How to Build an Online Store in Kenya (with M-Pesa)

E-commerce is booming in Kenya, and building an online store has never been more achievable. This guide covers how to build an online store in Kenya — from domain to M-Pesa checkout.

What you need for an online store

  • A domain name: A memorable .co.ke domain builds local trust.
  • Reliable hosting: Fast web hosting with free SSL so payments are secure.
  • An e-commerce platform: WooCommerce (WordPress) is popular, flexible and affordable.
  • M-Pesa checkout: The must-have for selling to Kenyan customers.

Why M-Pesa is essential for Kenyan e-commerce

Most Kenyan shoppers expect to pay with M-Pesa. A store with smooth M-Pesa integration converts far better than one that only takes cards. Amocsoft builds stores with M-Pesa STK push checkout so customers pay in a couple of taps and you get instant confirmation.

Features that help you sell

  • Product catalog with images and prices in KES
  • M-Pesa, card and Airtel Money payments
  • Order tracking and stock management
  • Mobile-friendly design (most Kenyans shop on phones)
  • WhatsApp and delivery options

How Amocsoft helps

We build complete online stores — domain, hosting, design and M-Pesa checkout — so you can start selling fast. See our website design services or get a quote.

Start selling online

Build your online store with Amocsoft →

How to Start a Web Hosting Business in Kenya

Web hosting is one of the most reliable online businesses you can start in Kenya — recurring revenue, growing demand, and low startup cost. Here’s how to start a web hosting business in Kenya using reseller hosting.

What is a reseller hosting business?

Reseller hosting lets you buy hosting resources in bulk and sell them to your own clients under your own brand. You set the prices, keep the profit, and manage everything through the WHM control panel — while the underlying servers and infrastructure are handled for you.

Why hosting is a good business in Kenya

  • Recurring income: Clients pay monthly or annually, giving you predictable revenue.
  • Growing market: More Kenyan businesses are going online every year.
  • Low startup cost: No need to buy servers — start with a reseller plan.
  • Natural add-ons: Sell domains, SSL, email and web design alongside hosting.

Steps to start

  1. Get a reseller plan. Choose an Amocsoft reseller hosting package with WHM.
  2. Brand it. Set your own company name, nameservers and pricing.
  3. Create packages. Build hosting plans for your target customers.
  4. Sell & support. Market your plans, onboard clients, and grow.

What you can sell

Beyond hosting, offer .co.ke domains, SSL certificates, business email, and even website design — becoming a one-stop shop for Kenyan businesses going online.

Start your hosting business

View reseller hosting plans →

Best Domain Registrar in Kenya: How to Choose (2026)

Choosing where to register your domain matters more than most people think. The right registrar keeps your domain secure, your renewals affordable, and support within reach. Here’s how to choose the best domain registrar in Kenya in 2026.

What makes a good domain registrar?

  • KENIC accreditation: For .ke domains, choose a registrar accredited directly by KENIC (Kenya’s registry). This means fewer middlemen and more reliable registration.
  • Transparent pricing: Clear KES prices with no surprise renewal hikes.
  • Free DNS management: Full control of your records at no extra cost.
  • Local support: A Kenyan team you can actually reach when you need help.
  • Easy transfers: Simple to move domains in — and out — without being locked in.

How much should a domain cost in Kenya?

As a benchmark, a .co.ke should cost around KES 1,050/year and .ke around KES 2,999/year. Be wary of very cheap first-year offers that jump at renewal — always check the renewal price.

Why choose Amocsoft as your registrar

Amocsoft is a KENIC-accredited registrar offering .co.ke, .or.ke, .ke and global domains at transparent KES pricing, with free DNS management and local support. And because we also provide hosting and web design, you can manage everything in one place.

Already have a domain elsewhere?

You can move it to us easily — see our domain transfer guide.

Register your domain today

Search and register a .co.ke domain →

M-Pesa Integration for Websites & Apps in Kenya

If you sell online in Kenya, one thing is non-negotiable: your customers want to pay with M-Pesa. This guide explains what M-Pesa integration is, how it works on websites and apps, and how Amocsoft can add it to your project.

