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The Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) responded on Monday, February 26, to concerns raised by applicants experiencing challenges with the reflection of payments on the eCitizen platform.

Payments for course applications are made through the eCitizen platform, this is per the government directive that all payments be made to the 222222 pay bill.

Despite some applicants having made the payments and sent the transaction code, the system displayed an ‘error.’

It was realised that the payments took time to reflect on the eCitizen platform, prompting the placement service to devise a procedure for checking if the payments had been billed.

KUCCPS mobile payment displaying 'error'

Photo

Dickie Kiage

How to Make KUCCPS Payment

Click on the payment link displayed on the KUCCPS portal.

Choose the mobile money option (M-Pesa), proceed to pay the bill and enter 222222 then followed by the account number issued by KUCCPS.

Applicants are required to make a payment of Ksh1500 and enter their mobile money PIN to complete the transaction.

Once the transaction is successful, the applicant will receive a mobile money confirmation message on your phone.

How to Check Payment Has Reflected on eCitizen

Step 1: Using your mobile phone, Dial *222#
Step 2: Select Option 6 'Check Payment'
Step 3: Enter the Payment Reference (Account) used and send
Step 4: Enter the transaction code and click 'send.'
Step 5: If you have paid and entered the details correctly, you will be informed that the invoice has been paid. 

Once the payment reflects on the eCitizen platform, you can continue with the application.

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

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KUCCPS

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) on Monday, February 26, announced the new deadline for applications to give more students time to secure their dream schools and career paths.

The extension has been prompted by the widespread technical glitches on the platform, which have hindered students from completing their applications. Despite these challenges, KUCCPS has assured students that efforts are underway to rectify the issues and ensure a smooth application process.

Students have been urged to make their applications before March 4. As the applications continue, Kenyans.co.ke has compiled a list of certificate and diploma courses charging up to Ksh60,000.

KUCCPS CEO Alice Wahome before a Parliamentary committee on February 20, 2024

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Parliament of Kenya

Diploma Courses and Institutions Offering Them

For students seeking to pursue a diploma in Banking and Finance, the University of Embu TVET Institute is offering the course at Ksh60,000.

The institution is also offering a diploma in Accountancy for Ksh60,000. Additionally, one can pursue a diploma in Human Resource Management at the Embu-based institution for Ksh60,000.

Moreover, Entrepreneurial Agriculture is being offered for Ksh60,000. And for those wishing to pursue a career in Counselling (Disaster Management and Trauma Counselling Option), you will similarly find the course going for Ksh60,000.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping is currently offering diplomas in Land Surveying and Cartography, each priced at Ksh57,800.

At the same institution, students can undertake a diploma in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

The Kenya Water Institute has a diploma in Water Resources Management and Technology at Ksh59,6000. A diploma in Water and Waste Water Laboratory Technology also goes for the same Ksh59,600.

At the same institutions, students can apply for a diploma in Information Communication Technology for Ksh59,600.

At Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, students have the opportunity to apply for a diploma in Disaster Management and a diploma in Security and Intelligence Studies, both offered at Ksh60,000 each.

Certificate Courses and Institutions Offering Them

For certificate courses, students can apply for a Water Engineering certificate at the Kenya Water Institute for Ksh56,000. It also offers a certificate in Information Communication Technology for Ksh56,000.

Meanwhile, the University of Embu TVET Institute offers a certificate in Project Management of Ksh52,500. It also offers a certificate in Supply Chain Management for Ksh52,500.

The Kenya Training Institute is also offering various certificate courses which will cost the student Ksh55,800. Some of the courses include Supply Chain Management, Tourism and Travel Management Level 5, and Tourism Management.

Others include Tour Guiding and Travel Operations, Road Transport Management and Maritime Transport Logistics.

University students during a past graduation ceremony

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With the Kenya Meteorological Department projecting high temperatures in Nairobi and most parts of the country for the coming weeks, most motorists are prone to making common mistakes which lead to increased fuel consumption.

Some of the common mistakes that motorists make include; the use of Air Conditioning (AC) and driving with all windows open.

