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When starting a company, business, or partnership in Kenya it is advisable to have a name that is unique and distinguishes your entity from other similar establishments.

In Kenya, it is a requirement under the law to register your business and obtain licenses from both the national and county government in line with the type of business you intend to operate.

However, there are those instances where business owners fail to acquire their preferred business names despite there not being other establishments bearing similar names.

The Business Registration Service (BRS) lists several reasons why company names are rejected and potential reasons why preferred company names are not registered.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at the most common reasons.

Director General of the Business Registration Service Kenneth Gathuma

Photo

KPSA

The most common reason why the Business Registration Service may fail to register a business name is if there is a phonetic resemblance with the name of a company or business name, a limited liability partnership that has already been registered.

Another common reason why business names are rejected is if the name you suggested already appears in the Registrar's index of company names, business names, and limited liability partnerships or other types of partnerships.

BRS also outlines that it declines registration if the name is largely identical to a name that has been reserved by the registrar for use in connection with a proposed company, business name, limited liability partnership, and other partnerships.

Similarly, another common reason is if the name you want to register is different from an existing name only by the addition of a name of a place, locality, or region located within Kenya.

The government may also decline to register a business name in instances where it is similar to a company that has been dissolved or has been struck off by the registrar

In business registration law, you cannot register a name that is similar to a body or corporation established in the Constitution.

Attempts to register a business name may also be rebuffed in the instance where the registrar believes that its use may involve the commission of a criminal offence. 

The registrar may also decline to register a business name if they have grounds to believe the business name may be offensive, undesirable, or not in the public's best interests. 

It is preferable to put all the listed reasons into consideration as you seek a good name for your business.

 This will help you find a good name and save you the stress of not knowing why the BRS may decline to register your preferred name.

A person signing a document

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Imperial Registrars

Kenyans who fail to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund will miss out on government services after the Social Health Insurance Act took effect. 

According to the Social Health Insurance Fund Bill, which came into law following its ascension by President William Ruto on October 19, one will be required to show proof of their registration into the scheme before accessing government services.

The services include those sought from the 47 county government offices.

"Any person who is registerable as a member under this Act shall produce proof of registration with the Social Health Insurance Fund as a precondition of dealing with or accessing public services from the national government, county government or a national or county government entities," reads the act in part.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha attending a meeting at Afya House on May 10, 2023.

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Ministry of Health

On the other hand, employers must remit the monthly deductions on time.

Employers who fail to submit the deductions at the required time will face charges, which attract a fine of Ksh1 million.

An imprisonment term not exceeding three years has also been prescribed for such acts.

"Any person who knowingly makes any deduction from the wages of the employee in respect of any contribution which he is liable as a contributing employer to pay under this Act, other than a deduction which he is authorized to make by this Act, commits an offence.

"They shall be liable to liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both," reads the Act in part.

Those who make false statements with the purpose of obtaining any benefit for themselves will also be liable to a fine of Ksh1 million.

The Act is yet to come into force with the Ministry of Health under Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha expected to release guidelines on the monthly deductions.

Various reports suggest that employed Kenyans will part way with 2.75 per cent of their salary in addition to the 1.5 per cent of the Housing Fund.

A photo of the NHIF building in Nairobi's Upper Hill taken on March 4, 2020.

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NHIF

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu is expected to release the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results today.

It is expected that once the Cabinet Secretary issues his statement, the results will be made immediately available to the candidates who will be able to access them via SMS.

As reported by the Ministry of Education, over 1 million students sat for the 2023 KCPE exams. 

Education PS Belio Kipsang (in suit) addressing KCPE and KPSEA students at Ngata Primary School on October 30, 2023

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EduMinKenya

How to Check KCPE 2023 Results Via SMS

Students, parents, or guardians should send the candidate's index number to 40054.

Once the results are announced, students will be able to access them. However, the service costs Ksh25 per SMS.

Due to the high number of pupils who sat for the exams, it is likely that the system might experience delays.

