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A Land Cruiser with Netherlands number plates pictured under the elevated section of the Nairobi Expressway elicited debate on social media as many queried whether the motorists took six days to arrive in Kenya.

In the viral post that emerged on social media on Tuesday, February 21, it was claimed that it took the adventurer six days from Amsterdam to Nairobi.

The off-road vehicle was also fitted with a rooftop tent that allows travellers to enjoy a good night's rest during their journey.

Kenyans.co.ke. established that it was indeed possible to travel between the two countries in 6 days only if one travelled non-stop or with minimal stops at an average speed. However with traffic disruptions, one could take more than 6 days.

A signpost of the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Moyale town.

File

The average speed ranges from 80 kilometres per hour to 120 kilometers per hour given that most of the roads are highways.

A detailed travel guide by Google revealed that it would take approximately 150 hours (6 days and 22 hours) to transverse the 9,617 kilometres journey - the fastest route.

"This route has tolls, includes a ferry, crosses country borders and involves different time zones," read directions by Google Maps.

To cross to the European country, one would have to travel through Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.

The Journey

For a start, a motorist would take the Nairobi - Meru Highway to Marsabit before crossing over to Ethiopia through the Moyale border.

To cross Ethiopia to Sudan - Egpyt border, one is required to use the Adis Adama Expressway on a journey estimated to be 2400 km. Driving through would take roughly 40 hours.

Crossing from Wadi Alfa (Sudan) to Egypt requires one to take a ferry which takes 30 hours to cover 351 kilometres.

After disembarking from the ferry take  Al Sad Al Aali Highway to the Luxor Aswan Highway all the way to Hurghada to take a  ferry to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

Another ferry is then taken to help one cross to Jordan.

The rest of the journey involves driving through Syria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovakia, Czechia, and Germany before crossing over to the Netherlands for 52 hours in a 4951-kilometre journey.

A photo of a section of the Netherlands' capital city Amsterdam.

Photo

Guardian

Most homeowners prefer to have their floors and walls properly worked on after construction as part of the final house's finishing touches.

To achieve exemplarity, the contractors apply various techniques in decoration with tiling being the most preferred as a finishing product to bring attractive aesthetics to the home.

They are usually thin, square or rectangular coverings manufactured from hard-wearing material such as ceramic, stone, metal, baked clay, or even glass. 

These tiles are generally fixed in place in an array to cover roofs, floors, walls, edges, or other objects such as tabletops.

An image of a bathroom floor made from ceramic tiles.

File

Tiles are mostly preferred nowadays compared to granite because of their advantages like stain and scratch resistance, low maintenance, ease of installation and not fading when exposed to sunlight or to high or low temperatures.

There are different types of tiles used for floors, walls, interiors, and bathrooms.

Ceramic Tiles

These are the most common type of tiling used for flooring. They are made up of silica and clay that is made hard at high temperatures.

There are two types of tiles designs in ceramic including glazed tiles and quarry tiles. 

A collection of ceramic tiles in various colours.

Jenganami

Glazed tiles come with a glaze coating, which is added after firing ceramic tiles to get in different colours and textures.

These tiles come in good styles and are available in different colours compared to quarry tiles and also offer stain and water resistance.

Porcelain Tiles:

These tiles are made by using finely grained clay at higher temperatures compared to ceramic tiles. They are denser, stronger and absorb moisture better but are costlier than ceramic tiles.

An image of Porcelain tile in a showroom house.

Istock

The tiles are also available in all finishes and used for both indoor and outdoor installations. Also, they are simple to clean up after accidents, mud, and other debris that would otherwise be a problem.

Glass Tiles:

These tiles are made using sand and recycled glass which makes them eco-friendly. They are mostly used for decorating walls in the living room, and also used in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Because of their popularity, they are used in all expensive places like hotels, palaces, and commercial complexes and make the room brighter by their reflecting properties.

The tiles do not fade, remain stain free, and do not absorb water since glass is impervious to water.

Digital Tiles:

Digital Printing Technology is used to print high-resolution images on glazed tile surfaces. Nowadays all glazed tiles are printed by this technology in all creative looks.

An image of a digital tile showcased in a home's living room.

Digi Floor

Manufactured using varied materials like ceramic, vitrified, porcelain, digital glazed vitrified, and polished glazed vitrified among others, these tiles are durable and enduring.

