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The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on Monday published the requirements and charges needed to make films and stage plays in the country.

KFCB has established a Citizens' Service Delivery Charter that guides the board's service in line with the regulatory mandate stipulated in the Films and Stage Plays Act.

The board offers several services at different fees. Some of the services include insurance of filming licenses, registration of film agents, issuance of film stickers, classification and rating of films, and issuance of classification catalogues among others.

Each applicant must meet various requirements before being issued a license. Below is a breakdown of the requirements, and charges for each applicant depending on the service.

KFCB acting CEO Joel Wamalwa at the Talanta Hela event on September 29, 2023

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KFCB

Issuance of Filming Licenses

Applicants making a full-length feature film will be required to fill out the application form and have a detailed synopsis, a screenplay, a shooting schedule, and a list of equipment.

They will be charged a license fee of Ksh15,000 per film and a filming fee of Ksh1,000 per filming day.

Those applicants seeking to make a TV series, web series, or docuseries per season will need a detailed synopsis, screenplay, shooting schedule, and a list of equipment.

These applicants will also pay a license fee of Ksh15,000 per film and a Ksh1,000 filming fee per filming day.

Additionally, Kenyans seeking to make documentaries, short film features, advertisements, corporate videos, or music videos will require a filled application form, a detailed synopsis/script/treatment/storyboard, a shooting schedule, and a list of equipment.

They will pay a license fee of Ksh5,000 per film and a filming fee of Ksh1,000 each day.

Registration of Film Agents

All applicants seeking to register as film agents will need a duly filled application form, company certificate of registration, VAT certificate, professional certificate, and a list of equipment.

Applicants will be charged Ksh12,000 per year.

Classification of Rating of Films

All applicants in this category will be required to have a film in the prescribed format and a duly filled application form.

For posters, trailers, and commercials, each applicant shall be charged Ksh1,000 while for each feature or documentary, each applicant shall pay Ksh100 per minute.

Issuance of Exhibitor's License

All applicants will need a duly filled application form. For video shows and play station joints, the applicant will pay Ksh2,000.

For theatre, all applicants will pay Ksh10,000 per screening.

Other charges paid to KFCB include Ksh10 per sticker, and Ksh3,000 for a distributor's licence. The inspection of exhibitors' or distributor's premises and monitoring of free-to-air TV and radio is free.

A photo of the entrance at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi

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National Theatre

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the results of the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) paving the way for students to continue with the next phase of their lives.

From the results, only 201,133 candidates managed to score C+ and above qualifying to join university while the rest qualify to join TVETs for artisan courses.

As the intake is scheduled for August, students will have a lot of time on their hands. However, there are a few options to keep them occupied to improve their skills and prepare them for higher institutions of learning.

Kenyans.co.ke looks at several options for students waiting for university admission.

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

Short Courses

As candidates wait to join the university or TVETs, they can take up short courses from different institutions to improve their skills.

Some of these skills may be of help to the student later in life and also boost their chances of securing employment. Short courses often take at most three months allowing the student to learn and even practice the skills learned.

Some of the short courses to pursue include driving, computer studies, baking, foreign languages, and music classes. Additionally, students with interests in accounting can get a head start by pursuing Certified Public Accounts (CPA).

Bridging Courses

This allows a student to re-sit the subjects they did not perform well during the KCSE.

Through bridging, students get an opportunity to attain the minimum grade to improve their subjects and qualify for university.

Several institutions in the country offer bridging courses to students to allow them to pursue a career of their choice. The fee varies from each institution depending on the subjects the student wishes to bridge.

These institutions are recognised and registered by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).

With bridging, a student can learn for six to 12 months and later proceed to university. Students who take this path should be aware that certificates from bridging may not be recognised by international institutions.

Start a Business

As the rate of unemployment soars in the country, more youth may lack jobs and end up frustrated.

With a few months before joining the university, students can start a small business. This can be in line with short courses taken. A home bakery can give the student a few coins and a feel of the job market.

Computer short courses may also come in handy with adapting to the changing technology and pursuing other career paths in the field by growing skills through online platforms such as YouTube.

Apprenticeship

This involves learning firsthand from a person in the field you aspire to venture into. Through apprenticeship, students get first-hand experience from experts to prepare them for the journey ahead.

If a friend or family member is in a career path you wish to pursue, show effort to learn and gain skills. 

A photo of university students during a graduation ceremony in Kenya

Photo

Daniel Wesangula

Salaried workers will take home less pay in February following the implementation of the new rates by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

NSSF increased the mandatory pension deductions for the February 2024 payroll, meaning that Kenyans will have to pay between Ksh420 and Ksh1,740.

The new rates will have a significant impact on the take-home pay for workers who have to endure tougher times in the future due to the tough economy.

To put it into perspective, in the past year alone, the government has taken a huge chunk of the worker's payslips, following the implementation of the Finance Act 2023, which introduced the mandatory Housing Levy, the introduction of new tax brackets for the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) among others.

An attempt to block the collection of the Housing Levy was thwarted in court as the Court of Appeal allowed the government to keep collecting the levy until January 26, 2024, when the final verdict will be issued.

This means that from July 1, 2023, the government has been collecting 1.5 per cent of Kenyans' gross pay deducted for the Affordable Housing program, with their employer matching the deduction.

