20140102 xnew

news

Man u reject is Wenger’s cornerstone Danny Welbeck scored a first hat-trick of his senior career in arsenal’s 4-1 champions league demolition of galatasaray P.16

eXtra.sharp Thursday 02.10.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

SPORT

seventh Motocross race heads to Solai racetrack | P.13

Newborn Jayden driven home in royal honours

Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote reveals he wants to leave club P.15

Local farmers warming up to cattle insurance P2

Learn how to make the exciting “7 & Pineapple” cocktail P7

Crippled Eastleigh traders struggle to rise from ashes

P10

Six months after the Operation Usalama Watch which almost crippled the once bustling Eastleigh estate, operations at the business hub are yet to resume normal levels.

“Business is a bit slow these days,’’ said a trader who preferred to remain anonymous.

“We do not make as much money as we used to,’’ he said.

Shoppers who used to flock the streets no longer arrive in droves.

P2

FOLLOW mE: A traffic police officer leads pedestrians across the busy Uhuru Highway. More than 200 traffic personnel have been redeployed to major roads and highways to check widespread corruption among officers in the the department. P6

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NEWS

Eastleigh traders hope to rise again THURsday, octoBER 2, 2014

From Page 1 “Eastleigh is not yet back to the way it used to be. You could not cross the street without bumping into someone….. now the streets are empty,” said Maryann Kamau, a frequent shopper in the area.

At the beginning of April early this year and following a series of terror attacks whose coordination security officers traced to the sprawling business area, a police operation dubbed Operation Usalama Watch was launched to eject illegal aliens. The Government launched the drive to curb insecurity and check mounting terror attacks in the country.

The officers ruthlessly rounded

up many residents, mainly of Somali origin, to ascertain genuine Kenyan Somalis and their Somalia counterparts. 0The non-Kenyan Somalis were rounded up and confined in a detention camp at Kasarani Stadium before they were taken to Somalia. A group of angry members of other Kenyan communities attacked and shunned the Somalis.

Meanwhile, the once bustling Eastleigh streets were reduced to ghost zones as roads were emptied of shoppers, business premises were closed and houses vacated by frightened occupants.

The area has only just started to recover after businesses started

opening up. The once vibrant economic hub is, however, not yet back on its feet.

“Business is bad right now and I don’t make enough money to cover my expenses for the day.. I end up with losses,” says Yusuf.

Long after the operation by the Government cooled off, Kenyan Somalis still sit uneasy. They are always on alert just in case the Government decides to uproot them again.

“People are going about their businesses but still believe the Government is waiting for, God forbid, another terror attack to start harassing them again,” says Mohamed Abdi a resident of

Eastleigh.

“Many Kenyans of Somali origin still view police as the enemy and non-Somali Kenyans as people who hate them. They are cautious with everyone who is not a Somali and approach them with caution” says Abdi.

There are still empty houses in Eastleigh as desperate landlords seek tenants for their premises.

“You can see the houses are empty.. tenants no longer want to stay here but although we are Somalis, we are also Kenyans,” said a tenant.

“Prejudice against Kenyan Somalis has been around for a while but it has been escalated by the al Shabaab terror attacks,” said Abdi

“People do not understand that Islam is a religion and Somali a culture,” he says.

Kenya has recently suffered a series of terror attacks from suspected Al-Shabaab militants. The attacks have forced Kenyans to live in fear as residents appear to lose confidence in the the ability by the Government to protect them from the shadowy militants. It is the fear that has forced ordinary Kenyans to shun the Somali community.

As the Government continues to mount strategies to defeat terrorists, members of the Somali community say other Kenyans should change their attitude towards them.

Opulent way of saying ‘welcome Baby Jayden’ Eric Macakiage, the Chief Operating Officer at Smoothtel & Data Solutions Ltd, caused a stir when he went to pick a new-born son, Jayden Cole Otieno, and wife Irene Asewe from hospital in a convoy of limousines.

On the trail was a Hummer stretch and Ranger Rover Sport limos.

The extravagant trip from Nairobi Hospital to their Kileleshwa home has been trending on social media, with most shocked by the opulence.

“I have never seen such a warm welcome for a baby.

We thank God,” said Judith Omollo.

The sentiments were shared

by Shahron Shazee, who said: “If this is how baby Jayden enters the world, I would like to see your first day in school.”

To hire the Hummer limousine for a dropoff, Royal Hometown Limousines and Events Limited charge Sh35,000 per hour, for a minimum of two hours.

royal arrival: Eric Macakiage (far left) and his newborn son Jayden Cole Otieno, who he picked from the Nairobi hospital in a convoy of heavy cars.

(Above) Macakiage, wife Irene Asewe and a relative, enjoying the ride to their home in Kileleshwa.

Safaricom suspends Kenya, Rwanda rates Safaricom has suspended the proposed new international and roaming tariffs between Kenya and Rwanda.

The move follows a directive by the Rwanda government which announced new levies

on international calling and roaming tariffs between the two countries.

“The new developments make it impossible for operators in Kenya and Rwanda to go ahead with the planned downward

revision in tariffs. We will therefore revert to the previous tariffs even as we push on with efforts to ensure that we have affordable calling rates for the region”, said Chief Executive Officer Bob

Collymore.

If the new tariffs had taken effect, it would have cost Sh10 per minute, down from Sh17.50, for Safaricom customers to call Rwanda.

Customers visiting Rwanda would have also paid Sh10

to call back home and within Rwanda.

The move would also have scrapped charges for receiving calls while roaming in Rwanda. The calls previously cost Sh25 per minute.

Collymore said they have entered into talks with the Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Communications Authority of Kenya, seeking a review of the position taken by authorities in Kigali.

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NEWS | 3

THURSDAY ocTobeR 2, 2014

Reporting date for police recruits unknown

Beer can make you smarter, but you have to drink a lot more One of the major ingredients in beer could boost brain function, a new study has found.

However, the experts have found that a person must drink up to 2,000 litres of beer a day to stand any chance of boosting their cognitive or intellectual abilities.

Researchers demonstrated that xanthohumol, a type of flavouring found in beer, improved reasoning abilities in young mice.

Scientists hope that xanthohumol could be used to treat age-related shortfalls in memory as well as other medical conditions. The rare nutrient is found in the hops, commonly used to make beer. Experts at Oregon State University (OSU) believe they have taken a

step to understanding the loss of memory that happens with age in many mammals, including humans. The levels of the nutrient used in the study were only possible using supplements, so that if a human was to stand any chance of seeing positive effects, they would have to drink “2,000 litres of beer a day to reach the levels we used in this research,” the experts said. Unfortunately, that amount of alcohol would kill a person, given the steps that science has to first take in order to make this possible. Kathy Magnusson, a professor at OSU, said that the nutrient and others “may have a function in the optimal ability to form memories.”

The date for new police recruits to report to their training camps has now been indefinitely postponed. The about 10,000 new officers were scheduled to report to Police Training College in Kiganjo tomorrow, Friday 3 October, but the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) postponed the date saying a new one would be announced later. “The reporting date has been postpone until further notice,” NPSC chairman Johnstone Kavuludi said.

New capsule promises to replace injections

INNOVATION : A pill that can deliver drugs direcly into the lining of the digestive tract has been developed by researchers Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The pill could end the use of injections as a means of drug administration.

A pill coated with tiny needles can deliver drugs directly into the lining of the digestive tract, ending the need for injections has been invented.

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have devised a novel drug capsule coated with tiny needles that can inject drugs directly into the lining of the stomach after the capsule is swallowed.

In animal studies, the team found that the capsule delivered insulin more efficiently than injection under the skin, and there were no harmful side effects as the capsule passed through the digestive system.

