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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

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.

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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

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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