Second-level .ke domains go on sale this month
Kenya has become the latest ccTLD to jump on the second-level domain bandwagon.
From this month, registrants will be able to purchase example.ke, rather than having to select from third-level domains such as example.co.ke or example.or.ke, according to the registry.
We have introduced Second Level .Ke Domain name space, Roll out date 23 rd July 2017. Secure yours early enough .Be part of #dotke #sldKe pic.twitter.com/6rFZrXIc2K
— KeNIC (@KenicTLD) June 29, 2017
KeNIC becomes the latest ccTLD registry to give customers the SLD option after the UK, New Zealand and Australia, which all backpedaled historic 3LD-only policies in order to remain relevant in an increasingly crowded TLD market.
Unlike previous launches, existing 3LD .ke registrants do not appear to have first right of refusal for the matching SLD, judging by the new policy (pdf).
The launch will begin July 23 with a 30-day sunrise period for trademark owners. This will be followed by a landrush period of 30 days.
Currently, pricing for co.ke domains in Kenyan shillings is in the same ballpark as the US dollar cost of a .com domain.
There are reportedly around 62,000 .ke domains currently registered.
And since ccTLDs aren’t bound by nitpicking about geo identifiers, I can buy ca.ke!
I missed the opportunity to say that I could buy my ca.ke and eat it too.
You think you can eat domains? What’s wrong with you? 😉
But you can’t buy co.ke, since they use it in the 3rd level.
It’s interesting how they sell the guys who have currently invested in co.ke (and the others) down the river by not granting them first dibs or any other rights. Way to alienate your loyal clients.