20140515 xnews

the chosen ones

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Kenyan actress lupita nyong’o and tanzanian singer diamond platinumz have been nominated for bet awards P.3

eXtra.sharp Thursday 15.05.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

SPORT

Gor Mahia to bid city stadium goodbye, heading to kisumu | P.13

United Kingdom has issued a new terror alert P4

Sony to make losses until at least Mar 2015 P7

mike okoth proud of son, divock, who is in world cup squad | P.15 Biblical Noah raises controversy a second time P10

Daring ‘flesh traders’ invade Kayole estate

daring traders: Prostitutes wait for clients in a Nairobi street. Kayole Estate in Nairobi’s Eastlands area has been invaded by the flesh traders.

FACT: Cameroon was the first African Country to reach the WC quarterfinals

27 DAYS TO GO

NEWS | 3

‘Flesh traders’ swarm estate THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

From Page 1 Somewhere in the populous Kayole estate in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, Peter Malonza is walking down a street at around 8pm when his phone rings. Before he has finished the conversation with his wife, two young women dressed in skimpy clothing accost him.

Malonza immediately asks the wife to hold on as he attends to the curvy-looking women standing in front of him. One even starts to play with his trouser’s zip. “Do you want a good time?” she daringly asks.

On realising he was talking to commercial sex workers, also known as ‘hookers’ or prostitutes, he hurriedly leaves the scene, even as the provocatively-attired duo step up their strides. Malonza eventually bolts in a run into a neighbour’s house in drips of sweat and short breath.

“When I told my wife about it, she wasn’t even surprised. Instead, she

made jokes about the prostitutes,” he said. “They are aggressive marketers,” Malonzo muses.

The story is no different for banker George Matangi. “I had to stop as a small gang of indecently dressed women loitering around a supermarket whistled as they made sexual offers to me in between chewing gum.

“Imagine what would happen if, at the exact moment I’m passing them and they’re heckling me, someone I know sees the interaction? You know us; it would be re-interpreted that I was soliciting for their services. My wife-to-be would kill me!”

Malonza and Matangi’s experience is a capsule of a growing social vice that has startled residents of the sprawling estate where sex has been turned into a choice commodity that is bought and sold in response to limitless depravity.

And the residents have protested

over the inability by the authorities or inhabitants themselves to curb a rising tide of prostitution, which they fear may cause serious moral depravity among the younger generation.

They claim the prostitutes are peddling flesh “everywhere. We are very worried about the trend because we are parents with children.

Prostitutes are conducting business without shame,” says Emily Akinyi, a resident.

Her worries echo those of Mama Wambui. “The situation is worse because they (prostitutes) park everywhere at all times,” she said.

Tushauriane, Step One and Nyama Villa areas have been identified as the worst spots where armies of the flesh traders take positions especially at peak hours.

“It is embarrassing to meet prostitutes haggling next door as you take your child to school in the morn-

closer to zero-work,” says the University of Nairobi lecturer.

He (Nyangaga) blames peoples’ state of mind, which he associates with poverty, peer pressure and the family. But he warns that if unchecked, the vice may lead to total moral decay in society—something that worries Kayole residents.

As parents strive to ensure children grow up as morally upright citizens, they admit that it is difficult to do so in an environment similar to that in Kayole.

Women are further concerned over possibilities of the prostitutes spreading diseases to husbands.

A recent research on HIV prevalence in the country found out that about 48 per cent of commercial sex workers are carriers of the virus.

Twenty per cent of them are found in Nairobi with Starehe, Embakasi (in which Kayole falls) and Kasarani being the worst affected areas.

ing,” says Mama Wambui.

The women say they are helpless and have asked the government to intervene.

Police say they are aware of the menace but claim their hands are tied because the constitution is lenient on the trade.

“The offense is not known. We cannot charge them because we do not know what to charge prostitutes with,” said Kayole Deputy OCPD Ali Ndiema.

“We have arrested them but some get out the same day because police have no case against them. The constitution has not allocated a stringent charge for prostitution,” he says. Lawyer Reuben Nyangaga concurs with the police.

