SEO Article

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued timelines for various services following its migration to the eCitizen platform.

According to the schedule released on Thursday, Kenyans will access six instant services on the platform between five to seven days.

Among the services include a Road Service Licence, Provisional Driving Licence (DL), Virtual DL and Interim DL.

Copy of records and PSV badge will also be processed instantly, with motor vehicle inspection taking 20 minutes only. 

Timelines for NTSA services offered on eCitizen.

Photo

NTSA

On the other hand, NTSA stated that processing of the Smart DLs will take five days while processing of number plates will be done in seven days.

Processing of log books on the eCitizen platform will take three days similar to applications for the transfer of motor vehicle ownership. 

"All our services are available online. Use your eCitizen credentials to log in to your account," NTSA stated.

Charges

Acquisition of a copy of records, which contain details of a motor vehicle, will cost Kenyans Ksh550.

Motorists taking their vehicles for inspection will be required to pay an inspection fee of Ksh1,050.

Regarding the application of reflective plates, motorists will be required to pay Ksh1,550 for a single reflective plate while a pair of reflective number plates will cost Ksh3,050.

Charges for application for transfer of motor vehicle ownership will depend on the CC ratings (total volume of engine displacement) of the motor vehicle.

On the other hand, the acquisition of duplicate log books will cost Ksh2,550 and will take three days to be processed.

A photo of samples of the new generation number plates displayed during their launch in October 2022.

Photo

Ministry of Interior

When filing taxes, it is important to pay the correct amount of money to avoid inconveniences, however, there are instances where an individual or company may make excess payments erroneously.

For such instances, the Kenya Revenue Authority has issued a guideline on how to claim the excess amounts paid, it is therefore important to understand the process of claiming it through a scheme known as tax refund.

For instance, tax refunds resulting from zero rating of exportation of goods allow exporters to be more competitive in the foreign market and allow them to plough the money back into the business.

It also ensures the affordability of certain goods and services deemed as essential for example; zero-rating of bread, milk, and flour and further equity where tax is deducted in error.

Residents of Nakuru lining up to seek services from the Kenya Revenue Authority mobile services on November 24, 2023

Photo

KRA

Types of tax refunds

Income tax refund

This refund will arise from tax overpayments by both individual and corporate taxpayers for instance deduction of tax (PAYE) by the employer, tax incentives on mortgage interest relief, insurance premium relief, and annual tax relief.

Refunds on income tax also apply when there is an overpayment of instalment taxes or even advance tax credits.

According to KRA, a claim for an Income Tax refund must be made within five years from the date the tax was paid.

VAT Refunds

This occurs as a result of overpayment of taxes zero-rated supplies or excess credits arising out of withholding VAT.

The overpayment may also be due to bad debt paid after three years but not more than 4 years from the date when a supply of goods is made.

You can reclaim VAT on items you buy for use in your business if you're VAT-registered. 

Excise Tax Refunds

This occurs when a person dealing with excisable goods manufactured in or imported into Kenya has paid excise duty.

The refund will only be made if the product has not been consumed or used in Kenya or if the goods have been damaged or stolen during the voyage or transportation to Kenya.

Excise tax refunds can also be made if the buyer has returned the goods per the contract of sale.

How to Apply 

• Login to itax.kra.go.ke by entering your KRA PIN and Password

• On the iTax menu, select the tax obligation under the refunds menu

• Confirm taxpayer details and click next

• Fill in the taxpayer’s bank account details and click next

• Select your refund type, the claimed reason, the description of the reason for the claim, and the amount upload supporting documents then submit.

All claims must have valid debt status reports before refund processing. First-time claimants will be subjected to a pre-payment audit.

According to KRA, false claims of refund will attract a penalty of an amount equal to two times the amount claimed.

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

Photo

KRA

Be it a civilian, parastatal, diplomatic, government, or non-government vehicle, all motor vehicles registered in Kenya must have a copy of their record on the National Transport and Safety Authority's platform.

This is because NTSA registers all motor vehicles before issuing number plates, with the information stored permanently on their site.

Even when one changes the ownership of the vehicle, the copy of the record remains the same.

At a fee of Ksh 550, one can access a copy of the record search certificate of any vehicle.

A screenshot showing the NTSA services on the eCitizen platform.

