Freelance Web Design in Kenya: How to Start, Charge, and Find Clients

Freelancing is no longer a “backup plan” in Kenya — it’s a thriving career path.

And one of the most powerful skills you can offer today?
Web design.

In 2025, Kenyan businesses are moving online, startups are launching daily, and international clients are hiring African freelancers like never before.

If you’ve been wondering how to start a freelance web design career in Kenya, how to price your services, or how to land your first few clients — this blog will guide you through it.

1. What Is Freelance Web Design?

Freelance web design means building websites for clients on a project-by-project basis — without being tied to a full-time job.

You can work:

From home (remotely)
On your own time
For Kenyan or international clients

Common projects include:

Business websites
Personal brand sites
Landing pages
Portfolio sites
Ecommerce stores

🔗 Read: How to Start Your Own Web Design Career in Kenya
🔗 Related: Website vs Social Media Page – What Works Best in Kenya?

2. Skills You Need to Get Started

You don’t need a degree — but you do need practical skills.

✅ Core tools & knowledge:

WordPress or Framer (page builders)
Hosting + domain setup
Basic HTML/CSS (optional but helpful)
Mobile-first design principles
SEO basics
Client communication and project scoping

Tools to learn:

Canva (for graphics)
ChatGPT (for content prompts)
Hostinger or Truehost (for hosting)
Paystack / M-Pesa / Pesapal (for payment integration)

🔗 Learn: Best AI Tools for Digital Marketing in Kenya
🔗 Explore: Top 10 Features of a High-Converting Business Website

3. How Much Should You Charge?

Pricing depends on:

Your skill level
The client’s budget
Scope of the website (pages, integrations, custom work)

Rough Price Guide in Kenya (2025):

Project Type	Range (KES)
Simple 1–3 page website	10,000 – 25,000
Standard business site	30,000 – 60,000
Ecommerce store	50,000 – 150,000+
Landing page	8,000 – 20,000
Website maintenance	5,000 – 80,000/month

✅ Tip: Always charge a deposit (50% upfront)
✅ Price based on value, not just time

4. How to Find Clients as a Freelance Web Designer

The number one question: “Where do I find clients?”

Here are proven ways that work in Kenya:

a) Referrals & Word of Mouth

Tell friends & family
Offer free sites for 1–2 small businesses to build portfolio

b) Facebook Groups & LinkedIn

Join groups like Buy Kenya Build Kenya, SME Hub Kenya, Nairobi Freelancers
Create before/after visuals and success stories

🔗 Read: How I Use LinkedIn to Attract Clients Without Pitching
🔗 Bonus: Top 5 LinkedIn Content Ideas for Kenyan Coaches & Consultants

c) Freelance Platforms

Fiverr (Create a niche gig: “Kenyan Business Website with M-Pesa”)
Upwork (Apply for entry-level jobs)
WorkPay or Kuhustle (local gigs)

d) Create Your Own Portfolio Site

Clients trust you more when they see your own website is clean, responsive, and fast.

🔗 Start here: Why Your Website Is the Best Employee You’ll Ever Hire
🔗 Guide: How to Build a Website on a Budget in Kenya

5. How to Handle Clients Professionally

✅ Set clear deliverables (pages, features, timeline)
✅ Use contracts (even simple ones via Google Docs)
✅ Ask for feedback and testimonials
✅ Offer maintenance or upgrade options

Professionalism is what separates broke freelancers from successful ones.

Final Thoughts

Freelance web design in Kenya is not dead — it’s just changing.

Clients want results, speed, mobile optimization, and M-Pesa integration — not just a pretty homepage.

If you can:

Build clean, modern websites
Communicate clearly
Deliver on time

You’ll never lack work.

👉 Want to fast-track your journey?
Join Elvis W’s Freelance Web Design Class and learn how to turn this skill into income.

Freelance Web Design in Kenya: How to Start, Charge, and Find Clients