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The Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) Applications Are Now Open, here is How to Apply online

The Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project aims to empower and uplift the well-being of unemployed youths in Kenya who have basic level of education either high school, primary or never been to school by equipping them with essential training, internship and business grant opportunities. This project caters for youths aged between 18 to 29 by giving them opportunities to attain various skills training and get entrepreneurship support.

Unemployment is a major menace that’s been bedeviling young people in Kenya who find it difficult to survive in a cut throat economy that only favors the rich, the situation is even worsened by lack of exposure in a country in which almost every employer requires an experienced employee.

Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project Training Areas

The project consists of various categories that favor those with formal technical training; which include a bunch of courses such as Information Communications Technology, Catering, Fashion Design, Hairdressing, Solar PV Technology, Welding, Dressmaking, Plumbing, Mechanical Operations and Oil Pipeline Operation.

Other opportunities include those interested in Baking, Painting and Decorations, Plant Operation, Electricals, Horticulture, Waste Management, Mechanics, Beauty Therapy, Firefighting, carpentry and Food Processing. In addition, youths can as well choose to be trained by master craftsmen in areas of event planning, bead making, weaving, Agribusiness, Welding and metal fabrication, handicrafts and woodwork.

Youths can also engage in mechanics, hairdressing, Agro-processing, cleaning services, leather work, shoemaking, panel beating and spraying, dressmaking, landscaping, photography, fashion design, painting and catering.

How to apply for the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) Vacancies

Youths can apply for this project online at http://mis.kyeop.go.ke as long as they meet below criteria;

Requirements for Applicants

  • Of course the first requirement if for you to be considered youth preferably aged between 18 to 29 years.
  • Must have an ID (a Kenyan citizen).
  • Should be able to provide proof of education level reached i.e. Form Four certificate.
  • Currently Unemployed.
  • Applications must be within advertised period i.e Cycle 3 applications are ongoing until February 4th 2019

Kenya’s Population Census Slated for this August 2019 will be Digitized, Personnel to be Recruited at Sub-County Level

Kenya’s long awaited census slated for this august will be digitized to improve on the quality and accuracy of data collected. While warning politicians not to politicize the exercise, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said utterances by politicians are likely to compromise the two-day exercise that’s expected to take place on August 24th and 25th, 2019. Instead, the cabinet secretary urged politicians to raise their concerns after its completed.

Digitization of the 2019 Kenya’s population census follows recommendations by the United Nations and comes with a set of inbuilt checks, correction of inconsistent responses and cross-validation with other records according to the Cabinet Secretary. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is mandated to carry out the exercise that provides statistical information on the size, distribution, and characteristics of Kenya’s population.

Quality and timely results as a results of digitization

The process will involve additional key indicators such as fertility, mortality, labor, education as well as people living with disabilities. “This information will enable the government to plan its spending based on socio-economic and demographic status,” said CS Rotich.

At the same time, the cabinet secretary downplayed concerns raised by some politicians who claimed the census exercise to be more expensive compared to amount spent by other countries in the region. This exercise is expected to cost tax payer’s a whooping Ksh18.5 billion, which Rotich says meets international standards.

This year’s census will also focus on Agriculture and household incomes and by digitizing the process, Kenyans are expected to get timely release of Census results. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) will spend Ksh 10 billion on buying bio metric equipment for data collection while Ksh 8 billion will be allocated on hiring and training staff. Additionally, a total of 165,000 tablets that will be used in the exercise, will be procured from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Moi University.

Kenyans should ignore fake enumerator jobs for 2019 census

Kenyans have also been cautioned against fake job adverts for enumerators and are advised to wait for the vacancies to be advertised sometime in June at sub-county level.

The New Kenyan Smart Driving License Application Process at The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)

After the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued a new directive allowing Kenyan driving license holders to book for the new smart license online starting January 24th 2019; license holders will be able to book for the new smart cards through their TIMS accounts. Just like many government services available online via the TIMS portal, the process shouldn’t be complicated, although drivers are highly advised not to share their login credentials as this could lead to malicious attempts on their accounts.

To book for the new smart driving licenses, drivers are expected to use their Transport Integrated Management Systems (TIMS) account at  www.ntsa.go.ke. In case you need assistance, NTSA suggests you visit one of their nearest offices located at MVI Likoni Road (Nairobi), Nakuru, Mombasa (Imara Building), Kisumu, Kisii, Machakos, Eldoret, Thika and Nyeri. According to NTSA, an invoice of Ksh. 3,050 will be generated during the application process by the system, and the payment should be made online. After making the payment, an NTSA official will take a digital picture, the applicant’s biometrics, and their digital signature after which, you’ll be advised when to collect your Smart Driving License.

