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

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

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

De Dion Bouton model car

Annamaria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annamaria

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

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

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

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

KESRA Center Along Waiyaki Way.

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

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

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

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

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

How to Bid

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

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

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

File photo of used cars in a yard

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

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

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

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

A hacker wearing a hoodie operates a computer.

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Common English words

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

Commonly used words

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

Your name and DOB

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

Consecutive letters on the keyboard

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

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

Default device credentials

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

Personal information

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

Months of the year

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

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

Tech Funnel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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State House

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

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

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

A student in a classroom in Kenya

UNICEF

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

Eligibility

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

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

Outpatient benefits

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

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

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

Dental cover

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

Tooth extraction

Root canal

Dental X-ray services

Optical cover

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

Life cover

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

Inpatient Cover

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

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

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

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

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

Overseas treatment

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

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

Kenyans.co.ke

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

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

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

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

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

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Limited (Ltd) and Incorporated (Inc)

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

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

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

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

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

Company (Co)

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

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

Public Limited Company (PLC)

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

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

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

Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

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

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

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

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

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.

PSCU

"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.

PSCU

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

PCS

"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.

PSCU

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.

File

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)

File

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.

Photo

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