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The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday published a step-by-step guide on how to apply for duplicate logbooks.

In a detailed guide, the body stated that the updated process falls in line with NTSA's migration to the eCitizen platform as directed by President William Ruto who envisioned a single pay bill for all government services, a move he stated will streamline processes and stamp out corruption.

While Kenyans will be able to access NTSA services on eCitizen, motorists will be charged an extra Ksh50 as the service charge. They will also be required to fork out Ksh2,550 to access a duplicate logbook.

A screengrab of the eCitizen homepage with various services

Kenyans.co.ke

Below is how to apply for the logbook through the eCitizen portal.

Motorists should log into their eCitizen account and select the NTSA service portal (new). In December last year, NTSA urged all motorists to verify their accounts to avoid being left out.

After accessing the portal, select motor vehicle services and click on view.

Proceed to the duplicate logbook option and click the next button. You will then select the reason you want the duplicate logbook.

You will then be required to attach the necessary documents in one Portable Document Format (PDF). Then select the logbook counter collection office of your preference.

Note that you will be required to attach some documents such as a police abstract, an affidavit, and a tape lift report.

To complete the process, you will enter the details of any person authorised to collect the logbook, then click search.

Next, scroll down and tick the declaration box then click preview and finally submit to pay for the duplicate logbook and click complete.

NTSA stated that all applications will be processed within three days from the day of application.

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

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NTSA/Kenyans.co.ke

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued an updated process to be used for the application of new plates following the migration of services to eCitizen.

In a notice dated Monday, NTSA issued a step-step process to be used by motorists during the application for the new generation plates. Notably, applications will be done on the eCitizen platform.

As a start, motorists will be required to log into their eCitizen account and select the new NTSA service portal.

After the selection of the NTSA portal, motorists should pick the motor vehicle section to view the services offered.

A photo of the eCitizen platform relaunch at KICC on June 30, 2023.

PSC

"Click motor vehicle services then reflective plate. Select plate type and counter collection office and attach the required documents in one PDF format.

"Scroll down and tick the declaration box then click preview and submit to pay for reflective plate and click complete," read the notice in part.

According to NTSA, applicants can apply for a single or pair of reflective plates.

Single reflective plates will cost motorists Ksh1,550 while a double reflective plate will be charged at Ksh3,050.

NTSA detailed that upon completion of the steps, a collection notification will be sent via SMS.

All applications will be processed within seven working days from the date of application.

"We request motor vehicle owners who have received SMS alerts on the collection of reflective number plates to visit the centres they identified during the application process," read the notice in part.

The new generation number plates were launched by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi on August 30, 2022, in a move aimed at enhancing the safety of vehicles.

The new number plates have new security features such as unique typography, a specially-imprinted national flag, and a hologram of the Big Five animals.

Over 580,000 students who scored C- and below in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam will be eligible for certificate and artisan courses of their choice in this year's selection process.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) offers a list of courses under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme where students can select these courses based on cluster points.

Cluster points in this case refer to the maximum points a student can attain in a particular cluster (four subjects) required for admission to a given programme against that of the best candidates in the particular KCSE exam year.

In total, these courses can be pursued in 11 TVET colleges approved by the KUCCPS.

Candidates from St Anne's Girls High School, Lioki, in Kiambu County sit for KCSE papers on November 6, 2023.

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KNEC

TVET courses have gained prominence in the past three years with some students snubbing universities to opt for diploma and certificate courses. In 2021, over 15,540 students who scored C+ and above in the 2020 KCSE opted for TVET courses such as plumbing.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at the most sought-after courses in the TVET category.

Business

There are 13 approved business and related courses in the TVET institutions. These include Artisan in Storekeeping, Artisan Accounting Technician, Artisan in Secretarial, Office Administration and Artisan in Human Resource Management.

Artisan in Supply Chain Management, Front Office Operations as well as Housekeeping and Accommodation are included in the category.

The minimum entry grade into these courses is E. Further, parents will have to pay an average of Ksh60,000 for the programmes yearly.

Building and Construction

Certificate courses in this category include Artisan in Building Technology, Artisan in Masonry, Building Artisan, Artisan in Land Survey, Land Surveying Artisan, and Trade Test in Masonry.

Some of the colleges offering these TVET courses are Baringo Technical College, Chuka Technical and Vocational College, Gatundu South Technical and Vocational College, and Kandara Technical and Vocational College.