With all these factors combined, Kenyans will see a significant dent in their February pay slip, as the government seeks to increase revenue collection to reach over a trillion in the subsequent financial years.

NSSF Rates

According to the NSSF Act, the new rates are based on a worker's salary scale which is divided into two; Upper Earning Limit (UEL) for employees earning Ksh18,000 and above and Lower Earning Limit (LEL) for those earning below Ksh18,000.

Employees' contributions in the lower limit (Tier 1 category) will be based on the revised lower limit of Ksh7,000, up from the current Ksh6,000. 

This means that the employees will contribute Ksh420 as opposed to the previous Ksh360.

On the other hand, employees in the Upper limit will be based on the revised limit of Ksh36,000, whereby workers will pay Ksh1,740 up from Ksh1,080.

In both instances, the employers will match the contributions.

Effective February 9, 2024, the total contributions will increase from the current Ksh2,160 to Ksh4,320.

President William Ruto speaking during a meeting with Jubilee leaders at State House Nakuru on January 11, 2023.

PCS

How the Payslips Will be Affected

Aside from the 1.5 per cent Housing Levy, the government introduced the expanded PAYE which factors in two new tax brackets; 35 per cent PAYE for employees earning above Ksh800,000 monthly and 32.5 per cent for those earning between Ksh500,000 and Ksh800,000.

For instance, a worker earning Ksh600,000 gross pay will remit Ksh195,000 while another worker earning Ksh1 million will be taxed Ksh350,000.

However, for most Kenyans, the average workers earn an average of Ksh20,000 based on the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data. Hence, a worker with a Ksh20,000 pay slip will earn a net pay of Ksh17,750. 
 

As Form One students are preparing to join various centres of excellence in the country on January 15, parents who oppose their placement may be grappling with how to post them to their schools of choice. 

On most occasions, these transfers are necessitated by preference, location of schools, and financial constraints among others.

However, unlike in the past when changing schools was done on a know-who basis, the Ministry of Education now has strict guidelines and processes that must be followed.

Parents are always advised to seek information on whether there are opportunities in a desired school before beginning the process. This is aimed at ensuring one does not waste time making an application for limited slots. 

A parent and a student carrying a box during school reopening in January 2023.

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Teachers Arena

Not all schools will have a chance for a student because the placement is not only based on the performance of students but also on the availability of chance in a particular school.

How to Change Schools

The first step in making the change is to download the admission letter of the current school on the placement portal before submitting it to your primary school headteacher to stamp it.

Upon completion of the process, the student and the parent will then be required to submit the letter to the principal of the school they desire to join.

At this point, the receiving school principal will vet the application and begin the transfer process through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) platform.

The parent will have to then wait for the transfer to be approved. The process takes days and involves other education sector players. This, therefore, calls on the patience of parents and teachers.

Should the student's transfer be approved, one will be issued with the requirements of the new school in terms of what needs to be purchased, and fees among others.

Similar to other students joining the school, the students will also have to undertake medical tests and other assessments. 

Tips

On the other hand, parents are usually advised to make the transfers early enough to ensure that the student does not miss out on classes in the process.

Early applications are also advised because the applications are prioritised on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Always engage with the school heads for a seamless process and better communication on school requirements.

President William Ruto issuing the KCPE and KPSEA National Examinations at the Kikuyu Township Primary School, Kiambu County on October 30, 2023.

PCS

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Thursday, January 11, revealed the requirements needed for joining the National Police Reserve. 

As detailed by IPOA, recruitment for police reservists across the country is an open exercise overseen by the National Security Council (NSC). 

NSC also determines the number of reserve police officers needed at a particular time. 

National Police Reservists (NPR) complement other disciplined forces in maintaining law and order within Kenyan borders. 

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki overseeing the National Police Reservists graduation on May 18, 2023.

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Kithure Kindiki

Eligibility

According to IPOA, NPR consists of persons resident in Kenya who are aged between 18 and 55 years old. 

This requirement is different from the National Police, Military and National Youth Service which requires applicants to be Kenyan citizens by birth. 

Interested Kenyan residents are then required to volunteer for service and are enrolled as reserve police officers.

Members of the disciplined forces are not eligible to apply as police reservists. 

Mandate

While technically civilians, the reservists play a crucial role in maintaining law and order. 

“The Reserve may be deployed in Kenya to assist the Kenya Police Service or the Administration Police Service in their respective mandates,” IPOA stated. 

The scope of NPR's duty includes the maintenance of law and order; preservation of peace; protection of life and property; prevention and detection of crime; apprehension of offenders; and enforcement of all laws and regulations with which the Service is charged.

Terms of Service

Once recruited, the reservists are given uniforms, service identity cards and weapons. 

They are then deployed in different areas across the country guided by defined commands and supervision structures just as in disciplined forces. 

Additionally, all reservists must undergo vetting and training before being deployed. 

“A person serving as a Reserve police officer shall be bound by the same requirements as a police officer and shall be supervised by the Service,” IPOA explained. 

All police reserve officers must be conversant with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the National Police Service Act.

Administration police officers executing weapon drills during their pass-out parade on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

AP

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

Photo

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.