Last updated on April 26th, 2024 at 10:09 am
.co.ke domain is the Kenyan domain for every business that operates in Kenya. The .co.ke domain stands out among a pool of websites on the internet as it is self-identity; people know your business better with the .co.ke domain. They are also aware it is accompanied by a physical location in Kenya.
The .co.ke domain is the Kenyan culture for it shows patriotism to the country by having a .co.ke domain. People are able to know your language, currency, and identity through this domain name; it helps protect your brand and your business.
What is the co.ke domain name?
Basically, co.ke is a domain extension.
A domain extension is that last part of every domain name.
For example:
Truehost.co.ke
[Truehost] is the website name, and the [co.ke] is the extension.
Another example:
[Truehostcloud] 1[.com] 2 – the first part is the website name, while the .com is the domain extension.
As you can see, both are website names. But contain different domain extension, why?
Well, it turns out, there are three types of domain extensions.
- Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) – these are the most popular domain extensions. They include, .com, .org, .net, and .biz. I bet you have seen websites with such extensions
- New generic domain extensions – these are rather creative domain extensions introduced back in 2012. They include names like .accountant, .tips, .pizza, among other creative extensions.
- Country code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs) – these are domain extensions set aside for specific countries. For example, .uk is for the United Kingdom, .ug is for Uganda, and the list continues.
To buy a .co.ke domain, you need a registrar that is approved by KENIC; the Kenya Network Information Centre registry to register the Kenyan country-code domain names.
The following are some of the licensed registrars in Kenya:
- Truehost Cloud Limited
- Kenya Website Experts
- Sasahost Limited
- Hostpinnacle Kenya Limited
- Global Internet Fortunes
- EAC directory
- Webhost Kenya
- Safaricom Kenya
- DeepAfrica Co Ltd
- Afriregister Limited
- Heartbit Computer Solutions Ltd
- Asterisk Technologies
- Aheri Basic Internet Ltd
- PATAHOST
- Geo Cloud Africa
- Movetech Solutions Ltd
Truehost cloud limited is leading Kenya’s registrar giving the cheapest and best .co.ke registration services. And also renewals with many years of experience in domain registration and web hosting.
What’s the difference between .com and co.ke domain names?
The first difference is the one we just discussed: .com is a generic domain extension while co.ke domain is country-code domain name extension.
The second difference has to do with how search engines work.
Let me explain.
Web browsers use information about your Wi-Fi access points around you to approximate your location. Alternatively, if there are no Wi-Fi networks around you, your phone of computer IP addresses can do the trick.
Then, search engines pick this location data and serve your answers based on your location.
This is where the country codes like co.ke domain come in. Since this is a country-specific domain extension; you stand a chance of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) if your domain name contains these type domain extensions.
This point alone highlights the importance of having a co.ke domain name in Kenya.
Generally, domain names can be purchased through a company specializing in domain registrations, for example, GoDaddy, NameCheap among others.
On the other hand, your web hosting provider can handle the registration as well.
And now you are thinking:
How much does co.ke domain name cost?
Truehost is one of the only web hosting companies in Kenya offering the cheapest domain name registration in Kenya.
In fact, some of our web hosting packages come with a free CO.KE domain. Otherwise, the co.ke domain price is KES 725 ONLY on Truehost.
How to register your .co.ke domain
Are you looking for a guide to buy .co.ke domain?
You are in the right place. Today, I’m going to show you step by step process of registering .KE domain on Truehost.
But before that, there are some things you need to take care of first.
Requirement before you buy .co.ke domain
First, you need website name ideas. A list of at least 10 possible names. Why?
Because some of the names are taken. Meaning, someone else might have registered it. And the thing is, you cannot register a domain name that is already taken.
If you don’t have a list yet, here is an article I wrote on how to choose the best domain name. I recommend you read it first
Secondly, you need at least Ksh 725 on your MPESA account.
How to buy .co.ke domain (step by step)
Did you know that over 70% of co.ke domain names registered in Kenya are from Truehost?
That is right, we are the best domain company in Kenya offering cheap but quality website services such as web hosting, email hosting, and reseller hosting among others.
For this reason, it makes more sense to buy .co.ke domain from Truehost than with anyone else because we are the best at we do.
Step 1. Go to https://truehost.co.ke/cloud//cart.php?a=add&domain=register
You will see a search box like the one below:
In the search box, type the name you wish to register and hit search. Two things will happen:
One, the name is available (not registered by anyone)
Or two, the website name is not available (already registered).
If it is taken, repeat the search process with a different name until you find an available domain name.
If it is available, see the next step.
Step 2: Click on the Add To Cart button to commence the domain registration process.
Step 3: .co.ke domain configuration page
This is where you can review your co.ke domain. Get add-ons like ID protections, DNS management among others.
Also, this is the place you can review the nameservers. And if you wish to use custom nameservers, do that here.
If satisfied, click the continue button on the bottom right corner.
Step 4: Review and Checkout
Review the product in your cart
But before you checkout, choose your preferred currency.
And if you have a discount code, input it here and click Validate code.
Step 5: Provide billing details
This is where you provide billing details to help in domain registration.
If you are a returning customer, there is no need to fill in the details because we already have them. Just click on Existing Customer to log in.
But if you are new, provide your name, email, and phone. Make sure they are all valid.
Billing address.
In the next boxes, tell us how you found Truehost, did you hear about us from a friend, or you saw one of our advertisements, or you just googled.
Create a strong password to secure your account.
