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Passport issuance in Kenya became a full-blown crisis after the Immigration Department, in May and June 2023, confirmed that it was grappling with a shortage of booklets. 

The breakdown of printing machines compounded the issue, forcing Interior Cabinet Secretary to intervene. According to Kindiki, all passport applications will be cleared in 7 days, with urgent or emergency applications attended to within 24 hours. 

As of April 2023, a significant backlog of 63,265 passport applications awaited issuance, primarily consisting of the widely sought-after 34-page A-series passports. 

Most of those applying for passports are Kenyans seeking employment abroad or students enrolling in foreign institutions. Unfortunately, many applicants encounter challenges as they often make errors during the application process, which consequently delays the issuance of their passports beyond their anticipated timelines. 

A photo collage of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki speaking at a church event on May 28, 2023(left) and a woman holding a Kenyan passport in her hand(right).

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Kithure Kindiki / Department of Immigration

One small mistake is enough to compel the Immigration Department to reject a passport application or ask you to amend the details before processing. 

Required Documents

To successfully apply for a passport, applicants are required to submit essential documents such as a birth certificate, national identification card, and copies of their parents' ID cards.

Once the applicant has submitted the required documents and paid the service fee via the eCitizen platform, they receive a status notification to confirm the progress of their application.

Common Mistakes

Typos

One of the common mistakes made when applying for a passport through the eCitizen platform  is the occurrence of typos and misspellings.

For instance, a specific error that can have consequences for applicants is incorrectly entering their date of birth, such as mistakenly writing 1990 instead of 1999. The mistake is noticed and cross-checked after you upload your original birth certificate.

To avoid this mistake, applicants must review dates and names before applying.

Signature Errors

Another common mistake made by applicants is providing a signature that does not match the one appended in their government documents.

Applicants must also use a red, blue, or black pen to fill out the important travelling document.

Payment Mistakes

During passport application, one must specify the mode of payment used to pay the service fee. One must also use one of the accepted payment methods, namely; cheques, money orders, credit, mobile money and debit card.

The amount depends on whether one is making a fresh application or renewing a passport. 

Failing to Submit Required Documents

While applying for a passport, one must submit a duly filled application form and 2 payment invoices, an original birth certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth, and an original applicant’s national identity card and a copy for adults.

Other required documents include; copies of the recommender's national identity card, duly filled consent form(s) for minors, copies of parents’ national identity cards as well as original and copies of the parents’ birth certificates.

Failing to submit the documents as required automatically leads to disqualification.

Wrong Documents and Information

Submitting wrong and misleading information results in automatic disqualification of the passport application.

Intentional submission of wrong documents could also prompt the government to institute charges against the applicant.

Reason for Travel 

Amidst the government's daunting challenge of addressing a substantial backlog in passport applications, insiders caution that individuals who state visiting or tourism purposes as the reason for their application may experience delays. Urgent cases are often prioritized.

In some instances, those applying for 34-paged passports (ordinary) may be prioritized over 66-paged passports. 

How to Apply

• One is required to register for an eCitizen account.
• Fill online application as prompted on the eCitizen portal.
• Scan and upload all the required documents.
• Submit the required amount.
• Book an appointment to visit Immigration offices in different parts of the country.
• Print the duly completed application form and two invoices.
• Attach all the copies which will be required when visiting their offices.
• Book a date and honour your appointment.

Reforms Announced by Kindiki

On Wednesday, May 31, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced that Kenyans with emergencies would have their passports processed within 24 hours.

Kindiki further directed that all pending passports be processed and duly disbursed to the owners within 21 days from the date of his announcement. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki speaking during a meeting with Lamu Security and Intelligence Committees on June 15, 2023.

Photo

Kithure Kindiki

With the government seeking to streamline the construction sector and only produce fully-trained architects, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) approved only five institutions to offer Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

According to the portal, which was opened on Wednesday, May 17, students who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams would only pursue a Bachelor of Architecture at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Kenyatta University (KU).

Other institutions of higher learning approved to offer the degree include the University of Nairobi (UoN), the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), formally Kenya Polytechnic and the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).

