One of the most common question we are asked is how an entity can become an accredited .KE domain name Registrar. In order to understand the application process, you must first understand what a domain Registrar is; A domain Registrar is a company that registers domain names on behalf of the Registrant. These companies are granted the accreditation by KeNIC and are also licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
If you a reseller seeking to grow to be a domain Registrar, below are the steps to guide you on your application process.
Step 1: Delivery of application forms
Organizations seeking to become domain Registrars should formally apply to KeNIC. The application forms can be downloaded from the KeNIC website. You will also need to sign an Accredited Registrar Agreement (2 copies)which is also available on the KeNIC Website.
Once filled the physical forms should be delivered to KeNIC offices located at the CA centre, opposite Kianda School. Some of the mandatory requirements include:
- The applicant must have at least 15 .ke domains registered as a domain reseller. These could be either 3rd level or 2nd level domain names.
- The applicant must have a Limited Company registered in Kenya with physical presence.
- Up-to date documents such as the CR12, Certificate of Incorporation, Tax compliance and the PIN certificate.
Step 2: Evaluation of the application forms
There are a number of questions that the applicant has to answer that will provide KeNIC with the following information
- Technical information
- Marketing information
- Finance and Admin information
The applicant will be evaluated based on how they answer these questions. The evaluation process takes two weeks.
Step 3: Payment of the Accreditation fees
If your accreditation application is approved, you will be required to pay an accreditation fee of Ksh 5000. The payment options are Bank transfers, iPay and Mpesa paybill. Note that the accreditation fee is non-refundable. Payment of the required fees does not complete the on-boarding process; you will need to apply for the Registrar license from the Communications Authority as well.
Step 4: Application for the Registrar License from the Communications Authority (CA)
Once your application has been approved and the accreditation fees paid, you will get a recommendation letter which will aid your application to CA. This letter is a mandatory requirement and you can not proceed with the application without it.
The CA team will review your application and advise. For more information on CA licensing procedures and requirements, kindly visit https://www.ca.go.ke/document/application-form-for-bpo-dot-ke-subdomain-name-registrar-services-tl-7-2/
Final Step: Access to the KeNIC Registry.
Once you get the CA license, you will be granted access to the Registry platform, which you will use to manage your domain portfolio. You will be listed in the KeNIC website as part of the Licensed Registrars. Finally, you will be assigned an account manager who will be your contact to KeNIC.