Category: BUSINESS

 

Starting a research company is one of the simplest businesses to launch in Kenya. It involves less than 6 simple steps.

1. Identify a unique name for your company

Name identification is the first and most important process when registering your company. When doing this process, ensure you have a unique name which no other company shares with you.

The name should also be different from your personal identification name, if you intend to make a powerful brand.

2. 2. Conduct a name search at Huduma Centre offices to determine whether there is somebody sharing the same name with you. Name search takes at most 2 hours, thereafter you are allowed to do name reservation, which is done at Huduma Centre offices.

If you are doing the process in Nairobi, visit Posta offices at Technical University of Kenya or GPO.

3. Register your company

After conducting name search and name reservation, you can go ahead and register your company at Huduma Centre offices. You can decide to register a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a limited company but I would advise you to register a partnership.

Partnership business requires a partnership deed, which is simple to draft.

The whole process of registering a partnership company will take you less than Ksh 2,000.

One advantage of a partnership research firm is that you are able to obtain a KRA pin for your business, which is essential for applying for tenders.

The business of starting a research firm ends with setting up an office.

If you are in Nairobi, the rent for an office is Ksh 25,000-Ksh 50,000 depending on location. If you are in Nairobi CBD, the best and cheapest office rooms are found along Utalii Lane, Biashara Street and Moi Avenue

A research firm business is tricky; you might find it hard to find clients but I would advise you to start with analyzing data for university students as you gain ground. You can also start teaching statistical tools and Microsoft office tools.

The most important thing to do after finding an office is to get a license from your county council. In Nairobi, it will cost you Ksh 15,000-Ksh 25,000 and is acquired from City Hall

From experience, the whole process of starting a research firm in Kenya is Ksh 150,000-Ksh250,000.If we break this figure further, you are required to acquire office furniture that cost Ksh 15,000-Ksh27,000 each while a chair will cost you Ksh 5,000-Ksh 15,000.Three month’s rent is required which will amount to Ksh 60,000-Ksh150,000.

 

 

The process of applying for diplomatic passports and to renew a lost passport is explained below

(D) Application for Diplomatic passports

The applicant shall submit in addition to the requirements of ordinary passport a letter from the chief of protocol from the Ministry of foreign Affairs.
________________________________________
(E) Disqualification of application for passports

A Passport Control Officer shall disqualify the application of any person:-
• Who is not a citizen of Kenya
• Who gives false information for the purpose of obtaining a passport
• Submits incomplete forms
• In respect of whom there is evidence of involvement in passport fraud, passport forgery or international crime(s).
________________________________________
(F) Revocation of Passports

The Passport Control Officer may, where:-
• The holder of a passport or travel document permits another person to use his passport or travel document
• The holder of a passport has been deported or repatriated to Kenya at the expense of the government
• The holder engages in drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, terrorist acts or any other illegal activity
• It is in national interest or national security
• It is discovered that a Kenyan over 21 years of age is a holder of a passport of another country
• The holder has a pending warrant of arrest, and
• The holder is a habitual criminal;
at any time withdraw, cancel or revoke the passport or travel document granted or issued to the holder.

Passport Requirements

1. New Passport

All applicants must fill the application forms Form 19
1. Be a Kenyan Citizen
2. Duly completed Passport application form Form 19
3. Applicant’s Birth, Adoption or Registration (original and photocopy) Certificate In some instances an applicant’s parent(s) birth certificate maybe required
4. New generation National Identity Card (original and copy)
5. Three coloured Passport size photographs of the applicant with one of photos duly certified as true likeness of the applicant by the recommender 6. Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card

2. Replacement of Passport after (Expired / Filled up) 5/10 years

1. Duly completed Passport application Form 19
2. Expired or filled up Passport being replaced and its copy
3. Three coloured Passport size photographs of the applicant with one of photos duly certified as true likeness of the applicant by the recommender 4. Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card

3. Replacement of Mutilated Passport

1. Duly completed Passport application form
2. Mutilated Passport to be replaced and its copy
3. An affidavit detailing the circumstances under which the mutilation occurred
4. Three coloured Passport size photographs of the applicant with one of photos duly certified as true likeness of the applicant by the recommender 5. Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card

4. Replacement of Lost Passport

1. Original Birth Certificate
2. Duly completed Passport application form
3. Three coloured Passport size photographs of the applicant with one of photos duly certified as true likeness of the applicant by the recommender 4. An affidavit detailing the circumstances under which the loss occurred
5. Police abstract
6. Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card
7. Letter explaining circumstances of loss

5. Diplomatic Passport

1. Duly completed Passport application form 19
2. Letter showing that the person meets the criteria set out in the third schedule of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012 Legal Notice No.64. 3. Old Passport or original Birth Certificate and National Identity Card together with their respective photocopies
4. Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card
5. Three coloured Passport size photographs of the applicant with one of photos duly certified as true likeness of the applicant by the recommender

