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Are you aware that there is a degree course in Kenya that costs north of Ksh700,000 annually?

Well, data released by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) shows that a Bachelor's in Dental Surgery is currently the most expensive undergraduate degree countrywide. 

Analysis by Kenyans.co.ke on the cost of the most expensive degree programme in Kenya for 2022/2023 revealed that students studying Dental Surgery at Moi University are charged Ksh780,000 per year.

On the other hand, the University in Nairobi charges Ksh613,000, which is Ksh167,000 less than Moi in Eldoret. 

UoN dental students at undertaking a practical class.

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UoN

Additionally, a degree in medicine and surgery is the second most expensive programme in the country with most universities charging above Ksh600,000.

At Egerton University, students undertaking a degree in Medicine pay Ksh643,940 in their first year while those at the University of Nairobi fork out Ksh635,000 in fees.

KUCCPS also listed veterinary medicine courses among the most expensive programmes in the country with Egerton University and UoN charging Ksh516,340 and Ksh521,000 per year. 

Other notable courses include Bachelor of Pharmacy which costs Ksh492,660 at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Ksh487,000 at UoN.

Engineering

Among the universities, UoN offers the most expensive programmes in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering with the fees for the degrees costing Ksh441,000.

Technical University of Kenya (TUK) offers the courses at Ksh404,200.

Here Are the Highest Fees Charged for Other Notable Courses

Actuarial Science
Kisii University Bachelor - Ksh289,935
University of Nairobi - Ksh281,350

Education Arts

Kisii University - Ksh283,135
University of Nairobi - Ksh263,000

Education Science

University of Nairobi  - Ksh334,000
Kisii University - Ksh295,885

Law

University of Nairobi - Ksh261,000 
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology - Ksh238,208

In several instances, businessmen find themselves landing on tender adverts with tight deadlines.

Businessmen interested in such are required to submit an up to date CR12.

A CR12 is an official confirmation by the Registrar of Companies in Kenya as to whom the directors and shareholders of a company are. The document also confirms that the company's records exist at the Company registry.

According to the Business Registration Service (BRS), owners of businesses registered before 2017 that require CR12 on the go need to login to the eCitizen platform and link their businesses.

BRS, in an official statement defines linking a business as the process of capturing manual company records online. The process of onboarding a business is free.

Business Registration Services (BSR) Company offices in Nairobi.

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Business Registration Services

Step-by-Step Process of Linking a Business

The first step in the entire process is to login the directors, director-shareholders or appointed company secretaries account on eCitizen and entering the username and password.

From there, Select Business Registration Service (BRS) and click "Link Business".

You will then be  prompted to enter the name or registration number of the business, after which you then click search.

From the search results, select the business you want to link to the portal then click the next drop-down.

In the edit details prompt, you will see the field where you will be required to enter the business details. This includes the; Business Name, Registration Number, Registration Type, and Registration Date. 

Click save and continue.

Proceed to fill in the nature of the business as you enter its capacity.

Fill in the details of the registered office addresses and add all the information as required on the portal.

On the share category, provide information on shares by adding the number of shares, and the value of each share.

Finally, key in the details of all directors/shareholders, personal details, and the shares and beneficial ownership information, then save.

Once you click on the save button, you can download the auto beneficial form that will be automatically formulated once you fill in all the data.

The next step is going through it and ensuring that the data you have filled is factual and correct.

Conclusion

After completing the stipulated steps, your business information will be online and upto date.

From there, you can proceed to apply for a tender of your choice and compete with other interested bidders.

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

PSC

Treasury Bonds and Bills are considered among the safest investments since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government.  

In this regard, bonds and bills are not only an important form of investment for short and long tenors but are also used as a baseline for other investment returns.

When an investor buys Treasury Bills or Bonds, they are simply lending money to the government. Essentially, you're loaning money to the government by purchasing a bond at a predetermined interest rate. 

In turn, the government will pay you at a fixed interest rate for a set duration of time. Several people often confuse or fail to understand how the two instruments operate and their differences.

CBK Governor Kamau addressing a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on June 27, 2023.

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CBK

The government uses the money to finance its operations and pay for ongoing expenses such as salaries for workers. 

