Start Selling Immediately
With our robust online shop builder.
Get everything you need to run your eCommerce business like a pro.
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15+ payment platforms
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Accept mobile payments
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Free Hosting included
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100+ eCommerce websites
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Social selling features
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Sell unlimited products
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Supports product variants (colors, sizes, etc)
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Add and manage product categories
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Seamless products management
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Free Business emails
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Social media integrations
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Whatsapp Integrations
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Unlimited landing pages
Sell Anything, everywhere
Online Shop
Ksh 547.17/mo when billed annually.
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 10GB Storage
- 25 forms
- 500 Contacts
- 3 Business Emails
- Google ranking SEO
- Accept Payment
- Dns Management
- Auto Prospecting
- Secured with SSl
- Free Domain (.co.ke)
Why choose Truehost?
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100% Kenyan-owned and trusted by 100K+ local businesses
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Fast customer support via phone, chat, or WhatsApp
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Built-in hosting with fast local servers
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Fair pricing—no hidden charges or upsells
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Simple, scalable tools for growing businesses
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Mobile-responsive: Make your designs look good on any device
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Mobile Payments: With Flutterwave integration, you can now accept payments from M-Pesa and other providers
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Free domain name: Grab any country level domain such as .co.ke for your site for free, for life!
How to Create an Online Shop with Olitt
1) Choose your plan and register your domain
Choose your plan above (Website Builder Pro plan is recommended).
You can use an existing or new domain for your site.
2) Access the online shop builder
Once your account is active, log into your account and open the Website Builder.
You will be able to access various sections for you to customize and manage
3) Customize your store
Use the drag-and-drop editor to:
- Add your logo, brand, & colors
- Upload product images and descriptions
- Set prices and stock quantities
- Create categories and menus
- Customize pages look and layout
4) Set up payments and shipping
From the dashboard, integrate your preferred payment methods:
- Enable M-Pesa STK Push for mobile payments in Kenya via Flutterwave
- Add PayPal for global transactions
- Include card payments if you want to accept Visa / Mastercard
Also, configure your shipping zones and options (pickup, delivery, courier, etc.)
5) Launch and share your store
Click Publish to make your online shop live. Then:
- Share your store link on social media
- Connect it to Facebook or Instagram
- Run a WhatsApp broadcast to announce your launch
You’re now officially in business.
Which is the best eCommerce Builder for Creating an Online Shop?
Olitt is a modern drag-and-drop shop builder that lets you launch a stunning, mobile-ready online store in under 30 minutes. For just $49 / year (or KES 5515 VAT Exclusive), you get a complete eCommerce suite — with everything from inventory tools to M-Pesa integration — without the complexity of Shopify or WooCommerce.
| Feature / Platform | Olitt by Truehost | Shopify | Wix eCommerce | WooCommerce (WordPress) | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (monthly) | $49 / year | From $29/month | From $27/month | Varies (Hosting + Plugins) | From $39/month |
| Free domain & hosting | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra | ✅ Limited | ❌ Needs separate setup | ❌ Separate hosting |
| M-Pesa Integration | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Not seamless | ❌ Manual setup | 🟡 With plugins | ❌ Not native |
| Local support (Kenya) | ✅ 24/7 | ❌ None | ❌ None | 🟡 Community support | ❌ None |
| Ease of use | ✅ Beginner-friendly | ✅ Very easy | ✅ Very easy | 🟡 Intermediate | 🟡 Intermediate |
| Templates / designs | ✅ 200+ free templates | ✅ Premium themes | ✅ Drag-and-drop | 🟡 Depends on theme | 🟡 Functional first |
| Transaction fees | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (unless Shopify Payments) | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Digital & physical products | ✅ Both | ✅ Both | ✅ Both | ✅ Both | ✅ Both |
| Mobile responsive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| SEO | ✅Advanced | ✅ Basic | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Advanced |
| Email & SSL | ✅ Free email + SSL | ❌ Paid add-ons | ✅ Free SSL | ❌ Depends on host | ✅ SSL only |
👉 Try Truehost eCommerce Builder for an all-in-one solution tailored to Kenyan users.
Who is this for?
- Boutique owners selling fashion, accessories, or cosmetics
- Side hustlers flipping electronics, shoes, or second-hand items
- Freelancers offering services like web design, writing, or consulting
- NGOs & Charities accepting donations online
- Local brands exporting products to the diaspora
- Instagram sellers and TikTok marketers
- Content creators and coaches
- Dropshippers targeting Africa and beyond
100+ eCommerce Templatesfor Every Usecase
Our Integrations
Supercharge your eCommerce store with powerful, plug-and-play tools — all accessible from your Truehost Online Shop Builder dashboard.