6. Temporary Permit

1. Duly completed Temporary Permit application form
2. National Identity Card and copy
3. Two coloured Passport size photographs
4. For an applicant under eighteen (18) years:

Notes:-

*Payment for lost and mutilated Passports are payable by banker’s cheque drawn in favour of Director of Immigration Services.
*Immediately upon collection of a new Passport, it is important that one reads through the notes, appends his/her signature and notes the Immigration Reference Number(R. No).
*Applicants under 18 years of age must have one of the Parents’/Guardians’ consent letter and a copy of the National Identity Card.
*All applicants are advised not to use third parties to follow up on their applications, but to consult directly with the Immigration Officers dealing with services being sought who are in official uniforms. *Applicant’s copy of National Identity Card is MANDATORY for every application.
These requirements are not exhaustive, if need be, more information may be required.

Please note that, applicants MUST come in person.

Any service that does not conform to the above standards should be
reported to the customer care help desk, supervisor in-charge,
Officer in-charge Passport section or to:-
The Director of Immigration Services, Nyayo House 9th Floor Rm 30
Or call us on
Tel: 020 2222022 (Nairobi), Email: [email protected]
For further information please visit our website:-
www.immigration.go.ke

We are Committed to Timely, Efficient and Effective Service Delivery

Passport Guidelines

1. In case of married woman-documentary evidence of marriage e.g. sworn affidavit, marriage certificate.
2. In case of children /people under the age of 18 years of age, written Consent from Father or legal guardian.
3. The Application must be recommended in section ‘6’ by a citizen of Kenya who is not an immediate relative.
4. Applicant must be Bona Fide Kenya citizen.

Passport Fees and Timelines

Service offered Fees (in Ksh) Time-lines

New Application A series – 4,500 10 days
B series – 6,000 10 days
C series – 7,500 10 days

Replacement A series – 4,500 4 days
B series – 6,000
C series – 7,500 4 days

Lost Passport 12,000

(payable by Banker’s cheque) 4 days
Mutilated Passport 10,000 4 days
(payable by Banker’s cheque)
East African Passport 940 2 days
Diplomatic Passport 6,040 5 days
Temporary Passport 300 30 minutes

NB.

• Payment for lost and mutilated passports are payable by bankers’ cheque drawn in favor of Director of Immigration Services.
• Immediately upon collection of a new passport, it is important that one reads through the notes, appends his/her signature and notes the immigration reference number (R.No) to facilitate communication with the passport control office.
• Children under 18 years of age must attach one of the parents’/guardians’ consent letter or a copy of parent’s/guardian’s identity card.
• All applicants are advised not to use third parties to follow up on their application but to consult directly with the immigration officers dealing with service being sought.
• Passport application forms are also available at MalindiImmigration Office,LamuImmigration Office, Kenya Missions Abroad and from our website www.immigration.go.ke

• Please note applicants MUST come in person.

• Any service that does not conform to the above standards should be reported to the customer care help desk, supervisor in-charge, Officer in -charge passport section or to The director of Immigration Services,Nyayo House,9th floor Rm 30 or call us on Tel:020217240 (Nairobi) Email:[email protected] or [email protected]

For further details please visit our website www.immigration.go.ke

PUBLIC NOTICE

We wish to further advice that Kenyan citizens who wish to travel to countries in the Far East e.g. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or to countries in the Middle East e.g. United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) should ensure that they hold the new generation Passports (i.e. their passports should have been issued from March 2008 onwards).

 

A passport allows you to travel outside Kenya or get important documents. You can apply for a new passport or replace one by following the following process.

Application for passports in Nairobi is done at the Immigration Department at Nyayo House.

KENYAN PASSPORT:

Application Procedure

A Kenyan who intends to acquire or to travel outside Kenya shall submit an application for a passport in person to the Passport Control Officer in a manner as may be prescribed. Applications can be submitted at the Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Passport Control Offices.
(A) Application for ordinary/ East African Passport (First application)
The applicant shall submit an application for the passport in person in the prescribed manner i.e. Form 19.

An application shall be accompanied by:-
• Documentary evidence of Kenyan citizenship i.e. Original & copies of birth Certificate and National Identity Card, or a Certificate of naturalization or registration and Renunciation Certificate of former citizenship. • Current clear and un-mounted three passport size photographs as may be directed by the Passport Control Officer.
• The Application must be recommended in section ‘7’ by a citizen of Kenya such as Minister of religion, a Minister or Legal Practitioner, an established Civil Servant or Bank Official personally acquainted with the applicant, but not by immediate relatives. The recommender must attach a copy of his/her National ID or passport.
• In the case of an applicant who is below the age of eighteen years, the parents or legal guardian’s written consent.
• In case of an applicant who is adopted, the original adoption certificate, clearance letter from the children’s department, and or, the Court ruling or award.
• Prescribed fee.

