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AMERICANAH NOMINATED THE NOVEL BY NIGERIAN CHIMAMANDA Ngozi Adichie has been shortlisted for the PRESTIGIOUS Baileys PRIZE. p3

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eXtra.sharp Tuesday, 08.04.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

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kenya’s x-country team second crisis at cash-strapped nairobi city in africa event | P.13 stars | P.14

200 Somalis to be deported The government will deport more than 200 Somalis back to their country after they were found to be in the country illegally.

Interior Cabinet Minister Joseph Ole Lenku said the

Somali government has already expressed support for the ongoing operation in Kenya and is ready to receive her aliens. He said he met his Somalia counterpart on Monday morning to discuss

the issue and made several agreements including the need to repatriate those found to be in Kenya illegally.

“The Somali president was here on Saturday and he said he supports this operation because

it is felt some of the suspects are now resting in Kenya. I also met the minister in charge of Somalia Interior minister and we have agreed on the need to repatriate those found to be here illegally,” Mr Lenku said.

off you Go: Administration Police officers arrest suspected illegal Somali immigrants in Nairobi. Up to 200 of the immigrants will be deported back to Somalia in a Government operation meant to curb terror activities on Kenyan soil.

Tuk tuks, cyclists to face ban P4

Linah Kilimo tells Nairobi upgrade men to help in lagging behind FGM fight P8 P6 schedule

Photo men who basked in power of images P11

NEWS | 3 TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

200 Somalis to be sent home From Page 1

He said more than 4, 000 suspects have been arrested since last week when Operation Usalama Watch began following twin explosions in Eastleigh that claimed six lives.

Most of those arrested are suspected to be having fake identification

documents.

The minister said the operations will soon spread to other towns like Mombasa and Nakuru with the aim of weeding out illegal immigrants.

The operations came soon after the minister ordered refugees to return to designated camps or risk being

arrested. Aliens, especially the refugees have been blamed for the spate of terror attacks that have rocked the country since last month.

Mr Lenku, who was speaking at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete during a meeting with top security chiefs, dismissed people

who are opposed to the operation.

“The noises you are hearing is because we are doing a good job.

Don’t be distracted by these sideshows and let them paint us any colour they want but we will deliver to Kenyans,” he said. Screening at verification of documents of those

AP

Americanah nominated for super award Nigerian super-novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been shortlisted for the 2014 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction for her novel, Americanah.

Americanah, tells the story of a Nigerian woman who moves to the U.S. to pursue a college education.

The book was selected as one of the 10 Best Books of 2013 by the editors of the New York Times Book Review and it also won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award.

For the Bailey’s nominations, a total of 158 nominations were whittled down to a longlist of twenty, which was then cut down to a shortlist of six.

American author Tartt is a nominee for The Goldfinch, her long-awaited third novel and a bestseller of 2013.

Meanwhile, Indo-American and British novelist Lahiri, a Pulitzer Prize-winner, was shortlisted for her latest, The Lowland.

Rounding out the list are Australia’s Hannah Kent for Burial Rites and Irish writer Audrey Magee for The Undertaking.

If Adichie wins it will be the second time as she took the prize home in 2007 for Half of a Yellow Sun The winner of the prize, which was formerly known as the Women’s Prize for Fiction and before that as the Orange Prize for Fiction, will receive £30,000. A ceremony will be held in London on 4 June to announce the winner.

detained continues at the stadium with more expected to be deported.

Inspector General David Kimaiyo who visited the stadium on Sunday said he was satisfied all humanitarian needs of those detained are being fully met and police officers are handling the operation professionally.

superstar: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, left, signs autographs during a book launch of her new book ‘Americanah’, in Lagos, Nigeria. Modern life in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, has become almost a character itself in novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new book, “Americanah

Youth, women land Sh1.5b State tenders Youth, women and persons with disabilities landed State tenders worth Sh1.5 billion in the first half of the year ended December.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries awarded majority of the contracts worth Sh383 million followed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority which gave the groups contracts worth Sh44 million.

The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts awarded 10 enterprise contracts worth Sh9.3 million. It also facilitated procurement oppor-

tunities worth another Sh16million awarded by the National Treasury.

“Cumulatively, the government has so far awarded tenders worth a total of Sh1,479,595,565 to the youth, women and persons with disabilities across all ministries, departments and agencies of government,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said in his annual report to Parliament.

He said public institutions are implementing the directive that requires them to set aside at least 30 per cent of procurement tenders for the youth, women and persons with

disabilities. Civil servants who fail to implement the directive were put on notice last September.

A Public Procurement and Disposal Bill, 2013 was amended to ensure a third of all government contracts are allocated to the youth and protected under the law. The Bill was published by Nominated MP Johnson

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Sakaja. But even after the move, the youth appear to be less interested in the fund cash and prefer relying on their salaried jobs instead of venturing into investments.

Only Sh6 million from the Youth Fund will be absorbed to boost small business because out of the 500 groups registered across the

Publisher: Paul Marshall Commercial Director: Neema Wamai Content Editor: Brian Moseti Finance Director: Fred Bunei

17 constituencies, only 140 applied for the loans. The Youth Fund chairman, Mr Gor Semelang’o, has urged young entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the programme to improve their lives. He has said the youth should not underestimate what the fund could do to improve their lives.

Team: Amos A, Amos K, Beatrice, Chris, Cynthia, Dennis, Dominic, Elisha, Fred, Jane, Jenny, Kennedy, Kibor, Laban, Lisa, Pamela, Patrick, Peter, Tamu, Queen, Violet.

4|

NEWS

TUESDAY, April 8, 2014

Cotu, Pusetu Labour Day tug-of-war rages There seems to be no end in sight to the war of words between the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) and the newly formed Public Service Trade Unions of Kenya (Pusetu-K).

The bickering escalated on Tuesday after Cotu ran full page adverts in local dailies dismissing the rivals as inconsequential.

This happened even as Labour Cabinet Secretary was set to launch the new union which Cotu has dismissed as a government project aimed at undermining it.

And in what appears to be a show of might, Cotu listed all its 41 affiliate members against Pusetu’s four.

It claimed the new union is an outfit of government staff that is not recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Cotu said it has 1, 294, 853 members under its

umbrella compared with 259, 293 for Pusetu.

“It is a union formed by some disgruntled forces who want to take charge of Labour Day celebrations.

They don’t even have shop stewards,” Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli told reporters in Nairobi on Monday.

Pusetu Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya last week said they would take over the organisation and moderation of this year’s Labour Day celebrations.

But Atwoli laughed off the claims, saying hosting the fete is Cotu’s preserve.

“Planning Labour Day celebrations is our preserve,” he said.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and Universities Non-Teaching Staff Union (UNTSU) who are members of Pusetu on Tuesday resolved to work together to push for the rights of members.

FURIOUS: Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has accused Pusetu rivals of being part of forces out to wrestle Labour Day celebrations management from his office.

Cyclists, tuk tuks face ban Plans are underway to ban Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk operators from Nairobi’s Central Business District.