Great for use in residential as well as commercial spaces since these tiles are available in a variety of sizes.

When it comes to flooring, it is important to choose according to one's lifestyle, budget, and needs.

Most drivers seeking to acquire new generation number plates failed to secure them within the seven working days as indicated by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

The affected motorists lamented that they had received a message informing them that their applications had been rejected.

While responding to several queries online, NTSA indicated that some applications had been rejected because applicants failed to submit a coloured copy of the original logbook and pictures of their current number plates.

Additionally, drivers who failed to acquire new generation number plates had failed to submit logbooks and pictures of their current number plates in PDF (Portable Document Format).

A photo of samples of the new generation number plates displayed during their launch in October 2022.

Photo

Ministry of Interior

The roads agency insisted on PDF format because it retains all formatting, style and image information from the source file. They always display correctly, no matter which device is used to view the document.

"Good afternoon; why was the application for new no plates rejected? I have received an SMS on the same," one frustrated user questioned.

"Kindly upload a coloured copy of your original logbook and pictures of your current plates... All should be in PDF," NTSA responded.

Another motorist had lamented that the logbook mishap had made his application difficult arguing that it was always rejected.

"I applied for a new generation number plate, but I am being told that NTSA rejected the application outcome. What could be the reason, or please advise on the same," another driver asked.

"NTSA Service Alert: When submitting an application for replacement of the number plate,  always upload a coloured copy of the original logbook and pictures of the current number plates. They should be in PDF," the road agency responded to the query.

How to Convert Logbook Into PDF

First, motorists are expected to scan their logbooks which are then saved in JPG format.

To convert, open the JPG file bearing details of the logbook. It will be opened in its default viewer.

Click Control plus print (CTRL+P) to open the Print dialog box.

After that, click the Printer icon, which will open a drop-down list.

Click the Printer icon to open a drop-down list.

Select Microsoft Print to PDF.

Afterwards, Click Print which will instead prompt the File Explorer dialog box to open.

The new dialogue box will come with a PDF file extension. Select where you want to save the file and PDF and click save to finalise the process.

The saved document can then be shared through the NTSA online portal where it will correctly display the images and other details whether opened on a desktop, tablet or mobile device.

The application process of new generation number plates released on Friday January 27, 2023.

Photo

NTSA

By correctly uploading the logbook in PDF format and following all the indicated steps, NTSA will send a message indicating the successful process allowing motorists to get new generation plates.

The same process applies to uploading pictures of a car number plate in PDF format to the NTSA portal.

However, there are other mobile phones which can automatically scan documents and convert them directly into PDF reducing the hustle during the application process. Other online applications available on google also simplify the process of converting both logbook and number plate pictures into PDF.

During the application process, motorists would be charged Ksh3,050. In the process, motorists will also be expected to indicate the collection centre and the National Identification Number (ID) of the person who will collect the new generation number plate.

Since the launch of the application process for the new generation plates by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in January, motorists have posed several questions about the process to the authority.

The majority of the questions asked have centred around the application process, prices charged, and time for the generation of the plates among others.

Kenyans.co.ke sampled common questions asked by the public and the NTSA's response.

The application process of new generation number plates released on Friday January 27, 2023.

Photo

NTSA

Is the application mandatory for all vehicle owners?

All vehicle owners are required to apply for the new generation plates. The authority is yet to set the time limit for the application.

Where do I attach the log book and pictures of the number plate?

According to NTSA, motorists are required to attach copies of their logbooks and coloured pictures of the old number plates in the spaces provided for both TAPELIFT and LOST/DEFACED sections.

The attachments should be in PDF format.

Does NTSA award a letter of allotment after application?

No letter or any other form of documentation is issued to applicants upon the allocation of the new generation number plates. However, upon completion of the process, a text on the screen will indicate that you have an allocation pending.

Does NTSA issue a confirmation message after the application?

After application, one is informed of the success of the process. The message should read as follows;

Dear ********, the registration plate for the vehicle with chassis number ******* and registration number K** has been allocated successfully. 

In the case of lost plates, does one have to apply for replacements first?

Motorists who have lost their old number plates are required to apply for replacements before they can make an application for the new generation plates.

Can I apply for the plates without owning a car?

