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Unemployed Kenyan youth below 35 years now stand a chance of making a monthly income while acquiring new skills through a government-sponsored programme. 

On Wednesday, October 26, the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) announced that it was looking for the 2023 cohort of the annual Young Professional Programme (YPP).

The programme targets recent graduates seeking to gain skills in the country's competition laws sector.

"The Young Professional Programme (YPP) to expose the participants to the Competition Policy and Law Enforcement with the objective of motivating and thereof deepening interest and capacity in this field.

A person takes notes during a training session.

File

"The authority invites applications from suitably qualified applicants for the calendar year 2023," read the statement in part.

All successful applicants will be offered a stipend at the end of every month during the one-year training period.

Those successful through the programme will be absorbed as permanent and pensionable employees of the government body.

How to Apply

According to CAK, applicants must have a Masters Degree in Law, Economics or Business related course and should be aged below 35 years.

Applicants are advised to submit their application physically addressed to CAK director general or electronically to recruitment@cak.go.ke. 

The application must have an application letter, a detailed CV, a copy of their National Identification Card, professional and academic certificates as well as referees.

Once successful, the applicants will submit copies of clearance certificates from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Criminal Investigations Department and Credit Reference Bureau.

The successful candidates will be under a one-year training contract and will be required to write a paper on Competition Policy and Law prior to the issuance of a certificate.

Applications are open until November 7, 2022.

Kenyans queue at a past job interview.

File

The Bandari Maritime Academy, a government institution, has announced vacancies with up to Ksh500,000 salary. 

On Tuesday, October 18, the academy unveiled the list of managerial positions that were up for grabs from its Chief Executive Officer slot.

For instance, the CEO will be entitled to a basic salary scale of between Ksh290,000 and Ksh490,000 with a house allowance of Ksh80,000 for three years. 

The deputy directors representing both the maritime education and training and corporate services will pocket a basic monthly salary of Ksh245,000 and Ksh449,000 with a house allowance of Ksh70,000 and a commuter allowance of Ksh24,000.

A building at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa County.

Photo

KPA

The corporation secretary and head of legal services slot attract a monthly remuneration of between Ksh245,500 and Ksh449,500, as well as that of the registrar.

Assistant director's position attracts between Ksh170,500 and Ksh373,500 monthly pay and a Ksh35,000 house allowance.

This post has four vacancies covering internal audit, finance, supply chain management and information communication technology.

Other positions are senior principal trainers (monthly basic pay of between Ksh170,500 and Ksh373,500) and quality assurance officer (between Ksh115,500 and Ksh285,000), among others.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are advised to send their applications before Monday, November 7, at 5:00 p.m.

For hard copies, applications must be addressed to the acting director of the academy and include the institution's Mombasa postal address.

In soft copy, the application must be sent in pdf format with application forms available on the institution's website.

The completed application form should be accompanied by a detailed CV (with at least three referees) and copies of academic and professional certificates to be emailed to recruitment@bma.ac.ke.

Successful candidates must submit valid compliance certificates from Kenya Revenue Authority, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, a registered Credit Reference Bureau, the Higher Education Loans Board and a certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Jobseekers queuing on Wabera Street, Nairobi, waiting to be interviewed by The Sarova Stanley on May 26, 2018

Daily Nation

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is set to switch off unregistered sim cards on Saturday, October 15, a deadline set by the government.

CA and telecommunication companies issued a USSD code that can be used to verify registration status ahead of the deadline.

The USSD - *106# can be used to verify registration details across all telecommunication networks.

How To Verify

A photo of several scattered sim cards

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Kenya Pics

One can verify the registration status of their sim cards by dialling *106#.

Upon dialling the code, a message prompt will appear on the screen, offering you the option of checking your registration status. This option comes as the first option.

A message will be sent to your phone informing you whether you are registered or not.

You will be advised to visit the next telecommunication offices for registration if your details are missing.

However, an option of self-registration is also provided. For self-registration, you will be provided with a link that directs you to the registration portal.

What will be needed at this stage is your phone number and the front and back image of your National ID.

Apart from checking the registration status, one can use the USSD code to check reported numbers, report unknown numbers registered under their names or cancel a reported number. 

Kenyans whose lines will be deactivated tomorrow will have an opportunity to register their line. However, CA, which has not yet issued guidelines on registration, warned that the process will be more demanding. 

