The following are some of the FAQs asked about the .KE WHOIS database:

1. What is a Whois domain lookup?

A Whois domain lookup allows you to trace the ownership and tenure of a domain name. Similar to how all houses are registered with a governing authority, all domain name registries maintain a record of information about every domain name purchased through them, along with who owns it, and the date till which it has been purchased.

2. What does the Whois domain database contain?

The Whois database contains details such as the registration date of the domain name, when it expires, ownership and contact information, nameserver information of the domain, the registrar via which the domain was purchased, etc.

3. How do I conduct a Whois search?

Enter the domain or IP address for which you would like to conduct a Whois lookup in the search box above. We will query the appropriate database and provide a recent record.

4. How do I keep my Whois information updated?

If you have purchased a domain, the information stored with your Domain registrar is what is passed on to the Registry for the Whois database. Get in touch with your Registrar to make changes to the Whois contact information for each of your domains

5. Why are some entries hidden in my Whois Domain lookup?

If the owner of a Domain name has used the privacy protection services of their Registrar, some details may be hidden within the Whois lookup results. Additionally, some Registries proactively conceal some information in order to comply with local data privacy protection laws.

6. How do I find available domains through the Whois database?

You can check the availability of a domain name by searching for it on the Whois database. It will give you the status of whether the domain name that you are looking for is available or not. Doing this for multiple domain names over time can help you build a list of available domain names.

7. My information doesn’t match the Whois results, how do I change my Whois information?

According to the rules established by ICANN, Registrars are expected to maintain the accuracy of the domain name owner’s contact details in the Whois database. Most Registrars use the details provided by the buyer at the time the Domain was registered.

There are plenty of reasons one might become disgruntled with one’s current registrar and choose to switch to another. After all, not all registrars are created equal. Most will offer packages that include different features, with different prices and different levels of reliability. Some offer superior customer support, while other user interfaces are easier to navigate.

So what are the things that one needs to consider?

1. Features; Every registrar offers a suite of features and services, such as privacy protection, web hosting and email. If you don’t have all the features you want with your current registrar, you may wish to take advantage of a better package offered by a different registrar.
2. Support: Will customer support be available when you need it?
3. Price: It might sound redundant but…Look critically at the price structure of your domain registrar, because each one is different. Some registrars might charge extra fees for services you consider critical, while others many offer the same services at no additional charge. Some may offer a low price for the first year, but then have much higher renewal rates. If your domain registrar is charging you more than you would be charged elsewhere, you may want to look for a less expensive registrar.
4. But remember: Price alone may not justify transferring your domain. Saving a few shillings per year on a domain name is much less valuable than having a domain registrar that suits your needs. Before making a transfer, consider the pros and cons of each registrar.
5. Provider: Who provides the features they’re selling? Some registrars offer all their own services for email and web hosting, while others partner with third-party providers.
6. Changing ownership; If you need to change the ownership of your domain (either from you to another person, or another person to you), you’ll need to do a domain transfer. For example, if an employee registered your domain under a personal account, you may want to transfer the domain to an account maintained by your business. In some cases, you may choose to transfer to another registrar at the same time you transfer ownership.

Conclusions: With over 200 KeNIC accredited registrars out there, it’s very easy to transfer your domain. While every registrar’s transfer process is different, they all have some useful features in common to ensure that transfers are safe and secure:

• Transfer locks prevent your domain from being transferred without your knowledge.
• Authorization codes help make sure you have permission to transfer your domain from one registrar to another. They are sometimes called “EPP codes” or “Transfer codes.”
• Confirmation emails make sure you are transferring your domain to the right person. You can’t make the transfer without verifying your identity.

Thinking about transferring your .KE domain to a different KeNIC Registrar, FOR FREE? Visit www.kenic.or.ke, Call us on 0702693515/Customercare@kenic.or.ke today to learn more.

Domain names are way more than just simple web addresses. They are the first entry point to any company’s business information, an online shop, or a personal website. Therefore, regardless of how long you have been using your domain name, it requires protection.

In this article, we shall call to attention some of the ways of protecting your domain name:

• Pay attention to administrative details:

When registering the domain, ensure that your details have been recorded correctly as the registrant of the domain and that the contact details have been recorded correctly in case someone wants to reach out to you.

