FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about software, consulting, AI, pricing, payments and data protection, all in one place.
About Red Star
What does Red Star Standard do?
We are an AI consultancy and AI-driven software company. We advise on where AI pays off, then plan, build and run the solutions, AI agents and automation, AI-backed websites, web and mobile apps and custom software. Our AI Growth Studio adds AI-powered ads, content and SEO to help you grow.
What does “AI-driven software” mean?
It means AI is part of how the software works, not an afterthought: assistants that answer customers, automation that removes manual steps, smart search and predictions, all built on clean data and solid engineering. If a project does not need AI, we will tell you.
Who do you work with?
SMEs, startups, enterprises, NGOs and international brands, in banking, manufacturing, health, education, e-commerce, real estate and more.
How much does a project cost?
Our free consultation costs nothing. Fixed-price starters begin at KES 7,500 (Shop Starter for small shops and stalls), KES 15,000 (AI Quick-Win Sprint), KES 30,000 + KES 5,000/month (WhatsApp AI Assistant) and KES 50,000 (AI-Ready Website + GEO). Team training starts from KES 25,000, strategy sprints from KES 60,000, PoCs and MVPs from KES 250,000, and dedicated teams from KES 150,000 per month. Prices are in Kenya shillings (USD on request), before VAT. Starters take a 50% deposit that you can pay in smaller M-Pesa instalments, and larger builds are paid by milestone.
Can we pay with M-Pesa?
Yes. We accept M-Pesa, bank transfer, cards, Paystack and Flutterwave.
Is our data safe with you?
Yes. We sign NDAs, use business-grade AI plans that do not train on your data, and design for the Kenya Data Protection Act, GDPR and other laws.
Do you work with clients in other countries?
Yes. We work with clients locally and internationally, on-site where needed and remotely everywhere else.
Pricing, timelines & payments
How do projects start?
Every project starts with a free 30-minute consultation. We then send a fixed quote and timeline in Kenya shillings (KES), or in USD if you prefer. Book a free consultation →
What are your engagement models?
Free consultation; fixed-price starters from KES 7,500; team training from KES 25,000; strategy sprint from KES 60,000 (2–4 weeks); PoC or MVP build from KES 250,000 (4–12 weeks); and a dedicated AI team from KES 150,000 per month. See all pricing →
Are your prices in Kenya shillings?
Yes. Every price on this site is set in KES, because that is what our clients earn and pay in. Use the KES / USD switch at the top of any page if you are outside Kenya and want to see dollars. We quote and invoice in whichever currency suits you. See all pricing →
Do you take a deposit?
Yes. Starters take 50% to begin and 50% on delivery, and you can split either half into smaller M-Pesa payments. Larger builds are paid in milestones (30% to start, 40% at the working demo, 30% on handover) so your cash flow stays comfortable.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Any fixed-price starter can be split into two or three M-Pesa or bank payments, and larger builds are paid by milestone. Ask for the schedule when you book and we will put it in the quote. Book a free consultation →
Are prices inclusive of VAT?
Prices are before VAT. Where VAT (16% in Kenya) applies, it is shown on your quote and invoice. We issue a proper tax invoice for every payment.
How long does a PoC or MVP take?
A proof of concept typically takes 4–6 weeks and an MVP 8–12 weeks, with weekly demos throughout. PoC & MVP development →
How long does a website or web app take?
Small websites take 2–4 weeks; business web applications 8–16 weeks. AI software & web →
Which payment methods do you accept?
M-Pesa (Paybill or Till), Airtel Money, bank transfer, cards (Visa, Mastercard) and Paystack or Flutterwave. We invoice in KES or USD.
I run a business outside Kenya. Can I pay in my own currency?
Yes. Clients elsewhere in Africa can pay in US dollars, or in their local currency through Paystack or Flutterwave where it is supported (for example Nigerian naira, Ghanaian cedi, South African rand, Ugandan or Tanzanian shillings and Rwandan francs). Ask us for a quote in the currency you prefer.
Do you offer startup or NGO pricing?
Yes, lean startup packages and impact pricing for NGOs are available. Mention it when you book. Book a call →
Do you provide support after launch?
Yes, monthly support plans cover hosting, security updates, backups and small improvements.
AI consulting
How long does a strategy engagement take?
A focused strategy sprint takes 2–4 weeks. Larger organisations with several business units usually take 6–8 weeks. AI Strategy & Roadmap →
Do we need data scientists before we start?
No. The roadmap tells you which skills you need and when, many early wins use off-the-shelf AI tools. AI Strategy & Roadmap →
Is the free consultation the same thing?
The free consultation is a 30-minute call that spots quick wins. The full readiness assessment is a deeper paid review with a written scorecard. AI Readiness Assessment →
Will you need access to our systems?