"After the October 15 deadline, subscribers whose lines will have been deactivated will still have an opportunity to re-register.

"Of course, they will have more to do after being deactivated," Liston Kirui, an official at CA, stated.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) headquarters in Nairobi.

File

During the trial phase of the Nairobi Expressway from May 14, 2022, to July 31, 2022, the elevated road experienced a number of accidents that made headlines and caused concern on the precautionary measures put in place. 

This led to a raft of changes instituted by Moja Expressway, the company managing operations of the Nairobi Expressway, to reduce the rising cases of road accidents on the Ksh88 billion road. 

In addition, the operator issued steps a motorist should take incase an accident occurs on the Expressway.

A police car atop the elevated section of the Nairobi Expressway on July 31, 2022.

Photo: PSCU

The operator advised the motorists to turn on their cars' hazard lights and evacuate all the people in the vehicle. The passengers and the motorists were also advised to stand at a safe distance outside the barrier. 

The driver, on the other hand, should place a warning sign 150 metres from the vehicle against the direction of traffic flow. 

They should then call the Nairobi expressway rescue hotline. All the passengers were also encouraged not to panic but remain calm. 

Other Precautionary measures

Among the measures aimed at curbing road accidents involved capping the speed limit at 80 km/hr and 20 kilometers per hour while approaching toll stations, reinforced steel barriers were installed at all toll stations to prevent damage should an accident occur. 

Rumbles were also raised a few metres to the station in a bid to prevent vehicles from approaching the toll stations at high speed.

Vehicles using the Nairobi Expressway are also not allowed to stop or allow any person to alight to avoid obstruction.

Motorists are not allowed to use emergency labelled lanes except in the event of a crisis.

Those who miss their planned exits are also prohibited from reversing and are encouraged to proceed and use the next toll station to exit the highway.

Additionally, overloaded vehicles will not be allowed to use the road unless given direct permission by the operators.

An image of the Nairobi Westlands toll station of the expressway.

File

Most land buyers often demand to see the title deed before buying land. However, a majority end up losing their hard-earned money in the process, despite acquiring the document. 

According to Solomon Wangwe, a real estate developer, the title deed can, on such occasions, be considered a 'useless' document. 

Wangwe says that Kenyans often forget to look for other relevant documents that complete the land-buying process and focus on the title deed, which can be forged. 

Among the key documents to analyse include a mutation form (in case the land was part of a large parcel), an index registry map, and a green card.

Entrance of Ardhi House along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

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Ministry of Lands

Consulting an Advocate 

Wangwe argued that Kenyans ignore the importance of involving a licensed lawyer in the land-buying process. 

"I advise Kenyans to involve a licensed advocate when buying land. The advocate can check the legitimacy of the title deed.

"Also, ensure he is certified, an unlicensed advocate can cause you a lot of money," he argued.

Failure to check the title deed online 

Through the e-citizen platform and the Ardhisasa platform, land buyers can validate their title deed online

In these platforms, you only need to input your title details, and the system will revert feedback.

Failure to know the different types of title deeds

There are three main types of title deeds sectional (shows ownership of a single unit in a building), leasehold (shows ownership of land capped at a maximum of 99 years), and freehold (shows ownership of land without restrictions).

It is wise to understand the difference in the title deeds.

Can't Differentiate Fake and Genuine Title Deeds

To verify the genuineness of the title deed, consult a professional like a law practitioner. You can also visit the land registry to check if the title deed is registered 

Ensure you confirm the location of the land parcel or property you purchase. 

Verify the identity and background of the company or individual you are buying land from.

Incorrect Names

If you have a different name or nickname on the title deed, you can invalidate your land ownership. 

Ensure your names match those other government documents.

Other errors made on the title deed include incorrect consideration amount, lack of notary seal and subscribing witnesses, defective acknowledgments or missing witnesses, missing acknowledgment and marital status of grantors on a non-homestead statement, and failure to obtain joinder of grantor’s spouse on the deed to homestead property.

A signpost showing land for sale.

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Land in Kenya

Kenyans who have lost or have missing details on their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificates need not despair.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) manages a little-known portal, the Query Management Information System (QMIS), that provides up to five services for certificate holders in distress.