Stands set up at the University of Nairobi during the Innovation Week on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

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UoN

Charges

According to details in the KUCCPS portal, the Bachelor of Architecture offered at JKUAT will be the most expensive, costing Ksh367,200 per academic year.

At UoN, students intending to pursue the course would part with Ksh 347,650 in a year, while Kenyatta University charges Ksh306,000.

Bachelor of Architectural Studies cost Ksh288,000 at the Technical University of Kenya and Ksh275,400 at TUM.

Students would be picked depending on their Mathematics, English, Kiswahili and Physics performance. Other subjects would be included depending on the universities' preferences.

The subject selection would determine the cluster points used in the university selection process. In 2021, the cut-off points varied from 39 to 43 points.

Students pursuing architecture would learn the art and science of designing buildings and other structures. It would involve sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures.

With the construction sector evolving, fully-trained architects are also expected to gain market-relevant skills, which the selected universities are anchored to equip the students.

Career Opportunities

Some career opportunities related to the field include Architect, Senior Architect, Project Architect, Design Architect and Urban Planner.

Other careers associated with the course include Landscape Architect, Interior Designer,  Construction Manager,  Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor.

Professionals in the field earn competitive salaries ranging between Ksh70,000 to Ksh120,000 per month.

Financing for Courses

To address the financing issue, President William Ruto indicated that government scholarships, loans and bursaries would fund students.

According to the model, the less needy students joining university will be funded through a government scholarship of up to 38 per cent of the programme's cost and 55 per cent in the form of loans.

Their households will pay only seven per cent.

Those joining Technical and Vocational Education and Training Schools (TVETS) will be funded 32 per cent for government scholarships, 48 per cent for loans, and their households will pay 20 per cent of the costs.

A photo collage of KCSE students sitting national examinations in 2021 (left) and a screengrab of the KUCCPS student login portal (right).

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KNEC /KUCCPS

The National Transport Safety Kenya (NTSA) on Friday, April 28, provided a three-step process for Kenyans seeking to change their phone number on the e-Citizen platform.

In a statement, the authority directed aggrieved clients to an advisory after questions arose following the inability of the affected individuals to update their information online.

NTSA advised interested individuals to write an email to support@ecitizen.go.ke and request a change of phone number.

Photo collage between police officers controlling traffic flow and a screenshot of how to register on NTSA's TIMS account captured on March 18, 2023.

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NTSA

All applicants were then urged to attach a copy of their ID as well as other relevant documents.

Lastly, the applicants were directed to provide the new phone number to ensure a smooth transfer of details.

In the advisory, the authority maintained that the new mobile phone contact must be registered to the ID provided.

Notably, the e-Citizen platform offers Kenyans access to several government services ranging from health to education.

To open an account, one has to be a Kenyan Citizen or a foreign resident, be above 18 years and must have a national identity card number or a national alien card number.

There are several accounts to choose from including, eCitizen (Kenyan citizen), eCitizen (foreign residents), eVisa (visitors), and eBusiness (business).

In January, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo announced that the government had taken over the e-Citizen service portal that was previously run by a private company and was working to make up to 5,000 government services available on the portal.

"We want to upgrade the infrastructure and introduce additional services on that platform from consumption of services by the public," Owalo stated.

He argued that the platform was in better hands as the government sought to digitise more services.

ICT CS Eliud Owalo in Rangwe, Homa Bay County on March 3, 2023.

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Eliud Owalo

The Ministry of Education on Tuesday, April 18, announced fully paid scholarship opportunities for Kenyans to study for undergraduate degree programmes in Slovakia, officially known as the Slovak Republic.

In a statement, the government noted that it had received a deal from its Slovakian counterpart for Kenyans willing to study abroad for the 2023/24 academic year.

Apart from tuition fees, the Ministry added that the beneficiaries will also get accommodation allowance and other allowances to help them manage their stay in the Central European country.

In regard to the courses, applicants were informed that they had an opportunity to study one of the 25 programmes advertised including Teaching, Economics and Management, Agriculture, Wood Science, and Forestry among others.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu speaking before the Parliamentary Education Committee on April 13, 2023.

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Ministry of Education

Public Health, Nursing, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Food Sciences, Transport and Computer Science degree programmes were also included.

