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The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has re-opened the application portal for the second revision of courses for 2023 KCSE students.

According to the Placement Service, the opportunity targets previous applicants who have not yet secured courses or are yet to submit their course selections.

The application portal is open for KCSE students and Form Four leavers from 2000 to 2022.

The students will be allowed to submit their courses for placement in universities, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and TVETs (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).

The KUCCPS students portal.

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KUCCPS

The applicants are encouraged to revise their courses before the April 25, 2024, deadline.

How to Revise

Students will be required to access the application portal through www.student.kuccps.net

Key in your login details by entering your KCSE index number, KCSE year and password (First-time users are advised to use the Birth Certificate Number of the KCPE number as the initial password).

Click on the Applications tab in the upper left-hand tab to check the requirements.

Alternatively, search for the courses by their institutions by clicking on the institutions tab.

Scroll through the programs and either add or revise the courses selected in the bracket.

To either replace a course, click on the application/revisions tab and enter a different program code.

The program codes can be accessed from the course list.

Once you are done, click submit.

Candidates are not required to pay any placement fee as they are advised to submit the mobile money code used during the first revision phase.

The government has been keen on encouraging students to take up TVET courses to enhance the country's capacity to offer practical training,

According to President William Ruto, the courses will push the youth to positively contribute to the economic growth of a country.

In the current financial year, the government allocated Ksh28.3 billion to cater for TVET institutions. 

An invigilator distributes papers to Starehe Boys' Centre students sitting KCSE exams in 2021.

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Ministry of Education

Kenyans will be required to provide proof of earning an income before being allocated a house in the government's affordable housing programme.

As detailed in the Affordable Housing Regulations, 2024, it was noted that the provision of the proof was necessary given that it will help the Affordable Housing Board ascertain that one can pay their mortgage.

One of the proofs of income includes payslips issued to employees at the end of every month.

"In accordance with section 49(2) of the Act, an application for allocation of an affordable housing unit shall be accompanied by proof of income and ability to repay for the loan," proposed the regulations.

Affordable houses constructed in Ongata Rongai.

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Kings Serenity

On the other hand, applicants will also be required to provide identification documents such as a national identity card or passport.

Military identification documents are also listed as some of the documents that can be provided by applicants who served in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

A passport-size photo was also listed as a requirement needed before one is allocated a house.

"In accordance with section 49(2) of the Act, an application for allocation of an affordable housing unit shall be accompanied by proof the deposit payable at the rate specified in regulation 10," read the regulations in part.

Notably, the regulations stipulate that Kenyans needed to pay a deposit of 10 per cent before being allocated houses.

However, there are provisions that Kenyans who are unable to meet the demands for the 10 per cent to get assistance.

"A person shall be eligible for deposit assistance if the person’s monthly income is below Ksh20,000 and the person demonstrates that the affordable housing unit to be purchased shall be their primary residence," the proposals read in part.

Additionally, the deposit assistance shall also be given to someone should the estimated monthly repayment for the purchase of affordable housing units be less than thirty per cent of the applicant’s monthly income.

Upon application, a decision on the allocation of houses will be made within 14 days.

President William Ruto (centre) holds the Affordable Housing Act, alongside Lands CS Alice Wahome (second from right) and Attorney General Justin Muturi at State House on March 19, 2024.

PCS

Since taking office, President William Ruto has embarked on numerous trips over the past 19 months, which has become a talking point among Kenyans amid the economic crisis in the country.

From his maiden trip to the United Kingdom to attend the burial of Queen Elizabeth II to various trips to the United States of America (USA), Germany, France, Brazil and Japan, the list has been long.

This year alone, the president has crossed borders six times, including a trip to Italy to attend the Italy-Africa Summit on January 28, 2024, as well as another trip to Ethiopia for the African Union Summit.

According to a spot-check by Kenyans.co.ke, the head of state has made a total of 40 trips. For an extensive analysis take a look at the graphics below.

Flights Taken by Ruto Since He Took Office

Tracking All Official and State Visits

The president's busiest month was May 2023, during which he travelled to four countries; United Kingdom, Netherlands, Israel and South Africa.

Kenyans.co.ke will be looking at the trips based on three factors; places travelled, cost implications and outcome of the trips. 

By The Numbers

The president's travel expenditure encompasses the recurrent cost incurred by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). This covers factors such as salaries, travel, accommodation and maintenance that are included in the reports.

