Whether you are starting a business, personal blog, school website, online shop or company website, you will need two important things:
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A domain name
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A web hosting package
A domain is the address people type when visiting your website, while web hosting provides the server space where your website files, images, emails and databases are stored.
Choosing the right hosting company is important because it affects your website’s speed, security, reliability and accessibility.
If you want to register a domain and purchase web hosting in Kenya, you can start here:
Check Domain Availability and Get Started
What Is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that places your website files on an internet-connected server.
When someone enters your domain name into a browser, the hosting server retrieves your website files and displays the website to the visitor.
Without web hosting, your website would not be available online.
A hosting account may store:
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Website pages
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Images and videos
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Customer information
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Business emails
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WordPress files
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Databases
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Online shop products
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Website backups
The hosting package you choose determines how much storage, processing power, bandwidth and other resources your website can use.
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the unique address of your website.
Examples include:
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yourbusiness.co.ke -
yourcompany.com -
yourshop.africa -
yourorganisation.or.ke
Instead of remembering a complicated server address, customers can enter your domain name to open your website.
A good domain name should be:
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Short and easy to remember
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Closely related to your business
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Easy to pronounce and spell
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Free from unnecessary numbers and symbols
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Suitable for your intended audience
For a Kenyan business, a .co.ke domain can communicate that the business serves customers in Kenya. A .com domain is also suitable for companies targeting both local and international customers.
Where Can You Buy a Domain and Hosting in Kenya?
One provider you can consider is Truehost Kenya.
Truehost offers various website and cloud services, including:
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Domain registration
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Web hosting
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WordPress hosting
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Business email
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SSL certificates
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VPS hosting
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Reseller hosting
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Managed cloud hosting
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Dedicated servers
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Website-related services
This makes it possible to register your domain and purchase hosting from one platform.
You can search for your preferred domain name and review the available services below:
Why Consider Truehost for Web Hosting in Kenya?
The right hosting provider depends on your website, budget and technical requirements. Truehost is worth considering for Kenyan customers who want access to domains, hosting and related online services in one place.
1. Domain Registration and Hosting in One Place
Managing a domain and hosting through one provider can make the initial setup easier.
You do not have to purchase a domain from one company and configure it separately with another hosting provider.
This can be especially convenient for beginners launching their first website.
2. Suitable for Different Types of Websites
Different websites require different amounts of storage, bandwidth and server resources.
Hosting may be required for:
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Personal blogs
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Company websites
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School websites
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Church websites
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Organisation websites
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Online shops
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News websites
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Portfolio websites
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Web applications
A small informational website may begin with shared hosting, while a growing ecommerce platform or web application may eventually require VPS or cloud hosting.
3. Access to Kenyan Domain Extensions
Businesses targeting Kenyan customers often prefer domain extensions such as .co.ke.
Depending on eligibility and availability, organisations may also consider extensions such as:
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.or.ke -
.ac.ke -
.sc.ke -
.ne.ke
You should check the registration requirements for your preferred extension before paying.
4. Business Email Services
A domain allows you to create professional email addresses such as:
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info@yourbusiness.co.ke -
sales@yourbusiness.co.ke -
support@yourbusiness.co.ke
A professional email address can look more credible than using a free personal email account for official business communication.
5. Hosting Options for Growing Websites
A beginner may start with an affordable shared hosting package.
As the website attracts more visitors or begins running resource-intensive applications, it may be moved to:
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VPS hosting
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Managed cloud hosting
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Dedicated hosting
This allows the website owner to increase server resources as the business grows.
How to Choose the Best Web Hosting in Kenya
Do not choose a hosting provider based only on the lowest advertised price.
Before purchasing a package, consider the following factors.
Website Storage
Storage determines how many files, emails, images, videos and backups can be retained in the hosting account.
A small company website may not need a large amount of storage. An ecommerce, photography or media website may require considerably more.
Website Speed
Website visitors expect pages to open quickly.
Slow websites can frustrate customers, reduce enquiries and affect how visitors interact with the website.
Your website design, image sizes, scripts, caching and hosting environment can all affect loading speed.
SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate helps secure information exchanged between a visitor’s browser and your website.
