SEO Article

The use of drones in content creation and videography has increased in recent years.

Drones are also used in various fields like medicine, agriculture, military, wildlife conservation and surveillance.

Many Kenyans also fly drones as a hobby or sport.

Whether you are buying a drone for personal use or professional use, there are stipulated laws you must abide by. 

File image of a drone

File

Being considered unmanned aircraft, drone purchase and operations are regulated by the government through Kenya Civil and Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Every drone must be registered through KCAA, and only Kenyan citizens can apply for registration. Foreigners can only rent drones from local owners.

For registration, the following documents are required: Identification documents, a police clearance certificate, company registration, photo of the drone and its circuit diagram.

Once your drone is registered, you ought to apply for a flying permit from KCAA.

The following documents are needed to apply for permits; an identification document, a clear picture of the drone’s serial number and safety documentation containing emergency procedures in case of failure.

If you plan to use the drone for commercial purposes, you require a pilot to obtain a Remote Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ROC) from the Authority.

Pilots are prohibited from flying drones above 400 feet or within 164 feet (50 meters) of any person, vessel, or vehicle that is not part of the operation.

The drones are also barred in high-level security areas where photography is prohibited. These areas include State House and all state lodges, police stations, military barracks and diplomatic premises. 

File image of a drone

File

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, during his final days in office, launched new digital number plates in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Since the announcement on August 30, 2022, many questions were raised on the process and transition from the old to new digital plates. 

The government, while clarifying the matter, pointed out that the exercise would be mandatory for all motorists to change within 18 months. 

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i (second from right) commissioning the new digital number plates in Nairobi on August 30, 2022

Photo

Ministry of Interior

Further, Kenyans would part with Ksh3,000 to replace the old number plates. 

The move targeted all automobiles including motorbikes and three-wheelers, trailers and tractors, both private and government-owned, and those used by diplomats and international organizations. 

The digital number plates would also be synchronised with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) systems to nab tax cheats and defaulters. 

The new registration process would commence with the newly registered vehicles from the KDK series and backtrack to the old registered vehicles. 

How to Apply

Motorists are advised to access the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) through ntsa (dot) go (dot) ke

Enter your login method, username, password and the security code that will be sent to your phone, and click sign in. 

Upon logging in, go to the Registration Module and click on Reflective Number Plate menu. 

Select the vehicle you want to apply the plates for, from the list of vehicles in your account and click on the Next button at the bottom of the screen. 

Hover over to the Reason for Reflective Plate tab and click on the drop-down arrow.

Select the New Generation plate and preferred location to pick up the new number plates.

A text message will be sent when the new number plates will be ready.  

Read Also: Govt Sets Conditions for Acquiring New Digital Number Plates

An image of some of the Kenyan number plates used in yester years.

World Plates International

President William Ruto's administration, on Wednesday, November 30, launched the Ksh50 billion Hustler Fund kitty, targetting low-income earners to boost their businesses and simultaneously enhance a savings culture. 

Hustler Fund consists of four products under the fund, including personal finances, microloans, SME loans and Startups. For the personal finance scheme, the amount one can take begins at Ksh500 and is capped at Ksh50,000, depending on one's score. SMEs and Startups can access up to Ksh250,000. 

The rate is calculated at eight per cent per annum and prorated to 0.02 per cent per day. You can also apply through a USSD code *254# or via a mobile application platform of any of the mobile network operators in Kenya.

How do I Repay My Loan?

President William Ruto interacts with traders during the launch of the Hustler Fund at the Green Park terminus on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Kenyans.co.ke

Ivy Nyawira

Once you borrow a loan, the repayment will be made from your Mobile Money account, such as Self-payment. 

The loan repayment period is capped at 14 days with an interest of 8 per cent per annum.

This allows you to repay the loan as a lump sum or in part, provided the full repayment is done within 14 days. 

What Happens If I don't pay on time? 

Your credit rating is negatively affected if the loan is not repaid within the stipulated days.

This means you cannot take another loan until the current one is repaid.

You may re-pay the loan in full or in part, provided the full repayment is done within 14 days. All transaction notifications will be through SMS. 

15 days after the date of default the interest rate will be adjusted to 9.5 percent per annum. 

Loan Recovery Process 

To enhance efficiency and allow effective monitoring and evaluation of the loan recovery process, an SMS will be sent of the due date and outstanding amount five days before the deadline. 

On the 13th day, the customer is notified that the facility is due. On D-day, you will be notified that the payment is overdue. 