Note:

The Passport Control Officer may require the applicant for a passport to produce supplementary information so as to ascertain the citizenship or nationality of the applicant. These may include the applicant’s parent’s birth certificate, national identity card, or certificate of naturalization or registration.
________________________________________
(B) Application for Replacement of Passport

The applicant shall submit an application for the passport in person in the prescribed manner or form.
An application shall be accompanied by:
• The previous passport and copy
• Three (3) Recent clear passport size photographs (coloured)
• In the case of a diplomatic passport, a letter from the Chief of protocol from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Prescribed fee

Note:

• The passport which was previously used and cannot be used any further shall immediately after the issuance of a new passport be cancelled by the Passport Control Officer.
• No person shall be issued with a new passport unless the application is accompanied by the previous passport.
________________________________________
(C) Application for Replacement of a lost or mutilated passport

The applicant shall submit an application for the passport in person in the prescribed form.
The application shall be accompanied by:-
• An affidavit of the circumstances surrounding the loss, theft, mutilation or damage.
• A police report on the loss of the passport
• Prescribed fee

Note:

To ascertain the true circumstances on the loss, theft or damage of the passport, the applicant may be required to appear for an interview before a Passport Control Officer.

 

A pass allows you to enter Kenya and remain in Kenya for the purpose of receiving education or working in the country for a short duration. Student and employment passes are issued at the department of immigration

PASSES:
STUDENT PASSES:

This document issued to person(s) seeking to enter and remain in the country for the purpose of receiving education or training at an educational or training establishment within the country by which he/she has been accepted as a student/pupil.

STUDENT PASSES REQUIREMENTS.

1.Application form(form 8) dully filled signed and stamped
2.Cover/forwarding letter from school stating the course and course duration
3.Copy of the passport • biodata pages • visa page
4.Two passport size photos
5.Commitment letter from parent/legal guardian/sponsor
6.6. The institution applying must be registered as an educational establishment. If the institution is relatively new a copy of registration must be submitted together with the application .

FEE FOR STUDENT PASSES:

Ksh.5,000/= per year or part thereof.

DEPENDANT PASSES:

DEPENDANT PASS REQUIREMENTS.

◦The applicant must be Kenyan Holder of valid entry permit Exempted person under Immunities Act (Cap. 179) and who are covered under section 4(3) (a) to (g) .
◦Application form dully filled and signed
◦Copy of the national passport of the dependant .
◦Two passport size photos of the dependant.
◦Copy of birth certificate or marriage certificate for immediate family members If the institution is relatively new a copy of registration must be submitted together with the application .

FEE FOR DEPENDANT PASSES:

Ksh.5,000/= 

SPECIAL PASS:

This is a document issued to person(s) given specific employment by specific employer for a short duration not exceeding three (3) monthsose of receiving education or training at an educational or training establishment within the country by which he/she has been accepted as a student/pupil.

SPECIAL PASS REQUIREMENTS.

•Application form dully filled and signed
•Copy of the national passport
•Two passport size photos
•Forwarding letter from institution/applicant
•Clearance from regulatory bodies (medical and dentist board, pharmacy and poisons board, engineering board, NGO council, Ministry of Information. ion is relatively new a copy of registration must be submitted together with the application .

FEE FOR SPECIAL PASS:

Ksh.15,000/= Per month or part there of

RE-ENTRY PASS FEE

Ksh.1,000/=

 

 

Maybe you have been married by a Kenyan or you want to settle permanently in Kenya with your children and spouse, you need to go through a process in order to get permanent residency.

REQUIREMENTS AND WORK PROCESSES FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY:
Under Section 37 of the Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, the following categories of applicants, their children and spouses detailed below are eligible upon meeting the prescribed requirements. In normal practice holders of permanent residency are expected to be domiciled in the country. CATEGORY: A (Ex-Citizens of Kenya) Applicants who were Kenya citizens at birth but now:

1. Have renounced or lost citizenship status.
2. Are denied the opportunity by their countries of domicile from holding dual citizenship
3. The children and spouses of the above mentioned applicants.