When SSL is correctly installed, your website normally opens using https://.
SSL is particularly important for:
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Login pages
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Contact forms
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Online shops
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Payment pages
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Membership platforms
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Websites collecting personal information
Confirm whether the hosting package includes an SSL certificate and whether renewal is automatic or chargeable.
Backups
Ask how frequently the hosting provider creates backups and how long those backups are retained.
You should also maintain an independent backup of important website files and databases. A hosting backup should not be your only recovery method.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is important when:
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Your website is unavailable
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Email is not working
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DNS records need configuration
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SSL fails to renew
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A database encounters an error
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The website requires migration
Check the support methods and operating hours before purchasing.
Renewal Prices
Some hosting companies provide introductory prices for new customers.
Before paying, confirm:
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The initial purchase price
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The renewal price
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Domain renewal charges
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Email charges
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SSL charges
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Backup charges
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Migration fees
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Applicable taxes
This will help you understand the long-term cost of maintaining your website.
Control Panel and Ease of Use
A beginner-friendly control panel makes it easier to:
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Upload website files
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Create email accounts
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Create databases
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Install WordPress
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Manage domains
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Review storage usage
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Generate backups
If you are unfamiliar with hosting management, ask whether the package includes an easy-to-use control panel.
Which Hosting Package Should You Choose?
The appropriate package depends on the kind of website you are building.
Personal Website or Blog
A starter shared hosting package may be sufficient for:
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A personal blog
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CV or portfolio website
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Small informational website
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Simple landing page
Start with a manageable package and upgrade when traffic and storage requirements increase.
Small Business Website
A business website usually needs:
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Domain name
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Hosting
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SSL certificate
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Professional email
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Regular backups
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Reliable technical support
The package should comfortably accommodate the website and expected business email usage.
WordPress Website
WordPress hosting is suitable for blogs, news websites, company websites and some ecommerce projects.
Check whether the provider supports:
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WordPress installation
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Current PHP versions
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MySQL databases
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SSL
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Backups
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Caching
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Security updates
Ecommerce Website
An online store needs more resources and stronger security than a simple company website.
Consider:
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Expected number of products
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Daily website visitors
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Payment integrations
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Customer accounts
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Database usage
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Image storage
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Backup frequency
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Server performance
A small shop may begin on a suitable shared hosting package, but a busy ecommerce platform may need VPS or cloud hosting.
Web Application
A custom PHP, Node.js, Python or database-driven application may require specific server capabilities.
Before purchasing, confirm:
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Supported programming languages
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Database options
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PHP version
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Memory and execution limits
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Cron job support
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SSH access
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Server-location options
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API and background-process support
Discuss technical requirements with the hosting provider or your developer before selecting a package.
How to Register a Domain and Buy Hosting
The process normally involves the following steps.
Step 1 — Choose a Domain Name
Prepare two or three possible domain names in case your first choice is already registered.
Use a name that customers can remember and associate with your organisation.
Step 2 — Search for Domain Availability
Visit the hosting provider and enter your preferred name into the domain-search tool.
You can search for an available domain here:
Step 3 — Select a Hosting Package
Choose a package based on:
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Type of website
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Required storage
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Expected traffic
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Number of email accounts
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Required databases
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Available budget
Avoid paying for a powerful server that you do not currently need. At the same time, do not choose an extremely limited package that cannot support your website.
Step 4 — Provide Registration Information
Enter accurate ownership and contact information.
Use an email address and phone number that you control because important renewal, security and verification messages may be sent to them.
Step 5 — Complete Payment
Review the order carefully before paying.
Confirm that the spelling of the domain is correct. Domain registrations are generally difficult or impossible to rename after completion.
Step 6 — Connect or Build the Website
After activation, you can:
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Install WordPress
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Upload an existing website
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Connect a website builder
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Ask a developer to create the website
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Transfer a website from another provider
Step 7 — Create Professional Email Addresses
Create the email accounts required by your business, such as info@, support@ and sales@.
Use secure passwords and enable any additional security options provided.
How Much Does Web Hosting Cost in Kenya?
