Software prices
How much does custom business software cost in Kenya? Our 2026 prices
Asking 'how much is a system?' in Kenya gets you answers from KSh 15,000 to 'tuongee ofisini', which is developer for 'brace yourself'. Two systems with the same name can do wildly different things. So here are our actual prices, and exactly what a first version is and is not.
How much does business software cost in Kenya?
No suspense, no 'request a quote to see pricing'. Here is the menu.
| System | Price |
|---|---|
| Simple custom business tool | KSh 20,000 |
| Invoice and quotation system | KSh 25,000 |
| Booking and appointment system | KSh 25,000 |
| Basic inventory management MVP | KSh 30,000 |
| Basic CRM MVP | KSh 30,000 |
| Client portal MVP | KSh 30,000 |
| Membership management MVP | KSh 30,000 |
| Customer support ticketing MVP | KSh 30,000 |
| Business management dashboard | KSh 35,000 |
| Property management MVP | KSh 35,000 |
| Delivery management MVP | KSh 35,000 |
| Workflow automation | KSh 20,000 to 35,000 |
Each price is for a first version with a feature list agreed in writing before work starts. Not sure what any of these systems even do? Start with what business management software is.
What is an MVP in software, and why does the label matter?
MVP stands for minimum viable product: the smallest version of a system that does its main job well enough to be used every day. A basic CRM MVP records your customers, tracks follow-ups and shows you a pipeline. It does not try to do everything a giant commercial CRM does.
Think of it as a probox, not a Range Rover. It carries the load, starts every morning and gets the work done. No sunroof.
The label matters because it tells you what these prices buy. They cover a narrowly scoped first version. They do not cover a complete commercial-grade platform.
Why start with a first version?
Because the saddest thing in tech is an expensive system nobody opens. Starting small protects your pesa:
- You spend a small amount to learn whether your team will use the system at all.
- Feedback comes from people doing their jobs, not from a meeting about what they might want.
- Features are added in order of real value, so less money goes on things nobody uses.
- You reach something usable quickly, which is when the savings begin.
This is the approach behind our product-minded execution service. Most systems we build begin this way and grow in stages.
How much does a CRM, invoicing or booking system cost?
CRM
A basic CRM MVP is KSh 30,000. It is the cure for 'aki I forgot to call that client back'. See what our CRM and operations systems cover.
Invoicing and quotations
An invoice and quotation system is KSh 25,000. For when chasing payments has become your unpaid second job. Details are on our quotations and payments page.
Bookings and client portals
A booking and appointment system is KSh 25,000, and a client portal MVP is KSh 30,000. See portals and bookings.
Whole-business and sector systems
A business management dashboard, a property management MVP and a delivery management MVP are KSh 35,000 each. See business systems and industry software.
How much do AI tools for business cost in Kenya?
| AI solution | Price |
|---|---|
| AI chatbot using your supplied business information | KSh 20,000 |
| AI meeting notes and task workflow | KSh 20,000 |
| AI document extraction prototype | KSh 25,000 |
| AI lead qualification workflow | KSh 25,000 |
| AI business reporting prototype | KSh 30,000 |
| Custom AI workflow | KSh 35,000 |
These entry prices assume a limited workflow built on existing AI services. Running costs are billed separately: AI usage charges, subscriptions, WhatsApp Business API fees and advanced integrations.
Do not skip that part. An AI tool is like a car: buying it is one cost, fuel is another, and the fuel bill rises the more you drive. Ask for an estimate based on your expected volume before you decide. For where AI actually helps, read how small businesses can use AI.
How much does design cost for a software project?
| Design work | Price |
|---|---|
| UI/UX design for a business dashboard | KSh 12,000 |
| UI/UX design for a small software MVP | KSh 15,000 |
Interface design is worth doing before code is written, because changing a drawing costs far less than changing a working system. It is the difference between moving a wall on the plan and moving it after the fundi has finished plastering. See UI/UX and digital experience design.
How much does software maintenance cost?
| Monthly plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic software maintenance | KSh 5,000 per month |
| Software support and minor improvements | KSh 8,000 per month |
Each plan covers a defined allowance of work per month. New features are quoted separately. A one-time development fee does not include ongoing support, so decide at the start whether you want a plan. 'Si you just add this small thing?' is how friendships end.
What is not included in the price?
- Hosting and domain names.
- Paid software licences, APIs and other third-party services.
- SMS, WhatsApp Business API and payment gateway charges.
- Features outside the agreed list, which are quoted as additions.
These are charged separately, so the build price stays comparable from one quote to the next. If a quote looks suspiciously cheap, check which of these it quietly left out.
How does payment work?
- A 50% deposit before work starts.
- The remaining 50% before final handover.
- Features, delivery timeline and exclusions agreed in writing before any payment.
Everything in writing first. Sawa for you, sawa for us.
Quick answers about software costs in Kenya
How much does a CRM system cost in Kenya?
Our basic CRM MVP is KSh 30,000. That is a first version with an agreed feature list. A CRM with many user roles, complex integrations and extensive reporting costs more.
How much does an invoicing system cost?
Our invoice and quotation system is KSh 25,000. Payment gateway charges and other third-party fees are billed separately.
How much does an AI chatbot cost in Kenya?
An AI chatbot that answers from business information you supply is KSh 20,000 to build. AI usage, subscriptions and WhatsApp Business API fees are charged separately and depend on how much it is used.
Can a KSh 30,000 system run my whole company?
No. That price buys a narrowly scoped first version of one system. It is a sound way to start, and it can be extended, but a complete multi-user platform needs a larger budget.
Is support included after the system is delivered?
Not in the one-time fee. Basic software maintenance is KSh 5,000 per month, and support with minor improvements is KSh 8,000 per month.
Should I buy ready-made software or have it built?
If a ready-made product fits how you work and what you can afford, buy it. A custom first version makes sense when your process is unusual, or when you are paying for several tools that do not connect. We compare both routes in buy or build.