According to the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for the Financial Year 2022/23, the Office of the President spent over Ksh1.4 billion on travel.

The report covered the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

Of the total amount, Ksh1 billion was allocated to domestic travel and Ksh361 million was reserved for foreign travel.

In contrast, the figure represented an increase of over 30 per cent as opposed to the Ksh957 million allocated during the 2021/22 Financial Year.

Further, a spot check on the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for the first six months of the Financial Year 2023/24, showed that the figure was drastically reduced to Ksh21.24 million for domestic travel and Ksh12.21 million for foreign travel.

The report covered the period from July 1 2023 to December 31, 2023.

It is important to note that during the same period, the Office of the Deputy President was allocated Ksh184.81 million for domestic travel and Ksh111.38 million for foreign travel, raising questions about the expenditure by the incumbent government at a time when the country's economy is not yet out of the woods.

Uhuru Kenyatta's expenditure for travel 

Comparison

In contrast, former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration gobbled up a budget of Ksh6.7 billion for both local and foreign travel during his two terms.

Out of this amount, Ksh1.66 billion was allocated for foreign travel while Ksh5.79 billion was channelled towards domestic travel.

Promises Made 

Critics have since raised concerns over the significance of the trips made by the head of state.

In a rejoinder in December 2023, Ruto claimed that he could account for every shilling he has used on foreign travel since he took over office. He noted that his mission was to salvage Kenya from plunging into debt distress as well as seeking job opportunities abroad for Kenyans.

1 Million Foreign Jobs

President Ruto reaffirmed that several international countries agreed to grant Kenyans one million jobs abroad. The countries in question include; Germany, Barbados, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

In February 2024, the first batch of 500 Kenyan workers were exported to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Business Investment

The head of state has also wooed foreigners to invest in the country's manufacturing, agriculture and technology sectors to realise the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

He has also urged investors to explore the green energy sector, citing Kenya as possessing the largest energy reserves in solar, wind and geothermal.

Tax Reforms; Conducive Environment

In creating a win-win situation for the investors, Ruto also promised to review the tax reforms to create a conducive environment. In particular, he noted that a predictable tax regime attracts private sector players who prefer a stable environment to invest in.

The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) has broken down the process that nurses need to follow for them to emigrate to other countries.

Within the process, nurses will be required to visit the online services portal outmigration page on the Nursing Council website.

The nurses are then required to fill in an application form that will be verified by the immigration department.

A nurse will also be required to provide a copy of their national identity card or passport for identity verification.

A photo collage of nurses in an operation room, a graduation cap, and a folded certificate.

Nursing Arena/ UoN

They will also be required to provide their practising license and professional certificates while submitting the form.

Additionally, the nurses will also be required to pay the prescribed fee stipulated by the council.

However, the council has stipulated that there are special requirements for Canada and the United Kingdom.

For Canada, the council has announced that there will be additional requirements for nurses to make it to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).

First, a nurse will be required to provide a recommendation letter from their current employer or immediate supervisor

Secondly, they will also undergo a medical assessment and provide a medical report and a police clearance certificate.

The requirements for Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) application for the United Kingdom (UK) will also be required to provide a recommendation letter from a current employer or immediate supervisor similar to that of those moving to Canada.

A medical report, police clearance certificate and curriculum vitae are also part of the requirements for UK applicants.

However, as a special requirement, the National Employment Authority (NEA) registration will be a necessity.

Nurses intending to work in the UK will also be required to present pass results for the English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET) to hr@nckenya.go.ke.
 

Undated Photo of Nurses Engaging in a Conversation

Business Today

As Kenya continues to campaign for Africa Union Commission Chairperson role, the competition for the position has escalated significantly in recent days.

With three contenders vying for the influential position, this article offers an in-depth profile assessment of each candidate and their respective experiences.

The race to attain the Chairpersonship of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the term spanning 2025 to 2029 has garnered considerable attention, drawing interest from across the Eastern African region of the continent.

This surge in interest follows a unanimous decision by the African Union Executive Council on March 15, stipulating that it is the Eastern Africa region's turn to nominate candidates for the esteemed position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The pivotal decision transpired during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU, convened in Adidas Ababa.

At present, three formidable candidates have emerged as frontrunners in the race for Africa's paramount leadership role: Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam, and the latest entrant, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.