Nyayo Highrise ward representative Maurice Akuk has tabled a motion seeking to remove the operators from the city centre, arguing that the move will ease traffic congestion.

He said as Nairobi population grows rapidly, a viable transport system should be developed.

Mr Akuk blamed cyclists for frequent accidents on the roads in the city centre.

Akuk said Boda Boda riders often use pavements meant for pedestrians, leading to avoidable traffic snarl-ups.

He said if this issue is dealt with, the large number of motor cycle accidents will drop.

He urged the assembly to put pressure on the county government to remove motorcycles and tuk tuks from the city centre.

Many residents have been using the motor bikes and Tuk Tuks to escape the city’s chronic traffic jam.

Kilifi speaker blocks mini skirts motion A proposal to ban the wearing of mini skirts in Kilifi County may not succeed after the county speaker ruled a motion containing the plan as unconstitutional.

Speaker Jimmy Kahindi on Tuesday said the motion which was prepared by Marafa County Assembly member contravenes people’s right to participate in a culture of choice.

“My reading of Article 44 tells me that everyone has a right to choose the type of culture to participate in and what one wears is determined by their own culture,” Mr Kahindi said.

He dismissed the issue as a moral rather than a legal one. Marafa MCA Renson Kambi said the Bill would curb what he feels is the ising immorality rate at one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country. His motion also seeks to tackle the County’s falling academic standards. He argues that regulating dress codes would dissuade school children from immoral activities and instead focus on learning.

grooming success0r

Civil servants will start grooming their replacements once they reach the age of 58 or two years before they retire, State House has said. The government has decided not to extend the retirement age or retain officers who are above 60 years of age. According to the President’s Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua, his office had received many requests for extensions of the retirement age.

“There is need to discourage these requests and allow the officers to retire when they should,” he said. Kinyua was speaking in a letter addressed to all principal secretaries, the independent offices of the auditor general, state corporations, the registrar of the High Court, the public service commission vice chancellors, the teachers’ service commission and the clerk to the National Assembly.

KWS to hire 1,000 rangers in war on poaching The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will recruit 1,000 rangers in one of its largest hiring exercise to boost the war on poaching.

The agency in a notice said it will start the exercise on Monday.

The rangers will be

trained and deployed to conservancies to beef up security in the areas.

The exercise which was initially planned for July last year failed due to unavailability of funds.

The exercise is expected to run from Monday to Thursday across the

47 counties. KWS has about 2,800 rangers guarding more than 30, 000 elephants and 10, 041 rhinos in the 33 conservation areas across the country.

Last month, the parastatal announced plans to boost its surveillance

by using drones, night vision goggles and video cameras, among other equipment, to counter the sophisticated facilities used by poachers.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu last week announced that the agency had

been awarded Sh400 million in the Supplementary Budget to fund the fight against poachers. Rangers have recently escalated operations to arrest poachers. A total of 249 suspects have been arrested and prosecut-

ed for various wildlife offences this year.

Punitive anti-poaching laws have also been adopted to curb the vice.

In January, a Nairobi court ordered a Chinese national to pay a Sh20 million fine for trafficking in ivory.

NEWS | 5

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014

Police warn of fresh Mungiki terror gangs Police in Kiambu have warned of the return of Mungiki gangs after residents allegedly made complaints against the outlawed sect.

County Commissioner Esther Maina says police have received information that some members of the outlawed sect are conducting oath ceremonies in schools.

She accused the sect members of terrorising residents.

“Police have received several complaints of Mungiki resurgence and we are ready to pounce on them,” Maina said in Kiambu at the weekend.

She said the government will not allow terror groups to terrorise residents or bar them from peacefully conducting their businesses.

Areas most affected include Banana, Muchatha and Raini towns in Kiambaa constituency where most complaints have been made after the gangs paralysed businesses.

Limuru sub-county from where Ms Maina said they have arrested three suspects who were found taking photos is another area where the terror gang is active.

The commissioner said the sect has set aside school playgrounds as oathing venues and warned head teachers against allowing illegal groupings in their compounds.

Barely two weeks ago, matatus plying the Nairobi-Banana route went on go-slow protesting illegal levies being charged by people believed to be Mungiki members.

But Ms Maina has warned that police will crack down on the gangs, terming their actions as illegal and detrimental to development.

Kidero waives Uhuru Park fees for Labour Day The Central Organisation of Trade Unions will host this year’s Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park without a charge, Secretary General Francis Atwoli says.

Governor Evans Kidero has waived the fee for hiring of the facility.

“We have been hiring the facility for a fee but we will not pay a cent after we reached an agreement with Kidero,” Atwoli said at Cotu headquarters.

Hosting an event at the park should cost Sh250, 000 as spelt out in the County Finance Act. But the governor has powers to waive the charge in “public interest.”

Atwoli said he expects the government to announce a salary hike for workers in the event to be presided over by President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.

Official says ‘hot sex’ lures the rich to UK

cornered: Security officers use a security dog to arrest suspected criminals in Nairobi. Police in Kiambu have warned over the resurgence of the banned gang in the county.

British Education Secretary Michael Gove surprised an audience during a cabinet meeting with a claim that ‘loads of hot sex’ are attracting more young business people to London.

“It is not so much the hightech opportunities that provide the capital’s attraction but rather the great opportunities to be successful, enjoy a great culture, have a good time and loads of hot sex,” Mr Gove told the cabinet meeting with Joanne Shields.

Ms Shields is the chair of Tech City UK and UK Ambassador for Digital Industries which is responsible for bringing in more tech talent and investment to London.

The meeting was attended

by Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May, both of who reportedly reacted like embarrassed parents.

While Mrs May gasped, the Prime Minister quickly remarked: “Make sure that does not appear in the minutes,” a witness present at the meeting told The Mail.

Unfazed by the reaction, Mr Gove said he had drawn the conclusion after speaking with business people during an event hosted by the Founders Forum, a private network of media and tech entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors.

County, board in food deal partnership

deal: A section of Kisumu city. The county government and the Cotton Development Authority have started a joint food production improvement project.

The Kisumu county government will partner with the Cotton Development Authority to improve food production.

The project is part of initiatives aimed at incorporating investors in developing resilient crops that will boost food security.

Governor Jack Ranguma said his office will target the youth and women in food production projects.

“Most people have lost interest because of lack of incentives. We hope to end this soon enough,” said Ranguma.

He said areas of focus will include horticulture, poultry and dairy farming.

The Cotton Development Authority (CDA) has donated seeds and fertiliser to famers for the revival of the ailing industry.

During the ceremony held in Nyando, the authority distributed 5 tonnes of cotton set to benefit 600 farmers. Up to 100 acres of land will be put under the project.

“We have carried out studies on cotton production and its time we revived the industry,” said Cotton

Authority coordinator Chrispine Amuono. Other investors who have expressed interest in the textile industry are Pamba Mali Organic Cotton Project and African Fashion Fair. Rice farmers in Ahero have opted to plant watermelons due to poor sales of the cereal.

