How to Choose a Web Designer in Kenya

Nordlyte Web Studio · Hiring Guide · 9 min read

With so many freelancers and agencies offering to "build your website," picking the right one can feel like a gamble — especially when quotes range from a few thousand shillings to six figures for what looks like the same service. Whether you're comparing an individual freelancer, a small studio, or a larger web design agency, the same questions apply. Here's what actually separates a good choice from a costly mistake.

1. Ask to see real, live work — not just screenshots

Screenshots can be edited or borrowed. Ask for links to sites they've actually built and launched, and check that they work properly on your phone — slow or broken "portfolio" sites are a clear warning sign.

2. Check if pricing is clear and fixed upfront

A trustworthy designer gives you a clear quote before starting, ideally broken into fixed packages or a scoped custom price — not vague hourly billing that can balloon unexpectedly. Also ask what's not included (hosting? domain? revisions?) so there are no surprises later.

3. Ask about the payment structure

Most professional designers work on a deposit system — commonly 50% upfront, 50% on completion — rather than requiring full payment before any work has been shown. Be cautious of anyone demanding 100% upfront with no milestones.

4. Ask who owns the website after launch

Confirm in writing that you'll own the domain, hosting account, and all source files once the project is paid for — some less scrupulous developers retain control and charge ongoing fees just to keep your own site online.

5. Ask how they handle mobile design and speed

Since most Kenyan visitors browse on mobile, ask directly: "Will this be mobile-first, and how fast will it load?" A designer who can't answer confidently likely hasn't prioritized it — see our note on common website mistakes for why this matters so much.

6. Ask about ongoing support

Websites need occasional updates, security patches, and small content changes after launch. Find out whether support is included for a period after launch, and what a maintenance plan costs afterward if you need one.

7. Communication matters more than you'd think

Pay attention to how responsive and clear a designer is before you've paid anything — it's usually a preview of what communication will be like mid-project when questions or delays come up.

Freelancer or agency — does it matter?

Both can do excellent work, and both can do poor work — the checklist above matters more than which category someone falls into. That said, a rough pattern: freelancers are often cheaper and faster to reach directly, but a single point of failure if they get busy or unavailable. A small agency or studio usually costs a bit more but spreads the risk across a team, so a delay from one person doesn't stall your entire project. Neither is automatically the right choice — it depends on your budget and how much you value having a backup if your main point of contact goes quiet.

Quick checklist before you commit

• ✅ Real, working examples of past sites
• ✅ Clear, fixed pricing with what's included spelled out
• ✅ A reasonable deposit structure, not full payment upfront
• ✅ You'll own the domain, hosting, and files
• ✅ Mobile-first, speed-conscious approach
• ✅ Some form of post-launch support

Frequently asked questions