The courses are also available in Kisumu, Kitale, Meru, Sigalagala and Bungoma polytechnics.  

Engineering Technology

KCSE candidates who missed degree and diploma courses can pursue engineering certificates at the KUCCPS-approved institutions.

There are currently 25 approved certificates in the engineering sector. These include Artisan in Electrical Installation, Artisan in Electrical Wireman, Electrical Installation Level 4, Artisan in Electrical and Electronics and Artisan in Automotive Engineering.

Polytechnics offering the course include Eldoret, Sigalagala, Kisumu, Kitale and Nyeri.

President William Ruto interacting with students of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) during his visit to the institution on December 8, 2022.

PCS

Information Technology

Courses under this category include Artisan in Information Communication Technology, ICT Artisan Level 4, ICT Technician Level 4 and 
National Vocational Certificate in Education and Training (NVCET) Certificate in ICT among others.

The average amount a parent pays for their child to enrol in these programmes is Ksh67,000 annually.

The courses are also offered in the following TVET institutions; Ebukanga, Karumo, Kieni, Kinango, Masai, Masinga, Mawego, Mwala and Riragia.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

With a minimum KCSE grade of E, students can apply for the course in the following TVET institutions; Bureti, Bushiangala, Bomet, Chuka, Gatundu, Ikutha, Kaelo, Kakrao and Karumo.

Others include; Lodwar, Limuru, Mathioya, Mbeere North, Molo, Mwala, Nachu, Nuu and Okame TVET institutions.

These courses include Artisan in Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy, Artisan in Hairdressing, and Artisan in Hair and Beauty among others.

President Wiliam Ruto unveiled the New Funding Model [NFM] to cushion needy students struggling to pay school fees. 

The funding targets students joining universities and TVETs, but have already received letters of placement from Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). 

NFM is student-centred with loans and bursaries apportioned to applicants based on their level of need. 

Students from vulnerable and extremely needy households receive 100% funding while the needy and less needy get 93% government funding and 7% for tuition fees.

Kenya introduced new currency notes in 2019.

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AJ Kenyan Safari

In this system, students are now required to apply for scholarships as opposed to uniform awards even to affluent households per semester.

How to Enroll

• Go to www.hef.co.ke/portal

• Click on the student portal

• Confirm whether you have a National identity card (ID) then enter the details.

• If you don't have an ID use your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) index number

• Enter a valid email address, to receive a verification email

• Activate the link through your email then log in again

• Enter your phone number to verify the new account, in case the link expires click resend to get a new code

• After verification, you can now access your portal from which you add your bio details, education qualifications, and address.

• Track and access the stages of your scholarship application.

A photo of CS Machogu and TSC Chair Dr. Nancy Macharia during the release of 2023 KCSE Results

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TSC

Every commercial property owner in Kenya is expected to pay their  Rental Income Tax. However, most landlords use the long and tedious method to complete the process. 

In order to enhance transparency and streamline processes, the government has rolled out the use of pay bill 222222, which is now the single receiving channel for all government services including making rental income tax payments.

The government has already moved to enhance tax compliance amongst landlords by revising the rental income tax rate downwards from 10 percent to 7.5 percent on gross rent received, a move that has already been welcomed by landlords.

Landlords are supposed to register for a Monthly Rental Income (MRI) before being allowed to submit their Rental Income tax.

Monthly Rental Income (MRI) is payable by property owners on rental income received exceeding Ksh280,000 but below Ksh15 million annually.

A photo of Times Tower,KRA headquarters.

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KRA

Steps to Register a Property for an MRI

1. Go to the itax portal www.itax.kra.go.ke 

2. Go to the registration tab and click on the very last option Register Property details then click on Next

3. Go to section B which should be filled by the taxpayer depending on the type of property ranging from New property, Update property, or Deregister property.

4. After selecting the type of property, proceed to fill out a PIN of a tenant of the said property.

5. The system will auto-populate your name and details.

6. Fill out the needed details depending on the selected options and enter the estimated monthly rent then click on add

7. Enter any remarks under Application Remarks and click on submit.

8. You will receive an acknowledgment Receipt for the registered property details.

For registered landlords who want to submit their returns, they will have to follow these steps.

