Training Overview

African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI)

Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC)

 

COUNTRY CODE TOP LEVEL DOMAINS (CCTLDS)

 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

 

TRAINING OVERVIEW

This training program aims to equip country code registrars with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and best practices necessary to excel in managing domain registration processes effectively, complying with regulatory requirements, and delivering superior customer service. By the end of the training, participants will be empowered to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and apply innovation in their registrar operations. The training also aims at equipping relevant government agencies and the public in general  with knowledge about Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs).

TRAINING DELIVERY MODE

The training will be delivered in person employing a range of blended instructional methods including lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, simulations, and hands-on lab activities. To enhance learner engagement, the training will also include e-learning components allowing students to access additional content and complete quizzes.

TRAINING VENUE

Training to be conducted at AFRALTI, participants will also have a choice of stating at the Guest House for their own convenience.

TRAINING MODULES

The following modules will be covered during the training:

Training Objectives

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

  • Equip country code registrars with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage domain registration processes, comply with regulatory requirements, and provide excellent customer service.
  • Equip relevant government agencies with knowledge about Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs).
  • Train the community and individuals in the operation of Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) business.

 

TRAINING MODULES

The following modules will be covered during the training:

Target Audience

TARGET GROUP

The training will target the following target categories of participant:

  1. Country code domain registries
  2. Country code domain registrars
  3. ISPs
  4. Mobile Network operators
  5. Community Network operators
  6. Government ICT agencies
  7. ICT regulators
  8. SMEs and individuals interested in domain registration business

 

TRAINING MODULES

The following modules will be covered during the training:

Training Duration / Dates

TRAINING DURATION

Modular training will be provided in a format where participants can select the modules based on their specific needs and progress to additional modules that align with their interests. The complete training will take 20 days, 10 online and 10 face-to-face in Nairobi. The pure online class will take 20 days.

S/NMODULEDURATION (DAYS)
1.Module 1: Understanding a Registry Business2
2.Module 2: Operating a Registry Business2
3.Module 3: Securing the Registry Business6
4.Module 4: Registrar's Internet Infrastructure Management5
5.Module 5: Advanced DNS Implementation5

TRAINING DATES AND STUDY COHORTS

Registration is now open for the following training slots. Training will be offered in your preferred language, with a choice of either English or French.
COHORTMODE OF TRAININGDATES
Cohort 1In-person trainingMon, 02 Feb 2026 to Fri, 27 Feb 2026 (Two weeks online followed by two weeks in Nairobi)
Cohort 2Online trainingMon, 20 Apr 2026 to Fri, 15 May 2026
Cohort 3In-person trainingMon, 06 Jul 2026 to Fri, 31 Jul 2026 (Two weeks online followed by two weeks in Nairobi)

TRAINING MODULES

The following modules will be covered during the training:

Register now!

CCTLDS
Preferred Language
Consent

MODULE 1: UNDERTANDING A REGISTRY BUSINESS (1 DAY)

MODULE 1: UNDERTANDING A REGISTRY BUSINESS (1 day)
Overview

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the domain registry business, covering its structure, operations, and the legal and regulatory framework. Participants will learn fundamental DNS concepts, the domain registration process, and strategic management practices for running a registry business.

Duration: One day

Target Audience
  • Aspiring and current domain registry operators
  • Entrepreneurs interested in starting a domain registrar business
  • Network Administrators and IT Professional in the domain industry
  • Customer service and business development teams in the tech sector

 

Learning Objectives:
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure and operations of a domain registry.
  • Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing domain registrations.
  • Learn the fundamental concepts of DNS and the domain registration process.
  • Explore the strategic aspects of managing a registry business.
Course Outline
Introduction to Domain Registry Business
  • Overview of Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Understanding the roles of a registry, registrar, and registrant
  • Importance of Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)
  • Registry business models
Legal and Regulatory Framework
  • International and national regulations governing ccTLDs
  • Compliance requirements and best practices
  • Impact of regulations on registry operations
Domain Registration Process
  • Steps involved in registering a domain
  • Tools and technologies used in domain registration
  • Introduction to registry database software and automation
  • Best practices for managing domain registrations
DNS Fundamentals
  • Basic DNS concepts: what is DNS and how it works
  • DNS operations and the role of the registry
  • Importance of DNS security
  • Common DNS issues and troubleshooting
Business Development in the Registry Industry
  • Strategies for domain marketing and customer acquisition
  • Business development tactics for expanding registry operations
  • Partnerships and collaborations in the domain industry
Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Registry Operations
  • Role of automation in streamlining registry operations
  • AI applications in customer service and domain management
  • Future trends in automation and AI for registries
Case Study and Group Discussion
  • Analysis of successful registry businesses
  • Interactive discussion on challenges and opportunities in the registry industry
  • Group activity: designing a basic business model for a registry

