Nairobi has no shortage of designers, agencies, and freelancers all offering branding services. The difficulty is not finding someone, it is finding the right fit for your business and budget. Here is what we think actually matters.
Look at their actual portfolio, not just their website
Ask to see real client work, ideally for businesses similar in size to yours. A flashy concept piece tells you less than a logo and brand system that has been in market for two years and still looks current.
Ask about their process
A good agency should be able to explain, in plain language, how they get from your brief to a final logo. If the answer is vague, that is often a sign the process is not structured.
Check turnaround expectations upfront
Branding projects in Kenya can take anywhere from a few days to several months depending on scope. Make sure timelines are agreed in writing before work begins, not estimated loosely after the fact.
Understand what is included
Some agencies quote a low logo price, then charge separately for every additional file format, every revision, and every piece of stationery. Ask for a full breakdown before signing anything.
Read recommendation letters, not just reviews
Reviews are useful, but a written recommendation from a known organisation, especially one you can verify, tells you more about how an agency actually performs under real client pressure.