Looking for the perfect Kenyan domains? You have more choices than you think.
The .KE domain is Kenya’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), managed by KeNIC. But .KE is not just one extension, it is a family of domain names, each built for a specific purpose.
Whether you run a business, lead a non-profit, manage a school, or build a personal brand, there is a Kenyan domain designed for you. From .co.ke to .or.ke, .me.ke to .ac.ke: this guide covers them all.
This guide will walk you through every Kenyan domain extension available, explaining what each one is for, who can register it, and what documentation you need. By the end, you will know exactly which .KE domain fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- 10+ domain extensions are available under .KE, including .co.ke, .or.ke, .me.ke, and more
- Open extensions like .co.ke and .ke can be registered by anyone, anywhere, without restrictions
- Restricted extensions like .go.ke, .ac.ke, and .sc.ke require official supporting documents
- .KE domains cost approximately KSh 999–1,200 per year, making them more affordable than many .com domains
- Local SEO advantage: .KE domains signal Kenya to Google, helping you rank higher in local search results
- According to KeNIC data, the .KE namespace had approximately 123,150 registered domain names as of March 2026, reflecting the continued growth of Kenya’s local domain ecosystem.
Understanding .KE Domain Structure
.KE domains are divided into two main categories: Second-Level Domains and Third-Level Domains.
Second-Level Domains are registered directly under .KE. For example:
- yourbrand.ke
- kenic.ke
These are shorter, feel more premium, and work well for clear, memorable branding.
Third-Level Domains include a category label before .KE, such as:
- yourbrand.co.ke
- yourbrand.or.ke
These are more specific and remain the most commonly used option in Kenya.
All Kenyan Domain Extensions: Complete Guide
Here is a full breakdown of every .KE domain extension available, what it is for, who can register it, and what documentation is required.
1. .ke – Second-Level Domains (Premium Branding)
The .ke extension is a second-level domain registered directly under .KE. It is short, memorable, and perfect for premium or brand-focused websites.
Who should use it: Businesses, organizations, or individuals who want a short, premium domain that signals a strong Kenyan identity.
Eligibility: Open to anyone
Documentation required: None
Best for: Brand-focused companies, startups, and anyone wanting a memorable web address
Example: hostafrica.ke, nas.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 3,000 per year
2. .co.ke: Commercial Businesses (Most Popular)
The .co.ke extension is the most popular and widely used .KE domain. It is ideal for registered companies, e-commerce sites, retail businesses, and other commercial ventures.
Who should use it: Businesses of all sizes, online shops, startups, and commercial entities targeting Kenyan customers.
Eligibility: Open to anyone
Documentation required: None
Best for: E-commerce sites, retail businesses, and general commercial use
Examples: safaricom.co.ke, kcb.co.ke, truehost.co.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 999–1,200 per year
3. .or.ke: Non-Profit Organizations
The .or.ke extension is designed for not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, charities, and community-focused initiatives.
Who should use it: Registered NGOs, charities, associations, and foundations.
Eligibility: Open to non-profit organizations
Documentation required: Proof of non-profit registration (e.g., certificate)
Best for: Charities, foundations, and community-focused initiatives
Examples: kenic.or.ke, kenyanheart.or.ke, kenyatourism.or.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 999–1,200 per year
4. .ne.ke: Network Entities
The .ne.ke domain is designated for network-related organizations such as internet service providers (ISPs), networking companies, and technology firms.
Who should use it: ISPs, ICT companies, networking firms, and tech infrastructure providers.
Eligibility: Generally open, suited for network/tech entities
Documentation required: None
Best for: Internet service providers, networking companies, and technology firms
Examples: odibet.ne.ke, hen.ne.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 1,000–1,200 per year
5. .me.ke: Personal Use
The .me.ke domain is specifically for personal use. It is perfect for individuals building personal websites, portfolios, or blogs.
Who should use it: Individuals, freelancers, creatives, and professionals building personal brands.
Eligibility: Open to individuals
Documentation required: None
Best for: Personal websites, portfolios, or blogs
Examples: paulwababu.me.ke, pariktrivedy.me.ke, mburu.me.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 999–1,200 per year
6. .mobi.ke: Mobile-Focused Sites
The .mobi.ke domain is specifically designated for mobile-related content, websites, or services. It draws inspiration from the global .mobi TLD but is localized under .KE.
Who should use it: Mobile-optimized sites, mobile apps, mobile technology companies, and mobile commerce platforms.
