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With the first revision of courses on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) website closed, the placement service is set to announce a second iteration.

After the final revision of courses, KUCCPS offers a chance for the candidates to apply for institutional transfers and courses.

Through the inter-institutional transfer process, students can change the institution where they have been placed or change both institution and course subject to the applicable cut-off points.

However, the placement service has warned that this process is not undertaken by everyone as it is dependent on approval by the institutions and the cut-off points garnered by the students.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome gives an address in July 2023.

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KUCCPS

Interested 2023 KCSE candidates will be required to log in to the Student’s Portal (students.kuccps.net) to initiate the application.

After logging into the portal, the students will proceed to undertake the transfer process which is stipulated within the portal.

Once the student chooses an institution of choice and a course that they prefer, they will be required to make payment to the placement service.

Payment of the transfer processing fee should be done after one has completed all the steps in the application process following the instructions provided in the portal and not in advance.

All application payments to KUCCPS must be made to the number provided by the placement service on the website.

Applicants are cautioned against sending money to any individual posing online as KUCCPS staff.  

KUCCPS does not require applicants to send money to mobile phone numbers.

However, KUCCPS has yet to announce the date for the transfer period and that of the second revision of courses.

A person holding a cell phone and an insert of KUCCPS payment reflection

Kenyans.co.ke

Gilbert Tarus

The Ministry of Health has published the form that will be filled out by Kenyans registering for the Social Health Insurance Fund.

According to the timelines published in the revised Social Health Insurance Regulations 2024, all Kenyans will register with the new authority by June 30, 2024.

This is to facilitate the deductions towards the new insurance scheme that is scheduled to begin on July 1.

"Payment of contributions and access to healthcare services under the Act and these Regulations shall commence on the 1st July 2024," read the statement in part.

The first page of the SHIF registration form

Kenyans.co.ke

The Form

The form is a five-page document that has been divided into six sections.

Section 1: Kenyans will be required to provide their personal details which include their name, date of birth, employment status, preferred healthcare centre, ID number and marital status.

Notably, all Kenyans will be required to detail their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin.

Section 2: Section two is dedicated to the addresses and contact details. Information that Kenyans will fill under this segment includes the physical postal address, residence county sub-county and email address.

Phone numbers will also be mandatory in this section.

Section 3: Under section three, Kenyans will be required to attach passport photographs of themselves, their spouses and those of their children.  

One can attach photos of one spouse and 10 children. Therefore, those will be multiple spouses will have to fill out additional forms.

Section 4: Kenyans will be declaring the beneficiaries in this part. Beneficiaries are either spouses or children who are still underage.

Section 5: This section is dedicated to those who wish to make any amendments to their names, dependants, physical addresses or changes in hospital facilities.

Section 6: Kenyans will make a declaration on the final section of the form and append their signatures.

"I hereby attest that the information provided, including the attached documents, is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I authorise SHA for validation and verification for legitimate purposes," read the form in part.

Notably, the form will be filled in upper case/capital letters. Kenyans will also have to provide a copy of their ID.

SHIF form where Kenyans will attach their passport photos.

Kenyans.co.ke

Registration Centers

According to the report, Kenyans will be able to access the form and register for the new scheme at the SHIF offices across the country.

SHIF is replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), therefore, the new authority is set to take over the offices and facilities of NHIF.

Additionally, the registration will be done across all Huduma Centres in the Country.

President William Ruto is set to officially launch the registration process within the coming days.

Kenyans accessing public services at Huduma Centre

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Huduma Centre

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), announced the deadline for the onboarding to the eTims platform as Sunday, March 31, 2024.

However, despite the deadline lapsing on Sunday midnight, business people will still be able to onboard to the eTims platform.

Those with already existing businesses who onboard to the platform after the stipulated deadline will face non-compliance fines.

According to KRA, the amount of tax not declared through eTims will be considered tax evasion and fines will be imposed based on The Tax Procedures Act. The fines will amount to double the amount of tax evaded.

Kenya Revenue Authority offices

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KRA

The first step to creating an eTims account is to visit the website portal etims.kra.go.ke.

After that, the user will be required to click the sign-up button, when prompted on the website.

The user will then be required to enter their KRA PIN and input their PIN a second time as a means of verification.

