August 1, 2023

BCLB License: Get Your Gambling Business Started in Kenya

The Kenyan gambling industry is a major economic force if a recent report by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), released in July 2023, is anything to go by. According to the taxman, legal online gaming sites and casinos rang up a record Ksh15.1 billion in betting Excise Duty and Withholding Tax when comparing collections made within the same period in the Financial Year 2021/2022. This was a 30% rise.

When you do the math, taking into account the 7.5% Excise Duty on stakes and the 20% applicable Withholding Tax on winnings, Kenyans gambled away a record-breaking amount close to Ksh100 billion, demonstrating the country’s number one position as the largest sports betting market in Africa with over 83.90% saying they have ever gambled for money at least once in their lives as per a Geopoll Research.

This is a clear sign that starting a gambling business might be a lucrative venture for you, the investor. But how do you get a gambling license in Kenya? Here is a step-by-step guide:

How to start a betting business in Kenya

In Kenya, the landscape of sports betting and other forms of gambling comprises bookmakers – online betting sites like Betika and Sportpesa – public gaming, which are casinos and public lotteries that are run by organizations like Lotto and Kenya Charity Sweepstake Ltd.

The gambling industry is regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), a government body under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. BCLB is currently headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Mbugi.

If you want to start an online betting site or a casino, follow these steps;

1. Draft a plan showing how your gambling business is to operate, pointing out all sources of funding, and keep a record for submission to BCLB
2. Move to register your business as a limited company with the Registrar of Companies at UpperHill Chambers in Nairobi or online via eCitizen and costs around Ksh10,650 to get a certificate of incorporation
3. Get a certificate of good conduct of the directors alongside KRA PINs and tax compliance certificates, supported by a CR12 form from the Registrar of Companies
4. Write a statement on how your betting company will regulate excessive play and underage participation and fill out the Probity form for due diligence. Also, state how the gambling entity will benefit Kenyans as community kickbacks
5. Declare the company that will supply gaming odds to your gambling company with the forms of betting you will offer, e.g virtual, live bets, etc
6. On the BCLB website, download the respective registration form to complete your application. Form 1A are application forms for bookmakers and public gaming. Applicants of public lottery businesses should download Form 9
7. Fill out this form and submit it with the other documents in person at BCLB National Office at Kenya Charity Sweepstakes House, 3rd and 8th Floor, Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi
8. Pay the applicable fees

What is the cost of getting a gambling license in Kenya?

These are computed costs of starting a gambling business in Kenya. They are sums of first-time application fees, license grant fees, premises grants, annual operating fees, and investigation fees that must be paid to BCLB when submitting your application document to get licensed. These fees are non-refundable:

BCLB license for;	New application cost	Renewal fee
Bookmakers e.g Betika	Kenyans – Ksh460,000 Foreigners – Ksh910,000	Kenyans – Ksh155,000 Foreigners – Ksh155,000
Public gaming e.g Dukabet	Kenyans – Ksh4,750,000 Foreigners – Ksh5,500,000	Kenyans – Ksh525,000 Foreigners – Ksh525,000
Public lottery e.g Lotto	Kenyans – Ksh6,000,000 Foreigners – Ksh6,500,000	Kenyans – Ksh525,000 Foreigners – Ksh525,000

As of November 2022, the number of registered bookmakers, public gaming companies, and public lotteries was 105, 57, and 13, respectively, as per data from BCLB Kenya.

READ: How to Join Skiza Tune as a Creative and Make Money

How to Grow Malay Apple in Nigeria ?

How.africa

July 31, 2023

The Malay apple, a unique and exotic tropical fruit, has found its way into Nigeria, captivating taste buds and gaining popularity among both young and old. Originally hailing from the Indo-Malayan region, this majestic fruit thrives in the lush lowlands and forests of Southeast Asia.

The Malay apple tree is a sight to behold, admired for its stunning flowers and glistering, colorful fruits. Today, you can find these trees flourishing in various states across Nigeria, enhancing the beauty of homes, gardens, and farms.

If you’re considering growing Malay apple in Nigeria, here’s what you need to know:

