ICANN launches 2026 gTLD round, opening door for Kenya to run custom web domains

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which coordinates global domain names, said the new round reopens applications for new web address extensions for the first time in more than a decade.

A gTLD is the part of a web address that comes after the dot, such as “.com”. Under the 2026 round, Kenyan entities could apply for brand, community or geographic domains that would sit alongside existing options such as “.co.ke” and “.com”.

Supporters say running a gTLD could strengthen Kenya’s digital identity and help users identify legitimate organisations online, amid growing concerns over cyber threats and online fraud.

A gTLD operator sets the rules for who can register names under the domain, offering stronger controls that could be used to protect online transactions and improve trust for services such as e-commerce, banking and government platforms.

Advocates also argue the move could give Kenyan brands and institutions a marketing advantage and make it easier to access verified information through sector-based or location-specific domains.

In Africa, South Africa has introduced city gTLDs such as “.joburg”, “.capetown” and “.durban”, while the continent also has “.africa”.

ICANN said the application window for the 2026 round will run until August 12, 2026, and that it has published guides and webinars to support interested applicants.