What is M-Pesa integration?

M-Pesa integration means connecting your website or mobile app directly to Safaricom’s M-Pesa so customers can pay you without leaving your site. Instead of manually sending money to a paybill and you confirming it, the payment happens automatically — the customer enters their number, approves the STK push prompt on their phone, and your system instantly knows the payment succeeded.

Ways to accept M-Pesa on your website or app

  • STK Push (Lipa na M-Pesa Online): The smoothest experience — a prompt pops up on the customer’s phone to enter their PIN and pay. Best for checkouts.
  • Paybill & Till integration: Automatically match and confirm payments to your Paybill or Till number.
  • C2B & B2C: Receive customer payments (C2B) and send money out, such as refunds or payouts (B2C).

Why M-Pesa integration is worth it

  • Higher conversions: Customers complete purchases when they can pay the way they already do.
  • Instant confirmation: No more manually checking SMS to confirm payments.
  • Fewer errors: Automatic reconciliation means no lost or mismatched payments.
  • Trust: A proper M-Pesa checkout looks professional and secure.

Where can M-Pesa be added?

Amocsoft can add M-Pesa to:

  • E-commerce websites — WooCommerce and custom online stores.
  • Mobile apps — in-app M-Pesa checkout for Android and iOS.
  • Booking & service sites — pay for appointments, subscriptions and services online.

How Amocsoft helps

We integrate M-Pesa into the websites and apps we build — using Safaricom’s Daraja API with STK push, automatic confirmation and reconciliation. Whether you need a new e-commerce website or a mobile app, we make sure your customers can pay with M-Pesa smoothly and securely.

Add M-Pesa to your project

Want M-Pesa payments on your site or app? Tell us what you’re building and we’ll handle the integration. Get in touch →

Domain & Web Hosting Prices in Kenya (2026)

Getting online in Kenya starts with two things: a domain name and web hosting. This guide explains how much domains and hosting cost in Kenya in 2026, in Kenyan shillings, with no hidden-fee surprises.

Domain pricing in Kenya (2026)

Domain prices depend on the extension. With Amocsoft:

  • .co.ke — KES 1,050/year: The most popular choice for Kenyan businesses.
  • .or.ke — KES 1,050/year: For organisations and non-profits.
  • .ke — KES 2,999/year: The premium short Kenyan domain.
  • .com — around KES 1,298/year: The global standard.
  • .net, .org, .biz: from around KES 1,570–1,780/year.

Search availability and register in minutes on our domains page.

Web hosting pricing in Kenya

Hosting is billed monthly or annually (annual is usually cheaper per month). Every Amocsoft plan includes free SSL, daily backups, unlimited bandwidth and cPanel. Plans scale from a first website up to high-traffic sites — see current KES pricing on the web hosting page.

Watch out for renewal costs

A common trap is a cheap first-year price that jumps at renewal. Always check the renewal price, not just the intro offer. Amocsoft keeps pricing transparent — what you pay now is what you renew at.

Should you buy domain and hosting together?

Yes — buying your domain and hosting from one provider means they connect instantly, you get one bill in KES, and one local team to support you. It’s simpler and avoids configuration headaches.

Get started

Register your domain and pick a hosting plan today. Search a domain → or view hosting plans →

Mobile App Development Cost in Kenya (2026 Guide)

Thinking of building an app for your business? The first question is usually: how much does mobile app development cost in Kenya? Here’s a clear 2026 breakdown in Kenyan shillings, what drives the price, and how long it takes.

Mobile app development cost in Kenya (2026)

App cost depends heavily on complexity. Typical market ranges in Kenya are:

  • Basic app (KES 80,000 – 250,000): A simple app with a few screens and core functionality — good for a first product or MVP.
  • Standard app (KES 250,000 – 800,000): User accounts, backend, payments (M-Pesa), and polished UI/UX.
  • Advanced app (KES 800,000 – 3,000,000+): Complex features, integrations, real-time data, and high scale.

