How Much Does a Domain Name Cost in Kenya? .co.ke vs .com, and Hosting Too
A .co.ke domain typically renews for about KSh 1,000 to KSh 2,500 a year, depending on the registrar. Here's what drives the price, .co.ke vs .com, why renewal price matters more than the promo, and where we register our clients' domains.
Your domain is your address online: yourbusiness.co.ke. It's cheap, but it's the one part of your website you must never lose, because your email, your Google ranking and every printed flyer point to it. Here's what it should cost and how to buy it safely.
Domain name price in Kenya
- .co.ke: commonly KSh 1,000 to KSh 2,500 a year at renewal. KeNIC, which runs .ke, raised its wholesale fees in 2025, and most registrars passed that on
- .com: usually a little more than .co.ke, often priced in dollars
- .ke and others (.or.ke for organisations, .ac.ke for institutions): similar to .co.ke, but some need supporting documents
- First-year promos of a few hundred shillings are common. The renewal price is what you'll pay every year after, so compare that
.co.ke or .com?
If your customers are in Kenya, .co.ke tells them, and Google, that you're a Kenyan business. That helps local trust and local search. If you sell abroad, a .com makes sense. Many businesses buy both and point the .com at the .co.ke site, so nobody else can take the name.
Where we register domains: HostAfrica
We register and renew our clients' domains through HostAfrica, a KeNIC-accredited registrar with good .co.ke pricing and reliable renewals. Whoever you use, check three things: the domain is registered in your business's name (not the developer's), you have your own login, and auto-renewal is on. A domain that lapses can be bought by someone else within weeks.
How much is hosting a website in Kenya?
Basic shared hosting for a small business site costs a few thousand shillings a year. Business email, backups, security updates and someone to call when the site breaks are where the real value is. Our monthly care and hosting plan starts from KSh 7,500/mo and covers hosting, updates and support, so the site stays online and secure.
Can I get a free domain name in Kenya?
Some hosting plans include a free domain for the first year. You still pay the renewal after that, so check the renewal price and make sure the domain is registered in your name.
How do I search for a domain name in Kenya?
Use any accredited registrar's search box, such as HostAfrica's, and type your preferred name. If .co.ke is taken, try a short variation or add your town.
What happens if my domain expires?
Your website and email stop working. After a grace period the domain can be released and bought by anyone. Turn on auto-renew and keep your contact details current.
Antony Mungai
Founder, Steff Cloud — building websites, systems and automation for Kenyan businesses from Nakuru.