Websites in Nairobi
How to choose a website design company in Nairobi
Search 'web design company Nairobi' and you will find hundreds of options, from a guy with a laptop in Kasarani to an agency with a rooftop office in Westlands. All promise 'stunning, responsive websites'. Here is how to actually tell them apart and pick the one that fits your business.
Step 1: know what you need before you compare
You cannot compare quotes for different things. Before contacting anyone, write down:
- The main goal: inquiries, bookings, online sales or credibility.
- The pages you need, such as home, services, about, contact.
- Special features: booking, payments, a blog, a client portal.
- Whether you have your own text, photos and logo.
- Your budget range and any deadline.
Our guide to preparing before hiring a web design agency covers this in detail.
Step 2: build a shortlist of three to five
Look for companies whose portfolio includes businesses like yours, in size and type. A company that builds banking portals may not be the right fit for a salon, and the reverse is also true.
- Search Google and check the companies' own websites. A web design company with a weak website is a warning.
- Ask business owners you trust who built their site.
- Check Google reviews, reading the detailed ones, not just the stars.
- Look at live client sites on your phone. Are they fast? Clear? Still online?
Step 3: ask every company the same questions
| Question | What a good answer sounds like |
|---|---|
| What is your process? | Clear stages, such as brief, design, build, review, launch |
| What is included in the price? | A written list of pages and features |
| Who owns the domain, hosting and site? | You, in your name |
| How many revision rounds are included? | A specific number |
| What happens after launch? | Defined support, with a monthly option |
| Is basic SEO included? | A clear yes or no, with what it covers |
| How are payments split? | Staged, such as a deposit and a balance |
Step 4: compare proposals, not just prices
Put the proposals side by side and check scope first. A KSh 15,000 quote for three pages and a KSh 28,000 quote for eight pages with SEO and copywriting are not competing on price; they are different products.
For what websites typically cost and why, read website development costs in Nairobi.
What are the red flags when choosing a web design company?
- No portfolio, or only templates and mock-ups, no live sites.
- Refusing to put scope and price in writing.
- Registering your domain in their name.
- Asking for full payment upfront.
- Promising 'first page of Google in a week'.
- No clear answer about support after launch.
- Slow or vague replies before you have even paid. It does not get better after.
Agency, studio or freelancer?
Freelancers are often cheaper and flexible, but depend on one person. Large agencies offer depth but can be expensive and slower for small projects. Small studios sit in between: a team with several skills, design, development and branding, without big-agency overheads. For what to check in an individual designer, read what to look for in a web designer in Nairobi.
How CEKAL CREATIVES approaches website projects
We are a creative technology studio in Nairobi. We agree scope and price in writing before work starts, and our website prices are published: a landing page is KSh 10,000, a starter business website of up to 5 pages is KSh 18,000 and a professional website of up to 8 pages is KSh 28,000. Domain and hosting are separate and should be in your name.
See our website design and development service and our work, then start a project inquiry to compare us properly.
Quick answers about choosing a web design company in Nairobi
How do I choose a website design company in Nairobi?
Define your goal and budget, shortlist three to five companies with relevant live work, ask each the same questions about scope, ownership, revisions and support, and compare written proposals rather than prices alone.
What questions should I ask a web design company?
Ask about their process, what the price includes, who owns the domain and hosting, how many revisions are included, what support exists after launch, whether basic SEO is included and how payments are staged.
How much does a website cost in Nairobi?
Prices vary widely. At CEKAL CREATIVES in Nairobi, a landing page is KSh 10,000, a starter business website is KSh 18,000 and a professional website of up to 8 pages is KSh 28,000, with domain and hosting separate.
Should my domain be registered in my name?
Yes. The domain and hosting accounts should be registered in your or your business's name so you keep control of your website if you change providers.
Is it better to hire a freelancer or a web design company?
Freelancers can be cheaper and flexible but depend on one person. Companies and studios offer a team with design, development and support skills. Choose based on the project size, your budget and how much ongoing support you need.