Kenyans.co.ke

However, with the new consolidation of government systems under the eCitizen portal, vehicle search has been moved from the TIMs portal, and checking vehicle records can be done as illustrated below.

What you need to do:

First log into the eCitizen account

Select the New NTSA service portal 

Go to services, then click on motor vehicle copy of records

From here enter the registration or chassis number for the vehicle then submit

Select payment mode and click on complete

Go to your application history and click on view to download motor vehicle copy of records

Feedback is immediate.

What is a copy of record and what does it entail?

A copy of record is a document that contains detailed information on any motor vehicle.

When one conducts a copy of record search, he might find the chassis and engine number,  details of the registered owner, make and model of the motor vehicle, year of manufacture, date of registration and the caveat status.

A photo of vehicles stuck in traffic along Thika Super Highway

Photo

Derrick Ohalo

The Ministry of Interior has issued a directive on how to access various firearm registration services through the eCitizen. 

Through the Firearm Licensing Board (FLB), the Ministry announced that the services have been moved to the e-platform, in compliance with the government's directive on service payments for public institutions. 

According to a statement released on Tuesday, February 6, stakeholders will now apply for different licensing services through the government’s pay bill number 222222. 

“The Firearm Licensing Board (FLB) wishes to notify all its stakeholders that the institution has seamlessly integrated with the eCitizen platforms and payments will henceforth be channelled through the eCitizen gateway on Paybill 222222,” the notice reads. 

Firearms and ammunition were found in a Kilimani office on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Courtesy

Requirements 

To be a licensed firearm dealer or owner in Kenya, one is required to present a copy of the National Identification card (ID), and an up-to-date certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Other required documents are a psychiatric report from a renowned government health institution to prove the sanity of the applicant, a tax compliance certificate from the Kenta Revenue Authority (KRA) and a 6-months bank statement.

Step-by-Step Process 

First-time applicants are required to make applications in person at the Firearms Bureau, where one is required to book an appointment by filling in personal details, followed by the date and time. 

Through the eCitizen website, applicants are required to download application forms, and upon filling in the required information, deliver them to the police licensing officer of the area of residence. 

“Apply for our services and pay using mobile money. After completing the application, print the resulting document and get what you need at ease,” the board notes. 

FLB also notes that all firearms and ammunition should be stored in a secure place when not in use, and loss or theft should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as it is discovered.

In instances when the firearm holder changes their permanent address, a report should be made to the immediate licensing officer within 21 days. 

Some of the services offered include;

Firearm certificate registration, renewal of Firearm certificates, Firearm certificate card registration, Ballistics and variation registration, Temporary Permits to possess firearms, import/export permits , removal permits, and Firearm dealers permit registrations. 

Police showcase guns recovered in an operation against bandits in the North Rift Valley region in May 2023

Photo

Interior Ministry

Kenya alongside her East African neighbours including; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in 2014 established a Single Customs Territory (SCT) framework in relation to Customs Tax.

As explained by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the SCT is seen as a precursor to the full attainment of the Customs Union for EAC.

The Customs Union entails all EAC member States agreeing to remove trade barriers, reduce or abolish customs duty, and eliminate quotas.

“Single Customs Territory is the full attainment of the Customs Union achievable through minimization of internal border controls and removal of trade restrictions between Partner States ultimately resulting in the free circulation of goods in the Customs Territory,” KRA explains in its website. 

Kenya Revenue Authority building at Times Towers

Kenyans.co.ke

How SCT Works

In the case of Kenya, goods originating from the country to the other EAC nations under the SCT framework are not subject to customs tariffs. 

Custom tariffs are taxes paid on goods imported into a country. Before the introduction of SCT, this used to increase the cost of doing business for Kenyan entrepreneurs. 

It should be noted that this exemption is only offered to Kenyan goods that meet the EAC Rules of Origin Criteria. 

“Goods imported from outside the Customs Union, which have been entered and released for home consumption, are free to circulate within the Community,” KRA explains. 

To enjoy the benefits of SCT, while exporting goods, they are entered while at the first point of entry. 

Point of entry refers to seaports, airports or border posts within Kenyan territory where goods can leave the country. 

A single customs declaration is made at that time to the destination country when the goods are still at the first point of entry.

Kenya and the destination country are able to monitor the goods through an electronic cargo tracking system by taking advantage of an interconnected customs system.