Here is how you can apply for the new Kenyan smart driving license

  • The application process is done online via the Transport Integrated Management Systems (TIMS); therefore, you’ll need to create an NTSA TIMS account if you don’t have one already.
  • You’ll need to visit NTSA physical offices at above locations to proceed with the application process.
  • After an NTSA agent confirms your details on their system, these details include biometric details such as blood type etc.
  • If you did not book the license online or haven’t made the payment, you’ll be required to make a payment of Ksh. 3,050 for the new smart Kenyan driving license via M-Pesa.
  • More details including biometric identifications and signature will be taken and a passport photo as well.
  •  Your license will then be sent for printing.
  • After you’ve been successfully validated, you’re good to go.

How to make your National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Contributions through MPESA Paybill Number

Talk of revolutionizing utility bills payments and transfer of cash from one entity to another, MPESA and other mobile money transfer services have had undisputed impact on just about everything here in Kenya. Unlike a few years back when we had no option but visit banking halls that were plagued by long queues especially during peak seasons such as back to school to carry out the simplest cash transaction. Members of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) can now make their voluntary contributions through MPESA, just as they would be using any other paybill service.

For those who are formally employed, it’s highly probable contributions are deducted by your employer and this service might not be for you; however, if you’re self-employed and make NSSF contributions individually, using MPESA will radically simplify the whole process and spare you all the inconveniences associated with vising banking halls.  

For those who have used the LIPA NA MPESA service before, this will be a breeze, just as you would make payments for services like paying your electricity bill, purchasing airtime for Telkom number, pay TV or internet subscription –  the process is quite similar. All you need is to replace the Paybill number and account number while making the transaction. The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) official MPESA PAYBILL NO is 333300, and the account number should be your NSFF number – this is usually the number which NFFS issues when you register.

How to make your National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Contributions through MPESA PAYBILL NUMBER 333300.

Before you start the process, you’ll need to make sure your MPESA balance is sufficient, that is if you don’t intent to utilize the fuliza mpesa overdraft facility. Even with fuliza, you’ll still need to be within your maximum limit when contributing.

  • Head over to your “MPESA” menu on your device and select “LIPA NA MPESA
  • Enter the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Business number – which is 333300
  • Enter your National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Number as the account number such as “3333445555”.
  • Enter the amount you intent to contribute
  • Enter your MPESA PIN then send
  • You’ll receive a confirmation text message of the transaction from MPESA
  • Now check your National Social Security Fund (NSSF) account via NSSF self-service portal, it should reflect within 48 hours, this process is not instant.

How to Purchase Telkom Kenya airtime through M-PESA Paybill for your Mobile Number

Telkom Kenya has had some of the best cellular rates for a while now in comparison to Safaricom, they boast some of the best data, voice and text bundles in the country and at some point, I jumped on the bandwagon, not completely but it’s good to have a cheaper alternative that comes in handy. Besides what I’ve seen on their aggressive adverts, I’ve learned a lot on the provider’s services, I was for example really impressed just how easy it was to purchase airtime directly from MPESA – and it’s instant.

If you’ve used MPESA’s LIPA NA MPESA service to pay for bills such as electricity, pay TV or internet, the process is exactly the same. All you need to replace is the Paybill number and account number and all will be a breeze. Telkom Kenya’s official MPESA PAYBILL NO for airtime top up through Safaricom’s MPESA is 777711, and the account number should be your Telkom number.

Here is How to Purchase Telkom Kenya airtime through M-PESA Paybill No 777711

First of course you need to have sufficient balance on your MPESA account, or utilize the fuliza mpesa overdraft facility in case you’re within your maximum limit. I’ve purchased twice for Ksh.50 and only charged Ksh.1 as transaction fee by MPESA.

  • Go to your “MPESA” menu on your device and select “LIPA NA MPESA
  • Now you’ll need to enter the Telkom Kenya Business number – which is 777711
  • Input your Telkom mobile Number as the account number such as “0771000000” or “0202000000” if it has a landline prefix
  • Enter the amount for airtime you intent to purchase
  • Enter your MPESA PIN then send
  • You’ll receive a confirmation text message of the transaction from MPESA as well as on your Telkom mobile phone.
  • Now check your airtime balance by Dialing *144# it should reflect as the process is instant.  

How to pay your National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) penalties through M-PESA for self-employed Kenyans

Are you self-employed and in urgent need to settle your NHIF penalty before it’s too late? Well the process couldn’t be easier, especially after the insurer unveiled an M-PESA option to do the same. The National Hospital Insurance Fund is a government owned institution with a mandate to offer insurance cover to Kenyans. Just like most insurance companies, those who subscribe to the NHIF cover (probably anyone who’s currently employed and a few self-employed Kenyans), must contribute on a monthly basis for the cover to remain active. Those who are employed probably need not worry about penalties as in most cases, these contributions are done by the employer.