After the due date, you shall not be eligible to apply for any other product with the Fund until the outstanding amount is paid. 

Overdue reminders shall be sent every five days up to 30 days. 

How Can I Increase My Loan Limit?

The limit increase will depend on your performance on consistent loan borrowing and repayment on time. 

Your score is calculated when you continue using Hustler Fund and paying the loan on time.

In addition, the limit shall be reviewed and adjusted based on the borrowing and repayment history of previous Hustler Fund loans taken.

President William Ruto (centre) interacts with a trader in an exhibition during the official launch of the Hustler Fund at the Green Park Terminus on November 30, 2022.

Kenyans.co.ke

Ivy Claire

Flat-roof houses are an emerging trend for Kenyans building residential or commercial buildings.

They are considered fancy and fashionable compared to hip, pitched, gable roofing styles.

Despite the rising popularity, here are five reasons you should avoid building a flat-roof house. 

Drainage

A flat roof house in Kenya

Pacific Reality Investments

Building contractor Jonathan Kyalo speaking to Kenyans.co.ke explained that drainage is the biggest disadvantage of a flat roof. 

“To maintain the flat roof aesthetic, the house can only allow a slight slope to drain water,” he told Kenyans.co.ke

“Most of the time, the slope will not drain fully the water creating a puddle that will eventually damage the roof,” he added.

Lifespan

Most Kenyan flat roofs are built using concealed iron sheets or concrete slabs.

Kyalo explains that due to stagnant water or gutter failure, the roofing has a short lifespan compared to other roofing styles.

Less Stability

Flat roofs have less stability and the ability to withstand weight naturally.

This makes them costly to build because you will need to compensate elsewhere in the construction to strengthen the building.

A flat roof house design

West Kenya Real Estate

Temperature changes

“Flat roofs absorb heat faster than other roofing styles, which is a problem as most parts of the country are arid and semi-arid,” Kyalo underlined. 

During cold seasons, your house gets extremely cold, and the house becomes unbearably hot during the hot season.

High repair costs

Adverse weather conditions affect flat roofs, making them need constant repairs. This is costly, making many people shun the style.

ADVANTAGES OF FLAT-ROOFED HOUSES 

Flat roof also has its own advantages over pitched and hip-roofed houses.

Versatile

Unlike other types of roofing, a flat roof design makes it easily accessible. In case of inspection or repair, it is easy making it efficient.

Maintenance

The ease of accessibility makes the roofs easier to clean. Unlike other types of roofs, owners can clean their own houses instead of hiring professionals, cutting costs.

Multiple Uses

Flat roofs can be used for a variety of purposes. You can create a top roof bar or convert the roof to a barbeque joint. This is impossible with other types of roofing systems.

Aesthetic Value

Flat roofs are considered an architectural marvel and one of the reasons they are gaining popularity in Kenya.

Kenya got its first automobile over a century ago, in 1903, during the early years of British colonial rule.

Kenya's first car was owned by Australian Road Engineer, George Wilson, who imported the vehicle from France into the country through the Mombasa Port.

The car model was a De Dion Bouton, which at the time was one of the most popular cars in the world.

De Dion Bouton model car

Annamaria

Wilson's car became a status symbol and an engineering marvel in Kenya and the entire East African region.

George was among the Civil Engineers who were tasked with the responsibility of constructing Kenyan highways stretching from Mombasa to Mumias.

The car had a one-cylinder engine that drove the machine at a costly maintenance value. 

The interior design required passengers to sit in the front seats while facing the driver, who sat in the rear body rest.

While the car commenced a technological boom in Kenya, it encountered an array of challenges.

Firstly, George Wilson though a road engineer, did not know how to drive his imported automobile.

Luckily for Wilson, the French auto company making company had given him a manual on how to drive and maintain the car.

Wilson also faced fuel challenges since the country did not have cars, as such, there were no petrol stations at the time.

The engineer was forced to travel with jerrycans of fuel strapped at the back of his car.

Lastly, the existing roads had not been made for cars, making it hard for Wilson to drive on the ragged roads.

It took Wilson 26 years to make a maiden road trip from Mombasa to Nairobi, but at that time, Kenyans were already making the trip using the railway line.

The first Kenyan car making maiden trip to Nairobi from Mombasa in 1929

Annamaria

Kenyans interested in acquiring vehicles and other office equipment from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on the cheap now have a chance after Kenya Revenue Authority announced additional auction events countrywide.