     1. Login to www.itax.kra.go.ke 

     2. Under the returns tab, click on File Return

     3. Select the obligation Income Tax - Rental Income and click on next. This will generate two options:

     4. Sections A and B

      Select whether you are filing an Original Return or an Amended Return.

     5. The total number of properties will be auto-populated based on the number of properties. If there are none, this field will need to be entered.

     6. Enter your monthly rental income. 

     7 . The Tax on rental income will be automatically computed. Where you have any rental withholding certificates and credits for the month in reference, the system will auto-populate and the tax due will also be calculated by factoring in all the  credits where any applies

    8. The final step is to click the Submit  button

    9. MRI is a final tax; therefore, persons are not required to declare the same in their annual income tax.

After filing the MRI,  generate a payment slip through

1. The payment registration number is generated through itax via www.itax.kra.go.ke 

2. Under the tab Payments select New Payment Registration. 

3. Select the tax head as Income Tax and the Tax sub-head as Income tax -rent. 

4. Select the payment type as Self-Assessment Tax where the return has already been filed and proceed to enter the tax periods (year and month).

5. After selecting the radio button, click on the Add button then select the payment mode which is through Paybill.

6. Press ‘Submit’ and retrieve a unique payment registration number, which will be used for mobile payment.

After downloading the receipt;

1. Go to your sim toolkit
2. Enter paybill 222222
3. Enter the Payment Registration number (PRN) as the account number.
4. Key in the amount indicated on the PRN 
5. Enter your PIN and click send.

One can also opt to use this method.

1. Dial *222#

2. Select the pay KRA bill option

3. Enter the E-slip (PRN) number

4. Select payment mode M-PESA 

5. Enter the M-PESA pin and complete the rest of the process.

Rental Income is filed on or before the 20th of the following month. Complete a monthly tax return online via iTax by declaring the gross rent and tax payable will be computed automatically at a rate of 7.5 per cent.

For any month that the landlord does not receive any rent, he/she shall file a NIL return.

Residential rental income is final tax therefore, persons are not required to declare the same in their annual income tax returns.

A photo of rental apartments.

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Tolet Digital Agency

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Friday released the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examination results.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) officials confirmed that they sent a dispatch to headteachers on how they can access the results. 

Grade 6 students can now access the results by contacting their respective schools. A spot-check revealed that students can only access details of their registration using the KNEC portal, but headteachers only can log in with the details of the school code together with the learners' details to download them. 

This is through the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) CBA portal - cba.knec.ac.ke. 

Entrance to KNEC offices along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi.

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KNEC

Headteachers will be required to download and print the results in certificate form and issue them to the parents and the students. 

A source at KNEC explained to Kenyans.co.ke that the release of the results would not have any fanfare and ceremonies as usually experienced in other national examination results.

"While releasing the KCSE results, CS Machogu stated that the KPSEA results would be released on the portal. It is the headteachers who have been given access to the results," the source stated.

How to Access an Individual's KPSEA Exam Results

Log in to cba.knec.ac.ke

Select: KPSEA/KILEA portal

Under reports, click on 'View Reports'

Type the assessment number then click on download KPSEA/KILEA performance report

Accessing the KPSEA/KILEA School-Specific Results

Using the school's credentials, log in to the CBA portal: cba.knec.ac.ke

Select KPSEA/KILEA portal

Under reports, click on 'View Reports'

Click on School Specific Report

Select View Report

Download and print the report

Unlike in previous years, candidates will not be able to access national exam results through an SMS code.

A total of 1.2 million candidates sat the KPSEA exams last year, marking the second cohort to sit the examinations under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). 

Candidates were assessed in five subjects: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Integrated Science, Social Studies and Creative Arts. Last year, KNEC CEO David Njeng'ere confirmed that the release of the KPSEA results would be pushed further to prioritise the marking of the KCPE exams. 

"KNEC is finalising the KPSEA and we are committed to ensuring that these reports are ready before these learners are ready for junior secondary schools in January 2024," Njeng'ere explained in November 2023. 

KNEC CEO David Njengere during the announcement of the 2022 KCPE Exam at Mtihani House on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

KNEC

At the beginning of the year, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) transferred its service to eCitizen and shut down its Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) platform.

The move was aimed at aligning the authority's services to President William Ruto's drive to enhance the state's digital systems.

Soon after, NTSA instructed all motorists to validate their eCitizen accounts. 

