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Students who scored D+ and D (plain) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will be eligible to pursue a certificate course of their choice in 2024. 

The certificates are offered in various colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions that have been approved by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). 

Kenyans.co.ke compiled a list of 2024 KUCCPS-approved courses for 2023 KCSE students.

These include; Business and related courses, Building and Construction, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Library and Information Science, and Clothing, Fashion and Textile. 

A photo of university students during a graduation ceremony in Kenya

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Daniel Wesangula

Business and Related Courses

There are 75 approved business and related courses taught in different Kenyan colleges and TVET institutions. 

The most popular ones that have been approved by KUCCPS include; Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Sales and Marketing, Secretarial Studies and Supply Chain Management. 

Others include; Business Administration, Credit Management, Human Resources Management, Cooperative Management, and Project Management. 

Some of the institutions offering the courses are; Belgut, Bushiangala, Riragia, Aldai, Bunyala, Gatundu South and Gitwebe TVET institutions. 

Building and Construction

Certificate courses offered under this category include; Construction Technology, Construction Foreperson, Concrete Construction, Land Survey, and Road Construction among others. 

Eldoret Polytechnic is one of the leading institutions offering building and construction-related certificates. 

Training institutes offering the courses include; Karen, Katine, Konoin and Ol’lessos. 

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

Engineering Technology

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

There are currently 99 KUCCPS-approved certificate courses in the engineering sector. 

The most popular ones include certificates in; Agricultural Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronic Engineering. 

Polytechnics offering the courses include; Eldoret, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitale, Nyeri and Sigalagala. 

TVET institutions where the students can apply for these courses include; Weru, Webuye, Turbo, Tigania East, Shamberembere, Runyenjes and Ugunja technical and vocational colleges. 

Information Technology (IT)

Courses under this category include; Computer Programming, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Computer Science. 

Technical Training Institutes offering the courses include; Ahmed Shahame Mwidani, Aldai, Bureti and Coast Institute of Technology. 

The courses are also offered in the following TVET institutions; Eldama Ravine, Chamasiri, Chepsirei, Butula, Bunyala and Bureti. 

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

With a minimum KCSE grade of D, students can apply for the course in the following TVET institutions; Kakrao, Kandara, Kasarani, Kendege, Kieni, Kipsoen, Kiptaragon, and Kitutu Masaba. 

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

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu (right) and his PS Belio Kipsang.

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Education Ministry

Library and Information Science

Students who attained a mean grade of D and above can apply for a Certificate in Information Science in the following TVET institutions; Belgut, Ebukanga, Eldama Ravine, Kajiado West, Keriio Valley, Kipkabus, Lodwar, and Masinga. 

Additionally, a Certificate in Library Archives and Information Management is available in the aforementioned institutions as well as in Eldoret, Meru, Sigalagala and Bungoma Polytechnics. 

Clothing, Fashion and Textile

Certificates in this category include; Clothing Technology, Fashion Design, and Tailoring and Dressmaking. 

Some of the institutions offering the courses include; Baringo Technical College, Belgut TVET, Eldoret Polytechnic, Emining Technical Training Institute, Friends College Kaimosi and Keroka Technical Training Institute. 

On January 1, 2024, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the rollout of a Unified Business Permit (UBP), simplifying the process of business owners acquiring a license.

Through the initiative, Nairobi residents can access the business, fire, food, health and advertising licenses on the Nairobi Pay Revenue Service Online portal.

With the new advanced system, the Nairobi County Government projects to grow revenues to Ksh20 billion yearly.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at the step-by-step guide on how one can pay and apply for the permit on the Nairobi Pay portal.

A screenshot of Nairobi's eservices portal.

Kenyans.co.ke

Go to www.nairobiservices.go.ke and click on either the 'Create Account' tab on the bottom left corner of the website if you are a first-time user or click 'login' if you are a repeat user.

To apply for an account on NairobiPay, you require an Identification number and mobile phone.

Select either an individual or organization. Also, select whether you're a citizen or a foreigner, then input the ID Number and click Next.

Enter the Date of Birth, provide a mobile contact, enter a one-time password and enter the verification code sent to your phone. Tick on the box that verifies that the information provided is correct and click register.

Once the account is created, you will receive a confirmation message via SMS.

Proceed to log in with your ID number and password and OTP (One-Time Password) code to verify the account.

Once logged in, the system will prompt you to edit your details.