Treasury Bonds

Treasury bonds are debt securities issued by the government and are traded on the secondary market, allowing bondholders to receive money for their security without re-discounting. 

There are many different term lengths and interest rates to choose from. Treasury bonds are long-term instruments with extended tenors.

CBK usually auctions Treasury Bonds every month, but offers a variety of bonds throughout the year, so prospective investors should regularly check for upcoming auctions.

Most Treasury Bonds in Kenya offer a fixed rate, meaning that the interest rate determined at auction is locked in for the entire life of the bond. This makes Treasury Bonds a predictable, long-term source of income. 

Treasury Bills

Meanwhile, Treasury Bills are short-term financial instruments issued by the Central Bank of Kenya with a maturity of up to one year.

If you invest money in a Treasury Bill, you will receive that money back within three months, six months or one year, depending on the bill you choose.

Treasury Bills are sold at a discount to the par value, which can be thought of as the maturity amount.

How to Invest in Treasury Bills

While commercial banks, corporate entities and pension schemes are some of the largest investors in government securities, individuals can invest directly through the Central Bank.

If you’re interested in investing in government securities you must have a bank account with a commercial bank in Kenya, and you must open a Central Depository Agent (CDS) account with CBK. 

A CDS account is an electronic account that holds shares only.

You will also need to submit a clear copy of your National Identity Card, passport or alien certificate.

Kenyans and foreign investors who meet these qualifications are free to invest in government securities directly with the Central Bank.

How to Invest in Treasury Bonds

Through the Dhow CSD portal and mobile application, individuals and corporations can invest in Treasury bills without going through an intermediary.

One can access the application platform through https://dhowcsd.centralbank.go.ke/  and register for a CSD account.  

Investors can equally invest via their respective commercial banks.

A photo collage of President William Ruto and the Central Bank Headquarters Building in Nairobi, Kenya.

PCS

The Kenya Railways Corporation has outlined measures to promote personal safety when boarding and disembarking from trains, aiming to enhance the efficiency and safety its systems. 

Kenya Railways emphasises that it gives priority to the safety of passengers, employees, partners and the general public when on and around the trains.

Among the safety measures include observing the yellow line, waiting for the doors to open to using grab rails for stability. 

Stand behind the yellow line until the train comes to a complete stop. 

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train readies for takeoff at the Nairobi terminus, July 2, 2024.

Photo: Kenya Railways

The yellow line serves to prevent passengers from accidentally falling onto the railway tracks or being struck by oncoming trains. 

Proximity to the line can induce dizziness that increases the risk of someone falling onto the rail tracks.

Do not force doors open or attempt to board when the train is leaving the platform. 

If a passenger misses their train, it is advised to wait for the next scheduled one rather than attempting to catch a train that is already in motion.

Allow other passengers to step off the train before you board. 

This ensures a smooth transition between those boarding and those alighting, which in turn reduces time wastage during round trips. It also prevents cases of collision and falling among passengers.

Station attendants and train crew will assist passengers with special needs to board the train. 

Station attendants have been given training on how to handle people with disability, including giving them priority when boarding and getting off trains. 

If you are travelling with a pram or a shopping trolley, board at the front carriage so you are visible to the driver. 

Passengers with heavy luggage are subject to specific guidelines set by train operators, including pointers on getting off and on the train, and ensuring utilization of spaces allocated for heavy luggage.

When boarding the train, enter the pram first and lift the back in if the train isn't level with the platform. 

To ensure there is stability, even distribution of weight on the pram prevents trips and falls, and further, to prevent the pram from rolling away when exiting the train, ensure you step off first and then pull the pram towards you. 

Use the grab rails to steady yourself when boarding or alighting to steady yourself. 

Grab rails are strategically placed to help passengers comfortably board and alight trains, by giving them stability, especially in cases of frail platforms placed on train doorways. 

Prepare to alight before reaching your destination station.

This proactive approach helps minimise time wastage at various drop-off points. However, passengers should ensure they have something to hold onto to maintain balance when the train comes to a halt.

The corporation, in efforts to ensure its clients are safe, has encouraged members of the public to employ the outlined guidelines and to further reduce cases of accidents and delays while using the train system in the country. 

