If you've ever wondered what actually happens when someone types your website address into a browser, the answer is web hosting. Every website — from a one-page business brochure to a full online shop — is made up of files: HTML, images, databases, code. Those files have to physically live on a computer that's connected to the internet 24/7, ready to hand them over the moment someone requests them. That computer is a server, and "hosting" is the service of storing your website's files on one and keeping it running.
How Web Hosting Actually Works
When you sign up for hosting, you're renting space and computing power on a server owned and maintained by a hosting company. Your website files are uploaded to that server. When a visitor types your domain name into their browser, a system called DNS translates that domain into the server's IP address, the server receives the request, and it sends back your website's files so the visitor's browser can display them. This all happens in a fraction of a second.
Types of Hosting You'll Come Across
Not all hosting is the same. The main types are:
- Shared hosting — your site shares a server with many other websites. It's affordable and enough for most small business sites. See our shared hosting plans.
- VPS hosting — you get a dedicated slice of a server's resources, offering more power and control. Read more about VPS hosting.
- Dedicated hosting — an entire physical server just for you, for high-traffic or resource-heavy sites. See dedicated servers.
- Cloud hosting — your site runs across a network of servers instead of one, so it can handle traffic spikes better. Learn about cloud hosting.
What to Look For in a Host
For most Kenyan businesses, the things that matter most are: reliable uptime, fast servers (especially if most of your visitors are browsing on mobile data), local or regional support that responds quickly, and — increasingly important — support for M-Pesa payments if you're running an online store.
Getting Started
If you're building your first website, shared hosting is almost always the right starting point — it's affordable, easy to manage through cPanel, and can be upgraded later as your site grows. Pair it with a domain name and you're ready to go live.