The farmers say the importation of cheap rice has hampered their sales.

The county assembly on Monday allocated over Sh20 million for disaster response.

The assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Willis Ogonyo said the money will be used to develop policies and measures to eradicate disasters. Areas such as Nyando that have been experiencing perennial floods will enjoy top priority.

“This will be part of a Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) that we developed to help deal with the predicaments,” said Mr Ogonyo.

Meanwhile, the county government has announced plans to construct dykes along the flood-prone areas to avert disasters.

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NEWS

TUESDAY, April 8, 2014

Kilimo tells men to shun circumcised women Former assistant minister for Cooperative Development Linah Kilimo has told men to not to marry women who are circumcised as a way of discouraging female genital mutilation (FGM).

Kilimo, who chairs the anti-FGM board, said the fight would be won if men refused to marry circumcised girls.

“Previously, men always said they

would only marry ladies who are circumcised but we can arrest the situation if men said they are not going to marry circumcised girls anymore,” she told Xnews. She urged the men to help in the fight against the vice in whatever way they can.

Kilimo called for concerted effort to eradicate the practice, which is deeply rooted in cultural practices especially

among the pastoralist communities.

Early marriages, cases of school dropout and negative effects on reproductive health are some of the arguments that have been fronted against the practice.

Kilimo said many children continue to suffer from FGM and called on the government to prioritise its elimination as a way of advancing children’s rights.

Two months ago, Kilimo appealed for concrete steps to be taken, singling out public education and legislation as ways to stop the illegal cut.

The Children’s Act empowers the courts to punish those who facilitate or practise female circumcision while the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act has provided additional impetus to the campaign against FGM.

globalview

NEW PEOPLE: Rwandan youth hold a procession to commemorate 20 years since the genocide began three months ago with a flame of remembrance touring towns and villages across the small central African nation, culmiating with the arrival of the torch at the national genocide memorial.

What others said today...

Security alert. Security has been scaled up at the key installations across the country and top State officials assigned more bodyguards as part of efforts to avert terror attacks, The Standard has established. Yesterday, top security chiefs met in Nairobi to assess the preparedness to counter terror threats and authorities declared a shoot-to-kill order for armed criminals.

Tough new gun orders for police in crime war. Eighteen schools are under security surveillance beause the authorities believe they are used to radicalise students. However, Nairobi county deputy regional coordinator Amos Mariba did not name the schools — all in the city — which are on the police watch list. “We want to prevent the terrorists from radicalising others,” Mr Mariba said.

TNA MPs plot to kick out Aden Duale.

MPs allied to the TNA party of President Uhuru Kenyatta have revived their attempts to remove Aden Duale, Majority Leader in the National Assembly. Yesterday, six Jubilee MPs allied to TNA held a press conference at Parliament Buildings and accused Duale of being an agend of destabilisation in Jubilee and said he is drunk with power.

Aerobic exercises improve thinking: study

Doing exercises such as running, cycling and swimming while still in your twenties may help protect your brain during middle age, a new study has shown.

A research conducted by scientists at the University of Minnesota concluded that activities that maintain cardio fitness, such as running, lead to better thinking and memory 20 years on.

In a report, which appeared in Neurology, the scientists say their findings add evidence to claims that the brain benefits from good heart health.

The researchers tested almost 3,000 healthy people with an average age of 25 whom they subjected to treadmill tests of cardiovascular fitness during the first year of the study and again 20 years later.

They were asked to run for as long as possible before they became exhausted or started experiencing shortness of breath.

Cognitive tests taken 25 years after the start of the study measured memory and thinking skills.

People who ran for longer on the treadmill performed better at tests of memory and thinking skills 25 years on, even after adjusting for factors such as smoking, diabetes and high cholesterol.

People who had smaller time differences in their treadmill test 20 years later were more likely to perform better on the executive function test than those who had bigger differences.

“Many studies show the benefits to the brain of good heart health,” said study author Dr David Jacobs.

“This is one more important study that should remind young adults of the brain health benefits of cardio fitness activities such as running, swimming, biking or cardio fitness classes,” he added.

Duale rebellion kicks off storm within Jubilee. A political fallout is looming over the ongoing security operations in Mombasa and Nairobi in the aftermath of a series of terrorist attacks and the subsequent sharp division pitting leaders along religious considerations on how to handle the matter.

The ruling Jubilee coalition is bracing for a showdown within its ranks...

BUSiness | 7

Kenyans lead region in hope for better tomorrow Kenyan consumers are confident their fortunes will change for the better in the coming years.

Reports by research group Nielsen and Emerging Markets Insight survey show that middle class Kenyans are generally trendier, wealthier and more progressive than their Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia or DRC counterparts. This is despite the rising cost of living.

The study by Nielsen indicates that a group of Kenyans categorised as ‘trendy aspirants’ and ‘progressive affluents’ account for 34 per cent of the Kenyan market. They buy what they want because they like it while another 66 per cent are driven by what they can afford.

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) account for 30 per cent of every Kenyan’s monthly household spending, says the survey. Beverages and personal care categories are purchased by virtually all consumers.

Trendy aspirants have higher order buy preferences, purchasing goods like energy drinks and deodorants.

“Kenyans are more confident of the future compared with the average African consumer,” says

optimists: Kenyan consumers are optimistic that despite the difficult times, economy will change for the better.

Nielsen. “This is possibly driven not only by the macro economic climate, but also by young, wealthy and confident Kenyans.”

They are also more loyal to fa-

miliar product brands, making it difficult for new brands to make a mark in the market.

The survey shows that to reach consumers, companies must mon-

itor factors such as price, distribution and emotional parameters.

These include family, confidence about the future and music, factors that will trigger more spending.

cityplans

ARM plans to build Kenya’s largest cement plant in Kitui Cement manufacturer Athi River Mining (ARM) plans to build the country’s largest cement plant near Kitui town.

The factory will be located about 180km east of Nairobi and is expected to start operations in 2015. The construction will be completed in two years.

“We are optimistic that in the next few months, we will move on site for the ground breaking to pave way for the construction to start,” said Managing Director Pradeep Paunrana during an earlier announcement.

Paunrana said the plant, which will be located near the company’s main market in Nairobi, will provide jobs for many Kenyans.

“The firm is in discussions with the Kitui County government over the construction and also pursuing regulatory approval from relevant authorities before construction begins,” said Danson Kagai, a research analyst for Construction Kenya, a local develop-

ready to produce: Athi River Company mining workers. The company plans to build the country’s largest factory in Kitui.

ment resource company.

“This will make it the single largest cement plant ahead of the planned Dangote plant that will have a capacity of 5,500 tonnes

per day.” Kenya’s cement production has almost doubled over the past five years, based on data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The country produced

4.7 million tonnes of cement in 2012, up from 2.8 tonnes in 2008.

Paunrana says ARM plans to double output to meet the region’s rising demand.

TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

businesstool Helping traders trace customers Open Data Kit (ODK) is defined as collection of free digital tools that help investors manage mobile data collection.

