Kenya domain authority (KeNIC) has recently started the liberalization process for second level .KE domain names (for example www.mybrand.KE or www.myname.KE ).
Previous to this liberalization, only third level domain extensions were allowed to be registered in Kenya, these extensions are: “co.ke”, “.or.ke”, “.ne.ke”, “.go.ke”, “ac.ke”, “sc.ke”, “me.ke”, “.mobi.ke”, “.info.ke”.
The liberalization process for .KE second level domain will be rolled out in the below phases:
Phase 1: Sunrise. It Starts from 23rd July 2017 12:01 am E.A.T for three (3) months until 22nd October 2017 11.59 pm E.A.T. During this period, only Trademark holders who trademarks have been registered under the Laws of Kenya will be allow to register domains similar to their trademarks. You can register in this phase here.
Phase 2: Landrush. It starts on 23rd October 2017 to 22nd November 2017. During this period the domain will be sold to a higher price. If there is more than one applicant for the same domain name during Landrush, an auction will be held at the end of this phase in order to determine to whom the domain name is awarded. You can register in this phase here.
Phase 3: Cooling-Off. It starts on 23rd November to 22nd December 2017. During this stage, the Registry will assess whether the applications meet the eligibility criteria for the respective phases. Applications not fulfilling those and which have not been rejected at an earlier stage will be rejected.
Phase 4: General availability. It starts on 20 December 2017. During this stage domains shall be available on a first come first served basis, with no special requirements. You can pre-register for this phase here.
