Updated 31 October 2026
How much it costs to make a website in Kenya depends on three things: the domain name, hosting, and who builds the site. A simple site you build yourself on WordPress can run on hosting from under KSh200 a month plus a domain, while a business site designed by an agency costs more upfront for design, content and setup. This guide breaks down each cost with current published prices so you can budget properly.
Updated October 2026. Some links below are affiliate links, marked “(affiliate link)”; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Domain name
Your domain (for example yourbusiness.co.ke) is renewed every year. .co.ke domains are managed by KeNIC and sold through accredited registrars. Prices vary by registrar and by extension, and first-year promotional prices are often lower than renewals, so always check the renewal price. Truehost, for instance, advertises some domains from KES 199 for the first year on promotion. Compare current prices on Truehost (affiliate link) and other KeNIC-accredited registrars.
2. Hosting
Hosting is the server space where your site lives. For most small business sites, shared hosting is enough. Published Truehost shared hosting prices in October 2026:
| Plan | Monthly price (3-year term) | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| WebHosting Starter | KSh188/month | KSh6,768 every 3 years |
| WebHosting Pro | KSh371/month | KSh13,383 every 3 years |
| WebHosting Unlimited | KSh1,632/month | KSh58,752 every 3 years |
Paying monthly costs more (the Starter plan lists KSh500 a month before the multi-year discount), and Truehost also advertises shared plans from KES 2,500 a year. Prices change often, so confirm on the Truehost hosting page (affiliate link). HostPinnacle is another Kenyan option. Before you buy, read our guides on how to buy a .co.ke domain and .co.ke vs .ke vs .com.
3. Design and build
Option A: Build it yourself
With WordPress and a free or low-cost theme, you can build a basic five-page site yourself. Your main costs are domain, hosting and your time. This suits sole traders who are comfortable learning the basics.
Option B: Hire a web design agency
An agency handles design, copy layout, mobile optimisation, speed, basic SEO and setup of email and payments. Costs depend on the number of pages, custom features (online shop, bookings, M-Pesa checkout) and whether content writing is included. Get two or three written quotes covering the same scope. For businesses that want a professionally built site, Ananke Digital is a Kenyan web design agency we recommend for small businesses, schools and organisations.
4. Ongoing yearly costs
- Domain renewal (every year)
- Hosting renewal (monthly or at the end of your term)
- Business email, if not included with hosting
- Premium plugins or themes, if you use paid ones
- Maintenance: updates, backups and security, either your time or a maintenance plan
5. Extras that change the price
- Online payments: adding M-Pesa checkout needs a till or paybill and an integration; see how to accept M-Pesa payments on your website.
- E-commerce: product catalogues, stock and delivery options add design and setup time; see how to start an online shop in Kenya.
- Content: professional photos and copywriting cost extra but often matter more than design.
How to keep website costs down
- Start with a small site (home, about, services, contact) and grow it.
- Pay for hosting on a longer term to get the lower monthly rate, but check the renewal price.
- Own your domain and hosting accounts yourself, even if an agency builds the site (here is how to get a domain back from a web designer).
- Ask any designer for a fixed-price quote with a clear list of pages and features.
FAQ
How much does website hosting cost in Kenya?
Shared hosting starts from about KSh188 a month on a three-year Truehost plan, or about KSh500 paid monthly, as published in October 2026.
Can I build a website for free in Kenya?
Free builders exist, but they use the builder’s subdomain and limit features. A business site should have its own domain and hosting.
Do I need a .co.ke domain?
Not legally, but a .co.ke domain signals a Kenyan business and is popular with local customers.
What should a web design quote include?
Number of pages, design revisions, mobile optimisation, basic SEO, contact forms, payment integration if needed, and who owns the domain and hosting.
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