According to the Kenya Railways Corporation Act, individuals travelling in any part of a train, vessel, or vehicle other than areas typically designated for passenger use while travelling, whether with or without permission, are not eligible for compensation in the event of an injury or accident involving the train.

"The Corporation shall not be liable for the loss of life of, or for personal injury to, any passenger except where the loss of life or personal injury is caused by the want of ordinary care, diligence or skill on the part of the Corporation or of any employee," the Act reads in part. 

The Mombasa Terminus of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

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Kenya Railways

Every year, Kenyans who have lived abroad for a long time, return to Kenya with some of them choosing to relocate permanently.

As you would expect, this category of Kenyans brings with them property and other valuables acquired in foreign nations.

One of the most common items returning Kenyans bring back home is their vehicles. This choice is motivated by a variety of factors, such as convenience, differences in regulations, savings, and sentimental value.

Fortunately, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) grants tax exemptions but under certain conditions

Officials from KRA during a routine car inspection in June 2023

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KRA

The taxman defines a returning resident as a Kenyan citizen relocating from a residence outside Kenya to a place of their choice within the country.

KRA specifies that returning residents are exempted from payment of Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, and Import Declaration Form (IDF). 

Further, KRA categorically states that persons under this category can enjoy a motor vehicle exemption so long as it is one motor vehicle they are bringing back excluding buses and minibuses.

"The mentioned goods for exemption must be shipped and imported into Kenya within 90 days of the date arrival of the passenger or such further period not exceeding 360 days from such arrival as the Commissioner may allow," reads part of the regulations.

Kenyans.co.ke highlights some of the requirements returning residents are required to meet before being allowed to import their vehicles to Kenya without paying tax.

Requirements

The applicant must demonstrate proof of ownership and the vehicle's use 12 months before return.

KRA also specifies that the vehicle must not be more than eight years old from the date of manufacture.

Similarly, the applicant must also produce evidence of travel in the form of a passport or appropriate travel documentation.

KRA also requires that the individual must not have enjoyed a similar exemption within the last four years.

The vehicle must also be shipped into the country within ninety days or a further period not exceeding 360 days upon approval by the Commissioner, of the return of the individual resident.

Besides the above requirements, for an exemption to be granted, an applicant must be changing residence permanently.

"A person is accorded an exemption on another motor vehicle once every four years and provided that all the duties on the earlier exempted motor vehicle have been paid for," KRA specifies.

Meanwhile, spouses who are not Kenyan citizens may be accorded tax exemption on a first-arrival basis provided that they are coming to execute an assignment whose contract is not less than two years.

A terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi Kenya.

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KAA

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management Regulations), 2024 came into force on February 9 this year to provide a framework that promotes cybersecurity.

According to the regulations, an individual can file a report on cyber crimes either through electronic or physical means to the National Computer and the National Cybercrimes Co-ordination Committee.

The Regulation Act also provides that the National Police Service should establish a cybercrime reporting desk in every police post and police station in twelve months.

Reporting can be done both electronically and physically in these stations once they are established.

A police officer holding his gun at a Cybercafé.

Kenyans.co.ke

For one to file a report, they need to fill a FORM CMCA 7 that will be made available at the point of reporting

The following personal identifiers are required to report cybercrime: A valid email address, official websites under attack, and a phone number.

One must also indicate the county of residence,  type of threat, attack, intrusion, risk or other disruption they have experienced.

Additionally, the report should also note the date and time of the incident and screenshots of the suspicious activity and malicious social media accounts; or any other evidence of the crime.

While announcing the regulations coming into force, the Ministry of Interior stated that they were necessary to safeguard institutions within various sectors.

“These regulations enhance the capacity of both public and private sector institutions, such as the telecommunications, banking, transport, and energy sectors, to safeguard critical digital information from cyberattacks and improve cybersecurity readiness, stated the Ministry of Interior.

The Cybercrime regulations also provide that there will be the creation of a Critical Information Infrastructure Cybersecurity Operations Centre which shall be responsible for monitoring, detecting, preventing, responding and investigating cyber threats, within a specific sector as listed within the Act.