Nonetheless, it was noted that the applicants only needed to purchase an air ticket to the European country.

"The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses and subsistence allowances for the whole duration of studies. The studies will be conducted in the Slovak language following the first year of intensive language preparation," read the notice in part.

Requirements
Some of the requirements applicants should meet include a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain) and an age limit between 18 -25 years.

"Applicants should have strong grades in the major subjects that are key to the specialty preferred and should have completed Secondary Education in the last three (3) years," read the advert in part.

Other requirements are a valid passport, birth certificate, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and references from two school teachers.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to fill out the application form which can be downloaded from the website - www.education.go.ke -  or physically picked up from the Ministry's offices at Teleposta Towers.

Completed application forms with attached certified photocopies of ID, academic/professional certificates, transcripts, Birth certificates and/or other testimonials are required to be attached to the application form.

The Ministry advised applicants to submit the physical forms by May 10, 2023.

For those who prefer the online application model, all documents should be uploaded on the Slovakian website: www.vladnestipendia.sk/en/ by May 23, 2023.

Medical graduates at the Outspan Medical College in Nyeri County on November 19, 2022.

Photo: PCS

President William Ruto is often seen boarding or jetting out of the KAF 308 Plane, locally known as Harambee One.  

The plane - Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) -  is well equipped with some of the most advanced technologies befitting the protection of a Head of State. 

According to Kenya Air Force's commemorative book, the plane that was manufactured in Netherlands and was received by former President Daniel arap Moi on December 20, 1995. 

From outside, a red circle is patched on the Presidential jet that has served Kenyan leaders since 1995. 

An image of a plane taking off at an airport.

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Flight deck

The red circle is centred on an aircraft pitot-static system known as the Static Tube System used for collecting data on the external environment of the plane. 

Static Tube System is fitted with sensors that detect the ambient air pressure which affects the ability of the plane to lift. 

The ambient air pressure, also known as pitot pressure, does assist the plane to create a forward motion capacity when lifting. 

"These pressures are used on their own or in combination with each other to provide indications of various flight parameters," Sky Bary, an aeronautical news website explained. 

Static Tube System also collects and shares altimeter data, the measurement of altitude, that is, the distance a plane is above sea level. 

Data on Altimeters are important for aircraft and spacecraft pilots who monitor their height above Earth's surface.

The system also provides information about Airspeed, which is the speed of an aircraft relative to the air outside the plane. 

"Static Tube System is integrated into other corresponding technologies to carry out machmeter, which is the ratio between the aircraft true airspeed (TAS) and the local speed of sound (LSS)," Sky Bary explained. 

This ratio is important in collecting data on the vertical speed also known as a Rate of Climb and Descent Indicator (RCDI) that helps a pilot to make necessary adjustments during a flight. 

An image of an aeroplane being given a water salute.

Quora

Helicopters usually come with distinct design features based on the functionality and purpose they are intended to serve.

In terms of landing, helicopters are either designed to land on wheels, while those without wheels are designed to use landing gear known as skids. 

Helicopters with skids have their advantages including that they are adapted to land on both paved or unpaved terrains.

One of the helicopters rented out by Execar-tive CarHire

Instagram

However, these types of helicopters face the challenge of mobility when it comes to moving them on the ground, especially when moving them in and out of hangars, a building where choppers are housed for maintenance or parking. 

This article explains the three ways in which wheelless helicopters are moved out of the hangars or manoeuver on the ground. 

Use of Tow Carts 

The use of tow-Carts is a common way of moving wheelless choppers.  Tow carts are either electric or hydraulic devices that are attached to the helicopter skids in times of movement. 

The specialised carts are designed to grip the skids in several areas and lift the chopper up which allows the helicopter to be driven around. 

They have the capacity to enable large helicopters to be moved just by a single person. Tow carts come in a range of sizes depending to suit the different makes of helicopters. 

A photo a of chopper using a tow cart.

Hasmak

Use of Dolly

A helicopter dolly is a rectangular platform mounted on wheels that a helicopter lands on before entering the garage. 

Dollies are usually made of aluminum and are to the highest standards to support the weight of the helicopters.

