Not every Kenyan domain extension is open to the public. While anyone can register a .co.ke domain, extensions like .or.ke, .ac.ke, and .go.ke are restricted to specific types of organizations and require proof of eligibility before the registration is approved. Here's what you need for each one.
Why These Extensions Are Restricted
KENIC (the Kenya Network Information Centre), which administers all .ke domains, reserves certain second-level extensions for specific categories of organizations. This keeps the namespace meaningful: a .ac.ke domain should belong to an accredited academic institution, a .go.ke domain should belong to an actual government body, and so on. Registering one of these means submitting supporting documents that prove you qualify, in addition to the usual registrant details.
What You Need for Each Extension
.or.ke (Organizations, NGOs, Societies, Trusts)
- A valid certificate of registration or incorporation showing the organization's legal status, for example as a society, NGO, trust, or community-based organization.
- The organization's official name as it appears on the registration certificate, matching the name used on the domain application.
- Contact details for an authorized representative of the organization, not a personal email address.
.ac.ke (Academic Institutions)
- Proof of accreditation from the relevant authority, such as the Commission for University Education, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), or the Ministry of Education, depending on the type of institution.
- A certificate of registration for the institution itself.
- Contact details for an authorized official at the institution.
.go.ke (Government Bodies)
- An authorization letter on official letterhead from the government ministry, department, or agency requesting the domain.
- Confirmation of the officer or office responsible for managing the domain once it's registered.
Document requirements can change from time to time. If you're not sure whether a document you have qualifies, it's faster to ask before you apply than to have the application rejected and have to resubmit.
How to Submit Your Documents
- Check that your desired domain name is available for the extension you need.
- Submit your domain registration request and select the correct extension (.or.ke, .ac.ke, or .go.ke).
- Upload clear, legible scans or photos of the required documents when prompted, or send them by email if asked to.
- Wait for review. Restricted extensions take longer to approve than .co.ke because the documents have to be verified before the domain is activated, so apply well before you need the domain live.
- If a document is rejected or more information is needed, you'll be asked to resubmit, so check your email regularly during this stage.
If you're not sure which extension fits your organization, see ZIPROF's domain registration page or check Kenyan Domain Extensions Explained for an overview of what each extension is meant for.