How to Point .co.ke Domain to a Different Hosting

• Access your domain management panel through the Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC) or your domain registrar
• Obtain nameserver information or DNS records from your new hosting provider before making changes
• Update nameservers for complete hosting control or modify A records for website pointing only
• DNS propagation for .co.ke domains typically takes 24-48 hours to complete globally
• Keep your old hosting active during the transition period to avoid downtime
• Verify the change by checking your website after propagation completes
• Update email settings separately if your email is hosted with your previous provider
• Maintain backups of your website files and databases before switching hosting providers

Understanding .co.ke Domain Management

Moving your .co.ke domain to point to a different hosting provider is a common task when you’re upgrading services, switching to a more reliable host, or consolidating your web infrastructure. Unlike generic top-level domains, .co.ke domains are managed through Kenya’s domain registry system, which means the process has some unique considerations for Kenyan website owners.

The good news is that pointing your domain to new hosting doesn’t require transferring domain ownership. You’re simply updating the DNS (Domain Name System) records that tell internet users where to find your website. This means you can keep your domain registered with your current registrar while hosting your website files anywhere you choose.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Your New Hosting Account

Before touching your domain settings, ensure your new hosting account is fully set up. Upload your website files, import your databases, and verify everything works by accessing the temporary URL your hosting provider gives you. This might look something like “yourdomain.tempurl.net” or an IP address. Testing first prevents your site from going offline during the transition.

Step 2: Gather DNS Information

Log into your new hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or custom dashboard) and locate your nameserver information or DNS records. Nameservers typically look like “ns1.yourhostingprovider.com” and “ns2.yourhostingprovider.com.” Alternatively, you’ll need the IP address if you’re only updating A records. Most hosting providers display this information prominently in the welcome email or dashboard.

Step 3: Access Your Domain Management Panel

Log into your domain registrar’s control panel. If you registered your .co.ke domain through a local registrar like Safaricom, Kenya Web Experts, or an international registrar that supports Kenyan domains, you’ll find domain management tools in your account dashboard. Look for sections labeled “Domain Management,” “DNS Settings,” or “Nameservers.”

Step 4: Choose Your Pointing Method

You have two main options for pointing your domain. Changing nameservers gives your new hosting provider complete DNS control, which is ideal if they’ll manage everything including email. This method involves replacing the existing nameserver entries with the ones provided by your new host.

Alternatively, you can modify just the A record, which points your domain to a specific IP address. This option is better if you want to keep email or other services with your current provider while only moving the website. To do this, find the DNS Zone Editor or Advanced DNS section and update the A record to point to your new hosting IP address.

Step 5: Save Changes and Wait for Propagation

After updating your settings, save the changes. DNS propagation begins immediately but takes time to spread globally. For .co.ke domains, this typically requires 24 to 48 hours, though you might see changes within a few hours. During this period, different users might see either your old or new hosting depending on which DNS servers they’re using.

Important Considerations

Keep your old hosting account active during the propagation period. Canceling too early could result in website downtime for users who haven’t received the updated DNS information yet. Once you’ve confirmed the domain is fully pointing to the new hosting and everything functions correctly, you can safely cancel your old hosting subscription.

If you use email addresses associated with your domain, pay special attention to MX records. These control where your email is delivered. If your new hosting provider will handle email, they’ll provide MX records to add. If you’re keeping email elsewhere, ensure those MX records remain unchanged.

Finally, always maintain current backups of your website files and databases. While pointing a domain is generally safe, having backups ensures you can quickly restore your site if anything unexpected occurs during the transition.