In a notice carried in local dailies on Tuesday, November 15, KRA unveiled seven separate auction events for motor vehicles, obsolete furniture, generators as well as ICT equipment.

Venues for the auction include Mombasa, Likoni Road in Nairobi, Forodha House in Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Embu among others.

The first auction is slated to take place on November 29 along Likoni Road in Nairobi where nine vehicles have been put up on auction alongside furniture , motor-vehicle accessories and ICT equipment.

KESRA Center Along Waiyaki Way.

Twitter

On December 8, the exercise will be moved to Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) in Mombasa with seven vehicles on the line  as well as two Generators.

On January 19, interested bidders will congregate at KRA Offices Eldoret Kiptagich to try their luck in acquiring a Toyota Hilux, ICT equipment or other miscellaneous items.

The exercise is also slated to take place at Forodha House in Kisumu on January 19 where three vehicles, including two Land Cruisers, are on the auction line among other goods.

The event will then head to Nakuru Public Works on February 2, 2023, the KRA Office in Nyeri on February 9 and Embu's KRA NCPB Depot on February 16

In total, 23 vehicles have been put up on auction in the three locations.

How to Bid

Interested candidates are advised to visit the locations or personal viewing before paying refundable deposits of Ksh50,000 for each vehicle and Ksh10,000 for the other items.

The payment must be in form of a Banker's cheque in favour of Phillips International Auctioneers - the agency tasked with handling the auction. The applicants will then be provided with a bidding number.

On the Auction day, the winning bidder will then have to pay 25 per cent of the purchase price by the fall of hammer and the balance submitted in seven days failure to which the already paid funds will be forfeited.

File photo of used cars in a yard

Hacking has become a menace worldwide, with many people losing millions in online fraud.

Crime data by Statista shows that by June 2022, there were 444 million hacking attempts on financial institutions, mostly targeting mobile banking.

With most Kenyans accessing banking services through their smartphones, they are prone to hacking, phishing and identity theft.

One of best ways to protect yourself from online hackers is avoiding commonly used passwords like;

A hacker wearing a hoodie operates a computer.

File

Common English words

Avoid using common English words when creating passwords. Words like password, university, and company can easily be cracked by hackers.

Commonly used words

Apart from English words, avoid any commonly used words in any dialect. Do not use a commonly used vernacular phrase as your password.

Your name and DOB

Most people use their names or their loved ones as passwords. This is greatly dissuaded. If you have to use a person's name, make sure you combine it with numbers, symbols and a combination of cases.

Consecutive letters on the keyboard

If prompted to create a password, do not swipe on your keyboard. Even if the words are unintelligible, there being consecutive on the keyboard makes you vulnerable to hackers.

Words like QWERTY, or ABCD, or 1234 are not advised in forming passwords. 

Default device credentials

Most devices and software come with a default password. The common ones are 12345, 00000 and admin. Make sure you change the default password to deter hackers.

Personal information

Never use personal information like date of birth and ID number as your password, as it can commonly be guessed.

Months of the year

Finally, do not use your calendar as an inspiration in creating a password. Avoid months of the month when creating a password, as that can easily be hacked.

An image of an individual with a hidden face working on a computer taken on March 13, 2020.

Tech Funnel

In June, the then President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law a bill that would allow veterans from the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) and their dependents to reap benefits from their service.

Contents of the bill titled the Military Veterans Bill, 2022, included the establishment of the Dependents' Education Fund by the Defence Council.

The Fund was designed to provide scholarships for education of the children of deceased military veterans.

Other benefits provided by the Act include the creation of an advisory committee on military veterans that will advise and make recommendations to the Defence Council, Cabinet Secretary or Director of Military Veterans on any matter relating to the military veterans or their dependents.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta signs the Military Veterans Bill into Law on June 15, 2022.

File

The veterans will also be subjected to counselling and treatment, physical rehabilitation, education and skills development as well as facilitation of business advice.

To reap the benefits, however, the individuals must first apply to be recognised as KDF veterans to qualify.

How to Apply

Since the bill was signed into law, all veterans were required to apply and register with Ministry of Defence for fresh vetting and issuance of new Veterans identification cards.

The applicants are required to have a copy of their ID Card in JPEG, PNG or PDF formats, a  copy of their passport size photo as well as a copy of their discharge book.

Other requirements include dependent’s ID card copies as well as dates of Enlistment and Run Out Date (ROD).

To register, applicants are advised to visit veterans(dot)mod(dot)go(dot)ke/register where they will be required to fill a form requiring their full name, email, phone number as well as service number.

