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Non-salaried Kenyans will be granted access to loans by the government to pay for the mandatory Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

The draft Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, requires all Kenyans to pay for the SHIF, whether employed or not, to enable universal health access.

In the new regulations, salaried Kenyans will be required to pay 2.75 per cent of their monthly gross income.

On the other hand, unemployed Kenyans will be required to offset 2.75 per cent on an annual basis.

A photo of President William Ruto at his office

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To cushion the unemployed Kenyans, the government will offer loans to assist them in paying their annual contributions.

Kenyans.co.ke unravels the details behind the loan scheme.

How Does it Work?

The Social Health Authority (SHA) will collaborate with the Ministry of Co-operatives, Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and other financial institutions to provide loans to unemployed Kenyans.

This will help them pay their yearly contributions when their income is available.

The money paid on behalf of a contributor shall be remitted directly to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Which Financing Institutions are Eligible?

The Authority will inform the members of the public on the premium financing products and the institutions listed.

How Will They Access the Health Cover?

The unemployed Kenyans will be required to pay for the insurance for a year before accessing the health cover.

What are the terms for repaying the loan?

Non-salaried Kenyans will be required to pay the amount 14 days before the lapse of the annual contributions of the beneficiary.

The interest rate for the loan has, however, not been specified.

President William Ruto (centre) and Health CS Susan Nakhumicha tour the Mission for Essential Drugs and supplies’ (MEDS) Microbiology Laboratory in Syokimau, Machakos County, on November 22, 2023.

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What's the aim?

Through the scheme, the government aims to deter anti-selection.

Anti-selection is a process whereby individuals make payments to the insurance fund when they think their health risk is higher and neglect it when they are healthy.

According to the Ministry of Health, this was one of the major challenges facing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In this case, non-salaried contributors made payments at least three months when they required a major medical need such as surgery and stopped paying after their needs were met.

Through the new scheme, the government aims to seal the loophole. 

On January 15, President William Ruto’s Cabinet opened doors for Kenyans who have never attended classes to acquire professional certificates after approving the policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

RPL is the process of identifying, assessing and certifying knowledge, skills and attitudes regardless of how, when or where learning occurred. 

The RPL certificate is only awarded by institutions that have been certified by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). 

Currently, KNQA only offers certifications to four categories of institutions which have also been accredited by the Ministry of Education. 

President William Ruto chairing a Cabinet meeting at State House on January 15, 2024

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Institutions Qualified to offer RPL certificates

All Kenyan universities formed under regulations set by the University Act no 42 of 2012 are eligible to offer RPL certificates upon certification. Currently, Kenya has 35 public universities.

National polytechnics in Kenya can also receive a legal order to offer RPL certificates. 

There are currently 11 national polytechnics in Kenya which include; Kabete, Eldoret, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu and Kitale national polytechnics. 

Others include; North Eastern, Sigalagala, Kisii, Kenya Coast, and Nyandarua national polytechnics. 

Institutions Under Government Ministries

The third category of schools that can offer RPL certificates include institutions under Government Ministries with a legal order to award qualifications. 

Under this category, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) is at the forefront of offering RPL certificates.

Currently, NITA has training centres in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Athi River. 

“Institutions established by an Act of Parliament to develop and award qualifications,” KNQA explains the fourth category allowed to offer the certificates. 

Apart from the Kenyan-based institutions, foreign institutions accredited in their home countries as qualification awarding institutions can be certified by KNQA to offer RPL certificates to Kenyan citizens. 

University of Nairobi students at a graduation ceremony in December 2019.

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UoN

From time to time, motorists often find themselves purchasing second-hand vehicles as per their budget, choice and preferences.

Despite concerns about the quality and reliability of used cars, the robust market for spare parts and repair services helps to address and mitigate these issues, ensuring that second-hand vehicles remain a practical and popular choice for motorists.

Official data from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) reveals that a total of 62,495 vehicles were exported to Kenya in the 12 months leading to June 2023.

The majority of small businesses and households account for the biggest buyers of used cars, showing the viability of the market.

A screenshot showing the NTSA services on the eCitizen platform.

Kenyans.co.ke

To register the vehicles, they will need to use the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) self-service portal on the eCitizen platform.

This was in line with President William Ruto's clarion call for all government services to be integrated into a uniform platform for ease of accountability and transparency.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a step-by-step guide on how to register for Second-hand vehicles using the platform:

Log in using serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke

The link will take you to the eCitizen platform, where your ID number and password credentials are required.