This stage of the process also requires a user to provide their mobile phone number and an optional email address for ease of communication.

A user will also be required to create a password and verify it by inputting it twice.

After completion of the sign-up process, a one-time password will be sent to their mobile number which they will use to log in at etims.kra.go.ke.

Once logged in, a user will click the service request tab and select the eTIMS solution while on the service request tab.

Finally, they will be required to upload documents, which include their Identification Document and a Signed eTims commitment form.

Once a business owner clicks send the prompt they will be then required to wait for a software configuration which enables the user to create an electronic Invoice and have it transmitted to KRA.

The service is also available through a USSD Code *222# which provides prompts for users to follow.
 

A file image of the reception area at KRA offices in Nairobi.

KRA

The third edition of the Safari Rally has just concluded, marking its place as the third event on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. 

Amidst the roaring engines and dust-laden tracks, the question on many enthusiasts' minds revolves around what these drivers and their teams take home in terms of rewards and recognition.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of what drivers in various categories and their teams can expect to take home.

In the World Rally Championship (WRC), rally drivers not only compete for glory but also for a range of rewards and accolades. 

Titles up for grabs at the end of the year include the FIA World Rally Championships for drivers and Co-Drivers across all levels, and the World Rally Championship for manufacturers and teams. 

One of the primary rewards during each outing comes in the form of championship points, which significantly contribute to a driver's standing in the WRC rankings. 

Winners on any given weekend are determined by the driver's lead time. 

The points distribution system is meticulously structured, taking into account the final classification after Saturday's stages. 

Points are awarded based on standings, with the top positions earning higher points, ensuring that consistency and performance are duly rewarded.

The 2024 season has witnessed significant changes in the points system, adding depth and intensity to each rally. Additional points are now awarded based on the accumulated general classification of Sunday's stages, injecting further drama and competition into the mix.

A picture of a car fighting the gravel during the Safari Rally Kenya on March 31, 2024.

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WRC

Belgian rally driver Kalle Rovanpera for instance, clinched victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, by winning both Saturday and Sunday races. He won 18 points on Saturday and banked them by completing the race on Sunday. He earned two points from the Wolf Power Stage to make a total of 20. 

Apart from championship points, rally winners also receive trophies, each uniquely designed and approved by the FIA Media Delegate and WRC Promoter. The presentation of these trophies is a ceremonious affair, often graced by politicians or dignitaries.

Prize money is another enticing aspect for rally winners, with some events offering substantial sums to the victorious driver and their team. The amount can vary depending on the rally's sponsors and financial backing.

Manufacturer points are also up for grabs, contributing to the manufacturer's championship standings. Manufacturers earn points similar to their drivers. 

Beyond tangible rewards, winning a rally brings invaluable recognition and media coverage, paving the way for enhanced sponsorship opportunities. Successful performances can attract new sponsors, leading to increased financial support and resources for both drivers and teams.

The Safari Rally has seen a surge in sponsorships from companies like Safaricom, KCB, and Kenya Airways, providing drivers with the resources to enhance their branding efforts and engage with fans. 

KCB, for instance, committed Ksh95 million to support local drivers, bolster branding initiatives, and enrich the overall fan experience.

Rally car in full flight during the Safari Rally, March 2024.

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WRC

The highly anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) roared to life on Wednesday, March 27, with the shakedown heralding the start of the 72nd Safari Rally Kenya. 

For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of this exhilarating motorsport event, here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the rally, from understanding the drivers and stages to how winners are determined.

Intense Competition and Excitement

The WRC is the pinnacle of rally racing, featuring drivers, co-drivers, and hybrid-powered production-based cars facing some of the toughest terrains across the globe.

Established in 1973, it spans 13 rallies across four continents and 13 countries. The battle unfolds across multiple categories, including the Drivers', Co-Drivers', and the Manufacturers' Championship.

Support Championships and Contests

In addition to the main championship (WRC), there are support championships such as WRC2 and WRC3. The Junior WRC is contested on selected events of the FIA World Rally Championship calendar.

Notably, the Safari Rally Kenya marks the third event of an increasingly thrilling WRC season, with only three points separating the top two drivers, Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans, in the provisional standings.

French rally driver Adrien Fourmaux and Safaricom’s Chief Finance Officer Esther Waititu in a race car on Wednesday, March 27.

