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

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

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

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

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KEBS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pharmacy shelves stocked with products.

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

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

Eden Hotel

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

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

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

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

Eden Hotel in Lang'ata, Nairobi County

(COURTESY)

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

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

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

Eden Hotel charges Ksh53,300 per night.

Giraffe Manor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aerial view of giraffe manor

tailormade africa

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

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

An unhealthy gut has been linked to the following:

- Diabetes

- Poor sleep

- Poor mood

- Skin issues

- Weight gain

- Inflammation

- Poor mental health

- Weakened immunity

- Autoimmune disease

A collection of cereals rich in fibre

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

1. Eat Fiber-Rich and Probiotic-Packed Foods

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

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

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

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

2. Exercise Regularly

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

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

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

3. Limit alcohol and seed oils.

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

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

4. Get quality sleep.

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

5. Get sunlight.

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

Sun shines over a lake.

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Why your gut health matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

White Markings

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

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

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

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

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

Yellow Markings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenyans.co.ke

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

Kenyans.co.ke

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

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

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

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

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

eCitizen Log In Page

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

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

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

Thirdly, select the business and click next.

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

Finish by clicking Save to continue.

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

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

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

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

An undated photo of a poster on business registration

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

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

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

A pile of new tyres

Weather Conditions 

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

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

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

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

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

Timing

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

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

Cost

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

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

Several worn-out tyres

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Tyre Size

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

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

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

Type of Vehicle

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

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

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

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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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