Eligibility: Open
Documentation required: None
Best for: Mobile-friendly websites and applications
Examples: aviator.mobi.ke, promocode.mobi.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 1,000 per year
7. .info.ke: Information Portals
The .info.ke domain is designed for informational and educational websites such as news portals, knowledge bases, and directories.
Who should use it: News sites, blogs, directories, and informational resources.
Eligibility: Open
Documentation required: None
Best for: Informative or educational websites
Examples: bet365.info.ke, echoroyale.info.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 1,000 per year
8. .go.ke: Government Entities (Restricted)
The .go.ke domain is reserved for official government ministries, departments, and public institutions. Registration requires official government authorization.
Who should use it: Government ministries, departments, and public institutions.
Eligibility: Restricted. Requires an authorization letter from the Department of Government IT Services (GITS)
Documentation required: Official authorization letter from ICT Authority
Best for: Government ministries, departments, and public institutions
Examples: president.go.ke, ecitizen.go.ke, kra.go.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 1,000 per year
9. .sc.ke: Schools (Restricted)
The .sc.ke domain is reserved for lower and middle institutes of learning, including kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools.
Who should use it: Primary and secondary schools, both public and private.
Eligibility: Restricted. Requires a copy of the Certificate of Registration from the Ministry of Education
Documentation required: Copy of the Certificate of Registration from the Ministry of Education
Best for: Lower and middle institutes of learning
Examples: lis.sc.ke, alliancegirlshigh.sc.ke, bloomingtots.sc.ke, kapsabethighschool.sc.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 1,000 per year
10. .ac.ke: Higher Education Institutions (Restricted)
The .ac.ke domain is reserved for institutions of higher education such as universities, colleges, and research institutions.
Who should use it: Universities, colleges, and research institutions.
Eligibility: Restricted. Requires a copy of the Certificate of Registration from the relevant Ministry, a copy of the College Charter, or a copy of the Act of Parliament establishing the institution
Documentation required: Official academic documentation (certificate, charter, or Act of Parliament)
Best for: Institutions of higher education
Examples: jkuat.ac.ke, kenya-aist.ac.ke
Pricing: Approximately KSh 1,000 per year
Summary: Kenyan Domains at a Glance
| Extension | Purpose | Documentation Required | Open/Restricted |
| .ke | Premium branding | None | Open |
| .co.ke | Commercial businesses | None | Open |
| .or.ke | Non-profit organizations | Proof of non-profit status | Open (with docs) |
| .ne.ke | Network entities | None | Open |
| .me.ke | Personal use | None | Open |
| .mobi.ke | Mobile-focused sites | None | Open |
| .info.ke | Information portals | None | Open |
| .go.ke | Government entities | Official authorization | Restricted |
| .sc.ke | Schools (primary/secondary) | Ministry of Education certificate | Restricted |
| .ac.ke | Higher education institutions | Charter/Act of Parliament | Restricted |
Why Choose a Kenyan Domain?
Choosing a .KE domain offers several strategic advantages for your online presence:
1. Local Credibility
A .KE domain establishes your online presence as locally relevant. It fosters trust and credibility among local users, who are more likely to engage with a website that appears to have a strong local connection.
2. Local SEO Advantage
Search engines consider domain extensions when ranking websites. Using a .KE domain can boost your local search engine optimization, making it easier for local users to find your website in search results.
3. Brand Identity
Your domain name is an integral part of your brand identity. Using a .KE domain reinforces your brand’s commitment to the Kenyan market and its local roots.
4. Domain Availability
Finding available domain names with popular international extensions like .com can be challenging. With .KE, you have a broader range of domain name possibilities.
5. Cost-Effective
Local domains maintain lower pricing than many .com domains. For example, .co.ke from KeNIC is usually priced below the average .com, with typical costs ranging from KSh 999 to KSh 1,200 per year.
6. Supporting the Local Economy
By choosing a .KE domain, you contribute to the local domain industry and support the growth of Kenya’s internet infrastructure.