• Secure your domain name by having all the domain extensions.

Domain name holders should consider having, or rather, securing, all the domain name extensions available to avoid someone else registering their domain and posing as them.

• Protect your domain name with a strong password.

Protect access to your domain with a strong password. This is to avoid any hackings on your account or someone else having access to your data, as they may corrupt it.

• Keep monitoring the expiration date of the domain.

Keep an eye on the expiration date of the domain to avoid it being deleted. This is because if it does get deleted, someone else may register it as theirs, thereby losing the brand.

• Register your domain as a trademark:

One should register a trademark for their domain name, as it identifies the goods or services that are being sold. There are so many options that can be used for domain name protection. This can range from hiding contact information to protecting against hacking and maintaining constant security monitoring against threats.

• Last but not least, when registering the domain, it is advisable to use a reputable and credited registrar who is capable of managing the domain name excellently. It is preferred to choose one that is reputable, has been in business for a long time, is locally based, and is responsive to customer complaints.

Conclusion

In this modern world, protecting your domain name is your most valuable asset. By exercising the following in matters relating to your domain name, you will help avoid unpleasant surprises, thereby protecting your .KE domain name.

What will happen to your livelihood if you have to put the brakes on doing business online while you rebrand and market your new domain?

For example, you will lose access to your domain-based email account (e.g. info@yourbusiness.co.ke) if your domain name is stolen or otherwise inaccessible. What happens if your email is set up to receive the password reset for your bank, or brokerage, or something equally important?

That’s why domain security is critical.

5 domain security best practices

1. Register your .KE domain name in your own account – for example, your technical people can access your .KE domain (or hosting) to work on your website without having the ability to remove those products from your account. This is by far the most common issue we see when people lose access to their .KE domain.Many people turn to others — like employees, webmasters and more tech-savvy friends or family members — to register the domain for them and set up their website or email. Years pass and life happens. Friends move away, employees move on to other jobs … the circumstances of life wind up distancing you and the other party when the .KE domain comes up for renewal.

   All registrars certified byKeNIC, list public domain name registration information on the Whois database. The Whois listing includes registrant and other domain name contact information. It’s vital to keep the WHOIS records updated and accurately reflecting you or your company as the owner in the Registrant field. That way if you ever have an issue getting into your account, or getting to your .KE domain, you can prove you own the .KE domain by providing the correct documents to show you are indeed the registrant.

2. Use a strong password: The next .KE domain security best practise is a big one: protect your account by using a strong password – one that’s directly impossible to guess or hack to gain access to your account. And make your life easier by using a password manager.
3. Protect your email address:  Take the extra step to safeguard the email address tied to your account. If someone is able to get into your email, many times they have carte blanche to all your valuable accounts, including your .KE domain name. It only takes a few clicks to get a password reset … and your account is compromised. This is why enabling two-factor on your accounts — including your email accounts — is so important.
4. Enable two-factor authentication: Sometimes, even with a strong password, bad people can hack into your account through a tricky technique like malware or phishing. Pairing a strong password with two-factor authentications greatly increases your protection online.
5. Remember your .KE domain name expiry date: Do you remember to set yourself a reminder before the .KE domain expiry date. You do not want to lose it forever just because of absentmindedness. There are individuals or companies waiting for your .KE domain to expire and take ownership. Next, they might be selling the .KE domain to your competitor at a higher price. Always remember to set a reminder!

Conclusion

Unfortunately, many people do not think about protecting their domain until it is too late. While domain theft is rare, it is always  better to be safe than sorry. Register your domain today by contacting any of our credited registrars via https://kenic.or.ke/registrars/. Remember to give the correct details of yourself.

]]> https://kenic.webcomke.com/dont-think-its-important-to-protect-your-domain-name-think-again/feed/ 0 https://kenic.webcomke.com/why-should-you-believe-in-the-power-of-ke-domain-for-your-online-business/ https://kenic.webcomke.com/why-should-you-believe-in-the-power-of-ke-domain-for-your-online-business/#respond Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:11:36 +0000 https://kenic.or.ke/?p=3106

Author – KeNIC HR & Admin Department

Domain names are typically registered through domain name Registrars who can be found by visiting https://kenic.or.ke/registrars/ The process is usually pretty simple and straightforward. Once you have registered a domain name, you can use it for the following 3 major purposes:

1. Create custom email addresses

Professional emails stand out more than just any generic email address. When your email address actually ends with your domain name, it not only advertises your website, but it adds a level of professionalism to your email. An email account using a custom email address on your domain name enables you to create professional and branded communications.

