ICTA and KeNIC Sign MoU to Boost Adoption of ICT Standards and .Ke Domains

ICT Authority and KeNIC Sign MoU to Boost Adoption of ICT Standards and .Ke Domains September 4, 2024, Nairobi.

The ICT Authority and the Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the adoption of ICT standards and promoting the use of .ke domains in Kenya. This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards building a digitally transformed country by leveraging the combined expertise of both organizations.

The three-year agreement focuses on fostering public trust in government digital initiatives, encouraging the use of.go.ke domains, and addressing issues of digital governance. It will also enhance the knowledge and skills of public sector employees in ICT, ensuring they are equipped to handle Kenya’s evolving digital landscape.

One of the key components of the MoU is the promotion of.go.ke email addresses and domains. KeNIC will lead efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of these domains, while the ICT Authority will work to drive their adoption within Government Ministries and State Corporations. This initiative is expected to boost compliance and uptake of secure email communication within the public sector.

During the signing event, ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya stressed the importance of security and digital governance as Kenya embraces the digital economy.

“This MoU will help us address key strategic issues as we navigate the era of digital transformation. We are focused on skilling and reskilling our staff and addressing digital governance challenges. By working with KeNIC, we can build a secure and trustworthy online environment for both government institutions and private businesses,” Kamanguya said.

KeNIC CEO Andrew Lewela echoed these sentiments, noting the potential to extend digital benefits to entrepreneurs and businesses through this collaboration.

“The government’s digital agenda is opening up new markets, and by giving businesses an online identity with .ke domains, we can unlock even more opportunities. This MoU is just the beginning of bringing more value to our people,” Lewela remarked.

As part of the agreement, KeNIC will also offer training to ICT Authority staff on the Domain Name System (DNS) ecosystem and Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC). These efforts are aligned with the broader goal of enhancing digital skills and literacy, both within the public sector and among citizens.

KeNIC, which manages the .KE domains on behalf of all Kenyans, plays a critical role in building a trusted internet in Kenya. With domain extensions such as; .co.ke, .go.ke, or.ke, and others, KeNIC is working to ensure that both individuals and businesses can establish secure and credible online identities.

The MoU marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey, setting the stage for a safer, more inclusive, and digitally empowered future.