The US government development agency, USAid, says the software allows enterprises to plan and analyse information and allows for the generation of new project ideas. The tool can be used to find resources, clients and information on a digital map that is freely available online. Anyone seeking information or aspiring to post data using ODK can contact the software developers through opendatakit.org.

In 2011, Upande, a web and mobile application development group, was consulted to find data on milk collection points for Kiambaa dairy.

Upande used ODK as the field data collection tool. “Being the first project that we used mobile phones for data collection,” said Upande, “we had to put a lot of effort to ensure the exercise was successful.

Following the successful use of ODK in Kiambaa, Upande was consulted

by UN Habitat to develop an app that shows users where to find quality water. The data can be seen through a water quality dashboard hosted at www.h20initiative.org.

capitalalert

Chase Bank to fund local tech investors

Chase Bank has pledged to support tech entrepreneurship as a way of helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) catch up with the new global market trends.

Speaking during this year’s Pivot East competition, an event that focuses on encouraging the growth of mobile startups by tech young entrepreneurs, Head of Brand and Corporate Affairs, Magdalene Mulandi, said the bank will commit Sh3.87 million to the project.

“It is a first step to the bank’s realisation of its brand promise of investing in innovative projects that particularly augments the growth of entrepreneurial sector,” she said.

The event will be held between June 24 and 25 in Nairobi. “The competition will emphasise on facilitating discovery and nurturing of the next wave of high potential mobile innovations into sustainable business, ensuring that mobile innovations are high in the agenda of regional governments, corporates and development agencies for amplified development impact and to raise the quality of mobile startup in the region,” says Chase Bank.

The call for applicants is ongoing at www. pivoteast.com and will close on April 11.

The pre-conference activities assist finalists to improve key elements of their business models and positioning of start-ups to the conference audience, including investors, industry and government players.

8|

BUSINESS

TUESDAY, April 8, 2014

Contract hiccups delay Nairobi upgrade project The World Bank says an ambitious Sh27.9 billion project to upgrade Nairobi may not proceed as planned.

The project, which was to kick off 9 April, 2012, is meant to directly benefit 1.5 million people and indirectly improve the lives of millions of others by 2017.

No real progress has so far been made and the World Bank has downgraded its implementation progress from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘moderately satisfactory’.

“The reasons for this are the delays in contract award and signing, the delays with implementing

the commuter rail network and the disbursement of money, which is falling behind,” said the bank.

The initiative, dubbed the Nairobi Metropolitan Improvement Project, seeks to improve the city’s markets, roads, street lighting, pedestrian pathways, drainage, transport and solid waste management.

“The project development objective is to strengthen urban services and infrastructure in the Nairobi metropolitan region,” says the bank.

The banks report says the project will seek to improve sanitation for

nearly 100,000 Nairobians by 2017 by connecting 12,000 households to a decent, functional sewerage system.

Currently, the number of Nairobians with such access stands at zero.

The initiative will also give 500,000 city residents access a commuter rail station, which will be located within a one kilometere radius from where they live. The project also aims to have rehabilitated 40 roads by June 2017.

The bank says the project’s overal risk rating is high though the progress towards development is rated as satisfactory.

HTC reports more losses Tech company HTC has reported a loss of Sh5.4 billion for its first fiscal quarter despite launching their new version of phones, the HTC One. The new phones were expected to compete with its two main rivals, Apple and Samsung.

The smartphone company was an early market leader in smartphones with Google’s

Android software, but Samsung beat them to become the leaders.

Analysts had predicted a loss of about 4.5 billion. This is the second loss in three quarters after sales that the Taiwanese mobile company has reported.

The company made a Sh7.4 billion profit on the same quarter a year ago, which is a decline of 22 per cent

compared to this year.

In 2011, HTC had an 11 per cent global smartphone share but has now shrunk to to 2 per cent.

Despite the loss, the company is still optimistic of a return to profitability in the next quarter after the release of the upgrade of their smartphone, the HTC One M8.

HTC shares have dropped by 38 per cent in the past year.

pricedriver

exportopp Exploit pork export potential, says FAO Kenya has the potential to export millions of shillings worth of pork, the Export Promotion Council (EPC) and the Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have said.

The country is the second largest exporter of pork in Africa but has not fully exploit its potential. The UN common trade report estimates the pork industry to be worth Sh640 million in export capital.

However, the Kenya Meat

Commission says that exporting meat to China alone will give the country an additional Sh500 million within the next 3 years.

FAO says Farmer’s Choice is the largest buyer of pork in the local market but it cannot buy all the pigs produced.

Farmers are often forced to sell to local butcheries and may incur losses in the process.

“The prices offered by local butcheries can still be higher than those offered by Farm-

er’s Choice, though,” FAO says.

“The growing popularity of pork has begun to alter this imbalance between producers and buyers in the market, making it possible for alternative outlets such as Chef ’s Choice to get established and compete with Farmer’s Choice.”

“Export markets for pork products already exist, increasing the market base,” says FAO. The organisation says the

short production cycle for pigs gives them an advantage over other livestock such as cattle.

“Although Korea has a large domestic supply of pork meat, local supply alone can not satisfy the highly skewed demand on the belly cut meat,” says EPC. It says that a nationwide outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Korea in late 2010 destroyed over 3 million head of local cattle, 90 per cent of which was swine.

Milk prices fall by 25 per cent Consumers are set for a relief following 25 per cent drop in the farm gate price of milk has fallen to Sh30 per litre this month from Sh40 per litre in February, milk processing company, Brookside Dairy has said. l The move comes after an improved milk supply in the market, which led to fall in earnings for producers. l “Despite the price reduction, Brookside will continue to buy all the agreed volumes of milk that our farmers committed to supply to us,” General Manager for milk procurement and extension services, John Gethi. l New KCC, Brookside’s competitor lowered the price of its milk to Sh35 from Sh40 last week. l The rains have improved animal forage prompting a rise in milk production.

PLAY | 9 TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

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1. The things we do for our phones-Dorcas Muema, Kirinyaga Rd. 2. Some people will do anything for money- Joyce Aoko, Milimani.

3. Deep sea diving for dummies, lesson 1-Kamau Mwangi , Nanyuki.

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Missing You

greatread

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by Harlan Coben

Kate Donovan, a New York police detective, receives a subscription for a dating site as a present from her best friend. Though she does not think she will find â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the site, she nevertheless decides to give it a try. She is shocked to find that her former fiancĂŠ, Jeff, who left her 18 years ago has a profile on the site.

As he tries to decide on whether to contact Jeff, a young man named Brandon Phelps comes to the station to report the disappearance of his mother Dana who ran boyfriend, she realises that it is off with a boyfriend. When Jeff. Thus Kate begins to unearth truths that should have stayed in Kat sees the picture of the the locker room.

Sleeveface the new media craze A new craze, dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;sleevefaceâ&#x20AC;? has taken over social media.

Sleeveface is a photograph taken while holding the cover of a music record partially covering oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face.

