Introduction

A domain name is an easy and memorable name for an internet computer (e.g. "www.kenic.or.ke"). The domain name leads to a unique Internet Protocol (IP) number ( eg. 198.32.67.18) which acts as a routing address on the Internet. The domain name system (DNS) translates Internet names into IP numbers which transmit information across the Internet network.

Today's Internet is an outgrowth of U.S. Government investments in packet-switching technology and communications networks carried out under agreements with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other U.S. research agencies.

The international domain name space is constructed as a hierarchy. It is divided into top-level domains (TLDs), with each TLD being divided into second-level domains (SLDs), and so on. There are more than 200 national, or country-code TLDs (ccTLDs), which are administered either by their corresponding governments or by private entities with their respective government’s consent. For this purpose was Kenic established in Kenya.

Establishment of Kenya Network Information Center (Kenic)

KENIC was established as a non-profit organization aimed at managing and operating the .KE ccTLD. This took place after intensive consultations with the ‘Local Internet Community’. This public-private partnership was therefore the initial step in facilitating the growth and uptake of the Internet sub-sect ICT in Kenya.

Since ccTLDs are a national resource, KENIC’s mandate is to manage .KE in a manner which serves public and industrial interests. KENIC being representative of the local Internet community, and having full government support, will be able to push Kenya forward in the global internet community.

KENIC's board of directors acknowledged and appreciated the significant contribution made to the .ke domain name system by Dr. Shem Ochuodho (Admin Contact) and Mr. Randy Bush (Technical Contact) who voluntarily facilitated domain name registry services in an acting capacity from 1993.

The broad based consultations that begun in October 2001 were facilitated mainly by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) and local Internet stakeholders who later became the KENIC founding members.

KENIC functions

KENIC was established to, among others:

• Act as a trustee for the .ke country-code-top-level-domain;
• Become the .ke domain administrative contact as well as technical contact;
• Administer the .ke ccTLD and its Second Level Domains;
• Maintain and promote the operational stability and utility of the .ke ccTLD;
• Ensure a cost-effective administration of the .ke ccTLD and its sub-domains;
• Notify the Internet Corporation of Names and Numbers (ICANN) of any change to the contact information about the.ke ccTLD;
• Provide name service for all .ke and ensure that the database is secure and stable;
• Allow ICANN to access .ke zone files and registration data (up to date) continuously maintain a KENIC website at all times with all the registration information meet all its financial obligations to ICANN comply with all global ICANN Internet policies and help in their development.

Membership

KENIC's membership is made of up of full Board Members and Associate Members who comprise of representatives from the Kenyan Internet community and the Government.

KENIC's full board members are drawn from: the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), Government IT Services (GITS), Directorate of E-Governance, Telecommunications Services Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK), Kenya Education Network (KENET), and Industry.

Associate board members are: Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), Domain-Name Registrar Association of Kenya (DRAKE), and Kenya Internet Marketing Association (KIMA).

For continuity, a former chairperson continues to serve on the Board for a year.

Motto

Kenya Internet community working together.

                                                                                                                                                        

KENIC's Vision and Mission

Vision

To be a reputable overseer of Kenyan Domain Name Space by managing and administering .ke in an effective, transparent and equitable manner, and in conformity with global Internet policies.

Mission

To promote, manage and operate the delegated .ke ccTLD in the interest of the Kenyan Internet community and being mindful of the global Internet community interest in consistent with ICANN policies.