Safety concerns have been blamed for the slow adoption of Kenya's local web domain dot ke compared to other top-level domains (TLDs).



Geoffrey Shimanyula, the chairman of Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC), which handles domain registration and issuance, discussed the efforts being made to increase adoption and its role in digitizing the economy.

When asked about the number of websites currently on the dot ke domain, Shimanyula revealed that they crossed the 100,000 mark in November of last year. However, one challenge they face is that people register a domain for a specific purpose but then forget about it once that purpose is fulfilled.

As a result, the renewal of these domains has been the biggest challenge. Out of the approximately 110,000 dot ke domains registered, around 80 percent are active websites.

The dot ke domain in Kenya has recently come under scrutiny due to slow adoption and various challenges. One of the main concerns is safety, which has been cited as a reason for the hesitant uptake compared to other top-level domains (TLDs). Geoffrey Shimanyula, the chairman of Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC), which manages domain registration and issuance, has acknowledged these concerns and discussed efforts to address them.

Despite the challenges, there has been some progress in the adoption of the dot ke domain. According to Shimanyula, the number of websites registered under this domain crossed the 100,000 mark in November of last year. This indicates a growing interest in utilizing the local web domain in Kenya.

However, one prominent issue faced by KeNIC is the lack of domain renewal after the initial purpose is fulfilled. People tend to register a domain for a specific project or goal but may forget about it once that objective is achieved. This poses a significant challenge for the sustainability and growth of the dot ke domain. Out of the approximately 110,000 dot ke domains registered, only around 80 percent are currently active websites.

To increase adoption and address safety concerns, KeNIC is taking steps to enhance awareness and educate the public about the benefits and significance of the dot ke domain. They are also working on streamlining the registration and renewal process, making it more user-friendly and accessible. These efforts aim to encourage more individuals and businesses in Kenya to embrace the local web domain and contribute to the digitization of the country's economy.

The slow adoption of Kenya's dot ke domain can be attributed to various factors. Safety concerns have been a significant obstacle, as users may perceive other top-level domains as more secure and trustworthy. This issue highlights the importance of building trust and ensuring robust security measures for the dot ke domain.

Another challenge faced by KeNIC is the issue of domain abandonment. Many individuals or businesses register a domain for a specific purpose but fail to renew it once that purpose is fulfilled. This not only affects the overall number of active websites under the dot ke domain but also raises questions about the long-term sustainability and growth of the domain.

To address these concerns and increase adoption, KeNIC is undertaking several initiatives. These include awareness campaigns to educate the public about the value and benefits of using the dot ke domain. By highlighting the unique identity and local relevance that the domain offers, they hope to encourage more individuals and businesses in Kenya to choose dot ke for their online presence.

Improving the registration and renewal process is another focus area for KeNIC. By making the process more user-friendly and efficient, they aim to reduce barriers and encourage more people to register and maintain their dot ke domains. Simplifying procedures and enhancing customer support can help address concerns and ensure a positive experience for domain owners.

Overall, the scrutiny surrounding Kenya's dot ke domain has pushed KeNIC to take proactive measures to overcome challenges and increase adoption. By emphasizing safety, raising awareness, and streamlining processes, they aim to position the dot ke domain as a trusted and valuable option for individuals and businesses in Kenya seeking a local online presence.

Shimanyula also mentioned that safety concerns have contributed to the slow adoption of the dot ke domain. Many people are skeptical about the security of local domains compared to international ones. To address this, KeNIC has been working on enhancing security measures and educating users about the safety of the dot ke domain.

In terms of digitizing the economy, Shimanyula emphasized the importance of having a strong online presence for businesses. He believes that the dot ke domain can play a significant role in promoting local businesses and attracting customers. Additionally, having a local web domain can contribute to the growth of Kenya's digital economy by creating job opportunities and fostering innovation.

To encourage more people to register and renew dot ke domains, KeNIC is taking various measures. They have simplified the registration process, lowered registration fees, and introduced incentives for renewal. Additionally, they are actively engaging with the public through awareness campaigns and collaborations with stakeholders in the tech industry.

In addition to the efforts mentioned earlier, KeNIC is also working on improving the infrastructure and technical capabilities of the dot ke domain. They are investing in robust servers and network systems to ensure reliable and high-performance services for website owners.

Furthermore, KeNIC is collaborating with government agencies, local businesses, and educational institutions to promote the adoption of dot ke domains. They believe that partnerships with key stakeholders will raise awareness about the benefits of using local web domains and encourage more businesses and individuals to register.

To address the challenge of domain renewal, KeNIC is implementing measures such as sending reminders to domain owners prior to expiration dates. They are also exploring options for automatic renewal to simplify the process for users and reduce the likelihood of domains becoming inactive.

To increase the visibility and reputation of the dot ke domain, KeNIC is actively engaging with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies. They are encouraging these entities to use dot ke domains for their websites, emphasizing the benefits of supporting the local digital ecosystem.

KeNIC is also collaborating with internet service providers (ISPs) to improve connectivity and accessibility to dot ke domains. By working closely with ISPs, they aim to optimize the performance and availability of websites hosted on the dot ke domain, further boosting its appeal to potential users.

To overcome the skepticism around safety and security, KeNIC is implementing robust security measures and industry-standard protocols for dot ke domains. They are continuously monitoring and evaluating the security landscape to stay ahead of potential threats and provide a secure environment for domain owners and visitors.

KeNIC is exploring partnerships with local digital marketing agencies and web development companies. These collaborations aim to promote the use of dot ke domains as part of comprehensive digital strategies for businesses. By working together, KeNIC and these agencies can showcase the benefits and opportunities presented by the local web domain.

KeNIC is also actively engaging with educational institutions to integrate the use of dot ke domains into their curricula. By incorporating the domain registration process and website development using dot ke domains into coursework, they hope to raise awareness among students about the importance and potential of the local web domain.

Furthermore, KeNIC is participating in industry conferences, workshops, and events both locally and internationally to promote the dot ke domain. These platforms provide opportunities to showcase success stories, share best practices, and connect with key players in the tech industry.

To address concerns about the availability of relevant content on dot ke domains, KeNIC is encouraging local businesses and organizations to develop meaningful and engaging websites that cater to the needs and interests of Kenyan internet users. This will help to enhance the overall user experience on dot ke domains and increase their appeal.

KeNIC is also actively monitoring global trends and innovations in the domain registration industry. They are embracing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) to stay at the forefront of domain management practices and improve the services they offer.

By constantly adapting, collaborating, and innovating, KeNIC aims to overcome the barriers to adoption and establish the dot ke domain as a trusted and valuable digital asset for businesses, organizations, and individuals in Kenya.