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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.

Photo

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.

A photo of First Lady Rachel Ruto and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i on Monday, March 13, emerged online, hours after the latter's case was dropped by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

A debate later ensued on whether a deal was being brokered between President William Ruto and the embattled CS.

However, Kenyans.co.ke, established that the photo was taken on October 22, 2019, and not in 2023, as alleged.

The First Lady first posted the photo after she hosted Matiang'i for a meeting regarding projects undertaken by women prisoners.

A screengrab of First Lady Rachel Ruto's post in 2019 after meeting former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.

File

At the time, Rachel was serving as the Second Lady.

"We would like to thank our CS, Dr Fred Matiang'i, Interior Cabinet Secretary, for the great support and visiting the Cross stitch International Exhibition at the Michael Joseph centre this morning.

"Together, we continue to support our ladies in prison and give them hope and dignity," the first lady stated. 

The reemergence of the photo on social media came hours after Matiang'i met Ruto's allies, including Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.

Various reports intimated that in the meeting, Gusii leaders, intervened in the former CS's woes before Ruto toured the region.

Additionally, a number of Kenyans likened the meeting to reports that a number of leaders from the Gusii region were working on plans to reconcile the duo following their fallout post the 2018 handshake.

This followed the decision of the ODPP directing the DCI to drop charges against the former CS and his lawyer, Danstan Omari. 

Matiang'i was facing charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and publication of false information over an alleged raid at his Karen home on February 8.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu (right) in a meeting with former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at a Nairobi hotel on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

The Standard

Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok on Friday, March 10, announced that Kenyans could apply for marriage certificates on the eCitizen platform in a move aimed at streamlining government services.

The PS, in a statement, noted that the application of marriage certificates was among 5,000 services that had been digitised.

Kenyans.co.ke details the process and the costs involved during the application as below;

A photo of a couple exchanging wedding rings.

Kenyans.co.ke

How to Appy

The first step in the application is to visit the eCitizen platform: www(dot)eCitizen(dot)go(dot)ke(slash)ecitizen-services and click on the marriage services option.

The landing page will be provided you with five options including notice of marriage, solemnisation of marriage, commissioning of affidavits, issuance of a registrar’s certificate, and issuance of a marriage certificate.

Click on the marriage certificate option and fill out the online form.

During the application, one is also required to upload a number of official documents to support their background.

They include a copy of the birth certificate, ID, and coloured passport-size photos – one for each applicant. Proof of no other existing marriages is also required. 

"Submit sworn affidavit to state marital status (swear separate affidavits if not married or joint affidavit if married under customary law);

"Also attach a copy of the death certificate (if widow or widower)or a copy of divorce decree absolute (if the partner had been married before and divorced)," the State Law Office stated.

Upon completion, the applicant will also be required to book an appointment with the Registrar. 

"Book an appointment on the online platform and appear before the Registrar for submission of original documents and interview," read the statement in part.

Costs Involved

After completing the application, applicants part way with Ksh7,200 if the wedding is to be conducted at a licensed place of worship.

Planned weddings conducted outside a place of worship attract a fee of Ksh14,200.

A photo of the e-citizen platform

File

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen wowed Kenyans on Thursday, March 9, by making announcements while on board a plane.

Murkomen was heard over the intercom giving instructions to the passengers as the plane landed at the airport.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), do not alight until the aircraft has come to a stop," he advised. 

The CS was seen reading a script while the purser held the microphone up for him.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen (seated) making announcements in a plane on Thursday, March 9, 2023

Kenyans.co.ke

Unknown to many, a plane purser is different from a flight attendant. However, a purser can serve as a flight attendant.

 

An aircraft purser is part of the cabin crew and takes responsibility for cabin safety, passenger experience, and much of the paperwork.

Once onboard, the purser conducts all announcements over the PA system and updates the pilots on any information that they should know from the cabin. 

Other duties include contacting the gate agent to coordinate the boarding procedure, they deal with high-level incidents that might take place inflight including medical emergencies, and passenger complaints.

After landing at their base airport, the purser is tasked with writing and submitting incident reports, submitting the flight attendant performance assessments, submitting the flight's final sales receipts, and returning any filled-out paperwork to the crew operations centre.

Qualifications

To be a flight purser one must be a crew member for an average of five to ten years. This may vary between different airlines.

Additionally, all applicants need to have experience in all class cabins (economy, business, and first-class).

Furthermore, considering the extra roles of purser and interaction with the passengers, they are required to have proficiency in the English language and good communication skills.

The purser is also required to be computer literate, have good leadership skills, and be attentive to details among other interpersonal skills.

Conclusively,  a purser is a crucial part of the flight, working behind the scenes to ensure you get to your destination safely and comfortably.

Planes landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

File