After changing your password, you will be directed to the dashboard where you can access various county services.

Make a service application and key in details of your business.

Click submit for review. An invoice will be generated for download.

You will be redirected to make the requisite payment and download the receipt.

The permit will then be issued for download.

Nairobi residents can use the portal to access various services including parking for either daily, seasonal, or reserved parking services.

Also, Nairobi residents can access property management services such as tenancy application, tenancy transfer and social services. 

On the other hand, business licensing service offers the UBP as well as betting. In terms of the health services on the portal, one can acquire a food handlers certificate or export certificate among others.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja holds discussions with the AFD France Deputy Director General Marie-Hélène Loison on October 17, 2023.

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Johnson Sakaja

Following President William Ruto's directive that all government services be integrated into one payment system, all tax payments will now be channeled through the pay bill number 222 222. 

The directive, which took effect in August, 2023, was effected in line with Ruto's directive to ensure transparency and streamline the revenue collection process. 

From this, the government projects to realise its ambitious tax collection targets in the next financial years.

A file image of the reception area at KRA offices in Nairobi.

KRA

Since the deadline for filing last year's financial income tax is set for June 30, 2024, Kenyans will be required to follow the below step-by-step process.

How to Pay Via Mobile

Kenyans are advised to access their SIM toolkit and click on pay bill. 

Enter PayBill number 222222

Enter the PRN (Payment Registration Number) or the reference number on the payment slips generated from KRA Business Systems as the account number. 

Key in the amount as indicated on the PRN.

Enter your PIN and click send.

How to Pay Via USSD Code

For the taxpayers who would want to use their phone dial pad:

You can dial *222#

Select the Pay KRA bill option

Enter the E-slip (PRN) number

Select payment mode as M-Pesa

Enter your M-PESA PIN and complete the rest of the process.

Kenyans being attended to at KRA offices.

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education highlights

The National Youth Service (NYS) on Wednesday, January 10, listed requirements for young Kenyans willing to join the service. 

This was after the paramilitary training force received overwhelming messages from Kenyans seeking to know the requirements for 2024 enlistment. 

According to NYS, the recruitment exercise will be undertaken in every sub-county across all 47 counties in Kenya. 

On the date of recruitment, NYS noted it would make a public announcement in both print and electronic media. 

National Youth Service pass-out in Gilgil, Nakuru on December 8, 2023.

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PSC

Qualifications & Requirements for 2024 NYS Recruitment

Any person willing to join NYS must be a Kenyan citizen by birth. Naturalised citizens do not qualify for enrollment. 

Kenyans willing to join the Service must be aged between 18-24 years old. This is in line with the vision of NYS which is to be a centre for excellence in transforming, training and empowering the Kenyan youth. 

In academic qualifications, interested applicants must have attained a minimum grade of D (plain) or its equivalent in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. 

The youth must be medically and physically fit. This is ascertained during the recruitment exercise. 

Youth attending the recruitment exercise must have not been convicted of a criminal offence. Proof of a certificate of good conduct issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is mandatory. 

Lastly, interested candidates must meet any other qualification that the Director General may prescribe from time to time.

Employment Opportunities After Training

NYS assured young Kenyans that the Service had developed an exit strategy that ensures that all graduates are absorbed in employment upon completion of the program. 

“Just to mention but a few, 80 per cent transition to other disciplined services, labour export to Europe amongst others,” a statement from NYS read in part. 

On November 2023, President William Ruto directed that NYS trainees be given priority during police and military recruitment.

President William Ruto at the National Youth Service pass-out in Gilgil, Nakuru on December 8, 2023.

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PSC

Since assuming office on September 19, 2022, President William Ruto's administration has proposed new pieces of legislation seeking to introduce hefty fines and jail terms for institutions and ordinary Kenyans for various offences.

Mostly, the penalties proposed have revolved around Ruto's key programmes in housing, health, agriculture and finance.

Some of these penalties are currently being enforced while some are still in the pipeline for public participation and debate in Parliament.

Here are 10 major penalties that have been proposed by Ruto's government since September 2022.

Affordable houses constructed in Ongata Rongai.

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Kings Serenity

Housing Levy

1. Delayed Remittance

Under the contentious levy, the government has proposed penalties for any late remittances by employers and Kenyans who are mandated to make the payments themselves.

As documented in the proposed Affordable Housing Bill, late remittances will attract a penalty of three per cent of the amount due.