A verification email is sent to either the email or phone contact you registered with as per the two-factor authentication process.

You are taken to the home page of the eCitizen account, which lists over 5,000 services from various Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies.

Scroll down to the NTSA platform (New).

After logging in, you will be directed to the dashboard which includes the services, application history, driving points and driving experience.

Click the 'services' tab, and choose Second Hand Vehicle Registration from the list of services.

You will be required to fill in four different sections; General Information, Owners, Collection and Attachments.

On the General Information, key in the expected location of the vehicle in terms of County and Sub County.

Fill in the vehicle details such as the condition of the vehicle, make of the vehicle, model, customs entry number, chassis number, body type, fuel type, and transmission type.

Other details to be filled in include driver side, rating (cc), tare weight, year of manufacture, number of axles, number plate, border point, customs office, trade movement, customs value and vehicle use.

After filling in the tab, you will be directed to attach documents indicating ownership of the vehicle. Click submit. 

A photo of the new National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal.

Kenyans.co.ke

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has unveiled eight changes that will be undertaken at the National Youth Service (NYS) ahead of the nationwide recruitment exercise scheduled for February 5 - 9.

According to Kuria, the eight changes are aimed at improving the service and providing job opportunities for Kenyans joining NYS.

For starters, in the new model, 80 per cent of recruits in the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will be enlisted from the NYS.

This new recruitment strategy will also be used in the search for recruits for the Kenya Forest Services (KFS) and the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).

A photo of officers from KDF during a past operation

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KDF

On the other hand, the CS indicated that the NYS recruits will get the largest share of government-negotiated jobs abroad.

In the new model, NYS officers will make up 70 per cent of Kenyans taken abroad for jobs. 

"NYS recruits will receive paramilitary and technical training of the highest standards. 

"NYS servicemen and women will be deployed for National Service in securing government buildings, construction, engineering, water, sanitation, agriculture, and climate change mitigation among others," the CS stated.

Concerning recruitment, the CS added that the names of successful applicants will be published on a public portal to enhance transparency.

"Recruitment in the NYS will be done transparently in all Sub County Headquarters. All successful candidates will go home with their admission letters and their details pasted at the recruitment centre and a public portal for transparency," the CS stated.

NYS Recruitment

Meanwhile, nationwide NYS recruitment is set to be undertaken from February 5 - 9.

The exercise targets Kenyans aged between 18 - 24 years who attained a mean grade of D plain and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

"Prospective candidates must produce an original National Identity Card, academic certificates (and avail of one set of photocopies of the same at the recruitment centre) and a certificate of Good Conduct.

"Successful candidates will report for the NYS paramilitary course at NYS College, Gigil and NYSTTI Naivasha on dates and times specified in their respective calling letters to be issued," read the recruitment notice in part.

Instant hot showers have become an essential commodity for households nationwide as it eliminates the need for one to wait for the water to heat up.

Despite their undeniable utility, cases of many individuals falling victim to electrocution have been on the rise.

Kenyans online have raised alarm over the pertinent issue, highlighting the safety hazards resulting from using the commodity.

"My friend had just been electrocuted on Thursday while using the hot shower. Currently, we're transporting the body to the morgue," one user stated on his social platform.

A photo of a multi-temperature shower head.

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To curb these cases of fatalities caused by electric shock, Kenyans are installing RCBOs to prevent overload and short-circuit.

RCBO stands for Residual Circuit Breaker with overcurrent protection and is a nifty device that protects electrical circuits by triggering a disconnection whenever an imbalance is detected. The device is often placed on a fuse board.

To put it into perspective, the device protects from two types of faults; residual current and over current. Residual current occurs when there is a break in the circuit caused by faulty electrical wiring.

On the other hand, overcurrent is an overload caused by multiple devices being connected or a short circuit in the system. 

Also known as short-circuit breakers, RCBOs are efficient in disconnecting the circuit when there is a residual current or overcurrent detected.

Advantages of RCBOs

RCBOs provide a higher level of safety by combining the functions of a Residual Current Device (RCD) and a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) in triggering a disconnection.

This means that the device can easily detect earth faults and provide protection against electric shocks.

The device further offers selective tripping capabilities, meaning that in the event of a fault, only the affected circuit is disconnected, while the rest of the installation remains operational.

According to electricians, this selective tripping helps in isolating the issue and hence reduces downtime.