A photo of Public Service Vehicles lining up for inspection at NTSA Centre, Nairobi.

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NTSA

For all public service vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicles to receive their stickers, they can access the service through;

Logging on to eCitizen through ecitizen.go.ke.

After logging in to your account, select the NTSA Service Portal, which is a newly introduced feature.

Then click on the motor vehicle to view.

Once on the page, click on the motor vehicle services and proceed to the inspection type.

The system will direct you to pay for the inspection through which you will click to submit.

Then click on book now and select the centre you prefer as well as the date.

Once you establish that the details are correct, click on complete booking.

In this step, you are required to head to the application history to download and print the receipt and booking slip.

Carry the booking slip and payment receipt for inspection.

The authority advised motorists that the timeline of the process is a single day while the applicant is expected to part with Ksh1,050 as an inspection fee.

Following the migration, motorists will also be expected to use the uniform pay bill 222222 to make payments for NTSA services. Ruto collapsed all government paybills and consolidated all payments into one to seal all graft loopholes.

Before shutting down the portal, NTSA had given motorists a grace period of two days to complete pending transactions on the portal.

Law enforcement officers on the road during a road sensitisation exercise organised by the National Transport and Safety Authority on Monday, May 8, 2023.

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NTSA

The export business in Kenya is extensive with agriculture leading the pack. According to a report by the African Export-Import Bank, Kenya's top export products in 2023 were coffee and tea, animal fats, iron and steel, and salt and cement. 

However,  before registering an export business, it is important to note that there are two types of export licenses. 

Types of Export Licenses

1. One-time export registration is restricted to single products sold to the international market. 

2. The other license is issued for regular export, allowing exporters to sell various goods to the international market on multiple occasions.

   

   Vegetables at a market place. AFA is tasked with regulating the importation and exportation of the crops.

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   AFA

Step-by-step Guide To Register Business 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering an export business in Kenya;

1. Register as a company or business

You will need to register the business as a company in Kenya through the eCitizen Platform.

After registration of the company and receiving a certificate of incorporation, Company PIN, NSSF and NHIF. You will also be required to obtain a business permit from the county government in which you would like to operate.  

2. Open a bank account with a business name 

The registered business will also be required to have a bank account registered. The registration process does not require one to choose one particular bank to work with.

3. Obtain product-specific registrations/licenses & certificates

These are licenses which are particular to the product of export. The eCitizen Portal splits the clearance permits into four categories namely; 

Preliminary/initial registrations: This may involve verifications such as warehouse or farm inspections. Usually, registrations only need to be done once by each entity

Licenses: These are industry-specific and vary depending on each requirement, some industries may require yearly annual 

Permits: Authorisations that must accompany a consignment before clearance procedures can begin.

Customs clearance & border procedures: procedures that are required for the consignment to be cleared with the Customs & Border Control Units at the various exit/entry points.

4. Obtain a sales contract from a buyer 

The Kenya Revenue Authority requires that a sales contract or sales agreement, that describes the goods being sold, the terms and conditions of the sale, and the price to be paid.

5. Have a clearing agent

Every exporter should also have a customs and clearing agent who is registered and licensed.

6. Declaring the Consignment

Every exporter should also provide the clearing agent with a commercial invoice, certificate of origin (where applicable), permit(s) relevant to the consignment, license for restricted goods (where applicable), 

Company or Individual PIN certificates, purchase orders or contracts, and packing lists. 

Once verified, the declared consignment for export, and exit of the consignment through a border point, KRA will process and issue a Certificate of Export.

A Photo of the Ecitizen Platform

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IPSL

Students who scored C- and below in their 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam can pursue diploma and certificate courses in the medical field. 

The courses are offered at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and other accredited institutions by the Ministry of Education. 

Additionally, KMTC offers a chance for students who sit for a certificate course to upgrade to a diploma. 

Kenyans.co.ke compiled a full list of courses that require a KCSE mean grade of C- and below. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attends the KMTC 2023 graduation ceremony on December 31, 2023.

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KMTC

Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics 

Student must have scored a mean grade of C- with a D+ in English or Kiswahili and D+ in Biology/Biological Sciences as well as a D+ in Chemistry/Physical Science.

Additionally, the interested candidate must have a D in any one of the following subjects: Home Science, Agriculture, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, and General Science. 

Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology 

Apart from having a mean grade of C-, the student must have a C- in any of the languages and a D in Biology. 