However, the government advises parents and pupils to be patient in the event this happens.

Through KNEC Portal

If the SMS option is not viable, those interested can visit KNEC's online portal.

While on the portal, click on the KNEC tab and select the year the candidate sat for the exams.

Enter the index number, submit and the results will appear.

For this to work, note that you need internet connectivity to access the portal and be able to print the results.

Besides the above methods, interested parties can also get the results from the county offices or their respective schools.

These two may take longer compared to using the digital channels.

KNEC officials after opening exam container at Kamukunji Sub County on December 5, 2022

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Ministry of Education

The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), in a survey released in November 2023, indicated that a section of recruiters prefer applicants with a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate only. 

According to the Skills Needs Survey Report 2023, Kenyans who do not have an undergraduate degree are mostly preferred in public safety, corrections and security career fields. 

KCSE certificate holders were also ranked top for positions in the arts and recreational services. 

While high school graduates earn the least average salary in Kenya, they form the largest workforce, according to FKE. 

An invigilator distributes papers to Starehe Boys' Centre students sitting KCSE exams in 2021.

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Ministry of Education

For example, the security industry is one of the biggest employers in the country, with over 1,800 firms spread across the country. 

According to the Private Security Regulatory Authority, there were over 700,000 security guards as of July 2022. 

The number of security guards is double that of trained primary and secondary school teachers in the country. 

While the government is pushing for a Ksh27,000 minimum salary for security guards, most earn below Ksh15,000 monthly. 

FKE noted that Kenyans with at least a certificate or diploma course are likely to be employed in transport, distribution and logistics fields.

Additionally, they are in demand in social service and community development and hospitality and tourism career fields. 

“Workers with up to undergraduate degree qualification are mostly demand in information technology, finance and business management, and legal professions,” the report adds.

Kenyans with Masters are likely to find jobs in the legal profession, while doctorate holders are majorly employed as lecturers in education and training institutes, according to FKE. 

"Enterprises are in mainly in need of competence in information technology; finance and business management; engineering; transportation, distribution and logistics; and legal," the survey adds.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) census of 2019, only 3.5 per cent of the population had tertiary education (university) as the highest level completed.

Nearly half of Kenya’s population of 55 million people have finished primary school education, with 24.5 per cent going ahead to graduate high school. 

Students sit for a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) exam on November 6, 2019.

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KNEC

With the country currently experiencing heavy rains, it's natural for Kenyans to heavily depend on electric water kettles and jugs in response to the cold weather conditions. 

These electrical devices are commonly employed for preparing tea or boiling bathing water. 

Notably, electric water jugs are favoured by Kenyans for their convenience, typically taking only 3-5 minutes to boil water.

Despite the preference for these electrical devices during cold seasons, users are exposed to certain risks stemming from common mistakes made during their usage, as detailed below.

Diffent types of electric water jug cables on a table.

Photo

Haseeb

Use on Wet Surfaces

Kenyans commonly utilize electric kettles in various areas of their homes, but caution is always urged against situating them near water surfaces. 

This precaution is crucial to prevent potential short-circuits and electric shocks, particularly when the cables' wiring is exposed. If the cable is found to be faulty, replacing it with a new one is strongly recommended.

During the rainy season, additional care should be taken to avoid placing kettles near windows. 

Raindrops can pose an added risk and contribute to the potential for electric shocks in homes. 

Thus, it's advisable to exercise prudence in kettle placement, considering both the proximity to water sources and the weather conditions, to ensure the safety of users.

"Please ensure that electrical appliances such as lamps and switches that are close to windows and doors are secured and kept dry.

"Don’t forget to check seeps and cracks in ceiling or walls. If found, immediately repair the leaks to avoid getting electrocuted,"  Bajaj, an electrical manufacturing company advises.

Storage

Most people often place the kettles directly on bare surfaces such as floors which usually get cold during rainy or cold seasons.

Such moisture can get into the inner component of the kettle which is located at the bottom of the kettle. Moisture leads to condensation and makes the kettle faulty.