QMIS is an electronic platform for online submission and processing of queries and processing of queries.

Entrance to KNEC offices along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi.

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KNEC

The five main subject covered include:

1. Certification of Examination Results for candidates who have lost their certificates
2. Confirmation of Examination Results
3. Equation of Foreign Qualifications.
4. Biodata amendments (name, photo, gender, year of birth, birth certificate number, citizenship, entry code.
5. Direct Recoveries for KCPE/KCSE result slips, certificates, and result printout.

How to Use

Individuals can access the portal at qmis.knec.ac.ke using their laptops or mobile phones.

If new, the  user is then prompted to register. A registered user, on the other hand, is prompted to log in using their credentials.

The applicant is redirected to access the user manual. The user can, at this point, identify the requirements relevant to his query and upload scanned copies of the requisite documents;

They then make a payment of the amount as prompted by the system. Payments are by M-pesa

Upon successful processing of the query, KNEC, using the Client’s provided email or phone number, notifies them to collect their processed document(s). A client is at the point of collection required to avail original copies of the documents they had attached during the application process.

How to Log in to the QMIS System

Click on the link “click here to log in” 

Enter the email credentials and click on log in button.

If forgotten your password, click “forgot password”

A new password is sent to your email.

KCSE and KCPE certificates

Twitter

Ugandan activist Stella Nyanzi is among many people who have been duped by sneaky car dealers in Kenya, after she was swindled Ksh19,600 after renting a vehicle for three days to travel to Mombasa.

Nyanzi who shared her plight on Facebook stated that after driving for a few kilometers, the car stopped and they were forced to push it to the nearby town.

"We pushed the car off to the road, got two local mechanics from Makindu who both confirmed that the vehicle's tracking device had locked the car," she stated.

Stranded under the hot sun, the car dealer promised to send a replacement vehicle but upon arrival, he sped off and switched off his phone.

A file image of a mechanic working on a car at a garage

File

This is just one of the many unfortunate cases where individuals have been swindled by car dealers. Kenyans.co.ke looks at some of the tricks and tactics used during a car-hire dealership.

Extra Fees & Charges

The car dealer may charge you for damages that were existent when you took the car out of the yard. You might be charged for the cleaning of the vehicle. To avoid this, understand the true state of the car and document the agreement.

Mileage Limit

Some car dealers charge extra for any extra distance the car has covered. Through this, the car dealer could extort an individual who may unknowingly exceed the agreed limit.

It can be difficult to estimate the distance you will cover on a trip. Several barriers like an accident, traffic jam or scheduled road maintenance may affect the distance.

Discuss with the car dealer for a limitless mileage option.

Fuel Policies

When hiring a car, it may have a full tank of fuel or an empty tank. In case of a full tank, you will be required to return the car in the same condition.

With this, you might incur some extra costs if the fuel prices are hiked overnight.

It is advisable to take one with an empty tank to have the freedom of fueling it. However, always check the car policy before renting a car.

Additional Insurance Charges

The insurance could be often included when buying a car, but in some cases, you might get extra charges from the car dealer.

They will impose unnecessary insurance cover at a higher price. You may be charged for any fines you incur on the road.

Locking the Car

Like in the case of Nyanzi, the car dealer could lock the vehicle ending your trip. To avoid this, get a trusted car dealer whom you can reach physically. Above all, conduct due diligence before settling on a dealer.

File photo of vehicles on Thika Super Highway

File

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday, September 21, stepped up its legal support to Kenyans after pumping a further Ksh845 million aimed at benefitting Kenyans from poor backgrounds.

The fund is aimed at aiding legal assistance to individuals from vulnerable communities access justice.

Eligible individuals must have cases touching on succession battles, constitutional petitions, sexual offences, land challenges, eviction, children, and divorce.

National Legal Aid Services (NLAS) leader Chimweme Mangani noted that the money will come in handy since legal aid across the country has undergone numerous challenges.

An undated image of a legal scale and a gavel.

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JSC

The fund is also set to benefit the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD) which is a first of its kind in Sub-saharan Africa.

PLEAD is implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya, National Commission for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Department of Justice (DoJ) and National Legal Aid Service (NLAS), supported by civil society and other judicial sector players.

How to Apply

For one to be eligible for a grant of legal aid, he /she has to make an application to the service by filling a form as prescribed under the Legal Aid (general) regulations 2020. 