Climate and Soil: Malay apple is strictly tropical and intolerant of frost or cold temperatures. It thrives best in regions with year-round rainfall, but it can also tolerate seasonal rain as long as there are no extended dry periods. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.
Planting: Malay apple trees can be planted in homes, gardens, and farms. Choose a sunny spot with adequate protection from strong winds. The tree’s prolific nature will reward you with approximately two thousand apples per tree per harvest, yielding two to three harvests annually when fully mature.
Nutrient-Rich and Medicinal: Beyond its delicious taste, the Malay apple boasts remarkable health benefits. The flesh of the apple contains epicatechin, which contributes to lowering high blood pressure and detoxifying the body. Its rich fiber content aids in resolving constipation, while its high water content helps in hydration. Additionally, it contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C, which promote clearer vision and prevent skin cancer.
Utilization: The ripe Malay apple is a delightful treat, enjoyed raw with its thin skin and crisp, white flesh. Slightly unripe fruits can be used for making jelly and pickles, while processing them can result in red and white table wines. You can also create sweet jams and preserves from ripe apples or chop raw pieces for use in fruit salads and salsas. The young leaves and shoots, before turning green, can be consumed raw with rice or cooked as greens.
Health and Medicinal Uses: The Malay apple has been traditionally used in various regions for medicinal purposes. In Malaysia, the powder from dried leaves is employed on a cracked tongue, and a preparation of the root is a remedy for itching and swelling. In Cambodia, the roots, leaves, and seeds are used to allay fever, while in Brazil, different parts of the Malay apple tree serve as remedies for constipation, diabetes, coughs, headaches, catarrh, and other ailments.

With the knowledge of its remarkable health benefits and versatility, growing Malay apple in Nigeria can be a rewarding venture. Embrace the wonders of this tropical gem and embark on a journey of cultivating this exquisite fruit in your very own backyard.

About the Author:

Gbenga Akinyemi is a dedicated agricultural expert with a background in Crop Production and experience at the Nigerian Institute for Oilpalm Research (NIFOR). Having taught Agricultural Science and managed a catfish and Oilpalm production farm, he is currently pioneering Malay apple farming in Nigeria since 2008.

For more information or to explore the world of Malay apples, feel free to reach out to Gbenga Akinyemi via WhatsApp at +234 915 088 7543 or email at akinyemi1972@yahoo.com.

Daima Service: How to Prevent Your Inactive Safaricom Line From Being Given Away

Justus Kiprono

July 31, 2023

A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is an integral object in our phones. They store the data of a cell phone user and contain a unique identifying code called a phone number, allowing one to make and receive calls. Further, they are used when registering for various services like banking, social sites, gambling, and many more. They are part of our lives.

If you happen to lose a sim card, you cannot communicate or connect to the internet lest you replace it. So what if your SIM card is given to someone else because you’ve been inactive for a while because of school, work-related issues, or just busy? It can get your blood sugar levels skyrocketing! As you cannot even make any password changes in your personal accounts since you lack the reset code. That is just one problem among many.

Safaricom, the largest mobile operator in Kenya with over 40 million subscribers as of 2023, gives away or recycles SIM cards after 120 days of inactivity. According to its Conditions of Use of the Safaricom Service, the days are counted immediately after the expiry of the last recharge made to the SIM account, and when the 3-month period has ended, the Safaricom line is said to have ‘expired.’ It is then suspended, disconnected, and put on the market for a new customer to grab it.

The good news is that you can prevent your Safaricom line from being given away to somebody else through the Daima Service, which was launched in October 2022 “to address the challenge of inactive lines for customers who may be traveling or living abroad for long periods, are away at school, are away at police and army training, have a change of ownership of line situation due to loss of a loved one, for car tracking service or have multiple lines that they wish to keep active.”

Learn more about Safaricom Daima Service:

How to join Safaricom Daima Service

Safaricom Daima Service allows customers to keep their SIM cards active when they are inactive to protect their mobile numbers from being sold to someone else. This service is only available to Safaricom Prepay customers and is accessed in the following steps;

1. From your Safaricom SIM card, dial USSD *100#
2. Go to Option 4, ‘My Account’
3. Select Option 98 ‘MORE’ and choose 9 ‘Daima (keep line active)’
4. Select Option 1, ‘Activate’
5. Choose the Daima Service package depending on your budget – Ksh200 to Ksh1,000
6. Proceed to the next USSD window to make payments via airtime, Mpesa, or Bonga Points

Safaricom Daima Service payments are processed internally, and you don’t need a Mpesa transaction till or a paybill number. You will receive a message confirming the purchase immediately after making the payment.

How much is Safaricom Daima Service?

Safaricom Daima Service allows customers to keep their SIM cards for either six months, a year, or two years. Literally, the longer the period you want to keep your line active, the more money you’ll pay.

To keep your Safaricom line active for six months, you will pay Ksh200 or 606 Bonga Points, Ksh500 or 1515 Bonga Points for one year of Daima Service, and Ksh1,000 or 3030 Bonga Points to protect your number from being sold for two years.

How does Safaricom Daima Service work?

From the day of subscription, Safaricom will reload your SIM card with 20 Minutes + 20 SMS every month to keep your line active. During the time when Daima Service is on, you can continue to use your line normally and even use the allocated minutes as you wish when you return from inactivity.