While many motorists use ACs or roll-down windows to regulate the temperatures inside a vehicle, car experts warn that these tendencies can lead to increased fuel consumption if the two are not done properly as explained below.

Air Conditioning vents in a Toyota car.

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Autochek

Air Conditioner 

While the use of ACs during the hot weather is recommended, it is always advisable to roll down the windows of a vehicle for some minutes before turning on the AC.

This is informed by science given that rolling down windows before the use of ACs allows for the hot air in the car to get out hence making the AC more efficient when turned on.

"Drive with the windows open for a short time before using the AC. Letting hot air out of the cabin first will put less demand on the AC and help your vehicle cool faster.

"Don't idle with the AC running before driving. Turn the AC on after you begin to drive or after airing out the cabin briefly. Most AC systems will cool the vehicle faster while driving" the US Ministry of Energy states in an advisory.

On the other hand, motorists are also advised to ensure that they set the AC temperature to the lowest level as possible.

Rolling Down Windows

Driving while windows are completely rolled down can increase the consumption of fuel.

This is because when windows are rolled down, there will be a dragging effect owing to the movement of air inside the vehicle, hence more energy is needed to move the car.

Therefore, one should only roll down the windows when they are driving at a slow speed. The use of AC is recommended when driving on highways where most speed limits are past 100 kilometres per hour.

Additionally, motorists are advised to park their vehicles in shades to avoid key components such as the cabin from heating up.

Traffic jam witnessed along busy Uhuru Highway in Nairobi in 2019

Simon Kiragu

Kenyans.co.ke

Students who scored Grade D - (minus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and below have a chance to apply for the career of their choice under the artisan programme that will equip them with the requisite skills needed for the job market.

The courses are offered through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal whereby students can apply before the stipulated deadline lapses. 

In the case of the 2024 KUCCPS application, students have until February 26, 2024, to apply.

Students are granted the chance to apply for the course based on the grade they scored during in the KCSE examinations. Artisan courses are offered for students who scored D - and below.

Media students at Arizona International College

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Arizona International College

A spot-check by Kenyans.co.ke reveals that the most expensive course is Trade Test Grade II & I in Electrical Wireman offered at Kenya Industrial Training Institute which costs Ksh83,500.

This is followed by the Food and Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) Level 4 course offered at Railway Training Institute which averages Ksh72,900.

The majority of the courses cost an average of Ksh67,189, save for a handful. The cheapest course offered in the Artisan programme is an electrical course, Grade III Electrical Installation, offered by Railway Training Institute at a cost of Ksh45,700.

This is also similar to NVCET in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning offered at the same institution. The program trains students to design, install and maintain cooling systems in buildings.

Students seeking to upgrade their skills in the plumbing sector will be accorded a chance to learn Grade III in Pipe Fitting and Plumbing by Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology at Ksh49,420.

Additionally, those seeking to study how to install cooling systems at the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology will be required to pay Ksh49,420.

Students who wish to specialise in wastewater technology, water supply and water reading can pursue Artisan in Sewerage Operators Course at Kenya Water Institute. They will be required to part with Ksh56,000.

Similarly, the Water Operators course at the Kenya Water Institute costs Ksh56,000. At the same institution, the Water Supply Operators program is also offered at a fixed rate of Ksh56,000.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome

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KUCCPS

Are you aware that there is a degree course in Kenya that costs north of Ksh700,000 annually?

Well, data released by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) shows that a Bachelor's in Dental Surgery is currently the most expensive undergraduate degree countrywide. 

Analysis by Kenyans.co.ke on the cost of the most expensive degree programme in Kenya for 2022/2023 revealed that students studying Dental Surgery at Moi University are charged Ksh780,000 per year.

On the other hand, the University in Nairobi charges Ksh613,000, which is Ksh167,000 less than Moi in Eldoret. 

UoN dental students at undertaking a practical class.

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UoN

Additionally, a degree in medicine and surgery is the second most expensive programme in the country with most universities charging above Ksh600,000.