In such incidents, users are forced to get a replacement or take the appliance for repair.

"It is normal if there are a few drops of water on the base of the kettle you can wipe them off with a soft cloth or piece of paper.

"If the condensation of droplets on the base of the kettle continues to increase and becomes more than a few droplets, then your kettle might have a leakage problem," renowned electrical company Philips notes on its website.

Alternatively, one can place a table mat on the floor before placing the kettles on top. 

Outdoor Usage

Electric kettles are designed for indoor use. 

Wet conditions can pose significant electrical hazards. 

While one can use the appliances during the day, people often forget to return the devices to the house.

In the process, rain might pour and make the cables wet which can lead to electric shocks when powered on.

A damaged socket resulting from short-circuiting.

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Health Electrical Services

One of the most common visible features at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the winglike extensions which protrude from the terminals.

The extensions are known as airbridges and serve five main functions, including security purposes.

Kenyans.co.ke details five functions of the airbridges, which can also be referred to as sky bridges, jet bridges or jetways.

Boarding Planes

An airbridge connected to a plane at Brussels Airport in Belgium on February 11, 2023.

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Brussels Airport

The primary goal of an airbridge is to aid passengers in boarding planes easily. On most occasions, most airlines have to use movable staircases to enable passengers to board and alight from a plane.

However, with airbridges, the plane's doors are usually connected to the bridges to allow the passengers to walk directly into or out of the terminal.

Therefore, when the plane is dropping off passengers, it parks next to bridges connected to the arrival terminals and vice versa.

Protection 

Apart from helping passengers board the planes, the bridges also protect them from harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains or excessive sunlight.

This is made possible because the airbridges are usually enclosed box-shaped extensions.

Through this functionality, airport operations can also continue smoothly without interruptions from the rain or excessive heat from the sun's rays.

Save Costs

Airbridges are an alternative to mobile staircases, which are electric and need power to operate.

The extensions, therefore, eliminate the need to use power for such purposes.

On the other hand, with airbridges, one does not need to have airport officials manning the stairwell to ensure that there is smooth boarding and offboarding of the plane.

Security

"Requiring passengers to leave the airport terminal to walk to the aircraft also means that the travellers have been granted temporary access to a restricted area of the airport.

"The use of airbridges eliminates the potential security risks associated with passenger access to the ramp," SjyLibrary explains on its website.

Additionally, it is easy for airport officials to monitor the movement of passengers walking on the airbridges as compared to the staircases.

DCI officers during a sting operation on a plane at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in June 2019.

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DCI

Maintainance

Additionally, the airbridges make it easier for engineers and technicians to monitor and carry out repairs on the plane's fuselage.

However, despite being advantageous to airport operations, the airbridges have some disadvantages, including damage to the fuselage because of the constant contact with the plane's body. 

Other parts of the plane that can get damaged in the process are the plane doors. Smaller planes can also not use airbridges because they have their inbuilt staircases.

As the cost of fuel continues to rise, Kenyan motorists are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their consumption and save money.

One significant factor influencing fuel consumption is the driving style of individuals. 

A heavy foot, commonly known as a lead foot, refers to drivers who tend to accelerate rapidly and maintain high speeds. 

This habit not only leads to greater fuel consumption but also results in higher emissions. 

A petrol station attendant fueling a vehicle in April 2020.

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EPRA

On emissions, vehicles emit more pollutants especially when the engine is forced to work harder. This results in air pollution and interferes with fuel efficiency.

When a driver has a heavy foot, they tend to accelerate quickly and then brake abruptly. This puts more stress on the engine causing it to work harder and use more fuel.

Further, the sudden acceleration and braking can reduce the car’s stability and control, making it more difficult to drive efficiently.

Drivers are advised to cruise smoothly, accelerate gradually, and brake seamlessly to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.  Besides the effects it has on your car, a heavy foot can land you on the wrong side of the law. You can be stopped by traffic officers for speeding.

In some cases, it can result in an accident that may injure the driver.

