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“There is no greater calling than service to country” is a well-recited quote among military personnel globally.



How good and proud would one be to serve his country and its citizens?



With the world now a global village, an opportunity to serve humanity would be a welcome call to anyone. Of course, this is accompanied by better remuneration.



Did you know you could make up to over Ksh 6 million on bonuses alone while serving as an immigrant army officer, among other packages?

An image of army personnel being put through their paces.

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Army Times

But do bonuses depend on your rank?

Rank does not factor into first-time enlisted soldiers' bonuses, since most join with the same starting rank.



Instead, the values of initial enlistment bonuses are determined by other factors like job speciality; Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or how quickly you can report to Basic Combat Training.



Once you are serving and near completion of an enlisted contract, rank and length of service can be factors for receiving a reenlistment bonus.

Qualification for bonuses is determined by scores on certain tests, skills you may have, and a number of other factors.

Full-time recruits can combine bonuses to earn up to an additional $50,000 (Ksh 6.2M) for enlisting in certain jobs.

Enlisted applicants with specific skills the Army needs may be eligible for bonuses up to $40,000 (Ksh 5 million).

Equally, other benefits include; 



Full medical insurance coverage for your family, which can include your parents.

You have a right to have a career within the military, e.g. an engineer, pilot, doctor, therapist, nurse, et al.



Military men in these two countries are highly sought after in various skilled jobs as most of them have a career by the time they retire at a young age.

If one joins the military at the age of 20, they serve for 20 years, and at 40, they can choose to retire and be entitled to a pension.

Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Robert Kariuki Kibochi.

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Easily accessible house mortgage, most military men are homeowners in these nations. Most of the money they earn as salaries goes to savings or to support their families back in their home countries.

This is also because the government provides them (including families) with almost 80% of their basic needs for survival. Most of them earn between $1800 (Ksh 221,400) to $3700 (Ksh 455,100). This is for junior-ranking officers.

Leave to travel to your home country; Domiciled Collective Leave (DOMCOL) and DOMCOL Substitute allows you to visit your country of origin for an extended period of leave, of up to 45 working days (instead of 30 days annual leave allowance) every five years.



Exempt Immigration Control status; You are exempt from UK immigration control for as long as you remain in Regular service, which means you do not have to pay visa fees during your service.

Family members; Once you have completed initial training, you will earn enough to bring your spouse or partner to the UK, subject to them meeting the criteria set out in the immigration-rules-appendix-armed-forces.  

The new year is already on, and everyone wants to make some extra coins.  What about those who want to join the millionaires' club?

Well, there are ways a Kenyan can easily become a millionaire despite the tough economic situation that has engulfed the country.

Kenyans.co.ke looked at three ways you could easily become a millionaire.

It should be noted that while the following ways can make you a millionaire, you must conduct due diligence before investing your hard-earned cash.

A file image of a political rally in Kenya

File

Investing in politics

This involves joining politics by vying for an elective seat or joining politics by virtue of association with elected leaders.

According to a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) report, Kenyan parliamentarians are among the world's best-paid politicians.

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) pegged the monthly pay for President and the Deputy President at Ksh1.44 million and Ksh1.2 million, respectively, while Members of Parliament take home Ksh710, 000.

Most career politicians in Kenya are millionaires without having ever ventured into corporate employment.

Former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi, in October 2022, while being vetted for the position of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, announced his net worth was Ksh4 billion.

“If I take my investments in shares in some companies and also the properties that I own, I’d put my net worth at about 4 billion shillings,” Musalia told National Assembly Committee on Appointments.

There are also plum positions that one can get by having a close relationship with elected leaders.

On Sunday, January 1, Cleophas Malalah, currently not holding any political seat, posted pictures of his multi-million house and hinted to his close association with Kenya Kwanza as the key to success.

"Kenya Kwanza administration sits well for upcoming companies to deliver not just houses to Kenyans but jobs too," the former senator boasted while flaunting his house.

An image of the interior of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala's palatial ome in Makunga, Kakamega County.

Cleophas Malalah

Investing in land

A Kenyan can buy land in an upcoming suburb cheaply and sell it for a profit to real estate developers.

There are Kenyans who made millions by buying land cheaply in Rongai, Kiserian, Joska, Malaa and other areas in Kenya and then selling the land for millions.