New generation number plates are only issued to registered vehicles.

Is the application online and what are the costs involved?

Application of the new generation plates is done online on the website: www(dot)ntsa (dot)go(dot)ke. Application for the vehicle number plates cost Ksh3,050 while a replacement for motorcycle plates cost Ksh1,550.

New generation plates are to be processed in seven working days.

Is the payment made in cash?

There are no cash payments with the service application fee paid online via the E-Citizen platform. Equally, NTSA does not charge extra to fast-track the process.

Does NTSA do an inspection before the allocation of new plates?

Vehicles are not required to undergo an inspection during the application and allocation of the new generation plates.

What happens to the old plates during replacement?

One is required to hand over their old plates when they are given the new plates.

Additionally, during the collection of the new plates, one is required to carry their original ID for verification.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i commissioning the new digital number plates at NTSA offices in Nairobi on August 30, 2022

File

Transit trucks and shipping containers which are commonly used in transporting goods for long distances are mostly made of corrugated steel sheets that are in wavy patterns.

Contrasted to lorries - whose walls are straight steel sheets - trucks often have corrugated steeled walls that resemble iron sheets used in roofing houses.

Unknown to many, the design that dates back to 1920s serves a special purpose in the trucks given their role in the transportation of mostly heavy goods from one place to another.

In most cases, truck manufacturers prefer using patterned steel when making side walls of transit trucks because of its durability.

Trucks along the Northern Corridor highway from Mombasa to Malaba.

File

Given the number of risks involved in long-distance driving such as accidents, corrugated steel is dent-resistant and is preferred as it ensures that goods stored inside the trucks are safely protected in such events.

That could explain why there is minimal damage to goods transported by long-distance trucks.

"The wave pattern allows it even more resistance to all kinds of impact and weight loads. Corrugated steel sheets have the highest strength-to-weight ratio than almost any other construction material,"  Porta-Stor, a global container dealer explained.

On the other hand, transit trucks cover thousands of kilometres daily when in transit and they encounter different kinds of weather. Corrugated steel is preferred in such a case because of its resistance to weather-related destructions such as rust.

This is, mainly, the reason why they are preferred for shipping goods across the seas.

"There is no organic material found in this metal, making it more resistant to mold and rust, thus adding to its durability.

"This design of steel sheets is resistant to hail and other weather damage that frequently destroys other metals. Due to the wave within the panels, it’s resistant to buckling under the weight, warping with weather and use," the container dealer company explained.

Another reason the material and pattern are preferred is the fact that they require little maintenance. For example, in the case that dents have resulted from accidents, the dents can often be straightened back to normal shape.

Given their durability and other factors, construction experts and builders, therefore, prefer to use them in the construction of container houses. 

In other cases, because of its strength, one can also build a storey building by piling one container on top of the other. This trend had become popular for those constructing shops.

Modified shipping containers converted into a house.

CSCS Builders

Hackers and online scammers have found new ways of targeting their victims without directly approaching them.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) Acting Director for Cybersecurity, Vincent Ngundi, noted that scammers had resulted in tactics such as social engineering targeting children instead.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday, February 7, the CA boss revealed that social engineering was one of the major threats in cyber security globally.

In the new move, he stated that scammers often groomed children over a period of time after gaining their trust before coercing them to give details of their parent's credit cards.

A silhouette of a hacker using a computer on March 13, 2018.

Photo

CSO AMERICA

"One of the most prevalent threats is usually social engineering where you try and get personal information from children. 

"It could be where they live, the identity of the parents or could be directions to pick credit cards and send the details," he stated.

Additionally, it was noted that the individuals applying these tactics would take time to gain the confidence of the children through personalised and positive messaging.

On her part, Mercy Mutemi - an advocate of the High Court added that the same grooming was being done by other individuals luring children into relationships.

"It starts with direct messaging (DMs) with messages like 'you look nice in this picture'. They have a long game plan where they gain trust over time.

"If you chat with a person for three years, it is very difficult to believe that they would want to harm you especially if they tell you to work hard in school or tell you to respect your parents," she explained.

Therefore, parents were encouraged to monitor their children's use of the internet and who they were talking to on social media platforms.

The guardians were also urged to train themselves on new technologies on the internet to be at par with the development in the sector.

