KES
USD - International
Domain guide
What is a domain registrar?
Three words, three jobs
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The registry runs an extension. KeNIC runs
.ke; Verisign runs.com. There is exactly one registry per extension and it holds the master database - The registrar is accredited by the registry to sell and manage registrations. We are a registrar. There are many per extension, and they compete on price and service
- The registrant is you — the person or organisation the domain belongs to
You buy from a registrar, the registrar files with the registry, and the registry records you as the registrant. The domain is yours, not the registrar’s.
What a registrar actually does
More than take your money.
- Checks availability against the registry in real time
- Files the registration and keeps the registry record current
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Handles the paperwork for restricted extensions —
.ac.keand.sc.keneed proof of accreditation, and somebody has to deal with that - Provides DNS, so the name actually resolves
- Manages renewals and transfers, and sends the notices
- Holds your contact record, which is where approval emails go
A good registrar makes all of that invisible. A bad one makes the restricted-extension paperwork your problem and goes quiet when you ask for an EPP code.
Choosing one
Price is the obvious comparison and the least important. What actually matters:
- Does the renewal price match the first-year price? A cheap first year followed by an expensive renewal is the oldest trick in this industry
- Is DNS management included and free? It should be
- Will they give you an EPP code without a fight? Ask before you buy, not after
- Is there a human to ask? Registry rules are fiddly, and at some point you will need one
Our renewal prices are the same as our registration prices, DNS is free, and transfers out are handled the same day they are asked for.
When something goes wrong
A billing or service problem
That is the registrar — us, or whoever you bought from. Start there.
A registry rule
Eligibility for a restricted extension, or a suspension over contact verification, is the registry’s policy. The registrar can help you comply but cannot overrule it.
A registrar that will not release a domain
Escalate to the registry. For .ke that is KeNIC; for .com and most international extensions, ICANN runs a transfer dispute process. Both exist precisely for this.
Frequently asked questions
Who actually owns my domain?
You do, as the registrant on the registry record. The registrar manages it on your behalf and cannot keep it from you.
Can I change registrar?
Yes, whenever you like, as long as the domain is more than 60 days old. Unlock it, get the EPP code, and start the transfer — your remaining time comes with you.
Why do some extensions need documents?
Because the registry restricts who may hold them. Academic and school extensions need proof of accreditation, for example. We handle that paperwork with you.
How much does a domain cost in Kenya?
It depends on the extension. .co.ke is Ksh 1,200, and every extension we sell is priced on the [domain registration page](route:domains), live from our billing system.
Do I need hosting as well?
No. A domain can be registered on its own and pointed anywhere, and you keep full DNS control either way. Most people add hosting when they are ready to build the site.
Can I move a domain I already own?
Yes. Unlock it at your current registrar, get the authorisation (EPP) code, and start the transfer here — your remaining registration time comes with you.
More domain guides
The rest of the series, and where to buy when you are ready.
Ready to register a domain?
Search for the name you want, or ask our team which extension fits.