Updated 27 October 2026
To start a blog in Kenya you need four things: a topic people search for, a domain name (a .co.ke costs from about KSh 199 to KSh 250 a year at local registrars), web hosting (Truehost’s cheapest shared plan is KSh 2,500 a year) and WordPress, which is free. This guide on how to start a blog in Kenya walks through each step with real prices read from Kenyan hosts on 27 October 2026, then explains how Kenyan bloggers actually earn: ads, affiliate links and paid work.
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How to start a blog in Kenya: the costs
| Item | Price seen 27 Oct 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| .co.ke domain, HostPinnacle | KSh 250 a year | Excl. VAT |
| Domains, Truehost | From KES 199 | Promotional first-year price; check renewal |
| Truehost WebHosting Starter | KES 2,500 a year, or KSh 188 a month billed 3 years (KSh 6,768) | Hosts up to 10 sites |
| HostPinnacle Hosting Only | KSh 2,875 a year | Excl. VAT; 35GB NVMe |
| HostPinnacle Starter (with free domain) | KSh 4,200 a year | Excl. VAT |
| WordPress | Free | Installed from the hosting panel |
So a first-year blog costs roughly KSh 2,700 to KSh 4,500 in total. Watch renewal prices: hosting and domains often renew at a higher rate than the first-year deal, so read the renewal line before you pay.
Step 1: Pick a topic Kenyans search for
The blogs that earn in Kenya answer questions people type into Google: fees, requirements, how-to steps, prices, jobs and reviews. Pick a niche you know well (farming, personal finance, tech, county news, travel, education) and list 30 questions people ask about it. Type each into Google and note the autocomplete suggestions; those are real searches. Avoid copying other sites: Google demotes copied and thin content, and AdSense rejects it.
Step 2: Register a domain
A .co.ke domain signals a Kenyan site and is cheap; a .com suits a regional or global audience. Our guides on how to buy a .co.ke domain and .co.ke vs .ke vs .com explain the choice. Register the domain in your own name and email, not a designer’s, or you may struggle to get it back later.
Step 3: Buy hosting and install WordPress
Shared hosting is enough for a new blog. Truehost’s WebHosting Starter starts at KES 2,500 a year and is paid by M-Pesa; you can compare Truehost hosting plans here (affiliate link). HostPinnacle’s Starter package at KSh 4,200 a year (excl. VAT) includes a free domain; see HostPinnacle’s plans (affiliate link). Both offer one-click WordPress through the control panel. After installing, set the site title, install a lightweight theme, turn on free SSL (https), and install an SEO plugin such as Rank Math or Yoast.
Step 4: Set up the essential pages
- About, Contact, and Privacy Policy pages (AdSense and affiliate programmes expect them).
- A business email on your domain, such as hello@yourblog.co.ke; see how to create a business email address.
- Google Search Console, so you can see which searches bring visitors.
Step 5: Write posts that rank
Each post should target one search phrase, answer it in the first paragraph, and then give detail: steps, tables, dated prices and official sources. Aim for 800 to 1,500 useful words, add a few questions people ask at the end, and link to your other posts. Publish consistently, for example three posts a week, because new blogs often take several months to get steady Google traffic.
How Kenyan bloggers make money
- Display ads such as Google AdSense. Kenyan traffic pays less per view than US or UK traffic, so volume matters.
- Affiliate links: Jumia and Kilimall programmes for shopping posts, hosting companies for tech posts, and travel and education platforms. Always label them.
- Sponsored posts and reviews from Kenyan brands once you have traffic. Disclose them clearly.
- Services: many bloggers earn more from writing, design or social media work that the blog advertises. If you sell products, see how to start an online shop in Kenya.
Tax and registration
Blog income is taxable. If you earn as an individual, declare it on your KRA return; if you register a business name or company, keep records and receipts. Income from platforms abroad, such as AdSense, is still Kenyan income for a Kenyan resident.
How to start a blog in Kenya: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a blog in Kenya?
About KSh 2,700 to KSh 4,500 for the first year: a .co.ke domain from roughly KSh 199 to 250 plus shared hosting from KSh 2,500 a year. WordPress is free.
Can I start a blog for free?
Yes, on free platforms such as Blogger or WordPress.com, but you cannot use your own domain on the free tier and earning options are limited.
How long before a blog makes money?
Usually several months of regular posting before search traffic is steady enough for ads or affiliate income.
Can I pay for hosting with M-Pesa?
Yes, Kenyan hosts including Truehost and HostPinnacle accept M-Pesa.
Prices read on truehost.co.ke and hostpinnacle.co.ke on 27 October 2026; check the current price and renewal rate before you pay. Updated October 2026.
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