The device is also easy to install by fitting into the standard electrical panel. It's, however, advisable to contact a professional to install the device. 

RCBOs cost between Ksh400 - Ksh1,800 depending on brand, quality, and size for the application and equipment that it will be used on. 

A Residual Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection device.

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eBay

With the rollout of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) introduced a national assessment for grade 6 pupils. 

The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) certificate offered to the pupils is different from other documents graded by KNEC. 

Known as a performance report and only issued in softcopy, the certificate is downloaded by school heads through KNEC’s portal cba.knec.ac.ke. 

Particulars captured by the performance report include the assessment centre and number as well as the name and gender of the pupil. 

A sample KPSEA Certificate.

Kenyans.co.ke

On the far right of the certificate, the gender of the pupil is captured with ‘F’ denoting a girl and ‘M’ a boy. 

Unlike the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate, this performance report does not capture a passport photo of the candidate. 

Subjects tested

KNEC examines Grade Six pupils in five subjects including English Language, Kiswahili Lugha and Mathematics. 

Other subjects include Integrated Science Creative Arts and Social Studies. 

Integrated Science includes Science and Technology, Agriculture, Home Science, and Physical and Health Education. 

On the other hand, Creative Arts and Social Studies cover Social Studies, Art and Craft, Music and Religious Education. 

Grading

All five subjects are graded from Performance Level 1 to 4 with the highest number indicating exemplary performance. 

Performance Level 1 is described as below expectation and is awarded where the learner attempts to display the knowledge, skills and attitudes/values assessed and does so with assistance. 

“The learner displays the knowledge, skills and attitudes/values assessed some of the times,” KNEC remarks on Performance Level 2 which is described as approaching expectation. 

For Performance Level 3 described as meeting expectations, the grade six pupil is able in most cases to tackle assessment tasks given. 

“The learner consistently and with a very high level of accuracy displays the knowledge, skills and attitudes/values assessed,” KNEC remarks on Performance Level 4. 

Performance Level 4 is the highest academic commendation a grade 6 pupil can get and is described as exceeding expectations. 

Entrance to KNEC offices along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi.

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KNEC

Checking the authenticity of the certificate

Apart from having the learner's particulars, the certificate must have a school stamp and the head teacher’s signature together with the download date. 

Additionally, the certificate must have the watermark of KNEC's logo. 

We live in the digital age where it is easy to verify information on the Internet. In Kenya, we have the eCitizen platform that allows you to verify registered businesses in the country.

Registered under Business Register Services on eCitizen, one can find a list of all companies in Kenya and verify if the details the business owner sends to them are official and valid under one document.

Before you transact in any business always ensure you have a valid official search certificate referred to as 𝗖𝗥 𝟭𝟮.

However, to get this certificate, you can conduct a due diligence for as low as Ksh650 on the Citizen portal.

This not only helps you avoid fraudsters, but also keeps records of the affiliations you have been in business with.

An Image of the World Business Centre (Blue) along Tom Mboya In Nairobi CBD.

File

Here is how to:

• Go to your eCitizen portal.
   
• Select business registration services.
   
• Select make application.
   
• Under the main menu, select Official Search (LLP Search)
   
• Under the business name enter the name of the business name you were to search.
• Select the business in question.
   
• Fill in the applicant's details.
   
• Pay and download the form.

What is an Official search document?

Widely known as CR12 this is an official document issued by the register of companies detailing the existence and current ownership of a limited company.

The certificate contains the following information about the company: Name, Address, Registration number, Date of registration, Registered office of the company, Nominal Share capital of the company, nationality and shareholders division of the Directors and Shareholders.

 However, for public companies, the shareholding details might not be available.

Entrance to the Companies Registry Building in Nairobi.

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From time to time, Kenyans find themselves needing to transfer ownership of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle after completing a purchase or when they are looking to dispose an asset.

Under Kenyan law, immediately you sell your vehicle or motorbike, you must apply for transfer of ownership. Typically, the buyer should receive a logbook that is in their name within 14 days.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) recently published a step-by-step guide on how to apply for motor vehicle transfer on their new portal.

To facilitate the transfer process, both seller and buyer must activate their eCitizen accounts.

A fleet of NTSA-branded vehicles and the home page of eCitizen.

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NTSA/Kenyans.co.ke

Seller

Log into the e-Citizen account, select NTSA service portal (new), then proceed to the home page and select the specific vehicle you want to transfer.