At Egerton University, students undertaking a degree in Medicine pay Ksh643,940 in their first year while those at the University of Nairobi fork out Ksh635,000 in fees.

KUCCPS also listed veterinary medicine courses among the most expensive programmes in the country with Egerton University and UoN charging Ksh516,340 and Ksh521,000 per year. 

Other notable courses include Bachelor of Pharmacy which costs Ksh492,660 at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Ksh487,000 at UoN.

Engineering

Among the universities, UoN offers the most expensive programmes in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering with the fees for the degrees costing Ksh441,000.

Technical University of Kenya (TUK) offers the courses at Ksh404,200.

Here Are the Highest Fees Charged for Other Notable Courses

Actuarial Science
Kisii University Bachelor - Ksh289,935
University of Nairobi - Ksh281,350

Education Arts

Kisii University - Ksh283,135
University of Nairobi - Ksh263,000

Education Science

University of Nairobi  - Ksh334,000
Kisii University - Ksh295,885

Law

University of Nairobi - Ksh261,000 
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology - Ksh238,208

In several instances, businessmen find themselves landing on tender adverts with tight deadlines.

Businessmen interested in such are required to submit an up to date CR12.

A CR12 is an official confirmation by the Registrar of Companies in Kenya as to whom the directors and shareholders of a company are. The document also confirms that the company's records exist at the Company registry.

According to the Business Registration Service (BRS), owners of businesses registered before 2017 that require CR12 on the go need to login to the eCitizen platform and link their businesses.

BRS, in an official statement defines linking a business as the process of capturing manual company records online. The process of onboarding a business is free.

Business Registration Services (BSR) Company offices in Nairobi.

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Business Registration Services

Step-by-Step Process of Linking a Business

The first step in the entire process is to login the directors, director-shareholders or appointed company secretaries account on eCitizen and entering the username and password.

From there, Select Business Registration Service (BRS) and click "Link Business".

You will then be  prompted to enter the name or registration number of the business, after which you then click search.

From the search results, select the business you want to link to the portal then click the next drop-down.

In the edit details prompt, you will see the field where you will be required to enter the business details. This includes the; Business Name, Registration Number, Registration Type, and Registration Date. 

Click save and continue.

Proceed to fill in the nature of the business as you enter its capacity.

Fill in the details of the registered office addresses and add all the information as required on the portal.

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

Finally, key in the details of all directors/shareholders, personal details, and the shares and beneficial ownership information, then save.

Once you click on the save button, you can download the auto beneficial form that will be automatically formulated once you fill in all the data.

The next step is going through it and ensuring that the data you have filled is factual and correct.

Conclusion

After completing the stipulated steps, your business information will be online and upto date.

From there, you can proceed to apply for a tender of your choice and compete with other interested bidders.

A photo of the eCitizen platform relaunch at KICC on June 30, 2023.

PSC

Treasury Bonds and Bills are considered among the safest investments since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government.  

In this regard, bonds and bills are not only an important form of investment for short and long tenors but are also used as a baseline for other investment returns.

When an investor buys Treasury Bills or Bonds, they are simply lending money to the government. Essentially, you're loaning money to the government by purchasing a bond at a predetermined interest rate. 

In turn, the government will pay you at a fixed interest rate for a set duration of time. Several people often confuse or fail to understand how the two instruments operate and their differences.

CBK Governor Kamau addressing a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on June 27, 2023.

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CBK

The government uses the money to finance its operations and pay for ongoing expenses such as salaries for workers. 

Treasury Bonds

Treasury bonds are debt securities issued by the government and are traded on the secondary market, allowing bondholders to receive money for their security without re-discounting. 

There are many different term lengths and interest rates to choose from. Treasury bonds are long-term instruments with extended tenors.

CBK usually auctions Treasury Bonds every month, but offers a variety of bonds throughout the year, so prospective investors should regularly check for upcoming auctions.