Requirements

• Application letter
• Dully filled Form 23
• Dully filled questionnaire for intending applicants- Category A
• Proof of Previous Kenya Citizenship-Copy of birth certificate/ Identity card/or Passport
• Certified copy of the current passport
• 2 passport size photos
• Police Clearance Certificate issued by country of domicile
• Processing fees KSHS: 10,000.00 (NON REFUNDABLE)
• Issuance fees KSHS: 15.000.00 (PAYABLE ONCE UPON APPROVAL)

CATEGORY: B ( Lawful Residents of Kenya) Applicants who have held work permits for at least 7 years; (i) And have been continuously resident in the country for three years immediately preceding the permanent residence application. (ii) The children and spouses of the above mentioned applicants. Requirements Applicants must provide proof of lawful residence on work permits for a minimum of 7 years and with continuous 3 years residency in Kenya preceding the application for permanent residency. Applicants must demonstrate a strong position to make tangible contribution to socio-economic development of the country hence priority will be given to investors and highly qualified professionals. In, this framework, applicants may be required to appear in person for interview to confirm or verify these facts. Documentary Requirements:

• Application letter
• Dully filled Form 23
• Dully filled questionnaire for intending applicants- Category B
• Dully filled Residence status form
• Copy of the Work permit(s)
• Copy of the passport
• 2 passport size photos
• Police Clearance Certificate (Original)
• Processing fees KSHS: 10,000.00 (NON REFUNDABLE)
• Issuance fees KSHS: 500,000.00 (PAYABLE ONCE UPON APPROVAL)

Spouses

• Application letter
• Dully filled Form 23
• Dully filled questionnaire for intending applicants- Category B
• Dully filed Residence status form
• Demonstrate marriage and family life
• Certified copy of the marriage certificate
• Copy of dependant pass/ work permit(s)
• 2 passport size photos
• Police Clearance Certificate (Original)
• Processing Fees KSHS: 10,000.00 (NON REFUNDABLE)
• Issuance Fees KSHS:500,000.00 (PAYABLE ONCE UPON APPROVAL)

Children (below 18 years)

• Application letter
• Dully filled Form 23
• Dully filled questionnaire for intending applicants- Category B
• Certified copy of the birth certificate
• Certified copies of the parents birth certificates/
• 2 passport size photos
• Copy of dependant pass
• Processing Fees KSHS: 10,000.00 (NON REFUNDABLE)
• Issuance Fees KSHS:500,000.00 (PAYABLE ONCE UPON APPROVAL)

CATEGORY: C (Children of Kenya Citizens) Children of Kenya Citizens born outside the country and have acquired foreign citizenship of their country of residence/domicile. NOTE: Applicants may qualify for Kenya Citizenship. Requirements

• Application letter
• Dully filled Form 23
• Dully filled questionnaire for intending applicants- Category C
• Certified copies of the birth certificate
• Certified copies of the parents birth certificates/ Kenya Passport(s)/ Identity Card(s)
• Certified copy of the current passport
• 2 passport size photos
• Processing Fees KSHS:
• Issuance Fees KSHS:

CATEGORY: D (Spouses of Kenya Citizens) Applicants who are spouses of Kenya citizens married for at least three years. Applicants must give ample proof of marriage and family life besides documentation furnished. In this framework, applicants may be required to appear in person for interview to confirm or verify these facts. Requirements

• Application letter by Kenyan spouse
• Dully filled Form 23
• Dully filled Questionnaire for intending applicants- Category D
• Dully filled Residence status form
• Police Clearance Certificate ( Original)
• Demonstrate marriage and family life
• Certified copy of the marriage certificate
• Copies of either passport/Identity card/ and birth certificate of Kenyan spouse
• Copy of passport /birth certificate/ of the foreign spouse
• Copies of work permit(s)/dependant pass of spouse if resident in Kenya
• 2 passport size photos
• Processing fees KSHS: 5,000.00 (NON REFUNDABLE)
• Issuance fees KSHS: 50,000.00 (PAYABLE ONCE UPON APPROVAL)

NOTE: A joint sworn Affidavit by the spouses should be attached if marriage was not solemnized in Kenya.

 

 

Work permit are issued to non Kenyans striving to work in Kenya. The process of getting the permit takes less than a week and involves simple steps.

Work permits are issued by the Department of Immigration, which is located at Nyayo House next to GPO.

You can either be issued with a pass or work permit.A pass is a document that allows you to enter and live in Kenya without much trouble while a work permit allows you to work for any company in Kenya without raising suspicion.

PERMITS AND PASSES

Permits.
Work/Residence Permits are issued to any Non-Kenyan wishing to engage in employment in Kenya whether in gainful employment or voluntary service. The Work/Residence Permits issued by the Department are classified from A to M inclusive. They are issued under Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011 of Laws of Kenya. The following are the various classes of Permits and their respective requirements:

Class A.
Issued to persons who intend to engage in prospecting for minerals or mining.

Class A Requirements.

◦One should obtain or is assured to obtain the necessary licenses and registrations.
◦For renewals current license held for prospecting minerals and copy of PIN is required.
◦One has sufficient capital or resources for investment.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.

Class B.
Work permit issued to persons wishing to invest in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.