READ: How to Start Using Safaricom eSIM

The Difference Between Kenyan Embassies and High Commissions in the World

Justus Kiprono

July 31, 2023

Difference Between Kenyan Embassies and High Commissions

The words ‘Kenyan Embassy’ and ‘Kenyan High Commission’ come up frequently in discussions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during passport or visa applications, when talking about ambassadors and other issues pertaining to transactions, relationships, and interests of Kenya with other countries. These words tend to confuse, and one can mistakenly use Embassy instead of High Commission and vice versa when making statements or mentioning something about it. What is the difference between Embassies and High Commissions in Kenya?

Kenyan Embassies and Kenyan High Commissions are both diplomatic missions spread in various parts of the world. The main difference between an Embassy and High Commission is that Embassies are official representations of Kenya in countries that are not members of the Commonwealth, while High Commissions are diplomatic missions sent to Commonwealth member countries.

Exploring it further, Commonwealth is a voluntary association of countries that were colonized by Britain, and Kenya is a member. So, when Kenya sends a representative to a country like Uganda, which shares a historical connection as a former British protectorate, the diplomatic mission is a High Commission.

On the other hand, when Kenya sends diplomats to carry out its foreign policy in the United States of America (USA) or Saudi Arabia, they are recognized as Ambassadors, heading an Embassy, and not a High Commission because neither of the two is a Commonwealth member nor have any historical ties.

Embassies are headed by Ambassadors, while High Commissioners are the highest-ranking officials in Kenya’s High Commissions in Commonwealth countries.

Full list of Kenyan Embassies

Here is a list of Kenyan Embassies in various countries in the world. They are 33 in number;

1. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Harare – Zimbabwe
2. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Luanda – Angola
3. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Kinshasa – Congo
4. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Addis Ababa – Ethiopia
4. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Mogadishu – Somalia
5. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Juba – South Sudan
6. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Khartoum – Sudan
7. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Cairo – Egypt
8. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Dakar – Senegal
9. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Algiers – Algeria
10. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Muscat – Oman
11. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Riyadh – Saudi Arabia
12. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Tel Aviv – Israel
13. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Tehran – Iran
14. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Ankara – Turkey
15. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Bangkok – Thailand
16. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Beijing – China
17. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Seoul – Korea
18. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Tokyo – Japan
19. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Moscow – Russia
20. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Rome – Italy
21. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Paris – France
22. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Madrid – Spain
23. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Berlin – Germany
24. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Dublin – Ireland
25. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Stockholm – Sweden
26. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Brasilia – Brazil
27. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Havana – Cuba
28. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Washington – USA
29. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, The Hague – Netherlands
30. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Jakarta – Indonesia
31. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Brussels – Belgium
32. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Vienna – Austria
33. Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Bern – Switzerland

Full list of Kenyan High Commissions

Here is a list of Kenya’s diplomatic representation in Commonwealth member states;

1. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Pretoria – South Africa
2. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Gaborone – Botswana
3. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Windhoek – Namibia
4. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Lusaka – Zambia
5. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Maputo – Mozambique
6. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
7. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Kampala – Uganda
8. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Abuja – Nigeria
9. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Accra – Ghana
10. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Canberra – Australia
11. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
12. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, New Delhi – India
13. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Islamabad – Pakistan
14. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, London – England
15. High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Ottawa – Canada

Note: Concerning Embassies and High Commissions are Consulates – extra or additional diplomatic offices in a big country where an Embassy cannot coordinate the entire business alone. For example, because the US is a big nation, there is a Kenyan Consulate in Los Angeles that assist in the provision of services to visiting citizens in that country. They work under the authority of the Embassy.

Is eCitizen Hacked? Kenya’s Critical Infrastructure Breached in Alleged Sudanese Cyberattack

Justus Kiprono

July 27, 2023

Sudan-linked hackers have reportedly breached the eCitizen online portal as part of a recently targeted retaliation after President William Ruto’s proposal of paramilitary action by sending peacekeeping troops to the country facing political unrest was met with resentment by General Yasir Alatta, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces.

On the better part of Wednesday and Thursday, July 27, the eCitizen website suffered an outage, barring citizens from accessing the primary government site, which offers over 5,000 services of 100+ ministries and departments, and manages government records.

Unknown Sudanese hackers have taken credit for the attack, saying, in a statement, “We still hacked the eCitizen portal for the 3rd day in a row, and we will continue to down it for as long as we can.”

The eCitizen cyberattack compromises sensitive data from Kenyans, government agencies, and parastatals. At the time of the reporting, neither the ICT Authority of Kenya (IDA), foreign affairs ministries of both countries nor the Ministry of Interior and National Administration of Kenya had released an update.

This development comes days after the Kenya Bureau Of Standards (KEBS) fell victim to the Rhysida ransomware group, which gained access to highly valuable data “for auction in their darkweb portal,” as per cybersecurity company FalconFeedsio.