Advocates who also wish to offer their service as legal aid providers are also expected to apply using the same process.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the service may grant partial legal aid to an aided person on the condition that he/she makes a financial contribution to the fund.

In 2018, the EU offered Kenya Ksh 4.2 billion towards universal access to justice in Kenya through the PLEAD program. 

The National Legal Aid Service (NLAS) is an agency under the office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice.

Legal aid is a human rights issue, and our aim is to provide practical, affordable, and effective legal awareness and a legal aid service delivery scheme that increases access to justice for all.

The Judiciary building in Nairobi, Kenya

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Judiciary

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is continuously improving ways for Kenyans to report incidents of graft in the country.

Through their toll-free number 1551, you can report any cases of graft and if the allegations are verified, you can receive 10 per cent of the assets or money as per the proposed Whistleblower Protection Bill.

The toll-free number is operational during working hours Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

According to the Commission, Kenyans too have a role to play in the fight against corruption to put to an end loss of public funds.

A collage of the poster showing the toll free number to call when reporting corruption

Twitter

EACC

Through the platform, any whistle-blower is assured of friendly services from the anti-graft body.

"We provide anonymity to all whistleblowers, we value their safety. However, there are some cases that require more information but even in these cases we do not disclose the identity," an insider told Kenyans.co.ke.

She noted that this is just one of the few ways to report graft cases to the commission. You can also report in any Huduma center spread across the country. 

Also, through their website, one can get contacts to report graft cases.

"We guarantee Kenyans of availability during the stipulated hours. Though there are cases when technology might fail, Kenyans should keep calling," the insider added.

On the proposed parliament Whistleblower Protection Bill, she noted that though it is yet to be passed, it will help encourage more Kenyans to speak up.

In the Bill, whistleblowers are to get 10 per cent of the money or the value of the asset.

"A whistleblower whose disclosure results in the recovery of any amount of money or asset shall be rewarded from the fund-where the money is recovered, with ten percent of the money recovered,” read part of the bill.

According to the bill, the Commission on Administrative Justice will be mandated to reward whistleblowers.

"Notwithstanding, the Commission may in cases where it is just to do so, grant monetary reward to a whistleblower whose disclosure does not fall within subsection (a) or (b)," read the bill in parts.

Leaders in the country have constantly pointed fingers at corruption for the crippled economy and tough financial times.

Kenya loses billions of shillings to corruption. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta once revealed that at least Ksh2 billion is lost to graft daily.

EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak after presenting a cheque to the Kenya Covid-19 Fund on April 28, 2020.

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EACC Kenya

Jobseekers interested in serving the Kenyan Government as principal secretaries have seven more days to apply for the vacancies.

In a statement signed by the director of public communications, Browne Kutswa, on Tuesday, September 20, the Public Service Commission (PSC) noted that the deadline had been extended to Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

Initially, the vacancy had been open for all candidates until Tuesday, September 20.

"The Public Service Commission (PSC) has extended the deadline for submission of applications for the advertised positions of principal secretaries in the public service from today September 20 to Tuesday, September 27.

President William Ruto signing of the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 15, 2022.

Photo: PSC

"According to PSC Chief Executive Officer Simon Rotich, interested applicants now have seven more days to apply for the positions that are expected to fall vacant following the General Elections held on August 9, 2022," read the statement in part.

At the beginning of September 2022, PSC invited applications for the 44 principal secretary slots whose successful applicants will be forwarded to President William Ruto.

The appointed PS will report directly to cabinet secretaries hand-picked by Ruto and vetted by Parliament. 

Among the roles, the PSs will take, is being the accounting and authorised officers of their state departments. 

They will also implement government policies and strategic plans key to shaping Ruto's legacy. 

How to Apply

"A detailed curriculum vitae should accompany each application. Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and transcripts, National Identity Card or passport, testimonials and other relevant supporting documents will also be required.

"Scanned copies of these documents must accompany an online application," PSC directed. 

It also advised applications that letters delivered physically should be marked 'Application for the position of Principal Secretary.'

"Manual applications should be hand-delivered to the Office of the Secretary/CEO situated on the 4th floor of Commission House, off Harambee Avenue," the notice added.

A list of successful candidates will be published in the print media. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta chairs a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

PSCU