The most common custom email addresses are ones using first names or first and last names, in either of these two formats: firstname.lastname@example.co.ke and firstname@example.me.ke.

2. Create a website

This is by far the number one use for a domain name. Creating a Website on a .KE domain extension automatically gives your domain its value. You can create either a personal or business website. Personal Websites are classified into 3 where we have a blog, nameplate and a business or e-commerce website.

                      a) Create a blog

A blog is a type of online journal or news site that lets you dynamically post updates. You could use it to document your travels in image or text, to periodically write your free-form thoughts about something you’re interested in or an area of expertise, periodically post product reviews, or create listicles. If you want to regularly update your website with fresh, new content in the form of posts or articles, a blog is for you.

                       b) Create a “nameplate” site

A nameplate helps you to easily communicate to people by providing them with your domain name. A nameplate can serve as a kind of virtual business card, that displays your contact information and a short description about you, including a professional photo. A nameplate makes it easy for you to communicate to business partners, potential employers, prospective customers, or others in your professional network on how they can reach you and what you’re all about.

A nameplate website might include a copy of your CV, your professional portfolio if you are an artist in the form of video, audio, poetry etc.

                     c)  Create a business website / e-commerce Website

Domains can be used to create a website for your business. An e-commerce website serves as a good example of uses of a domain. E-commerce is selling products and services online rather than in person.

You can use your domain name to get on board with this trend and catch up with customers who are increasingly looking online to shop with an e-commerce website. An e-commerce website provides a catalog of products, usually with images and descriptions, that let users select products, add to a virtual shopping cart, and pay after selecting what they needed.

3. Link your domain name to social media

If you are having an e-commerce website, you can also promote your business by linking your domain name to your social media accounts. Your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube etc can be linked with your domain, thus attracting more traffic to your site. Instead of telling someone to look you up on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube etc., you can just tell someone an easy-to-remember address they can use to find you, and that is a .KE domain name that your website is built on.

Having read the above, you can visit https://kenic.or.ke/ and learn more about domains and explore your online journey by acquiring your valuable .KE domain name(s).

Author- Stephen Wafula, Sales Account Manager

What is a Domain Registrar?

A domain registrar is a company that allows individuals and organizations to register domain names. When you want to register a new domain name, you’ll typically do so through a domain registrar. Some popular ‘.Ke’ domain registrars include Truehost Cloud Limited, DeepAfrica Co Ltd, and  Host Pinnacle Kenya Limited.

When you register a domain name with a registrar, you’ll typically pay an annual fee to keep that domain name registered to you. You’ll also need to provide contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address. This information is stored in a publicly accessible database called WHOIS.

Domain registrars typically offer additional services beyond just registering domain names. For example, many registrars offer website hosting, email hosting, and website-building tools. Some registrars also offer tools to help you improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).

What is a Registrant?

The registrant is the person or organization that registers a domain name. When you register a domain name, you become the registrant for that domain. As the registrant, you have the right to use the domain name for a certain period typically one year. You can renew your registration for additional years as long as you continue to pay the registration fee.

As the registrant, you’re responsible for keeping your contact information up to date with the domain registrar. This is important because if there are any issues with your domain name (such as a payment dispute), the registrar needs to be able to contact you.

What is a Registry?

The registry is the organization that manages the domain name system (DNS) for a particular top-level domain (TLD). For example, KENIC (Kenya Network Information Center) is the registry charged with the management and administration of the .Ke domain, Kenya’s Country Code Top Level Domain.

The registry is responsible for maintaining a database of all the domain names registered under its TLD. When you register a domain name with a registrar, the registrar communicates with the registry to ensure that the domain name is available and to complete the registration process.

The registry also manages the technical aspects of the DNS, such as ensuring that domain names are correctly mapped to IP addresses. This is essential for ensuring that when someone types in your domain name, they’re directed to the correct website.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles of the domain registrar, registrant and registry is essential for anyone who owns or manages a website. Visit our website at www.kenic.or.ke to begin your journey to becoming a Kenyan online by registering for a .ke domain.