Most Treasury Bonds in Kenya offer a fixed rate, meaning that the interest rate determined at auction is locked in for the entire life of the bond. This makes Treasury Bonds a predictable, long-term source of income. 

Treasury Bills

Meanwhile, Treasury Bills are short-term financial instruments issued by the Central Bank of Kenya with a maturity of up to one year.

If you invest money in a Treasury Bill, you will receive that money back within three months, six months or one year, depending on the bill you choose.

Treasury Bills are sold at a discount to the par value, which can be thought of as the maturity amount.

How to Invest in Treasury Bills

While commercial banks, corporate entities and pension schemes are some of the largest investors in government securities, individuals can invest directly through the Central Bank.

If you’re interested in investing in government securities you must have a bank account with a commercial bank in Kenya, and you must open a Central Depository Agent (CDS) account with CBK. 

A CDS account is an electronic account that holds shares only.

You will also need to submit a clear copy of your National Identity Card, passport or alien certificate.

Kenyans and foreign investors who meet these qualifications are free to invest in government securities directly with the Central Bank.

How to Invest in Treasury Bonds

Through the Dhow CSD portal and mobile application, individuals and corporations can invest in Treasury bills without going through an intermediary.

One can access the application platform through   and register for a CSD account.  

Investors can equally invest via their respective commercial banks.

A photo collage of President William Ruto and the Central Bank Headquarters Building in Nairobi, Kenya.

PCS

The Kenya Railways Corporation has outlined measures to promote personal safety when boarding and disembarking from trains, aiming to enhance the efficiency and safety its systems. 

Kenya Railways emphasises that it gives priority to the safety of passengers, employees, partners and the general public when on and around the trains.

Among the safety measures include observing the yellow line, waiting for the doors to open to using grab rails for stability. 

Stand behind the yellow line until the train comes to a complete stop. 

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train readies for takeoff at the Nairobi terminus.

Photo: Kenya Railways

The yellow line serves to prevent passengers from accidentally falling onto the railway tracks or being struck by oncoming trains. 

Proximity to the line can induce dizziness that increases the risk of someone falling onto the rail tracks.

Do not force doors open or attempt to board when the train is leaving the platform. 

If a passenger misses their train, it is advised to wait for the next scheduled one rather than attempting to catch a train that is already in motion.

Allow other passengers to step off the train before you board. 

This ensures a smooth transition between those boarding and those alighting, which in turn reduces time wastage during round trips. It also prevents cases of collision and falling among passengers.

Station attendants and train crew will assist passengers with special needs to board the train. 

Station attendants have been given training on how to handle people with disability, including giving them priority when boarding and getting off trains. 

If you are travelling with a pram or a shopping trolley, board at the front carriage so you are visible to the driver. 

Passengers with heavy luggage are subject to specific guidelines set by train operators, including pointers on getting off and on the train, and ensuring utilization of spaces allocated for heavy luggage.

When boarding the train, enter the pram first and lift the back in if the train isn't level with the platform. 

To ensure there is stability, even distribution of weight on the pram prevents trips and falls, and further, to prevent the pram from rolling away when exiting the train, ensure you step off first and then pull the pram towards you. 

Use the grab rails to steady yourself when boarding or alighting to steady yourself. 

Grab rails are strategically placed to help passengers comfortably board and alight trains, by giving them stability, especially in cases of frail platforms placed on train doorways. 

Prepare to alight before reaching your destination station.

This proactive approach helps minimise time wastage at various drop-off points. However, passengers should ensure they have something to hold onto to maintain balance when the train comes to a halt.

The corporation, in efforts to ensure its clients are safe, has encouraged members of the public to employ the outlined guidelines and to further reduce cases of accidents and delays while using the train system in the country. 

According to the Kenya Railways Corporation Act, individuals travelling in any part of a train, vessel, or vehicle other than areas typically designated for passenger use while travelling, whether with or without permission, are not eligible for compensation in the event of an injury or accident involving the train.

"The Corporation shall not be liable for the loss of life of, or for personal injury to, any passenger except where the loss of life or personal injury is caused by the want of ordinary care, diligence or skill on the part of the Corporation or of any employee," the Act reads in part. 

