What is a domain name? A domain name is a string of text that maps to an alphanumeric IP Address, used to access a website from client software. In plain English, a domain name is the text that a user types into a browser window to reach a particular website. For instance, the domain name for Google is ‘google.com’. The actual address of a website is a complex numerical IP address (e.g. 192.0.2.2), but thanks to DNS, users are able to enter human-friendly domain names and be routed to the websites they are looking for. This process is known as a DNS lookup. What is a Domain Extension? Domain name extensions are the last part of the domain. For example, in ‘poaplace.com,’ the domain extension is .com
What Do the Various Domain Name Extensions Mean?
Everyone knows .COM, the unrestricted domain extension for companies or commercial enterprises that is the most recognized TLD (top level domain) on the web. Most people in Kenya also recognize .KE, the ccTLD (country code Top Level Domain Name) that represents Kenya.
But what about all the other domain extensions out there? .ORG, .NET, .MOBI, .TV, .BIZ…, in fact there are over 280 different domain extensions delegated globally. What do they all mean and what’s their relative importance to businesses? It’s important that a business understand what its options are for developing and marketing their brand in the online arena.
Commonly Registered Domain Name Extensions in Kenya
In Kenya, the Dot KE Domain Name Registry services are administered by the Kenya Network Information Center (KENIC), a Public Private Partnership (PPP). The Authority is the trustee on the Dot KE ccTLD, on behalf of the Government of Kenya. The Dot KE Subdomain name registration services are carried out by Dot KE ccTLD registrars. Dot KE ccTLD subdomain Registrars are now required to obtain an authorization from the Authority as a licensing requirement for accreditation by the Dot KE Domain Registry Services Provider.
.KE
The dot KE Domain Name, also known as the Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), refers to the two-letter code (.KE) that uniquely identifies Kenya on the Internet. A dot KE domain allows Internet users to acquire a Kenyan identity in the cyber space. Below the Dot KE domain name is the Dot KE Subdomains which are also known as the second level Dot KE domain names and include such two letter codes as .go (government), .co (commercial), .ac (education), or (organization), among others.
.CO.KE
The .co.ke is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Kenya. A large variety of Kenyan businesses and organizations use .co.ke domains and it has become one of the most popular and trusted TLDs across Kenya. Grow your online presence with a trusted .co.ke domain name. A .co.ke domain tells users and shoppers that your business and website is Kenyan based. That’s because .co.ke is a second-level domain (SLD) to .KE, which is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Kenya. Well-known and trusted by the Kenyans, a .co.ke domain name is a great choice for any business that’s operating in Kenya or targeting Kenyan consumers.
.GO.KE
The .go.ke domain name extension is intended for use only by government entities in the Republic of Kenya. The .gov.uk domain is reserved for official Kenyan government websites such as KRA.go.ke or Treasury.go.ke . Kenya Government departments and agencies, local and county government bodies and projects have the right to register a .go.ke domain. Domain names should comply with the Guidelines for Kenya Government websites and reflect the legal name or the registered ‘trading name’ of the organization. The full eligibility policy for registering a .go.ke domain is provided by CA and KENIC.
.AC.KE
The .ac.ke domain extension is available to Kenya based education establishments such as universities, polytechnics, colleges and other centers of education. ac (short for academia) is in use in many countries as a second-level domain for academic institutions such as universities, colleges, and research institutes. In Kenya, for example, academic institutions use domain names ending in .ac.ke. Registering the .ac.ke domain in Kenya requires supporting documents.
.SC.KE
In Kenya, the .sc.ke domain is designated for Lower and Middle Institutes of Learning (Requires Supporting Documents). This domain is perfect for Kindergarten, Primary or Secondary school.
.OR.KE
The .or.ke top-level domain is perfect for any Kenya based not-for-profit organization or charity, highlighting the enduring Kenyan characteristics of social responsibility and community giving. Show the world your commitment to conscientious leadership and compassion with .or.ke domain name. Is a .OR.KE domain extension right for me? The .or.ke domain is intended for non-commercial entities, including citizens, charities, community groups and other non-profit organizations.
.COM
As the most recognized and trusted domain extension, a .com instantly gives your website credibility. Search engines know this too, and that’s why a .com domain can boost your SEO value, as well as your visitor’s perception of you. Why choose a .com? Without even realizing it, we tend to default to .com when discussing websites. After all, it is the world’s premier domain extension. In fact 100% of the Fortune 500 uses a .com, and that’s why when you want to get serious, you buy a .com domain.
.NET
One of the world’s most widely recognized domain names, a .net helps your website convey familiarity and credibility. It’s been around since 1985 after all, and was one of the very first top-level domains to be implemented. Ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses, you just can’t go wrong with this one. Protect your brand! Even if you’ve already got a .com, it’s never a bad idea to register multiple domain extensions for your brand. Someone else could swoop in and grab yourbrand.net, leaving your visitors confused about which website is yours. The best way to protect your online brand is to register your .net domain now, before someone else does.
.ORG
The .org domain is for anyone and any cause. Mission-driven organizations and individuals alike can create a trustworthy, globally-recognized website using this TLD. Inspire more with .org 🙂 Join millions of nonprofits, associations, clubs, and organizations that use .org for security and reliability. Why choose .org? For over thirty years, mission-driven organizations have relied on .org to inspire change. With a .org, visitors worldwide understand your site has purpose. Additionally, the .org extensions are managed by Public Interest Registry, which works to support the .org community and provide a free Internet for all.
.INFO
A .info domain is intuitive, international, and unrestricted. With a .info domain name, your site will carry a universal understanding: that it’s informational, educational, and possibly even enlightening. The .info domains are unrestricted; anyone can register a .info! The versatility of .info is unmatched. From businesses of any size and online professionals and much more, .info is truly for everyone! As one of the original domain extensions, .info has seen over 7.5 million registrations worldwide. .info is globally recognized and intuitive, making it the perfect choice for anyone sharing information online.
.BIZ
Establishing yourself as a trusted business with a .biz domain just makes sense. Whether you’re already online or just getting started, a .biz domain name is short, flexible and easy-to-remember. That means your branding stays consistent, and your customers know you are trustworthy and dependable. Used in over 200 countries and territories, a .biz name is widely considered the right choice for hard-working businesses looking to make a name for themselves online. The only question is, where will your .biz tld take you?
.ONLINE
A .online domain is meaningful, easy to remember, and is understood globally. As a universal, powerful domain name, .online can be used for all types of business that want to build a brand that reaches a worldwide scale. If your domain name already includes the word “online” then a .online domain is the perfect way to shorten your domain name, making it more memorable. Increase your brand recognition and get started with a .online domain today.
.TECH
The tech landscape is becoming cluttered, but you can stand out with a cutting edge .tech domain. Developers, engineers, and many tech professionals will benefit from the smart branding and credibility that registering a .tech domain name provides. Why .tech? A .tech domain name has far-reaching benefits. Whether you’re showcasing your latest innovations or providing commentary on the industry at large, a .tech domain makes a statement and puts you at the forefront of the industry’s advancements.
.AFRICA
.africa is the officially designated top-level domain for the African and Pan African communities and users wherever they reside. It is a sponsored generic top-level domain operated by the Registry Africa. The .africa namespace is open to individuals, businesses and organizations around the world. .africa is for organizations, businesses, and people, who want to break through the African community and market. We have streamlined a list of registrars such as Kenya Website Experts and many more throughout the world so that you can have access to the African digital landmark (.africa).