“This could be a way that the patient can circumvent the need to have an infusion or subcutaneous administration of a drug,” said Giovanni Traverso, a research fellow at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, a gastroenterologist at MGH, and one of the lead authors of the paper, which appears in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Although the researchers tested their capsule with insulin, they anticipate that it would be most useful for delivering biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies, which are used to treat cancer and autoimmune disorders like arthritis and Crohn’s disease. This class of drugs, known as “biologics,” also includes vaccines, recombinant DNA, and RNA. “The large size of these biologic drugs makes them nonabsorbable. And before they even would be absorbed, they’re degraded in your GI tract by acids and enzymes that just eat up the molecules and make them inactive,” lead author of the research Carl Schoellhammer said.

Police foil robbery, recover AK47 A gang of robbers dropped an AK47 rifle loaded with 12 bullets during a confrontation with police following a robbery incident in Kiserian, in the outskirts of Nairobi. The four-man gang had raided a homestead and robbed the family of their valuables including cash, mobile phones and electronics.

They also injured a 14-year old daughter who was in the house in the scuffle before police arrived.

Police say the suspects dropped the gun and all the valuables they had stolen as they escaped. Police say the gun had been stolen from one of them earlier this year.

Guard injured in botched robbery

A guard in Githurai was shot and wounded in an attempted robbery on a supermarket. The gang shot the man in the hand before escaping without stealing anything from the premise.

Police say they are investigating the incident.

Electoral commission releases shortlist of seven men, two women for chief executive post The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the names of nine candidates it has shortlisted for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Through a notice on its website, the commission said the nine had been selected out of a pool of 52 applicants and would be invited for interviews “in due course.”

The candidates short listed include acting CEO Betty Nyabuto, Dickson Onyango, Lawrence Chelimo, Benjamin Tarus, Erastus Ethekon, Katasi Nekoye, Robert Namulungu, Ezra Chiloba and Zephania Aura.

All the candidates possess Masters Degrees.

Interested Kenyan degree holders with at least five years management

experience had been invited to apply.

The IEBC advertised the post of CEO in August to replace the suspended CEO James Oswago whose term, Commission Chairman Issack Hassan said, was coming to an end. “This has nothing to do with the corruption charges he is battling,” Mr Hassan

clarified.

He did however admit that the option to renew Oswago’s term had been available to them. Oswago alongside three other senior officials were suspended in November last year over corruption charges they are facing in relation to the procurement of Electronic Voter Identification Devices used in the

2013 general election.

The commission is also looking to fill the positions of Deputy Commission Secretary in charge of Support Services, Director Finance, Director ICT and Procurement Manager following the sackings of Wilson Shollei, Edward Karisa, Dismas Ong’ondi and Willy Kamanga respectively.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, ocTobeR 2, 2014

Govt will eject terrorists from camps, vows Lenku

Kenya will not allow criminals disguised as refugees to take advantage of her leniency and cause chaos in the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Lenku has warned.

Lenku told the General Assembly of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva that Kenya will neither compromise nor negotiate on matters of national security.

“Kenya, like many countries, has suffered attacks from terrorists.

The Government of Kenya, like many others, will not debate nor compromise over the security of its borders and its people,” Lenku said. The minister was delivering Kenya’s position to the on-going 65th UNHCR executive committee (EXCOM) conference in Geneva, Switzerland. “We must

tete-A-tete: interior cabinet secretary Joseph ole Lenku in talks with somalia’s minister of state for Foreign Affairs and international cooperation Buri mohamed hamza.

not allow those with illintentions to take advantage of the displaced to propagate violent extremism within the ranks of refugees,” he said.

The annual conference of the UN body responsible for refugee affairs has been going on at the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nationssince

since September 29. The meeting is expected to end tomorrow. This year’s theme is “enhancing international cooperation, solidarity, local capacities and humanitarian action for refugees in Africa.”

Lenku called on the international community to move away from “the rhetoric

of supporting refugees and repartition to real action.”

“There have been many meetings discussing the plight of refugees and solutions; the Global Initiative on Somali Refugees (GISR) held in Addis Ababa, August this year as well as previous meetings in

London, Tokyo, and Brussels where pledges were made towards the stabilization and reconstruction of Somalia,” said Lenku.

Unfortunately, he added, two years later, not much has been realised from the pledges. “Time has come for the international community

Makueni MCA files motion to impeach Governor Kibwana crime scene: A section of mukuru slum.

Mukuru slum husband kills wife in cash row Police are looking for a man who killed his wife in a quarrel over cash at Mukuru slums, in Nairobi. The woman’s was found in her house long after the man fled.

Police say they have not arrested any suspect over the incident but a manhunt for the suspect has been launched.

The woman was later named as Miriam Mwende Kiio aged 22. Police said they are looking for a man identified as only Maingi who is believed to be behind the attack.

Neighbours said they

heard Mwende scream for help before finding her lying in a pool of blood. Makadara OCPD Nehemia Lagat said Maingi remains the prime suspect.

In Githurai area, a guard was shot and seriously wounded in an attempted robbery on a supermarket. The gang shot the man in the hand before escaping without stealing anything.

Elsewhere in Lang’ata, a two year-old girl drowned in a water pool as she played with friends at Lang’ata Women’s Prison.

A Makueni County Assembly member has filed a motion seeking to impeach Governor Kivutha Kibwana in the latest turn of events at the troubled body.

Wote’s Sammy Matheka tabled the motion on Wednesday. This is the second time such a motion has been tabled after a similar bid aborted last year.

Matheka claims the governor acted contrary to the constitution by ordering

executive members not to honour summons to appear before MCAs. He also accuses Kibwana of incompetence in running the county affairs.

Makueni has recently hit the headlines after five people were shot and injured in clashes between leaders who had gathered at the assembly grounds and a group led by Kibwana.

The Senate has launched an arbitration process

quit threAt: Kibwana had last year threatened to resign due to MCAs huge financial demands to his government.

as it seeks to bridge the differences between leaders and the executive led by the Governor.

Following the September 23 incident, Kibwana has led other governors in calling for the dissolution of the government, saying the differences among the leaders are irreconcilable.

The latest move may be a way of saving the MCAs from going down with the governor as dissolution would force Kibwana and the lawmakers back to the ballot in 90 days.

Kibwana has had longstanding differences with the MCAs. In mid last year, Kibwana threatened to resign due to huge cash demands by MCAs on his government.

The impeachment motion by Maseka claims Kibwana had unlawfully authorised and overseen the use of Makueni Emergency Fund.

“He spent Sh10 million from the emergency fund on the Londokwe wells without seeking approval from the assembly,” he claimed.

The motion is due for debate on October 9, 2014.

and development partners to move beyond the rhetoric and honour their pledges.”

He urged UNHCR and the international community to allocate funds for the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement that sets the roadmap for repatriation of Somali refugees. He said funding for Somali refugees programmes keeps falling as newer crises, such as the ISIS terror group in the Middle East, erupt.

He urged for urgent intervention to address the plight and repatriation of Somali refugees from Kenya.

He said many Somalis had grown old in foreign countries without setting foot in their motherland.

“We should ensure every displaced Somali finally gets chance to voluntarily return home,” Lenku said.

Sh380m mortgage row cripples city assembly The County Assembly of Nairobi has adjourned sittings for a week after a stand-off over the Finance Bill. In a move that is likely to paralyse revenue collection, members of the assembly have vowed to shoot down the Bill if their proposed amendments are not be included. The proposals include Sh380 million for their mortgages and release of Sh3 billion for ward development projects. “Members want the issues included and therefore we had to adjourn to next week,” chairman of the County Budget Committee Michael Ogada said. The team is due for a meeting today to work out ways of ending the standoff.

Some MCAs have been reported to have incited residents not to pay levies, saying the Bill is illegal after the expiry of the Finance Act 2013. A section of the assembly members have also threatened to move to court to challenge tax levied 90 days after the passage of the Appropriations Bill.

