SEO Article

With the country currently in an economic crisis, many Kenyans are looking for side hustles to supplement their earnings. 

One of the ways Kenyans are earning in their free time is through content creation. 

This involves creating engaging content which is shared on various social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, X and others. 

While the amount earned on YouTube varies depending on a variety of factors, on average the platform pays Ksh100 for every 1,000 views. 

An image of social media icons on display on a mobile phone.

Anadolu Agency

Those seeking to monetise from X will need at least 5 million monthly impressions on their posts to earn a significant sum. 

Freelancing is also another side hustle. Kenyans are now increasingly turning their hobbies into profitable activities. 

The key to successful freelancing is marketing your skills to potential clients. 

For instance, running errands is also becoming a lucrative business for many Kenyans. This includes being paid to shop, pick or deliver items. 

If seeking extra cash, it is also possible to engage in tutoring which can be done physically or remotely. 

Tutoring does not necessarily mean engaging in academic stuff, for example, if you are a marketing guru, you can offer classes at a fee. 

Similarly, if you are a good artist, you can make a tidy sum teaching Kenyans how to perfect their craft.

An image illustratin money saving tips

Goodhousekeeping

The National Assembly Finance Committee has made five major recommendations to the National Tax Policy which will influence the taxation of basic goods and services.

In a report tabled before the floor of the house by the Finance Chair and Molo lawmaker, Kimani Kuria, the major proposals touch on excise duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and expanding the tax base among others.

Excise Duty

It has been recommended that Excise Duty only be charged on luxury goods and communication services.

Molo Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria attending committee proceedings on June 22, 2023.

Photo

Parliament of Kenya

The Committee also recommended that the tax should not be imposed on food items, commonly used basic commodities, medicine and agricultural products.

Should the recommendations pass, this move will lower the cost of some of the excisable commodities.

"Provide that, the following shall apply in regard to Excise Duty. Excise duty rates imposed on products shall not exceed the optimal excise duty rate.

"The optimal rate shall be based on studies conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The optimal excise duty rates undergo public participation and approval by the National Assembly. The optimal tax rate shall be reviewed every three years," read the recommendations in part.

VAT Rates

The Committee is also proposing to have multiple VAT rates on commodities to cushion the country against external shocks. Notably, one of the most common commodities on which VAT is imposed is fuel.

Currently, the VAT on fuel is set at 16 per cent in accordance with the Finance Act, a move that has pushed pump prices over Ksh200.

"Provide Multiple VAT rates to allow for an opportunity for an alternative rate as a way to cushion the economy against shocks occasioned by global trends and the adverse effects of price increases of these products.

"Provides that in addition to costs compliance and administration costs, as provided for in the draft National Tax Policy, the granting of VAT Exemptions be based on incentivizing investment and cushioning Kenyans from economic shocks," the Committee proposed.

Expanding Tax Base

In a move aimed at raising more revenue for the country, the Committee also proposed that the tax base be expanded with the informal sector which is largely untaxed being targeted.

This move will hamper sectors that have widely remained untaxed which could make those in the informal sector take home less than they are currently earning from their businesses.

The MPs also highlighted that various sectors such as cooperatives did not need to be overburdened with taxes given their contributions to the country's agricultural sector.

"Provide alternative strategies to tax the informal sectors, for instance, possible use of withholding taxes which require businesses to withhold taxes at source when making payments in hard tax sectors," he stated.

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

Digital Payments

On the other hand, the MPs proposed the adoption of digital payments for goods and services where taxation can easily be monitored.

It was explained that the move could also help expand the tax base.

Levies on Imported Goods

It is proposed that levies on imported goods must be based on and justified by economic assessments.

MPs are also proposing that levies imposed on goods which are aimed at strengthening local manufacturing should take effect for five years.

This will make taxation more predictable and also help measure the effectiveness of government taxation.

Kenyans who fail to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund are set to miss out on 11 key government services such as registration of marriage and issuance of Driving Licenses (DLs).

In the regulations published by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Kenyans will be mandated to enter the new health insurance scheme.

Proof of registration will be required when accessing government services such as student loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), government jobs, motor vehicle registration services, and the acquisition of tax compliance certificates among others.

Other services included in the list were passport and travel document acquisition, registration of businesses, and procurement of goods and services.

President William Ruto (right) holds the umbrella for Health CS Susan Nakhumicha while making their way to Syokimau, Machakos County on November 22, 2023.

PCS

Those who miss out on the registration will also miss out on purchasing and selling property and getting government assistance and subsidies.

"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.

"On production of the social health insurance number, the public officer shall verify and confirm that the person’s contributions are up to date," read the regulations in part.

In order to mitigate any lapses in the enforcement of these regulations, all institutions will be required to prove that they indeed check if someone is registered before offering the services.

The check-before-service requirements will also be listed in the service charters of the various institutions.

"The Authority shall provide mechanisms for online or digital verification of the status of contributions on the Centralised Digital Platform.

"A person who requests information on the status of the social health insurance contribution and registration of an individual shall not use the information obtained for any unlawful purpose," the CS added in the regulations.

Upon registration, Kenyans will be required to make monthly payments for the insurance.

Employed Kenyans will part with 2.75 per cent of their gross monthly pay as Kenyans in the informal settlement will be required to pay the same rate for their monthly household income.

Unemployed Kenyans who are above the age of 25 years will also pay Ksh300 monthly.

Vulnerable families will have their insurance paid for by the government. 

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

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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

Photo

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

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

Ma3 Route