The result is a merged image of the album cover and part of the subjectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head.

The records of the mu-

sicians used donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily have to be from back in the day. They can be of the new age artistes like Rihanna, Adele or Usher. But only if their face are on the cover of the record. Old records are preferred because they give a better sleeve face.

The game has become so popular that it has its

own app for android and iPhone users. There is also a book written on it â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sleeveface: Be Vinylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by authors John Rostron and Carl Morris.

The term â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sleevefaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is believed to have been coined by a Welsh Deejay, Carl Morris, in 2007.

Pictures were taken of him and friends holding records to their faces

while deejaying. They posted the pictures online and created a Facebook page to post such other photos.

The trend was slow to pick up back then but thanks to smartphones and front facing cameras the craze has become quite popular in the social media now.

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TRENDING

TUESday, April 8, 2014

Slumdeezy, Virusi are Namba Nane’s latest Namba Nane (Kibera) is proving to be a hub for emerging rap talent. The hood has recently ushered two young men, Slumdeezy and Virusi Mbaya to the pedestle, and they are impressing.

The vibrant and humble duo say their passion for music gave them the impetus to work smart and helped them reach where they are.

Slum and Virusi started out as solo rappers under Octopizzo’s Young Gifted and Black (YGB) umbrella before breaking off as an imdependent duo. Asked

whether they plan to ever go solo, Slum said, “There will be a time we will work as solo artists.”

The two have been in the industry since 2009 producing chart-topping hits like Lose yourself.

Initially, their biggest setback was getting airplay and financial difficulties.

They also went through several betrayal episodes but are proud to call it a past for the present is yielding fruits.

They promise that their upcoming album, in which they feature artists like

Emerging talent: Slumdeezy and Virusi Mbaya.

talent spotters

Dreams come true at Sauti Academy Sauti Academy does certainly belong among the top talent spotters in the country today. The institution is a one-year artist development program aimed at developing talent in different fields of interest in music.

The academy has seen many artists make it from scratch to celebrity status, among them Loise Madete, who in January organized a multi-disciplined art event Kiota, in collaboration with Kuona Trust Singing lessons, performance coaching, event organizing experience and song writing workshops focusing on

lyrics and melody development are part of the academy’s curriculum.

Financial support is available for the very talented, who cannot afford the Sh7,000 monthly tuitition fee.

The program targets people with unique talents to help them realize their full potentials such that by the time they are graduating, they already have their own identity.

The classes are mostly group-based overseen by qualified teachers and guest tutors like Ian Mbugua and Mzungu Kichaa from Tanzania, among others.

topthree

Moroko, Jemadari and Pointblank, will be a keepsake.

Although they have not bagged any awards yet, the two are happy with where they have reached, so far.

“We have no awards for now but we are enthusiastic on rocking crowds at events,” Slumdeezy told X News.

As far as cash is concerned the duo can’t complain.

“Music has been able to cater for our bills but we are yet to reap well from it,” said Virusi.

stylestar

Sauti Sol plug Kitenge fashion

COOL: Sauti Sol rocking their Ankara wear.

When the Ankara/ Kitenge fashion hit the fashion scene, it was a matter of time before many got fascinated by it.

Ankara/Kitenge is a type of African fabric that comes in a variety of vibrant colours. It was traditionally used by women as a ‘leso’ to wrap around the waists. However, it has grown to be one of the most popular elements of urban fashion.

The afro soul boy band, Sauti Sol is most notable for popularising the trend among Kenyan men. They have made Ankara their signature look, wearing shirts, suits, shoes and the bags made from fabric to concerts and in their videos.

Teenage MP, a president’s daughter, Obama’s appointee

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GREAT WOMEN: 1. Isabel Dos Santos, Proscovia Alengat Oromait and Mimi Alemayehou.

Your typical 19-year old is more likely to be thinking about fun and getting into all kinds of mischief than worrying about the needs and problems of thousands of constituents. But Proscovia Alengat Oromait, is no an ordinary teenager.

She tossed herself intoUgandan politics aged 19, when her father died in 2012.

Her aim was to see through her father’s agenda as the MP for Usuk county in North Eastern Uganda.

She is the youngest MP in Africa and second youngest in the world.

Joining Oromait on the powertable is 41-year-old Isabel Dos Santos, the daughter of Angolan president, Eduardo dos Santos is the

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richest woman in Africa.

She is also said to be one of the continent’s influential women. Miss Dos Santos owns a 25 per cent stake in Angolan mobile telecom operator Unitel, Banco BIC bank and ZON Optimus, a listed Portuguese cable TV company. She also own just under 20 per cent of Banco BPI, one of Portugal’s largest publicly traded banks.

This year, together with Sonae, Portugal’s largest retailer, she is set to introduce five new food hypermarkets in Angola.

Ethiopian Mimi Alemayehou, 45, is another young woman causing ripples in world power circles.

She is the Executive Vice President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the US government’s development finance institution. She was appointed to this post in 2010 by US president Barrack Obama.

Before that, she was the United States Executive Director at the African Development Bank.

ART | 11

tuesday, april 8, 2014

ourroots Kiondo’s deep meaning among Kikuyu, Kamba The neatly artistic Kiondo, carried a deep meaning to the Gikuyu and Kamba, which today’s users have most likely no knowledge of.

“The Kiondo was a special basket for the Kikuyu and it was offered by parents of both bride and groom during weddings. It was a respectable accessory for carrying items in,” said Waweru Wainaina.

It symbolised the ability to take care of the new family. Its significance was, however, noted early before marriage. Wainaina says it was a sign of respect for a woman to carry gifts in a Kiondo to the in-laws to-be such as yams, potatoes and fruits during dowry payment (At this time the Kiondo was most-likely borrowed from the girl’s mother).

Womenfolk wove the baskets from sisal when they were free from house chores.

Fresh sisal was manually crushed, dried, then the fibre obtained was twisted into robes. “Women hand-twisted the kiondos from robes obtained after raw sisal had been smashed to remove moisture,” he says. The robes were soaked in dyes from tree leaves, plant roots, and tree barks to give a variety of colours. This was to avoid one pattern colour, therefore, making the kiondo more attractive and appealing.

The basket was woven into a container resulting from multiple longitudinal strands were interlaced with other robes that ran across in an ‘in-out’ pattern.

IMaGE SnaTCHERS: Boniface Mwangi (left) and Mohammed amin have used their cameras to galvanise the world over various world events and social issues.

Photo men who basked in the power of images Photography in Kenya has come a long way.

In the digital era, anybody with a camera or a smartphone can claim to be a photographer.

Everywhere you go people are pulling out phones to snap pictures for Instagram and Facebook.

But the real professionals use their skill for social good.

We take a look at two of these photography artistes, who made a change in society through their work and influence.

Mo Amin In the 1970s, Mo was the most sought-after photographer in Africa.

He captured images of wars and coups in the continent and his pictures used by Western news media.