The cost of web hosting varies depending on:
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Type of hosting
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Storage allocation
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Server resources
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Billing duration
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Domain extension
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Number of email accounts
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Backup features
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SSL provision
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Promotional discounts
Shared hosting is generally the most affordable option for beginners. VPS, cloud and dedicated hosting normally cost more because they provide additional server resources and control.
Because hosting prices and promotions change, check the provider’s current prices before making a purchase.
Domain Name or Hosting: Which Should You Buy First?
In most cases, you need both.
The domain gives your website its online address, while hosting stores and serves its content.
You may register a domain without immediately creating a website, but the domain alone will not provide a complete website.
Similarly, purchasing hosting without connecting a domain makes it difficult for ordinary visitors to find your website.
If possible, register the domain in your own name or business details and maintain access to the registration account.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Hosting
Choosing Based Only on Price
The cheapest package is not automatically the best. Examine its resources, renewal costs, backups and support.
Registering the Domain Under a Developer’s Account
Your domain is a valuable business asset.
Ensure you know:
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The registrar
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Account email
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Password
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Renewal date
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Domain owner information
Do not allow your domain to remain permanently under an unknown developer’s personal account.
Ignoring Renewal Dates
An expired domain can interrupt your website and business email.
Enable renewal reminders and maintain updated contact information.
Failing to Keep Backups
Websites can be affected by errors, failed updates, malware or accidental deletion.
Keep regular independent backups.
Buying the Wrong Hosting Technology
Confirm that the hosting environment supports the technology used by your website before purchasing.
Using Weak Passwords
Use unique, strong passwords for:
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Hosting account
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Website administrator
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Email accounts
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Database
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Domain registrar
Enable two-factor authentication wherever it is available.
Is Truehost Suitable for Beginners?
Truehost can be considered by beginners because it brings domain registration, hosting and related website services together.
However, every customer should compare the current packages and confirm that the selected plan provides the required storage, email, database and technical features.
If you are uncertain, begin by identifying what you want to build:
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Blog
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Company website
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Online shop
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School website
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Portfolio
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Custom web application
You can then select a package designed for that type of project.
Launch Your Website Today
Having a website can help customers find your business, understand your services and contact you at any time.
A professional website can provide:
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Greater online visibility
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Business credibility
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Service information
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Customer enquiries
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Online sales
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Professional email
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Access to customers beyond your physical location
Start by searching for an available domain name and reviewing the hosting packages:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best web hosting company in Kenya?
The best hosting company depends on your website, required resources, budget and preferred support. Truehost Kenya is one option offering domains, shared hosting, WordPress hosting, business email, VPS and other cloud services.
Where can I buy a domain name in Kenya?
You can purchase a domain from an accredited domain-registration and hosting provider. Truehost allows customers to search for available domains and purchase related hosting services.
Can I register a .co.ke domain?
Yes, you can search for an available .co.ke domain through a provider offering Kenyan domain-registration services. Availability and applicable registration requirements should be confirmed during ordering.
Do I need hosting after buying a domain?
Yes, if you want to operate a normal website. A domain provides the website address, while hosting stores the website files and makes them accessible online.
What hosting is best for a small business?
Shared or business hosting is often suitable for a small informational website. The final choice should depend on storage, traffic, email and website-technology requirements.
Can I host a WordPress website in Kenya?
Yes. Choose a hosting package that supports WordPress, PHP, databases, SSL and adequate server resources.
Can I create professional email with my domain?
Yes. Depending on your package, you may create addresses such as info@yourbusiness.co.ke. Confirm the number of email accounts and storage included before purchasing.
How do I transfer an existing website?
Website migration normally involves transferring files, databases, email accounts and DNS settings. Ask the new provider whether migration assistance is included or charged separately.
How much does a website domain cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the extension, registrar, promotion and renewal rate. Check both the initial registration price and annual renewal cost before purchasing.
Where should I start?
Begin by choosing a business name, checking whether its domain is available and selecting hosting that matches the website you want to build.
Check Domain Availability and Get Started
Disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link. Express Digital Services may receive a commission if you purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you. Hosting, domain registration, billing and technical support are provided by Truehost under its applicable terms.
Verified by the Express Digital Services Technical Team.
Verified by the Express Digital Services Technical Team.