Project build
Mobile-app MVP
From KES 200,000one-time
One platform; restricted features
- Agreed core screens
- Explicit backend scope
- Store-submission support
Planning guide · 2026-09-27
What determines mobile app development cost in Kenya?
An app price only becomes meaningful when it includes a platform, feature set, backend requirements and delivery responsibilities. Use this guide to prepare a brief that developers can price honestly.
Define the first release
List the three or four actions the first users must complete. Separate essential workflows from later features. A catalogue with contact details is different from a marketplace with buyer and seller accounts, payments, messaging and dispute handling.
Specify the number of user roles, screens and integrations you actually need. Real-time tracking, offline synchronisation, media handling and sophisticated administration can change architecture and testing effort.
Choose the platform deliberately
A single-platform MVP can test demand at lower initial scope. A shared cross-platform implementation can support Android and iOS, but each platform still needs device testing and store preparation.
Store accounts, approval and ongoing policy updates are responsibilities that should appear in the proposal. Clarify who owns developer accounts and source code.
Budget for the backend and integrations
Authentication, databases, admin tools, notifications, reporting and API integrations are often the expensive parts of an app. M-Pesa requires merchant onboarding, a defined payment flow, secure callbacks and reconciliation; the exact provider arrangement affects effort.
Do not assume a starting package includes every backend feature. Ask for a list of included services, third-party charges and recurring hosting costs.
Separate build from care
Webmetro shows mobile build prices separately from monthly app maintenance. The build proposal should cover design, agreed features, testing, store-submission support and handover. Maintenance should cover clearly defined updates and response expectations; new features are separately scoped.
Request discovery and a written estimate if the product has many roles, complex integrations, regulated data or high availability requirements.
Compare starting scopes
A budget you can build on.
Project build
Cross-platform app
From KES 350,000one-time
Defined Android and iOS scope
- Shared application build
- Agreed device testing
- Backend scoped separately
Ongoing support
App maintenance
From KES 20,000/ month
Agreed app maintenance scope
- Maintenance and diagnostics
- Defined response expectations
- New features quoted separately
Starting estimates, subject to an agreed scope. Hosting, domains, third-party licences, transaction fees, taxes and additional content are separate unless included in your written proposal. Final tax treatment and total are confirmed before work begins.
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