Raila Odinga, Kenya

Kenya's nominee, Raila Odinga, stands prominently as a leading contender in the eyes of many observers. A civil engineer by profession, Odinga's familiarity with African politics is well-established, further bolstered by the decision of the East African heads of state to endorse a single candidate.

The EAC, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, comprises eight member states, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Somalia's decision to nominate a candidate adds an intriguing dynamic to the race.

Raila Amolo Odinga, born in 1945 to Kenya’s first Deputy President, Oginga Odinga, boasts a rich political history in Kenya.

His tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 was marked by significant national and regional engagements. Despite unsuccessful presidential bids, Odinga's commitment to democratic principles and human rights advocacy has remained unwavering.

Having served as the Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency and subsequently assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition since 2013, Odinga's political journey has been characterised by resilience and determination.

His activism dates back to the 1970s and '80s, during which he endured imprisonment without trial under accusations of subversion.

His contributions to Kenya's political landscape are notable, including his involvement in the drafting of the 2010 Constitution, hailed as a landmark achievement for the nation. Furthermore, his peace-building efforts and negotiation skills have played a crucial role in resolving conflicts and fostering stability.

In 2018, Odinga was appointed as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development at the African Union Commission, a testament to his regional influence and diplomatic standing.

However, his dismissal from this role in February 2023 following allegations of inciting violence underscores the complexities of his political career.

Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a past visit to Uganda, February 26.

PSCU

Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam, Somalia

Fawzia Adam, a prominent Somali politician, has held significant governmental positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, during her tenure from November 4, 2012, to January 17, 2014.

Adam's political journey hasn't been without controversy. She once supported the secession of Somaliland from Somalia and even attempted to contest the presidency of Somaliland.

However, her Peace, Democracy, and Prosperity Party (NBD), registered in Somaliland, faced a ban before the 2010 elections due to Somalia's claim over Somaliland territory.

Despite this, Adam's advocacy for education in her birthplace, Hargeisa, Somaliland, garnered her significant acclaim.

In a notable shift in 2012, Adam relocated to Mogadishu, where she made history as the first female Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Somalia.

Her nomination by Somalia for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission in January 2024 reflects her growing influence and diplomatic prowess.

Currently, Adam leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Party in Somalia and serves as a federal MP. Additionally, she is pursuing studies in International Public Policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of International Studies.

If successful, Adam could become only the second female head of the AUC, following in the footsteps of South Africa's Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

A picture of Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam during a past engagement with voters.

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Twitter

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti

Mahamoud Youssouf, born on September 2, 1965, is a distinguished Djiboutian diplomat with a longstanding career in government service. Notably, he has held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs in Djibouti since 2005.

Youssouf's diplomatic journey began at Djibouti's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he played a pivotal role in heading its Arab affairs department during the 1990s. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment as Ambassador to Egypt, serving from 1997 to 2001.

Recognizing his diplomatic prowess, Youssouf was entrusted with greater responsibilities, first as Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation on 4 July 2001, before ascending to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on 22 May 2005.

His diplomatic engagements extended beyond the African continent, including a notable visit to Japan in 2006.

In a testament to his diplomatic leadership, Youssouf served as the Chairman of the 129th Ordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League in 2008, further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in regional diplomacy.

A picture of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti during a session of the African Union.

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AU

With the term of the incumbent AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, concluding in early 2025 after serving a maximum of two four-year terms, the stage is set for a new leader to emerge.

The electoral process requires candidates to secure at least two-thirds of the votes from member states during the general assembly elections, highlighting the significance of garnering broad support across the continent.

While the race to replace Faki continues to heat up, Kenya's influence on the continent is coming in handy for Raila. In April, President Ruto launched a shadow diplomacy campaign in West Africa to drum up support for Odinga.

Raila has received endorsement by at least countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC, South Africa, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea Bissau. 

He will require to woe more states to win the candidacy that would see him out of the 2027 general elections.

Police officers are directed not to arrest traffic offenders if the traffic offence is punishable by the charging of a fine.

According to a document published jointly by the Judiciary, the National Council of Administrative Justice and the National Police Service, a traffic offender should only be arrested if they fail to pay a fine that was imposed on them.

However, in such an instance, the offender will be jailed for a term not exceeding six months.  

“No traffic offender shall be held by police for offences punishable by a fine only or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,” read the guidelines in part.