Other requirements include a D- in Mathematics and a D+ in any of the other examinable subjects. 

Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology (In Service Category)

According to KMTC, the course targets those working in the records department but have no professional qualifications. 

Requirements include a KCSE mean grade of D+ with a D+ in English or Kiswahili and a D- in Mathematics. 

Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics 

For this course, KMTC requires a mean grade of D+ with similar grades in either English or Kiswahili. 

Additionally, students must have scored a D in Biology and in either Chemistry or Physics. 

Certificate in Medical Engineering 

This course requires a C- KCSE mean grade and a C- in English or Kiswahili. 

Other requirements include; a D in Mathematics, a D- in Physics and a D in any of the following - Chemistry, Biology/Biological Sciences, Electricity, Metal Work, Technical Drawing.

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students.

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KMTC

Certificate in Public Health 

Enrollment requires a C- mean grade with a similar grade in any of the languages. 

A D+ in Biology is also required plus a D in Mathematics. 

The student must also have scored a D in any of the following subjects; Home Science, Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture, Building Construction, Technical Drawing, Electricity or Wood Work. 

Certificate in Orthopedic Trauma Medicine 

Apart from a C- mean grade, the student must have scored a C- in English or Kiswahili as well as in Biology. 

The student must also have attained a D+ in any of the following subjects; Mathematics, Physics/Physical Science, Chemistry, Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Drawing, Home, Science, Agriculture, and Computer Studies. 

Certificate in Community Health Nursing 

A mean grade of C- is required to pursue a course in Certificate in Community Health Nursing with a similar grade in English or Kiswahili and Biology. 

The interested applicant must also show proof of scoring a D+ in either Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.

KMTC graduation ceremony on December 7, 2023.

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KMTC

Certificate in Community Health Assistant

A mean grade of C- is required for the course with a D+ in any of the mandatory languages and a D in Biology as well as a D in either of the following subjects; Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics/Physical Sciences, Agriculture, or Home Science. 

Certificate in Medical Emergency Technician

The course only requires a C- KCSE mean grade with no minimum requirement grade for the subjects. 

In 2023, KMTC further introduced a Diploma in Mortuary Science for students who score C- and above. 

Following the recent government decision to implement the newly hiked National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions on all employees and employers, salaried Kenyans will be required to contribute more to the Fund.

For the February payroll, Kenyans will pay between Ksh420 and Ksh1740 to NSSF.

According to the government, all salaried individuals must make contributions to NSSF every month and an employer who fails to deduct and submit employee contributions commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh50,000.

Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to register on the NSSF platform just from the comfort of your phone.

NSSF's PR and Communication Manager Dr. Christopher Khisa during the 19th Edition of the SOYA Awards held at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi on January 16, 2023.

Twitter

NSSF

How to register

Install the NSSF Application by downloading it from Google Play or App Store. 

Fill in login details as required by providing the username and password of your choice. 

Once you click the save button, you will get the notification "Login Saved" to means a successful creation of the offline login. 

Use the username and password to log in back to the app. 

Click the "Members" and "Employers" categories on the menu section. Select the "Employers" category to proceed to the employers' form.

Press the button "Add New Employer" then enter your Employer Number, e-services user name, and e-services password.

The next step involves adding employees; by pressing the "Add new employee" button. After keying in the details, you will be required to verify the information provided. 

This is through the "Verify Employees" button where you enter the employer e-Services user name and e-Services password then press the 'Verify Employees button," you will receive a confirmation message that the employees' verification has been successful.

You will then be required to make submissions, by creating a submission menu and filling various tiers, for instance, tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 and select contribution month and year.

Click make payments by paying via mobile money. Press 'Pay', enter your mobile number, and press "OK", enter your service PIN or press 0 to set up a new one.

You will be notified that the amount you want to pay will be deducted from your mobile money account, respond to either 'Accept' or 'Decline.'

Your mobile money account will indicate that a certain amount has been sent to the National Social Security Fund to account 16* ******** which in this case is the UPN (Unique Payment Number) number of the return you have filed, this is from the mobile money company, you will also receive a UPN from NSSF indicating that the payment has been received.

View the full statement upon completion of registration, and you have the option of downloading it for future reference. 

A photo collage of President William Ruto and the NSSF headquarters in Nairobi.

PCS

NSSF