Kenyans.co.ke

Emmanuel Korir

The battle in WRC2 will see Carl Tundo, driving a Ford Fiesta, contesting for the title one more time. However, he faces a stern test from the likes of Oliver Solberg, Gus Greensmith, Nicolas Ciamin, and Kajetan Kajetanowicz, all vying for victory.

KCB-sponsored Karan Patel should also not be ruled out, and nor should FIA Junior WRC regular Diego Domínguez, who will make his WRC2 debut in a Citroën C3.

Other Kenyans in the mix include Safaricom-backed Hamza Anwar, Andrew Muiruri, and Aakif Virani, who will also be contesting for the top prize.

Rally Line-Up and Teams

The Safari Rally Kenya witnesses the participation of three formidable teams, each fielding three cars. 
Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team leads the charge with Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Esapekka Lappi.

Meanwhile, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team boasts Adrien Fourmaux, Grégoire Munster, and Jourdan Serderidis. 

Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, spearheaded by Elfyn Evans, also features Takamoto Katsuta and Kalle Rovanperä, the 2022 Safari winner.

Return to Tradition and Challenges Ahead

Traditionally held during the Easter weekend, the Safari Rally Kenya returns to its iconic slot in 2024, marking the first gravel-based round of the year. 

The event coincides with Kenya's rainy season, adding an extra layer of challenge for drivers as they navigate the rugged East African terrain.

Rally Dynamics and Points System

Each rally comprises timed special stages on closed roads, with drivers aiming to complete them as swiftly as possible while adhering to their co-driver's pace notes. 

Points for drivers and co-drivers are awarded based on their performance throughout the rally, culminating in a perfect score of 30.

The route consists of 19 stages covering a distance of 367.76 kilometres, largely unchanged from the previous year.

Rally Timetable and Structure

Rallies follow a structured timetable, starting with reconnaissance and shakedown before the official start on Thursday night. The competition spans four days, concluding with the rally-closing Power Stage on Sunday.

Notably, the rally features a mix of new and familiar stages, providing a rigorous test for participants.

Service Park and Penalties

Competitors visit the service park for mechanical work at predetermined intervals during the day. Strict regulations govern service time, with penalties imposed for exceeding allotted durations.

Moreover, time penalties are incurred for late arrivals at control points, ensuring fair competition throughout the rally.

Retirements and Second Chances

Competitors facing mechanical issues or accidents may restart the following day, subject to safety considerations.

However, missed stages result in time penalties, further challenging teams to maintain consistency and resilience amidst the demanding conditions.

The Safari Rally Kenya promises to deliver thrilling action and intense competition as drivers battle the elements and each other for supremacy in one of the most challenging events on the WRC calendar. 

The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team vehicle engineer, Josh Harbour, explaining details of the rally car March 2024.

Kenyans.co.ke

Emmanuel Korir

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a deadline of March 31, 2024, for the registration of businesses on the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS).

As per the authority's records, as seen on Tuesday, March 26, only 186,566 businesses have been successfully onboarded onto the platform. 

KRA also disclosed that the anticipated total number of businesses expected to utilise the system is 915,000. This leaves a significant number of 728,434 businesses yet to complete the registration process, prompting concerns about compliance.

In March, KRA unveiled the user-friendly system, to ease the transmission of tax invoices to the taxman, for both large and small businesses in the informal and formal sectors. 

Kenya Revenue Authority offices

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KRA

"Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) would like to remind the public that all persons carrying on business including those in the Informal Sector and Small Businesses are required to electronically generate and transmit their invoices to KRA via the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS)," KRA stated in March. 

Non-Compliance Fines 

Following the fast-approaching deadline, business owners have been warned of major non-compliance fines that will be imposed on those yet to be onboarded.

For businesses that fail to comply, KRA will consider it as tax evasion and fines will be imposed based on The Tax Procedures Act. The fines will amount to double the amount of tax evaded.

"If you don’t onboard it makes it difficult for the businesses to do business with you," eTIMS Chief Manager Hakamba Wangwe stated. 

Personal Information to Remain Confidential

KRA has also declared that the invoicing system will not take up any confidential information from customers while generating the invoice.