Matatus heading to Nairobi CBD during traffic along Ngara

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Jalang'o

Further, the guidelines also provide that any person accused of traffic offences should be granted time to pay fines before any arrest is carried out.

“No accused persons in traffic cases will be locked up in cells without first being granted time, place and adequate facilities to pay fines,” explained the guidelines.

On the other hand, the guidelines state that law enforcement officers may arrest a traffic offender if the time granted to pay the fines has lapsed without payment from the offender.

Additionally, the traffic offender may also be arrested if they fail to attend a court hearing in regard to the offence committed.

Based on the traffic regulations guidelines, court summons or a Notification to Attend Court (NTAC) allows an individual to attend court on a convenient date within seven days.

The notice shall also outline the charges and indicate the maximum penalty to be paid to the court.

In the instance the accused fails to adhere to the summon, the bail payment previously issued will be scrapped and the issuance of the warrant of arrest will be granted.

However, the Minister for Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that the government is working on technology that will charge instant fines to motorists violating traffic regulations.

The technology is stated to be in the testing stage and will be rolled out to the public at a later date.
 

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at a meeting at NTSA offices on April 2, 2023.

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Kipchumba Murkomen

With the first revision of courses on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) website closed, the placement service is set to announce a second iteration.

After the final revision of courses, KUCCPS offers a chance for the candidates to apply for institutional transfers and courses.

Through the inter-institutional transfer process, students can change the institution where they have been placed or change both institution and course subject to the applicable cut-off points.

However, the placement service has warned that this process is not undertaken by everyone as it is dependent on approval by the institutions and the cut-off points garnered by the students.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome gives an address in July 2023.

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KUCCPS

Interested 2023 KCSE candidates will be required to log in to the Student’s Portal (students.kuccps.net) to initiate the application.

After logging into the portal, the students will proceed to undertake the transfer process which is stipulated within the portal.

Once the student chooses an institution of choice and a course that they prefer, they will be required to make payment to the placement service.

Payment of the transfer processing fee should be done after one has completed all the steps in the application process following the instructions provided in the portal and not in advance.

All application payments to KUCCPS must be made to the number provided by the placement service on the website.

Applicants are cautioned against sending money to any individual posing online as KUCCPS staff.  

KUCCPS does not require applicants to send money to mobile phone numbers.

However, KUCCPS has yet to announce the date for the transfer period and that of the second revision of courses.

A person holding a cell phone and an insert of KUCCPS payment reflection

Kenyans.co.ke

Gilbert Tarus

The Ministry of Health has published the form that will be filled out by Kenyans registering for the Social Health Insurance Fund.

According to the timelines published in the revised Social Health Insurance Regulations 2024, all Kenyans will register with the new authority by June 30, 2024.

This is to facilitate the deductions towards the new insurance scheme that is scheduled to begin on July 1.

"Payment of contributions and access to healthcare services under the Act and these Regulations shall commence on the 1st July 2024," read the statement in part.

The first page of the SHIF registration form

Kenyans.co.ke

The Form

The form is a five-page document that has been divided into six sections.

Section 1: Kenyans will be required to provide their personal details which include their name, date of birth, employment status, preferred healthcare centre, ID number and marital status.

Notably, all Kenyans will be required to detail their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin.

Section 2: Section two is dedicated to the addresses and contact details. Information that Kenyans will fill under this segment includes the physical postal address, residence county sub-county and email address.

Phone numbers will also be mandatory in this section.

Section 3: Under section three, Kenyans will be required to attach passport photographs of themselves, their spouses and those of their children.  

One can attach photos of one spouse and 10 children. Therefore, those will be multiple spouses will have to fill out additional forms.

Section 4: Kenyans will be declaring the beneficiaries in this part. Beneficiaries are either spouses or children who are still underage.

Section 5: This section is dedicated to those who wish to make any amendments to their names, dependants, physical addresses or changes in hospital facilities.

Section 6: Kenyans will make a declaration on the final section of the form and append their signatures.

"I hereby attest that the information provided, including the attached documents, is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I authorise SHA for validation and verification for legitimate purposes," read the form in part.

Notably, the form will be filled in upper case/capital letters. Kenyans will also have to provide a copy of their ID.

SHIF form where Kenyans will attach their passport photos.