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M-Pesa & Airtel Money: Accept mobile payments with real-time STK Push
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Card & bank payments: Integrate with PayPal, Stripe, Flutterwave, and more
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Email marketing: Sync with tools like Mailchimp, Sender, and ConvertKit
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Facebook & Instagram Shops: Sell directly from your social media pages
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Google Analytics & Tag Manager: Track conversions, traffic, and customer behavior
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Live chat & support: Add tools like Tawk.to or WhatsApp to boost engagement
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Shipping & delivery: Connect with local couriers like Fargo or Sendy (API-ready)
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CRM & automation tools: Use webhooks or Zapier for order follow-ups, notifications, and customer management
How much do you pay to build an online shop?
Typically, you would incur:
| Method | Cost Estimate (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY with eCommerce Builder | From KES 5515 / year (With Truehost Olitt eCommerce builder) | Includes hosting, SSL, templates |
| Hire a developer | KES 45,000 –150,000+ | Custom shops, slower turnaround |
| WordPress (self-hosted) | KES 7,000 – 15,000+ / year | Domain, hosting, themes, and plugin costs |
| E-commerce store | KES 10,000–50,000+ | Depends on complexity, payment integrations |
eCommerce Builder FAQs
What is an online store?
An online shop (also called an eCommerce website or store) is a website where you can sell products or services to customers over the internet. Shoppers can browse your catalog, place orders, and make payments directly on your site.
It’s your digital storefront — open 24/7, reachable from anywhere in the world.
What is an eCommerce builder?
An eCommerce builder is a tool or platform that allows you to create an online shop without writing code or hiring a web developer.
It includes:
- Website templates
- Product catalog management
- Shopping cart functionality
- Payment processing
- Order tracking
- Marketing tools
Truehost’s Online Shop Builder is one of the easiest and most affordable eCommerce builders available — especially tailored for Kenyan businesses.
What makes Truehost’s shop builder different?
Unlike platforms like Shopify or Wix that charge monthly fees in USD, Truehost offers a local, one-time annual payment in Kenyan Shillings.
Key differences include:
- ✅ Built-in M-Pesa STK Push integration
- ✅ No transaction fees on your sales
- ✅ Fully optimized for Kenyan and African businesses
- ✅ Local 24 / 7 support based in Kenya
- ✅ Free SSL, emails, and hosting bundled together
It’s simpler, cheaper, and more localized than any international option.
Can I use website builder without any technical skills
The platform is 100% beginner-friendly. With a drag-and-drop interface and guided setup, you don’t need any coding or web design knowledge. If you can use WhatsApp or Instagram, you can build your online shop.
How much does it cost to build an eCommerce site with Truehost?
Plans start from KES 2,499 per year, which includes:
- Access to the full online shop builder
- A free .co.ke domain
- Hosting
- SSL certificate
- Website builder
- 1 business email
Can I sell physical and digital products?
You can sell:
- Physical goods (like clothes, shoes, electronics)
- Digital downloads (eBooks, courses, music)
- Services (consulting, coaching, graphic design)
- Subscriptions or memberships
Your shop supports multiple product types, delivery options, and checkout configurations.
Is M-Pesa integrated?
Yes. Truehost supports:
- M-Pesa STK Push – lets customers pay via phone
- Lipa na M-Pesa (Buy Goods/Till Number)
- PayPal for international clients
- Visa/Mastercard for card payments
Setup is fast, and payments are deposited directly into your account.
Will my online store be mobile-friendly?
Yes.
All Truehost websites are responsive by default, meaning your online shop will automatically adjust to look great on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
This is essential, as most Kenyan shoppers use mobile phones to browse and buy online.
Can I connect social media to my shop?
Yes. You can:
- Add a WhatsApp chat button for quick support
- Link to your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages
- Sync your product catalog to Facebook or Instagram shops
- Install tracking pixels (Meta, Google) to run targeted ads
This helps you increase visibility and drive more traffic to your store.
How long does it take to launch a website?
You can have a fully functional one-page website live in under an hour. If you’re using the AI Builder, it can be even faster—just describe your business and tweak the auto-generated content.
How to Choose the Best Website Builder in Kenya for You
There are many different website builders available online and it is important to choose the best one for your business.
If you are not sure how to choose the best website builder, here are some the things to keep in mind:
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Ease of Use: When you are choosing a website builder in Kenya, it is important that you choose one that is easy to use. This will allow you to be able to create your website quickly and easily.
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Pricing: The best website builder will be the one that is the most affordable for your business. You should always choose the one within your budget.
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Features: The best website builder will have all of the features that you need in order for you to build your site quickly and easily.
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Support: When choosing a website builder, it is important that you choose one with great support options available. The best website builders in Kenya will have dedicated customer support teams available 24/7, who are ready and willing to help you with any problems or questions that you may have regarding your new website.
