Before you register a domain name, you need to confirm whether it's actually available or already taken by someone else. Checking availability takes a minute and saves you from wasting time picking a name you can't use.
Where to check
The quickest way to check availability is to use a domain search tool, such as the one on ZIPROF's domain registration page. Enter the domain name you want, including the extension (for example .com, .co.ke, or .org), and the tool will tell you right away whether it's free to register.
How the check works
- Type the domain name you want into the search box, without "www" or "http://".
- Select or confirm the extension you want, for example .co.ke for a Kenyan business.
- Click Search (or the equivalent button on the tool you're using).
- The result will show either "Available" or "Taken" for that exact domain and extension.
If the exact name you searched isn't available, most search tools will also suggest alternatives, such as the same name with a different extension, or a slightly modified spelling.
Using a WHOIS lookup
You can also check availability, or find out who currently owns a domain, using a WHOIS lookup. This is a public database that stores basic registration details for every domain. If a WHOIS search returns registration details such as the registrar, registration dates, and name servers, the domain is taken. If it returns no record, or an explicit "no match" message, the domain is available.
Some domain extensions, including .co.ke, have registries that don't always show full WHOIS details publicly. In that case, rely on the registrar's own availability search tool instead of the public WHOIS record.
Tips for picking an available name
- Keep it short and easy to spell, especially if customers will type it from a business card or signage.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers where possible. They're easy to mistype.
- If your first choice is taken, try close variations before settling for an unrelated name. Adding your location, industry word, or "co" is often better than a long, hard-to-remember alternative.
- For a business trading in Kenya, a matching .co.ke domain alongside a .com is worth registering if both are available, so competitors and copycats can't use them.
Once you've found an available name
Register it as soon as possible. Domain names are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a name that shows as available today can be registered by someone else tomorrow. If you're specifically registering a .co.ke domain, check what you need to register a .co.ke domain name before you start, so you have the right documents ready.