Android vs iOS: does it change the price?

Android is usually the priority in Kenya because most users are on Android. Building for iOS as well, or building a cross-platform app that covers both, affects the cost. Often a single cross-platform build is the most cost-effective way to reach both audiences.

What affects app development cost?

  • Features: Simple screens are quick; chat, maps, payments and real-time updates take longer.
  • M-Pesa & payments: In-app payment integration adds development and testing time.
  • Design: Custom UI/UX raises quality — and cost.
  • Backend & admin: Apps that store data need a server and often an admin dashboard.
  • Maintenance: Budget roughly 15–20% of the build cost per year for updates and support.

How long does it take to build an app in Kenya?

A straightforward app typically takes 4–8 weeks; more complex apps with custom features and integrations take 3–6 months including design and testing.

Get an accurate quote for your app

The best way to know your cost is a proper scope. Tell our Nairobi team your idea and we’ll give you a clear quote and timeline in KES. See mobile app development →

How Much Does a Website Cost in Kenya? (2026 Price Guide)

One of the most common questions Kenyan businesses ask before going online is simple: how much does a website cost in Kenya? This guide breaks down realistic 2026 prices in Kenyan shillings, what affects the cost, and how to get the best value.

Website design cost in Kenya (2026 price ranges)

Website pricing in Kenya depends mainly on the type and size of site. Here are typical market ranges:

  • Basic business website (KES 15,000 – 40,000): A mobile-friendly site with 4–6 pages, a contact form, and basic SEO. Ideal for small businesses establishing an online presence.
  • Standard SME website (KES 40,000 – 100,000): More pages, custom design, blog, and stronger SEO. Suits growing companies.
  • E-commerce / online store (KES 80,000 – 250,000+): Product catalogs, M-Pesa and card checkout, order tracking. Priced by number of products and features.
  • Custom web application (KES 250,000+): Bespoke functionality, dashboards, integrations.

What affects the price of a website?

  • Number of pages — more pages and content means more work.
  • Custom vs template design — a unique custom design costs more than a themed one.
  • E-commerce & payments — M-Pesa integration and product management add cost.
  • Content — copywriting, photos and product data take time.
  • SEO & speed — building a site to rank on Google is worth the investment.

Are there ongoing costs?

Yes — budget for these annual running costs:

  • Domain: a .co.ke is KES 1,050/year.
  • Web hosting: affordable annual plans, billed in KES.
  • Maintenance: updates, backups and security — often 15–20% of build cost per year, or a fixed care plan.

How to get the best value for your website budget

Choose a provider that bundles domain, hosting and design together so everything works from day one and you deal with one team. Amocsoft is a KENIC-accredited registrar and hosting provider that also builds websites — so your .co.ke domain, hosting and website design come from one place, priced in Kenyan shillings.

Get a free website quote

Tell us what you need and we’ll give you a clear, no-obligation quote in KES. See website design services →

How to Choose Web Hosting in Kenya: 6 Things to Check

Why your choice of web host matters in Kenya

Your web host affects how fast your site loads, whether it stays online, and how easily your customers can reach you. For Kenyan businesses, choosing a local, reliable host means faster load times for local visitors, support in your timezone, and billing in Kenyan shillings. This guide walks you through what to look for.

1. Speed and uptime

A slow website loses customers and ranks lower on Google. Look for a host that offers SSD storage, LiteSpeed or similar caching, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Amocsoft hosting is SSD-powered with strong uptime, so your site stays fast and available.

2. Free SSL certificate

Every website today needs HTTPS. Without it, browsers warn visitors that your site is “not secure,” and Google ranks you lower. A good host includes a free SSL certificate on every plan — as Amocsoft does — so you never pay extra for basic security.

3. cPanel and easy management

cPanel is the industry-standard control panel. It lets you manage email, files, databases and one-click WordPress installs without technical skills. Make sure your host provides full cPanel access.