He was noted for his pictures and videos on Ethiopian famine in 1984 which drew world attention to the disaster in the Horn of Africa nation. The images galvanised the world to contribute USD 1 billion (Sh86.6billion) towards the

victims of the famine. Amin died on November 23, 1996 when a plane he flying in was hijacked before crashing in the Indian Ocean near The Comoros Islands. Amin and his colleague Brian Tetley were among the 125 out of 175 people who perished in the crash.

Boniface Mwangi Boniface Mwangi is an award winning Kenyan photographer and activist.

During the 2007 post-election violence, Boniface took

artshock

moving pictures of the brutality and the violence that rocked the country.

Leading Western media houses used Mwangi’s images after they were discarded by his employer, The Standard.

After the violence, he quit to start Picha Mtaani, a first-ever street photo exhibition in Kenya which was held in towns across the country that showcased the post-election violence in pictures.

He said the purpose of the exhibitions was to help Kenyans reconcile and forgive.

Games for windows

appdownload

Top 10 free games for windows phones as listed on the Windows app store.

Unroll It

Critics reckon that the game is addictive.

It includes two balls and involves a player moving blocks to create path for the white one to roll to the red area. It is especially

2 The power of of the

tapes

Erika Iris Simmons uses cassette tape to create life-like portraits. She is a self-taught artist who has mastered the art of using tape to bring life to her portraits.

Minion Rush For animation movie lovers, they have adorable yellow minions facing tough challenges as they compete to impress the boss, Gru. They battle with familiar villain, Vector. One also gets to customise their Minion with unique costumes, weapons, and power-ups.

Flappy Bird The game is stressful as players try to get past five points. On the other hand, the play is addictive.

It requires one to tap the screen for the bird to fly and avoid bumping into hurdles, not to die and start all over again.

Race The Stig For car speed lovers, the game keeps them tapping phones for hours on end.

A player is required to race against the stig and gets ahead by dodging traffic, jumping over other cars and

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exciting for puzzle lovers. But you have to watch your temper lest you hit the phone on the wall because as one progresses, the game gets harder and more frustrating.

racing in different locations.

Farm Epic Story The game requires a player to match the collectable crops in order to drive Rancid the racoon away; not spoil the farm.

A player can also join forces with the farm hand so that they can stop rancid for good.

In the game, one can get a Farm star when matching crops and reach the next level.

Special Force For the action movie lovers, there is a game for them, Special Force.

It is a game that requires the player to stop terrorists from invading them. The player can kill a rival to avoid defeat them and choose a scene they want to fight in.

My Talking Tom A game mainly created for cat lovers, a cat talks. One can clean, feed, dress him up, decorate his house and

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play games with him.

The player can nurture him until they are fully grown.

Mario Jump Go Go The new version of the childhood game super Mario where a player ensures Mario avoids obstacles. The turtle is still a danger to Mario if they step on it.

Hill Climb Racing The game seeks to defy laws of physics.

Newton Bill is the car’s driver and wants to drive up the steepest hill, which is on the moon. One chooses the car Newton Bill drives and can change it during the drive.

Temple Run In the viral game, a player can escape the Evil Demon monkeys that are after him because he has stolen the cursed idol from the temple.

As the game progresses, one can buy power ups and unlock new characters.

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FUN

TUESday, April 8, 2014

Bungee jump and feel like a bird Bungee jumping is a sport that allows one to feel like a bird, momentarily.

It starts with a long ascent up a jump-off platform, which can be more 60 metres high.

A strong elastic cord is then tied on the jumper’s ankles.

Once the ankles are safely secured, the jumper is ready for the leap of her/his life. Often the jump is accompanied by almost maniacal screams. It must cross the jumper mind on the way down that the jump may not have been a very good idea. What if the cord snaps? What if they hit the ground? Fortunately, all care is taken to ensure nothing of the sort happens.

The jump takes just 15 seconds but the jumper it often feels like an eternity. Yet the plunge downwards is not the end of the thrill. There is the rebound when the cord springs back up taking

the jumper, hearts in their mouths, in a upward violent recoil. The screams are even louder from the jumper by now really convinced the bungee jump was a lunatic idea and wanting very much to be put down. It continues up and down until the elastic cord stops or until they are pulled up.

They say it is normal for jumpers to soil themselves because of nervousness. It must be perfectly excused, if it happens In Kenya, bungee jumping happens on the banks of Tana River. Jumpers jump off a 60 metre high steel tower that has been custom built for this activity. The tower is on the banks of the Tana River and one has to climb to the top to jump. One also gets to experience the breath taking view from high above.

guiltypleasures

DELICACY: Biryani will get you drooling.

Feel biryani’s spicy taste The sweet aroma is the first arresting aspect of biryani, the taste seals the deal.

While a hungry mouth will water at the mere sight of a steaming tray of this spicy delicacy, tasting the chilli, cinnamon, ginger, coriander and all the spices that go into preparing this dish, is simply bewitching.

Biryani is an Indian ricebased dish that is made with spices and meat of one’s choice.

There are different types of biryani - kacchi, tehari, mutton, chicken, egg, Hyderabad, vegetable and fish biryani. There is quite a wide range of different types of biryani to choose from.

It quite popular especially to those that love spices and don’t mind the occasional red-hot chilli.

The rice is usually added food colour to give it a unique look, the most popular colour being yellow.

It can be eaten by using cutlery or one can choose to get their hands dirty.

It is best served with beef curry or chicken curry to complement well with the spices in the biryani. For the vegetarians, any thick soup can do.

Restaurants like Amaica (Valley Road), Swahili Dishes (in the CBD), Tupelo (Valley Road) and Indian restaurants serve biryani.

oddeat

Karaoke and Krispy Kremes for Serena Williams

World number one tennis player Serena Williams says cheesy Eighties music and karaoke helps keep her in shape.

The 32-year-old said she was nervous about playing (admitting that she’s “not great” at the sport) and shared her realistic take on staying fit.

However, swimming, cycling, walking and yoga provide the perfect fitness outlet, but best of all, she loves to dance.

Just for the sake of it,” she says unapologetically. “I live with my sister [fellow tennis ace Venus Williams] and we have a little gym in our house and I go upstairs sometimes and turn on the music and just dance. Incidentally I’m working on a routine so now I’m having more fun with it.”

We like to karaoke - oh there’s another way to earn Fuel points - you know, holding the mic and we work the karaoke and put routines together when we do it,” says Williams.

“I listen to Eighties music. Extremely cheesy. I think it’s because I like to karaoke to those songs.

the hitlist

chinese delicacy: Century egg is made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs for weeks or months.

It’s just rotten egg but the Chinese love it Century egg, which is also known as hundred-year egg or preserved egg is a popular Chinese delicacy that is made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs for weeks or months at a time.

The egg is preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime and rice hulls.

The york becomes dark green with a cream like consistency and it smells strongly of rotten egg.

The alkaline raises the PH of the egg from nine to 12 and more giving it a strong smell of ammonia and sulphur.

The egg white becomes a dark brown, transparent jelly with

little or no flavour.