NEWS | 5

THURSDAY, ocTobeR 2, 2014

Defiant protestors want Hong Kong leader to quit

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong have now given the semiautonomous region’s leader up to Thursday night to step down or they occupy government’s offices and force him out. The threat to occupy government buildings and force out C.Y. Leung was announced late yesterday with the protesters saying it is aimed at getting the attention of officials in the capital, Beijing and bring change. “This is the final action for us because we still can’t get a normal, acceptable response,” said

student protester Andrew Stevens.

Already, the protesters took the battle to the doorsteps of their chief executive where they sat outside his office gates to express their dissatisfaction with him and the central government in Beijing.

Although it is seen as a confrontation that has been brewing ever since Hong Kong transitioned in 1997 from British to Chinese control, the current protests have risen after a late August decision giving Beijing control over the slate of Hong Kong

chief executive candidates in 2017.

Mr Leung says that year’s election is good for citizens, because it will let the city’s 5 million eligible voters pick a winner, rather than a 1,200-member committee stacked with Beijing loyalists that chose past leaders.

Strong sentiments on the other side have spilled in recent days into large-scale, peaceful civil disobedience on the streets of the Asian financial hub. It’s all been dubbed the “Umbrella Revolution,” after umbrellas became symbols of

inothernews Loyal nanny gets expensive car for birthday Tyrese Gibson, one of the cast from blockbuster series, ‘The Fast and the Furious’ gave his baby’s caretaker a luxury car on her birthday.

Gibson, 35, gave nanny Elva an Audi Sedan, a black luxury vehicle. The Grammy-

nominated singer and model says he wanted to show her how grateful he is for taking care of his seven-year-old daughter, Shayla since she was 18 months old. “Come here, Elva. You got a new car,” he said. After giving him a

big hug, she walked over to her brand new ride, which was covered in balloons, and climbed into the driver’s seat.

Tyrese will star in the next instalment of The Fast and the Furious series due for release in April 2015.

A 2014 Audi S6 sedan similar to the one movie star Tyrese Gibson gave to his nanny, Elva on her birthday. (Inset) Elva could not contain her excitement on seeing the gift.

the movement when they were used to shield against police tear gas and pepper spray on Sunday.

Huge crowds have called for true “universal suffrage” -- which is not just one vote per person, but no restrictions on candidates -- and more generally called out Beijing for what they claim is its encroaching control on Hong Kong. And they’ve also demanded Leung’s resignation, accusing of him of siding with China’s central government rather than the people of Hong Kong.

Traffic officers redeployed to tame corruption More than 200 traffic personnel have been moved as part of efforts to check corruption in the department. Police authorities said some of the 224 officers were also moved because they had overstayed in their stations. Among those moved were personnel from the Highway Patrol Unit and 24 commanders.

The stations affected included Nairobi command, Nakuru, Bomet, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kakamega, Kisii and and Kisumu. Traffic commanders in Nairobi have been complaining of being understaffed and with the movements, it will affect their operations.

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What others said today...

Raila, Uhuru, Ruto scared of party elections: The three major political parties ODM, TNA and URP are yet to fill vacant positions months after the occupants left. Some of the parties have National Executive Councils that are not properly constituted by the respective National delegates’ conference as demanded by their constitutions. Raila Odinga’s in particular is in crisis after the party failed to conduct elections in February this year....

Set whip man free, Raila, governor say: Cord leader Raila Odinga yesterday said he will not press assault charges against the man who attacked him during a rally in Kwale County. Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, who was also struck at the Okoa Kenya campaign rally in Kinango, on Monday, took the cue and said he will not legal action against Mr Lengo Karis Mdzomba. He promised to forgive the man on condition that he meets him face to face...

Unease in Government over MPs’ move on cabinet team: Details have emerged of an explosive exchange between the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Government’s chief legal adviser over a push by Members of Parliament to have Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) appear, in person, to field questions related to their dockets in the House. The Standard has established the behind-the scenes power struggle...

Shock as 7 women raped, robbed in Nairobi matatu: Nairobi public service commuters will be shocked by gory details of a horrendous car-jacking ordeal in which seven women were robbed and raped by brutal gangsters who forced them to take spiked drinks. The passengers, are being treated yesterday at a Nairobi hospital and three men were treated and discharged...

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BUSINESS

newsbriefs

THURsday, octoBER 2, 2014

Board upbeat as UK eases travel alerts

The UK has softened its stance on its recent travel advisories, which were discouraging its citizens from visiting the country following a wave of terror attacks in the region.

Officials from the Kenya Tourism Board have said the move will boost tourism recovery efforts, especially ahead of a global travel expo scheduled to take place in London in November.

The UK lifted all travel warnings on Nairobi through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) this week, which also clarified that there were no restrictions on travel by British citizens to popular safari destinations in Kenya.

“This is a welcome and timely move.

The softening of the travel advisory will boost our recovery message,” said KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa.

More than 7,000 people lost jobs as hotels closed down in the past few months due to dwindling business.

“We hope other governments that issued travel advisories against Kenya earlier in the year will follow suit. Kenya is safe and open for business with the government working tirelessly to address security issues. We look forward to the lifting of restrictions on travel to the Kenyan Coast which was hard hit by the advisories,” Ndegwa said.

The British government had issued a travel advisory restricting travel to certain areas in Nairobi, including low-income areas and certain parts of the coastal region.

In the latest revision, the FCO eased

travel in some areas but advised against all visits except essential travel to Mombasa, Garissa and Lamu.

KTB officials are optimistic UK will review its travel advisory soon.

Apple to unveil gold version of iPad tablets

1. Apple to unveil gold iPad in October Apple, one of the world’s biggest tech companies, will introduce a gold version of its iPad this month to boost tumbling tablet sales.

Bloomberg reports that Apple will unveil new versions of its 9.7 inch tablets this month. This is expected to mark the first appearance of a goldcoloured model.

This will bring the iPad in line with the iPhone, which has long been available in gold, silver and grey versions.

Experts say the unveiling likely refers to the a version of the device known as the ‘iPad Air 2’ tablet, which Apple likely will unveil on October 21.

The latest iPad Air device costs $499 (Sh44,500), but the gold version is likely to cost a lot more.

2. Safaricom cuts Rwanda call rates by 60 pc Leading mobile phone

service provider, Safaricom, has lowered calling rates to Rwanda by 60 per cent to Sh10 per minute.

Customers making international calls from Kenya to Rwanda and back will pay a rate of Sh10 per minute, down from the previous Sh25.

The new rates came into effect this week. This means Safaricom subscribers visiting Rwanda will receive calls for free, and make calls to local Rwandan networks at Sh10, from the previous Sh17.50 per minute.

“We believe by having affordable regional calling rates, we will be playing a crucial role in boosting regional commerce and social integration within the EAC,” Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore in a statement.

The move comes ahead of an initiative dubbed “One Network” by the East African Community Heads of State that aims to cut cross-border call rates.

just landed: Tourists arrive at the Moi International airport, Mombasa. UK has softened its stance on recent travel advisories which warned its citizens from visiting the country.

theindustry

Ready-made goods seekers spur packaged sector growth A growing desire for convenience for consumers has spurred the growth of the packaged food industry, especially for products such as noodles and baby food.

A recent report by research group, Euromonitor International, shows that even

with continuous price hikes for flour, milk and other items, Kenyans are demanding more packaged food.

Consumers are moving away from traditional unpackaged food products, the report indicates.

Items such as mandazis and

cakes which were previously bought from kiosks and local shops are slowly finding their way into supermarket shelves in sealed packages.

The move comes as Kenya’s per capita income exceeds $800 (Sh65,000) per month.

Per capita income is also known

READY TO EAT: Customers are served with cooked food at a Naivas supermarket in Nairobi.

A growing desire for convenience among consumers has spurred the growth of the packaged food industry. Courtesy photo

as income per person. It is calculated by adding up all of a country’s combined income and dividing it by the total population.

