NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 25 – The Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC) has positioned domain names at the centre of Kenya’s digital economy strategy, as stakeholders meeting in Nairobi underscored their growing role as economic assets rather than merely technical tools.
Speaking during the inaugural Domain Summit Africa, delegates said the shift in perception is critical as businesses, institutions and entrepreneurs increasingly migrate operations online.
“At the heart of the discussions is a shared recognition that domain names are no longer merely technical resources; they are economic assets that anchor digital identity, enable secure online trade, and unlock participation in the global digital marketplace,” participants noted.
They added that strong domain adoption directly supports enterprise growth, job creation, cross-border trade and investor confidence.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo reaffirmed government support for domain adoption and expansion of digital infrastructure, describing a secure and trusted online environment as central to Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
The discussions come as African economies accelerate digitisation efforts, with policymakers increasingly linking trusted digital identity systems to trade facilitation, tax compliance, SME formalisation and cross-border commerce.
KeNIC Chief Executive Andrew Lewela said collaboration among country code top-level domain registries, registrars and global partners will be key to expanding access and affordability of domain names across the continent.