Ngao Credit Limited Loans Review 2023

Justus Kiprono

July 26, 2023

For many people strapped for cash, a bank or a Sacco is always the first stop. But when their credit is in bad shape, it can be a fool’s errand, impossible to achieve. That is why borrowing money from nonbank financial institutions (NBFI) like Ngao Credit Limited might serve as a lifeline.

Ngao Credit Limited is a credit-only entity that has been operational since 2009 upon setting up its first-ever branch in Nairobi’s Upperhill area. This nonbank financial company was formed to cater to the needs of vehicle owners, allowing them to borrow flexible logbook loans using their cars as security.

With this logbook lender, you can get a quick loan to fund a variety of needs or boost your business. Here is everything you need to know about Ngao Credit Limited loans:

Ngao Credit Limited loan products

Ngao Credit is committed to the financial health of its consumers. Because it is a non-deposit-taking facility, one is not required to have a registered account or a line of credit with Ngao Credit Limited. Explore its loan products:

Ngao Credit Logbook Loan

Within six hours after submitting your vehicle logbook, which shows that you are the rightful owner of the car, you stand to receive a flexible loan with competitive interest rates of 3.5% per month from Ngao Credit Limited with a repayment term of up to 24 months.

Requirements for Ngao Credit Limited Logbook Loan

* Original logbook
* KRA PIN
* National ID
* Last 12 months’ bank statements
* Post-dated cheques
* Comprehensive insurance

Any Kenyan citizen with a logbook and an assured source of income may borrow this product. After submitting your car registration documents to Ngao Credit Limited, you can access up to 60% of the value of your car – the minimum logbook loan is Ksh100,000, while the maximum loan amount is Ksh5 million.

Ngao Credit Asset Finance

Ngao Credit Limited offers specialist asset finance solutions that fit your requirements. Ngao Credit Asset Finance provides up to 70% financing to customers seeking to acquire new or second-hand cars from local or foreign vehicle dealerships.

Requirements for Ngao Credit car finance

* Invoice from an auto dealership
* KRA PIN
* National ID
* Previous 12 months’ bank statements
* Comprehensive insurance

Ngao Credit Asset Finance loan limit is Ksh4 million, has minimal initial cash outlays, and the repayment period can be spread over 36 months, making it very flexible to consumers. Also, there are no origination fees because they are included in loan amounts. Be in the know that the oldest car you can get should be of the manufacturing years 2004 and 2006 and not past that.

Ngao Credit Jijenge Business Loan

Business owners seeking funds to meet working capital requirements by maintaining cash flow may seek flexible funding through Ngao Credit Jijenge Business Loan using their vehicle logbook.

Ngao Credit Jijenge Business Loan is a loan that is secured against your car. You can borrow up to 60% of your vehicle value, with fixed and variable rates of 3.5% to 7.5% depending on the type of product and repayment terms.

Requirements for Ngao Credit business loan

* Original vehicle logbook (latest 2004)
* KRA PIN
* National ID
* Bank statements for the past 12 months
* Comprehensive car insurance
* Forward-dated cheques

The loan limit of this business loan range from Ksh100,000 to Ksh5 million and has zero processing fees. When you take Ngao Credit Jijenge Business Loan, you must repay the principal within three months.

How to apply for Ngao Credit loans online

Ngao Credit Limited offers financing that enables your business to grow and other forms of loans for emergencies and other uses. In fact, there are no restrictions on the usage of allocated funding. To apply for loans, you can request a callback, after which the customer relationship officer will reach you within two business days. Follow these steps:

1. Visit www.ngaocredit.com
2. At the homepage, scroll down to ‘Request Callback’ below the main content area
3. Enter your personal details like name, email address, and phone number
4. Tell the make of your car for logbook loans and enter its year of manufacture
5. Click ‘Submit’

This is the first step of applying for a Ngao Credit Limited loan. You’ll get a call from the customer representative on the same or the next business day to discuss the best loan products for you. You can also dial Ngao USSD *725# and apply.

Ngao Credit Limited branches in Kenya

You can apply for Ngao Credit loans when you visit one of these branches:

* Ngao Credit Nairobi Upperhill Branch
NHIF building, 2nd floor Community, Nairobi
Phone: 0709 650 100

* Ngao Credit Nairobi CBD Branch
Muindi Mbingu Street, Ecobank towers, 6th floor
Phone: 0709 650 200

* Ngao Credit Mombasa Branch
Moi Avenue, Jubilee Arcade, 2nd floor
Phone: 0709 650 300

* Ngao Credit Nakuru Branch
Moi Road, next to Huduma Center, Tower 1, 2nd floor
Phone: 0709 650 400

* Ngao Credit Eldoret Branch
Uganda Road, Zion Mall, 1st floor
Phone: 0709 650 500

* Ngao Credit Kitengela Branch
Kajiado/Kaputei North Road, Kitengela mall, 3rd floor
Phone: 0709 650 600

* Ngao Credit Thika Branch
Kenyatta Avenue, Maisha Heights, 1st Floor
Phone: 0709 650 700

* Ngao Credit Kisumu Branch
Achieng’ Aneko Road, Tuffoam Mall, Ground Floor
Phone: 0709 650 800

* Ngao Credit Meru Branch
Meru Town, Royal Business Park, 5th Floor
Phone: 0709 650 900

READ: The Best Apps That Loan Money in Kenya

How to file for a divorce in Kenya ?