Class B Requirements.
◦Proof of land ownership or leasehold interest in land for the purpose.
◦Proof of capital available for the purpose.
◦Clearance from relevant bodies.
◦For renewals current license held for prospecting minerals and copy of PIN is required.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 100,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class D.
This issued to a person who is offered specific employment by a specific employer who is qualified to undertake that employment.

Class D Requirements.

•Copies of academic/professional certificates along with the CV.
•Evidence that the organization failed to fill the vacancy from the local labor market.
•Form 25 dully filled, signed and sealed by the company.
•Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
•Fee is Ksh. 200,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class G.
Work permit issued to investors in specific trade, business or consultancy.

Class G Requirements.

◦Documentary proof of capital to be invested/already invested minimum of 100,000 US dollars or equivalent in any other currency.
◦Registration certificate of the company OR certificate of incorporation.
◦Copies of personal and company PIN (Personal Identification Number) if business is running.
◦For renewals; audited accounts for previous 2 years and a certificate of tax compliance from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 100,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class I.
Work/Residence permit issued to a member of missionary society approved by the Government of Kenya and whose presence is beneficial to the country.

Class I Requirements.

◦A copy of registration certificate of the organization.
◦Academic and professional certificates of the applicant.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.1,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 5,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class K.
Residence permit issued to persons who have an assured income derived from sources outside and undertakes not to accept paid employment of any kind.

Class K Requirements.

◦Documentary proof of assured income is required for Class K.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 100,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class M.
Work permit issued to Conventional Refugees.

Class M Requirements.

◦Recognition letters from UNHCR and Department of Refugee Affairs.
◦Processing Fee Gratis.
◦Permit is issued gratis.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

◦Dully filled and signed application Form 3.
◦Covering letter from employer/self/organization depending on the class (as applicable)
◦Copies of the National Passport.
◦Two coloured Passport size photographs.

NOTE:

◦Application fees are only payable upon receipt of an approval notification.
◦Dully completed Entry Permit applications should be submitted at immigration Aliens counter 9 located atNyayo House Ground floor (south wing) for acknowledgement.
◦Applications for renewal of entry permits should be done three months prior to expiry date.
◦These permits are normally issued for period of two years.
◦A fee 40/= is payable for Application forms.

 

Nairobi Senator Miko Sonko has a word for you, especially if you have poor financial management skills. The flamboyant Senator says “it’s not what you earn that matters but what you save. See his inspiring advice:

“Watu wangu You may know how to earn money. You may be in a job with a comfortable salary or own a business that can afford to pay you quite well. You may even be in a job that is financially related such as an investment adviser, accountant etc. It does not mean you know how to create wealth. Most people mistake earning a good salary or having the correct job title with being able to create wealth or worse still “being wealthy”. The two are worlds apart.

How much can you keep of what you earn? James is earning Kshs 400,000 per month as a banker. His expenses inclusive of a home mortgage and car loans he is servicing come to Kshs 350,000 per month. He is able to save Kes 50,000 per month. Muthoni, who works as a farm manager earns Kshs 50,000 per month. Her expenses are Kshs 30,000. She is able to save Ksh 20,000 per month. It may look like James is saving more but in comparison to his lifestyle he is not. He is saving only 13% of his salary whilst Muthoni saves 40%.

How fast you can grow it so that it can accumulate to something that can eventually support you? James is busy and has therefore opted to leave his money with a fund manager to place in Unit Trusts. Muthoni has decided to pool her Kshs 20,000 per month together in a Chama with 5 people. They therefore raise Kshs 100,000 per month. In three months they were able to get enough funds to lease some land and start growing tomatoes. After all expenses are paid including hiring of a manager, the project generates an income of Kshs 30,000 per month. They have decided for the next 5 years to keep retaining the money in the business, continue with their monthly contributions and acquire more land and continue growing tomatoes. With Muthoni’s expertise they expect to be earning on a conservative basis Kshs 250,000 per month by then. This means each person will be taking home Kshs 50,000 per month at that time.

The true wealth creator is Muthoni. In those 5 years, Muthoni will have put aside a total of Kshs 1.2 million as her contribution into the project in 5 years. She will then start making Kshs 50,000 (which she can actually live on) per month and will have recouped her investment in two years. After that her project will be giving her income as long as it is still ongoing. James, despite his commercial know how of finance has not made use of it for his own benefit but has instead taken a very passive approach to his personal investments. Even if his investments were to give him 15% return per annum, in 5 years he would accumulate Kshs 4.5 million. Based on his lifestyle he would only be able to survive for about a year on this. It is not generating an income for him so he still needs to keep pouring in more and more money which will take longer for it to work for him.

