Treat This Hiring Decision Like the Business Decision It Is
Search "web developer Nairobi" and you'll get a flood of agencies, freelancers, and WhatsApp contacts — most with similar-looking portfolios and identical promises: fast, modern, affordable. The real differences only show up once you're a few weeks into the project, which is exactly why it pays to know the warning signs before you sign anything.
1. No Written Contract or Scope
If everything is agreed over WhatsApp voice notes with nothing in writing, you have no real recourse if the project changes shape halfway through. A short written agreement covering scope, timeline, and payment terms should be standard, not a special request.
2. Vague, Unbroken-Down Pricing
"We'll figure out the cost as we go" is not a quote. A serious developer can tell you what's included in a price and what isn't — hosting, domain, revisions, support — before you commit.
3. Pressure to Pay 100% Upfront
A deposit followed by milestone payments (for example, deposit → midpoint → final on delivery) is standard practice and protects both sides. Full payment demanded before any work is visible is a real risk signal.
4. No Staging Link or Preview During the Build
You should be able to see your website taking shape before launch day, not just be told to trust the process. If a developer won't share progress, ask why.
5. They Won't Hand Over Real Ownership
After final payment, you should receive real access — hosting/cPanel credentials, not just a live link you don't control. If a developer is vague about who "owns" the site after launch, that's worth pushing on directly.
6. No Plan for What Happens After Launch
A website needs security updates, monitoring, and occasional content changes. Ask explicitly: "what does working with you look like six months after launch?" A confident, specific answer tells you more than any portfolio will.
7. Can't Show Real, Verifiable Work
Live links you can actually visit and interact with matter more than screenshots. If a portfolio is all static images with no working links, ask why.
What We Do Differently
Published, specific starting prices. Milestone-based payments. Full cPanel access on completion. Monthly support retainers, not disappearing after launch. See our live projects or start a conversation to see how it works in practice.