How to Register a .ac.ke Domain in Kenya
Registering a .ac.ke domain is a crucial step for any accredited higher education institution in Kenya to establish a credible and professional online presence. The process is governed by the Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC), and requires official documentation to verify that only legitimate academic institutions can use the extension.
1. Search and Order the Domain
The first step is to check for the availability of your desired domain name.
- Navigate to the telaHosting.ke domain registration webpage and use the domain search tool.
- Enter the full domain name you want, for example,
yourinstitutionname.ac.ke. - Click “Search” to see if the domain is available. If available, add it to your cart and proceed. If taken, search for an alternative variation.
2. Make the Payment
Once you have selected your domain name, complete the payment.
- Review your order summary carefully.
- Proceed to checkout and make secure payment via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or card payment.
- After successful payment, you will receive an invoice and confirmation email.
3. Forward the Required Documents
Since the .ac.ke extension is restricted to verified academic institutions in Kenya, you must submit the following documents via ticket:
- Formal request letter: Written on the institution’s official letterhead and signed by the Vice Chancellor, Principal, or Registrar.
- Proof of registration: Certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies or relevant Kenyan authority.
- Proof of accreditation: Accreditation certificate from the Commission for University Education (CUE), TVET Authority (TVETA), or the appropriate regulatory body.
- Valid ID: Government-issued ID of the authorized representative.
Sample of the Request Letter
Letterhead of the Institution
[Date]To
Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC),
Nairobi, Kenya.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Application for .ac.ke Domain Registration through telaHosting
Our institution, [Your Institution Name], accredited by
[Name of Accredited Regulatory Body] for
[Education Level], has adopted the domain name
[your_domain_name].ac.ke.
We kindly request that the domain
[your_domain_name].ac.ke be registered under our institution.
We have attached our registration and accreditation documents for verification.
We shall be grateful for your prompt consideration.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature] [Name of the Authorized Signatory][Position of the Signatory]
You will be required to submit the documents via ticket for further approval.
4. Wait for Approval
After submission, the documents will be forwarded to KeNIC for verification.
- KeNIC will validate the authenticity of the documents.
- The approval process typically takes 3–7 working days.
- Once approved, your .ac.ke domain will be activated and ready for use. You can then manage it directly from your client area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to register a .ac.ke domain?
Only accredited higher education institutions in Kenya are eligible to register a .ac.ke domain.
This includes universities, colleges, and recognized tertiary institutions approved by regulatory bodies
such as the Commission for University Education (CUE) or TVET Authority (TVETA).
2. How long does it take to get a .ac.ke domain approved?
The approval process typically takes between 3 to 7 working days.
However, approval may be faster depending on how quickly the documents are verified by KeNIC.
3. Can a primary or secondary school register a .ac.ke domain?
No. The .ac.ke extension is reserved for accredited higher learning institutions.
Primary and secondary schools in Kenya usually register under .sc.ke.
4. What happens if my documents are incomplete?
If the submitted documents are incomplete or do not meet KeNIC requirements,
the application may be delayed or rejected. You will be contacted to provide the correct documentation.
5. Can I start using the domain immediately after payment?
No. Since .ac.ke domains require verification, activation only happens after KeNIC approves
the registration. Once approved, the domain will be activated and ready for use.
6. Can I transfer my .ac.ke domain to telaHosting later?
Yes. If your institution already owns a .ac.ke domain registered elsewhere,
it can be transferred to telaHosting, subject to KeNIC transfer requirements.
7. Is the .ac.ke domain renewable annually?
Yes. Like other domains, .ac.ke domains must be renewed annually to keep them active.
Failure to renew may result in suspension or loss of the domain.