How to Start Your Own Web Design Career in Kenya
Web design is one of the most in-demand digital skills in Kenya right now.
Startups, NGOs, schools, churches, personal brands — everyone needs a website.
And if you’ve been thinking about becoming a web designer, 2025 is the best time to get started.
Whether you’re a student, unemployed graduate, or full-time employee looking for a side hustle, this guide will show you how to start a web design career in Kenya — even if you’re starting from scratch.
1. Understand What Web Design Really Is
Before you download tools or start watching YouTube tutorials, understand the field:
- Web Design focuses on layout, user experience (UX), and content structure.
- Web Development includes coding, programming, and databases (optional for most).
- Tools like WordPress, Framer, and Wix now make it easier than ever to get started without coding.
Start simple: build 1–3 sample websites using free tools.
✅ Watch: How to Create a Website in Kenya (YouTube)
2. Learn the Essential Skills
You’ll need to build core skills in:
- Visual design (layout, colors, typography)
- Content structuring (headers, CTA buttons, pages)
- WordPress or CMS platforms
- SEO basics (to make websites visible on Google)
- Mobile responsiveness & performance optimization
- Tools like Canva, Figma, Elementor, or Framer
You don’t have to master everything at once. Start with basic WordPress.
📘 Read: What Is a Content Management System?
3. Practice by Building Real Websites
Practice is everything. Here’s how to start:
- Create a personal portfolio site
- Offer to build websites for friends, churches, or small businesses for free or a small fee
- Recreate existing websites for practice
- Document your process on LinkedIn or Instagram
Every site you build is part of your portfolio — it proves your skill.
4. Learn How to Charge & Find Clients
In Kenya, beginner designers can charge KES 10,000–30,000 for a basic business site.
As your skills grow, your prices can move to KES 50,000+ and even recurring income from:
- Website maintenance
- Hosting setup
- SEO upgrades
- Monthly edits or training
Pro tip: Pair your design skills with digital marketing or SEO to stand out even more.
Read: How Much Does Web Design Cost in Kenya in 2025
5. Choose Your Tools & Hosting Wisely
Use beginner-friendly tools like:
- WordPress + Elementor
- Framer (for landing pages)
- Canva (for client visuals)
- ChatGPT (for writing content)
- Google Docs + Notion (for client notes)
And use reliable hosting like:
- ✅ Hostinger — powerful + affordable
- ✅ HostPinnacle — local, simple packages
⚠️ Avoid low-quality Kenyan resellers that offer poor support.
Read: Why We Avoid Most Kenyan Website Hosting Companies
6. Build a Personal Brand (This One Is Big)
Don’t just build websites — build your reputation.
- Post consistently on LinkedIn or Instagram
- Share your learning journey
- Showcase your client results
- Write blog posts or case studies
- Attend networking events or webinars
This builds trust. Clients hire designers they feel connected to.
7. Keep Learning & Upgrading
The digital space evolves quickly. Stay ahead by:
- Reading web design blogs
- Following YouTube creators
- Joining communities (Facebook groups, Telegram, etc.)
- Taking advanced courses in SEO, UX, content strategy
If you stay consistent for 6–12 months, web design can become your full-time career or a highly profitable side hustle.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a degree or a tech background to become a web designer in Kenya.
You just need:
- A laptop
- Internet
- A few tools
- Discipline
- Consistent action
At Tera Creations, we’ve helped dozens of creatives move from beginners to paid professionals. And so can you.
👉 Want training or mentorship on web design in Kenya?
Contact us and let’s help you launch your career.
