Registering a new domain with ZIPROF takes just a few steps: search for an available name, add it to your order, provide your details, and pay. This guide walks you through the whole process from start to finish.
Before you begin, check that your preferred name is actually available. See How to Check If a Domain Name Is Available Before You Register It. If you're registering a .co.ke domain, also review What You Need to Register a .co.ke Domain Name - the requirements are stricter than for a generic domain like .com.Step 1: Search for Your Domain
Go to the Domain Registration page on the ZIPROF website and type the name you want into the domain search box. You can search with or without an extension (for example, "mybusiness" or "mybusiness.co.ke"). The search results will show you the availability of that name across common extensions, along with the price for each one.
Step 2: Add the Domain to Your Order
- Click Add to Cart (or the equivalent button) next to the domain and extension you want.
- If you're offered add-ons such as WHOIS/domain privacy protection, decide whether you want them. You can usually add privacy protection later if you skip it now, but it's simpler to include it upfront if you know you want it.
- Proceed to checkout once you've added everything you need.
Step 3: Log In or Create Your ZIPROF Account
You'll need a ZIPROF client account to complete the order, since this is where your domain, invoices, and support tickets will be managed going forward. If you already have an account from a previous order or service, log in with those details. If not, you'll be asked to create one with your name, email address, and a password.
Step 4: Fill In Your Registrant (WHOIS) Details
Every domain needs registrant details on file: the name, address, phone number, and email address of the person or business the domain belongs to. Fill these in carefully and accurately.
- For a .co.ke domain, these details must match the supporting documents required for that extension (ID/passport for individuals, or a certificate of incorporation for a business).
- For a .com or other generic extension, standard contact details are enough.
Double-check the spelling of your name, business name, and email address here. These details are what you'll use later if you ever need to prove ownership of the domain, transfer it, or unlock it.Step 5: Pay for Your Order via MPesa
ZIPROF's primary payment method is MPesa Paybill. Once your order is confirmed, an invoice is generated with its own invoice number (prefixed with ZQ, e.g. ZQ1203).
- Go to M-Pesa on your phone and select Lipa na M-Pesa, then Pay Bill.
- Enter the ZIPROF Paybill number as the Business Number.
- Enter your full invoice number exactly as shown on your invoice (including the ZQ prefix) as the Account Number.
- Enter the invoice amount and confirm the payment with your MPesa PIN.
Once payment is received and matched to your invoice, your order status will update and registration begins automatically.
Step 6: Wait for Registration to Complete
Most domain extensions register within a few minutes of payment being confirmed. .co.ke domains can occasionally take a little longer if the registry needs to verify your supporting documents, so don't worry if it isn't instant.
What to Do After Your Domain Is Registered
- If you're hosting your website with ZIPROF, your domain is usually pointed to your hosting account automatically, or you may need to set the nameservers yourself.
- If you're hosting elsewhere, you'll need to update the domain's nameservers or DNS records to point to that host.
- Set up email for your new domain once it's active, if you plan to use addresses like you@yourdomain.co.ke.
If your MPesa payment doesn't reflect on your invoice after a few minutes, don't try to pay again straight away - check your ZIPROF client area first or contact support with your MPesa confirmation message.