General KE Domain Requirements
Before you register a .KE domain, here are the basic rules that apply across the board:
Length and Characters
- Domain names must be between 1 and 63 characters
- You can only use lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (-)
- You cannot use uppercase letters, special symbols (@, #, !), spaces, or hyphens at the beginning or end
Contact Information
You are required to provide details for three contacts:
- Registrant: The actual owner of the domain
- Administrative contact: Handles approvals and decisions
- Technical contact: Manages technical setup
For each, you will need:
- Full name
- A valid, active email address (important for verification)
- Phone number
- Physical or postal address
Registration Term
- A .KE domain must be registered for at least 1 year
- Most registrars allow registration for up to 5 years
Residency/Eligibility
- For most extensions (.co.ke, .ke), there are no restrictions based on location
- You do not need to be a Kenyan citizen or have a Kenyan business registration
- You can register from anywhere in the world
Restricted Domains: What You Need to Know
Some .KE extensions require supporting documents to be approved:
.ac.ke(Higher Education Institutions)
- Requires a copy of the Certificate of Registration from the relevant Ministry, a copy of the College Charter, or a copy of the Act of Parliament that established the institution
.sc.ke(Schools)
- Requires a copy of the Certificate of Registration from the Ministry of Education bearing the name of the Entity, classifying it as a kindergarten, primary, or secondary school
.go.ke(Government Entities)
- Requires an Authority Letter from the ICT Authority confirming the entity is a valid government institution or agency authorized to register the domain name
Important: Domains that require supporting documents generate a ticket that will only be closed by the KeNIC Registry Services once the supporting documents have been received. Only when the ticket is closed will the domain be published.
How to Register a Kenyan Domain
Most Kenyan domains can be registered through KeNIC-accredited registrars like Truehost or Olitt. Here is the typical process:
- Search for availability: Use a domain search tool to find your desired name
- Choose your extension: Select the right extension for your needs
- Provide details: Fill in your contact information
- Submit documents (if required): For restricted domains, upload your supporting documents
- Complete payment: Pay via M-PESA, Airtel Money, card, or bank transfer
- Activation: Open extensions are activated instantly; restricted domains take 1–3 working days after document verification
Why Register Your Kenyan Domain with Olitt?
Olitt is a KeNIC-accredited registrar trusted by thousands of businesses and individuals across Kenya. Here is why you should choose Olitt for your .KE domain:
1. Competitive Pricing
Olitt offers some of the most competitive .KE domain prices in Kenya, starting from as low as KSh 999 per year for .co.ke domains.
2. Instant Activation
Open extensions like .co.ke, .me.ke, and .ke are activated instantly after payment. No waiting around.
3. Free DNS Management
Every domain registered with Olitt comes with free DNS management, giving you full control over your domain settings.
4. M-PESA Payment
Pay for your domain quickly and securely using M-PESA, Airtel Money, or card—whatever works best for you.
5. Local Support
Olitt understands Kenyan needs. Our support team is local, responsive, and ready to help with any domain-related questions.
6. Easy Domain Transfer
Already have a .KE domain elsewhere? Olitt makes transferring your domain simple and hassle-free.
7. 24/7 Account Access
Manage your domains anytime from your Olitt dashboard, check expiry dates, update DNS, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What .KE domain extensions are available?
There are 10+ extensions under .KE, including .co.ke (commercial), .or.ke (non-profits), .me.ke (personal), .ke (premium branding), .ne.ke (network entities), .mobi.ke (mobile), .info.ke (information), and restricted extensions like .go.ke (government), .sc.ke (schools), and .ac.ke (higher education).
2. How much does a .KE domain cost?
Most .KE domains cost between KSh 999–1,200 per year. The only exception is the premium .ke second-level domain, which costs approximately KSh 3,000 per year. Prices may vary slightly by registrar
3. Can I register a .KE domain if I am not Kenyan?
Yes. For open extensions like .co.ke, .ke, .me.ke, and .info.ke, there are no residency restrictions. You can register from anywhere in the world without needing Kenyan citizenship or a local business registration.
4. What documents do I need for restricted .KE domains?
7. Can I transfer my .KE domain to another registrar?
Yes. You need your authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar, unlock your domain, and ensure it is over 60 days old and not expired. Transfers typically take approximately 5 days to complete.
Ready to Secure Your Kenyan Domain with Olitt?
Don’t wait to establish your local online presence. Whether you need a .co.ke for your business, a .me.ke for your personal brand, or a restricted domain like .ac.ke for your institution, Olitt has you covered.
Why Choose Olitt?
i) KeNIC-accredited registrar – Trusted and official
ii) Competitive pricing – From KSh 999/year
iii) Instant activation – For open extensions
iv) M-PESA payment – Pay quickly and securely
v) Free DNS management – Easy domain control
vi) Local support – We understand Kenyan needs
vii) 24/7 account access – Manage your domains anytime
Get Started in 3 Simple Steps:
- Search for your ideal domain name on Olitt
- Choose the right extension for your needs
- Register and go live today
Search Your .KE Domain on Olitt Now → Olitt Domains Search Tool