Then go to the motor vehicles service section, select vehicle transfer, and then click 'apply'.

After completing this step, upload the original logbook colour in Portable Document Format (PDF), fill in the new owner details, and submit to pay for the transfer of ownership. 

Go to the Home page, to the notification tab, and accept the consent notification.

Buyer

Log in to the eCitizen account, select NTSA service portal (new), proceed to the home page, and click the notification tab to accept/decline the consent notification.

Fill in the required details then click preview, scroll down and tick the declaration box then click preview and submit for approval.

The charges for the whole process will depend on the cubic capacity (CC) also known as the engine capacity rating of the motor vehicle.

NTSA will then start processing the new logbook and you will be notified to collect it on the selected collection center. Currently, it only takes three working days for the whole process to be completed. 

NTSA Officials attending to clients during a field day on May, 2023

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NTSA

There are government programs that provide financial relief to tax evaders, through such schemes, the government can decide to waive off all or part of the financial penalties imposed on its citizens based on certain conditions.

In some cases, the government could allow taxpayers to pay back the full amount of money accrued in penalties in easy installments over a longer time frame or the government can as well decide to issue a relief to the tax defaulter by making them partially pay the defaulted amount.

Despite the existence of such policies by the government, most people often confuse these measures with either tax amnesty, waivers, or even tax write-offs.

KRA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Rispah Simiyu speaking during a meeting at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi on October 24, 2023.

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KRA

Tax Amnesty

The Finance Act 2023 introduced a tax amnesty for interest and penalties on tax debt by inserting Section 37E into the Tax Procedures Act, of 2015.

Tax amnesty is simply a limited-time offer by the government to a taxpayer to pay a defined amount, in exchange for forgiveness of a tax interest and penalties relating to a previous tax period(s), as well as freedom from legal prosecution.

The amnesty applies to a person with penalties and interest but has no principal taxes owing for periods up to December 31, 2022. However, for those with principal taxes from January 1, 2023, onwards, the outstanding principal tax debt should be paid by 30th June 2024.

The tax amnesty commences on September 1, 2023, and shall remain in force until June 30, 2024. By accepting the terms and conditions of the amnesty, the taxpayer commits to honouring the payment plan agreement.

Kenya Revenue Authority building at Times Towers

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Tax Waiver 

A tax waiver is when penalties imposed either for late filing or non-filing of returns are lifted or done away with completely by the revenue authority. Unlike tax amnesty, the waiver is not time-bound and can be done anytime upon application by the taxpayer. 

To get a waiver, the taxpayer needs to make an application letter to the commissioner detailing reasons they need the penalties imposed either for late filing or non-filing of returns to be uplifted or done away with. 

For a tax waiver to be granted, the application must be justified with supporting evidence from documents, and the principal tax must have also been paid. The taxpayer must have also been tax-compliant on all other taxes.

Tax write-offs

This is a legitimate expense that can be claimed as a deduction and lower your taxable income. A tax write-off is also referred to as a tax deduction.

The best benefit from a tax off is the reduction of your taxable income, which in turn lowers the taxes you have to pay. 

The Finance Act, of 2023 did away with sections of the same Act which provided for the write-off of taxes and tax waivers.

Therefore, KRA did away with the application, processing, or granting of waivers or write-offs on interest, penalties, and fines.

President William Ruto speaking during the 2023 Taxpayers Day in Mombasa County on November 3, 2023.

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KRA

The Kenyan government through the National Employment Authority keeps a record of licenced foreign and local recruitment agencies. 

The list can be accessed through the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS) which is currently connecting 8,074 employers with 25,400 job seekers. 

Kenyans.co.ke compiled a list of 100 recruitment agencies that had a valid licence to recruit Kenyas to work abroad as of  Tuesday, January 2024. The NEAIMS currently has over 400 licenced recruiting agencies.

Interested Kenyans can connect with the recruiters by clicking www.neaims.go.ke and then selecting the “List of Private Employment Agencies” tab on the homepage. 

Kenyans queue for Jobs in Nairobi.

PCS

Requirements & Steps for Travelling Abroad for Employment 

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs says that before leaving Kenya;

Confirm whether the agent is licensed and registered with the National Employment Authority via the NEAIMS website 

Ensure that you have done an interview, have an offer letter that you have accepted, and have signed a contract.

Also, confirm that you have personally been attested by the Ministry of Labour, and have a visa and air ticket.

