.ke Domain Names
13 registrars compared — cheapest from $23.99 at Truehost
Delegated in 1993, .ke has grown into Kenya's digital address, but its story is more than just a country code—it's a canvas for creative domain hacks like ca.ke.
| # | Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer | 5-Year Cost | 10-Year Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Truehost Cheapest | $23.99 | $29.99 | $29.99 | $143.95 | $293.90 | Visit |
| 2 | Dynadot | $40.18 | $40.18 | $40.18 | $200.90 | $401.80 | Visit |
| 3 | Regery | $94.99 | $96.99 | $1.99 | $482.95 | $967.90 | Visit |
| 4 | Regtons | $105.99 | $105.99 | $105.99 | $529.95 | $1059.90 | Visit |
| 5 | Netim | $114.00 | $114.00 | $114.00 | $570.00 | $1140.00 | Visit |
| 6 | Marcaria | $125.00 | $125.00 | $125.00 | $625.00 | $1250.00 | Visit |
| 7 | Directnic | $137.99 | $158.99 | $137.99 | $773.95 | $1568.90 | Visit |
| 8 | MrDomain | $146.46 | $132.03 | $39.90 | $674.58 | $1334.73 | Visit |
| 9 | 101domain | $151.99 | $174.99 | $151.99 | $851.95 | $1726.90 | Visit |
| 10 | INWX | $156.00 | $156.00 | $156.00 | $780.00 | $1560.00 | Visit |
| 11 | OnlyDomains | $167.99 | $188.99 | $188.99 | $923.95 | $1868.90 | Visit |
| 12 | Gandi | $175.50 | $335.98 | $175.50 | $1519.42 | $3199.32 | Visit |
| 13 | Blacknight | $205.33 | $166.48 | $205.33 | $871.25 | $1703.65 | Visit |
Prices updated daily. Some registrars show promotional first-year prices. Always verify the final price on the registrar's website before purchasing.
How .ke Became Kenya's Digital Landmark
The Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC) has managed .ke since its delegation in 1993, a year that places it among the earlier African ccTLDs. Today, it's not just a technical namespace but a national identifier, with registrations that reflect Kenya's vibrant online community. The .ke Wikipedia entry notes its active status and popularity within the country, making it a common choice for local businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking a local web presence.
The Domain Hack Haven: ca.ke and Beyond
Beyond its conventional use, .ke has sparked creativity with domain hacks. The example of ca.ke—where 'ke' forms the last two letters of a word—shows how registrants play with the namespace. This playful side contrasts with the country's official languages of English and Swahili, yet it's a natural evolution for a ccTLD that has captured the linguistic imagination of its users. Such hacks often bypass the need for a conventional .com, making the domain memorable and locally rooted.
Navigating Restrictions: The Second-Level Label Rules
Not all .ke names are free for the taking. Registrations under some second-level labels demand supporting documents, a policy that ensures the namespace isn't abused. This bureaucratic layer is a hurdle for some, but it also lends credibility to domains under labels like .co.ke, which are typically reserved for commercial entities. The Public Suffix List tracks these nuances, helping developers and registrants understand what's registrable and under what conditions.
Security and Dispute Resolution: A Modern ccTLD
Security-conscious registrants will find comfort in .ke's implementation of DNSSEC, a technology that adds a layer of authentication to domain lookups. The IANA record for .ke confirms this capability. When conflicts arise, the dispute policy provides a framework for resolution, ensuring that .ke isn't just a wild west. This combination of technical integrity and legal recourse makes it a reliable choice for both local and international entities.
Regional Cousins: .ke's Place Among African ccTLDs
In the African domain landscape, .ke shares the stage with other ccTLDs like .io, .ac, .sh, .sc, and .cm. Each has its own character—.io has become a global favorite, while .ke remains deeply rooted in its national context. The IANA database lists all of them, but .ke's unique combination of local popularity and domain hack potential gives it a distinct presence without overshadowing its regional neighbors.