"We want our children to be on Tik Tok but we do not understand how algorithms work and what kind of filters they should put on their phones. Parents have to really educate themselves so that they can help their children.

"The monitoring also never works because when they realise you are monitoring them, they become smarter," Mutemi advised.

A 2021 report by INTERPOL, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the global ECPAT network revealed that 67 per cent of children ranged between 12 - 17 years were active internet users.

The report noted that sexual exploitation was the biggest threat children were facing on the internet.

"7 per cent had been offered money or gifts in return for sexual images or videos of themselves and 3 per cent had been threatened or blackmailed online to engage in sexual activities in the past year.

"Threats and requests like these are made to both boys and girls, often via social media," read the report in part.

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

Anadolu Agency

OTC is indeed one of the famous streets in Nairobi as the matatu bus stop has often been used as a reference point for city residents who retrace their steps while going about their businesses in the city.

However, little is known of the full meaning of the abbreviation OTC, the story behind its name and how the infamous street got its name.

More often than not, people believed that it was the short form of the phrase Onyango Twende Choo - a phrase that when loosely translated depicts a person asking a friend to accompany them to the toilet (Onyango, let's go to the toilet).

Unknown to many, OTC is actually an abbreviation of a bus brand named Oversees Trading Company (OTC) - a London-based company that imported 13 buses to Kenya in 1934.

A building under construction in OTC, along Ronald Ngala street in Nairobi.

Kameme FM

After venturing into the Matatu sector in Kenya, the company enlisted 12 buses to ply various routes within the country. In some instances, they also ferried Kenyans to long-distance areas such as Kampala.

While the trains were preferred for long-distance journeys at the time, the buses found favour among Kenyans who were interested in experiencing a ride in a bus.

With time, OTC buses became a household name in the East African Community (EAC) region and expanded their services to offer courier services to transport various goods outside the city.

Following its establishment in Kenya, the London-based company put up a stage along Ronald Ngala street - a spot that quickly grew in popularity and travellers associated it with the OTC brand name. It was, soon after, widely known as the OTC Bus Stage.

With other investors looking at the growth of OTC, there were other investments in the transport sector including the Tom Mboya Bus Company which was founded by former Labour Minister Tom Mboya.

OTC buses later transformed into the Kenya Bus Service (KBS) which also became popular among Kenyans and managed a fleet of 300 buses. KBS eventually collapsed around the 199Os and sold its fleet to other entities. 

Despite the bus company changing its name, the stage has maintained its name to date.

The area has, however, transformed over the years with various infrastructural development including the incomplete storey building which made headlines on Wednesday, February 1 after it was claimed that its construction was complete and the green safety net removed.

Those reports turned out to be fake (as Kenyans.co.ke found out here). The building which became a landmark in the last 10 years is in its final stages.

An image of the Kenya Bus Express plying the Nairobi road

Facebook

HistoryKe

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's security was scaled down by the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, who stated that the changes were procedural amid criticism from Azimio leaders claiming a witch-hunt.

However, what does that law say about the number of officers Uhuru (or any other retired President) is entitled to as a former president? 

According to the Presidential Retirement Act of 2003, former heads of state ought to be given a maximum of six officers for their escort to protect them daily.

The responsibility for the deployments befalls the Ministry of Interior even as the police IG takes control of the security of VIPs in the country.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome

File

"Such number of guards for personal and escort unit use as may from time to time be certified by the Minister responsible for national security in consultation with the retired President.

"Provided that there shall be a maximum of six security guards," reads the Act in part.

On the other hand, the government is required to provide an additional six officers to safeguard Uhuru's residences. Per the law, security must be provided for their homes in urban and rural areas.

"Adequate security at the retired President’s urban and rural residences as may from time to time be certified by the Minister responsible for national security in consultation with the retired President.

"Provided that there shall be a maximum of six security guards," Reads the Act in part.

According to reports, Uhuru's security detail was reportedly scaled down by over 50 officers. He was left with 25 officers. However, while addressing the matter on Friday, February 3, Koome hesitated to address the number of officers Uhuru was left with, citing security reasons.

"If I come to your house, will you tell me the number of Pangas you have? You never talk about numbers. They are all safe and secure," he stated.

On the other hand, he clarified that a superintendent now heads Uhuru's security team in accordance with the law.

