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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.

Photo

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

KENYANS.CO.KE

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.

Photo

KNBS

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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