"If you have a heavy foot and are slamming on the brakes or acceleration, not only are you putting yourself at a higher risk of collision, you are also causing a lot of unnecessary strain and damage to your vehicle," advised Auto Simple, an automotive blog.

A heavy foot can result in damaged brakes and reduce the vehicle's performance.

Besides the heavy foot, other factors that affect fuel consumption include air filters, faulty engines, faulty spark plugs, and poor maintenance.

A photo of vehicles moving swiftly along the Thika Superhighway.

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Ma3 Route

The curtains have fallen on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), signalling a milestone in Kenya’s transition to a new education curriculum.

2023 KCPE candidates will gradually phase out the 8-4-4 education system when they complete their higher education studies, eight years from now.

Behind them are the pioneers of the 2-6-3-3-3 Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which consists of pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, and higher education.

Photo collage of (from left) Jacob Kaimenyi, Peter Oloo Aringo, and Henry Kosgey

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Law and Power Kenya/Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board/Kosgey Kip

The country is still coming to terms with the particulars of the new system as the Ministry of Education steers the wheels of the CBC ship.

Reminiscing on the old curriculum being gradually phased out, we look at the Ministers of Education who oversaw the 8-4-4 system.

Peter Oloo Aringo - (1986-1989, 1994, 2001)

Peter Oloo was the Minister for Education when the 8-4-4 curriculum was introduced. Aringo proposed bills in the national assembly, which saw Moi, Maseno, and Egerton universities become public institutions. 

He also helped draft a policy to establish institutes of technology in the eight provinces, namely Nairobi, Eastern, Western, Rift Valley, Nyanza, Central, North Eastern, and Coast. Some of the institutes that were established include Rift Valley, Dedan Kimathi, Western, Ramogi, and Coast technical institutes. 

Aringo faced challenges implementing the then-new 8-4-4 system because students were not getting the envisaged technical training.

Few science teachers were graduating from the Kenya Science Teachers’ College, so Aringo fronted the creation of Kenya Technical Trainers’ College (KTTC) to produce more teachers specializing in technical courses.

Kalonzo Musyoka - 1998-2001

In his first year as Minister for Education, Kalonzo Musyoka instituted a commission to review the 8-4-4 system, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses with the aim of strengthening education at the primary and secondary levels. 

Education stakeholders had complained that the relatively new 8-4-4 curriculum was more theoretical than practical and that it had so far failed to solve the unemployment crisis. 

Towards the end of his tenure, Musyoka instituted reforms through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) that reduced the number of subjects tested from 12 to 9. This was after concerns that students were being overloaded with too many subjects.

Henry Kosgey - 2001-2002

Henry Kosgey helmed the Ministry of Education for a year in a period that was characterized by heightened demands by teachers for salary increments. 

He had previously served for three years as Minister for Science and Technology, which was under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Photo collage of (from left) George Saitoti, Mutula Kilonzo, and Fred Matiang'i

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Wikipedia

George Saitoti - 2003-2007

After Mwai Kibaki won the 2002 presidential election, he appointed George Saitoti to head the education docket in the Cabinet. 

Saitoti was instrumental in implementing the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme, one of the hallmarks of late President Kibaki’s tenure. 

The programme was pegged on children's basic right to education as stipulated by the Constitution. As a result of the programme, enrolment numbers in primary education surged, leading to improved literacy levels in the country. Nevertheless, FPE has faced challenges stemming from underfunding.

Prof. Sam Ongeri - 2008-2012

2008 was Kenya's year of rebuilding as the country reeled from the aftermath of the post-election violence. Sam Ongeri took over the Education Ministry as schools reopened after the tumultuous period. 

The education environment was tough, marked by violent strikes and buildings razed to the ground in schools. By mid-year, almost 300 school strikes had been reported. Ongeri battled to contain the situation, introducing safety and peace manuals into the curriculum.

Tough measures were introduced, including banning mobile phones and removing DVDs and music systems from school buses.

