Shopify is the go-to ecommerce platform globally, but for Kenyan businesses, it can be prohibitively expensive. At $39/month (~KES 25,000/month) for the Basic plan alone, plus premium themes, paid apps, and a 2% transaction commission, the costs add up quickly. FlexiCommerce offers a Kenya-focused alternative with affordable platform subscriptions from KES 3,999/month + hosting, built-in M-Pesa via Flutterwave, and 3 mobile apps included.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FlexiCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | From KES 3,999/mo + hosting | ~KES 25,000/month |
| Commission | 0% | 2% per transaction |
| Customer Mobile App | Included (iOS & Android) | Not included |
| Seller Mobile App | Included | Not included |
| Delivery Partner App | Included | Not included |
| M-Pesa (via Flutterwave) | Built-in | Plugin needed |
| Store Themes | 5 included | KES 150,000+ for premium |
| Gamification | Built-in | Not available |
| Voice & Image Search | Built-in | Not available |
| VAT 16% Compliance | Built-in | Basic only |
| Multi-Vendor Support | Built-in | Paid app needed |
| SubOrder System | Built-in | Not available |
3-Year Cost Comparison
FlexiCommerce
Shopify Basic
Kenya-Specific Advantages
Flutterwave + M-Pesa Integration
FlexiCommerce comes with Flutterwave pre-integrated, which supports M-Pesa, Airtel Money, cards, and bank transfers. Shopify requires third-party plugins that may not support all Kenyan payment methods.
VAT 16% Compliance
FlexiCommerce has VAT 16% tax calculations, KRA PIN validation, and tax invoice generation built-in. Shopify offers only basic tax support for Kenya.
KES Pricing
FlexiCommerce pricing is entirely in KES. No exchange rate fluctuations. Shopify bills in USD, so your costs change with the dollar rate.
Dedicated Delivery Partner App
FlexiCommerce includes a full delivery partner mobile app with GPS tracking, route optimization, and earning dashboard. Shopify has no such feature.
The Verdict
For Kenyan businesses, FlexiCommerce is the clear winner. It is more affordable, includes more features out of the box, has native M-Pesa support via Flutterwave, provides 3 mobile apps, and is specifically built for the East African market. Shopify remains a global leader, but its pricing and feature gaps make it less suitable for Kenyan businesses that need local payment methods and mobile-first solutions.
Switch from Shopify to FlexiCommerce
Save over KES 1 million in 3 years. Get 3 mobile apps, Flutterwave M-Pesa, and 500+ features from just KES 3,999/month + hosting.