"Where an amount of the Levy remains unpaid after the date when it becomes due and payable by a person liable to remit the amount, a penalty equal to three per cent of the unpaid amount shall be due and payable for each month or part thereof that the amount remains unpaid and shall be summarily recovered as a civil debt from the person liable to remit the amount," read the bill tabled by National Assembly leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah in December 2023.

Social Health Insurance Fund

2. Over Deduction   

As per the Social Health Insurance Act No 16 of 2023, it is an offence for an employer to deduct more than the prescribed 2.75 per cent of the salary/ income deductions.

Such employers face a stiff penalty of Ksh2 million and a jail term not exceeding three years.

3. Falsified Documentation 

In the event one falsifies documents to get benefits, they will have committed an offence as outlined in the Act.

"A person who for the purpose of obtaining any benefit for himself or herself or for any other person, knowingly makes any false statement or representation, or produces or furnishes, or causes to be produced or furnished, any document or information which he or she knows to be false in any material particular, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both," reads the Act in part.

4. Access to Government Services

Kenyans who fail to enroll for the mandatory Social Health Insurance coverage will be denied government services at the national and county government level, as per the regulations proposed by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

Some of the services highlighted included marriage registration, property transfer, and access to student loans among others.

"A public officer or public entity shall undertake such compliance checks as may be necessary including requesting a person seeking a government service in the public entity to provide their social health insurance number," read the regulations in part.

5. Sharing of Data

Under the Digital Health Bill, it was noted that any Kenyan who loses or shares critical health information of a person with an unauthorised entity without consent commit a crime.

Such a person faces a fine of Ksh1 million shillings and an option of a 15-year jail term.

President William Ruto registering for the Hustler Fund on November 30, 2022, as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Vincent Mutua (Chipukeezy) look on.

PCS

Hustler Fund

6. Defaults

Under Ruto's brainchild, various penalties were introduced for defaults in loan repayments.

"15 days after the date of default the interest rate will be adjusted to 9.5 per cent per annum. Thereafter, persistent default spanning 30 days and over will see you lose your existing credit score and your account frozen.

"Interest continues to accrue pegged on the in-duplum rule and recovery methods will be initiated," the Hustler Fund operation module read in part.

Agriculture 

7. Licencing

As proposed in the Animal Production Professionals and Technicians Bill 2023 by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, any Kenyan that offers animal production services such as services in animal feeding and nutrition faces a fine of Ksh500,000.

"Unlicensed persons are prohibited from charging fees for animal production services and it is an offence to do so punishable by imposition of a fine not exceeding Ksh500,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both such fine and imprisonment," reads the proposed bill in part.

8. Poultry Farming

Equally, under the Livestock (Poultry Industry) Regulations 2023, poultry breeders must register their stock with the government.

The bill also proposed that poultry and its products will only be sold in areas designated by the country's government.

"A person who contravenes the provisions of this regulation commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh50,000 or imprisonment for a period not less than 6 months or both.

9. Unlicensed Inspectors

"A person who carries out the functions of a poultry inspector without having been duly appointed by the Authority commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine of Ksh500,000 or to imprisonment for a period of one year, or to both," read the proposed regulations.

A photo of employees from the Red Cross assisting in areas affected by heavy rains in Kenya in 2023

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Red Cross

Disaster Relief

10. Falsified Reliefs 

In the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023 Bill proposed by Ichung'wah, Kenyans who lie to seek relief in case of damages due to calamities risk fines worth millions.

The bill aims to help the government effectively respond to disasters such as floods that occasionally destroy the property of Kenyans.

“A person who knowingly makes a claim which the person knows or has reason to believe to be false, for the purpose of obtaining any relief, assistance, repair, reconstruction or other benefits from the Authority, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both,”  the bill proposed.

Following the integration of government services onto the eCitizen site, Kenyans can now make payments to access a wide range of services through the consolidated platform.

Services that can be offered through the platform include Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) offerings, meaning that those seeking to visit parks will have to pay in advance before proceeding to any of the National Reserves across the country.

This is in line with President William Ruto's directive requiring that all payments for government services be channeled via one platform for ease of revenue collection as well as transparency and accountability.

According to KWS, the payment process is faster and more efficient hence reducing long queues at points of access to allow visitors to access their facilities in the shortest time possible.

A screenshot of the eCitizen platform.