Benefits of SCT

Kenyan traders have been able to use SCT to reduce clearance time as well as reduce the cost of doing business. 

Additionally, governments have been able to use the system to reduce risks associated with non-compliance during the transit of goods. 

Before the introduction of the SCT, traders would use the lack of coordination between EAC member states to smuggle goods. 

The cooperation between the five nations has further seen enhanced trade in locally produced goods as well as efficient revenue management. 

Kenya-Uganda border crossing post in Busia County.

Photo

Ministry of Interior

TSC through the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has released new registration requirements for teachers under the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC).

Under the new regulations, all interested candidates must prove their eligibility for registration.

These guidelines affect teachers with one teaching subject, EDCE teachers with Montessori training, persons with certifications from foreign learning institutions and persons with special needs education.

Entry Requirement for Teacher Registration Under CBC

TSC CEO Nancy Njeri Macharia speaking during the release of the 2023 KCPE at Mtihani House in Nairobi in November 2023.

Photo

TSC Kenya

Per the new guidelines, persons with a Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) must have a C plain in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and a certificate in DECTE. While candidates with a disability must have scored a C- (minus).

Those with a Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) must produce the certificate, and score a C in KCSE, a D in Mathematics and a C- in English. Candidates with disabilities must have a C- in KCSE.

Additionally, candidates with a Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE) will be required to produce the certificate during registration and must have scored C in KCSE, C+ in two teaching subjects, C in English, Kiswahili/Kenya sign Language and Mathematics.

Candidates with disabilities must have scored a C in KCSE, C in two teaching subjects and C- in English, Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language and Mathematics.

Meanwhile, candidates with a diploma in Technical Teacher Education (DTTE) will need a C in KCSE, a C+ in related two STEM technical teaching subjects, and a diploma in General Technical subjects that are offered at junior and senior school levels.

On the other hand, candidates who have pursued a Bachelor in Education or a Bachelor of Arts with Education will need the said degree, C+ in KCSE C+ in two teaching subjects, C in English and D+ in Mathematics.

Other candidates who undertake a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science will require a C+ or above in KCSE, a C+ in two teaching subjects and a postgraduate diploma in Education.

Finally, candidates with a Diploma in Adult and Continuing Teacher Education will need the certificate, C plain and above in KCSE, and C- for learners with special needs.

Registrations of Teachers With One Teaching Subjects

In this category, candidates with a Bachelor of Education degree must have scored C+ and above in KCSE, C+ and above the teaching subject and a C in English and D+ in Mathematics.

Those with either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree must have scored a C+ in KCSE, a C+ in the teaching subject, and a Postgraduate diploma in education.

Meanwhile, those with a Diploma in Education must have scored a C in C+ in teaching subjects or a Diploma in a subject offered at the junior and senior school level.

Grade 3 pupils from Kiangungi Primary School in Embu County during a CBC assignment

Photo

MARTIN FUNDI

Qualifications for Candidates With Certificates From Learning Institutions

In this case, any foreigner seeking to be registered under TSC must have academic certificates equated and a professional education certificate recognised by a relevant body.

Additionally, the foreigner must have a work permit, a registration certificate as a teacher from the jurisdiction of training and an authorisation letter from the Ministerial Vetting Committee.

On the other hand, Kenyans with foreign qualifications seeking to be registered by TSC must provide an academic certificate equated and recognised by a relevant body and a professional education certificate also forms a recognised and relevant statutory body.

Special Needs Education

Candidates with a Diploma in Special Needs Education must have scored C in KCSE, and candidates with a disability will require an entry grade of C-.

Other candidates with a Bachelor of Education are required to have a mean grade of C+ in KCSE, and C+ in either English, Kiswahili, Maths, Biology, KSL and any art subjects.

Additionally, the candidates must have specialised in different areas of disabilities including autism, intellectual disabilities, visual impairment, and physical disability among others.

According to the new bill, candidates with a diploma in ECDE Montessori Curriculum will require a C plain or above in KCSE.

The Montessori curriculum emphasises hands-on learning skills and developing real-world skills, a deviation from the traditional syllabus.

A photo of teachers at a past demonstration in Nairobi County.

Photo

TSC

Kenyans can access free legal aid through the Attorney General’s Office, under a programme referred to as the National Legal Aid and Awareness Programme (NALEAP).

