KeNIC Reveals Second Level Domain Auction Dates
Dates for the forthcoming Second Level Domain (SLD) auction have been released by the Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC).
The online auction will take place between October 1 and November 3, 2023. The third auction was held in 2017, the second in 2021, and the third in 2022, making this year’s auction the fourth.
Internet users initially come into contact with your website at the Second Level Domain. It is the most crucial component of a URL because it is the most recognizable. Typically, it is the name of a brand or business.
719 names will be up for bid in this auction. According to KeNIC, “These are premium names with high demand compared to third-level domains.”
The names that are available are divided up as follows. There are 558 domains classified as “BUY NOW Domains,” 93 domains classified as “Platinum Domains,” and 68 domains classified as “Gold Domains.”
According to KeNIC, the criteria used to create the three categories were guided by a review of prior auctions. The list of 719 names is also the final one. Therefore, it won’t be changed until the end of the auction.
Options for Purchasing Second-Level Domain Names
KeNIC will have its online store accessible and provide customers with two choices.
The Buy Now option is the first choice. Domains from the reserved Premium names will be offered for sale in this category without requiring bids. Additionally, the registration fee is included in the purchase price and is due right away.
A client can select a KeNIC-accredited Registrar from a list on the web platform after making payment. The domain will then be transferred to the Registrar after that.
Be aware that domains in this category are sold based on who purchases them first.
Bid Option
In this case, the purchase price does not include the cost of registration. Clients will initially need to place a bid on the domain. The winning bidder chooses a Registrar and pays for the Second Level Domain’s registration.
Email is used to notify bid winners. In addition, they are required to pay within 7 working days of the auction’s conclusion.
The domain will be given to the second-highest bidder, who must also make payment within 7 working days if the payment is not honored on time.
Importantly, winners must provide evidence within 72 hours of being notified that they have started the payment procedure.
The KeNIC online marketplace has not yet been made available. When it goes live, we’ll let you know.
