Safaricom Web Hosting: Everything You Need to Know.
In Kenya’s fast-evolving digital landscape, Safaricom Web Hosting stands out as a reliable, local solution for individuals and businesses seeking robust web services. Backed by one of Africa’s most reputable telecom companies, Safaricom offers hosting solutions tailored for startups, SMEs, bloggers, and corporate clients alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what Safaricom web hosting offers, its features, pricing, pros and cons, and how it compares to other providers.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Safaricom for Web Hosting?
Safaricom has built trust through its mobile network and M-PESA innovations. Now, it’s applying the same reliability and infrastructure to cloud and hosting services. Here’s why you should consider hosting with Safaricom:
- Trusted Local Brand – With millions of loyal customers, Safaricom’s reputation for reliability extends into web services.
- Local Support – Get help from real people in Kenya who understand your context.
- Integrated with M-PESA – Accept online payments with ease via Kenya’s most popular mobile money system.
- Fast and Secure – Hosted on Tier III data centers with regular backups and SSL encryption.
Features of Safaricom Web Hosting
Whether you’re launching a blog, business website, or e-commerce store, Safaricom offers plans that scale with your needs.
Key Features:
- Free .co.ke domain with hosting plan
- Unlimited email accounts (varies by plan)
- Free SSL certificate
- cPanel Control Panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- 24/7 customer support
- Website Builder tool for beginners
Safaricom Web Hosting Plans & Pricing
Safaricom currently offers three main shared hosting tiers (pricing may vary slightly):
| Plan Name | Storage | Bandwidth | Email Accounts | Price (Annually) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 500 MB | Unlimited | 10 Email Accounts | KES 1,500 |
| Silver | 2 GB | Unlimited | 50 Email Accounts | KES 2,500 |
| Gold | 10GB | Unlimited | 100 Email Accounts | KES 4,000 |
| Premium | 20 GB | Unlimited | 200 Email Accounts | KES 5,000 |
Prices are approximate and may change. Visit Safaricom’s official website for real-time details.
How to Buy a Hosting Plan on Safaricom
- Visit: https://domains.safaricom.co.ke
- Search for a Domain: Choose a domain name (.co.ke is free with hosting).
- Select Hosting Plan: Pick from Starter, Business, or Corporate.
- Add to Cart & Checkout: Complete payment via M-PESA or card.
- Get Started: Access cPanel and set up your website.
Safaricom vs Other Kenyan Hosting Providers
| Feature | Safaricom | Truehost | HostPinnacle | Kenya Web Experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Free Domain | ✅ .co.ke | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| M-PESA Integration | ✅ Native | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reliability/Uptime | ✅ 99.9% | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Global Reach | ❌ Limited CDN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
While Safaricom is a great starter option, more advanced users may seek providers offering cloud hosting, VPS, or international CDN services.
Pros of Safaricom Hosting
- Reliable local infrastructure
- Seamless mobile payments (M-PESA)
- Beginner-friendly tools (like website builder)
- Ideal for Kenyan audiences and small businesses
Cons
- Fewer advanced features (no VPS or dedicated servers yet)
- Limited international scalability
- Slightly higher pricing for the same features compared to competitors
Who Should Use Safaricom Web Hosting?
Safaricom is ideal for:
- Kenyan startups and small businesses
- Local bloggers or influencers
- Schools and NGOs targeting Kenyan audiences
- Anyone looking for easy M-PESA payment integration
Final Verdict: Is Safaricom Web Hosting Worth It?
If you’re looking for a Kenyan web hosting provider with a solid reputation, responsive support, and M-PESA integration, Safaricom is a great starting point. While not suited for large-scale or global enterprise websites, it offers excellent value for small to mid-sized Kenyan businesses.
Verdict: 4.2/5
Best for local businesses and beginners in Kenya looking for secure, mobile-integrated hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Safaricom Web Hosting
1. What is Safaricom Web Hosting?
Safaricom Web Hosting is a service provided by Safaricom PLC that allows individuals and businesses in Kenya to host websites, register domain names, and access email and website management tools using a locally-managed platform.
2. How do I buy a Safaricom hosting package?
To purchase a hosting package:
- Visit https://domains.safaricom.co.ke
- Search and register your domain name
- Choose a hosting plan
- Add to cart and pay using M-PESA or card
- Access your cPanel dashboard after successful payment
3. Does Safaricom offer a free domain with hosting?
Yes. Safaricom offers a free .co.ke domain registration when you purchase an annual hosting plan.
4. Can I pay for hosting using M-PESA?
Absolutely! Safaricom integrates M-PESA directly for seamless and secure online payments during checkout.
5. What control panel does Safaricom provide?
Safaricom provides cPanel, a popular web hosting control panel that allows you to manage your website files, emails, databases, and more with ease.
6. Do I get email accounts with my hosting plan?
Yes. Depending on the package you choose, you can create multiple custom email addresses (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.co.ke).
7. Is SSL included in Safaricom hosting?
Yes. All hosting plans come with a free SSL certificate, ensuring your website is secure and trusted by browsers.
8. Does Safaricom offer a website builder?
Yes. Safaricom includes an easy-to-use website builder tool, ideal for beginners with no coding experience.
9. Is Safaricom hosting suitable for e-commerce websites?
Yes, especially for small to medium-sized e-commerce stores targeting Kenyan customers. It integrates well with M-PESA and offers secure hosting.
10. Does Safaricom provide technical support?
Yes. Safaricom offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat for all hosting-related inquiries.
11. Can I transfer my domain or website to Safaricom?
Yes. You can initiate a domain transfer to Safaricom from another registrar, or migrate your website files using cPanel or with help from Safaricom’s support team.
12. What types of hosting plans are available?
Safaricom offers shared hosting plans under Starter, Business, and Corporate tiers. VPS and dedicated hosting are not available at the moment.
13. Is there a money-back guarantee?
As of now, Safaricom does not publicly state a money-back guarantee. It’s advisable to confirm this with their customer support before purchase.
14. Where are Safaricom’s servers located?
Safaricom hosts its servers in Tier III data centers located in Kenya, ensuring fast local access and data sovereignty for Kenyan clients.
15. Can I upgrade my hosting plan later?
Yes. You can easily upgrade your hosting package at any time through your Safaricom hosting dashboard or by contacting customer support.
Need Help Getting Started?
Contact Safaricom Hosting Support via:
- Phone: 0722 000 000
- Website: https://domains.safaricom.co.ke
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