In a transformative move for Kenya’s digital economy, Zoho, a global technology company, has partnered with Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC), the organization responsible for managing the .ke domain registry. This collaboration aims to empower Kenyan businesses by providing them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital era.
The partnership offers .ke domain users Zoho Wallet credits worth KES 50,000, access to Zoho’s extensive suite of cloud applications, and comprehensive training to help businesses harness these tools effectively. By doing so, Zoho and KeNIC are paving the way for Kenyan businesses to enhance their online presence and accelerate their growth.
- Free Zoho Wallet Credits for .ke Users
Under the partnership, all .ke domain owners—whether existing or new—will receive Zoho Wallet credits worth KES 50,000. These credits can be used to purchase any of Zoho’s 55+ cloud applications, which cover a wide range of business needs, from customer relationship management (CRM) to human resources and accounting. - Comprehensive Training for Digital Growth
Zoho will conduct training sessions tailored to help businesses maximize the potential of their tools. These sessions will focus on enabling businesses to digitize operations, leverage automation, and access real-time data insights to make informed decisions. - Streamlined Integration and Productivity
All Zoho applications are built on a unified technology stack, allowing seamless integration across tools. This feature ensures businesses can manage their operations efficiently with minimal technical hurdles. - Data Privacy and Security
With Zoho owning and operating its data centers, the company ensures the highest standards of security and privacy for customer data. This robust infrastructure is crucial for businesses aiming to operate securely in an increasingly digital world.
The collaboration between Zoho and KeNIC addresses some of the critical challenges Kenyan businesses face in their digital transformation journey. By combining KeNIC’s domain expertise with Zoho’s technology solutions, the partnership provides a one-stop solution for businesses to establish, manage, and grow their online presence.
Veerakumar Natarajan, Country Head of Zoho Kenya, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative:
“This partnership aims to support Kenya’s move towards a digital-first economy by helping local businesses in their digital transformation efforts and promoting e-commerce. Zoho’s comprehensive portfolio helps businesses kickstart their digital journey, quickly realize the benefits of automation, and streamline processes across all departments on a unified platform.”
Kenya has been at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa, with rapid growth in e-commerce, mobile money, and technology-driven entrepreneurship. However, many businesses still face hurdles in adopting digital tools due to cost barriers, lack of expertise, and concerns about data security.
Zoho and KeNIC’s partnership addresses these challenges by:
- Lowering the Barrier to Entry: The free Zoho Wallet credits provide businesses with a risk-free way to explore digital tools.
- Skill Development: The training sessions equip businesses with the knowledge needed to utilize Zoho’s solutions effectively.
- Supporting E-commerce Growth: A strong online presence is essential for businesses to tap into the growing e-commerce market, and this partnership lays the foundation for that transformation.
- Zoho One
A comprehensive platform with over 50 integrated applications, Zoho One enables businesses to manage everything from marketing and sales to finance, HR, and operations on a single platform. - Zoho Workplace
Designed for collaboration, Zoho Workplace integrates tools like email, file storage, and project management, ensuring teams can work seamlessly together. - Local Pricing
Zoho’s commitment to local markets is evident in its pricing structure, which is tailored to be affordable for Kenyan businesses. - Customizability and Scalability
With a broad range of applications and integration capabilities, Zoho’s tools can be customized to suit the unique needs of businesses of all sizes.
Andrew Lewela Mwanyota, CEO of KeNIC, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology for business growth:
“Registering a domain is just the beginning of a business’s digital transformation journey. Leveraging cloud technology allows companies to digitize various processes and operations, accelerating growth and enhancing agility in adapting to evolving market conditions.”
By working with Zoho, KeNIC is ensuring that businesses registering .ke domains can go beyond just having an online presence—they can also build robust digital ecosystems that drive efficiency and innovation.
The tools and training provided through this partnership are expected to have a transformative impact on Kenyan businesses:
- Efficiency Gains
Zoho’s automation features reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, enabling businesses to focus on strategic growth. - Improved Customer Engagement
Tools like Zoho CRM help businesses understand their customers better, leading to improved relationships and higher sales. - Enhanced Collaboration
With remote work becoming the norm, Zoho’s collaboration tools ensure teams can work together effectively, regardless of location. - Scalable Solutions
As businesses grow, they can easily scale their use of Zoho’s tools, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The partnership between Zoho and KeNIC is not just about providing tools—it’s about creating a holistic ecosystem that supports businesses in their journey toward digital transformation. By equipping businesses with the resources they need to thrive online, this collaboration contributes to Kenya’s broader vision of becoming a digital-first economy.
As more businesses embrace cloud technology, the impact will be felt across the entire economy, from job creation to increased global competitiveness. This initiative by Zoho and KeNIC is a step in the right direction, empowering Kenyan businesses to take their rightful place in the global digital marketplace.