The skid-equipped chopper lands on the dolly which can in turn be pulled using a tow vehicle, or a garden tractor.  

Ground Handling Wheels 

The use of ground handling is also common among operators of skid-equipped helicopters. Most helicopters come with a set of ground-handling wheels designed and fitted by the manufacturers.

When moving the helicopter, the handling wheels are temporarily attached to the skids through the help of a hydraulic mechanism which jacks the skids up and hence enables the operator to tow or pull the helicopter.

A photo of a tractor pulling a helicopter on handling wheels.

Incredible diary

A photo of a protester tackling a police officer in wrestling style during a demonstration went viral on Wednesday, March 22, with allegations that the incident happened in Kenya.

Various social media reports claimed that the incident took place in Nairobi's Kibera estate during the Monday, March 20 demonstrations held by Azimio supporters.

However, a search by Kenyans.co.ke, established that the claims were not factual as the incident happened in Chile.

Through reverse search, it was established that the photo was taken in 2019 during the protests that were held in the South American country over the high cost of living.

A photo of a protester lifting a police officer from the ground during in Chile in 2019.

Twitter

The photo was also captured outside a China Bazaar shop which is located in parts of Santiago- the capital city of Chile.

In the viral photo, the officer was captured approaching the protestor with a baton before attempting to hit the protester. 

The man dodged the baton and launched his tackle against the officer putting him to the ground.

A closer look into other angles of the photo also showed that there were other protesters in the background who were of fair skin colour. 

The protester who tackled the officer was also light-skinned.

Online users had claimed that the incident happened in Kenya owing to the officer's uniform - jungle green that had some semblance with that of Kenya Police.

However, it was noted that police in Kenya wear camouflaged green uniforms instead of plain jungle green.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led protests against the government in Nairobi over the high cost of living and the 2022 General Election.

The opposition announced that the demos will take place twice a week, on Monday and Thursday.

The windscreen of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bulletproof car (left) and the ODM boss addressing his supporters on March 20, 2023.

Twitter

Prof Makau Mutua/ Azimio TV

To tame business malpractice, the Energy and Petroleum Authority of Kenya (EPRA), on Friday, March 17, advised motorists to lodge complaints to the body.

EPRA detailed that motorists in the country have often fallen victim to petrol stations selling adulterated fuel. 

An increase in the commodity prices had occasioned a spike in cases of petrol stations selling contaminated fuel in the country and marketers hoarding oil.

According to EPRA, victims of adulterated fuel can lodge complaints by contacting the authority by listing the station and its location.

A photo of a motorist fuelling a car a local petrol station in Kenya

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EPRA

After complaining, EPRA tests the petrol in the car and at the station before prescribing penalties.

"Whenever encountered with such a problem, kindly call EPRA using the following numbers: 0709336000 or 020 284700 or email through info@epra(dot)go(dot)ke(dot)," EPRA's statement read in part. 

"EPRA will be able to dispatch inspectors to test for adulteration for both the fuel at the station and that in your car’s tank," EPRA indicated," it further added.

Effects of using contaminated fuel include increased engine wear, loss of power and crankcase dilution.

Signs of adulterated fuel in a car include the engine running rough and lacking power, difficulties in starting the car, misfiring, pinging or backfiring and the engine check light appearing illuminated.

"If you suspect that you have picked up a bad batch of fuel, your priority is to take your car to your local mechanic or servicing dealer, for a check and verification," a car expert explained.

To address the issue of adulterated fuel, the country adopted bio-chemical fuel markers at loading points before delivery to retail outlets.

Despite super petrol retailing at Ksh179.3 per litre in Nairobi, the measures ensure motorists receive approved and standard fuel.

A petrol station attendant fueling a vehicle in April 2020.

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EPRA

Moja Expressway Company, on Wednesday, March 15, explained the process of selling a car installed with an On-Board Unit (OBU) for an Electronic Toll Card.

According to the company tasked with running operations of the Nairobi Expressway, car owners seeking to sell their cars fitted with an OBU are first expected to remove the device.

The wireless device is removed from the windscreen where it is mounted or other position on the car preferred by the owner.

Driver holding OBU device on car's windscreen.