Kenyans.co.ke

Registration Centers

According to the report, Kenyans will be able to access the form and register for the new scheme at the SHIF offices across the country.

SHIF is replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), therefore, the new authority is set to take over the offices and facilities of NHIF.

Additionally, the registration will be done across all Huduma Centres in the Country.

President William Ruto is set to officially launch the registration process within the coming days.

Kenyans accessing public services at Huduma Centre

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Huduma Centre

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), announced the deadline for the onboarding to the eTims platform as Sunday, March 31, 2024.

However, despite the deadline lapsing on Sunday midnight, business people will still be able to onboard to the eTims platform.

Those with already existing businesses who onboard to the platform after the stipulated deadline will face non-compliance fines.

According to KRA, the amount of tax not declared through eTims will be considered tax evasion and fines will be imposed based on The Tax Procedures Act. The fines will amount to double the amount of tax evaded.

Kenya Revenue Authority offices

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KRA

The first step to creating an eTims account is to visit the website portal etims.kra.go.ke.

After that, the user will be required to click the sign-up button, when prompted on the website.

The user will then be required to enter their KRA PIN and input their PIN a second time as a means of verification.

This stage of the process also requires a user to provide their mobile phone number and an optional email address for ease of communication.

A user will also be required to create a password and verify it by inputting it twice.

After completion of the sign-up process, a one-time password will be sent to their mobile number which they will use to log in at etims.kra.go.ke.

Once logged in, a user will click the service request tab and select the eTIMS solution while on the service request tab.

Finally, they will be required to upload documents, which include their Identification Document and a Signed eTims commitment form.

Once a business owner clicks send the prompt they will be then required to wait for a software configuration which enables the user to create an electronic Invoice and have it transmitted to KRA.

The service is also available through a USSD Code *222# which provides prompts for users to follow.
 

A file image of the reception area at KRA offices in Nairobi.

KRA

The third edition of the Safari Rally has just concluded, marking its place as the third event on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. 

Amidst the roaring engines and dust-laden tracks, the question on many enthusiasts' minds revolves around what these drivers and their teams take home in terms of rewards and recognition.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of what drivers in various categories and their teams can expect to take home.

In the World Rally Championship (WRC), rally drivers not only compete for glory but also for a range of rewards and accolades. 

Titles up for grabs at the end of the year include the FIA World Rally Championships for drivers and Co-Drivers across all levels, and the World Rally Championship for manufacturers and teams. 

One of the primary rewards during each outing comes in the form of championship points, which significantly contribute to a driver's standing in the WRC rankings. 

Winners on any given weekend are determined by the driver's lead time. 

The points distribution system is meticulously structured, taking into account the final classification after Saturday's stages. 

Points are awarded based on standings, with the top positions earning higher points, ensuring that consistency and performance are duly rewarded.

The 2024 season has witnessed significant changes in the points system, adding depth and intensity to each rally. Additional points are now awarded based on the accumulated general classification of Sunday's stages, injecting further drama and competition into the mix.

A picture of a car fighting the gravel during the Safari Rally Kenya on March 31, 2024.

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WRC

Belgian rally driver Kalle Rovanpera for instance, clinched victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, by winning both Saturday and Sunday races. He won 18 points on Saturday and banked them by completing the race on Sunday. He earned two points from the Wolf Power Stage to make a total of 20. 

Apart from championship points, rally winners also receive trophies, each uniquely designed and approved by the FIA Media Delegate and WRC Promoter. The presentation of these trophies is a ceremonious affair, often graced by politicians or dignitaries.

Prize money is another enticing aspect for rally winners, with some events offering substantial sums to the victorious driver and their team. The amount can vary depending on the rally's sponsors and financial backing.

Manufacturer points are also up for grabs, contributing to the manufacturer's championship standings. Manufacturers earn points similar to their drivers. 

Beyond tangible rewards, winning a rally brings invaluable recognition and media coverage, paving the way for enhanced sponsorship opportunities. Successful performances can attract new sponsors, leading to increased financial support and resources for both drivers and teams.

The Safari Rally has seen a surge in sponsorships from companies like Safaricom, KCB, and Kenya Airways, providing drivers with the resources to enhance their branding efforts and engage with fans. 

KCB, for instance, committed Ksh95 million to support local drivers, bolster branding initiatives, and enrich the overall fan experience.

Rally car in full flight during the Safari Rally, March 2024.

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WRC