How.africa

July 26, 2023

How to file for a divorce in Kenya

Marriage is defined as the union of two people either legally or formally as partners in a personal relationship.

Divorce on the other hand is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body.

Rules governing marriages in Kenya

The Marriage Act, 2014 defines marriage as a voluntary union of a man and a woman whether in a monogamous or polygamous union, and registered under this Act.

You can get married in Kenya if;

You are aged 18+
You are in an opposite-sex relationship
You are not married or in a civil partnership with someone else
You can understand what marriage means and of consenting to marriage

The Marriage Act, of 2014 recognizes five (5) systems of Marriage, namely:

Civil Marriages
Christian Marriages
Hindu Marriages
Customary Marriages
Islamic Marriages

Grounds for the dissolution of a marriage in Kenya

Under the Marriage Act,2014

Christian marriage

The parties to a marriage celebrated under this may seek the services of any reconciliation bodies established for that purpose that may exist in the public place of worship where the marriage was celebrated.

A party to a marriage celebrated this may petition the court for a decree for the dissolution of the marriage on the ground of—

one or more acts of adultery committed by the other party;
cruelty, whether mental or physical, inflicted by the other party on the petitioner or on the children, if any, of the marriage; or
desertion by either party for at least three years immediately preceding the date of presentation of the petition; (d)exceptional depravity by either party;
the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Civil marriage

A party to a marriage celebrated under this may not petition the court for the separation of the parties or for the dissolution of the marriage unless three years have elapsed since the celebration of the marriage.

A party to a marriage celebrated under Part IV may only petition the court for the separation of the parties or the dissolution of the marriage on the following grounds—

adultery by the other spouse;
cruelty by the other spouse;
exceptional depravity by the other spouse;
desertion by the other spouse for at least three years;
the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

The petitioner may file the petition with the court for the separation of the parties or the dissolution of the marriage despite any effort to reconcile the parties. The court may refer a matrimonial dispute that arises in a marriage celebrated under this to a conciliatory process agreed between the parties. The proceedings for the dissolution of a marriage celebrated may be adjourned for a period not exceeding six months as the court may think fit—

for the court to make further enquiries; or
for further attempts at reconciliation to be made by the parties to the marriage.

A marriage has irretrievably broken down if—

a spouse commits adultery;
a spouse is cruel to the other spouse or to any child of the marriage;
a spouse willfully neglects the other spouse for at least two years immediately preceding the date of presentation of the petition;
the spouses have been separated for at least two years, whether voluntary or by decree of the court, where it has;
a spouse has deserted the other spouse or at least three years immediately preceding the date of presentation of the petition;
a spouse has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of the for life or for a term of seven years or more;
a spouse suffers from incurable insanity, where two doctors, at least one of whom is qualified or experienced in psychiatry, have certified that the insanity is incurable or that recovery is improbable during the lifetime of the respondent in the light of existing medical knowledge; or
any other ground as the court may deem appropriate.

Where a foreign court has granted a decree in matrimonial proceedings whether arising out of a marriage celebrated in Kenya or elsewhere, that decree shall be recognized in Kenya if—

either party is domiciled in the country where that court has jurisdiction or had been ordinarily resident in Kenya for at least two years immediately preceding the date of institution of proceedings;
being a decree of annulment, divorce or separation, it is effective in the country of domicile of the parties or either of them.

Customary marriage

A Party to a marriage celebrated under Part V may “petition the court for the dissolution of the marriage on the ground of—

adultery;
cruelty;
desertion;
exceptional depravity;
irretrievable breakdown of the marriage;
any valid ground under the customary law of the petitioner.

Hindu marriage

A party to a marriage celebrated under Part VI may petition the court for the dissolution of the marriage on the ground that—

the marriage has irretrievably broken down;
the other party has deserted the petitioner for at least three years before the making of the petition
the other party has converted to another religion;
since the celebration of the marriage, the other party has committed rape, sodomy, bestiality or adultery;
the other party has committed cruelty on the other;
The other party has committed exceptional depravity towards the other.

Islamic marriage

The dissolution of marriage celebrated under Islam shall be governed by Islamic law.