“The presence of the middle class is stronger than ever before, thanks to the growing number of white collar workers joining the ranks of the working population,” says a Euromonitor researcher. “The middle class has in fact been the backbone of Kenya’s development. Their high income levels have created fertile conditions for producers within the economy.”

The study shows Bidco Oil Refineries remains the leader in packaged food.

Meanwhile, supermarkets account for a large majority of packaged food sales. The most prominent outlets are Tuskys, Nakumatt and Naivas.

The companies plan to continue expanding their reach beyond cities and town centres and closer to residential areas to serve a greater number of consumers.

Microsoft unveils new Windows 10 operating system Microsoft has unveiled a new operating system (OS), Windows 10.

The software will run on mobile phones, tablets, computers and Xbox games consoles. The applications will sell from a single store.

Windows 10 will have with it a return of the Start Menu, which had been removed from Windows 8. It will offer a list of the user’s favourite applications. The menu will also bring up resizable tiles that will provide a quick view of notifications from relevant applications like the social media.

Windows 8 has been heavily criticised for being complicated and different to the previous version. This deterred some organisations from introducing it.

Microsoft say the new OS is intended to make the software familiar to users of Windows 8 and Windows 7.

The company has, however, warned that the type of device it will be installed in will determine the behaviour of the OS. Unlike the previous ones, users will not need to switch between desktop mode and the touch-focused alternative.

Business | 7 THURsday, octoBER 2, 2014

business101 Investing in property regarded a safe bet

COUNTING LOSSES: A farmer looking dejected after losing his prized cow to famine. Takaful is offering a Shariacompliant livestock insurance option for Wajir farmers.

Local farmers warming up to livestock insurance Livestock insurance is slowly becoming more popular at a time when drought and diseases have left many of the country’s cattle farmers with devastating losses.

Over the past few years, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Takaful, an African insurance company, has been working on a program aimed at providing insurance products to protect livestock farmers from drought-related losses.

Dubbed Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI), the service is slowly becoming widespread among local farmers.

A few months ago, ILRI and Takaful began to offer a sharia-compliant

cityscape Rahimtulla Towers Rahimtulla Towers, also known as the Rahimtulla Trust Building, is one of the tallest buildings in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Designed by architects, Planning Systems Services, the tower was completed in 1999.

It is a 22 –storey building that includes a double floor-height lobby, plus two basement floors.

The tower is a reinforced concrete structure with blue-tinted glass windows.

The main tenants are iWay Africa, one of Africa’s leading corporate data providers, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the world’s second largest professional services network, and Dhanush InfoTech, a global IT services and solutions company.

The building was constructed by structural engineers, Mangat, I.B. Patel & Partners.

Its main contractors were Laxmanbhai Construction and the services engineers for the project were Howard Humphreys (Kenya) Limited.

version of IBLI in Wajir County with plans of expansion into other parts of Kenya later this year.

CEO of Takaful Insurance of Africa, Hassan Bashir says Takaful does not go against the teachings of Islam. Instead, it offers “community insurance”, whereby the insurer charges a set fee, which is paid without charging the farmer any interest, which in sharia-law can be seen as a form of gambling.

By paying either an annual or monthly fee, livestock farmers can insure themselves against these losses.

Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands are among the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world. In these areas, drought is the most persistent hazard,

encountered by households on a widespread level.

More than three million livestock farming households are regularly hit by increasingly severe droughts.

The scheme has been successful among some goat, sheep and cow herders. In March 2014, 101 farmers who applied for the insurance service received a pay-out after a low level of drought in the area.

Leading research body CGIAR has now announced that it will dedicate at least 60 per cent of its one $1billion (Sh89 billion) annual budget to reaching more people with initiatives such as their Livestock Insurance service.

Investing in property is currently among the most financial choices that entrepreneurs are going for.

“Word on the street is that it’s probably the best way to invest your money, get good returns and bring great wealth to you,” said experts from real estate dealers, Pam Golding Properties.

“The secret to getting these great returns lies in understanding the fundamentals of what makes a great real estate investment and focusing on buying only the best real estate,” said one agent.

Pam Golding experts say that one of the first steps in buying property is to ensure that you are ready to make a purchase and are prepared to take on losses if need be.

The next step is to find out what type of property to start with.

“For someone buying their first investment property

say a buy-to-let house, get to meet with people doing the same, and gather as much information about this investment. This will help you open your eyes and understand what you are heading in for.”

The third step is to get to know the neighbourhood.

Pam Golding agents say that you should: “Look out for a ‘promising’ area where people will enjoy living due to various amenities and the possibility of that area expanding with schools and other social amenities.”

The next step is to decide on whether you want to self-manage the property or hire a professional agent to manage the property for you.

“It may be cheaper renting the property out by yourself but it also means having to create more time for doing repairs, viewings and advertisements,” they say.

infrastructure

THIS IS HOW IT WILL BE: Transport and Infrastructure Ministry officials show the president some of the plans they have for Kenya’s railway network.

Work set to start on high speed rail to Mombasa Construction of a 472-kilometre railway linking Nairobi to Mombasa is set to begin this month, officials from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry have said.

John Monosik, Principal Secretary for Infrastructure has announced that a worksite in Mariakani, Mombasa will serve as one of the operational bases for China Roads and Bridges, the group overeating the construction. It will also function as a sort of office for Kenya Railways officials overseeing the construction.

“I am optimistic that the project will be delivered on time,” Monosik said during a recent announcement.

The railway will

accommodate freight trains, running at 80 Km per hour and passenger trains running at 120 Km per hour.

The project, which is 90 per cent funded by the China Exim Bank, will see.

The other 10 per cent is being funded by the Kenya government.

The 348 billion railway line will extend to Malaba in Western Kenya, pass through Uganda and make it to Kigali in Rwanda as it links all the three countries to Burundi.

The line will provide what experts are calling a seamless link between the countries, promoting trade in the region, creating employment opportunities and reducing the time it takes to travel between the areas by land.

8|

education

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Varsity ranking system in the offing Kenyan colleges do not have a common ranking mechanism for comparing the quality of the programmes offered.

This has led to the rise of thirdgrade colleges offering degree courses, whose graduates lack the skills expected of them.

It is against this backdrop that Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi is calling for the development of a system for ranking these institutions of higher learning based on their syllabi.

Through a circular, the CS has asked the Commission for University Education (CUE) to come up with a criteria of ranking programmes offered to promote competition among the institutions. The competition, he says, is likely to boost the quality of education.

Kaimenyi says CUE and other stakeholders in the education sector must consult with each other in order to develop a

proper guideline.

“CUE will have to consult widely with key stakeholders such as the representatives of public and private universities in coming up with the programme,” says Kaimenyi.

He noted that regular universal rankings do not take into account the specific circumstances of learning in every university, adding that they remain superficial and at times subject to biases.

The circular reads in part: “Although local universities have been subject to several global initiatives and academic programmes, they did not take into account the unique circumstances of various countries when conducting the ranking exercise.”

Currently, individual universities are in charge of developing their curricula based on guidelines stipulated by the Ministry.

FRESH OFF THE MILL: Graduates at a Nairobi university follow proceedings during a recent graduation ceremony. (Inset): Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi says a common ranking system will better the quality of education at tertiary instutions of learning.

mustwatch

Romantic movies of all time you must watch The Notebook (2004)

Based on a novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, the film is about a young man who falls in love with a girl from a rich family.

Their love gives her a sense of freedom but soon they are separated by the differences in their social

class. They always find a way back to each other no matter how far they go.

Gone with the wind (1939) Scarlett O’Hara is a manipulative and spoilt young woman who uses her ability to get what she wants. Her father is a

wealthy plantation owner and when the civil war strikes, Scarlett must use every means at her disposal to get out of the poverty she finds herself in. She pursues Ashley Wilkes, who is married to Melanie Hamilton without realising she loves Rhett Butler the man she is married to.

