Looking for a Website Developer? Here's How to Choose the Right One

Related reading: Everything you need to know before getting a business website • Website pricing guide 2026 • Why your business needs a website

Finding the right website developer is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your business. Your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand — and getting it wrong is an expensive mistake to fix.

What Makes a Great Website Developer?

A great developer isn't just someone who can write code. They should understand your business goals, have experience in your industry, and communicate clearly throughout the process.

1. A portfolio with relevant, verifiable work

Look for developers who have built websites similar to what you need. If you run a retail business, find someone with e-commerce experience. If you're an NGO, look for portfolios that include non-profit websites with donation systems. Ask to see at least 5 recent projects and click through to verify they're live and working — dead links are a red flag.

2. Clear communication skills

Your developer should explain technical concepts in plain language. Poor communication is one of the most common reasons web projects fail or go over budget. Look for someone who asks good questions about your business goals before talking about design.

3. Mobile-first and SEO-aware

Over 80% of Kenyan web traffic comes from mobile devices. Your developer must build websites that work perfectly on mid-range Android phones on 3G connections — not just on a desktop with fibre. They should also understand basic SEO: proper heading structure, meta tags, site speed, and how to submit a sitemap to Google Search Console.

4. Post-launch support included

A website isn't done when it goes live — that's actually when the questions start. Ensure your developer includes at least 30 days of post-launch support and training on how to update your own content. Get this in writing before paying anything.

Questions to ask before hiring

• Can you show me live examples of similar websites you've built?
• What's your process for gathering my requirements?
• How many rounds of revisions are included?
• Who hosts the website and what happens to hosting after launch?
• Will I be able to update my own content after launch?
• What is your post-launch support policy?
• Can you provide a reference from a recent client?

Red flags to watch for

• No portfolio or unwilling to show recent work — professional developers are proud of their projects.
• Suspiciously low pricing — quality work has a real cost. A Ksh 3,000 website will look like a Ksh 3,000 website.
• No written contract or scope of work — always get deliverables, timelines, and payment terms in writing.
• Vague about hosting and ownership — you should own your domain, code, and content outright.
• No mention of post-launch support — if they don't mention it, assume it's not included.

The right developer becomes a long-term partner in your business growth. Take your time, ask hard questions, and choose someone with verifiable experience in your specific type of project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a website cost in Nairobi?

Costs vary widely. A simple 5-page business website typically costs Ksh 15,000–40,000. An e-commerce store with M-Pesa integration runs Ksh 25,000–80,000. Enterprise platforms with custom functionality can exceed Ksh 300,000. Be cautious of quotes significantly below market rate.

How long does it take to build a website in Nairobi?

Standard business websites take 2–4 weeks with most agencies. Some companies deliver in 3–7 days for simpler projects. Complex e-commerce platforms or custom web applications typically take 6–12 weeks. Always get a delivery timeline in writing before starting.

Do I need a Nairobi-based developer, or can I hire remotely?

Local developers offer real advantages: face-to-face meetings, understanding of the Kenyan market, familiarity with M-Pesa, and easier access for training and ongoing support. The key factors are communication, accountability, and local market knowledge — not physical location alone.

What should a good Nairobi web developer deliver?

At minimum: a mobile-responsive website, basic SEO setup (meta tags, Google Search Console, sitemap), SSL certificate, training on how to update content, and at least 30 days of post-launch support. Any developer unwilling to include these basics should be viewed with caution.

Which Nairobi developers offer M-Pesa integration?

TenaHub, Digital Age Solutions,Kimathi Digital,Artmotion all have documented M-Pesa integration experience. Always ask for a live example of a working M-Pesa integration before committing — correct Daraja API implementation requires specific technical knowledge.