Procedure for filing a divorce in Kenya

A party to a marriage may petition the court to annul the marriage on the ground that;

the marriage has not been consummated since its celebration;
at the time of the marriage and without the knowledge of either party, the parties were in a prohibited relationship;
in the case of a monogamous marriage, at the time of the marriage one of the parties was married to another person;
the petitioner’s consent was not freely given;
a party to the marriage was absent at the time of the celebration of the marriage;
at the time of the marriage and without the knowledge of the husband, the wife is pregnant and the husband is not responsible for the pregnancy; or
at the time of the marriage and without the knowledge of the petitioner, the other party suffers recurrent bouts of insanity.

Divorce proceedings in Kenya are commenced by filing a divorce petition. The person filing this document is known as a petitioner.

The Petition signifies that a spouse desires to end their marriage which subsequently initiates the process of divorce. The Petition outlines the grounds for divorce and is accompanied by the following documents: –

Verifying Affidavit– this is a legal document that sets out the petitioner reaffirms the contents of the divorce petition that they have brought before the court, and which is made by
Notice to Appear– this is a legal document that is served to the respondent to be reminded that they are supposed to appear in court failure to which the case will continue, and judgment will be given in their absence.
List of Witnesses and their statements– this is a legal document that sets out the persons that the petitioner wishes to use in the divorce petition that will testify on their behalf
List of Documents– this is a legal document that sets out the supporting documents that the petitioner will use in their divorce

Once the Petition is filed, it is served together with the Notice to Appear, notifying the Respondent of the case. Once the Respondent acknowledges receipt, he is required to enter appearance and file a Defense and/ or a Cross Petition.

How to Start Using Safaricom eSIM

Justus Kiprono

July 26, 2023

A SIM – subscriber identity module – is a small plastic card with silicone chips that forms a central communication component through mobile phones owing to its ability to send and receive texts and calls and connect to a cellular network. SIM cards have been around since the early 1990s when they were a size of a credit card.

For years, physical SIM cards have been a staple for mobile technology. Still, slightly over five years ago, smartphone manufacturers led by Samsung introduced an eSIM-only Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch in 2016, followed by subsequent phase-out of the SIM tray in its rival Apple’s iPhone 14 to become the first phone maker to eliminate the use of physical SIM cards.

Apple played a trump card here, and other phone makers have begun to follow suit. Aside from eSIM’s security precedence over physical SIM cards, while using it, for instance, in iPhone 14, it supports two phone numbers and eight data lines on the same eSIM because you can switch carriers wirelessly.

How do you get an eSIM in Kenya? You can get an eSIM from Safaricom. Here are processes and steps of getting one for convenience and flexibility even if you travel abroad:

How do you get a Safaricom e-SIM?

If your phone supports Embedded SIM (eSIM), sometimes referred to as Embedded Universal Circuit Card (eUICC), and you are a Safaricom customer, you can get your eSIM when you visit Safaricom Shops near you, where a SIM swap from physical SIM card to Safaricom eSIM will be done by a customer representative.

Can you get a Safaricom eSIM online? No. Safaricom has not unveiled an online application method for eSIMs.

To switch from a physical SIM card to Safaricom eSIM, you are required to take with you an identification document used to register your line; either a national ID or a passport.

How much does Safaricom eSIM cost?

Safaricom eSIM costs Ksh150 if you are basically doing a SIM swap of your previous number. A new eSIM costs Ksh250 for those needing a new Safaricom line.

Which phones support eSims in Kenya?

Currently, you can use these phones with Safaricom eSIM;

* iPhone models: XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2020
* Samsung phones: S21, Z Fold, and Note 20

Note:

When using Safaricom eSIM, you can switch to different mobile operator networks registered under your name and linked to your eSIM profile anytime, at no cost. The number of eSIM profiles on your phone is determined by the phone manufacturer and not Safaricom. Remember, you can maintain your Safaricom physical SIM card alongside your eSIM.

READ: How to Send Money From United States Directly to Kenya’s Mpesa

How to Register Mpesa as a Tourist in Kenya

Justus Kiprono

July 25, 2023

Registering on Mpesa as a tourist or non-resident

Mesmerizing cities, Nairobi. Quaint towns. Architectural marvels, Mombasa. Transfixing wilderness, Maasai Mara. Impressionist artworks, Malindi art galleries. Stunning landscapes; everywhere. Without mentioning the hallmarks of great cultural diversity in each corner of the country, when you visit Kenya, you have to admit that it is an amazing place.

While starting to explore these and many other fascinating things that Kenya has to offer, there is one thing you have to know – the easiest way to pay for services in Kenya is through Mpesa, whereby making monetary transactions is “as quickly and easily as sending a text message,” according to BBC.

What is Mpesa?

M-Pesa (‘M’ for mobile, and ‘Pesa,’ a Swahili word for money) is a mobile cash service that allows users to transact offline using SIM cards without the need for any routing application or a bank account but a SIM toolkit, STK.