Kenyans.co.ke

"Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has adopted the use of technology to meet customer needs in accessing its parks and reserves countrywide. Consequently, payment at points of park entry is now only through the eCitizen platform," reads part of the profile on the site.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at the step-by-step process on how to access KWS services using the eCitizen platform.

• Proceed to kws.ecitizen.go.ke to access the eCitizen portal.  
• The link will take you to the eCitizen platform, where your ID number and password credentials are required.
• After signing in, tap on the services tab.
• Scroll down and select Kenya Wildlife Service.
• Select the park or sanctuary that you want to visit.
• Enter the number of adults and children in your party.
• The system will prompt the user with the preferred means of making payment. This can either be using mobile money, or a credit/debit card.
• Through mobile money, one is required to pay using the 222 222 pay bill number.
• Use the special application number of your booking as your account number.
• Enter the amount.
• You will receive a confirmation message once your payment is successful.
• Through the eCitizen site, one can view the history of their previous applications.

Rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

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KWS

Did you know that there are age limits the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) imposes on Kenyans intending to drive heavy-duty vehicles such as fuel tankers?

According to NTSA's guidelines, heavy-duty vehicles are subdivided into four categories with age limits prescribed for each as explained below;

Light Goods Vehicles

The age limit to drive a light commercial vehicle in Kenya is 22 years.

NTSA's classification of commercial trucks.

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NTSA

Additionally, one is required to have a minimum of four years of driving experience and have no previous dangerous driving offence record in the preceding two years.

As per the requirements, applicants should also have a police clearance certificate and a medical test certification.

Medium Goods Vehicles 

NTSA guidelines provide that only Kenyans of 24 years and above can drive these vehicles.

Examples of medium goods vehicles are the open trucks that transport steel rolls or cement.

Similar to light goods vehicles, drivers must have a minimum of four years of driving experience, get police clearance, and have a medical certification.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

These are bigger trucks which carry goods in enclosed units commonly referred to as containers.

Drivers for these vehicles have to be 28 years old and above.

NTSA also requires one to have two years of experience driving a light or medium truck. Additionally, one should have a minimum of four years driving experience.

Medical certification is also required.

Special Heavy Goods 

These are trucks that ferry hazardous goods such as fuel, oxygen, corrosive material, or oxygen.

Drivers for these vehicles have to be 30 years and above. On the other hand, those wishing to drive these vehicles have to undertake a course on the vehicles. The course is referred to as Unit 25 for Special HGV.

Retests are also done for theory and practical examinations.

Photo collage of a driver behind the wheels and a fuel tanker at the Kenya border crossing point.

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Ryder/Motorists Association of Kenya

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued an advisory on the safety features to be observed as one purchases cooking gas cylinders owing to the influx of fake products sold in the black market.

In a video explainer released on Friday, the authority noted that the authenticity of the cylinders could be checked before purchase, including using the soap solution test.

EPRA explained that Kenyans could apply soap solutions such as soapy water to the joints of the gas cylinder to check for potential leaks.

Apart from the gas burner, EPRA expressed that the fabricated joints should be prone to gas leaks, especially those made in the black market.

Bubbles forming around a gas pipe (shows that there is a leak).

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Leak Detection

Should there be a gas leak, one will see bubbles after applying to soap solution.

Notably, this method can also be used to check for leaks in the pipes that connect a cooker and a gas. 

On the other hand, Kenyans were also advised to be keen with the numbers usually written on parts of the cylinders to help buyers authenticate the products. 

"Given the large black market out there, getting a counterfeit LPG cylinder delivered to you is possible. When buying a cylinder, check out these features to see if it's genuine.

"Please look for the due date of testing, which is marked on the inner side of the cylinder stay plate. Do not accept the cylinder if the due date is over," EPRA advised.

Sometimes, the dates are usually coded with the year and month. The months could be represented by the letter A - D, which is representative of the first quarter. The numbers usually represent the year.

Therefore, an A24 means that the cylinder is due for testing by the first quarter (January - March) 2024.

Other safety features one can also observe when refilling or purchasing include an intact seal.

One is also advised to buy gas from licenced dealers. In case of any concerns, EPRA can be reached on 0709336000.

A poster explaining the test dates of a gas cylinder.

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Total Energies

Following a new directive to halt the visa-free program introduced by President William Ruto, visitors will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at Ksh4,600. 

