Top Software Development Companies in Kenya

Kenya, a hub of innovation and technology in East Africa, has seen significant growth in its software development industry over the past decade. The country is home to a number of top-tier software development companies that are driving technological advancements not only in Kenya but across the continent. These companies are known for their expertise, innovative solutions, and contribution to various sectors, including finance, health, education, and agriculture.

1. Andela Kenya

Andela is a global talent network that connects companies with software engineers in emerging markets. Established in 2014, Andela has quickly become one of the most recognized software development companies in Africa. With its Kenyan branch, Andela plays a critical role in harnessing the potential of African developers and integrating them into the global tech ecosystem. Andela’s focus is on building engineering teams with highly skilled software developers who work remotely with top companies worldwide.

Key Services:

• Full-stack software development
• Software maintenance and support
• Mobile and web application development
• Cloud-based solutions

Industry Focus: Andela has worked across various industries, including fintech, health tech, e-commerce, and education, providing customized solutions that meet industry-specific needs.

2. Craft Silicon

Craft Silicon is another leading software development company based in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 2000, Craft Silicon has grown into a reputable global software provider, especially in the financial services sector. The company offers a wide range of products and services that cater to the needs of banks, microfinance institutions, and insurance companies.

Key Services:

• Core banking software development
• Mobile banking solutions
• Payment processing systems
• Microfinance management systems

Industry Focus: Craft Silicon primarily serves the financial industry, offering innovative solutions that help financial institutions streamline their operations and offer better services to their customers.

3. Africa's Talking

Africa's Talking is a leading software development company that provides communication and payment solutions for businesses across Africa. Established in 2010, the company has made significant strides in simplifying communication and transactions for businesses by offering robust APIs that developers can easily integrate into their applications.

Key Services:

• SMS, voice, and USSD API integration
• Mobile payment solutions
• Airtime distribution services
• IoT solutions

Industry Focus: Africa's Talking serves various industries, including agriculture, fintech, and e-commerce, enabling businesses to enhance customer engagement and simplify payment processes.

4. Cellulant

Cellulant is a leading Pan-African fintech company that provides mobile banking and payments solutions. Founded in 2004, Cellulant has developed innovative products that have revolutionized how businesses and consumers make transactions across Africa. The company’s software solutions cater to the needs of both the formal and informal sectors, enabling seamless payments and financial transactions.

Key Services:

• Payment gateway integration
• Mobile banking solutions
• E-commerce solutions
• Merchant payment services

Industry Focus: Cellulant serves a broad range of industries, including agriculture, retail, and financial services, providing payment solutions that are secure, efficient, and scalable.

5. Moringa School

Moringa School is not just a software development company but also an educational institution that offers intensive courses in software development and data science. Founded in 2014, Moringa School is on a mission to bridge the gap in digital skills in Africa. It trains developers and data scientists who are then placed in various tech companies across the continent, thereby contributing to the growth of the software development industry in Kenya.

Key Services:

• Software development bootcamps
• Data science training
• Corporate training programs
• Career placement services

Industry Focus: Moringa School works closely with the education and tech industries, helping companies find the right talent and individuals to develop the skills needed for the future of work.

6. Dotsavvy

Dotsavvy is Kenya’s first digital marketing agency, founded in 2002. Over the years, it has expanded its services to include software development, making it one of the pioneers in the digital space in Kenya. Dotsavvy is known for creating digital solutions that are both creative and functional, catering to the needs of various industries.

Key Services:

• Website and mobile app development
• E-commerce solutions
• Digital strategy and consulting
• Social media marketing and management

Industry Focus: Dotsavvy serves industries such as retail, hospitality, and non-profits, providing digital solutions that help businesses improve their online presence and engage better with their customers.

7. Nailab

Nailab is a business incubator that supports startups in Kenya by providing them with the necessary resources to grow. Founded in 2010, Nailab has supported numerous tech startups, many of which have gone on to become successful software development companies. Through its programs, Nailab offers mentorship, funding, and access to a network of investors and partners, making it a critical player in the tech ecosystem in Kenya.

Key Services:

• Incubation and acceleration programs
• Software development support
• Business development services
• Networking and partnership opportunities

Industry Focus: Nailab works primarily with tech startups across various sectors, including health tech, edtech, and fintech, helping them develop software solutions that address real-world challenges.

8. iHub

iHub is one of the most iconic tech hubs in Africa. Founded in 2010, iHub has been at the forefront of nurturing tech talent and innovation in Kenya. It serves as a community space, incubation center, and coworking space for tech startups, developers, and entrepreneurs. iHub has played a pivotal role in the growth of Kenya’s tech ecosystem by providing a platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation.

Key Services:

• Incubation and acceleration programs
• Software development and testing services
• Research and innovation support
• Networking and community events

Industry Focus: iHub supports a wide range of industries, including technology, education, and healthcare, by helping startups develop innovative software solutions and scale their businesses.

9. Twiga Foods

Twiga Foods is a technology-driven company that focuses on streamlining agricultural value chains in Africa. While Twiga Foods is primarily known for its work in agriculture, it has a significant software development component that powers its operations. The company’s platform connects farmers with vendors, ensuring efficient distribution of fresh produce across Kenya.

Key Services:

• Agricultural supply chain software
• Mobile application development
• Data analytics for agriculture
• E-commerce solutions

Industry Focus: Twiga Foods primarily serves the agriculture industry, providing software solutions that improve supply chain efficiency and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

10. Seven Seas Technologies

Seven Seas Technologies (SST) is a leading provider of integrated business and technology solutions in Kenya. Founded in 1999, SST has been instrumental in delivering innovative IT solutions to both public and private sector organizations in Kenya. The company specializes in systems integration, software development, and IT consulting.

Key Services:

• Custom software development
• Systems integration
• IT consulting and strategy
• Cloud computing solutions

Industry Focus: SST serves industries such as healthcare, government, and financial services, providing technology solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and growth.

Conclusion

The software development industry in Kenya is rapidly evolving, with numerous companies contributing to the country’s reputation as a technology hub in Africa. These companies are not only providing cutting-edge software solutions but are also playing a vital role in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. As Kenya continues to advance technologically, these companies are likely to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of the country and the continent at large.