If you can’t think of a strong password, click on Generate and Truehost will generate a strong password you can use.
Step 6: .co.ke Domain registrant information
Do you want to use the information you provided above to register your co.ke domain name, or you’d prefer an alternative?
Specify in the box below
Step 7: Choosing the payment method
Which method would you prefer to pay for the .KE domain?
We accept MPESA, Airtel & Equitel, Back Transfer, Bank Cards, and PayPal.
Before you finish, consider joining our email list. In there, you will get exclusive deals and content we don’t share anywhere else.
Just leave the button as is.
Finally, if you have any other information you’d like to be included in your order, provide the below, otherwise, tick the T&S box and proceed to the next step
Step 8 Checkout
Review your cart on the right side.
If you are satisfied, click on Checkout and finish your domain registration.
Summary
That is how to buy .co.ke domain name.
Remember, you can also get a free domain name in Kenya when you purchase the Unlimited Hosting plan.
It is, in fact, easy and straight forward, the only challenge is coming with the best website names.
Good luck with your new co.ke domain.
4 reasons why you need co.ke domain name
#1. Google really loves ccTLDs
As I have already mentioned, ccTLD has been reserved for a specific country. For example.KE targets users from Kenya, .CN targets internet users from China and such.
As a result, whenever you use one of this ccTLD, you are telling Google that you are targeting traffic from a specific country.
As far as SEO is concerned, there is what we call country targeting. And Google has devised a way to determine what kind of traffic a website is trying to attract. On top of this list is ccTLD.
Besides this factor, Google is using things like the location of servers and Geo-targeting settings.
But even with these, ccTLD trumps them all.
As such, if you want to have better chances of ranking higher in Kenya, use the co.ke domain name.
#2. Customers easily recognize and trust ccTLDs (co.ke domain name)
If you build a website with a co.ke domain name, you almost instantly establish credibility and instill confidence in your visitors.
Why?
You see, people recognize co.ke domain name as a local company and hence easy to make a purchase especially if the domain name is something they recognize, as compared to foreign names.
Tell me something:
Which one of these websites would you trust?
- BuyGoods.co.ke
- BuyGoods.xyz
The first one, right?
That is the power of the co.ke domain name.
#3. Is .com name taken? No problem
Here is the thing:
.COM domain names are getting less every day. Don’t believe me?
Think of any good website name and search. There is a high chance it is unavailable.
If it happens it was the only best domain name you had, switch to co.ke instead.
You see, ccTLDs create more space for website names around the internet.
Additionally, if you already have that .COM name, you should consider registering the co.ke domain name as well. This way, you can capture all the traffic.
Does that mean you will be having two websites?
Not necessarily.
Just redirect traffic from a domain name of your choice to the other one. For example, you can redirect visitors from .COM website to .CO.KE domain.
#4. With a .ke domain name, you do not need geo-targeting
I covered geo-targeting briefly earlier.
But what you don’t know is that websites using gTLDs are paying a ton of money (via Local SEO) just to achieve geotargeting.
With a .ke domain, you get this for free.
How?
Ideally, the .co.ke domain tells search engine algorithms that your website offers services to residents from Kenya. As a result, algorithms will work their magic to deliver your content to queries from the platform (google.co.ke).
Final thoughts on .co.ke domain
You have seen the advantages of using a Kenyan domain name.
Do you want one?
There are two ways you can get it now.
- Purchase it and register within minutes
- Get it for free when you purchase the Unlimited Hosting package.
So what is it going to be?
.CO.KE Domain FAQs
Q: How can I register a CO.KE domain name in Kenya?
A: To register a CO.KE domain name in Kenya, you can contact a domain registrar that is accredited by Kenic. They will assist you in checking the availability of your desired domain name and help you with the registration process.
Q: What is Kenic?
A: Kenic (Kenya Network Information Center) is the registry for .ke domain names. They are responsible for managing and maintaining the registration database and ensuring the stability and security of the .ke domain space.
Q: How long does it take for a co.ke domain to be registered?
A: The registration process for a co.ke domain usually takes about 20 minutes. However, it may take longer if there are any technical issues or if the registration requires manual verification.
Q: What are domain extensions and how do they work with CO.KE domains?
A: Domain extensions are the endings of website addresses that indicate the type of website it is. CO.KE is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Kenya, making it a preferred choice for local businesses and organizations in the country.
Q: Why is it important to choose a reputable domain registrar for my CO.KE domain registration?
A: A reputable domain registrar will ensure that your CO.KE domain registration process is smooth and secure. They can also provide you with important information about domain management and renewal.
Q: Can I transfer my existing domain to a CO.KE domain registrar?
A: Yes, you can transfer your existing domain to a CO.KE domain registrar. They will guide you through the transfer process and assist you in managing your domain effectively.
Q: What are the available domain extensions under CO.KE?
A: Some of the available domain extensions under CO.KE include .go.ke, .sc.ke, .ac.ke, .ne.ke, .or.ke, .com, and .org. You can choose the one that best represents your brand or organization.
Q: How can I check the availability of a specific CO.KE domain name?
A: You can use the search functionality on a domain registrar’s website to check the availability of a specific CO.KE domain name. Simply enter the desired domain name and the registrar will inform you if it is available for registration.
Q: What are the reasons for choosing a CO.KE domain for my website?
A: Choosing a CO.KE domain for your website can help establish your brand as a Kenyan entity. It can also improve your website’s visibility in local search results and build trust among Kenyan internet users.