E-commerce in Kenya is rapidly growing, with businesses shifting online to reach a broader audience. Whether you’re a small business owner, a startup, or an established brand looking to expand online, understanding the cost of building an e-commerce website is crucial. The cost varies based on platform choice, website features, design complexity, and additional services. In this guide, we break down the expenses of creating an e-commerce website in Kenya.
Table of Contents
1. Domain Name and Hosting
Domain Name
A domain name is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourstore.co.ke). The cost depends on the type of domain you choose:
- .co.ke domain: KES 1,000 – 3,000 per year
- .com domain: KES 1,500 – 5,000 per year
Web Hosting
Reliable hosting is essential for website speed, security, and uptime. Hosting options include:
- Shared hosting: KES 3,000 – 10,000 per year
- VPS hosting: KES 15,000 – 50,000 per year
- Dedicated hosting: KES 50,000+ per year
- Cloud hosting (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud): KES 10,000+ per month (varies by usage)
2. Website Development Costs
The development cost depends on whether you use website builders, templates, or custom development.
Using Website Builders (Budget-Friendly Option)
Popular platforms like Shopify, Wix, or WooCommerce (with WordPress) make setting up an e-commerce store affordable.
- Shopify: KES 3,500 – 10,000 per month (subscription fee)
- Wix eCommerce: KES 2,500 – 8,000 per month
- WordPress with WooCommerce: KES 10,000 – 50,000+ (one-time setup)
Custom Development (Advanced & Scalable Option)
Hiring a developer or an agency is ideal if you need a unique design with tailored features.
- Basic e-commerce website: KES 50,000 – 150,000
- Medium complexity (custom design, integrations): KES 150,000 – 500,000
- High-end e-commerce solution (custom-built with advanced features): KES 500,000 – 2,000,000+
3. Website Design and User Experience (UX/UI)
Your website’s appearance and ease of navigation impact conversions. Costs for design include:
- Pre-designed templates: KES 5,000 – 20,000
- Custom UX/UI design: KES 30,000 – 200,000
4. Essential Features and Add-Ons
E-commerce Features
- Product catalog and search: KES 10,000 – 50,000
- Shopping cart and checkout: KES 20,000 – 100,000
- Payment gateway integration (MPESA, PayPal, credit cards): KES 10,000 – 50,000
- Security (SSL Certificate): KES 2,000 – 15,000 per year
Marketing & SEO Tools
- SEO optimization: KES 10,000 – 50,000
- Email marketing tools: KES 5,000 – 20,000 per year
- Social media integrations: KES 5,000 – 20,000
5. Ongoing Maintenance & Updates
Running an e-commerce site requires regular maintenance, updates, and support:
- Monthly maintenance: KES 5,000 – 30,000
- Security updates: KES 10,000 – 50,000 per year
- Content updates & improvements: KES 10,000+ per month
Final Cost Estimate
| Feature | Cost Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Domain Name | 1,000 – 5,000 per year |
| Web Hosting | 3,000 – 50,000+ per year |
| Website Development | 50,000 – 2,000,000+ |
| Design (Template/Custom) | 5,000 – 200,000 |
| Essential Features | 10,000 – 100,000+ |
| Payment Integration | 10,000 – 50,000 |
| SEO & Marketing | 10,000 – 50,000 |
| Maintenance | 5,000 – 30,000 per month |
Total Estimated Cost: KES 50,000 – 2,500,000+
Conclusion
The cost of building an e-commerce website in Kenya varies based on platform choice, customization, and additional features. Small businesses can start with an affordable Shopify or WooCommerce setup, while larger enterprises may invest in fully customized solutions. Investing in quality design, security, and SEO ensures a successful online store. Need a professional e-commerce website? Contact DevOps Web Designers for expert solutions tailored to your business needs!
