do, such as selling, booking, capturing leads at scale or supporting a large catalogue.
What actually drives the price
1. Number of pages and unique layouts
Pages are not all equal. Ten pages that share one template cost far less than ten pages that each need their own design. That's why our packages count unique layouts as well as pages. When you compare quotes, ask how many distinct designs are included.
2. Forms and integrations
A simple contact form is cheap. Forms that feed a CRM, trigger a WhatsApp message or send automated emails take real setup and testing. Each one adds to the scope.
3. SEO and tracking
This is where cheap websites usually cut corners. A "basic SEO" site has correct titles, descriptions and a sitemap. A site built to grow also has:
- Google Search Console connected, so you can see what people search for
- Google Analytics 4 with event tracking on calls, WhatsApp clicks and forms
- A page structure planned around the searches your customers actually make
Without tracking you can't tell whether the website is bringing in business.
4. Revision rounds
Every extra round of changes takes time. Fixed revision rounds protect both sides and keep the project moving.
5. Content
Copywriting and photography are often left out of quotes. If you don't have them ready, budget for them or expect delays.
Why some websites cost KSh 10,000
Very low quotes usually mean one or more of these:
- A pre-made theme with your logo swapped in
- No SEO setup or analytics
- No ownership of the domain or hosting in your name
- No support after launch
That can be fine for a placeholder. It rarely works as a sales channel. Before you pay, ask who owns the domain, who owns the code and what happens if something breaks.
Ongoing costs to budget for
The build is a one-off cost, but a website also has yearly running costs:
- Domain name: a
.co.keor.comrenewal every year - Hosting: from free tiers for simple static sites up to monthly plans for e-commerce
- Business email: usually charged per user, per month
- Updates and improvements: content changes, new pages, seasonal campaigns
How to choose the right budget
Start with what the website needs to do, not how many pages it has:
- Be found and look credible → a Starter build is usually enough.
- Bring in leads every week → choose Growth, with proper tracking and SEO.
- Sell, book or automate → Strategic or Bespoke, with the integrations built in.
Not sure which band fits? Our instant estimate asks a few quick questions and recommends three configurations with real prices. It takes about two minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a website in Kenya?
A Starter site usually takes two to four weeks once content is ready. Larger Strategic or Bespoke builds take six weeks or more, depending on integrations and reviews.
Do I need to pay everything upfront?
Most studios, including us, work with a deposit to start and the balance at milestones or launch. Ask for the payment schedule in writing.
Can I update the website myself?
Yes, if it's planned that way. Tell your designer early if you want to edit text, add blog posts or change prices without help.
Want a number for your own project? Get an instant estimate or see the full pricing breakdown for websites, SEO, email and social.