MODULE 2: OPERATING A REGISTRY BUSINESS (1 DAY)

MODULE 2: OPERATING A REGISTRY BUSINESS (1 DAY)
Course Overview

This one-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to operating a domain registry and registrar business. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the roles and relationships between registries, registrars, and registrants, essential for navigating the domain registration ecosystem.

Duration: One Day

Target Audience:
  • Aspiring and current domain registry operators
  • Entrepreneurs interested in starting a domain registrar business
  • IT professionals in the domain industry
  • Customer service and business development teams in the tech sector
Learning Objectives
  • Understand the roles and relationships between registry, registrar, and registrant.
  • Learn the key steps in setting up and operating a domain registry and registrar business.
  • Explore strategies for customer relations, marketing, and business development.
  • Understand the use of automation and AI in enhancing registry operations and customer service.
Course Outline
Understanding a Domain Registry, Registrar, and Registrant
  • Overview of the domain name ecosystem
  • Roles and responsibilities of a registry, registrar, and registrant
  • Interaction between these entities in the domain lifecycle
Setting Up a Domain Registry
  • Technical and operational requirements for establishing a domain registry
  • Compliance with regulatory and policy frameworks
  • Introduction to registry database software
  • Automation of registry business processes for efficiency
Starting a Domain Registrar Business
  • Steps to launch and operate a domain registrar business
  • Technical integration with the registry: API, software, and automation tools
  • Legal and regulatory considerations for registrars
  • Best practices for smooth operations and customer onboarding
Customer Relations Management
  • Importance of customer relations in the domain industry
  • Strategies for effective customer communication and support
  • Enhancing customer service using AI-powered tools
  • Case studies on successful customer relations practices
Domain Marketing and Business Development
  • Strategies for marketing domain names and services
  • Business development tactics to grow a domain registrar or registry
  • Leveraging partnerships and collaborations in the domain industry
  • Analyzing market trends and adapting business strategies
Setting Up an Ecommerce Site for Domain Services
  • Building an ecommerce platform for domain sales and related services
  • Integration with payment gateways and security measures
  • Optimizing the user experience on ecommerce sites
  • Marketing and selling domains online: best practices and tools
Automation of Registry Business Processes
  • Overview of registry database software solutions
  • Automation of domain registration, management, and renewal processes
  • Benefits of automation in reducing operational costs and improving efficiency
  • Future trends in automation and AI for registry businesses

MODULE 3: SECURING THE REGISTRY BUSINESS (3 DAYS)

MODULE 3: SECURING THE REGISTRY BUSINESS (3 DAYS)
Course Overview

This three-day course covers essential aspects of securing a registry business, focusing on data protection, cybersecurity requirements, fraud prevention and AI’s role in security. Participants will learn to protect sensitive data, meet cybersecurity standards, manage fraud and risks, and use AI to detect and mitigate threats.

Duration: Three Days

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the critical importance of data protection and privacy in the registry business.
  • Learn the fundamental cybersecurity requirements specific to a registry organization.
  • Develop skills in fraud prevention and risk management tailored to the domain industry.
  • Explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in detecting and mitigating security threats.
Target Audience
  • IT security professionals in the domain registry industry
  • Registry operators and managers
  • Cybersecurity consultants
  • Risk management professionals in tech sectors
Course Outline:
Understanding Data Protection and Data Privacy
  • Definitions and key concepts in data protection and privacy
  • Overview of data privacy laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR)
  • Compliance requirements for registry organizations
Implementing Data Protection Measures
  • Best practices for data protection in a registry setting
  • Encryption, access control, and data anonymization techniques
  • Data lifecycle management: from collection to deletion
Data Breach Response and Management
  • Identifying and responding to data breaches
  • Developing a data breach response plan
  • Communication strategies during a data breach
Cybersecurity Fundamental Requirements for Registry Organizations
  • Key cybersecurity concepts and principles
  • Importance of securing DNS infrastructure and registry systems
  • Implementing a robust security architecture
Risk Management in Registry Operations
  • Identifying and assessing risks specific to the domain industry
  • Developing a risk management framework
  • Mitigation strategies for common threats and vulnerabilities
Fraud Prevention in the Registry Business
  • Common types of fraud in domain registrations
  • Strategies for preventing and detecting fraudulent activities
  • Tools and technologies for fraud monitoring and management
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cybersecurity
  • Introduction to AI and machine learning in cybersecurity
  • How AI can enhance threat detection and response
  • Case studies of AI-driven security solutions in the domain industry
AI-Powered Threat Detection and Mitigation
  • Leveraging AI for real-time threat detection
  • Automated incident response using AI
  • Integration of AI with existing security systems
Future Trends in Cybersecurity and AI
  • Emerging threats in the domain industry
  • Future trends in AI-driven security solutions
  • Preparing for the next generation of cybersecurity challenges
Case Study and Group Discussion
  • Case study: analyzing a complex security breach and response
  • Group discussion on the application of AI in securing registry businesses
  • Developing a forward-looking security strategy for a registry