Contrary to previous concerns of data breaches between service providers and their customers, the eTIMS online portal or USSD code does not request any personal identifiers of the customers.

The business owner will not be mandated to share the names, PINs or any personal information of their customers.

How to Onboard 

There are three ways to onboard one's business on the system. These include dialling the USSD code *222# to acquire various services. 

Treaders and business people can also use the eCitizen platform, through which all government services are paid. The simplified system can be accessed through the www.ecitizen.kra.go.ke. 

Service-based businesses have been advised to use the eTims portal service. The taxman has provided a guide for people applying through the service portal, which can be accessed through their official website.

"Upon successful application, an authorized KRA officer will verify and approve the application," KRA notes. 

A file image of the reception area at KRA offices in Nairobi.

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KRA

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has listed institutions where KCSE 2023 students can review and revise their applications for suitable degree, diploma and artisan-based programmes. 

The placement body advised the students who needed guidance to visit one of the listed institutions located within their region.

KUCCPS detailed 51 institutions based on the regions across the country.

In Nairobi, students are advised to visit the Nairobi Technical Training Institute while in Murang'a, they can head to Mathioya Technical and Vocational College.

Kenyatta University School of Public Health Students in Class.

Photo Kenyatta University

In the Mt Kenya region, here are the listed institutions; Jeremiah Nyaga Technical Training Institute (Embu), Kiambu National Polytechnic, Thika Technical Training Institute (Kiambu), Mwea Technical and Vocational College (Kirinyaga), Nkabune Technical Training Institute (Meru), Nyeri National Polytechnic (Nyeri), and Tharaka University College (Tharaka Nithi).

The list of approved colleges and universities in the Coast region includes Likoni Technical and Vocational College, Technical University of Mombasa, Lamu East Technical and Vocational College, Kinango Technical and Vocational College (Kwale) and Pwani University.

In the Western region, the approved institutions are Kisiwa Technical Training Institute, Alupe University, Tom Mboya University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Shamberere Technical Training Institute (Kakamega), Nyakach Technical and Vocational College (Kisumu), Ramogi Institute of Science and Technology, Siala Technical Training Institute, Kitutu Masaba TVC and Friends College Kaimosi (Vihiga).

The students were advised to revise their courses before April 4, 2024.

According to the Placement Body, the first revision targets applicants who have not secured any of their choices submitted between February and March 2024 and KCSE candidates with C+ and above who did not apply for Degree programmes during the application period.

The application window also targets Kenyans who sat for KCSE from 2000 to 2023 and are yet to join a TVET institution.

The revisions are to be done by accessing the student's portal: students.kuccps.net

If their application is not successful, they can apply for another course based on their KCSE results as well as cutoff points.

The KUCCPS students portal.

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KUCCPS

The digital platform, Facebook which is owned by Meta announced that Kenyans will be able to monetizate their content beginning June 2024.

Green listing of Kenya as one of the countries that qualify for monetisation has left many questions on Kenyans’ minds on how to monetize their content.

According to Meta’s policies, the following are some of the criteria that one has to follow to have their page monetized.

First, one must have 500 followers for at least 30 consecutive days as explained in the policy document.

File Image of Facebook Logo

Facebook

For a Facebook profile to be monetized the account should be from an eligible country, for which Kenya is.

Additionally, one’s page must be public either through Facebook pages, profiles in professional mode, events or groups.

Another eligibility criterion requires that the Facebook profile follow community standards, such as avoiding hate speech, avoiding sexualized content and inauthentic content.

Further one has to follow monetisation policies set up by the platform within their business partners programme.

The monetisation policies prohibit certain content types from being monetized.  

First, Static videos which are defined as content that contains one static image and little to no motion are not eligible for monetisation.

The second is static polls, which are content that is posted for the sole purpose of creating engagement, such as asking questions to the audience.

Another prohibition includes slideshows of images with no motion alongside looped videos. Looping content can include GIFs and content of varying lengths.

Further content that will not be monetised within the platform is misleading medical information, engagement bait and content about tragedy or conflict.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Announcing Change of Company's name on Thursday, October 28

The Verge

Since taking office, President William Ruto has introduced a raft of far-reaching tax measures that he insists will be the catalyst for economic reforms in the country.

The downside of these reforms casts a burden on Kenyans who are grappling with the high cost of living. 