Read-only access helps, but we can also work from interviews and sample exports. AI Readiness Assessment →
Can you design for on-premise or local hosting?
Yes. We design for cloud, hybrid or local hosting, including data-residency needs under Kenyan and other African data-protection laws. AI Solution Design & Architecture →
Do you also build what you design?
Yes, our AI Development team can take the design into a PoC, MVP or full product. AI Solution Design & Architecture →
Will our data be used to train public models?
We set up business/API plans and settings that keep your data out of model training, and document this in your AI policy. Generative AI Consulting →
Can GenAI work in Swahili and other local languages?
Leading models handle Swahili well; we test quality for each language you need before rollout. Generative AI Consulting →
AI development
Can you work within our procurement process?
Yes. We regularly respond to RFPs and work under enterprise contracts, NDAs and vendor security reviews. Enterprise AI Development →
What is the difference from adding AI to an app?
AI-native products are designed so AI drives the core experience, rather than being a feature bolted on later. AI-Native Development →
How do you stop the AI making things up?
We ground answers in your data (RAG), add citations, and test accuracy before launch. Generative AI Development →
Can customers pay monthly with M-Pesa?
Yes. We build recurring billing flows that work with M-Pesa as well as cards. AI SaaS Development →
Do you offer equity or revenue-share deals?
For selected startups we offer blended fee + equity or profit-share models. AI Product Engineering →
Will the app work on low-end Android phones?
Yes. We test on budget devices and slow networks common across the region. AI App Development →
Can we modernise without downtime?
Yes. We use phased migrations and run old and new systems side by side until you are ready to switch. AI Modernisation →
What happens after the PoC?
You get a results report and a recommendation: scale it, change it or stop, with a plan and cost for each. AI PoC & MVP Development →
AI by industry
Is AI credit scoring allowed by regulators?
Yes, when it is explainable, fair and compliant with data-protection law. We build models with audit trails and explanations. AI in Banking →
Do we need new sensors?
Not always. We start with the data your machines and ERP already produce, then add low-cost IoT sensors where needed. AI in Manufacturing →
Does it work with Shopify or WooCommerce?
Yes. We integrate with Shopify, WooCommerce and custom Next.js or Laravel stores. AI in E-commerce →
Can AI help us sell to the diaspora?
Yes, AI ads, virtual tours and multilingual assistants help reach and convert buyers abroad. AI in Real Estate →
Will AI replace our claims team?
No, AI handles routine checks so your team can focus on complex and sensitive cases. AI in Insurance →
Do you help with ODPC registration?
We help you prepare the documentation, data maps and DPIAs needed for registration and compliance with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. AI in Data Governance →
Is client data kept confidential?
Yes. We use private deployments and business AI plans where data is not used for training, with strict access control. AI in Legal →
How do you prevent bias in AI hiring?
We test models for bias, keep humans in the final decision and document the process for compliance. AI in HR →
Does AI make medical decisions?
No, AI supports clinicians, who stay responsible for every diagnosis and treatment decision. AI in Healthcare →
Can farmers without smartphones use it?
Yes. We design services for SMS, USSD and voice as well as apps. AI in Food & Agriculture →
AI software & web
Which platform should we choose?
Shopify for speed, WooCommerce for flexibility on a budget, and a custom Next.js or Laravel build for unique models or large catalogues. We advise honestly. E-commerce Development →
Why Next.js instead of plain React?
Next.js adds server rendering, routing and SEO out of the box, ideal when speed and search visibility matter. Next.js Development →
Is this website built with Express?
Yes, this site runs on Express with PostgreSQL, so you can see the approach in action. Express.js Development →
Python or Node.js for my backend?
Python when AI, data or automation is central to the product; Node.js when you want one language across a real-time web front and back end. We advise on the best fit. Python Development →
Will a Flutter app run on budget Android phones?
Yes. We optimise and test on low-end devices so every customer gets a smooth experience. Flutter App Development →
Can you migrate us from MySQL or SQL Server?
Yes. We plan and run migrations with testing and minimal downtime. PostgreSQL →
MongoDB or PostgreSQL, which should we use?
Postgres for structured, relational data and transactions; MongoDB for flexible, fast-changing documents. We help you choose. MongoDB →
Data protection & security
Is our data safe with you?
We sign NDAs, restrict access, and use business-grade AI plans that do not train on your data.
Do you follow the Kenya Data Protection Act?
Yes. We design AI systems in line with the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019 and help clients run DPIAs and write AI policies. Kenya DPA and AI guide →
Who owns the code and data?
You do. All code, models and data we build for you belong to your organisation.
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Let’s put AI to work in your business.
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