“Prostitution is a crime only when one uses his or her body to solicit for funds. But proving that one took money from another is hard, making the apprehension by police

Jobless varsity graduates have half-baked skills Students leaving universities into the job market should be equipped with necessary skills through internships and industrial attachments.

Two studies whose findings were released last week say most graduates enter the market with half-baked skills which make potential employers shun them.

Consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY) says college training alone does not guarantee the students the required skills for the job market. They have asked higher learning institutions to enhance curriculum development.

The findings corroborate another jointly carried out by Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) and the East African Business Council

(EABC) which discovered that fresh graduates lack basic technical skills for employment.

Students have been asked to ensure they are equipped with proper skills that will find space in a competitive work place.

EY says there is shortage of staff with the right and adequate skills that often force companies to constantly poach for staff from competitors.

“Poaching has become an easier option to get workers with right skills,” says EY’s David Storey.

The firms pay more than they would have done because of the shortage of the desired skills.

A total of 392, 000 employees from 224 companies in 23 countries in sub-Sahara Africa were sampled.

POWER TO READ: University gaduands in a past ceremony. Consulting firm Ernst & Young says academic papers do not guarantee the graduands employment in a highly competitive market.

Golden girl Lupita, Diamond get BET nominations The Black Entertainement Television (BET) has short-listed nominees for its 2014 awards.

East Africa is represented by Lupita Nyong’o in the best female

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actress category. And the movie 12 Years a Slave has been nominated for the best movie award category. Tanzania’s Diamond Platinumz has been nominated in

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

the Best International Act Africa category.

The awards are set for June 29.

Couple Jay Z and Beyoncé Knowles are in four categories

each, and they lead in number of nomiations. Drake follows closely with three, and Pharell Williams rounds up the top nominees with his “Blurred Lines”

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

collaboration with Robin Thicke. and own song “happy”, which has been nominated in the video of the year category.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Dumped foetus found in Kasarani

TORTURE IS A COMMON PRACTICE IN AFRICA 58 percent of Kenyans are afraid of being tortured by their government. According to a survey by research group, Amnesty International, Kenyans fear being mistreated by authorities once they are in custody.

The survey indicates that only 10 African nations have made torture illegal despite the fact that the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights clearly prohibits the practice.

“African governments have yet to acknowledge the problem, let alone begin to rectify it,” said Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for Africa. “The lack of strong

Residents of Maji Mazuri in Kasarani woke up to a rude shock yesterday morning after they found a foetus abandoned at a nearby dumpsite.

The foetus was wrapped in a polythene bag, placed inside a carton, and thrown at the dumpsite near Magokoro Flats where it was discovered in the morning. Witnesses and residents said the foetus, which they estimated to be about five months old, was dumped before dawn. Area chief Peter King’ori condemned the act and said police will launch investigations to apprehend the perpetrator.

The foetus spent many hours at the scene before officers from Sunton Police Post took it away.

national laws prohibiting torture in the majority of African countries allows torture not just to survive, but to thrive.”

A two-year campaign dubbed, ‘Stop Torture’, launched in 2014 hopes to spread awareness and, hopefully, stop the practice.

Amnesty International has reported on torture and other forms of ill-treatment in at least 141 countries from every region of the world over the past five years. This, says the group, is evident in virtually every country in which it works.

Their studies show that 84 percent of Kenyans agree that clear rules are needed to fight against torture.

UK issues new terror alert Britain has issued an alert to all its citizens residing in Kenya warning of a high threat of terrorism, including kidnapping.

In the alert published in the British High Commission website, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warned against going to areas within 60 kilometers of the Kenya-Somali border.

In Nairobi, Eastleigh has been singled out as the most dangerous with “low income areas including all townships and slums” also on the list of no-go areas in the city.

The advisory has also marked out Garissa county as dangerous with possibilities of being kidnapped and warns against travelling to Mombasa with areas within five kilometres of the coastline from Mtwapa in the north to Tiwi in the south declared unsafe.