4. Daily backups

Things go wrong — a bad update, a hack, a mistake. Automatic daily backups mean you can restore your site in minutes instead of losing everything. This should be included, not an expensive add-on.

5. Local support and KES billing

When something breaks, you want to reach a real person who understands the Kenyan market, on your timezone. Paying in Kenyan shillings also saves you from currency-conversion surprises. Local support is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a Kenyan host over a foreign one.

6. Room to grow

Start with a plan that fits today, but check you can upgrade easily as your traffic grows — from shared hosting to a VPS or reseller plan — without moving providers.

Which Amocsoft hosting plan is right for you?

For a first website or small business, start with a shared web hosting plan. If you want to sell hosting to your own clients, look at reseller hosting. Need dedicated resources? Consider a VPS. All plans include free SSL, daily backups and local support.

Ready to get started?

Compare plans and get online today. View Amocsoft web hosting →

How to Register a .CO.KE Domain in Kenya (2026 Guide)

What is a .co.ke domain?

A .co.ke domain is Kenya’s country-code domain for commercial and business websites. It tells visitors and search engines that your business is Kenyan — which builds instant trust with local customers and can help you rank better in Kenyan search results. Whether you run a shop in Nairobi, a startup in Mombasa, or a service business anywhere in Kenya, a .co.ke address makes your brand look established and local.

How much does a .co.ke domain cost in Kenya?

With Amocsoft, a .co.ke domain costs KES 1,050 per year, including free DNS management and instant activation. There are no hidden setup fees, and renewals stay at the same transparent rate. Other Kenyan extensions are priced similarly — .or.ke for organisations is also KES 1,050/year, while the premium short .ke is KES 2,999/year.

How to register a .co.ke domain (step by step)

  1. Search for your name. Use the domain search on our .co.ke domains page to check if your preferred name is available.
  2. Add it to your cart. If it’s available, click “Add to cart” — you’ll be taken to secure checkout.
  3. Create your account and pay. Sign up, choose your registration period, and pay in Kenyan shillings.
  4. Done — it’s instant. Your .co.ke domain is registered directly with KENIC and activated within minutes.

Do you need to be in Kenya to register a .co.ke?

No. Anyone, anywhere can register a .co.ke domain. As a KENIC-accredited registrar, Amocsoft handles the registration with the Kenyan registry on your behalf. That said, a .co.ke is most valuable for businesses serving Kenyan customers, because it signals you’re local.

What can you do with your .co.ke domain?

Once registered, you can point your domain at web hosting to run a website, set up professional email (you@yourbusiness.co.ke), or park it for later. Amocsoft gives you free DNS management so you’re always in control.

Ready to get your .co.ke domain?

Search for your perfect .co.ke name and register it in minutes. Search .co.ke domains now →

How Does Website Hosting Work?

Website hosting is the backbone of your online presence, enabling your website to be accessible to users across the internet. Understanding how website hosting works is essential for anyone looking to establish a digital footprint, whether it’s a personal blog, a business website, or an online store. In essence, website hosting involves storing your website’s files and data on a server, making them available to visitors who type in your domain name.

Server basics a server is a powerful computer that’s always connected to the internet. Hosting companies maintain these servers in data centers, equipped with high-speed internet connections, backup power supplies, and security measures to ensure continuous website availability.

Uploading Website Files: When you create a website, you generate various files such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and videos. These files collectively form your website’s content. These files need to be uploaded to a server for others to access.

Domain Name System (DNS): Every website has an associated domain name (e.g., www.example.com). When a user enters your domain name in their web browser, the browser sends a request to a Domain Name System (DNS) server to translate the human-readable domain into an IP address, which is a unique numerical identifier for a server.

Hosting Servers and IP Address: The DNS server directs the request to the hosting company’s server associated with your domain name. Each server has an IP address. Think of this like the street address of a physical location on the internet.

Retrieving Website Content: Once the browser knows the IP address, it connects to the hosting server and requests the website’s files. The server then sends the requested files back to the browser, which assembles and displays the web page to the user.