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Over the years, patients receiving poor services in private and public hospitals have been rising. 

Negligence from the facilities and individual healthcare workers has always been cited as one of the root causes, despite efforts by the government to scale up its resources. 

Most Kenyans are unaware of their rights, enshrined in the 2010 Promulgated Constitution and The Kenya National Patient's Rights Charter (2013).

Every Kenyan citizen has a right to access health care, from promotive, preventive, curative, reproductive, rehabilitative and palliative.

Kirinyanga Governor Anne Waiguru (in sky blue blazer) showing UK ambassador to Kenya Jane Marriot (in a blue pantsuit) around the Kerugoya Level Five Hospital on Wednesday, October 19, 2022

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Anne Waiguru

Rights upon arrival and admission to a health facility

Patients have the right to demand medicine, despite reports of a shortage of drugs. 

A patient must receive emergency treatment in any health facility, whether private or public. This is regardless of whether they have the ability to pay.

"In an emergency situation, irrespective of the patient's ability to pay, treatment to stabilize the patient's condition shall be provided," according to The Kenya National Patient's Rights Charter. 

Insurance

Every patient has the right to be informed of all the medical scheme/health insurance provisions.

"Anyone enjoying provisions of medical cover is entitled to know all provisions accorded and challenge them if necessary," the charter states.

Some patients seek treatment using medical cover only to be told their scheme does not cover that particular health issue or condition.

Admission/Treatment

You can choose your healthcare provider when you visit a hospital. A medical facility should not limit you in choosing a healthcare provider as long as he is registered and qualified to treat that particular ailment or disease.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launches the Mwiki Level 3 Hospital on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

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"A patient's right to access a healthcare provide will not be hindered by any third party so long as the provider of choice is qualified, registered, retained and in current good standing with the Regulatory Authority to provide treatment for that particular ailment," Kenyan law on patient rights states.

As a citizen, you have a right to get the highest attainable quality of healthcare products and services.

You can also request to be transferred once you feel the services offered at your hospital of admission are poor. The facility is always advised against detaining you. 

A hospital should not be forced to accept treatment. You have the right to refuse, withdraw or withhold treatment.

"Any person may refuse treatment and such refusal shall be documented in writing by the medical service provider and in the presence of an independent witness, provided such refusal does not create immediate danger to the patient or the health of others and that the consciousness and competency of the person has been taken into account," the charter expounds.

Before receiving treatment at any hospital, medics should explain in detail - using any language you understand - what the treatment entails. This includes the illness's nature, diagnostic procedures, proposed treatment and alternative treatments and their cost.

In addition to informed consent, every patient is entitled to receiving full and accurate information concerning their health and healthcare.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, the facility must explain the severity of the disease and the treatment plan.

A patient should be treated with respect and dignity.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta commissions hospitals on Tuesday night, July 6, 2021.

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Every patient is entitled to a second opinion. This is not limited to diagnosis but also covers; procedures, method of treatment being proposed and medication given.

Kenyans have a right to complain about health facilities. Those complaints should be promptly investigated, and the complainant responded to within a reasonable time that does not exceed 12 months.

Discrimination while giving out health insurance cover on the basis of age, pregnancy, disability and illness, including mental disorders is ill-advised. 

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is guaranteed for every patient. Unless consent is explicitly given or disclosure is allowed by law or in the public interest, confidentiality is guaranteed even after the patient’s death.

"Right to confidentiality shall be upheld where consent has expressly been given, or disclosure is allowed by law or in the public interest.

Confidentiality shall be maintained even after a patient's death," Kenyan health law states.

Finally, every person has a right to decide to donate his or her organs upon demise. 

If any rights are infringed, a patient can lodge a complaint with the healthcare provider.

If the healthcare provider does not amicably solve the dispute, a complaint can be lodged with the relevant regulatory authority.

Should the resolution of the regulatory authority not be satisfactory, a patient can lodge a claim in court seeking appropriate remedies.

Revital Healthcare technical director Krupali Shah and Kisumu county First Lady Dorothy Nyong'o at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital neonatal unit

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Kenyans seeking to do business with State House, the official residence of President William Ruto, now have a chance to apply for tenders.

In a notice dated Tuesday, November 8, the house on the hill advertised that it was seeking suppliers for goods and services in 58 categories.

That was after it revoked previous applications of similar tenders it had advertised for in June 2022 during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure.

If successful, the suppliers will be awarded tenders lasting for a period of more than a year - slated to end in June 2024.

State House building in Nairobi

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"The Executive office of the President (State House) invites applications for pre-qualification/registration of suppliers for provision of goods and services from interested eligible bidders for the period ending June 30, 2024. All applicants must be registered with Kenya Revenue Authority and Registrar of Companies.

"Current providers of various goods and services as well as those who had applied to be prequalified through tender advertised in June this year are requested to apply afresh," read the statement in part.

Some of the goods sought by State House include cleaning materials, detergents, seeds, cut flowers, utensils, Juices and beverages and fruits among others.

Outstanding services sought include fumigation and cleaning, garbage collection, scratch cards, landscaping, motor-vehicle maintenance, sanitary services as well as outside catering.

There are 28 categories in general in goods section while the service section advertised for tenders in 30 categories.

Applications are open till Tuesday, November 22,  2022.

How to Apply

Interested bidders should download the documents containing the detailed terms and conditions of the pre-qualification from the official State House website or from the PPRA Tender Portal free of charge. 

Youth, women, and persons with disabilities who seek to participate in the process will provide a valid certificate of registration for a disadvantaged group.

Bidders are required to fill the documents, indicating the tender number and the category to be submitted in plain sealed envelopes. 

Relevant documents will be deposited at the Tender Box located at Gate D and addressed to the State House Comptroller's official address.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing delegates at a previous forum.

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Over 600 individuals applied for Kenya Airways pilot (captain) and pilot (first officer) job vacancies just three days after the national career advertised for the posts.

In a notice issued on Saturday, November 5, a day after pilots went on strike, the company announced that it was seeking captains to 'ensure the aircraft is operated as per the conditions laid down in the operations manual and its volumes.'

For the position, northwards of 281 interested individuals applied to fill up the position.

Separately, the national carrier further announced that it was seeking first officers who would be tasked with providing support to the captain 'so as to ensure the aircraft is operated as per the conditions laid down in the operations manual and its volumes.'

Inside a cockpit of a plane.

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For the slot, 336 application had already been made bringing the total applications to 617.

Requirements

For the captain position, the applicants are expected to have apt knowledge and skills in flying E-Jet, B737-NG, B737F and B787 planes.

They must also possess a minimum of 3,500 hours on a commercial jet aircraft, a Air Transport Pilot License and preferred bachelor's degree alongside other requirements.

For the first officer position, the applicants must have experience flying E-Jet, B737-NG, B737F and B787 planes and possess over 500 hours on a commercial jet aircraft.

Other requirements are a Bachelors Degree, a valid Commercial Pilot License and preference would be given to applications with Flight Management system experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates for both positions are advised to submit a copy of their detailed Curriculum Vitae to Kenya Airways via LinkedIn.

Applications are open till Friday, November 18.

Planes landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

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Wondering if you can be refunded Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) or train ticket once you make a purchase by mistake? The good news is you can.

The bad news, however, is that you won't be refunded the full amount initially paid for.

On Monday, November 7, Keya Railways Corporation (KRC) announced that all aggrieved customers can claim refunds and will received 70 per cent of their old tickets.

For instance, if you make an erroneous payment of Ksh2,000, you will receive Ksh1,400 as refund while the company will retain Ksh600 (equivalent of 30 per cent) as its deduction.

The SGR Nairobi terminus station.

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Kenya Railways

How to Apply

To make the application, customers can either visit SGR terminal or contact their call center for reversal.

The applicants must also print out their ticket while visiting the terminal nearest to them and carry their original identification card (of the account used to purchase the ticket).

Applications must be made 48 hours in advance for individuals and 72 hours for groups.

"For refund, you have to visit SGR terminus with your original ID. This should be done up to 48 hours before the indicated time of departure. Refund is subject to 30% deduction," KRC statement clarified.

Those seeking to switch their tickets from one class to another should also apply for refunds and them make fresh purchases.

The refund amount was lowered from 80 per cent in 2017 to the current 70 per cent.

At the time, the SGR had also announced that individuals who fail to catch up with the train in time were likely to receive 80 per cent refunds.

The directive was, however, applicable only to those who purchase tickets at intermediate stations.

A first class ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa costs Ksh3,000 for adults and Ksh1,500 for economy class while that of economy class ranges between Ksh1,000 and Ksh500.

The Mombasa Terminus of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

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Kenya Railways

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has banned 131 skin-lightening products from the Kenyan market said to be containing substances only used with a prescription.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, KEBS Managing Director Bernard Njiraini confirmed that the products remained banned as per their directive and that this was just a reminder of the same.

"We are reminding Kenyans that the products are harmful, some are carcinogenic and should not be used," Njiraini said in an interview.

Former KEBS Director General Bernard Njiraini speaking during a press briefing in July.

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KEBS

Among the products banned are 131 skin-lightening products from the Kenyan market said to be containing substances only used with a prescription.

“Their use in cosmetics was prohibited through gazette notices 4310 of 14th August 1998 and 7169 of November 2000,” said Njiraini.

These products include; bleaching creams, lotions, gels, and soaps which also contain hydroquinone, steroids and hormonal preparations which should be registered by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board for medical use.

Most of the banned products are available for Ksh.1000 from cosmetic shops and online marketplaces. 

On the other hand, hydroquinone, mercury, oxidizing agents and hormonal preparations which are used for treating various medical conditions are classified as drugs and should only be applied upon the advice and direction of a medical doctor.

Mr Njiraini added that these products should not be sold in the open market only in registered pharmacies and chemists.

The products listed above contain hydroquinone, steroids, mercury and hydrogen peroxide. They have not been registered with Pharmacy and Poisons Board as medicines. 

Betnovate, Mediven, Diprosone, Nerisone, Hydrocortisone and 0xy 5 and 0xy 10 can be used as human medicines for various skin conditions as they have been registered with Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

KEBS cautioned Kenyans to be wary of the danger the products pose, maintaining that their mandate is to guarantee the safety of the public.

A complete list of the banned products can be found on the Kebs(dot)org.

Pharmacy shelves stocked with products.

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Kenya's tourism industry has, for years, been a beloved destination that is now increasingly attractive to movie stars and Hollywood celebrities

In the latest conquest, the Eden Hotel located along Lang'ata Road and Giraffe Manor in Lang'ata is winning celebrities' favours after they were ranked among the very best in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Eden Hotel

According to the Hollywood Reporter, a US publication, Maria Bello, a Hollywood actress and the producer of the hit movie - A Woman King - praised Eden Hotel for its design calling it a little cottage on the grounds.

The hotel, which was converted from an eight-room mansion into a hotel in 2021, was founded by Anna Trzebinski and her husband Tonio Trzebinski, while they were in their 20s.

"Anna is an incredible designer and the property is amazing," stated Bella.

Another Hollywood heavyweight, Film producer Geralyn Dreyfous, praised the hotel's ability to draw crowds and create a community.

Eden Hotel in Lang'ata, Nairobi County

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“Anna does these salons; she’s a real community builder, so it’s more than just staying in a hotel, it’s being connected to some of the most culturally creative people in Nairobi. She curates experiences for you and is very forward-thinking," stated the filmmaker.

The hotel stands out for its birdsong and lush grounds making visitors feel like it is a living museum. It is also dotted with art pieces collected by the German couple over the years.

"Bedrooms are breezy, with ornately carved beds and seashell-lined bathrooms," read the review in part.

Eden Hotel charges Ksh53,300 per night.

Giraffe Manor

Ranked among one of the most instagrammable destinations worldwide, the Giraffe Manor in Lang'ata is also a darling of celebrities.

It has hosted heavyweights such as Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi and Derek Hough all of whom praised its lushness and nature-friendliness.

The hotel launched a new center titled 'The Retreat' which offers visitors an escape from the busy city.

"Created exclusively for guests of Giraffe Manor and The Safari Collection, The Retreat at Giraffe Manor provides the perfect beginning or ending to any African safari. Surrounded by nature, it offers an exquisite wellness experience for our Manor House guests as well as a day room facility for guests of The Safari Collection portfolio who require a stopover in Nairobi," reads a description on its site.

Dreyfous celebrated the country's people and the city's vibrancy as well as how the country intertwined its nature and good hotel experience.

File image of guests enjoying breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi

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“I’ve spent a lot of time in South Africa and I thought that was possibly the most beautiful place in the world until I went to Kenya. 

"I’ve really just fallen in love with the Kenyan people, the diversity of geography, and culturally it’s very interesting. Nairobi is on fire right now, the tech sector is very vibrant, fashion and graphics and design are very vibrant, and film is trying to make a comeback," the filmmaker stated.

Manor also takes care of giraffes as part of its environmental conservation efforts.

The two hotels featured on the list alongside The Saxxon in Johannesburg, Sterrekopje in Cape Winelands, South Africa as well as Mount Nelson in Cape Town.

Aerial view of giraffe manor

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Increasing evidence suggests that a healthy gut microbiome is important for mental wellness as well as a stable immune system.

But what does it really mean to have a healthy gut? “A healthy gut means you have a stronger immune system, a better mood, effective digestion that’s free of discomfort and a healthy brain and heart,” says Sabine Hazan, M.D., a gastroenterologist, founder of Ventura Clinical Trials in Ventura, California. 

An unhealthy gut has been linked to the following:

- Diabetes

- Poor sleep

- Poor mood

- Skin issues

- Weight gain

- Inflammation

- Poor mental health

- Weakened immunity

- Autoimmune disease

A collection of cereals rich in fibre

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Having a healthy lifestyle and eating certain foods will help you improve or restore your gut health naturally. Below are different ways of maintaining a healthy gut.

1. Eat Fiber-Rich and Probiotic-Packed Foods

Fiber is a plant-based nutrient that reduces the risk of metabolic diseases by stimulating the growth and diversity of good bacteria in the gut, research suggests.

Sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots are full of naturally gut-enhancing fiber. Besides fruits and vegetables, whole grains (barley, brown rice, millet, oatmeal, popcorn, whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers) are a rich source of fiber, too.

Fermented foods like yogurt may help calm gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and constipation.

According to research, people who eat yogurt regularly have more lactobacilli, a gut-benefitting bacteria, in their intestines, as well as fewer enterobacterium, a type of bacteria linked with inflammation.

2. Exercise Regularly

Movement is medicine for so many parts of the human body, including the microbiome. In both animal and human studies, researchers have found that exercise promotes an increase in diversity of healthy bacteria in the gut.

A University of Illinois study showed exercise has positive impact on gut microbes involved in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. SCFAs reduce risk of inflammatory disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. 

Longer workouts and high-intensity aerobic training, in particular, contributed most to gut bacteria diversity and function in relation to overall wellness. They also observed that lean people are more likely to benefit from exercise than individuals who are obese.

3. Limit alcohol and seed oils.

These have both been shown to inflame the gut and increase intestinal permeability. Seed oils are found in almost any food that comes in a box.

Some of the most common seed oils that can be readily consumed include soybean, corn, canola, cottonseed, rapeseed, grapeseed and sunflower. If your gut health is bad enough it might be necessary to eliminate all these.

4. Get quality sleep.

Poor sleep hurts all aspects of your health including your gut. One study showed that only 2 nights of poor sleep was enough to lower good gut bacteria. Aim to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep to optimize your gut health.

5. Get sunlight.

All of your cells rely on sunlight for proper function. UV rays from the sun have been proven to increase microbiome diversity. Sunlight is also important for cellular energy which is a key to improving gut health.

Sun shines over a lake.

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Why your gut health matters

Your gut digests the foods you eat, absorbs nutrients from it and uses those nutrients to fuel and maintain your body.

“The gut plays a huge role in the health and well-being of our bodies,” says Alicia Romano, a specialized clinical dietitian at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

In addition to digesting food and absorbing nutrients, “the gut is in tight communication with the brain, playing a constant game of telephone and influencing a number of factors, including immune activity, over 70% of your immune cells reside in the gut.”

Remember, what works for someone else is probably an enemy of your body. Figure out what works best for you.  

While on the road, other than the various signs, drivers encounter different types of markings that guide them.

These markings aim to maintain order on the roads and curb road carnages too. They are durable, reflective, and environmentally friendly.

Among the tests offered by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) before one acquires a driving license is a quiz on road signs, including highway markings. 

The colours white and yellow are mostly used to make the markings on the roads. Here are the meanings. 

A collage of a dotted white line (top) and a crosswalk (bottom)

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Yellow markings are majorly used on highways, while white ones can be used on any other roads. 

White Markings

Broken white lines - These lines in the middle of the road direct the motorist to change lanes if the road is clear. They also separate the traffic on the different lanes.

Continuous white line - Orders motorists to stay in their lane and keep the left side of the line.

Crosswalks - These lines allow pedestrians to safely cross the road.

Dotted White line- it provides the motorist with a warning over varying functions on the road ahead.

While on the road, you will also notice a white continuous line on the pavement which define the edge of the road - demarcations that indicate where the road starts or ends. 

Yellow Markings

Continuous yellow line- It is in the middle of the road and warns the motorist when the section of the road is not visible. Directs motorists not to overtake. Mostly found in corners, slopes and blackspots. 