Undergo pre-departure training conducted by the Ministry. 

Cross-check your job duties in the foreign country - what the job entails, the details of the employer including name, address and contact, salary, and model of payment. 

Know the location where you will stay after landing in the country and who will host you before you meet your employer. 

Ensure you have a Work Permit, and a valid, renewable visa depending on your contract length.

Have enough money to facilitate your flight back home in case of an emergency. 

Have contacts of Kenya High Commission or the Embassy of the country hosting you. 

"If all the above doesn’t point to fraudulent business, once at the airport, please do not carry any luggage that you did not pack yourself. Kenya wishes you the best in your endeavours to seek employment in the diaspora," the Ministry warns that shrewd agents may use naive recruits as mules to ferry prohibited substances. 

Here is the list of approved recruitment agencies; 

Kelmus Recruitment International Agency Limited

Gulf-Resource Consultants

Ramsey Manpower Limited

Jay Recruiting Agency Limited

Muhanna Services Limited

Dante Empowerment Services Ltd

Classic Connections Recruitment Agency Limited

Gispal International Limited

Celyca Agencies Limited

Absolute Consultancy and Support ACS Services Ltd

Alwynn Global Agencies Limited

Alijacky Agency Limited

Caldo Tours and Travel Agency Limited

Leking Recruitment Agency Limited

Bluewave International Services Limited

Alfrwakly Services Limited

Loivin Limited

Sakr Agency Limited

Satmar Technologies Company Ltd

Janaal Oversees Limited

Efran Agencies Limited

Joytom Manpower and Travel Solutions Limited

Consult Centre Limited

Al-Mysra Company Limited

Lipasama Global Agencies Limited

Al Suwedi International Recruiting Agency Limited

Shanawa International Agency

Altowfiq Recruitment and Consulting Agency

Kerrygold Agency Limited

Bright Exit KE Limited

Fursah

Vercy Agency Limited

Queenstar Ventures Limited

Somo Serve Management Company Limited

Al-Iman General Agencies Limited

Fariha Agency Ltd

La Preciosa Limited

Muthuma International Agency Limited

Al Berita Recruitment and Travel Agency Ltd

Gulf Quest Recruitment Limited

Duetra Ventures Limited

Bilqdee Travel Agencies Limited

Glenn Heights Limited

Al Sultan Al Mumayaza for Recruitment Limited

Al Jazi Gulf Connection Limited

Al Tafaol Trading Co. Limited

Dalanta Global Agency Limited

Soringe Springs Limited

Two-star Safaris Ltd

Al Mulmaan Hireworld Ltd

Servile Ventures Limited

Kewafric International Limited

Atica Tours and Recruitment Limited

Rema Nary Agency Limited

Rashaj Global Limited

Fecundity Investments Ltd

Shafii Agency Limited

Lucida Tours and Travel Ltd

Tusano Combined Supplies Ltd

Manasseh Recruitment Agency

Bildqee Travel Agencies Limited

Tamond Investments Company Ltd

Capacity Outsourcing K Ltd

Hijaz HR Bureau Limited

Greener Pasturers Recruitment Agency Ltd

Mimalex Services Limited

Rawafid Manpower Solution Limited

Top Level Management Ltd

Al Murdosy Recruitment Agency Ltd

Ready Manpower Limited

Jamin Agencies Limited

TDM International Limited

Eunysmart Recruitment Agencies Ltd

Samoline Recruitment Agency Limited

A&J Global Limited 

Swamo Agencies Limited

United Manpower Services Limited

Topkeen Ventures Limited

Exodus International Agency Ltd

Reeham Agency Ltd

Ana Recruitment Agency Ltd

Alvishan Agency Limited

Ali & Ali Al-Herabi Recruitment Co. Ltd

Supage Safaris Limited

Afrik Tours and Travel Limited

Dammy Agencies Limited

Key Resource Services Ltd

One Stop Recruitment Agency Limited

Iyaz's Investments Limited

Willy Royal Services Limited

Nanpet International Agency Limited

Opelsa Manpower Agency Limited

Triple P Limited

Kobeskys Limited

Across Africa Work Place Options Limited

Bashadi Agency Limited

Percific Creative International Company Limited

Sakasha Investment Limited

VIP Joblinks Agency Limited

Hech Skies Agency Ltd

Kenyans queue for job opportunities in Nairobi.

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KNBS