The eTA is only valid for a single entry and must be redone for future journeys. It does not guarantee permission to travel, but it is a prerequisite for boarding, and it is a must to present a valid eTA during check-in and boarding.

According to the government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the move to scrap visas will boost tourism and grow the economy. The program was scheduled to start in January 2024. However, due to the new development, it has been halted to a later date yet to be announced.

The eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. Visitors are advised to apply at least three months before travelling and making travel arrangements.

A photo of Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura speaking during the 70-year anniversary of Sight Savers International (Kenya) on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

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Isaac Mwaura

Requirements

Under the system, applicants will be required to have several documents, including a valid passport, a passport-type photo, contact information, details of their arrival and departure itinerary, accommodation booking confirmations credit, debit card, or other means of payment.

Depending on the country of residence and citizenship, applicants may be required to produce financial assets or bank letters and return transportation bookings.

Additionally, applicants will be required to present their yellow fever certificate and other test results certificates depending on the country of residence and their travel history.

Based on the purpose of travel, the applicant will be required to send an appointment letter from a referring doctor, a conference invitation, an employment contract, and supporting documents for resettlement.

Those visiting for business should present an invitation from the company and a copy of the registration of the company. Those visiting family should present an invitation letter from the family and an entry permit of the family member.

Further, those travelling for diplomatic reasons will require a diplomatic, official, and service passport and an official letter from the country of origin or foreign affairs.

"Processing time will vary depending on the type of eTA and your country of citizenship. The standard processing time is three days," read part of the instructions.

Applicants seeking to hasten the process should seek assistance from the officers and apply for premium service. Applicants will be required to pay the necessary fees as per the Ministry of Interior.

How to Apply

All interested applicants are advised to visit the etakenya.go.ke and click on the apply now tab. Ensure you have the necessary documents and follow the instructions.

Click continue after reviewing the instructions, and agree to the terms and conditions before progressing to the next step. You will be required to select your country of residence.

You will then be required to upload the necessary documents and photos in advance before submitting your application. An email shall be sent to you with further details on your application.

An aerial photo of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

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Kenya Ports Authority

The Ministry of Labour has outlined 12 qualifications Kenyans must meet to get the nursing jobs President William Ruto secured in Saudi Arabia.

In a notice dated Tuesday, the Ministry reiterated that the two-year jobs target youth in the country with Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Nursing.

For starters, the Ministry clarified that the first round of recruitment targets Kenyans who are female.

Applicants must also be Kenyan citizens and be aged between 22 to 35 years.

A photo of jobseekers waiting for an interview in Nairobi County on June, 18, 2019.

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Nairobi County Government

"The Government of Kenya is collaborating with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to enhance safe, regular, and productive labour migration between the two countries. This initiative has facilitated the employment of thousands of Kenyans in different economic sectors in the KSA and has expressed willingness through various organisations in KSA to recruit additional healthcare workers from Kenya.

"Given the above, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection requests applications from qualified Kenyans for employment in the KSA as General Nurses and Personal Assistant/Health Care Assistant professionals," read the notice in part.

On the other hand, eligible candidates must also be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya and possess a police clearance certificate.

In terms of work experience, degree holders are expected to have a minimum of two years of working experience with those with certificates expected to have at least one-year of working experience.

Those with diplomas do not need to have any experience as fresh graduates are being targeted.

Applicants are also expected to be proficient in English, be medically fit and hold valid Kenyan passports.

"Applicants must have valid prometric results; If not, the same can be taken either in Kenya OR KSA (Prometric test cost to be deducted from the employee's salary in 3 instalments).

"Dataflow verification report for the education certificate and Nursing Council License or latest employment certificate is mandatory," read the notice in part.

Prometric tests are online tests that test applicants on their expertise in the field i.e. medicine

Benefits

Successful applicants will be required to work for 8 hours a day with overtime payments to be made in accordance with Saudi Arabian laws.

All applicants will also get a round-trip air ticket.

The quoted salary for nurses with different sets of academic qualifications have been outlined as; Ksh146,000 for degree holders, Ksh125,000 for diploma holders and Ksh92,000 for certificate holders.

Interested candidates are advised to sign up/register and apply for consideration through the National Employment Authority (NEA) Job Portal: www.neaims.go.ke/AdvertListingG2G.aspx.

Kenyans queuing at the immigration offices in Nairobi (Left) and a photo of the Kenyan passport (Right).

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DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION