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A vehicle with GK number plates pictured in Poland on Thursday, March 9, went viral as social media users wondered whether the car belonged to the Kenyan government and how it got to the foreign land overseas.

The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) - of the Volkswagen model - had registration number GKA 74099.

However, Kenyans.co.ke, through an image reverse search technology, established that the car did not belong to the government and was owned by a private citizen in Poland.

The research also showed that the GK series of number plates was legal in Poland.

A photo of a Volkswagen model car with a GK number plate out the National Treasury.

Photo

Treasury

Unlike Kenya where the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reserved the K** number plate series for private vehicles, Poland issues different number plates depending on the provinces in the European country.

Poland has 16 provinces and the GK number plate series is issued to vehicles from the Pomorskie Province.

Additionally, the number plate had a European Union (EU) logo - 12 stars put on a blue strip on the left side of the number plate.

The addition of EU logo was introduced in 1988 in Europe and was aimed at helping in the identification of vehicles.

"This format was widely known and used because it certainly satisfies all the requirements in Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. 

"The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic states that cross-border cars or vehicles must always display distinguishing symbols or signs of the exact country of the registration on the rear part of that certain vehicle," Fuwong, a number plate maker, stated on its website.

On the other hand, the polish vehicles had five numbers after GKA. Kenyan vehicles have three numbers after GKA and an alphabetical letter at the end.

Questions about the vehicle's country of origin emanated from the fact that a number of government agencies use the GKA number plate series.

Additionally, given that the car was of the Volkswagen model, many believe that the car belonged to Kenya Government. A number of government institutions have settled for the German model following the government's directive on using low-fuel-consuming vehicles.

A photo collage of GKA and GKB number plates photographed on October 20, 2022. The registration numbers are used by the Kenyan National Government.

Photo

Ma3Route

Crash landings result in damage to an aircraft and at times, turn fatal. Much as such incidents are unprecedented, it is important to be aware of the course of action to take in the event they occur.

Despite the widely spread notion that crash landing denotes all types of emergency landings, the term refers to a landing where the aircraft's body is damaged due to the pressure emanating from the impact. 

 Other types of emergency landing include forced landing, where the plane is forced to make an emergency landing due to technical hitches and precautionary landing where the pilot makes a landing to avert risks posed by unprecedented factors midway.

Kenya-owned Fokker 50 registration 5Y WFC that crash-landed in Bardere, Somalia on Sunday 5 July 2020.

Twitter

 Aviation bodies and trainers across the globe have developed drills aimed at guiding passengers and the larger part of the crew on how to respond to such emergencies. 

The main priority in such a case is to protect passengers from deceleration forces which have the potential to inflict injuries caused by collision with the aeroplane’s interior equipment.

There are specific guidelines that target pilots while others are designed to guide both cabin crew and passengers. 

Aviation guidelines stipulate that pilots should notify passengers of the impending emergency landing upon detecting an impending risk. Such announcements are usually verbatim according to the standards set by aviation regulators. 

Further, aviation standards advise passengers to maintain a brace position in such incidents.

This implies a position where passengers sit with their heads forward by the knees, with hands wrapped over the head, and feet firmly planted behind the knees.

This, according to the rules, prevents the possibility of shooting forward on impact due to the force of inertia. 

The rationale for maintaining the brace position is to protect the passengers from deceleration forces that are caused by the impact of a sudden halt of motion. 

In addition, the brace position prevents legs from being broken against the seats and the interior surface of the aircraft.

The wreckage of a plane crash landed in Mogadishu on Monday, July 18, 2022.

Twitter

Kenya's number plate system dates back to the colonial era when the first-ever vehicle registration system was established. The colonial era administration introduced the system with the prefix "K" followed by an alphabet representing the various regions. 

However, the system evolved over time owing to the increase in the number of vehicles in the country. The letters “O” and “I” are, nonetheless, not used due to their resemblance with digits 0 and 1. 

Kenya currently uses the system LLL NNNL- three letters with the prefix “K”, followed by three digits and a letter at the end.

This system was adopted in 1989 - to replace the older sequence of LLL NNN. The change to the current system was adopted after the first sequence was exhausted. 

A display of the new generation number plates after they had been commissioned in Nairobi on August, 30, 2022

File

Why “O” and “I” Are Not Used

According to the Traffic Act (Registration Plates) Rules, 2016- number plates should be "optically recognizable characters" which means alpha-numeric Eurofonts with simple, distinct features identifiable using cameras. 

The rules were set to ensure ease in identifying vehicles through the registration numbers embossed on the number plates. 

Another regulation set in the Traffic Act was that every letter or digit be at least 75 millimetres high and at least 15 millimetres broad. 

The number plate was to be made either of a white reflective material (for the front number plate), or a yellow reflective material (for the rear plates). 

Rules governing Kenya's number plate system have also been applied in various countries across the world where the aforementioned letters do not feature in vehicle registration. 

KAF

In addition, Kenya's number plate system skipped "KAF" in its sequence despite having the letter in the "KB" and "KC" series. 

The "KAF" is used in the special car registration numbers issued to vehicles owned by the Kenya Defence Forces-KDF's Kenya Air Force Wing (KAF).

Kenya Air Force uses the three letters as its identity, embedded on its aircraft, installations and other paraphernalia. 

The letter "D" in the KD" series was also excluded. After the "KDE" series, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) proceeded to the letter "G"- which explains why there is no "KDF" in Kenyan number plates. 

In the latest generation of number plates introduced by the NTSA, the number plates have a new font and additional features including an imprinted national flag, hologram, watermark, and unique serial numbers for the rear and front plates. 

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

World Plates International

Welcome to this week's edition of LISTED where we chronicle a list of those little pleasures you know you love. 

Innovations have been touted as the gateway to economic growth and solutions to challenges facing humanity in the world. 

Like in other countries globally, Kenya has made significant steps in terms of spurring innovations, some of which have materialised a great deal. 

Some of Kenya's innovations have been so worthwhile to an extent of warranting recognition internationally. In addition, some of the minds behind key innovations have attracted accolades and prizes to the tune of millions. 

This story has summarised some of Kenya's most notable innovations that earned international recognition in the recent past. 

American businesswoman Emma Grede (left) and Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Kahawa 1893 Margaret Nyamumbo (right) on Friday, February 17, 2023

Instagram

Margaret Nyamumbo-Kahawa 1893

Margaret Nyamumbo, a Kenyan entrepreneur based in New York made headlines after a video of her astute presentation on her business idea promoting Kenyan coffee before Shark Tank investors went viral.

Nyamumbo, who is the owner of Kahawa 1893, was one of the participants in the Shark Tank, a popular show in the United States which gives entrepreneurs a chance to pitch business ideas in anticipation of securing capital from the investors who sit as judges. 

With her impeccable courage, Nyamumbo took the Shark Tank by storm with her presentation about her coffee company through her concept centred on empowering Kenyan women economically through her Kenyan-grown products. 

After her presentation, the US-based entrepreneur received accolades from all over the world and subsequently announced that she had landed a deal with a United Kingdom-based investor. 

"We source our coffee directly from women farmers in Africa, but that’s not all, we go one step further, our customers can tip the coffee farmers and we match the tips," she stated during her presentation- promoting her coffee as the best in the world. 

Peninah Wanja - DigiCow(Ksh187 million)

In February 2022, a group of three Kenyans was feted in the AYuTe Africa Challenge held by Heifer International after their innovation of a digital platform aimed at helping small-scale farmers to increase their production. 

The three, Peninah Wanja, Vincent Kimani, and Jemimah Wanjiku were part of the winning group which scooped Ksh187 million prize money. 

DigiCow provides mobile phone apps and virtual platforms that offers free livestock management advisory services for African dairy farmers.

In addition, the technology gives farmers fast and easy access to skilled and approved veterinarians, artificial insemination providers and feed supply services.

Eco-bana Ltd- Sanitary Pads From Bananas

In September 2022, a group of four students from Kenya's St Paul’s University won the 2022 Hult Prize for their business innovation of manufacturing sanitary pads from banana leaves.

The four namely, Lennox Omondi, Keylie Muthoni, Dullah Shiltone and Brian Ndung’u, won a Ksh120 million prize as capital to boost their business in the awards held in the United States of America. 

Since then, the innovation has received praise from Kenya abroad- including a special mention in President William Ruto-s led innovation week in December. 

Weed Removing Robot- JKUAT Students 

The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)  has also established itself as an innovation hub in various fields.

In 2020, two students from the university won the 18th edition of Microsoft’s annual Imagine Cup Championships with their innovation of an automated robot designed to use artificial intelligence to identify and remove weeds from rows of crops.

The duo left with a Ksh2 million prize for their outstanding innovation and contribution towards enhancing agricultural production. 

Michael Mwaisakenyi and Ken Gicira showcase their innovation of an automated robot using artificial intelligence to identify and remove weeds from rows of crops.

JKUAT

Joseph Nguthiru- Water Hyacinth Remover

In May 2022, two students from Egerton University won Ksh1.6 million for their innovation of a machine designed to remove water hyacinths from water bodies. 

The two, Joseph Nguthiru, 24, and Charles Rugendo, 25, were recognized for their concept that had the potential of solving the problem of the stubborn weed encroaching on key water bodies in Kenya. 

Joseph Nguthiru (left) displaying an award and Charles Kinyua (Right).

Twitter

Paukwa Stories

Kenya Power and Lightning Company (KPLC) runs a credit service allowing customers to get power connections and clear the remaining balance for a specific period.

The credit product, allowing families to get power connections is known as Stima Loan.

While responding to a query on Wednesday, March 1, the utility firm stated that the service allows Kenyans to get electricity by paying 20 per cent of the upfront connection fee.

According to KPLC, beneficiaries of Stima Loan are expected to clear the balance within 24 months.

A Kenya Power technician during routine transformer maintenance.

Photo

Kenya Power

“Good Evening, we have Stima Loan  where  you pay 20 per cent upfront, with the balance payment being spread out over a period of 24 months,” KPLC responded to a query on Wednesday, March 1.

Customers are also expected to pay a 5 per cent administration fee.  An administration fee is an expense charged to cover costs associated with opening, maintaining, and changing materials used in installing electricity.

To further apply for the Stima Loan, KPLC advised customers to visit their branches nationwide to understand their requirements and other processes involved.

“We advise you visit our commercial office nearest to you for further guidance regarding the loan,” Kenya Power maintained.

Kenya Power launched the Stima Loan initiative in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD).

The product was introduced in the market to benefit low-income families that cannot afford the connection fees upfront.

According to the utility firm, over 49,000 families have benefitted from the initiative.

Kenya Power staff attending to a transformer during a past maintenance exercise in Nairobi County.

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Kenya Power

In the latest updates by WhatsApp, users can now add audio as part of their status updates on the app.

With the new feature, users can add an audio message of up to 30 seconds as an update that expires after 24 hours and can be deleted before this period.

According to the Meta-owned messaging app, users sent about 7 billion voice messages daily in March 2022 prompting the need for an audio status update.

"Voice status can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing," the messaging app stated on its website on February 7, 2023.

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

Anadolu Agency

The feature was introduced alongside other updates including private audience selector, status reactions, status profile rings, and link previews.

To record a voice message for your WhatsApp status,  open the status tab and click on the pencil-shaped icon. On the right side press on the microphone icon to record your message.

After being satisfied with the content, you can press the arrow icon to send it to those on your contact list.

With the new feature, users were expected to add more personal touch to their interactions on the popular messaging app. It may also save on time spent typing a status update.

According to several users, the feature has helped them express their emotions in a message while recommending it to those with little time to spare.

Furthermore, like the normal status update, the user has the option of selecting who gets to listen to the audio. This is included in the status privacy settings.

However, since the feature is in the development phase, some users may not have access to the feature until it is fully rolled out.

The messaging app has worked to ensure it is user-friendly by incorporating features that save on it. For example, the status reaction feature allows users to react by swiping up on the status updates.

File image of Kenyans using smartphones

File

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.

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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