Author – James Keter, Marketing Intern

An SME may wonder, why should I register a .KE domain and why is online presence important? Let me start by enumerating a few reasons why you should register a .KE domain. A .KE domain provides you with a globally recognized internet identity that has a distinct association to Kenya. Be “Proudly Kenyan”. Secondly, with a .KE domain name, your brand ranks higher on Google search engines, giving your business a competitive advantage. Thirdly, once your register your domain name with your company name, an SME is able to secure its brand online and profit from it. Further, .KE enhances your brand credibility which is the beginning of building trust online. Potential clients are able to visit your website or reach you on your .KE email. Finally, there is an 80% chance of guaranteed availability of the desired .KE domain name compared to other domain extensions.

On the question of why an SME should have online presence; suffice to say, online presence has become a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit greatly from establishing an online presence. Here are some ways SMEs can benefit from having an online presence:

1. Increased Visibility: An online presence can help SMEs increase their visibility and reach a broader audience. With a website, social media accounts, and other online platforms, SMEs can easily reach potential customers who may not have heard about them otherwise. This increased visibility can help SMEs expand their customer base and grow their business.
2. Cost-Effective Marketing: Establishing an online presence can be a cost-effective way for SMEs to market their products and services. Social media platforms, email marketing, and other online advertising methods are often more affordable than traditional advertising methods, such as print or TV ads. This can help SMEs save money on marketing expenses while still reaching a significant number of potential customers.
3. Improved Customer Service: An online presence can also help SMEs improve their customer service. With an online presence, SMEs can easily communicate with their customers through social media, email, or live chat. This can help SMEs respond to customer inquiries quickly and efficiently, which can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Increased Sales: An online presence can also help SMEs increase sales. With an online store or e-commerce platform, SMEs can sell their products or services online, reaching customers from all over the world. This can help SMEs increase their revenue and grow their business.
5. Improved Credibility: Having an online presence can also help SMEs improve their credibility. A professional website, active social media accounts, and positive online reviews can all help SMEs establish themselves as trustworthy and credible businesses. This can help SMEs attract more customers and build a strong reputation in their industry.

To the domain companies in Kenya that seek to build trust among digital enterprises and fellow SMEs, here are some strategies to consider:

Build a User-Friendly Website: The first impression is everything, and having a user-friendly website can significantly impact a domain company’s reputation. The website should be easy to navigate, load quickly, and be secure. It should also provide valuable information on the domain registration process, pricing, and other services offered. A user-friendly website can help build trust and encourage users to explore the company’s offerings further.

Second, offer reliable and affordable Services: The domain company should provide reliable and affordable services that meet the needs of digital enterprises and SMEs. This includes domain registration, web hosting, and other value-added services. Providing competitive pricing and quality services can help build trust and encourage customers to choose the domain company over its competitors.

Third, provide excellent customer support: Excellent customer support is critical for any business, and domain companies are no exception. The company should have a knowledgeable and friendly customer support team that can quickly resolve any issues customers may encounter. Providing timely and efficient customer support can help build trust and strengthen the company’s relationship with its customers.

Fourth, partner with trusted payment providers: Partnering with trusted payment providers can help build trust among customers who are wary of making online payments. This includes offering a variety of payment options, such as credit cards, mobile-money, and bank transfers, and ensuring that the payment process is secure and easy to use. By partnering with trusted payment providers, the domain company can provide a safe and secure payment process, which can increase customer confidence and trust.

Fifth, build a strong social media presence: Social-media is an excellent tool for building trust and engaging with customers. Domain companies should have a strong social media presence, where they can interact with customers, answer questions, and provide updates on their services. Social media can also be used to showcase customer testimonials, which can further build trust and credibility.

Finally, provide educational resources: Digital enterprises and SMEs may be unfamiliar with the process of domain registration and website hosting. Therefore, domain companies should provide educational resources, such as video tutorials, blogs, and webinars, to help customers understand the process and make informed decisions. By providing educational resources, the domain company can establish itself as a trusted authority in the digital space.