The century egg is eaten without any further preparation. It is simply taken out of the shell and and ingested as a side dish with pickled ginger and Congee, a Chinese rice porridge.

This Chinese delicacy is believed to date back to six centuries ago when food was

Kimathi Street

scarce and people needed to preserve food in times of plenty.

The eggs used to be coated in alkaline clay which hardened around the egg and resulted in the century egg.

The taste is described by some as similar to that of smelly cheese.

Thika Road

CBD

Rongai

Pub Infinity

I Club

Club Legend

Reggea night with the resident DJ

Request night with DJ Bells

Playing Old skul jams all night long

Reggea Night with Dohty Family

Rock night with Red and black ice at half price

Admission: Free Time: 7pm-5am

Admission: Free Time: 7pm-5am

Admission: Free Time: 7pm- 6am

Admission: Free Time: 5pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 7pm ownwards

Club Rumourz

Kimathi Street Club Mojos

TUESday, April 8, 2014

Sport

good sportsmanship Leonardo Varese welcomes Jasmeet Chana and James Kirimi back to the 2WD P.15

X-country team finishes second in Africa event Kenya produced a sterling performance over the weekend to finish second overall as the FIM Africa Cross Country Championship came to a close in Zambia.

Lead by two-time Kenya Motor Personality of the Year, Anthony Nielsen, the four-man squad displayed their best skill. Nielsen later admitted that the feat hasn’t sunk yet for the riders.

“This was by far the strongest team Kenya has ever paraded and we have been recognised all over Africa. We have proven that we can ride as well as perform,” Nielsen said.

The player became the first Kenyan to score points in a round of the FIM World Motorcross series in Sun City, South Africa.

Brian Cocker of Zimbabwe won the individual class crown while a Kenyan duo of Nielsen and Alan de Boer sealed

the podium dash.

Two other Kenyans Shaun Miller and Ross Field settled for eighth and 13th positions.

“It was a tough event, well organised but we all suffered due to the blistering heat.

I congratulate Anne Troughton and Abigail Gustafson for managing the Kenya team well. Big thanks to our sponsors Cimbria East Africa,” said Nielsen.

Alan and Nielsen are using several off-road events across Africa as a dress rehearsal for their “fairy tale” participation in the 2015 Dakar Rally.

The FIM Africa event attracted 85 riders drawn from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Congo.

It also incorporates the first round of the Southern Off-Road Championship.

Kenya is expected to bid for the 2015 Africa Enduro continental championships hosts.

ROUGH RIDE: Robert Calder in action during a past Enduro event.

Striker says happy at Gor Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserunkuma has denied of rifts between Kenyan and Ugandan players in the team’s dressing room.

His clarification is a rejoinder to word doing rounds that the rift is escalating to a point where it is affecting the club’s results.

The Ugandan top scorer for K’ogalo in the past couple of seasons, says he is happy in the club.

“There is a lot of togetherness in the club, nothing extraordinary that I can think of or that I have witnessed, and all I see is love and one goal,” he said.

“However, there can never be petty issue in any dressing room, be it between Kenya and Kenya players, Uganda and Ugandans, even in a family there are disagreements, but shouldn’t call for alarm,” he said.

Pistorius apologises for ‘shooting mistake’

i’m sorry: Oscar Pistorius has apologised for shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year.

Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius began testifying at his murder trial in South Africa on Monday.

Pistorius emotionally described his “night terrors and inability to sleep” since he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.

Tentative, shaking, his voice so low it was sometimes hard to hear him, he took the stand in his own defense, testifying that he had shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, to death a year ago because of a tragic mistake.

“There hasn’t been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven’t thought about your family,” he said, addressing Ms. Steenkamp’s relatives, who sat stony-faced in the courtroom. “I can’t imagine the pain and the sorrow and the loss I caused your family.”

Pistorius, 27, who says he shot Ms Steenkamp, 29, through a bath-

room door in his house because he believed she was an intruder, faces a minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted of premeditated murder, the most serious of the charges the double-amputee athlete faces.

“I want to start by apologising to Reeva’s family,” he said, looking broken and shattered as he finally took the stand. “I was simply trying to protect Reeva.”

In his morning testimony, the first time he has spoken in his defense since the trial began in March, Mr Pistorius gave a harrowing account of his state of mind since the shooting. He has been taking anti-depressants and sleeping pills, he said, and has suffered from such bad nightmares — waking up terrified, with the smell of “all that blood” fresh in his memory each time — that, he said, he is afraid to go to sleep at all.

One night he found himself sitting in a closet in his house.

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SPORT

TUESDAY, April 8, 2014

Crisis at cash-strapped City Stars Nairobi City Stars chairman Peter Jabuya has come out to clear the air about reported crisis at the club following claims that players have threatened to boycott tomorrow’s league match over unpaid salaries and allowances.

City Stars play Chemelil Sugar in Nairobi in one of the eight league matches lined-up for Wednesday countrywide.

The Kawangware-based team is beset by financial problems. The club let Nigerian tactician Robinson Ndubuisi go because they cannot pay him. Briton Tim Bryett has taken over on voluntary basis.

“Unfortunately the club could not pay his salary leading to the decision to terminate his contract,” Jabuya said.

Many senior players did not attend training on Monday morning and vowed to make good their boycott threat unless the pending salaries are paid.

“We have made threats before, now it’s about time we made them count. The problems are in the club are big and we need them addressed as soon as possible,” said a senior player who sort anonymity for fear of victimization.

“We want to actually boycott the match on Wednesday. Only by so doing will our needs be put into consideration,” another player said.

Jabuya admitted the club has money problems but said he was not aware players were not training.

“Yes we have huge money problems and owe players money. We are working hard to make it up for them,” he said.

THE HUDDLE: Nairobi City Stars players before a match.

Organisers pledge better Kericho race Kericho Tea Board of Kenya International Marathon set for May 10 will be much better organised than the previous editions, organisers have said.

This comes after the fourth edition was marred by chaos that also saw other runners covering 52km instead of the standard 42km.

Athletics Kenya (AK) South Rift chairman, John Wachira, the chairman of the organising body said there will be no such problems.

“The technical committee is very much alert. Last year some athletes were allegedly misled by some route officials.

We can never allow that to happen again,” Wachira said.

On the part of preparations, Wachira said “We have already requested one of the factories to repair the bridge where water usually overflows when it rains. So we are hoping to have a good race this time round.

Even if the heaven opens up we have an alternative so athletes should not worry about that.”

The race that targets over 10,000 local and international runners will feature the 42km, 10km and 5km with winners in both men and women of the full marathon taking home Sh1.5m.

Registration is ongoing and participants will part with Sh500 for entry fee that will cut across the board.

ACTION Eagle Wings’ player during a match.

Wings happy with narrow win Former Kenya Basketball Federation KBF women champions Eagle Wings have said they are satisfied despite the narrow 49-48 win over Safe Space in a league opener at the Nyayo gymnasium over the

weekend. This was one of the many matches on the card after weeks of delay to the 2014 Kenya Basketball season. Evelyne Nora, the team’s highest scorer on the day, said it was slow start but the win is all that matters.