So watu wangu always remember it is never what you earn but what you can push yourself to do with it. A little can do a lot and there is always somewhere to start”

 

Vladimir Putin, a secretive president who lives a mysterious life is no doubt wealthier than U.S President Barack Obama.

Sources say Putin’s wealth cuts across all sectors, but most income comes from oil and gas. Latest figures puts him at $70 billion.

Unofficial sources state that he owns more than 1.5% of Gazprom, a global energy company focused on geological exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing and sales of gas.

Most of the Gas and Oil previously state-owned companies have been privatized, the president owning a stake in each of the big players.

Putin has also invested heavily in the aviation industry as well as real estate.

Comparing with U.S President Barack Obama, Putin is a distant a head with $ 69 billion gap.

According to Forbes, Obama is worth $7 Million, where most of his wealth was acquired from the sale of his popular books.

Though Putin is richer than Obama, his salary is slightly less than the U.S President’s salary. Obama earns $400,000 annually while Putin earns $197,000 annually.

 

Jose Eduardo dos Santos is the President of Angola. The longest serving president of the oil rich country holds the position of the richest President in Africa.

Eduardo dos Santos has ruled the country since 1979, beating veteran rulers like Mugabe and Museveni of Uganda. During his rule, the 73-year-old has amassed a lot of wealth, invested heavily in all sectors of economy.

According to Forbes, the Angolan President is worth a whopping $20 billion, which is more than 5 times the wealth of U.S President Barrack Obama.

His wealth comprises of a number of hotels, 4 homes in different countries, 25 % stake in Unitel, Angola’s first private mobile phone operator.

He is the biggest shareholder in Portuguese media conglomerate, Zon.

The President also owns several apartments and houses in Luanda.

 

Brioni suits are the most expensive suits in Kenya. A normal suit from the company costs Ksh 700,000 and is worn by the elites and super rich.

James Orengo, who is a Lawyer and Senator for Siaya County ,purchased the Brioni suit at a cost of Ksh 500,000-his friends were shocked.

A survey carried out by the Bloomberg shows that only 25,000 people can afford the suite worldwide, representing less than 0.0001 % of the entire population on the universe.

Once you order the suite, you are told to wait for at least 2 weeks for it to be delivered. It takes 22 hours to make a Brioni suit. More than 180 people work on each suit.

In Nairobi, only 4 shops stock the suits, and it takes approximately 3 months for a single suit to be purchased.

Among those who wear the suit include President Uhuru Kenyatta, Lawyer Ahmedinasir, Donald trump and Barack Obama.

 

Every Kenyan whether employed, self-employed or in entrepreneurship must submit returns annualy. Failure to submit returns on time attracts stiff penalties and heavy fines

The following are penalties charged if you fail to comply with KRA PAYE, Income, Rent and VAT taxes.

All registered taxpayers are required by Law to adhere to the above-mentioned obligations but as a measure to enforce and enhance compliance, the VAT Act spells out certain offences and respective penalties.

These include: –

1. Failure to register – fine not exceeding Kshs.20, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both
2. Enforced registration – default penalty of Kshs. 100,000
3. Failure to submit a return on or before the due date or submitting a payment return without paying the tax due – default penalty of Kshs.10, 000 or five percent of the tax due whichever is the higher and additional interest of 2% per month compounded.
4. Failure to keep proper records – a default penalty of between Kshs.10, 000 to Kshs.200, 000

5 Fraudulent Accounting – a fine not exceeding Kshs.400, 000 or double the tax evaded whichever is greater or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three (3) years or both.

6. Failure to issue a Tax Invoice – an automatic penalty of not less than Kshs.10, 000 but not exceeding Kshs.100,000/=.
7. Hindrance or obstruction of authorised officers
8. Uttering false statements
9. Charging tax when not registered – tax shown on such invoice is due to the Commissioner within seven (7) days.
10. Failure to display a certificate of registration – a default penalty of Kshs.20, 000 and a fine not exceeding Kshs.200, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years or both.
11. Failure to comply with VAT regulations
12. Failure to pay tax and late payment

Note:

For offences, which no specific penalty is provided, a general penalty of a fine not is exceeding Kshs.500, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three (3) years or to both is applicable.

Which are the best plants to grow in Kenya?

To become rich in Kenya, you have to be aggressive, innovative as well as do business that is profitable. Tree planting is one of the businesses you can do in Kenya and become rich.

Trees can be used for charcoal, medicine, electricity connection, timber, furniture, doors, fencing your compound etc. If you have a plot dedicated for planting trees, being millionaire will not be a dream anymore.

Research shows that the following trees can earn you good income in Kenya

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree usually planted far from the river because it consumes a lot of water. Buying eucalyptus seedlings costs Ksh 10 but after 7 years-the time the tree takes to mature-you will sell a single tree at Ksh 15,000-Ksh25,000.