The applicants are also expected to get an OTP sent to their mobile phone numbers by clicking on (Send OTP). In case they don’t receive an OTP? They are advised to dial *456*9*5*5*1# to enable promotional messages.

Applicants should then enter the code sent to their phone number then check/click on ‘‘I have read and agreed to the instructions of this application’’.

They should then await a member of the council to reach back to them.

President William Ruto during the ceremony for the KDF heading to DRC

Twitter

State House

Most parents across the country struggle with medical bills when their children who are in secondary schools fall sick.

Unbeknownst to many, the Government of Kenya collaboratively with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) provides health cover to students in secondary schools.

The medical scheme known as Edu Afya covers all students from Form One to Form Four who are in public institutions.

A student in a classroom in Kenya

UNICEF

Edu Afya offers both Out-patient and In-patient medical covers.

Eligibility

1. You must be a student in public secondary school.
2. Be registered by NHIF through NEMIS database -The National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) is web-based data management that keeps data of learners.

Once a student registers at the NEMIS database, the data is automatically shared with NHIF. An appointment is booked for the student to avail his/her biometrics.

Outpatient benefits

Under Edu Afya, outpatient services are provided by a clinician/physician who is a licensed medical practitioner.

A student can be referred for a specialized outpatient service if need arises.

Specialized outpatient referrals include; renal and dialysis services, radiology, chronic ailments and cancer treatment.

Dental cover

Under dental cover a student will enjoy the following health benefits;

Tooth extraction

Root canal

Dental X-ray services

Optical cover

All expenses related to eye treatment are covered in Edu- Afya. They include; consultation, eyes testing, prescription and any optical related accident.

Life cover

In the event of demise of a patient, immediate family (next of kin) will receive a sum total of Ksh500,000

Inpatient Cover

Inpatient services are done on a referral basis from the selected outpatient Health Care Provider.

All hospital accommodation charges are catered for as well as pre-hospitalization diagnostic services.

All fees rising from doctor and nursing chargers are also catered for as well as drugs prescribed.

In case there is need for rehabilitation, operation or radiological diagnostic, NHIF through Edu Afya will cater for everything.

Emergency rescue services are also accorded to all students under Edu Afya medical cover. This includes both air and road rescue services.

Overseas treatment

In an instance where a student needs specialized treatment overseas, NHIF will cover all costs arising including travel logistics.  

An undated picture of the emergency entrance at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Kenyans.co.ke

Deciding on a business's legal structure is one of the key steps in the inception stage. 

Financial experts say that the legal structure is determined by the composition of the business, from the business type to the number of owners or investors, and how it pays taxes and manages liabilities. 

The abbreviations that come after your business name thus indicate its structure. Most Kenyan companies have Ltd, Inc, Co, PLC or LLC at the end of their business name.

Therefore, legal implications and liability degrees are associated with each type of abbreviation. 

From Right: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto, NSE Chairman Kiprono Kittony, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja among other guests during the ringing of Trading Bell in a past event

File

Limited (Ltd) and Incorporated (Inc)

Ltd is usually an abbreviation for Limited. This is the most commonly used legal structure of businesses in Kenya.

In these companies, the owners have limited liability regarding debts incurred by the business entity.

Responsibility for debt incurred is calculated using the amount an individual invested in the company.

The reprieve is only applied if the business operates within the confines of the law. The shareholders will be held liable if the company falls into debt. 

Incorporated (Inc) is used interchangeably with Limited (Ltd) as they enjoy the same legal structure. 

Company (Co)

Co is an abbreviation used to denote company. Unlike other business abbreviations, Co does not carry meaning as a specific legal structure on its own.

Company (Co) means an association of people working in a for-profit organization or industrial enterprise.

Public Limited Company (PLC)

Limited (Ltd) refers to a Private Limited Company, while PLC stands for Public Limited Company.

The difference between the two is in the mode of raising capital. Private Limited Companies (Ltd) can raise capital by selling shares, but unlike PLCs, they cannot trade on the stock exchange.

If an Ltd company wants to raise money through the stock exchange, it has to change its business structure to a PLC business entity.

Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

Instead of shareholders, owners of an LLC company are referred to as partners. It is the most commonly preferred type of business registration by lawyers.

In LLC, all profits and losses are passed down to the partners, who report them as part of their taxable income.

Just like in Ltd, partners in an LLC are protected from liability. 

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria addresses a meeting with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers on October 28, 2022.