NALEAP, set up under the Department of Justice in the Office of the Attorney General, aims to create awareness with the Kenyan public about legal aid; and provide legal advice and representation mainly to the poor, marginalised and vulnerable in Kenyan society.

The legal aid clinic offices are located in five regions namely; Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret.

Eligibility Criteria

For one to qualify for the free services, they have to be a citizen of Kenya or a refugee under the Refugees Act. 

Further, a victim of human trafficking, an internally displaced person or a Stateless person also qualifies for the same.

Additionally, the AG’s office also provides that a child who requires legal representation qualifies for legal aid.
 

A photo of prisoners in Mombasa during a worship service in prison

Star of Hope

Process To Receive Legal Aid

Make an application to receive Legal Aid Services By Filling in Form NLAS1

This form can be found on the first schedule after contacting the offices stated above. This form also applies to legal aid providers who wish to be accredited to offer the services.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the service may grant partial legal aid to a person on condition that he/she makes a financial contribution to the fund. 

The National Legal Aid Service (NLAS) will also charge fees for the accreditation of various legal aid providers as per the fee schedule in the Legal Aid (general) regulations 2020.

The NLAS also offers legal aid clinics at its offices located at KCS House, 10th floor.

Their offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm in addition to offering frequent legal aid clinics in the community.

NLAS offices are located five regions i.e. Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret. Additional offices will be established in seven (7) other counties namely; Lamu, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit and Tana River.

Additionally, Kituo Cha Sheria a Non-Governmental organisation provides legal services to deserving persons.

Any person in need of legal assistance can now get legal advice through their mobile phones courtesy of Kituo Cha Sheria. 

Through an innovative platform called ‘M-Haki,” one can be assisted by a team of dedicated legal experts at Kituo Cha Sheria. You only need to send your concern as a text message in English or Swahili to 0700777333 and wait for a response.

A photo of the Makadara Law Courts

Photo

The Judiciary Kenya

In February 2024, the explosion that occurred in the Mradi Area in Embakasi gained nationwide attention and raised questions over the number of companies dealing in illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operations across the country.

The incident, which claimed three lives and at least 280 people nursing injuries at various hospitals in Nairobi, led to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki launching a crackdown on all LPG dealers to crack the whip on illegal operations by unethical companies.

President William Ruto also ordered the government officials involved in granting the licence to the Embakasi-based gas filling plant to be dismissed, arrested and prosecuted over the incident.

This led to the dismissal of four National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials.

Aftermath of the Embakasi explosion incident which occurred on January 2, 2024.

PCS

Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Energy is mandated to conduct audits across LPG dealers to authenticate the validity of their licences.

According to the Petroleum Act 2019, those caught either importing, exporting or transporting LPG without a valid licence are liable to a fine of not less than Ksh10 million or a two-year imprisonment.

Also, any individual importing LPG cylinders through undesignated routes attracts an additional fine of at least Ksh200,000.

Any business person found guilty of operating a non-licensed LPG facility such as refilling or rebranding cylinders without the brand owner's consent risks a fine of not less than Ksh10 million.

The Act also provides that any person found guilty of reselling bulk LPG to another person to export or retail without a valid licence issued by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will be liable to pay a fine not less than Ksh1 million.

Anyone found guilty of using a car to transport bulk LPG that does not possess a valid permit will also attract a fine of not less than Ksh1 million.

Further, any company that fails to display the original or certified copy of the permit at the operation's premises will be liable to pay a fine of not less than Ksh1 million.

The Act also stipulates that any business that supplies bulk LPG to unlicensed companies attracts a fine of Ksh500,000 for each delivery made.

Additionally, companies engaging a driver to supply LPG in bulk without a valid certificate attract a fine of not less than Ksh250,000.

"Failure by the LPG licensee to comply with all the laid out obligations set by EPRA will attract a fine of not less than Ksh200,000 for each offence committed," read part of the Act.

The Act also prescribes a 48-hour window to report any LPG-related accident, failure to which attracts a fine not less than Ksh200,000 for each offence committed for each accident not reported within the period.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo speaking during the official release of the Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report on December 15, 2023.

Photo

EPRA

Kenyans who make voluntary savings towards the 10 per cent deposit for President William Ruto's affordable houses will be able to get refunds should they fail to secure one.