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Titanic (1997) The RMS Titanic was a British passenger ship that sank in the Atlantic Ocean on April 15th 1912. The movie is a fictionalized account of what happened aboard the boat from the time it set sail to the time it sank. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet who both come from different social clases. Rose DeWitt Bukater played by Kate Winslet is a 17 year-old aristocrat who is set to marry a rich man but falls in love with Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) a poor artist on the fated RMS Titanic.

Romeo + Juliet is a film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes are the stars of the movie.

The Capulet and the Montague families are rivals. The animosity between the older generation of both families trickles down to the younger generation. When Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Juliet (Claire Danes) meet, love blossoms and both are in constant conflict with their families because they do not want to let go of their love.

coursesin...

Diploma in insurance gives you skills to deal with risk Life is full of uncertainties and it is becoming common for people to take cover from probable adverse risks that may strike what they treasure most. They do so by taking insurance covers to help them get back on their feet in case of any eventuality.

Insurance companies sell various policies to meet client needs. Establishing, running or selling of these policies needs insurance skills.

A diploma course in insurance will equip you with the Technical skills you need for professional practice.

College: College of Insurance Course category: Diploma in Insurance Duration: Two years

Mode of study: Day and evening classes Admission requirements: Applicants must have a minimum of a C- (Minus) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education They must have at least a pass in Craft Certificate in Insurance or other requalification as may be determined by the college.

Fees: Fees is paid per module of learning.

For both modes of study, it will cost you Sh281,250 for the entire diploma course.

Careers: An insurance graduate will work in insurance and financial firms selling or managing insurance products. They can also start and run their own firms.

Online students better positioned for success International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning found that time spent by online students revisiting lectures and other resources gave them a better grasp of concepts.

A team of researchers from MIT, Harvard and Tsinghua University scrutinised students of Mechanics Review, an introductory course in

mechanics offered on a platform called edX. A pre-test on the students revealed better performance by those doing online classes.

However, the scholars said in both cases, performance can only be made better with improved interaction and engagement between lecturers in the various channels and peer learning. One of the

authors of the report, David Pritchard, said online gives better results because of repeated visits to the various learning resources.

“How long students spend watching lectures, or how often they pause or repeat sections, can all be recorded and used to discover what method of online learning works best,” he told MIT News.

online

Online studies are just as effective in content delivery and absorption as conventional classrooms.

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study released recently said online students benefit even better than their counterparts who take part in traditional lecture learning.

A study published in the

CAREER | 9

THURSDAY, ocTobeR 2, 2014

Leaving the office clears your mind, giving room for generating new creative concepts to apply when you return.

Working for long periods without proper rest triggers fatigue and burnout, which affects levels of productivity. Poor work performance has no excuse, therefore you have to always be at your best. This cannot happen if you are engrossed in work all the time.

You also need to bond with your family and catch up on things you missed. Taking a real break from work is essential in the following ways; Katherine Lewis, a working moms’ expert, says a work vacation or two every year is a perfect way to reorient and reestablish a sense of perspective. Forget about work while on vacation and trust that your team at the office will handle everything well.

bucketlist

Your energy is revitalized, your brain refreshed and health improves because you are relaxed.

When you resume work, your spirits and energy are replenished, leading to positive results.

Your family appreciates you being with them so don’t drag your work projects to your vacation.

They will feel prioritized and loved if you concentrate on them.

Your children will learn that family always comes first.

Leaving the office clears your mind giving room for generating new creative concepts to apply when you return. Because your stress levels are minimized, you are no longer cranky. Your heartbeat is normal, blood pressure is in check and this means you are on a healthy road.

People no longer read books

A vacation improves work performance

As the world is becoming more and more tech savvy, the number of people reading books has dwindled. The people reading books have now become a rare and endangered sight.

People rarely sit down and enjoy a good book. Instead, to fill up their time, they are constantly swiping at their phones, tablets and typing away at their computers.

Books take the reader to a whole new world. Reading gives one the opportunity to travel through words and experiences. There is no greater feeling than having finished a wonderful book. Readers have experienced the lives of others through fictional characters and have learned what it means to be in somebody else’s shoes. Therefore, readers are the best people

wantmyjob?

studies. However, Passion to work in humanitarian field and help the needy is very important.

XN: Was this your dream career?

I have always wanted to work in an environment where I can impact positively on the lives of others and yes this fits the bill.

XN:Does your job interfere with your social life?

MM:Even though I sometimes work overtime my job hardly interferes with my social life.

XN: What is the best part of your job?

Doing what I love most,

who read have the ability to hold opinions, beliefs and interests from their own.

It is however important that you strive to read at least a book every few weeks. It would greatly benefit you, give you peace of mind and relax you. The book will also give you an opportunity to escape your hectic life around you and slow it down a bit to let you breathe.

lineofduty

Mubarak Magan is a project officer working with Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), a non-profit organisation that advocates for the rights, inclusion and participation of persons with disability from Northern Kenya. He spoke to X News about his job.

XN: What does your job entail?

MM: Working closely with persons with disability from northern Kenya, County governments and the national government to promote positive disability agenda.

Our aim is to create a society where Persons with disability have a voice and space to participate and live dignified lives XN: How many hours do you Work in a Day? MM: It is a demanding job and many a times I find myself even working on weekends XN: How much do You Earn?

MM: I earn enough to sustain my daily needs XN:What qualifications do you need for your job?

MM:One should have a Degree in the social sciences preferably development communication

one would ever meet. Reading moulds the character of a person. It gives a person the tools to be able to hold their own in a discussion, to be able to think beyond what they see or hear, to be intelligent, and to be able to have the ability to articulate themselves well.

Studies by Raymond Mar, a psychologist at York University, Canada said that people

Because your stress levels are minimized, you are no longer cranky. Your heartbeat is normal, blood pressure is in check and this means you are on a healthy road.

Rabbit farming

helping people who have been marginalized for long by the society.

XN: Any advice for people who want to venture into your line of work?

MM:It is the best feeling to selflessly help those who need.

Persons with disability are capable of doing anything if the environment is conducive for them.

You can only make it if you are passionate and ready to help people who cannot pay you back. Be mindful and sensitive on how you deal with people with disability.

Rabbit farming has recently gained prominence in Kenya. Few people practiced it until there was sudden demand for rabbit meat.

Today an adult rabbit costs Sh3,000. This is good money given that a rabbit’s gestation period is 30 days.

Each doe reproduces up to six kits which grow fast.

Laetitia Mukungu is known for transforming the people of Bukura’s life in Kakamega County through rabbit keeping, a project that blew into the market and generated enough cash to help the needy in the community.

Last year, Laetitia spoke to Capital FM clarifying that the project was started to help impoverished students at Bukura Education Complex where she was teaching.

“Teaching at the school exposed me to the conditions in the community. The poverty

levels were really high.

Most pupils are from single-mother families, and most struggle to pay school fees and cater for the basic necessities,” she told Capital FM. After extensive research about rabbit keeping, Laetitia approached the school head teacher and briefed him on the idea.

Seeing immense potential in the project, the head teacher loaned her Sh50, 000 to start the business which yielded a lot in no time. This project kept more than 10 needy girls in school giving them a chance to work towards a better future.

As seen, rabbits are a good source of income, which, if taken seriously, can be a prosperous investment.

Besides their meat, they can be kept as pets, for their hide and wool is also marketable. Angoras are usually bred for their soft silky wool.

10|

FUN

Safety always comes first in horse riding

THURsday, octoBER 2, 2014

filmmenu

What’s in the cinemas

BANG BANG! Bang Bang! is a Hindi action thriller movie and an official remake of the Hollywood film Knight and Day. Bank receptionist, Harleen Sahni gets entangled with a spy, Rajveer Nanda, who is on the run trying to clear his name.

