The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has mandated that companies involved in essential services such as telecommunications and security register their web addresses under the Kenyan domain within six months. This directive, aimed at enhancing cyber security, was announced following a meeting of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) on March 14, 2024.
The NC4, a multi-agency body responsible for overseeing national cyber security and promoting international cooperation on cybercrime, played a key role in this decision. “All systems designated as critical information infrastructure must further ensure that the security and reliability of any dot KE domain names in use are safeguarded,” stated CA Director-General David Mugonyi in an August 1, 2024 notice.
Critical entities required to comply include mobile communication and internet service providers, judicial bodies, the electoral commission, and national security agencies. Additionally, national health institutions, food quality and safety bodies, research organizations, aviation and railway systems, road transport services, and power generation and transmission companies are included in the directive.
A review revealed that several prominent organizations, such as Airtel Kenya, Kenya Airways, and the Kenya Seed Company, still use dot com domains. Similarly, the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) operates under a dot org domain, indicating non-compliance with the new requirements.
Advocates of using the local dot KE domain argue that it facilitates easier access to target markets and strengthens interactions with specified clientele. The Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC) is responsible for the registration and issuance of the dot KE domain within the country.
Recent data from the CA shows a 2.3 percent increase in registered dot KE domains during the first quarter of this year, rising from 105,936 in December to 108,338. The .co.ke sub-domain remains the most popular, holding an 84.8 percent market share among users.