As detailed in the Affordable Housing Bill 2023, it was revealed that one can save to raise the 10 per cent deposit which is required for one to be allocated a house.

However, owing to the anticipated demand for housing, one may fail to get a unit and prefer to have their money back.

"An agency shall open a separate bank account where voluntary savings shall be kept and any interest arising from the investment of voluntary savings shall be credited to this account. An agency shall issue an account number to each person making a voluntary saving."

President William Ruto interreacting with contractors in Nandi County in January 2024 and affordable houses constructed in Nakuru County.

PCS

"A person who has made a voluntary saving and has not been allocated an affordable housing unit and desires to withdraw his or her savings shall give a 90 days notice to the agency for a refund with accrued interest, if any," reads the proposed Bill in part.

The refunds will also take less than 90 days to be processed.

Monthly Payments 

As detailed by Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, affordable housing will be offered in three categories namely; Social, Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and Market.

Kenyans will also be able to own the homes through a rent-to-own option. This will entail the payment of a 10 per cent deposit and monthly instalments spread out over several years to enable one to meet the house value.

Social

The social housing units will be offered to low-income earners. The houses will have different units ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom houses.

One-bedroom houses will cost Ksh840,0000. The deposit to be paid for these units is 10 per cent (Ksh84,000). One will then be required to pay Ksh3,200 monthly until they finish paying for the house.

Two-bedroom units will go for Ksh1.2 million with the deposit set at Ksh126,000. The monthly payment for these houses will be Ksh4,800.

On the other hand, three-bedroom houses will go for Ksh1,680,000. Interested buyers will required to pay a deposit of Ksh168,000 before moving in. Subsequent monthly payments were set at Ksh6,400.

Monthly payments for President William Ruto's Affordable Housing Programme.

Photo

Charles Hinga

AHP

One-bedroom units in this category were listed to go for Ksh960,000. Occupants will be required to pay Ksh5,200 monthly after paying a deposit of Ksh96,000.

Two-bedroom houses will be priced at Ksh1.9 million while three-bedroom units will be sold for Ksh2.8 million.

Monthly payments for 2-bedroom houses after the 10 per cent deposit will be Ksh10,400. Occupants of three-bedroom houses, on the other hand, will be making monthly payments of Ksh15,600 after paying their deposits.

Market

Market houses will be bigger compared to those in the social and AHP category. This category will only have one and two-bedroom houses.

One-bedroom houses, 60 square meters in size, will be priced at Ksh4.3 million. The payment model will be set at Ksh432,000 for a deposit and a monthly payment of Ksh31,000.

Three-bedroom units on the other hand will be 80 square meters in size and cost Kenyans Ksh5.7 million. Monthly payments after the 10 per cent deposit will be Ksh41,000.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga speaking to journalists at State House Nairobi on May 24, 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

Kenyans can now access up to nine essential Judiciary services at Huduma Centres, a move that adds to the wide catalogue of government services citizens can access under one roof.

This directive aims to increase access to justice for Kenyans as part of the Judiciary's larger strategy.

In a notice dated January 29, Huduma Kenya announced that all Kenyans will also be able to file for a civil case, obtain documents from an existing case and obtain mention dates from all centres across the country.

GPO Nairobi, City Square, Makadara, Kibra, Eastleigh, and Thika Huduma Centres were chosen to pilot six other services as the judiciary looks to scale the service to different facilities across the country.

It is now possible to file a new case at the nearest centre using the following processes.

A photo of Court Proceedings at Milimani Law Courts

Photo

The Judiciary

To file a plea, follow these steps at your nearest Huduma Centre:

Head to the Judiciary desk.

Bring along a valid National Identification card or passport.

Make sure you have a pre-prepared scanned pleading in PDF format.

Have enough money with you to cover any fines, deposits and court fees.

Once you have presented all three documents, the service desk will create an e-filing account for you.

If you already have an account, you'll need to provide your password.

The service desk will then book a case from your account and give you a case number.

If it's a virtual case, the desk will also provide you with the hearing date and link.

Upon presentation of ID cards from their respective law firms or advocates, court registry staff at Huduma Centre will also be able to serve advocates and law firm representatives.

Furthermore, Huduma Centers had previously expanded services offered to include pension claims.

A photo of lawyers deliberating about a case.

Photo

Labour guide