Author: Damaris Gatwiri

The High Court has nullified the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) decision setting the salaries, allowances and benefits of Kenya’s ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomatic representatives, ruling that the process violated constitutional requirements on public participation. In a judgment delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court found that the SRC failed to conduct meaningful public participation before approving the remuneration package and did not properly determine the Foreign Service Allowance. The court declared unconstitutional the commission’s decision made on March 29, 2024, which was communicated to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs through a letter dated May 24,…

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and help organizations make informed business decisions. They commonly work in the insurance, pension, investment, banking, and healthcare industries, where they analyze data to predict future financial outcomes. Becoming an actuary requires strong analytical skills, specialized education, and professional examinations. Learning how to become an actuary can help you prepare for a challenging and rewarding career in finance and risk management. Complete Your Secondary Education Begin by obtaining a secondary school qualification or its equivalent with excellent results in mathematics. Strong performance in Mathematics and other analytical subjects is essential…

Accountants play a vital role in helping individuals, businesses, and organizations manage their finances, prepare financial statements, comply with tax laws, and make informed financial decisions. In South Africa, there are several accounting career paths, including general accountants and Chartered Accountants (CAs), each with its own qualification requirements. Learning how to become an accountant in South Africa can help you prepare for a rewarding and respected career in finance. Complete Your National Senior Certificate Begin by obtaining a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification with strong academic results. Subjects such as Mathematics and Accounting are highly recommended, as…

Virtual assistants provide remote administrative, technical, and creative support to businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Their responsibilities may include managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling social media, customer service, data entry, bookkeeping, and other online tasks. As remote work continues to grow, becoming a virtual assistant offers flexible career opportunities in South Africa and internationally. Learning how to become a virtual assistant in South Africa can help you build a successful work-from-home career. Develop Relevant Skills Start by building the skills commonly required by virtual assistants. Strong communication, organization, and computer skills are essential for managing clients and completing tasks efficiently. Improve…

Tutors help students improve their understanding of subjects, develop academic skills, and achieve their educational goals. They may work independently, for tutoring companies, schools, colleges, or online learning platforms. Becoming a tutor requires strong subject knowledge, effective communication skills, and the ability to adapt lessons to different learning styles. Learning how to become a tutor can help you build a rewarding career in education. Choose Your Subject Area Start by deciding which subject or subjects you want to teach. Choose areas where you have strong knowledge, qualifications, or practical experience. Identify your strongest subjects Consider your educational background Focus on…

Therapists help individuals, couples, families, and groups manage emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges. In South Africa, the term “therapist” can refer to professionals in different fields, such as psychologists, counsellors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or speech therapists. The qualifications required depend on the area of practice, but all require formal education, practical training, and professional registration where applicable. Learning how to become a therapist in South Africa can help you prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare and wellness. Complete Your National Senior Certificate Begin by obtaining a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification with good academic results.…

The government has paid oil marketers Sh7.9 billion under the fuel subsidy programme, easing cash flow pressures that had disrupted fuel supply following a surge in global oil prices. Principal Secretary for Petroleum Kello Harsama said the payment, made two weeks ago, covers subsidy claims for the May 15 to June 14 pricing cycle. The funds were paid to fuel importers, who are expected to remit the money to oil marketing companies based on the volumes of fuel they lifted. “We paid Sh7.9 billion for the subsidy arrears covering the May–June cycle. We expect the importers to wire the money…

Kenya reduced its annual repayments on Chinese loans by Sh21.61 billion in the financial year ended June 2026 following the restructuring of debt linked to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), easing pressure on the national budget. Treasury data shows the government paid Sh107.74 billion to Chinese lenders during the 2025/26 financial year, down from Sh129.35 billion in the previous year. The repayments were also Sh44.95 billion lower than the record Sh152 billion paid in the 2023/24 financial year, marking the second consecutive annual decline after repayments peaked. The lower debt servicing costs followed an agreement between Kenya and China to…

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reintroduced a tax amnesty programme that will waive 100 percent of penalties, interest and fines on tax debts accrued up to December 31, 2025, in a move aimed at easing the burden on taxpayers and improving tax compliance. The six-month programme, introduced under the Finance Act, 2026, took effect on July 1, 2026, and will run until December 31, 2026. Under the programme, taxpayers who had fully paid their principal tax liabilities by the end of 2025 will automatically qualify for the waiver without the need to submit an application. Those with outstanding late…

Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to a record $14 billion (about Sh1.8 trillion), boosted by fresh funding from the World Bank, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has said. In its weekly financial markets update released on Friday, the CBK said the reserves increased by $874 million from $13.173 billion recorded the previous week. The central bank attributed the increase mainly to the receipt of $750 million in World Bank financing to support governance reforms, strengthen public financial management and expand social protection programmes. According to the CBK, the country’s foreign exchange reserves now provide six months of import…

Surgeons are medical doctors who perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and other health conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centres, using advanced surgical techniques to improve patients’ health and quality of life. Becoming a surgeon requires many years of education, clinical training, and specialist qualification. Learning how to become a surgeon can help you prepare for this demanding and rewarding medical career. Complete Your Secondary Education Begin by obtaining a secondary school qualification or its equivalent with excellent results in science subjects. Strong performance in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics can improve your chances of being…

Solar installers play an important role in South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector by installing, maintaining, and repairing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. As demand for clean and reliable energy continues to rise, skilled solar installers are increasingly sought after. Learning how to become a solar installer in South Africa can help you build a rewarding career in the renewable energy industry. Complete Your National Senior Certificate Begin by obtaining a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification. Subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Technical subjects can provide a strong foundation for a…

Scientists conduct research, perform experiments, and analyze data to expand knowledge and solve real-world problems. They work in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, medicine, agriculture, and technology. Becoming a scientist requires a strong educational foundation, practical research experience, and a commitment to continuous learning. Learning how to become a scientist can help you prepare for a rewarding career in scientific research and innovation. Complete Your Secondary Education Begin by obtaining a secondary school qualification or its equivalent with strong results in science subjects. Good grades will improve your chances of being admitted to a science programme at…

Registered counsellors provide psychological support, promote mental well-being, and help individuals manage personal, emotional, and behavioural challenges. In South Africa, they work in schools, healthcare facilities, community organisations, and private practice within the scope of practice set by the profession. Becoming a registered counsellor requires accredited education, supervised practical training, and professional registration. Learning how to become a registered counsellor in South Africa can help you prepare for a fulfilling career in mental healthcare. Complete Your National Senior Certificate Begin by obtaining a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification with good academic results. Subjects such as Life Sciences…

Radio presenters entertain, inform, and engage audiences through music, interviews, discussions, news, and other on-air content. They work for commercial, community, and public radio stations, using strong communication skills to connect with listeners. Learning how to become a radio presenter can help you develop the knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in broadcasting. Develop Strong Communication Skills Excellent speaking and listening skills are essential for radio presenting. Work on speaking clearly, confidently, and naturally while engaging different audiences. Improve your verbal communication Practice clear pronunciation Build confidence when speaking in public Gain Relevant Education or Training Although a…