The two get involved in an action adventure that sees them get into car chases, shoot-outs and bombing raids.

Stars: Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Ron Smoorenburg, Jawed El Berni

By Queen Munguti

Horse-riding, in modern days, is a recreational activity-one which if not well dressed for can lead to injury.

Horses are powerful animals

that can do speeds of up to 60 Kph. However, unlike cars and motorcycles, they do not come equipped with brakes that one can hit for an almost instantaneous stop.

Riders are advised to have a hard-hat on at all times. Hard hats are regarded the most basic requirement for equestrian safety as they help prevent head injuries in case of falls.

Watch it as it premiers today at Fox Cineplex Sarit Centre at 6:25 pm, 9:05 p.m.

THE EQUALIZER An American action thriller based on a 1980’s television series of the same name.

McCall, a former CIA agent tries to put his past behind him by moving to a new city.

He manages a home improvement store and he spends his free time reading classic novels. At a diner, he meets Teri, an underage sex worker under the control of violent Russian gangsters.

He takes it upon himself to free the girl from the Russians.

Stars: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo Watch it at: Century Cinemax Junction today at 4:20 pm, 7 pm, 9:40 pm | Fox Cineplex Sarit Centre today at 6:30 pm, 9:15 pm | IMAX 20th Century 5:30 pm, 8 pm, 10:30 pm | Planet Media Prestige Plaza Thu Oct. 2, 2014 1:30 p.m, 4:15 p.m. , 9:15 p.m.

THE MAZE RUNNER Thomas, a teenage boy, wakes up in a place known as the Glade with no memory of anything other than his name.

He soon learns that they are trapped in a maze together with other 60 boys. The boys have been trapped there for two years trying to find a way to escape.

Then one day, a girl arrives with a strange note, and things in the maze take a wild turn.

The movie is based on a book by the same name written by James Dashner.

Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter

BETTER BE SAFE: Horses can easily throw you off their backs leading to injury. You need to be well dressed to prevent serious body harm in the occurence of a fall.

killerdancemoves

drinkingcorner

The Macarena

7 & Pineapple cocktail

Watch it at: Century Cinemax Junction today at 3:10 pm, 7:20 pm, 9:40 pm | Fox Cineplex Sarit Centre today at 4:15 pm | Planet Media Prestige Plaza today at 3:45 pm, 9 pm

DRACULA UNTOLD This movie is an American dark fantasy action horror film set in the 15th century.

It tells the story of Transylvanian prince Vlad III Țepeș. His kingdom’s peace is threatened by evil Ottoman sultan Mehmed II, who demands 1,000 of the kingdom’s boys, including Vlad’s own son to join his army.

Desperate to save his family and the kingdom he makes a deal with an ancient sorcerer. He gives him the strength of 100 men, the speed of a falling star and enough power to destroy his enemies. But he will be have an insatiable thirst to drink human blood.

Stars: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Samantha Barks, Charlie Cox, Sarah Gadon Watch it as it premiers on Friday at IMAX at 7am, 11 am and 11 pm | Fox Cineplex Sarit Centre at 6pm and Planet media Prestige Plaza

the hitlist

In addition, riders need to have properly fitted saddles-poorly fitting saddles can easily make them slip off the horse.

“Proper dressing of both the rider and the horse is necessary for a safe ride to both,” Solomon Kamugi, manager and trainer at Nakuru’s Flamingo Stables manager, said.

Shoes used for riding should have closed toes to help protect the feet in case a horse steps on them.

They should also have heels to prevent them from sliding through the stirrup and getting caught.

Gloves are also recommended to keep the reins from slipping when the hands become sweaty.

Prior to jumping on a mount, inspection of the riding area is a must to make sure that the terrain is safe for both the animal and the rider.

The most common types of injuries from horse riding are fractures, bruises, sprains and concussions. Injuries can also occur on the ground from being stepped on or kicked by the horse.

The greatest danger on riders is being thrown off one at high speed, resulting in severe neck, spine, and/or head injuries.

Ingredients Havana Club rum, bitters, pineapple juice, black pepper, lemon and ice cubes

Step1

Point your right hand then your left hand forward. Place your right hand on your left shoulder and your left on your right shoulder.

Step2

Place your right hand on the back of your head. Place your left hand on the back of your head while you bob your hips to the beat of the music.

Step3

Place your right hand on your right hip. Place your left hand on your left hip and bob your hips to the beat of the music. Repeat Steps 1, 2 and 3.

one more pinch of black pepper.

Put two lemon wheels into the glass.

Preparation: Prepare it in the glass.

Add the bitters and swirl around the glass, add two pinches of black pepper then fill with ice.

Add the Havana Club rum and the pineapple juice and

Industrial Area

Ongata Rongai

Parklands

Magadi Road

Baricho Road

Choices Pub

Platinum Bistro

Klubhouse

Rhino Club

X/S Millionaires

Thursday Nite Live featuring The Villagers

East African Campus night

Reggea night

Campus night

Powerball Thursday

Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards

Band Admission: Free Time: 8pm-11pm

PLAY |11

forecast

THURsday, octoBER 2, 2014

HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

Don’t let yourself be manipulated by needy friends, Capricorn. With today’s planetary energies, it’s a good time to think about setting clear boundaries.

You know which friends are there for you and lift you up and which ones tend to drain all your time and energy with the constant need for your immediate attention.

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

This is a good day for sharing friendship with pals and co-workers, Aquarius. People will be in a light, socializing mood and not much in a working frame of mind. There’s really no use fighting this energy. Enjoy yourself today and allow yourself to detach from work issues.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Your technical skills take a real leap forward today, Pisces. It seems all that training you’ve done is finally paying off. Your new skills will greatly increase your efficiency and enhance your marketability. If you’ve been thinking about applying for a new position, get your resume ready to send out when you see an appealing ad.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

You may discover an untapped talent today, Cancer. Perhaps there’s a new machine in the office and you’re the only one who can figure out how to use it. Maybe drafting a simple business proposal makes you realize how much you enjoy the writing process.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

Expect some positive developments today that impact the whole family, Leo. Perhaps you or your mate will receive word of a significant raise or great job opportunity. Perhaps you meet the one who is right for you, and you know it the instant you shake hands. Whichever it is, don’t let the opportunity pass.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

With all the social events you’ve attended lately, Gemini, it’s likely that you’ve met some people in the healing professions. These doctors, nurses, and technicians could be useful to you later. Be sure to file their contact information away for future reference.

’s o ayhot d r te g p s n i Ye nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

You’re a person of many talents, and today you’re likely to discover yet another one, Scorpio. The delivery of a new piece of equipment makes you feel like you’ve been given a toy for your sole enjoyment. But once you get the computer or piece of machinery up and running, you need to share it with your co-workers!

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

Don’t be surprised if people surround you today, each one anxious to confer with you. It seems that you’re the authority on all topics, Sagittarius. All the attention is flattering, but it makes it difficult to get any work done.

1. Send a caption for the photo above to news@x-news. co.ke. The winning caption gets published on this page.

1. When you don’t think your camel will survive the trip - Agnes Njeri, Westlands.

2. Ahmed’s hybrid car did not turn out as planned - Hamza Shah, Parklands.

3. Some people wake up in a new Bugatti. Some wake up on a camel - Kiptoo

sudoku

The Story of Land and Sea — by Katy Simpson Smith

Yesterday’s solution

yoursay

3

You should be feeling especially confident today, Virgo. You’ve been working especially hard lately, and the recognition you’ve received goes a long way toward reinforcing your feelings of self-worth. Your life goals suddenly seem more attainable and you’ll pursue them with renewed vigor.

Don’t be surprised to see your co-workers acting a bit silly today, Aries. There is no getting around the high spirits that permeate the office environment. It’s almost impossible to get any work done with today’s planetary atmosphere.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

2

1

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

This is a day made for fun and frivolity, Libra, not one in which you’re likely to get many of your chores done.