According to the Act, the Cybersecurity Operations Sector shall also provide real-time information on cyber threats and incidents to the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre to avert cybercrimes.
 

Interior PS Raymond Omollo speaks to the press during the inspection of Moi Stadium in Embu County on February 21, 2023.

Ministry of Interior

Little known to many, one can change their official business name for only Ksh 4,200 on the new eCitizen portal.

Whether it pertains to an organisation or an individual business, there are various reasons why one might opt to change their official business name.

This could entail a change in ownership, mergers and acquisitions, the consolidation of multiple companies into one entity, or simply a desire to streamline the name for rebranding purposes, among others.

To facilitate this process, here is a guide on how you can accomplish it from the comfort of your home or office.

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

PSC

Step-by-step guide

Log in to eCitizen then select 'Business Registration Services' (BRS).

Click View under the "My Businesses' section of the dashboard.

Select the company you would like to change the name of.

Click on 'Maintain a company' then Select 'Make Application'.

In the drop-down click 'Change business particulars'.

Before you key in the preferred name and to avoid duplicating another company's name,  apply a name search and pay Ksh 150.

Once you are sure of the name, key it in and the particulars then hold on. Before submitting the details, you need to accompany it with official signed documents.

To do this, open another tab, and log in to the BRS website.

Under downloads, click forms/regulations then go to the company registry.

Download file Form CR 15 (Notice of change of name) and CR 19 (Notice of special/ Ordinary Resolution) to file the change of name.

Upload the signed forms in your eCitizen portal and pay Ksh 4,050, for the change of name.

What next

Once you have submitted the payment and the signed forms, you will need to wait for the approval and notification of the name change, a process that can take up to five days.

BRS, or Business Registration Service, is a government body solely mandated as the custodian of a comprehensive list of all companies and information for entities registered in Kenya.

Entrance to the Companies Registry Building in Nairobi.

File

Have you ever run out of Kenya Power tokens and tried loading afresh but you were unsuccessful?

On most occasions, reloading tokens after depletion proves to be a challenge for many consumers who are forced to indulge their neighbours to enable them reload.

According to Kenya Power, the problem often occurs when the Customer Interface Unit (CIU) is not connected to power.

To avoid the hustle and bustle of looking for a neighbour who hasn't experienced a power cut, the utility firm notes that one can solve this challenge by inputting new batteries and connecting the CIU to a socket.

A photo of someone inserting KPLC tokens on their gadgets.

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KPLC

However, the socket has to be the outlet the CIU has been connected to all along.

Kenya Power noted most Kenyans often try to connect the gadget to several sockets and that should not be the case.

"The CIU needs well-powered batteries to communicate with the Meter. Once new batteries are installed in the device, use the same socket previously used to load tokens.

"New batteries should also be installed if the meter keeps going off when using the keypad on the CIU," Kenya Power advised in its manual.

Other Challenges

On the other hand, should the method mentioned above fail, one should check the meter boxes to ensure that there is power.

"The meter should be blinking red if there is power. In case there is no light at the meter box, this should be reported as a power outage," the utility firm added.

Should one confirm that there is power and the reloading of tokens is not going through, consumers are advised to check if there is a trip.

"If the breaker is off, switch it on and try to load your token again," Kenya Power added.

Kenya Power technicians installing a transformer in Kisumu County on April 5, 2022.

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Kenya Power

At the beginning of February 2023, the government raised the mandatory National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions revising the rate from Ksh200 with the government transitioning to a graduated plan that will eventually gobble up to 6% of Kenyan employees' salaries.

However, despite the government announcing the new rates, there has been confusion amongst Kenyan employers over the changes one year after the government started implementing the NSSF Act, 2013 and the level of deductions they would be required to enforce.

The Act came into effect in February 2023, following years of protracted court battles since 2014. 

Following a Court of Appeal ruling that approved the deductions last year, it symbolised the first year that the NSSF deductions would take effect. 

This meant that employees earning Ksh6,000 have been contributing Ksh360 towards the scheme while those earning Ksh18,000 and above have been contributing 1,080, an amount which is matched by the employer.

With the first year lapsing in January 2024, the Fund reviewed the deductions which took effect at the beginning of February 2024. 