However; for self-employed Kenyans, the situation is totally different. There are various variables that come into play, for example, you might not have cash to pay for your monthly premiums in time or if it accidentally slips your attention before the deadline which is 9th of every month. It’s also important to note in case you’ve missed to send in your monthly contribution, you’ll not be able to access the cover until these penalties have been paid.

I’ve compiled a simple guide on how self-employed Kenyans can pay for their National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) penalties through M-PESA, the process is very simple and no different from the common LIPA NA MPESA transactions for those who have used them.

How to pay your National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) penalties through M-PESA

Monthly penalty for not paying on time is Ksh.250 and can be paid through M-PESA using below simple steps;

  • Go to your “MPESA” menu on your device and select “LIPA NA MPESA
  • Enter the NHIF Business number – which is 200222
  • Type in your ID Number as the account and put “y” at the end so the transactions could be treated as a penalty i.e (22997848y)
  • Enter Ksh.250 for the month defaulted
  • Enter your MPESA PIN then send
  • You’ll receive a confirmation text message of the transaction.

Xiaomi Unveils Redmi Note 7 with a massive 47MP Sensor, 6.3inch Screen and Costs Less than Ksh.15000 in Kenya

On paper, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 specs dwarfs several top of the line devices we’ve seen so far from the common denominators. It houses a massive sensor we’ve only seen on Nokia devices and a bezel-less display that has a water-drop notch – meaning everything has been minimized to furthest possible extent to achieve a 6.3inch display in an almost compact body. I’m not going to review this device at least at this point since we’re yet to put our hands on one; but it feels just right to mock specs we’ve seen on flagships from Samsung, Apple and Google – these are by the way unofficial bigwigs in the sector.


Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Specs

One would easily have guessed to expect half as good specs on the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 considering a rock-bottom price tag it carries, but let’s face it; this device is – assuming everything stays as announced, a potential contender for super users. At the same time, I wouldn’t want us to get over our heads, there’s so much that’s done in the background to achieve a super photo for example. A 47 sensor on its own wouldn’t do much, there’s a lot of software optimizations that has to be done that makes photos taken on the likes of iPhones pop at night and day alike.  


Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Camera Sensor

While officially pulling the wraps off Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s CEO, noted the device to be the first of the new Redmi sub-brand. Since the biggest highlight of this handset was its massive sensor, let’s take a deeper look at the specs again. The Redmi Note 7 is actually the company’s first smartphone to come fitted with a 48MP camera sensor. And it’s not just any sensor, but one from a reputable manufacturer – Samsung’s ISOCELL GM1 sensor. We therefore don’t expect any let downs when in real-life action. Alongside, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 was its closest sibling – Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 pro with a similar sensor though from Sony.


Redmi Note 7 Display and Design

Besides the camera, turn on to the front side and you’ll be impressed by an almost full screen display complemented by a 2.5D curved design a glass.

Battery and Storage

The battery has 4,000 mAh capacity and supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4. And as expected with phones coming out now, the Redmi Note 7 has a USB-C port which comes with a regular 5V/2A charger in the box, but you can add a fast-charging brick with an extra buck

It’ll come in some interesting colors that include Blue, Twilight Gold and Black. You’ll have various options of internal storage and ram; between one with 4GB with 64GB internal or 6GB RAM with 64GB storage. You can beef-up space with an external microSD, up to 256 GB.

UberASSIST for the disabled and Senior Citizens lets them use specially trained driver-partners with cars that accommodate folding wheelchairs and walkers

Uber has unveiled UberASSIST in Nairobi– a service specially designed for seniors and the disabled in our community. Unlike current Uber services, UberASSIST features specially trained driver-partners who have cars that can accommodate folding wheelchairs as well as walkers. The service intents to empower riders with disability and the elderly by allowing them access Nairobi city more conveniently without worrying about a bout having someone accompanying them.   

UberASSIST has been available in two other African towns – Johannesburg and Cape Town since 2017 before finally rolling out in Nairobi in 2019. There’s a cut-throat competition in Kenya’s taxi-hailing industry which features the likes of Taxify, Little cab and several motorbike focused apps forcing providers to improve and diversify their service offering. In Mombasa for example, Uber unveiled UberTuk that utilizes “tuktuk’s” owing to the popularity this means of transport has enjoyed in the region while similarly launching UberBoda in Nairobi.

UberASSIST will therefore score an advantage for Uber going into 2019, catering for a segment that had long been neglected by other taxi companies. Considering both Taxify and Little are yet to unveil a similar feature, I’d imagine most riders who fall within these two categories will feel more at peace riding with Uber and also gives an assurance knowing for example one can bring in his or her folding wheelchair.

How to Request uberASSIST for elderly and the disabled in Nairobi

  • Launch your Uber app as you’d do normally
  • Enter your destination (where you intent to go)
  • Swipe left and select uberASSIST – appears after ChapChap, UberX, Boda and just before Uber’s premium service – Select
  • Confirm pick-up location and request a ride