Try as you might to focus on the task at hand, there are distractions everywhere you turn. Your email pals could be sending you jokes and notes, and your friends could be bugging you to join them for an outing of some sort.

Life’s been a real social whirl lately, Taurus. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the people and parties.

It’s fun to see everyone, but a bit daunting to renew ties with old friends and try to remember the names of new ones.

Vote for your winning pick of today’s top three instamoments (below) by sending an email with the picture number to news@x-news.co.ke

Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeated.

Tabitha is a 10-year-old who is fascinated by the sea. She listens to her father’s tales of his pirate days and a mother who died when she was born. Since the loss of wife, Helen, Tabitha’s father John has been on land. He stopped his voyages to take care of the daughter. Tragedy strikes when Tabitha contracts yellow fever and John decides to sail to Bermuda with the hope that the sea air will be for her benefit.

Her mother Helen was also raised by a widowed father. Helen’s father owned a small plantation.

With time, Helen took over the running of affairs. But when she meets John, she goes against her father’s wishes by falling in love with him.

The book is an exploration of loss, discovery and love.

mustread

We smell malice in the failure of the e-pay parking system Is surprising that the e-parking we expect to lead us out of woods leads us into embarrassing thickets in collecting parking fees in the city (Confusion mars City Hall switch h to e-parking October 1 2014).

After a test on the system two weeks ago along Haile Selassie Avenue parking slot, it was lauded for raking in more than twice the physical receipting.

We are left wondering that key issues had not been sorted out

till today, the D-day. Come on!

City Hall and Jambopay, the e-payment partners, knew today was the big day!

Is it an engineered failure as a result of the ‘milk’ that will go dry for the parking staff?

Nairobi needs to net as much cash for infrastructural development. It will not meet its revenue collection target by abetting medieval methods of tax collection.

Jambopay did not comment.

But we must be told what went wrong and a solution be found immediately, otherwise, we will be made to believe it is malice that is blocking the implementation of the cashless system. Ken Lagat-Roy Sambu

THURsday, octomber 2, 2014

Sport

Motocross 7 heads to Solai racetrack The seventh edition of the 2014 Kenya National Motocross Championship returns to Solai track in Nakuru on Sunday.

Organised by Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club, the event brings together the cream of the country’s best. It is expected to feature duels between hard-charging riders should the rains fail. But if it rains on Sunday, tactics for all riders will surely change.

Solai will receive riders for the second time this year and will experience a change of scenario away from Jamhuri which has hosted majority of the races this year.

Spectators at RVM&SC racetrack will be kept informed by commentaries on the public address system.

Drinks will be available throughout the day from the “clubhouse”.

MX1 class is the closest fought as Kawasaki star Tutu Maina leads with 324 points, while KTM’s Ivan Guya is seven points adrift. Third placed Sameer Sherman is also worth watching on his KTM as is Isaac Kuria also on a KTM machine.

The star rider in the MX 125 cc class is daredevil Sameer Anwar who has scored 346 points on his Yamaha 125 machine. His rivals are winner of belated round four Ngugi Waweru and Walter Kuria. The two tied on second place with 246 and Guthuku Mungai, who

is a distant fourth with 221 points.

Jet Takkunen hopes to maintain his unbeaten run in MX50 which he has dominated with some scintillating riding thus far.

Second placed Tyler Huth and Jaiden Takkunen will also resume their tussle for the MX50 class title with a usual on limit riding.

Maina Wanjigi will be the rider to watch in MX65.

Wanjigi has a 45 point cushion over Kigen Kiplagat which will be difficult to surpass any time soon.

Daredevil rider Elias Sherman, Mohammed Anwar and Rolf Kihara are the boys to watch in the spectacular MX 85 class for the slightly bigger bikes.

VETERAN: 35-year-old Robert Calder in action.

City Champions League hopes cling on a thread Manchester City’s European hopes were left hanging by a thread by the Champions League’s oldest ever goal scorer.

Italian legend Francesco Totti, now 38, cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s opener to leave Manuel Pellegrini’s side sweating over qualification for the knock-out stages.

City have twice failed to

make it past the group stage and are now facing a third premature exit in four seasons after a 1-1 draw with Roma that has left them with it all to do.

Disappointed manager Manuel Pellegrini admitted the Blues had come up short in the Champions League again.

“I think that a point playing at home is never good, but

we were also playing against a very strong team in a very good moment,” said the City boss.

“We didn’t play well, especially in the first half. Maybe we were not accurate in our passing and when we lost too many balls we did not have enough midfielders to recover. I think the biggest problem was that we missed many easy passes.

14 |

SPORT

THURSDAY, ocTobeR 2, 2014

Red carpet for world beater

As is tradition, they were both adorned with fresh wreaths from the Sinendet tree reserved for conquerors and a swig of fermented Mursik milk

CELEBRATING A VICTORY: Dennis Kimetto (middle) with his wife (second right) and son (right) and running mate Emmanuel Mutai (second left) toast to the marathon record Kimetto registered in Berlin on Sunday.

FKF formally submit application to host 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Kenya has formally submitted a bid to host the 2017 Africa Nations Cup on her own or jointly with east Africa neighbours Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed they had submitted the necessary papers to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the deadline. “The bid document is already at CAF headquarters and we are confident that we have put up a strong bid to host Africa’s

greatest football event,” a statement signed by FKF Secretary-General read partly.

“We had a strong team comprising of Kenyans and other international consultants and we are extremely delighted by the support from our government on the bid,” it added.

Other countries that have put in a bid for the event include Algeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mali and Zimbabwe.

Kenya has already been awarded rights to host

CONFIDENCE: FKF are confident Kenyan stadia, such as Nyayo, can comfortably host the Africa Cup of Nations.

the 2018 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN).

The competition’s hosting rights were made available to the 52 CAF member states last month by the continental body after Libya, which had been endorsed to stage the event, voluntarily withdrew over insecurity.

The Safaricom and Nyayo Stadiums in Nairobi, Moi Stadium in Mombasa, Kipchoge Keino in Eldoret and the refurbished Moi Stadium in Kisumu are listed as hosting venues for the competition should CAF accept Kenya’s proposal.

Kenya were given the hosting rights for the 1996 edition and a secretariat set up at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium but political influences informed the Government of the day led by retired President, Daniel Arap Moi, to withdraw support.

As punishment, Kenya was banned from the next two editions and the event given to newly independent South Africa who went on to win the trophy for the first time with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia in the final.

World marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto returned home yesterday morning to a red carpet reception which concluded with a first ever parade around the city centre in a full-stretch limousine with customised plates reading KIMETTO 2:02:57.

The record holder was flanked by his bridesmaid from Sunday, Emmanuel Mutai, family friends and representatives from Athletics Kenya (AK), led by Isaiah Kiplgat were in hand to receive the world-beater.

As is tradition, they were both adorned with fresh wreaths from the Sinendet tree reserved for conquerors and a swig of the fermented Mursik milk from a gourd to kick-start the ceremony.

“I was not expecting to break the record until after 30km when I looked at the watch and realised I could make it,” Kimetto said in press briefing, which was attended by spouse Caroline Chepkorir Kimetto and son Alpha Kibet besides his elderly father and mother

among other close relatives.

“I’m so happy to see my family, friends and top AK officials here.

Now, all I want is to recover and then we see what happens next year,” and looking intently at his son, “It is my hope than one day he will also break the world record, who knows? Maybe 1:59?” he added. Emmanuel Mutai, a man who history will always label ‘the eternal bridesmaid’ for his penchant of finishing second, has done more to assure his place in the Pantheon of marathon greatness owing to fearsome steadiness. He was also chuffed by the red carpet treatment. “I’m very happy for what I did. I did all I could on Sunday and hoping next time to win the race but the time I did was incredible for me.