“If you are currently in an area to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel, you should consider whether you have an essential reason to remain.

If not, you should leave the

area,” the alert warned.

“There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping.”

Interior ministry’s spokesman Mwenda Njoka however dismissed the warning saying every part of the world is nowadays prone to ‘high threat from terrorism’, including Britain itself. Two weeks ago, explosives were detonated almost simultaneously on two commuters on the Thika Superhighway killing three people and injuring many others.

In Mombasa, the FCO warns that the controversial killing of Sheikh Abubakar Shariff, alias Makaburi, has increased tension and unrest in the coastal town.

“There is a possibility of further disturbances in the Mombasa area, particularly on Fridays after prayers,” the alert says.

The office has appealed to British nationals to follow local news and remain vigilant at all times.

Further, they have been told to avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

terror: A wreckage of the Githurai-bound bus that was bombed by terrorists two weeks ago. Britain has issued a travel advisory to its citizens living or planning to visit Kenya.

It’s the season for impeachment as Kericho governor is ousted Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony yesterday became the second county chief to be impeached by local assembly members.

Forty-seven Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted to oust Prof Chepkwony with 32 against.

Another 15 were not present during the debate sponsored by nominated member Albert Kipkoech. The county lawmakers accused the governor of gross violation of Public Private Partnership Act (2013), Public Procurement and Disposal Act (2005) and

the Public Finance Management Act (2012).

The fate of Prof Chepkwony (pictured) is now in the hands of the Senate, which will decide whether to send him home or not.

OnMonday, senators voted to impeach Martin Wambora as

Embu governor for the second after the first attempt was overturned by the court.

Chepkwony joins many governors whose positions arethreatened by either pending impeachment or litigation.

Nairobi’s Evans Kidero had his election nullified by the

Court of Appeal on Tuesday before the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated him pending ruling on his appeal.

Others with appeals pending at the Supreme Court are Peter Munya (Meru), Okoth Obado (Migori) and Nathif Jama of Garissa.

NEWS | 5

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Cash-starved Helb mulls loan reduction The Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) may cut down the maximum loan allocation for university students as shortage of funds hits the state lender.

Needy students get maximum allocation of Sh60, 000 per academic year but the amount may be reduced to Sh35, 000 if the board goes ahead with the plans.

Helb chief executive Charles Ringera says the budgetary allocation has remained constant even with the rising number of students who require sponsorship.

“The number of eligible students applying for loans has increased yet our allocation has failed to cater for the increase,” he said.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service says the number of students enrolled in public universities has risen from 53, 000 in 2012 to 58,000 in 2013.

Ringera says if the increase is not matched with extra funding, the fund will be forced to make allocation changes.

The Treasury allocated Sh5.6

Police shoot, kill robbery suspect in Ngong town One suspect was this morning shot and seriously wounded as three others were arrested in an attempted robbery in Ngong town.

Police say the suspects were trying to force their way into a private compound when alarms alerted officers at the Embulbul area.

The officers cornered and shot at the gang.

The injured was rushed to hospital under police guard while the other three were detained.

Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue said they are interrogating the suspects to establish if they are behind other attacks in the area.

Cases of burglary are on the rise in Nairobi as police struggle to contain the incidents.

UK teen star who raised Sh0.5b for cancer dies

BENEFICIARIES: University of Nairobi medical students in class. HELB is currently considering reducing the amount of loans given to university students.

billion in the last financial year to the kitty against a budget of Sh8.8 billion.

Earlier, Ringera warned that students due to join institutions of higher learning this year could miss out on

funding. Sh2.4 billion of the State allocation was money recovered by Helb from beneficiaries.

Ringera says the Board expects to recover more loans this year but cannot make

budgetary plans based on the recovery.

The announcement will be unwelcome news for students who have been agitating for an increase in the allocation and reduction of fees.

Student leaders across public universities have even warned of a major strike starting next week to protest plans to increase tuition fees as proposed by the Commission for University Education.