Yellow broken lines-  Allows motorists to cross over to a different lane. They can thus overtake and speed off. 

Two yellow lines (broken & continuous) - A motorist next to the broken line can overtake, but the one guided by a continuous line is barred from crossing over. 

Continuous double line - Marked on the middle of the road to prohibit the motorist from crossing over to any lane.

At a roundabout, there are also visible markings to ensure smooth traffic at the circular intersection. 

Notably, the colour blue may be used to indicate the handicapped parking spot. Also, along the Thika Superhighway, a red line is used to demarcate the lane meant for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

A collage of a broken white line demarcating lanes on Thika Road and broken white lines separating a climbing lane of the highway.

Kenyans.co.ke

A collage of a continuous and broken yellow line, broken yellow line and continuous yellow line.

Kenyans.co.ke

A file Image of the Bus Rapid System works along the Thika Super Highway,2021.

Business owners were urged to link their businesses with the eCitizen platform to keep up with the digital era after the government abolished manual registration in 2017.

The Business Registration Service (BRS), on Friday, October 28, noted that the free service will link the manual company records online.

eCitizen brings Kenyans closer to government services in the comfort of their home, from registering a business to getting police clearance forms and applying for passports. 

Business owners who don’t have an account should click the signup button to register. The system will then send you an email verification.

eCitizen Log In Page

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Click on the link shared, verify your account, and then proceed to link your business on the site.

Log into the directors, director-shareholder, or appointed company secretaries account, and enter the username and password. 

Proceed to select Business Registration Service and click "Link Business", where you will be prompted to enter the name or registration number of the business and click the search button.

Thirdly, select the business and click next.

You will find the 'Edit Details' where you will be required to enter the business details, including the business name, registration number, registration type, and registration date.

Finish by clicking Save to continue.

Proceed to fill in details of the nature of the business and enter the capacity. Also, include the registered office addresses and all the information as required.

While on the site, also provide information on shares by adding the share category, the number of shares, and the value of each share. 

Then fill in details of all directors/shareholders, personal details, and the shares and Beneficial Ownership Information before saving to continue.

Finally, download the auto-generated Beneficial Ownership Information Form, sign, upload, and submit the application for review.

An undated photo of a poster on business registration

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For every car owner selecting a car tyre can be a tedious and long process, but it does not have to be. When selecting tyres, buyers look for those that will increase the efficiency of the vehicle on the road as well as pocket-friendly tyres.

They also select tyres that are going to last a long time and feel comfortable while you are driving.

However, buyers are faced with a wide pool of options from the brands to the sizes and the car types. There are factors to look into before buying tyres for your car.

A pile of new tyres

Weather Conditions 

Different weather conditions including rain, heat, snow, and ice dictate the efficiency of your vehicle on the road. There is an option to get all-season tyres to avoid frequent replacement.

Understanding the varying seasons gives the car owner foresight into the type of tyres needed. To differentiate between varying season tyres, check the manufacturer's website for more information.

Summer tyres are more effective in sports cars, they offer good grip on the road while the car is at high speed during warm temperatures.

Tyres for the cold season have deeper treads and a special type of rubber compound to enhance efficiency.

Some familiar markings on the tyre include M&S (Mud & Snow) and A/T (All Terrain).

Timing

It is not advisable to rush to the car dealership in search of tyres. Monitor the lifespan of the tyres to know when to buy new ones. This will give you time to conduct proper research.

Planning ahead will help you save money as you will not be purchasing tyres to replace dangerously worn-out ones.

Cost

Consider the amount you are willing to spend on purchasing car tyres. This will save you time as you will look at cars in your price range.

Also, be sure to consider a warranty when buying tyres to save on costs.

Several worn-out tyres

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Tyre Size

Choosing the wrong tyre size is a common mistake among car owners. To know more about the size of the tyre, check the numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall. 

The speed rate is also indicated by the last letter, the rate shows the maximum speed when the vehicle is carrying the maximum tyre load.

Here is a list of some of the letters you may find on the side of the tyre: S (112 mph), T (118mph), H (130mph), V (149mph), ZR (149+ mph), W (168 mph), Y (186 mph) and Q (99 mph).

Type of Vehicle

Different vehicles require varying types of tyres. You may not use the same tyres for a truck as you would for a small vehicle.

It is advisable to refer to the manufacturer's guide to understand the required tyres for large vehicles.

If your vehicle is suited to drive on off-roads, select tyres that have increased tread to facilitate the grip. It will help navigate the mud, steep inclines, and loose gravel.