The Mombasa Terminus of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

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Kenya Railways

Every year, Kenyans who have lived abroad for a long time, return to Kenya with some of them choosing to relocate permanently.

As you would expect, this category of Kenyans brings with them property and other valuables acquired in foreign nations.

One of the most common items returning Kenyans bring back home is their vehicles. This choice is motivated by a variety of factors, such as convenience, differences in regulations, savings, and sentimental value.

Fortunately, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) grants tax exemptions but under certain conditions

Officials from KRA during a routine car inspection in June 2023

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KRA

The taxman defines a returning resident as a Kenyan citizen relocating from a residence outside Kenya to a place of their choice within the country.

KRA specifies that returning residents are exempted from payment of Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, and Import Declaration Form (IDF). 

Further, KRA categorically states that persons under this category can enjoy a motor vehicle exemption so long as it is one motor vehicle they are bringing back excluding buses and minibuses.

"The mentioned goods for exemption must be shipped and imported into Kenya within 90 days of the date arrival of the passenger or such further period not exceeding 360 days from such arrival as the Commissioner may allow," reads part of the regulations.

Kenyans.co.ke highlights some of the requirements returning residents are required to meet before being allowed to import their vehicles to Kenya without paying tax.

Requirements

The applicant must demonstrate proof of ownership and the vehicle's use 12 months before return.

KRA also specifies that the vehicle must not be more than eight years old from the date of manufacture.

Similarly, the applicant must also produce evidence of travel in the form of a passport or appropriate travel documentation.

KRA also requires that the individual must not have enjoyed a similar exemption within the last four years.

The vehicle must also be shipped into the country within ninety days or a further period not exceeding 360 days upon approval by the Commissioner, of the return of the individual resident.

Besides the above requirements, for an exemption to be granted, an applicant must be changing residence permanently.

"A person is accorded an exemption on another motor vehicle once every four years and provided that all the duties on the earlier exempted motor vehicle have been paid for," KRA specifies.

Meanwhile, spouses who are not Kenyan citizens may be accorded tax exemption on a first-arrival basis provided that they are coming to execute an assignment whose contract is not less than two years.

A terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi Kenya.

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KAA

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management Regulations), 2024 came into force on February 9 this year to provide a framework that promotes cybersecurity.

According to the regulations, an individual can file a report on cyber crimes either through electronic or physical means to the National Computer and the National Cybercrimes Co-ordination Committee.

The Regulation Act also provides that the National Police Service should establish a cybercrime reporting desk in every police post and police station in twelve months.

Reporting can be done both electronically and physically in these stations once they are established.

A police officer holding his gun at a Cybercafé.

Kenyans.co.ke

For one to file a report, they need to fill a FORM CMCA 7 that will be made available at the point of reporting

The following personal identifiers are required to report cybercrime: A valid email address, official websites under attack, and a phone number.

One must also indicate the county of residence,  type of threat, attack, intrusion, risk or other disruption they have experienced.

Additionally, the report should also note the date and time of the incident and screenshots of the suspicious activity and malicious social media accounts; or any other evidence of the crime.

While announcing the regulations coming into force, the Ministry of Interior stated that they were necessary to safeguard institutions within various sectors.

“These regulations enhance the capacity of both public and private sector institutions, such as the telecommunications, banking, transport, and energy sectors, to safeguard critical digital information from cyberattacks and improve cybersecurity readiness, stated the Ministry of Interior.

The Cybercrime regulations also provide that there will be the creation of a Critical Information Infrastructure Cybersecurity Operations Centre which shall be responsible for monitoring, detecting, preventing, responding and investigating cyber threats, within a specific sector as listed within the Act.

According to the Act, the Cybersecurity Operations Sector shall also provide real-time information on cyber threats and incidents to the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre to avert cybercrimes.
 

Interior PS Raymond Omollo speaks to the press during the inspection of Moi Stadium in Embu County on February 21, 2023.

Ministry of Interior