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Data ownership & portability: The best website builders in Kenya will allow you to own and port all of your data to any other computer that you may have. This will allow you to use your website on any device that you may have.
We recommend starting with a free trial or the cheapest plan of one of the popular website builders like Olitt from truehost before you make your decision.
Once you’ve used it a few times, you will likely want to make a purchase, but there’s no cost or obligation to try out a free version first.
What are the Benefits of a Website Builder?
There are many different website builders available online and it is important to choose the best one for your business.
If you are not sure how to choose the best website builder, here are some the things to keep in mind:
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Ease of Use: When you are choosing a website builder in Kenya, it is important that you choose one that is easy to use. This will allow you to be able to create your website quickly and easily.
-
Pricing: The best website builder will be the one that is the most affordable for your business. You should always choose the one within your budget.
-
Features: The best website builder will have all of the features that you need in order for you to build your site quickly and easily.
-
Support: When choosing a website builder, it is important that you choose one with great support options available. The best website builders in Kenya will have dedicated customer support teams available 24/7, who are ready and willing to help you with any problems or questions that you may have regarding your new website.
-
Data ownership & portability: The best website builders in Kenya will allow you to own and port all of your data to any other computer that you may have. This will allow you to use your website on any device that you may have.
We recommend starting with a free trial or the cheapest plan of one of the popular website builders like Olitt from truehost before you make your decision.
Once you’ve used it a few times, you will likely want to make a purchase, but there’s no cost or obligation to try out a free version first.
How to create a website with Olitt
OLITT is a straightforward website tool that is simple to use. To start, you will need to create an account and decide on a design template to start building your website.
Next, you can easily customize your template with OLITT and make it completely your own.
You can change
- Pictures
- The text, and even the layout without any trouble.
- Colors
- Typography, and anything realy.
When you are happy with how everything looks, you can go ahead and publish your site to the web.
Should I code or use a website builder
Web development is an essential skill for anyone looking to create a professional website. But which one should you choose? Should you code your website yourself or use a website builder?
There are pros and cons to both approaches, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Here are the key factors to consider:
Coding your own website: Pros
- You can control the look and feel of your site, making it unique and tailored to your needs.
- You can add features and functionality as you go, which means you can make changes as the need arises.
- It’s possible to create a site without any help from a third party, which can be advantageous if you’re familiar with coding but not web design.
Coding your own website: Cons
- It can be time-consuming to code a website from scratch, especially if you’re not familiar with coding.
- You’ll need to keep up with updates and security patches for the software you use, which can be challenging if you’re not a web developer.
- If something goes wrong with your site, it’s up to you to fix it.
Website builder: Pros
- You can create a professional website without any coding knowledge.
- There are usually plenty of templates to choose from, so you can find one that suits your needs.
- Most website builders include hosting and domain registration, which makes it easy to get started.
- Some website builders offer eCommerce features, making it easy to sell products or services online.
Website builder: Cons
It’s important to read the fine print before signing up for a website builder, as some fees can be hidden.
What is the difference between a page builder and a website builder?
Both tools help you build visually — but they serve slightly different purposes:
| Feature | Website Builder | Page Builder (like Elementor) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Full website creation | Single page design inside CMS like WordPress |
| Hosting included | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Domain + SSL setup | ✅ One-click | ❌ Manual |
| Learning curve | Beginner-friendly | Requires WordPress knowledge |
| Ideal for | Non-tech users, SMEs | Web designers, advanced users |
Do I need a website builder to create a website?
Not always—but it makes your life 10x easier.
You can code a site from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or build one with WordPress, which still requires setup, plugins, and some technical knowledge.
A website builder, on the other hand:
- Simplifies everything into drag-and-drop blocks
- Handles hosting, design, and content layout
- Lets you launch a site within hours—not weeks
- Requires zero technical skills
If speed, ease, and affordability matter, a builder is the best option.
Do I pay taxes if I sell online in Kenya?
Online sellers in Kenya, including those selling through online sales websites such as Jumia.co.ke, are responsible for reporting sales income to the Kenya Revenue Authority.
How do I promote my online store in Kenya?
If you have an online store, you know how important it is to get the word out and promote your business.
Here are a few ways to promote your online store:
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Offer discounts or free shipping to encourage people to buy from you.
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Use social media to your advantage. Post content about your store while sharing photos and product links.
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Publish blog posts or videos about your products. Demonstrate what you offer and why they should buy from you.
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Advertise your store on other websites or in online directories.
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Get involved in online communities relevant to your niche. Selling handmade jewelry? Join forums and groups dedicated to DIY projects or fashion.
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Optimize your site for SEO. Do keyword research, write seo articles, improve loading speed and acquire external backlinks to your key pages.