During Ongeri’s tenure, the country promulgated the 2010 Constitution, which, for the first time, guaranteed education as a right in the Bill of Rights. 

Ongeri also raised concerns over the proliferation of sheng in schools, which resulted in learners having a poor grasp of the English and Swahili subjects. He also stopped the practice of holding back academically weak students for a year as their classmates proceeded to the next grade. 

In addition, Ongeri revoked a ban instituted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), which forced students caught in exam irregularities to wait two years before retaking the exams.

Besides heading the education docket, Ongeri also chaired the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF).

Hon. Mutula Kilonzo - 2012-2013

Mutula Kilonzo reigned in the Ministry of Education until the end of Kibaki’s presidency. Kilonzo is known for standing up for school girls who asked to be allowed to wear miniskirts. 

Kilonzo urged that there was no need to have the school girls dressed as nuns. As a result, he was at loggerheads with school heads. He, however, had an easygoing demeanour even in times that seemed grim. 

Nevertheless, he was still dedicated to his responsibilities as during his one-year stint at the ministry, he never travelled abroad, choosing to delegate the trips and focus on pushing for education reforms in Parliament.

Kilonzo oversaw the passing of the Basic Education Act, which provided stiff penalties for parents who refused to enrol their children in school. 

He also directed the enactment of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Bill, which, among other reforms, banned teachers from striking during national examinations. In addition, weekend and holiday tuition in primary and secondary schools were banned.

Hon. Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi - 2013-2015

Jacob Kaimenyi had the reputation of a firm and tough-spoken minister of education. During his stint, reforms were instituted in higher education, including procedures for appointing and promoting lecturers. 

Kaimenyi took over the education docket during President Uhuru’s first term in office when the name of ministry heads was changed from ‘minister’ to ‘cabinet secretary’, under provisions in the 2010 Constitution. Cabinet Secretaries were no longer required to be Members of Parliament, so technocrats were fronted to the various ministries. 

Kaimenyi had previously been the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Nairobi.

In his term, Kaimenyi pushed for the implementation of provisions in the Basic Education Act, facing tough opposition from education stakeholders in the country. 

After he banned the ranking of schools in national examinations, Members of Parliament moved to impeach him. However, he survived and was moved to the Ministry of Lands in a Cabinet reshuffle.

Photo collage of (from left) Sam Ongeri and Ezekiel Machogu

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Wikipedia/Machogu Ezekiel

Hon. Fred Matiang’i - 2016-2018

Like his predecessor, Fred Matiang’i had a no-nonsense approach. He was appointed to head the Education Ministry at a period when irregularities and leakages marred national examinations. 

He is known for reducing incidences of cheating in exams by dismantling education cartels. Immediately after assuming office, Matiang’i sacked officials from KNEC and instituted new security procedures for handling exam papers in a bid to curb irregularities. 

In addition, he banned visiting and prayer days for Form Four students during the third term when national exams were done. He also banned outsiders from visiting schools in the third term.

In a move that irritated school heads, Matiang’i changed the calendar, making the second term longer than it previously was. These quick reforms were met with resistance as more than 100 schools were set ablaze in countrywide strikes. 

Nevertheless, Matiang’i did not relent and was famous for visiting schools unannounced, at times catching absent managers by surprise. He is also known for famously instituting the rule that school buses must be painted yellow.

Amb. Amina Mohamed  - 2018-2019

Amina Mohamed joined the education ministry after her predecessor, Fred Matiang’i, had launched the CBC curriculum. 

She shocked the country when she announced that Kenya was not ready to roll out the new curriculum. Instead, she decided to focus on more piloting to strategize on how the curriculum would be implemented. 

In her brief stint at the ministry, she also directed reforms on teaching periods, castigating schools for straining learners with schedules from as early as 5:30 a.m. to beyond 5 p.m. She directed that classes be held strictly between 8 and 3:30 p.m. 

Amina is also known for condemning corporal punishment as a form of discipline and for urging school management to hold regular discussions with students as a measure for curbing indiscipline and student unrest.

