Published: 17.10.2026
The .ke extension is the country-code domain of Kenya, an East African country whose capital is Nairobi. English and Swahili are the official languages, and English is widely used in business. Kenyan companies, safari operators and community groups use .ke to show a clear link to their country. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .ke is still available.
Check if a .ke domain is available .ke Check
A short history
The national code came into use in the early years of the internet, when the network was used mainly by universities, research institutes and a small number of providers. As banks, shops, schools and media began to publish their own websites, the zone grew. Nairobi is often described as a hub for technology and innovation, and many local firms use the .ke ending to present their work to Kenyan customers.
Who runs it
The .ke zone is managed by a national registry that keeps the central database of names and sets the rules for holders. Registrars sell names to customers and forward orders to the registry. Because the rules are set nationally, check the current conditions published by the registry before you order, and keep the holder data accurate.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the registry may set rules on who can register a .ke name, so confirm them before you pay.
- Accurate data: the contact details you give must be correct, and the registry or registrar may ask you to confirm them.
- Name format: names use letters, digits and hyphens, within the length rules that apply to the zone.
- Renewal: keep the renewal date in view, because a name that expires can be taken by another applicant.
Who uses .ke
- Safari and tour operators that offer trips to national parks and reserves.
- Financial technology and software companies that serve customers in Kenya.
- Coffee and tea growers, exporters and food producers.
- Schools, universities, churches and community organisations.
Strengths
- The ending links a site to Kenya and is familiar to local customers.
- Swahili and English content can be published on one site, which suits a national audience.
- A country ending gives search engines one hint about the audience for local searches.
Things to keep in mind
- The zone points to one country, so a business with customers across Africa or the world may also want a generic address.
- Good short names may already belong to other local businesses, so consider a descriptive phrase.
- Visitors from abroad may not recognise the ending at once, so display it clearly.
- Registry rules may change, so review them before each renewal.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and in the social media accounts you plan to use.
- Enter the company or personal details exactly as they appear in official records.
- Publish Swahili and English pages, along with clear contact details and a privacy notice.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain sends e-mail or invoices.
- Turn on auto-renewal and keep two trusted people with access to the registrar account.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be based in Kenya to register .ke? Holder conditions may apply, so check the current terms before you place an order.
Will .ke help a site show up in Kenyan search results? It is one useful geographic signal. Relevant local content and a fast site matter more.
Can a Swahili-language site use .ke? Yes. The ending does not fix the language, so Swahili, English or both can be used.