Hence, the average amount an employer can deduct from their workers' payslips ranges between Ksh420 and Ksh1,740. NSSF is based on two categories based on an employee's earnings; Lower Earnings Limit and Upper Earnings Limit.

A screengrab of the eCitizen homepage with various services

Kenyans.co.ke

The Lower Earnings Limit, considered the lowest pensionable salary was raised from Ksh6,000 to Ksh7,000. In this category, employees will remit Ksh420 from the previous Ksh360.

On the other hand, the Upper Earnings Limit was also hiked from Ksh18,000 to Ksh29,000, meaning workers will contribute Ksh1,740, up from Ksh1,080.

In each category, an employee's contribution must be matched by the employer. The new charges aim to raise Ksh1 trillion in the next five years.

Additionally, NSSF migrated its services to the eCitizen platform in line with President William Ruto's directive for all services to be consolidated in one platform.

With this in mind, Kenyans.co.ke lists the step-by-step process through which Kenyans can make their contributions.

Process

Sign in to ecitizen.go.ke

Locate "NSSF" in the Agencies section and click on it to access NSSF Services.

Select the service "Voluntary Contribution" or "Employer Payment"

(Employer payment is the deductions an employer makes on an employee's pensionable earnings to the fund each month while voluntary contribution allows workers and employers to save for retirement voluntarily).

For Voluntary Contribution Service, select "Voluntary Contribution" and enter NSSF Member Number. 

Click "Validate" and key in the amount you are required to pay.

Click "Make Payment" and select the preferred Payment Mode and follow the instructions given and complete the transaction.

On the other hand, for Employer Payment Service; one will be required to generate a Unique Payment Number (UPN) from the NSSF E-Service portal.

Select "Employer Payment" and enter UPN.

Select the preferred Payment Mode and follow the instructions given.

President William Ruto at the Imperial Palace in Toyko, Japan on February 9, 2024

PCS

How to Make Payments Through USSD

For voluntary Contribution Services, dial *222# and select 'Make Payment.'

You will be provided with a list requiring one to either enter the invoice number, service code, airport entry, or KICC entry.

Select Option 2 - Enter Service Code and enter the NSSFV (the NSSF number for self-employed workers).

Enter the Member Number and key in the amount to pay.

Confirm payment by selecting option 1. 

Enter your mobile money PIN and you will receive a confirmation SMS.

For Employer Payment Service

Dial *222# and select 'Make Payment'.

Enter the Service Code by selecting option 2.

Enter NSSFE (for employers) as well as enter Member Number.

Key in the amount to pay.

Confirm payment by selecting option 1.

Enter the mobile money PIN.

You will receive a confirmation SMS from your mobile service provider.

N/B NSSF will receive a notification immediately after payment is made. 

On December 27, 2023, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) directed all motorists to validate their eCitizen accounts after it migrated from the TIMs portal. 

In its new portal, NTSA onboarded all the services including the application and renewal of driving licences for all types of vehicles.

Meanwhile, if you already possess a driving license or recently applied for one, it is important to check its status regularly to ensure its validity and compliance with the law.

How to Check Driving Licence Status

A photo of NTSA officials inspecting a vehicle on November 11, 2022.

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NTSA

Log into the Visit the eCitizen website at www.ecitizen.go.ke and sign in using your credentials. 

Then proceed to the NTSA service section. 

Locate and click on the option that says “Application History.” 

Key in the required information (Identification number or name) and click on the “Submit” button.

After submitting the required details, the system will display the current status of your driver’s licence. NTSA will indicate whether the license is valid, suspended, or expired.

Archived Driving Licence

There are instances where the driving licence may display as “Archived". This means a license holder has been removed from the NTSA database. 

NTSA usually archives licences that are subject to verification of validity, entitlement, convictions, penalty points, endorsements, and revocations.

Individuals with archived licences should visit the nearest NTSA office and present copies of their national identification cards and driver's licences for assistance. 

The documents can also be submitted online by sending a request through the authority's email address. 

Police officers stop a car along the Eastern bypass on February 28, 2022. NTSA began a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles countrywide.

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NTSA Kenya