Prof. George Magoha - 2019-2022

Another tough-talker and no-nonsense minister, Magoha was the last cabinet secretary for education during President Uhuru’s tenure. Head a reputation for upholding high standards and valuing integrity. 

He had previously served as head of KNEC between 2016 and 2019, where he helped vanquish education cartels that had flourished exam irregularities. A hands-on manager, Magoha would regularly visit schools for inspection and implementation tours, a habit some termed as micromanagement. 

At one point, he was at loggerheads with the council of the University of Nairobi for trying to usurp their responsibilities.

A chief advocate of the new curriculum, Magoha spearheaded the implementation of the CBC system in 2017, fighting strong opposition from stakeholders. 

Another milestone in his tenure is how he directed the education sector to navigate the pandemic, which saw schools closed for more than a year. In the face of uncertainty, Magoha supervised the reopening of schools and the restructuring of the calendar to compensate for lost time.

Hon. Ezekiel Machogu - 2022-present

Machogu has helmed the Education Ministry for slightly over a year since President William Ruto appointed him. 

Among other implementations, Machogu has so far announced a new grading system for KCSE candidates. In the new system to be applied to this year’s exam, there will be only two mandatory subjects: Mathematics plus one language, either English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language. 

In addition, examiners will have to pick five of the best-performed subjects from each student for grading. Previously, the mandatory subjects were five. This is aimed to increase the number of students qualifying for higher education. 

Machogu has also overseen the writing of the last KCPE in the country, which ended on November 1.

Ministry of Education offices at Jogoo House along Karammbe Avenue in Nairobi County.

Photo

EduMin

With candidates closing in on wrapping up their national examinations, parents are now turning their attention to enjoying quality time with their children.

Most children, naturally look forward to the Christmas festivities after racking their brains for a full term.

In this less strict environment, parents worry about how to keep their young ones engaged in meaningful activities, as they take a break from heavy school work.

Children at a playground

Photo

East African Playgrounds / Play Action International

The proliferation of social media sites and digital content has also left parents at a loss for what their children consume online.

Since a bell and schedule may not suffice in the home setting, parents have devised different ways of engaging their young ones.

Encouraging Activity

The lack of a routine leaves children with nothing but time to explore. 

Left to their own devices, the youngsters can get up to all manner of mischief. 

Thus it is advantageous to incorporate physical activity into their daily schedule. For example, organizing play dates, family hikes, and other physically engaging pursuits that are fun as well as involving.

Besides outdoor activities, children can also have fun inside the house by building forts from pillows and other items and playing board games like Monopoly and Word Puzzle.

Nurturing Hobbies

You can take advantage of the free time to promote your kids’ hobbies. 

If your child is an avid reader, why not take them to the bookshop and get a book or two? 

A study by Cambridge notes that kids who read at least 12 hours weekly have better mental health and record higher cognitive test scores than their counterparts. 

You can even create your own little family book club. The number of hobbies that your children can explore is endless, including, swimming and music lessons, ball games, gardening, cooking, baking, drawing and so many more.  

Smartphone screen

Photo

PickPic

Monitoring Screen Time

Banning technology in your home may end up backfiring, as your young ones, especially teenagers are bound to engage with smartphones and other devices virtually everywhere they go. 

Thus, a more productive approach may be to devise regulations with them, for the use of these devices. 

Your children will most likely appreciate your involving them in the decision. Studies have related constant exposure to smart devices like personal computers and smartphones, with increased stress and anxiety, affecting mental health. Thus, a regulated amount of screen time is advised. 

Holiday Classes

Tuition classes during the long break can help children brush up on subjects they find challenging in school. 

There are teachers who offer tuition lessons in the neighborhood at a fee. 

The classes can also be accessed virtually. Some religious institutions even organize such holiday classes. Regardless of the source, it is important to verify the authenticity of the person offering the lessons to your kids to avoid any untoward eventualities by masqueraders. 

