This is an email address that is used for professional or business purposes, as opposed to a personal email address. An official email address often includes the name of the individual or the organization and is associated with a domain that represents the individual’s or the organization’s brand or identity.
To get an official email address in Kenya, you can follow these steps.
1. Choose an email service provider: There are several options to choose from;
Webmail – This is a free email service that allows users to access and manage their email accounts through a web browser, rather than using a desktop email client such as Microsoft Outlook or Gmail.
Gmail (Google workspace) – This is a paid service where users can access their email, documents, and other resources from any device with an internet connection, and collaborate in real-time with team members and clients. The platform also offers a range of security and administration tools, making it easier for administrators to manage user accounts, set up custom domains, and enforce data protection policies.
Microsoft 365 – This is also a paid service that provides a range of features for managing email, contacts, calendars, and tasks, including email organization and search, calendar scheduling, and task management. It also integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it easier to work with documents and other resources.
2. Registering a Domain: Decide on a domain name that represents your brand or identity, once you have decided on a domain name check for its availability HERE and Purchase it to secure it.eg info@yourdomain.com (For more information about domains see HERE)
3. Choose a hosting provider: Hosting is space in a computer that is connected to the internet 24/7 and does not shut down called a server. To get hosting, you need to buy it from a hosting company. These companies provide hosting in a variety of sizes called packages. The bigger the hosting package, the higher the cost. Purchase a hosting package that is suitable for your needs at that moment. Don’t worry, you can always upgrade your hosting package if you run out of space.
4. Set up email clients: If you want to use a desktop email client such as Microsoft Outlook to access your email, you will need to set up the email account using the appropriate settings. Your hosting provider should provide you with the necessary settings, such as the incoming and outgoing email servers, port numbers, and encryption settings.
5. Access your email: Once you have set up your email accounts and email clients, you can start using your new official email address for professional or business communication. You can also access your email through a webmail interface provided by your hosting provider.
Advantages of having an official email.
Professionalism: An official email address gives a sense of professionalism and credibility to your communication, as it is tailored to your identity and shows a level of commitment to your work or business.
Branding: An official email address can help you establish and reinforce your personal or business brand.
Organization: An official email address can help you keep your personal and work-related communications separate and organized, making it easier to manage your inbox and keep track of important messages.
Security: Official email addresses often have additional security features, such as two-factor authentication and encrypted email, that can help protect your data and privacy.
Collaboration: An official email address can facilitate collaboration with colleagues, partners, or clients by providing a secure and reliable means of communication.
NOTE: Domain and Hosting are annually renewed services and are the key components required to get an official email address and a website.