About .ke domain
.ke is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Kenya. It was first delegated in 1993 and is currently operated by the Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC), which became the registry after a formal redelegation process in 2002. The domain is actively managed as a national Internet resource with established registration policies and a structured dispute resolution mechanism.
Who can register .ke domain
Registration for a .ke domain is generally open to entities with a presence in Kenya, but eligibility varies by second-level domain. The most common extension, .co.ke, is available to both individuals and businesses, provided they can demonstrate a local connection. Other extensions like .or.ke for non-profits, .ac.ke for academic institutions, and .go.ke for government entities require supporting documentation to verify the registrant's status. The .me.ke extension is intended for personal names.
How to register .ke domain
- First, search for your desired domain name's availability under the appropriate .ke second-level domain (e.g., .co.ke, .me.ke) using a KeNIC-accredited registrar's website.
- Select your registrar and choose your registration term, noting that most .ke domains have a minimum registration period of one year and that prices can vary between providers.
- Complete the online checkout process, providing accurate contact details as required by KeNIC policy, and be prepared to submit any necessary documentation for restricted extensions.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and proceed to configure your DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .ke domain
The .ke domain extension is predominantly used by individuals, businesses, and organizations connected to Kenya. Local companies and entrepreneurs frequently choose .co.ke to establish a clear Kenyan identity and build trust with a local audience. Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies utilize their respective specialized extensions (.or.ke, .ac.ke, .go.ke) to signal their official status and purpose within the country. It is a popular choice for projects targeting the Kenyan market.
Tips for registering .ke domain
- Registrations require a minimum term of one year, and you must renew your domain before it expires to avoid losing it.
- For certain second-level domains like .ac.ke, .sc.ke, and .go.ke, you must provide valid documentation proving your status as a school or government entity in Kenya.
- The registry, KeNIC, maintains a dispute resolution policy to handle conflicts such as cybersquatting, where domain names are registered in bad faith to profit from someone else's trademark.
- Some domain names are reserved or blocked by the registry if they are considered offensive or necessary for DNS stability and security.