House Chores

Allow your children to help out around the house. You do not want them lazying about all day, with the nanny at their beck and call. A few house chores will instill in them a sense of responsibility and diligence that will be of benefit when they leave the nest. 

After all, you would want them to become responsible adults who can take care of themselves without relying on you for every decision around the house. Be careful when using chores as punishment as this may lead to a negative connotation. Instead, present the chores as a shared responsibility.

Volunteering

The opportunity to serve others can be fulfilling for your kids. 

It also helps them build healthy relationships with their peers while nurturing their collaboration skills. 

Even better, volunteering as a family will set a good example for your child showing them the meaning of being charitable and compassionate. Your local community will most likely have plenty of opportunities for volunteering.

Vacationing

Contrary to popular belief, going on vacation does not have to be an expensive affair. 

You can visit culturally significant places in your locale at pocket-friendly prices. If you live near a lake or large water body, it is fairly affordable to access the beach and enjoy the breeze as you play family games. 

While you are off work, probably on weekends, you can arrange a stroll to the local park and treat yourselves to a fun day out. Museums and zoos are great options too.

An aerial view of the Swahili Beach House Resort, Kenya

TripAdvisor

Everyone dreams of owning their own car. 

The allure of a vehicle lies not only in the convenience it offers in commuting from one place to another but also in the prestige associated with being a car owner. 

The joy of cruising down a highway, feeling the adrenaline rush, is an experience coveted by many.

However, amid the freedom of the road and the comfort of your own vehicle, it's easy to develop habits that, unknowingly, can be detrimental to your car's longevity. These habits, once ingrained in your behaviour as a driver, can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at some of these habits, which will serve as a guide to help you ensure your car remains in peak condition for years and serve you for as long as possible.

Resting Your Hand on the Gearstick

Drivers typically rest their gear-changing hand on the gearstick, a habit that often develops after long hours of driving. 

However, what they may not be aware of is that this seemingly harmless habit can have detrimental effects on the gearbox.

Inside your car's gearbox, there are various parts that help you change gears smoothly. 

One of these parts is the gearstick, which you use to shift gears.

Inside the gearbox, there are small components called synchromesh and shift forks. 

These parts work together to make sure your gears change smoothly. But, if you rest your hand on the gearstick, you're putting extra pressure on these parts.

This extra pressure can mess up the smooth process of changing gears. 

So, it is advisable to keep your hands off the gearstick when you're not actively changing gears. 

This will help your car stay in good shape and ensure a smoother ride in the long run.

Gear lever of an automatic transmission

Kenyans.co.ke

Shifting From Reverse to Drive

Switching between reverse and drive in an automatic car is harmful to the transmission. 

The automatic gearbox is meant for shifting gears, not for stopping the car – that's the brakes' functionality. 

If you shift gears before fully stopping, it wears out the transmission band, which is expensive to fix. 

Brake parts are easier and cheaper to replace compared to transmission repairs.

Not Utilising the Handbrake

Improper use of the handbrake places the entire weight of your vehicle on the parking pawl, causing it to wear down significantly.

This wear and tear can interfere with your car's overall functionality, leading to costly repairs. 

As a driver, you must consistently engage the handbrake correctly to distribute the weight evenly and prevent undue stress on the parking pawl.

This will ensure the long-term health of your vehicle.

Applying Full Throttle

Driving with the gas pedal fully pressed can harm your engine. 

It puts a lot of pressure on the engine and transmission, creating heat that can damage oil, seals, and metal parts. 

This damage happens over time and can be costly to fix. 

It's best to avoid driving at full throttle for long periods to keep your engine in good condition and save on repair expenses. 

Downhill Braking

Braking downhill makes your car's brakes wear out quickly due to heat. 

To prevent this, downshift (putting the engine of a vehicle into a lower gear) instead of using brakes excessively. 

Also, drive carefully, avoid sudden stops, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. 

Regularly check brake fluid levels and use quality brake pads. 

A collage of cars stuck in traffic in Nairobi (left) and a car missing some parts (right)

Photo

Oriop Tengecha