In a one acre piece of land, 500 trees can be planted, and if you calculate how much you can earn from one plot the idea of doing alternative business will not arise. So many farmers in Kenya are smiling all the way to the bank.

Companies like Kenya power will be your customers,and for your information,they can buy even 20,000 trees,paying Ksh 1,000 for a one year old tree.

Cypress trees

Cypress tree does well in Kenya especially in wet areas. The tree takes at least 5 years to mature and can be used as charcoal, fencing your compound or timber.

The advantage of this tree is that it doesn’t consume a lot of water. It can be planted in either dry or wet areas.

Bamboo trees

I wish you knew how much people value this tree! If you walk around posh estates like Runda, Karen etc you will notice that they have fenced their compound with bamboos-also their gates are made of bamboo.

Apart from fencing, the tree is used to make tables, chairs, ceiling, carpets, charcoal etc.

A single bamboo seedling goes for Ksh 10 but you can make millions from one acre piece of land.

 

Kenya is a developing country while U.S.A is a developed country. Many people might be interested to know between Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenyan President) and Barack Obama (American President) who earns more.

Figures show that Barack Obama, the U.S President earns a basic salary of $400,000 per year while Uhuru Kenyatta earns $ 200,000 annually. The salaries are exclusive of allowances.

The figure show that Uhuru earns slightly more than half of Obama’s salary and slightly more than all the East African Presidents.

Though there is huge disparities in their salaries, Uhuru is richer than Obama. According to Forbes, Uhuru Kenyatta is worth $500 Million while Obama’s net worth is approximately $7 Million

 

Which are the best web hosting companies in Kenya?

Hosting your website with a cheap company can drastically reduce the cost of your business especially if you are running a blog.There are over 20 web hosting companies in Kenya,but not all are credible.A good hosting company must be cheap,reliable and always willing to help you whenever need arises.

Web hosting is mandatory for anyone with a top level domain like.com,.co.ke,.info etc but before you thing of running a blog or website you must ensure you get the best website hosting company, and in Kenya there are several such companies. Below is a list of the best and cheapest web hosting companies in Kenya.

Kenya Website Experts.

This is so far the most reliable and cheapest Website hosting company in Kenya. Kenya Website Experts Charges Ksh 1,000 to register a domain name and an extra Ksh 1,000 for a new website.

If your website is receives more than 1,000 and less than 3,000 of traffic daily then the best package is that of Ksh 2,100.

A website/blog that receives between 3,000 to 10,000 page views per day requires a package of Ksh 7,100 or Ksh 14,000 per year while big websites, which receive traffic between 15,000 and above require VPS hosting.

Bluehost Kenya

Bluehost Kenya is another web hosting company for small websites. The company charges Ksh 870.00/quarter hosting, Ksh 1000.00/quarter, 1250.00/quarter, and Ksh 1500.00/quarter for silver, gold, diamond and platinum respectively.

It implies that websites receiving less than 2,000 daily visitors can be hosted by silver package while those receiving average of 7,000 daily visitors can be hosted by platinum package.

Truehost

You can register a domain at Truehost Kenya at Ksh 1,000 and host your website for competitive rates.

Truehost charges bloggers and companies Ksh999 for hosting small websites-those receiving less than 2,000 daily visitors,Ksh 1,999 for websites receiving approximately 3,000 daily visitors and Ksh 7,499 for websites receiving daily traffic not exceeding 10,000 daily visitors. All these come in three packages: Silver,Gold and Unlimited

EAC Directory

This is another reliable web hosting company in Kenya but only for small websites. Big websites,those receiving more than 10,000 daily page views will not fit in the basic packages, but dedicated server.

To register a domain with EAC directory,you need Ksh1,000 for .co.ke and .com.

Hosting a basic website at EAC directory for a year is Ksh 4,100 while a website that receives more than 10,000 daily visitors can be hosted by dedicated server.

Conclusion: though hosting websites in Kenya is a good idea, when it comes to popular blogs and websites-which receive more than 15,000 daily visitors- it is advisable to host with Godaddy, Namecheap or Bluehost, where you can pay Ksh 1,000 monthly for a website that receives up to 50,000 daily visitors.

Reasons why your company needs a website

In this day and age business owners need to stand out from their competitors in order to be an authority figure that customers look towards to purchase the products or services they need. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t take the time to create a new website with a professional web designer such as Ace Creative or understand the importance of how a website brings together a brand new customer base. The following is an expert guide on the top reasons why your company needs a website.

Why Your Business Should Have A Website

Always Accessible To Customers

Creating a business website allows your customers to have access to your business or products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In today’s world your customers may work very odd hours which means they may not be able to visit your local store when they need to. Having a website enables these customers to still have access to your store and place their order without them having to take time off work or out of their busy schedule to visit your store. Your website would allow them to have access late at night to browse in their downtime.

