In the near future, local internet service providers will be required to host websites locally in Kenya if a proposal by the Communications Commission of Kenya.

CCK said that it is pushing to create a body that will ensure that local ISPs adhere to the proposed rule.

“In order to keep our local traffic within the country and make it easy for us to trace cyber criminals, we are proposing in future that all ISPs be compelled to have their clients websites hosted locally,” Francis Wangusi, CCK director said. He was speaking at the recent cyber security conference in Nairobi.

Tanzania already has a law on internet hosting by compelling government bodies to register a local domain and host it locally as well.

Most hosting companies opt to hire servers outside the country due to their cheap rate and also having experienced staff maintain the servers. This move will definitely see the cost of hosting websites with the local ISPs increase, giving undue favor to international hosting companies.

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