MOJA Expressway

After removing the OBU device, motorists are advised to return it to Moja Expressway offices for deactivation.

The company, however, allows car owners to install the OBU device on another car after following the stipulated procedures and requirements.

"If you would like to retain the OBU and register a different vehicle, the service centre staff can assist to make the modification under the same account," Moja Expressway Company indicated.

Motorists with installed OBU devices easily access the Nairobi Expressway as cameras at the toll gate automatically pick up the car's details and open the gate when a motorist approaches.

To acquire the device, motorists are expected to visit Moja Expressway Company with their logbook and national identity card.

Corporate firms must submit a copy of the certificate of incorporation, a copy of the company pin certificate, an original and a copy of the contact person's ID, vehicle logbook and authorisation letter. 

The money is deducted from the account created by a motorist using an OBU device once they use the Nairobi Expressway.

Other motorists can directly pay with cash when they drive to a toll station entry point, pick a ticket and pay with cash at an exit point.

Another method is using Manual Toll Collection (MTC Card).

Graphics of an expressway using an Electronic Toll Payment System.

Website/Vitronic

Insurance policies come with terms and conditions that both the insurer and the client have to abide by.

A breach of the conditions or terms signed by both parties could see the cancellation of an insurance policy by the insurer on the grounds of breach of contract.

Vehicle modifications are among the common reasons why insurers cancel insurance policies covering cars.

Much as you are the owner of a car, insurers do not allow unauthorized out-of-the-factory modifications as they are deemed to lower safety precaution standards and hence increase exposure to liability. 

Listed below are some of the instances where a policy could be cancelled due to modifications to the car’s engine or exterior features.

A photo of the vehicle that crashed along Prof. Wangari Maathai Road tunnel along Thika Road on March 12, 2023.

Photo/Mwamburi

Engine Tuning 

Engine tuning is one of the popular after-market car modifications in the automotive industry.

It refers to a modification of a car’s engine with the intent of enhancing the engine’s power, acceleration and fuel efficiency. 

Other motives for engine tuning include a desire to increase the horsepower of an engine and the speed of the vehicle.

Insurance firms have in the past decried that tuning complicates the process of determining the risk profile of a vehicle and subsequently affects the process of picking the right premiums. 

The debate on whether engine tuning reduces the lifespan of a car has also been rife with some insurance hellbent on prohibiting clients from modifying their engines. 

Fitting alloy Wheels

The automobile industry has evolved over time. Automakers have shifted from just focusing on the mobility of clients to innovating ways of enhancing the aesthetics of cars. 

The use of alloy wheels in place of steel rims has been widespread as one of the ways to add aesthetic value to cars.

Alloy wheels are, however, weaker compared to steel rims which most manufacturers use in their assembly. Even worse, insurers are usually wary of alloy rims fitted in the aftermarket owing to the dangers posed by sub-standard alloys in the market and exposure to accidents. 

Some insurance firms are keen to ensure that their clients use rims specified or fitted at the manufacturing point. 

A collage of a Land Cruiser (left) and a tyre (right) involved in an accident on Friday, February 17, 2023

Mithamo Muchiri

Height spacers

Height spacers refer to extensions used to increase the height of a vehicle. 

They are mostly applied in areas known to have tough terrain, especially to vehicles with low ground clearance.

However, the idea of erecting height spacers is at times a turn-off to insurers. One of the disadvantages that have been advanced in the use of spacers is that they expose the car to a greater risk of accidents.

In addition, some insurers argue that tampering with the original height of a car tampers with the designed centre of gravity hence compromising the safety of a vehicle.

Donut wheels

Though the use of donut wheels is usually the last resort, insurers warn against their use, especially at top speeds.

Insurers also warn that driving for long distances using the spare wheels risks damaging other parts of a vehicle hence a major turn-off for any insurance company. 

An image of a vehicle and a spare (donut) tyre.

Twitter

AutoCar

Spoilers 

Spoilers refer to a device attached to a car to reduce air drag over the vehicle to reduce the effect of air pressure travelling over the vehicle’s body.

Whilst the functionality of the oilers is not in doubt, their safety is in question, especially those that are fitted in the aftermarket. 

Thus, insurance companies steer clear of such vehicles at all costs.