If you have idle land in a prime area, you can lease it and make quick cash instead of selling it.

Many Kenyans in Kakamega made a fortune by leasing their land to Ksh 200 billion Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) in Butere.

Become Tenderpreneur

Currently, several tenders are being dished out by different tiers of government.

You can bid for a tender from the county or the national government.

While appearing for the deputy presidential debate in July 2022, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated he was worth Ksh800 million. The DP become a millionaire before joining politics, having been in public service for years.

The majority of his wealth was through tendering with different government ministries.

Gachagua also told Kenyans that tendering process is a legal way of acquiring wealth.

"If you have a tender, you win and you come to me and say I have this tender of Ksh20 million, I need Ksh15 million, can you lend it to me and I give it to you and you do the tender, when you are paid, you pay me back it's not a crime," the DP justified.

One can also bid for tenders being availed in the private sector.

Cutting on expenditure

One of the quickest ways of becoming rich is by cutting expenses, especially luxuries. Spend strategically.

Kenyans who want to be rich need to live a minimalist lifestyle where they live within their budget and avoid unnecessary expenditure.

"It is true that if you have more disposable income, it’s easier not to overspend, but it is also worth noting that most millionaires have frugal spending habits," advises Faron Daugs, a certified financial planner.

Another way of cutting your expenditure is developing a habit of paying yourself first, also known as reverse budgeting.

Reverse budgeting is when your budget is based on your savings goals rather than your spending and expenses. 

Derek Thompson, in an article published by The Atlantic, sums up the mentality of creating a millionaire culture by remarking, "The poor spend relatively more on what will keep them alive, because they must, and the rich spend more on what will keep them rich, because they can."

A photo of Supermarket shelves.

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Royal Indian Grocery

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in 2018 rolled out the smart driving license which replaced the infamous maroon ones.

NTSA  introduced new features in the licenses such as a smart chip, details of the driver's blood group, and license number among others.

The smart licenses were issued for a period of three years. However, many motorists wondered about the next step to be undertaken upon expiry.

Kenyans.co.ke reached out to NTSA to find out the procedure required when renewing the smart licence and compiled the process as outlined below;

Photo collage between police officers controlling traffic flow and an error captured on the NTSA portal on Friday, December 2, 2022.

Ma3Route

How to Renew

1. Visit the NTSA website - www(dot)ntsa(dot)go(dot)ke - and select the driving licensing option.

2. Log into the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) by keying in details such as ID number and password.

3. Select the driving license section and click on the renewal of driving license option.

4. Upon confirming various personal details, one is required to make payment for the renewal of the licence. According to NTSA, renewal of the three-year licence costs Ksh3050.

5. Upon successfully making the payment, one is then required to visit any preferred Huduma Centre or NTSA offices near them for their biometrics and picture to be taken and updated.

NTSA estimates that one should get their renewed licence within five working days of submitting their application.

The smart licences are also fitted with a chip, much like ATM cards that hold the drivers’ information and a points system that is used to encourage discipline among motorists.

Each card comes with 100 points that are deducted every time the holder commits any traffic offence.

Upon reaching the threshold of 40 points, the license can automatically be cancelled.

Thousands of uncollected Driving licenses posted by NTSA on Friday, March 4, 2022

NTSA

One of the common ways Kenyans use to dry their phones is by placing them into a bowl of uncooked rice.

The reasoning behind it is that the rice will act as an absorbent and absorb the water hence preventing your phone from permanently shutting down.

However, despite popular opinion, experts warn that placing your wet phone in rice could do more harm than good. 

Technological experts opine that rice acts as a weak absorbent and does not significantly dry a wet phone.

A photo of phone soaked in water

File

“Rice does have some ability to absorb water from wet things, but it’s very weak.”

“When you leave it on a bowl of rice it will naturally dry off with time and you end up thinking it was the rice that did something when in reality it was simply leaving the phone alone for a while that did the trick,” according to electronic engineer Mike Kilpatrick 

Studies have further shown that rice poses three dangers to your phone;

Rusting

Sarah McConomy, a phone expert, warns that putting your phone in a bowl of uncooked rice exposes it to rust.

"The starch in rice can actually speed up the corrosion process inside your device that occurs when liquid seeps into the device and starts to rust," McConomy warned during a past interview.

This means that while the drying will give you a temporary reprieve, you end up damaging your phone in the long term.