Business Credibility

Having a website will give your business credibility and authority over your competitors. Your potential new customers searching for your business, services or products will see you as a more credible business for having a professional online website. This is especially true for those who may have a home business and who needs to show themselves as a competitive force. Customers will take home based businesses more seriously if they can search your website. This is why it’s important to setup a website for any business you’re starting up or have already in operation.

Generates More Leads and Conversions

A business website has a higher chance of generating more conversions and leads than a store front business in a city or town. Opening your business to the online world of marketing enables you to open your doors to potential new customers in other areas around the world while also promoting yourself as a leader in your industry field. This will in turn enable for your company to generate more leads and conversions which will result in more profits for your business.

Improves Customer Experience With Your Company

Having a website for your company will also improve the overall customer experience with your company. By operating your website the same way you do your business with great customer service, fast shipping times, as well as great customer support, you have the potential to give your customers a great customer experience that goes beyond the meet and greet. This will potentially open up new doors to more customers as previous customers share their experiences with their friends and family.

Keeps Your Customers Informed At All Times

Last, but not least, a website keeps your customers informed at all times with regular updates of content, blogs, products and news items. In taking your time to keep your website relevant and up to date you can easily give your customers what they want to see, anytime they want to see it. Your website and subscriptions also enable for your customers to know about special offers, discounts or new products first as soon as the sale or product arrives in store. This helps to build customers-business trust along with your overall company reputation.

Conclusion

Owning a business can be a challenging thing, especially when you want to set yourself apart from your competitors. In creating a website for your company you can take a new step forward in the marketing of your business while selling yourself in a more productive and successful way. Websites have a way to reach more people and potential customers than store front businesses leading to an increase in sales, profits and revenue for any business over a long period of time. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a new way to market yourself in a competitive business world, designing and creating a brand new website is the first place to start. So do you have a company website already? Are you going to create one?

Owning a website has never been this easy!! At a cost Kshs. 15,000 own a professional website, inclusive of free hosting  and free domain registration for the first year. The package comes with unlimited email accounts, unlimited space and bandwidth. Contact Acecreative Kenya  today

Bio: Caroline Kastner 

Caroline Kastner is a passionate health advocate and website designer. She has contributed to A+ Digital and understands the importance of graphic design to create a website that enhances the overall customer-business experience. She loves walking along the beach in her spare time. She has two dogs and a young son.

 

 

 

Luos have swag but few individuals can match the status of their Kikuyu counterparts. The richest Luos are not even among the top 10 wealthiest persons in Kenya but there are a number from the tribe who are extremely wealthy.

Prominent names,who include Raila Odinga,feature in this list.Also featuring in the list is former Chairman of Youth Fund Gor Semelango.

If you are interested to know,below is a list of richest Luos.

Raila Odinga

Latest rich list reveal that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is the richest Luo in Kenya with an estimated net worth $200 million, according to Forbes.

Raila’s companies include Spectre International Limited, Pan African Petroleum Company and a 1 billion house in Kisumu’s Riati Hills.

Oburu Odinga

Raila is closely followed by his elder brother, Oburu Odinga who has interest in real estate, transport and manufacturing

Gor Semelango

Gor Semelango, who has interest in Real Estate and Oil industry is also among the richest Luos. One of this companies, Petrokenya Oil Company Limited,makes good money.

Dalmas Otieno

Dalmas Otieno is also ranked among the wealthiest Lous. His wealth,believed to be in the tune of billions,is mostly centered around real estate and shares.

Others in the list include:

1. Sam Wakiaga
2. Edwin Yinda
3. Joshua Adebe Ksh 71 Billion
4. Mark Matunga
5. Opere Martin & Family (USA)
6. Erick Opon Nyamunga Ksh

 

Simeon Nyachae, former powerful minister is one of the richest people in Kenya. The former Moi ally accumulated his wealth during moi era and managed the assets well.

Until his retirement, the son of Kisii was ranked 4^th in Kenya in terms of total net worth.

Nyachae, who is the father to former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae has invested heavily in all sectors of the economy.

Nyachae runs a chain of businesses ranging from agriculture, Banking, Real Estate, Transportation and Manufacturing based in all major cities in Kenya (Narok, Kisii, Kericho, Sotik, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyeri and Nairobi.He has also invested heavily abroad.

The former finance Minister owns Credit Bank, Sansora Limited, several apartments in Nairobi, Kisii and Mombasa. He has invested heavily in Nairobi Securities Exchange and has a range in Narok.

He also has several trucks that transport his products to the market,and several manufacturing industries

The son of the late Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi is super rich and his businesses employ over 5,000 Kenyans.