In conclusion, SMEs can benefit greatly from establishing an online presence. Increased visibility, cost-effective marketing, improved customer service, increased sales, and improved credibility are just a few of the ways SMEs can benefit from having an online presence. With so many benefits, it is clear that establishing an online presence is essential for SMEs that want to grow and succeed in today’s digital world.Once online, building  and maintaining trust will enable all businesses leverage the benefits of having an online presence and specifically a .KE domain.

I urge you to get your .KE TODAY!

Author – Andrew Lewela – CEO, Kenya Network Information Centre

Starting an online business can be a great way to generate additional income. With the right tools and strategies, you can create a successful business that can help you achieve financial freedom. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose a Niche:

The first step to starting an online business is to decide what type of business you want to build. Research the market to determine what products or services are in high demand, and then decide which type of business you want to focus on. It’s advisable to start a business in your field of interest as one’s passion and discipline will contribute to the time and effort put in ensuring its success.

2. Develop a Business Plan:

Once you’ve chosen your niche, you’ll need to create a business plan. This should include a detailed description of your products or services, the target market, and your marketing strategy.

3. Create a Website:

An online business needs a website to be successful. Choose a website builder that is easy to use and allows you to customize your website to suit your needs. You can also opt to hire a well experienced web developer who will actualize your desired vision for your brand in a fully functioning website.

4. Market Your Business:

Once you’ve created your website, it’s important to start marketing your business. Utilize social media, email campaigns, and SEO to reach your target audience.

5. Accept Payments:

In order to make money, you’ll need to be able to accept payments. Choose an online payment processor like PayPal, Mastercard and MPESA and integrate it into your website.

6. Monitor Your Progress:

As you start your online business, it’s important to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Utilize analytics to understand how your website is performing and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusions:

Starting an online business can be a great way to generate additional income. With the right tools and strategies, you can create a successful business that can help you achieve financial freedom. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to success. Having a dot KE domain name is highly recommended as it gives your business a Kenyan identity and boosts one’s ranking on the search engine results page.

One of the most common question we are asked is how an entity can become an accredited .KE domain name Registrar. In order to understand the application process, you must first understand what a domain Registrar is; A domain Registrar is a company that registers domain names on behalf of the Registrant. These companies are granted the accreditation by KeNIC and are also licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

If you a reseller seeking to grow to be a domain Registrar, below are the steps to guide you on your application process.

Step 1: Delivery of application forms

Organizations seeking to become domain Registrars should formally apply to KeNIC. The application forms can be downloaded from the KeNIC website. You will also need to sign an Accredited Registrar Agreement (2 copies)which is also available on the KeNIC Website.

Once filled the physical forms should be delivered to KeNIC offices located at the CA centre, opposite Kianda School. Some of the mandatory requirements include:

• The applicant must have at least 15 .ke domains registered as a domain reseller. These could be either 3^rd level or 2^nd level domain names.
• The applicant must have a Limited Company registered in Kenya with physical presence.
• Up-to date documents such as the CR12, Certificate of Incorporation, Tax compliance and the PIN certificate.

Step 2: Evaluation of the application forms

There are a number of questions that the applicant has to answer that will provide KeNIC with the following information

1. Technical information
2. Marketing information
3. Finance and Admin information

The applicant will be evaluated based on how they answer these questions. The evaluation process takes two weeks.

Step 3: Payment of the Accreditation fees

If your accreditation application is approved, you will be required to pay an accreditation fee of Ksh 5000. The payment options are Bank transfers, iPay and Mpesa paybill. Note that the accreditation fee is non-refundable. Payment of the required fees does not complete the on-boarding process; you will need to apply for the Registrar license from the Communications Authority as well.

Step 4: Application for the Registrar License from the Communications Authority (CA)

Once your application has been approved and the accreditation fees paid, you will get a recommendation letter which will aid your application to CA. This letter is a mandatory requirement and you can not proceed with the application without it.

The CA team will review your application and advise. For more information on CA licensing procedures and requirements, kindly visit https://www.ca.go.ke/document/application-form-for-bpo-dot-ke-subdomain-name-registrar-services-tl-7-2/

Final Step: Access to the KeNIC Registry.

Once you get the CA license, you will be granted access to the Registry platform, which you will use to manage your domain portfolio. You will be listed in the KeNIC website as part of the Licensed Registrars. Finally, you will be assigned an account manager who will be your contact to KeNIC.