Blockage

Rice is usually made of small grains that cause blockage to your phone.

“Dust, starch and small grains of rice can get lodged in the mechanisms of your phone causing the blockage,” Erica Young a phone expert warns.

The blockage will affect key components in your phone like the speaker and audio port.

Damage to Hardware

Apart from blocking key components, electronic engineers warn that uncooked rice can damage the hardware.

"The rice can get stuck inside your charging port, your speaker, or your microphone and this can actually damage the hardware inside the phone," Erica further warns.

For instance, the pins inside your charging port can easily be damaged by a grain of rice.

Alternatives

Instead of rice, Kenyans are advised to use Silica Gel in case the phone gets wet.

Silica Gels are majorly used in packaged and boxed products like shoes and medicine to absorb moisture and can do the same for your phone. 

Place a few Silicas Gel packets under your phone and on top and wait for it to dry.

A example of a silica gel packet

File

Soundproofing a house is deliberate effort to put measures that will reduce noise pollution, which is against the law.

You can reduce the noise emanating from a house or make sure noise from outside does not cause disturbance inside the house.

County governments have stepped up efforts to make sure business establishments are compliant and that Kenyans are not subjected to all manner of noise especially in residential areas.

To complement existing noise pollution laws and regulations, you can soundproof your house from outside by following these simple steps:

A house under construction in Kenya

HPD

Add wall mass

Adding mass to an existing wall is one of easier ways to block airborne house thus blocking noise from outside.

If the house is made of a brick wall, you can add wall mass using acoustic plasterboard.

It should be noted that an extra wall mass will only block high frequency noise. If you live near a nightclub, the bass will still be able to pass through your walls.

Cap chimneys

Chimneys especially unused ones should be capped to reduce noise coming from outside.

To cap a chimney, you can block the top using a flue ventilator or a mesh that leaves space for ventilation.

Sealing up holes and cracks

Existing walls and cracks allow sound to pass through. Sealing considerably reduces noise pollution coming from the environs.

Storm windows

A storm window is a second window installed over an existing window.

It reduces noise reaching the room by acting as an insulator and reducing drafts.

Why soundproof from outside?

There are certain advantages of using the aforementioned ways to soundproof your house;

1. Noise reduction from outside accords your home with privacy.
2. Soundproofing a house protects its occupants from hearing damage and associated health issues.
3. With less noise coming from outside, it is possible to maintain good communication inside.
4. Finally, a serene environment improves quality of life and general wellbeing.

A storm window to reduce noise

File

President William Ruto on December 1, announced that the government will be recruiting 30,000 teachers starting on January, 2023.

According to a dispatch from State House, the mass recruitment was necessitated by acute shortage of teachers in the country and the need to implement the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

To qualify for recruitment by the Teachers Service Commission, one must have a TSC number. Kenyans.co.ke looks at the process to follow when applying for the TSC number.

A teacher with students in class in a photo shared in 2019

File

How to apply for TSC number

TSC number can be applied through TSC website by clicking on teachersonline(dot)tsc(dot)go(dot)ke/Regintro(dot)aspx

The application portal will prompt you to upload scanned copies of the following documents:

Your national identity card and in case that is not available, your passport

A recent copy of police clearance certificate (good conduct)

A GP 69 medical letter - This is a medical examination form that is filled by a qualified medical officer. According to TSC guidelines, this medical letter must be filled in a public health facility.

Academic transcripts - The portal only accepts one entry in academic transcripts. Applicants must merge all academic certificates into one document before uploading on the portal.

A Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin certificate.

In case the names on your identity card differ with those on academic certificates, a sworn affidavit must be attached.

Charges

TSC charges a nonrefundable Ksh1060 for TSC number application.

For application of duplicate certificate, TSC charges nonrefundable Ksh2060.

For payment through bank: National Bank of Kenya Ltd, Harambee Avenue branch, Account Name: TSC-Secretariat, Account Number: 01001005707400.

For payment using mobile money:  PayBill Business Number 625625.

Bank deposit slip or mobile money payment evidence must be uploaded to the portal alongside the aforementioned document.

Application of  TSC number for foreigners

If you are not a Kenyan citizen, you must attach entry and work permits and a letter of clearance from Ministry of Education Vetting Committee together with the aforementioned mandatory documents.

A sample of TSC number certificate

File

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.