Being a consistent performer for all that time is not easy. So I’m happy for what I did,” stated Mutai, 30, whose previous personal best of 2:03:52 was run last year in Chicago when he trailed Kimetto to the tape once again,.

Djokovic beats Pospisil to stretch China Open record Novak Djokovic extended his perfect record at the China Open to 21-0 with a straight-sets win over Canadian Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday. Seeking a fifth title in Beijing and to boost his hopes of securing the year-end No. 1 Emirates ATP Ranking, the Serbian won 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic, who dropped just three games in his first-round win over

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, is chasing his fifth title of the year and first since winning a second Wimbledon crown in July. Djokovic broke the big-serving Canadian four times and lost only six points on his own first serve at the ATP World Tour 500 tennis tournament.

Earlier Serena Williams had a far easier time than she did in her opening match,

topping Tsvetana Pironkova in straight sets to advance to the third round. Williams, who rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat Silvia Soler-Espinosa in the first round, cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Pironkova of Bulgaria.

“I wanted to start out strong, so that was the main difference, was just making sure I was able to win a game early on,” she said.

VICTORIOUS: Djokovic beat Canadia Vasek Pospisil 6-3, 7-5 at the China Open.

SPORT| 15

Honda’s Japan Grand Prix plot THURsday, octoBER 2, 2014

Honda plans meetings with McLaren over the course of the Japanese Grand Prix, but the drivers’ line-up for next season is likely to be off the agenda.

The engine supplier returns to Formula One in 2015 as it rekindles a McLaren partnership that proved so successful in the late 1980s. The first images of the V6 turbo power unit were revealed on Wednesday.

Performances of the Woking-based team in the last two years have been off-pace for a marque that have delivered eight constructors’ championships. Current drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen may find themselves moved on as McLaren look to recover.

Former world champion Button, 34, has a long history of working with Honda. He drove for the team for three years before pulling out ahead of the Briton’s title-winning campaign.

Honda will replace Mercedes who ends a 20-year relationship with McLaren.

Button has said he is “pretty happy” that a new contract may soon be in the offing.

Honda’s head of motorsport, Yasuhisa Arai, has confirmed he wants to talk to Ron Dennis and the McLaren team at Suzuka.

Arai claims “nothing is decided” for the team’s line-up moving forward.

winning plot: Honda plans meetings with McLaren

over the course of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Costa dilemma over club, country loyalty Diego Costa (left) insists he is fit to play for Spain next week and hopes to avoid being at the centre of club versus country “war” between Jose Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque.

The Chelsea striker played the full 90 minutes of his side’s 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday. Mourinho had earlier claimed Costa was not capable of playing two games in a week but is almost certain to start against Arsenal on Sunday.

Spain face Slovakia and Luxembourg in a fortnight and Costa hopes to be part of Del

Clarke ideal England skipper, says McIlroy Rory McIlroy says Darren Clarke is the “perfect” man to captain Europe at the next Ryder Cup in 2016.

Clarke, 46, is the odds-on favourite to lead the European side at Hazeltine and he has already received the public backing of the likes of Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell.

McIlroy believes his fellow Northern Irishman would be a good choice to succeed Paul McGinley and he has also revealed he has captaincy ambitions of his own, although not for a long time yet.

He said: “Obviously there have been a few names thrown about there, but I have said with a Ryder

Cup being in America, I feel that Darren Clarke would be the perfect man to lead the team there, just because he has such a great reputation in the States.

“The fans really love him there and he has got a good rapport with everyone. I think he would be the right man to do it next time at Hazeltine.”

The world No 1 added: “One day when the time is right I would love to be able to captain the European team and try and lead them to victory and if I do I will take a lot out of the way Paul captained the team last week.

Bosque’s squad regardless of the impact it may have on his long-term fitness.

Asked if there would be a “war” between Mourinho and Del Bosque on the international call-up, Costa said: “I don’t think it’s a thing that will happen.

“I played 90 minutes - it’s clear that I’m okay, I feel better every time and is up to the manager. I work intensively during the week with the physios because I have had some discomfort for a while.”

Costa swapped international allegiances after earning two caps for Brazil in order to

represent Spain at the World Cup. The 25-year-old hopes the subject of his loyalty can be put to rest as he looks to prove his worth for La Roja.

“I’ve had enough with the theme of Brazil. Now you have to leave me alone to work and make things right, even in the Spanish National Team,” he said. “The truth is that that’s what I need. I hope to be in good conditions and well to be with Spain.”

Costa has enjoyed a prolific start to his Chelsea career, scoring eight goals in six games, to lead the Premier League scoring charts by three strikes.

Tiote plans Newcastle exit Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote says he wants to leave the club.

Tiote, seen left battling Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure in a past match, claims there has been contact from Arsenal.

The 28-year-old has spent four years on Tyneside with suggestions that he would be offered a new contract. That, however, appears in doubt.

Tiote told the press in his home country: “I want to leave. I’ve spent four years with Newcastle. I think I have reached a stage where it’s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.

“I will focus on upcoming games and let’s see what happens between now and December.

“It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia. I’d prefer to stay in England.’

While many supporters may have been expecting departures in near future, manager Alan Pardew had looked the likeliest candidate.

The news will come as a blow to Newcastle, especially considering Pardew was singing praises for Tiote just days ago.

He said: “I love him. He’s everything you want in a Newcastle player.

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SPORT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Welbeck shines in Arsenal win Six players handed debuts in 7s squad Six players have been handed debuts as the Kenya squad to the opening round of the 2014/2015 HSBC Sevens World Series, the Gold Coast Sevens was announced. The six are; Oliver Mang’eni, Bush Mwale, Michael “Junior” Wanjala, Augustine Lugonzo, Alex Olaba and Jacob Ojee.

“We have managed to select a young, but exciting mix of players” Head Coach Paul Treu said.

The team departs on Monday 6 October.

Kenya squad: Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Fabian Olando (KCB), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Davis Chenge (Western Bulls), Maxwell Theuri (Quins), Michael Wanjala (Homeboyz), Cyprian Kuto (Strathmore), Augustine Lugonzo(Homeboyz), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Leonard Mugaisi (Homeboyz), Alex Olaba (Strathmore).

MAN OF THE HOUR: Danny Welbeck (center) celebrates a goal with teammates Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (left) and Alexis Sanchez in their 4-1 win against Galatasaray.

Welbeck scored three goals.

Danny Welbeck answered former coach Louis van Gaal’s criticism in style yesterday, scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 romp over Galatasaray in a UEFA Champions League group match played at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Welbeck, let go by Manchester United , became only the sixth Englishman to

score a Champions League hat-trick.

“That instinct of a goalscorer in Danny Welbeck was more aggressive and he finished well,” Wenger said after the match.

Borussia Dortmund, who outclassed Arsenal in their opening game, top the group as they eased to a 3-0 win away at Anderlecht.

Holders Real were far from

impressive in eking out a 2-1 win over Bulgarian minnows Meanwhile, Liverpool’s poor start to the season continued as they went down 1-0 to Basel in Switzerland.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was left fuming by his team’s display.

Real’s neighbours Atletico enjoyed a more noteworthy victory, not

only putting behind them a surprise opening defeat

by Olympiakos, but also becoming the first side in 11 games to breach the Juventus defence as Arda Turan scored the only goal of the game in Madrid.

Atletico’s group looks like being a really tight affair as, with Olympiakos slipping to a 2-0 defeat to Malmo in Sweden, all four sides are on

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three points.

Group C, too, could go down to the wire as Zenit St Petersburg and Monaco top it with four points after they played out a 0-0 draw in Russia but German side Bayer Leverkusen are in the mix after beating last season’s Europa League finalists Benfica 3-1 with Korean star Son Heung-min their inspiration.