"An officer who was of the rank of an assistant Inspector General was with the retired president. So how do you expect an assistant Inspector General to report to another assistant Inspector General." 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta surrounded by his security detail at a past national holiday event.

File

Apart from security, Uhuru is entitled to have two personal assistants, four secretaries, four messengers, and four drivers, among others.

Other aides to be provided are two cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, laundry, and four house cleaners.

The government is also expected to maintain and finance the running of the vehicles.

A photo shared widely on various social media platforms indicating that the landmark building at Overseas Trading Company (OTC) along Ronald Ngala street had been opened were misleading.

A fact check done by Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, February 1, indicated that the building had not been opened.

A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke showed that the building was still partly covered by the safety net, contrary to reports that it had been completely removed.

Further, It was observed that the construction process was at an advanced stage which included paint works and internal finishings.

The photo of the OTC building along Ronald Ngala street in Nairobi captured on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Ken Aseka/ Kenyans.co.ke

With the partial removal of the safety net, the developers of the building had even started running adverts to attract traders.

"They have finally removed the net on the famous OTC building," one social media user stated.

"When I return to Nairobi, I would get lost easily," another social media user wrote.

However, the photo of the widely circulated building was taken in Kampala, Uganda. The building in the said photo was set up at a location that Pioneer Mall previously occupied.

Just like the OTC building, which is yet to be opened, the new building in Uganda has shops and restaurants changing Kampala's face.

The striking similarities between the two buildings are their location inside Central Business District and a safety net that also covered Uganda's building.

The two buildings also have similar architectural designs confusing most Nairobi residents.

According to Afrosam TV, a travel Ugandan vlog, the new building with striking similarities to OTC building, changed the face of Kampala.

"If you are looking for a shopping spree in Kampala,then you should definitely check out the new Pioneer Mall. This mall has completely changed the face of the city," Afrosam TV stated on their youtube channel.

The building turned out to be a landmark in Nairobi for taking over 10 years to complete the construction process. It is synonymous with Eastlands residents and those travelling upcountry using the Machakos Bus terminal.

Despite attracting mixed reactions for its delayed construction period, the landmark building stands out as a centre of direction for newcomers in the city.

It was approved after the iconic Jack and Jill Supermarket was demolished.

The photo of the OTC building along Ronald Ngala street in Nairobi captured on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Ken Aseka/ Kenyans.co.ke

Building a dream house can start with much excitement and unbridled optimism but quickly turn into a nightmare.

This usually happens when the costs start spiraling out of control and you spend more than you had envisioned.

Kenyans.co.ke compile five tips to help you save cost when building your dream house.

A house stock plan

Pinterest

Roofing System

Deciding on the kind of roofing system before you start construction can save you a lot of money in the long run.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) cautions people against choosing a fancy and complicated roofing system if they aim to save on finances.

“The roof is one of the most expensive material and labour line items when constructing a house.

“Choosing a simpler roofing system will save you a lot of money,” NAHB advises.

Most Kenyans prefer hips and valleys with a steeper pitch type of roofing system as they are considered fashionable and trendy.

If you want to save cash, you can opt for a single ridgeline with a shallow-pitch roofing system.

Reduce square footage

Many Kenyans choose a building plan that takes a huge outward space.

However, reducing the square footage of your home can dramatically reduce costs.

“Think small and cozy if you want to slash costs.

“You can also decide to build upward with a story design,” NAHB advises.

Source Materials on Your Own

Many home builders opt to buy building materials in bulk which can end up costing more money.

Home Build Concierge (HBC) explains individual sourcing of material gives you more room for bargaining.

“For items that are not purchased in bulk, you may be able to get a better deal by shopping around and asking for quotes,” HBC explains.

Use Standard Sizes

Some builders buy custom size items like windows and doors because they have been offered at cheap prices.

Family Handyman journal warns that getting custom sizes for various items can turn out to be costly.

“Oddly-sized or shaped windows and doors require customization that can drive up the overall cost of purchase and installation,” the journal highlights.

Use Certified General Contractor

One of the ways Kenyans end up using a lot of money while the building is going for cheap uncertified contractors.

Uncertified contractors will in many cases give you a wrong quotation requiring revision of the budget halfway through construction.

They can also build a faulty house which will require more costs in repair.

A luxurious mansion in Kenya

Planet of Hotels