How to Choose a Software Developer in Kenya

Choosing the wrong software developer in Kenya can cost your business KES 200,000–500,000 and months of delays. This guide gives you the checklist, contract essentials, and red flags Kenyan business owners need to make a confident decision.

Evaluating a Developer's Portfolio and Track Record

Ask for three live websites or applications they built in the past 18 months. Verify these are real by checking WHOIS records or contacting the clients directly.

Look for evidence of M-Pesa Daraja API integration, KRA eTIMS compliance, or USSD development — these are Kenya-specific skills that general developers may lack.

Contract Essentials for Kenyan Software Projects

A proper software development contract should include: total cost in KES with payment milestones, source code ownership clause (you should own the code), warranty period, hosting and domain terms, and data handling provisions.

Avoid verbal agreements or WhatsApp-only arrangements. Insist on a signed contract before paying any deposit.