It is operated by Safaricom PLC, the largest mobile network operator in Kenya, serving more than 50 million customers with low-cost access to financial services since its launch in 2007.

When you register Mpesa as a tourist or a non-resident, you will enjoy seamless services of sending money, paying bills, and receiving cash on one platform. That is convenient, right?

Registering on Mpesa as a tourist or non-resident

How easy is it to register for Mpesa in a process that takes about 5 to 10 minutes at maximum with minimal paperwork? A Safaricom SIM card is your ticket to using Mpesa services in Kenya. So, to start using Mpesa as a non-resident, follow these steps to get yourself a Safaricom line and begin transactions on Mpesa:

1. Visit your nearest Safaricom Care Desks or Customer Care outlets. Thankfully, they are available countrywide and at the entry points in major airports, providing unmatched convenience and high levels of customer satisfaction. Some of the Customer Care outlets that conduct non-resident Safaricom SIM registrations in Nairobi and around Mombasa are located at;

* JKIA – Terminal 1A
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Terminal 1A

* JKIA – Gate 6
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Gate 6

* JKIA – Gate 15
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Gate 15

* MIA
Moi International Airport, Terminal 1, ground floor, Mombasa

* Nyali
Nakumatt Nyali , Malindi Road, Mombasa

* Mtwapa
Simba Telcom – Mombasa Kilifi road next to Tuskys supermarket

* Rex
Rex House, Ground Floor Moi Avenue, Mombasa

As a foreigner, tourist, or non-resident, you cannot register your Safaricom SIM card at local Mpesa shops or agents. You must seek help desk services from authorized outlets available countrywide.

2. At the Safaricom Customer Care desks or outlets, as a foreigner, you will be asked to produce a registration document. Of course, not a government-issued ID but a valid passport before your details, like name, email, postal address, and identification number, are fed into an eKYC gadget for digital customer onboarding and identity verification.

At this stage, your photo will be taken using the tablet, and registration for a new SIM card will begin immediately when all the required information is filled, verified, digitally signed, and submitted.

3. Your SIM card is now registered, and you are now a Safaricom user. Now pay the required amount of Ksh100, in which Ksh50 is the cost of the SIM, and the other Ksh50 covers the cost of first-time airtime top-up to activate the line. Pay at the point of sale in cash or using a supported bank card.

4. The customer service agent will give you the Safaricom SIM card at this point to insert it into your phone. Use the four-digit PIN on the green SIM plate labeled PIN 1 to gain access to the SIM card.

You will get messages from Safaricom approving your registration.

5. After confirming that the SIM registration was successful, the customer service agent will begin Mpesa activation, after which you will receive a 4-digit Mpesa PIN via SMS. Use it as your access key and change it to your desired secret PIN.

Alternatively, you can conduct a solo registration on Mpesa by going to the SIM toolkit, selecting ‘Activate,’ entering the start key received on SMS, creating your own PIN, and keying in your passport number to complete registration.

Mpesa will send a message of successful opt-in. Pay bills, send and receive money using Mpesa.

How much can I pay with Mpesa as a non-resident?

Whether a non-resident, foreigner, tourist, or a local, Mpesa transaction limits cut across the board; are similar. The maximum amount of money your Mpesa can hold at the moment is Ksh300,000. The amount of money you can pay via Mpesa in a day is also Ksh300,000. However, this sum cannot be transferred in one go because the limit of a single transaction is Ksh150,000.

You can make as many transactions as possible, provided you don’t cross these set limits. Mpesa transactions are instant.

Important Safaricom USSD codes to know

For real-time customer update requests, callback services, and other critical SIM services, it is wise to have some Safaricom USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes right at hand.

Safaricom USSD codes work when you supply the correct three-digit codes beginning with (*) and ending with (#). It is free to use.

Here are some of Safaricom’s quick codes:

Safaricom service	USSD code
Accessing Prepaid self-service	*100#
Accessing Postpaid self-service	*200#
Checking airtime balance	*144#
Recharging airtime	*141#
Purchasing data bundles	*544#
Purchasing talk time (minutes)	*444#
Activating voicemail service	*222#
Barring all international calls	3310000#
Deactivating barring	#330*0000#
For all Mpesa services	334#, 234#
Getting Skiza Tunes	*811#

READ: How to Send Money From United States Directly to Kenya’s Mpesa

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online?

How.africa

July 24, 2023

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online?

I hate to say it, but I’m going to panyway.

Starting a business in Nigeria is hard.

In fact, as of 2020, 33% of startups in Nigeria failed. Back then, there was a fuel subsidy. Today, there’s none.

But that’s not the problem.

The problem is you need loans to finance operations in your startup. And if the start-up fails, you’re liable for those loans.

I mean, your creditors can seize your personal properties.

Thankfully, there’s a legal loophole to help you escape that trap: company registration. And you don’t need to follow strenuous bureaucratic processes to explore this loophole. You can do it online.