MODULE 4: RESGISTRAR'S INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT (5 DAYS)

MODULE 4: RESGISTRAR’S Internet Infrastructure Management (5 dAYS).
Overview

This five-day course provides a comprehensive understanding of managing and optimizing Internet infrastructure for registrar operations. Participants will delve into foundational TCP/IP concepts, including IPv4, IPv6, and DNS. The course covers the design, implementation, and management of fibre networking, along with various broadband wireless technologies such as WiFi, 5G, satellite networks, private 5G, and cognitive networks. Through practical insights and hands-on learning, attendees will gain the skills needed to effectively manage and enhance internet infrastructure to support and optimize registrar operations.

Duration: Five Days

Module Objectives:
  • Understand the foundational concepts of TCP/IP, including IPv4, IPv6, and DNS.
  • Gain insights into the design, implementation, and management of fibre networking.
  • Explore the various broadband wireless networks, including WiFi, 5G, satellite networks, private 5G, and cognitive networks.
  • Learn to manage and optimize the internet infrastructure for a registrar’s operations.
Target Audience:
  • IT infrastructure managers in the domain registration industry
  • Network engineers and administrators
  • Technical staff involved in internet infrastructure management
  • Telecommunications professionals
Course Outline
Course Introduction and Overview
  • Introduction to the course objectives and structure
  • Importance of internet infrastructure management in the domain industry
Introduction to TCP/IP
  • Understanding the TCP/IP model
  • Overview of the OSI model and comparison with TCP/IP
  • Key protocols in the TCP/IP suite
IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing
  • Detailed understanding of IPv4 addressing and subnetting
  • Introduction to IPv6: addressing structure and advantages
  • Transition strategies from IPv4 to IPv6
Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Fundamentals of DNS: how it works and its importance
  • DNS hierarchy and components (root, TLD, authoritative servers)
  • Configuring and managing DNS for a registrar
Fibre Optic Technologies and Architectures
  • Types of fibre optic cables (single-mode, multi-mode)
  • Fibre network architectures (PON, GPON, EPON)
  • Fibre network components: cables, connectors, splitters
  • Planning and designing a fibre network
  • Deployment strategies for urban and rural areas
  • Fibre network installation best practices
Introduction to Broadband Wireless Networks
  • WiFi Networks
  • 5G Networks
  • Satellite Networks
  • Private 5G Networks
  • Cognitive Networks
Securing Internet Infrastructure
  • Network Security Architecture
  • Access Control and Identity Management
  • Threat Detection and Mitigation
  • Data Protection and Cryptography
  • Compliance and Regulatory Security
  • Cloud and Emerging Security Challenges

MODULE 5: ADVANCED DNS IMPLEMENTATION (5 DAYS)

MODULE 5: ADVANCED DNS IMPLEMENTATION (5 DAYS)
 Overview

This five-day course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced DNS concepts and practical skills. Participants will master BIND configuration, security, and optimization, and learn to implement DNSSEC using BIND. The course provides hands-on experience in troubleshooting complex DNS issues and tuning DNS performance for large-scale deployments. Additionally, attendees will explore DNS integration with modern technologies, including IPv6 and cloud services, equipping them with the knowledge to manage and optimize DNS infrastructures effectively.

