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 →

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 →

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 →