Inspirational UK teenager Stephen Sutton who raised more than £3.2m (Sh468 million) for the Teenage Cancer Trust, has died in hospital. His mother, Jane, said: “My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son.”

In a statement posted on the Stephen’s Story Facebook page, the 19-year-old’s family said he had passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday morning. British Premier David Cameron, who met Sutton earlier this month at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, was among the many who paid tribute to the teenager.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration,” he said. “I can hardly think of anyone I have met with such a zest for life, with such a belief that you can get things done, and who wanted to live every minute.

He was absolutely inspiring, he did extraordinary things for charity, and meeting him was a huge privilege,” he added.

NYS to be restructured, Uhuru says The National Youth Service (NYS) will be restructured to make it more efficient in the execution of its mandate, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said. He says the service is critical in ensuring the youth play a critical role in the country’s development agenda. President Kenyatta spoke on Wednesday when he witnessed the swearingin of Nelson Githinji as the new NYS Director General at Harambee House.

He hailed Dr Githinji on his appointment and wished him well in the assignment.

He urged Githinji to serve the country and youth with dedication.

“I’m sure you are capable of delivering to the youth and the country. Your organisation is important in helping us to mainstream youth in development,” Kenyatta said.

Dr Githinji, a former State House Comptroller, was until his appointment the Tourism Secretary. He replaced Mr Kiplimo Rugut who is awaiting redeployment.

Several MPs have expressed displeasure over the replacement of Rugut and accused the government of tribalism in appointments.

Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter faulted the manner in which the communication of the

changes was made, claiming Rugut was informed of his replacement through SMS. They accused Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru, who made the changes of mistreating the civil servant.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Principal Administrative Secretary at the Presidency Stephen Kirogo. The event was also witnessed by Cabinet Secretaries Waiguru, Felix Kosgei (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), Davis Chirchir (Energy), Joseph ole Lenku of the Interior and Coordination of National Government docket.

ALL THE BEST: President Kenyatta congratulates Dr Githinji after he was sworn in yesterday.

Specialties: Succulent Beef & Chicken Steaks, Fillet Fish, Sumptous Indian Curries, Varieties of Coffees, Teas, Beers and Soft Drinks Enterprise Rd, Industrial Area, Nairobi Telephone: +254733707134

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 15 2014

Kenyans most afraid of torture in custody Kenyans have the greatest fear of being tortured if taken into custody compared to other Africans, a new report shows.

Amnesty International in its latest report found out that up to 58 percent of Kenyans fear that they could be tortured by the government in custody.

Nigerians are second people in Africa harbouring such fears at 50 percent.

“In Africa, at least half the respondents in Kenya (58 per cent) and Nigeria (50 per cent) feared they would be at risk of

torture if taken into custody,” the study noted. It means Kenya is now among the top five countries in the world whose citizens are most afraid of torture together with Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan and Turkey. Some 21, 221 people in 21 countries were surveyed in the report which puts the global average of fear of torture at 44 percent.

The report that surveyed 21,221 people in 21 countries says that 58 per cent of Kenyans fear that they could be

tortured by the government in custody compared to the global average of 44 per cent. 84 percent of Kenyan respondents in the survey called for the establishment of clear rules to fight torture claims according to the report.

Despite prohibition of torture by the African Charter oh Human and People’s Rights which all African countries have ratified, only ten have adopted domestic legislation to outlaw the practice.

“African governments have yet to

acknowledge the problem, let alone begin to rectify it,” said Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for Africa Netsanet Belay.

She said they have documented various forms of torture used across Africa where the practice is routinely employed in prisons and detention centres as a means of extracting “confessions”.

Only 15 per cent of Britons feared torture in case of arrest, the study said.

globalview

What others said today...

Kidero back as another Governor is impeached: Members of the county Assembly of Kericho voted out Governor Paul Chepkwony as his Nairobi counterpart, Evans Kidero joined the list of regional heads temporarily reinstated by the Supreme Court. Chepkwony lost the impeachment war when 47 MCAs voted for his ouster, against the 32 who voted against...

