The ICT Authority has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC) to bolster the use of .ke domains and enhance digital skills across the country. This strategic collaboration is aimed at promoting ICT standards, facilitating knowledge and skills transfer, and building public trust in government digital initiatives, all while supporting the growing digital economy of Kenya.
Enhancing Digital Skills and Governance
Under the MoU, the ICT Authority and KeNIC will work closely to develop and implement strategies that address the challenges faced in the digital transformation journey of the country. One of the key objectives of the partnership is to improve digital skills and literacy among public sector employees and citizens through joint training programs and awareness campaigns. This includes offering technical training to ICT Authority staff on the Domain Name System (DNS) ecosystem and Domain Name System Security (DNSSEC).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya highlighted the critical role of digital governance and the need to build a safe online environment. He emphasized that the collaboration with KeNIC is a significant step towards addressing these strategic issues.
“This MoU will help us address some of the strategic issues that we are facing as we walk in the era of digital transformation. There are two key things which we shall be looking to carry out under this MoU which includes skilling and reskilling of our staff. We shall also be looking at how we address the issue of digital governance. We believe we can then work together with KeNIC to realize this,” Kamanguya said.
He added that security is a major focus of the partnership, noting that both organizations will work to ensure the security of .ke domains, thereby encouraging businesses and other entities to register their online presence under the .ke domain.
Promoting the Use of .ke Domains
A significant aspect of the MoU is the commitment from KeNIC to promote awareness of the importance and benefits of using .ke domains, particularly .go.ke email addresses and domains, which are designated for government entities. The ICT Authority, on its part, will advocate for the adoption of .go.ke emails in Government Ministries and State Corporations to increase uptake and compliance. This effort is expected to streamline government communication and enhance the credibility and security of official correspondence.
Andrew Lewela, CEO of KeNIC, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the potential to bring more value to Kenyans through the government’s digital agenda. Lewela noted that initiatives such as public WiFi projects are already helping to bring more entrepreneurs into the market, and the use of .ke domains can provide these businesses with a distinct online identity.
“This partnership is just the beginning of bringing more value to our people. For example, the government, through its digital agenda, is bringing more entrepreneurs into the markets through projects like the public WiFi. We can offer more value to them by giving them an online identity of .ke domains and this MoU will bring this to reality. We are excited and the work starts today,” said Lewela.
Building a Trusted Internet for Kenyans
KeNIC, which manages the .KE domains on behalf of all Kenyans, plays a crucial role in building a trusted internet environment. The organization oversees various domain extensions, including .co.ke, .or.ke, .ne.ke, .go.ke, .me.ke, .mobi.ke, .info.ke, .sc.ke, and .ac.ke, which cater to different types of entities and individuals in Kenya. By enhancing the visibility and security of these domains, KeNIC and the ICT Authority aim to support both public and private sectors in establishing a secure and credible online presence.
As Kenya continues to embrace digital transformation, the collaboration between the ICT Authority and KeNIC marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a digitally empowered society. Through this MoU, the two organizations are set to not only boost the adoption of .ke domains but also foster digital skills and literacy, paving the way for a more connected and digitally savvy nation.