In this article, I’ll show you how to register your company in Nigeria online.

But first, let’s start with some explanations.

Types of Companies and the Best Fit for Your Business

A company is a legal entity (corporate personhood) that helps the government separate your assets from your business assets.

And you must understand the different types of company structures before registering yours.

In Nigeria, the government recognizes two types of companies:

Private companies
Public companies

Private companies

Private companies are companies that can’t sell their shares in stock markets. This type of company can have a minimum of two owners and a maximum of 50 owners.

There are three types of private companies:

Private company limited by shares
Private company limited by guarantee
Private unlimited company

The difference between these sub-types is the extent of liability. In the event of liquidation, shareholders in a company limited by shares will only pay for the amount of unpaid shares they own.

In a company limited by guarantee, shareholders are only liable to pay for an amount they promised to pay in the case of liquidation.

But in an unlimited company, the liability of shareholders is not limited. They must pay for all the insufficiencies that sales of the company’s assets don’t cover.

Public Companies

Public companies are corporate entities that can sell their shares in stock markets. This type of company can have an unlimited number of shareholders but must have a minimum of 7 shareholders.

Like private companies, public companies have three subtypes:

Public company limited by shares
Public company limited by guarantee
Public unlimited company

And these sub-types have the same function and limitations as their private counterparts. The differences are the transferability of shares and number of shareholders.

You can read about types of companies, stocks, and shares on Investopedia.

Most companies in Nigeria are either private or public limited companies. So, I’ll focus on how to register both private and public limited companies.

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online

The body responsible for implementing company registration in Nigeria is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). And the CAC’s online registration process comprises 4 stages:

Name availability check
CAC account creation
Name reservation
Company registration

Name Availability Stage

To check for the availability of your business name, visit CAC’s name-searching tool.

Conduct a business name search to verify there’s no business entity with the same name in Nigeria. If your proposed name is available, move to the next stage.

CAC Account Creation

You need an account on the CAC portal to be able to register your company. Here’s how to create one:

Step 1: Visit the CAC registration portal
Step 2: Click on the sign-up button
Step 3: Fill out the bio data form on the next page
Step 4: You’ll receive a confirmation email. Confirm the mail.
Step 5: Write down your email and password.

Business Name Reservations

The CAC allows you to register a business name and reserve it for 60 days. You must reserve a business name before you can register your company.

Here’s how to register a business name:

Step 1: Log in to your CAC account
Step 2: Click on the “New Name Reservation” button
Step 3: Type in your proposed company name and business type. This is where you’ll choose the type of company.
Step 4: Click on the “save and continue” button

Check out CAC’s naming policy.

Step 6: Select “New Incorporation” in the drop-down menu on the next page. And click on the save and continue button.
Step 7: Preview your details to avoid errors. Proceed to the payment page
The name reservation fee is 500 Naira. If the payment is successful, the portal will redirect you to the main dashboard.

Company Registration Stage

Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering your company in Nigeria online:

Step 1: Click on the reserved tab on the CAC dashboard
Step 2: Click on the “Start Registration” button
Step 3: Fill out the required fields in the form
Step 4: Click on the “Add Object” button on the “Object of Memorandum” page. Then, click on the “save and continue” button. You can add multiple objects
Step 5: Type in your witness’s information on the “Articles of Association” page. You can either adopt default Articles of Association or input a custom article.
Step 6: On the next page, fill out the company’s director bio-data and means of identification.
Step 7: If your company has a secretary, you can input his/her data. Small companies can skip this stage.
Step 8: Type in your company’s Statement of Issued Share Capital.
Step 9: Add your company’s shareholders
Step 10: Add Persons with Significant Control in your company. (People or companies with at least 5% shares)
Step 11: Upload the relevant documents seen below.
Preview your information. And click on the “Proceed to Payment” button. CAC company registration fee is 10, 0000 Naira.

If and when the registration is successful, you’ll see it on the “Registered” tab in the main dashboard.

Conclusion

Building a startup is a risky endeavor, especially in developing nations like Nigeria.

Apart from the obvious opportunity cost of time you will lose, there’s a chance you’ll personal asset. That’s if the business fails.

Although no one prays for failure, it’s better to reduce this risk. And the only way to decrease the risk is to register your company.

Thankfully, the Federal Government of Nigeria has removed the bureaucratic processes involved in company registration. You can now register your company online.

Hopefully, the step-by-step in this article is enough to help you register your company in Nigeria online.

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What is Mpesa?

Registering on Mpesa as a tourist or non-resident

How much can I pay with Mpesa as a non-resident?

Important Safaricom USSD codes to know

Types of Companies and the Best Fit for Your Business

Private companies

Public Companies

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online

Name Availability Stage

CAC Account Creation

Business Name Reservations

Company Registration Stage

Conclusion

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