Uhuru to pick county chiefs in power shift: The National Government has created powerful positions of County Commissioner in radical reform of provincial administration.

As far as the National Government is concerned, the County Commissioners with enhanced powers will be the “chief executive officers” of their counties appointed by the president and answerable to him...

Evans Kidero remains our man, says ODM: ODM yesterday declared its support for Evans Kidero as the city Governor temporarily got his job back pending his appeal in the Supreme Court. “We are standing with Kidero, He is our member and we will go all the way with him. This moneky business going on the Judiciary will not affect our support for Kidero.

“We believe he is the right man for the job and he was validly elected” said ODM acting leader Anyang’ Nyong’o.

BRING BACK OUR GIRLS: South Africans protest in solidarity against the abduction three weeks ago of hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria. INSET: A photo taken from a video by the Boko Haram terrorist network, showing the alleged missing girls abducted from the northeastern town of Chibok. The new video purports to show dozens of abducted schoolgirls, covered in jihab and praying in Arabic. It is the first public sight of the girls since more than 300 were kidnapped from a northeastern school the night of April 14 exactly four weeks ago.

Ban on long distance night travel lifted Long distance public service vehicles are now free to resume night travel after the High Court lifted a ban that was imposed by the Transport ministry.

High Court Judge George Odunga yesterday lifted the five-month ban after Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael

Kamau and the National Transport and Safety Board (NTSB) failed to give reasons why the orders should remain in force.

The decision followed the lapse of a 60-day period given to the Minister to prove the validity of the move.

Mr Kamau was expected to

give court reasons why the orders should be enforced or file an application seeking for the orders to be extended.

Instead, he admitted that the new regulations breached the law as they were passed without parliament’s approval as is required.

Matatu owners had challenged

the enforcement of the rules citing improper introduction.

Judge Odunga found that the regulation requiring compliance to the new night travel laws were indeed invalid but granted the 60 days ban to allow the government to make the laws legal.

He had also ruled that the existing public service vehicle owners’ licences, which had been canceled by the NTSB, are still valid and that the fine imposed on public service vehicle owners for contravening the new laws are invalid.

Governors hounded: The Governor’s seat continued to gain the dubious distinction as the most insecure job in the new constitution dispensation, as the Kericho Govenor Paul Chepkwony joined a growing list of his colleagues who are fighting to remain in office. Members of Kericho County Assembly voted to impeach Chepkwony on a day that Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero won a temporary reprieve from the Supreme Court .

BUSiness | 7 THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

newsbriefs Telco Safaricom to provide internet where it’s needed

in charge: Kazuo Hirai, Sony’s Chief Executive Officer pledged to turn the company’s fortunes around two years ago.

He has been forced to shift goalposts as the company is set to make losses until at least March 2015.

No profits for Sony Corp until after 2015 Sony has announced that it will remain unprofitable until 2015 after a restructuring process kicked it out of the personal computer business.

The Japanese electronics giant says it expects to make losses of up to 50 billion yen (Sh42.7 billion) in the next financial year. The company has already made losses worth 125 billion yen (Sh107 billion) for the 12 months to

March 2014.

The firm has been struggling to turn around its TV division which has been losing to stiff competition from Asian rivals such as Samsung Electronics.

Sony Chief Financial Officer Kenichiro Yoshida has said the company has turned Sony’s TV manufacturing business into a separate unit.

The department will focus on

production of large screen models in order to save some money. “In previous years, the restructuring was mostly within business units and in manufacturing,” he says.

“This time the difference is that we are quitting businesses entirely.”

Prior to the announcement, Sony’s TV unit had lost about Sh600 billion in the past decade. The company

has since been betting on the sale of smartphones, cameras and game consoles like the PlayStation to help turn fortunes around.

The poor results have put pressure on Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai, who pledged to turn the company’s fortunes around two years ago.

The firm’s executives are set to lose bonuses due to the weak results.

theindustry

As Safaricom moves to widen its customer base, it will allow consumers to access the Internet in new venues using their phones, laptops or personal computers as soon as the initiative kicks off.