Duration: Five Days

Course Objectives:
  • Master advanced DNS concepts, including BIND configuration, security, and optimization.
  • Understand and implement DNSSEC with BIND.
  • Gain practical experience in troubleshooting complex DNS issues using BIND.
  • Explore DNS performance tuning and best practices for large-scale deployments.
  • Learn about DNS integration with modern technologies, including IPv6 and cloud services.
Target Audience:
  • Network administrators and engineers
  • IT professionals responsible for DNS management
  • System administrators
  • IT security professionals
Module Outline:
Course Introduction and Overview
  • Introduction to course objectives and structure
  • Importance of advanced DNS knowledge in network management
  • Overview of basic DNS concepts and components
  • Advanced DNS record types (CNAME, MX, SRV, TXT, etc.)
DNS Architecture for High Availability
  • Designing DNS architectures for redundancy and load balancing
  • Understanding Anycast DNS and its deployment
  • Configuring BIND for high availability, including primary and secondary DNS servers.
DNS Zone Management and Delegation
  • Zone delegation and management in complex environments
  • Dynamic DNS (DDNS) and its applications
  • Managing DNS zones and configurations in BIND, including zone transfers.
Practical Session: Configuring Advanced DNS Zones with BIND
  • Hands-on lab: configuring advanced DNS zones and records using BIND
  • Setting up primary and secondary DNS servers with BIND
  • Implementing zone delegation and troubleshooting common issues in BIND
Securing DNS Infrastructure
  • Overview of DNS security challenges and threats
  • Best practices for securing DNS servers
  • Implementing access control, logging, and monitoring
  • Configuring security settings in BIND, including access control and logging.
DNSSEC Fundamentals
  • Introduction to DNSSEC and its importance
  • Understanding DNSSEC components: RRSIG, DNSKEY, DS, NSEC, and NSEC3
  • DNSSEC implementation with BIND.
Implementing DNSSEC
  • Step-by-step guide to implementing DNSSEC on your DNS infrastructure
  • Key management and rollover strategies
  • Signing a DNS zone with DNSSEC using BIND and managing DNSSEC keys.
Practical Session: DNSSEC Implementation with BIND
  • Hands-on lab: signing a DNS zone with DNSSEC using BIND
  • Validating and troubleshooting DNSSEC-signed zones in BIND
  • Exploring real-world DNSSEC deployment scenarios
Introduction to DNS Performance
  • Importance of DNS performance in network efficiency
DNS Caching and TTL Management
  • Understanding DNS caching mechanisms
  • Optimizing Time-to-Live (TTL) values for performance
  • Configuring caching and TTL settings in BIND.
Load Balancing and Traffic Management
  • DNS-based load balancing techniques (Round Robin, GeoDNS, Anycast)
  • Integrating DNS with CDN for content delivery
  • Implementing load balancing and traffic management with BIND.
DNS Monitoring and Analytics
  • Tools and techniques for monitoring DNS performance
  • Analyzing DNS traffic for optimization opportunities
  • Using BIND’s logging and monitoring features to assess performance.
DNS Performance Tuning with BIND
  • Hands-on lab: configuring DNS caching, TTL optimization, and load balancing in BIND
  • Using monitoring tools to assess DNS performance and make improvements
DNS and IPv6
  • Configuring DNS for IPv6 networks
  • IPv6 DNS records (AAAA, PTR) and best practices
  • Configuring BIND to handle IPv6 DNS records.
Cloud-based DNS Services
  • Overview of cloud DNS providers (e.g., AWS Route 53, Google Cloud DNS)
  • Configuring and managing cloud-based DNS
  • Understanding how BIND can be integrated into cloud-based DNS strategies.
DNS and DevOps Integration
  • Automating DNS management with Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
  • Integrating DNS with CI/CD pipelines
  • Automating DNS management with BIND using tools like Terraform and Ansible.
DNS in Modern Environments with BIND
  • Hands-on lab: configuring DNS for IPv6 networks using BIND
  • Setting up and managing cloud-based DNS services with BIND
  • Automating DNS management with BIND and IaC tools
DNS Troubleshooting – Common DNS Issues and Solutions
  • Identifying and resolving common DNS problems
  • Tools and techniques for DNS troubleshooting
  • Troubleshooting common issues in BIND.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
  • Using logs and analytics for root cause analysis
  • Troubleshooting DNSSEC and DNS over HTTPS (DoH) issues
  • Diagnosing and resolving advanced issues in BIND.
DNS Best Practices for Security and Performance
  • Implementing industry best practices in DNS configuration
  • Ensuring DNS resilience and reliability
  • Future trends in DNS technology and best practices