Websites in Nairobi
What should you look for in a web designer in Nairobi?
Every web designer's Instagram looks amazing. Mock-ups on floating iPhones, perfect lighting, moody gradients. But you are not hiring a mock-up. You are hiring someone to build a website that works for your business. Here is what actually separates a good web designer from a good-looking portfolio.
Do they ask about your business before talking design?
The best sign in a first conversation is questions. Who are your customers? What should visitors do on the site? Who are your competitors? A designer who jumps straight to colours and 'we will make it look modern' is designing for their portfolio, not your business.
Can they show live websites, not just mock-ups?
Ask for links to live sites. Then test them yourself:
- Open each on your phone, on mobile data, not office Wi-Fi.
- Does it load quickly? Is text readable without zooming?
- Can you find the contact button or WhatsApp link in seconds?
- Search the business name on Google. Does the site show up properly?
- Is the site still online and maintained?
What skills should a good web designer have?
| Skill | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Mobile-first design | Most of your visitors are on phones |
| Clear layout and hierarchy | Visitors find what they need fast |
| Basic SEO | Google can understand and rank your pages |
| Page speed | Slow sites lose visitors, especially on mobile data |
| Writing or editing copy | Words convince people, not just visuals |
| Local integrations | WhatsApp, M-Pesa and maps where needed |
Nobody needs to be world-class at all of these. But a designer who has never heard of page speed or SEO will build you something pretty that nobody finds.
How do they handle scope, price and ownership?
- They give a written scope: pages, features, revisions and timeline.
- They split payment into stages rather than asking for everything upfront.
- They register the domain and hosting in your name, or help you do it.
- They hand over logins and files at the end.
- They are clear about what costs extra.
How do they communicate?
Pay attention during the quote stage. Do they reply when they said they would? Are answers clear? Do they explain things without jargon? How someone communicates before you pay is the best version you will see. If replies already take a week, imagine the week before your launch.
What happens after launch?
Websites need updates, backups and small edits. Ask what support they offer, how fast they respond and what it costs. At CEKAL CREATIVES, website maintenance starts at KSh 3,000 per month.
What are the warning signs?
- Only mock-ups, no live links.
- No questions about your business or customers.
- Guaranteed Google rankings.
- Domain or hosting in their name with no plan to transfer.
- Full payment upfront.
- Refuses to write down the scope.
Comparing companies rather than individuals? Read how to choose a website design company in Nairobi. Ready to talk to us? See our website design and development service or start a project inquiry.
Quick answers about hiring a web designer in Nairobi
What should I look for in a web designer?
Look for live websites in their portfolio, questions about your business goals, mobile-first design, basic SEO and page speed knowledge, clear written scope and pricing, domain ownership in your name, reliable communication and support after launch.
How do I check a web designer's portfolio?
Open their live client websites on your phone using mobile data, check loading speed, readability and how easy it is to contact the business, and search the business name on Google.
Should a web designer know SEO?
They should understand basic on-page SEO, such as page titles, descriptions, headings, speed and mobile usability, so that search engines can understand and rank the site.
How much does a web designer charge in Nairobi?
Rates vary widely by experience and scope. At CEKAL CREATIVES in Nairobi, a landing page is KSh 10,000 and a starter business website of up to 5 pages is KSh 18,000.
Is a freelance web designer a good option?
It can be for small, clearly defined projects. Check their live work, written scope and support arrangements, because the project depends on one person's availability.