FAQs

The Second Level Domain space allows registrations of one name part before the DOT KE with no specialization e.g. name.ke.

The third level domain space allows registration of two name parts before the DOT KE that is, name.co.ke or name.go.ke etc., which defines the function or specialization of the institution, that is co.ke for companies; or.ke for organizations; go.ke for government institutions; ac.ke for higher learning institutions.

This first part of the address after www. that you enter into a web browser (e.g. kenic.or.ke) to find a web page on the internet. It is also the last part after the @ sign in an email address. Domains are useful for business and personal use, for having your own website, online shop and email address.

There is a lot you can do with a domain name but you first need to add some services to it. For example, if you want to build a website for your business or just for fun, you will first need a Web Hosting package to get the website online. Contact any of our registrars to host your website and emails.

This is an individual, company or organization that registers a domain on behalf of the actual domain name owner or Registrant. Internet Service Providers (ISP), Web Designers and Solution Providers are considered Registrars.

When you register a domain it is usually registered for an initial period of either 1 year or up to 5 years. Upon expiry of the initial registration period, you need to renew your domain with your registrar. The domain remains yours as long as it registered and active.

Once you have chosen and registered it usually takes up to 30 minutes for all the DNS servers across the internet to know about your new domain name. This means that while you might be able to access your domain, your next door neighbour might not if he is using a different DNS server.

If a company is paying for you to register the domain name, it should normally be registered under its name as transferring at a later stage is a time-consuming process and may incur additional costs.

This is an Individual, Company or an Organization that registers a domain on behalf of the actual domain name owner or Registrant. Internet Service Providers (ISP), Web Designers and Solution Providers are the most common form of Registrars.

Those organizations interested in becoming Registrars should:

• Formally apply to KENIC. The formal application letter should be sent by post (or delivered by hand) to KENIC, attention the Chief Executive Officer. Please note that the application letter should also be accompanied by your Company's Profile detailing your company's operations, location and abilities. In particular, the company profile should include:

• The KENIC management will evaluate your application within 48 Hours and respond with an approval or Rejection. If approved, you will have to complete the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (in duplicate) and pay the annual membership fees of Kshs. 5,000.00. It is estimated that the process should take 7 working days.

Kindly note that the .KE Registry is still closed and thus to become an Accredited Registrar, your organization must have a local presence, that is, your organization must have an office within the country (Kenya).

How to Register

The .KE Domain Name Space has been divided into several third-levels namely:

• .co.ke - for Companies
• .or.ke - for Not-for-Profit-Making Organisations or NGO's
• .ne.ke - for Network Devices
• .go.ke - for Government Entities. Requires Supporting Documents
• .ac.ke - for Institutions of Higher Educations. Requires Supporting Documents
• .sc.ke - for Lower and Middle Institutes of Learning. Requires Supporting Documents
• .me.ke - for Personal names
• .mobi.ke - for Mobile content
• .info.ke - for Information

Some of the Domain Name extensions require "Supporting Documents" in order for them to be registered. These are:

go.ke:

ac.ke:

sc.ke:

KE domain names are registered through accredited KeNIC registrars. You can register a domain name for up to 5 years and set auto-renewals with your registrar to ensure your domain remains active

Licensed Registrars

This is an organization or entity responsible for managing the Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) Name Space as evidenced by their entry in the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) database. KENIC is the .KE Registry operator.

KENIC has set up an open mailing list which one can subscribe from the KENIC Discuss Mailing List. Participation in the open forum discussions influences the KENIC policy-making process by consideration of the suggestions and issues raised on this forum.