“It was a good way to start the season, ther™e was a few nervous moment, glad we held on to the end,” said Nora.

Florence Mbithe scored the match highest, 12 points, while Nora gave the winners

11 points.

The visitors won the first quarter 7-2 but slumped in the second 8-19, before upping the game to take charge of the third and fourth quarters which they won 13-10 and 21-17.

SPORT| 15

Varese thrilled by the return of 2WD champs Two-time champion Leonardo Varese has welcomed the return of former champions Jasmeet Chana and James Kirimi to the Two-Wheel Drive competition.

Varese said the increase competitiveness and enhance of the level of competition in this second tier competition of the Kenya Nationa Rally Championship (KNRC) championship and inspire the rest of the field to raise game in the April 26-27 KCB Home Loan Kiambu Rally.

“I’m really excited to see past champions back in competition and it feels really great when you come out tops and you know you have defeated big names,” Varese said.

“The champions have made the series very competitive and we are looking forward to Kiambu with great expectations.

There is lots competition at the moment and I’m told even Adnan (Suhail) will make a comeback in the next competition.”

Machakos Rally was the first time that four 2WD champion faced-off in a single

race. Chana and Kirimi participated in the Machakos tour in 4WDs and survived the full course.

The other champions who spiced up Machakos were Varese himself, Charan Thethy, Nadeem Kana (2012) and last year’s winner Denis Mwenda.

Varese, who will be navigated by Kigondu Kareithi in an ex-Horsey Toyota Corolla RSI, was speaking at Finix Casino after securing a sponsorship package of Sh700, 000 from Sportspesa for the rest of the season.

“The competition is very tough and expectations very huge. We really appreciate what SportsPesa are doing as it gives us the chance to win back our championship.”

“The idea is to scoop as many points as possible. We won’t risk on roads we don’t know but we will have to keep the pace somehow,” said Leo. Leonardo started off on a bad note in Malindi with retirement but was able to pick himself up to win Machakos Rally after a string of bad results.

TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

SUPPORT: Leornado Varese and his navigator Kingondu Kareithi after the announcement of his SportsPesa sponsorship for the rest of the season

Chelsea seek Napoli spirit for PSG tie Chelsea will be looking to the spirit of Napoli when they face Paris St Germain in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter -final at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues faced a 2-1 deficit at against Napoli at the same stage in the 2011-12 season but overcame

the Italians 4-1 to go through and eventually the cup.

Mourinho’s men were undone at Parc des Princes last week by strikes from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore either side of a David Luiz own goal and need a rousing performance to qualify.

ON TARGET: Mohammed Salah celebrates his goal againss Stoke City.

Salah is cup-tied and therefore not eligible for today’s clash against PSG

Eden Hazard gave Chelsea a precious away goal from the penalty spot which leaves the west London giants needing at least a 2-0 win to go through ahead of the Ligue 1 champions.

The Blues have already bounced back from their forgettable night in Paris, though, cruising to a 3-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday to keep their Premier League title ambitions alive.

However, the 2012 European champions face a PSG side who have won in their last 11 outings in all competitions. They have a 13-point lead at the top of the French league standings with just five games to go.

Mourihno said he is looking forward to the clash “It was important to win, to have again a smile on the players’ faces and to get more confidence,” he said. ‘Now we can approach the match against Paris with a smile.”

Madrid poised to cruise past Dortmund into semis After a drubbing Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the Champions League last week, Real Madrid look certain to qualify to the semi-finals of Europe most coveted cup competition tonight.

Goals from Gareth Bale and Isco and a record-equalling 14th for Cristiano Ronaldo in this season’s competition virtually guaranteed real a place in the last four ahead of Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg in Germany.

Real have slipped behind leaders Atletico Madrid and Barca into third in the La Liga standings with six games left but might still swing

a rare treble as they are through to the King’s Cup final against Barca on April 16.

“The reaction was good after the two defeats, although it’s clear we have not forgotten them completely because we paid a heavy price,” Ancelotti said at a news conference.

“We are not top of the league any more, but there is still time,” added the Italian, who is in his first season in charge after taking over from Jose Mourinho. “If we win all our matches, as I have said, at least we will win the Champions League and the King’s Cup.”

Coach back women 7s side to shine

National women rugby head coach Kevin Wambua is confident his team will do well despite being pooled in a tough group in Saturday’s Africa Rugby Confederation women’s sevens tournament.

Kenya has been drawn against South Africa, Madagascar and Senegal in the games at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

Kenya play Madagascar from 10 am before tackling Senegal from at 12 pm. They complete the pool matches against South Africa at 2.20 pm.

The top two teams will qualify for the semi-final while the last two proceed to the Bowl.

Wambua was speaking after their debut Hong Kong Sevens.

He said the draw is tough but

remains confident the ladies will do better.

“Hong Kong did not go as planned, the results were not appealing but the experience was is unrivalled,” said the coach.

“Quite a number of players suffer from knocks, some are racing against time to be fit for the match.”

JUBILANT: Real Madrid players in a celebratory huddle.

16 |

SPORT

Undertaker’s streak ends TUESday, April 8, 2014

After going through 21 editions of the WWE Wreste Mania unbeaten, the Undertaker finally gave in to Brock Lesnar at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The Undertaker’s run has been the mainstay for the pay-per-view event for the past two decades, beginning at WrestleMania VII held in 1991.

During his 21-0 run, The Undertaker dispatched opponents such as Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, King Kong Bundy, Triple H and Ric Flair.

But Lesnar proved too much of a challenge, something that left most of his fans dismayed.

No one imagined that the streak could come to an end.

Prior to the match, the Undertaker himself had in his typical cocky fashion prepared a casket for Lesnar, which sat at the top of the entrance ramp next to a long row of coffins — one for each of The ‘Deadman’s’ WrestleMania victims. Lesnar’s coffin was not to be used.

ONLY 30 BOB

Alex Nunn@aj_ranger It should be noted that The Undertaker never lost at #Wrestlemania while Sir Alex was in charge of Man United.

It’s all David Moyes fault.

The Miz @mikethemiz I am speechless...The Deadman never dies but the streak does.

Jim Ross @JRsBBQ 75,000+ stunned...shocked...has the mat world imploded? The Streak dies....but the legend will live forever. iG: Mikeaveli252@Mikeaveli The streak may have ended but the Undertaker will still go down as the best wrestler of all time. Thank you Undertaker for everything!

David Cloninger@DCTheState I am not prepared to wake up to a world where the Undertaker is no longer undefeated at WrestleMania. Going back to bed.

Dan Greg@DanGreg88 Me - “I’m not coming into work today.” Boss - “Why?” Me - “Undertaker lost.” Boss - “Okay.”

Danspiek@DanSpiek #Undertaker was part of millions of childhoods. Legends never die.

The Deadman will keep walking

end of streak: Undertaker lost to Brock Lesnar.

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