Why We Avoid Kenyan Website Hosting Companies (And What to Do Instead)
Why We Avoid Kenyan Website Hosting Companies (And What to Do Instead)
Over the years, I’ve helped build and manage hundreds of websites for Kenyan businesses. One of the most frustrating pain points? Hosting.
Specifically, local website hosting companies in Kenya.
From downtime disasters to disappearing domains, I’ve seen it all. In this blog, I’ll break down why I generally avoid most Kenyan hosting providers, share some real experiences, and recommend better, more reliable options.
Written by Elvis W.
Digital Marketer | SEO Strategist | Founder @ Tera Creations
The Harsh Truth About Kenyan Hosting Providers
Most local web hosting companies in Kenya are resellers — meaning they don’t own the infrastructure. They purchase hosting in bulk from foreign providers, then resell to clients here with a local domain and interface.
Here’s what I’ve personally encountered across multiple providers:
❌ Poor Customer Service
Support teams are slow, non-technical, or downright rude. When something breaks, you’re often on your own — especially outside business hours.
❌ Domain Transfer Drama
Some companies refuse to release your domain when you want to migrate. They hide behind policies and ignore your requests. Your business suffers while your emails and website are stuck in limbo.
❌ Websites Disappear Overnight
Yes — this has happened. I’ve seen client sites taken offline without notice. Entire projects wiped out because a hosting company went out of business quietly.
❌ .co.ke ≠ Better Hosting
Buying a .co.ke domain is great for brand localization. But don’t confuse the domain with the actual hosting infrastructure. You can (and should) host internationally while using a .co.ke domain if needed.
If your business is meant to scale beyond borders, your hosting should reflect that.
My Honest Recommendations
After working with dozens of hosting providers (local and global), here are two I cautiously recommend — and one I completely avoid.
✅ Option 1: HostPinnacle Kenya
HostPinnacle is one of the few Kenyan hosts that has proven relatively stable.
Why I recommend them:
- Affordable starter packages
- Great for small businesses getting online
- Local support (though occasionally slow)
- Free SSL, domain, and CPanel
- Works well for WordPress sites
⚠️ BUT — tread carefully. Don’t host mission-critical or enterprise-level sites here. I still consider it a step above most locals — but not enterprise-grade.
✅ Option 2: Hostinger Global
This is my go-to hosting provider for serious, scalable projects.
Why I love Hostinger:
- Blazing fast speeds
- Global CDN & datacenter options
- Very reliable uptime
- Excellent 24/7 customer support
- Easy-to-use dashboard (no CPanel confusion)
- Free migration and tools for WordPress
Perfect for startups, freelancers, agencies, and Kenyan e-commerce brands targeting a broader market.
Want to learn how to structure a high-converting website?
Read: Top 10 Features of a High-Converting Business Website
❌ Avoid Completely: Safaricom Cloud Hosting
This is not a rant — it’s a cautionary tale.
In every case I’ve worked with where a client was hosted on Safaricom Cloud, the experience was terrible:
- Frequent downtime
- Slow-loading websites
- Zero technical support
- Difficulty accessing basic backend tools
Safaricom may dominate mobile, but their hosting division is not ready to support serious businesses.
Bonus Hosting Tips
- Always register your domain separately from your hosting. This gives you more control.
- Back up your website regularly (especially if hosted locally).
- Choose hosting that supports SSL, caching, and fast DNS.
- Don’t be blinded by cheap prices — your hosting is your digital home.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about your online business, your hosting should work for you, not stress you out.
Yes, local companies may look appealing — but when your site crashes, your emails disappear, or your domain is held hostage, you’ll realize cheap isn’t always cheap.
My personal recommendation:
✅ For beginners — HostPinnacle (with caution)
✅ For serious business — Hostinger
Still unsure what’s best for your website?
Contact Tera Creations and we’ll help you choose, migrate, and set up everything — the right way.