In contrast, President Ruto has defended these tax measures, indicating that his administration has evaded a financial crisis that has befallen other African countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia which have plunged into debt distress in the past.

On the other hand, the head of state has promised to either lower or eliminate several tax policies following concerns raised by the public. Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at these four tax policies.

Corporate Tax

Definition: tax applied to profit made by a company over a specified period. It includes gross income minus the gross expenditure.

Current Effect: For investors seeking to enter into the Kenyan markets, high rates of corporate tax discourage foreign direct investments, hence causing them to seek other markets.

In some cases, the high rates cause reduced compliance by taxpayers, which results in a decline in income tax as a share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Proposal: In the Budget Policy Statement released in February 2024, the National Treasury would lower the corporate tax from existing 30 per cent to 25 per cent.

VAT on Building Materials

Definition: Value Added Taxes are applied to all taxable goods and services that are not zero-rated. In this case, this is applied to building materials needed for the Affordable Housing program.

Current Effect: Owing to the VAT, the cost of constructing the houses has shot up. This essentially hampers the target instituted by President Ruto's administration to construct 250,000 housing units per unit. He aims to have constructed 1 million houses across the country by 2027.

Proposal: While launching the Affordable Housing Program in Mombasa in November 2023, Ruto promised to eliminate the tax on building materials.

Taxes on Packaging Materials

Definition: Currently, packaging material imported in Kenya is taxed, hence affecting products meant for export.

Current Effect: In the tea sector, investors have lamented over the increased cost of production hence affecting their sales. Overall, this affects Kenya's ability to export tea as it ranked as the second largest tea export in the world, generating an estimated Ksh200 billion in revenue.

Proposal: Ruto promised that he would remove the taxes on packaging materials imported into Kenya. He, however, noted that his administration was concluding the necessary approval before rollout.

Farm Produce Tax

Definition: This is a tax on every farmer's produce who will be required to pay Ksh5 for every Ksh100 obtained from the sales. In new tax measures, the government has proposed to increase the taxing measures, insisting that the agricultural sector is undertaxed.

Effect: The government seeks to capitalise on the sector, which it insists contributes an average of 21 per cent of the GDP. The measures have elicited an uproar from farmers who lamented that it would lead to diminishing returns as the majority rely on the profits as their daily income.

Proposal: Following the uproar DP Rigathi Gachagua promised to look into the matter and promised the farmers to implement policies that improved their fortunes.

President William Ruto speaking in Tokyo, Japan on February 8, 2024.

PCS

Cars have been there since 1886 and were invented by Carl Benz from Germany to ease in transportation from one place to another in the shortest time possible.

Over the years, manufacturers have built on Benz's and others' work to improve the vehicle and make it as efficient as it can be.

Currently, electric vehicles are the newest kids on the block. Inventors such as Elon Musk are working to save the environment and create a better version of the early idea of a car.

In the midst of the renovations and improvements to the vehicle, manufacturers have introduced a wheel with a flat bottom. This design serves a useful purpose for the driver.

An Audi with a flat bottom wheel

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Tag Motorsports

This design was introduced by Ford in 2006 and quickly gained popularity in the car industry.

One of the reasons is to give the driver more legroom. This creates space between the wheel and the seat allowing the driver to get in and out easily.

Notably this feature is most useful in race cars which are usually small in size requiring the driver the extra leg room from through the flat bottom wheel.

Another reason for this feature is to inform the driver if the car wheels are properly aligned. While this might appear obvious, manufacturers incorporated the feature to assist drivers.

Furthermore, an additional advantage of this feature is that it enhances the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, giving it a sporty look. As manufacturers refine this feature, the wheel design contributes to the car's overall elegance.

Moreover, this feature distinguishes the vehicle from others on the road.

However, the flat-bottomed wheel also comes with disadvantages. It complicates manoeuvres such as making a three-point turn or navigating narrow roads.

Several brands, including Audi, Volkswagen, Ferrari, and Porsche, have implemented this wheel design in select vehicles.

If you are considering switching to a car with a flat wheel, do a test run to ensure you are comfortable before making the purchase. It is also good to note that this feature mostly comes in sporty vehicles.

An aerial photo of a traffic jam along the Thika Super Highway in August 2021.

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Ma3Route