Big shopping malls, small businesses and government agencies across the country will soon have access to wireless Internet services.

“We are targeting selected malls in cities such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa and Kisumu with WiFI,” said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.

The telco is already offering wireless Internet services on commuter vehicles.

“A total of 46 PSV vehicles have been fitted with free Wi-Fi transmitters in a Sh7 million initiative that seeks to boost the number of customers who access the Internet for information, education and communication,” said Peter Arina, Safaricom’s General Manager in charge of the Consumer Business Unit.

The telco hopes to fit more than 200 matatus with wireless Internet services by September 2014.

Business registration soon to be a breeze It will take a day to register a business starting next month, Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed has said.

The CS says the ministry is working on a countrywide automation of registration procedure. Plans are underway to review some laws to ease the process.

“We are working on getting all processes automated to ease business operations. We are also planning to change some laws and make them more efficient,” Mohammed said.

A World Bank report says it takes 27 days to register a business in Kenya.

The CS says registration fees will soon be paid via mobile money transfer.

jobs creator: Matatus at a Nairobi bus station. The public transport system in the country provides employment for more that 160,000 people.

State PSV strategy spells doom for 14-seaters and their employees The public transport system in Kenya, especially matatus, provides jobs for more than 160,000 people.

A survey by the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR) shows that matatus provide 80,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirectly.

The industry, which is the key mode of transport for passengers, faces severe competition from a government initiative that seeks to phase

out the vehicles.

Thousands of operators face the risk of losing jobs with plans to introduce a mass transit bus system in Nairobi in June. The programme poses a threat to matatu operators’ source of income.

The Nairobi County government says buses with capacity to carry more than 62 passengers will be introduced.

With time, City Hall is expected to phase out 14-seater vehicles which largely contribute to traffic jams in the Central Business District (CBD). Despite the bad reputation, the sector pays Sh1.09 billion annually to the government in tax. Investors in the business are likely to lose heavily if they do not embrace the changes.

“The initial capital to invest in

matatus is large and hence difficult to raise. Most operators fund purchase through savings and work and pay system,” says IPAR researcher Preston Chitere.

IPAR researcher Thomas Kibua says the cost of operating a matatu is Sh3,361 a day for an 18-seater vehicle and Sh3,882 for 25-seaters.

“A larger share of daily cost goes to fuel and wages,” he says.

Once the move to phase out the 14-seater vehicles is finalised, a number of players will be forced to change routes since the bus transit system will take over many of the existing pathways.

It runs from Athi River to Kikuyu towns, Thika to the Nairobi Central Business District and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the CBD.

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BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

All systems go for new NSSF rates Kenyan employees will, within the next two weeks, be required to contribute six per cent of their salary to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

This is up from the flat rate of Sh200 from employees and another Sh200 employers currently contribute.

The NSSF Act 2013, which will take effect next month, will make it mandatory for workers and their employers to each contribute six per cent of the employee’s salary, bringing the total to 12 per cent.

“If you are an employer, it has implications and it is likely that you will pay more to employees,” said Retirement Benefits Authority Supervision Manager, Charles Machira.

Speaking to stakeholders in meeting in Nairobi earlier this week, Machira said once the Act takes effect, there would be contributions to NSSF and also to private retirement schemes.

This, he explained would likely see employers pay twice towards their workers’ retirement benefits.

Under the new Act, workers earning

business101 Buying land in Kenya explained The Ministry of Lands has embarked on a digital backup of its records.

Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu said will help improve efficiency at the ministry and ease the process of buying land. Below are the steps that one currently needs to follow before buying land: First, identify the land you wish to buy. To protect yourself fraud, Cyrus Maina, a lawyer, advises that you do an official search on the land at the nearest lands office.

To do an official search, you have to complete a search application form, attach a copy of the title deed of the land you intend to buy, and pay a search fee of Sh100. This should confirm the true owner of the land, and if there are any restric-

Sh3,000 or less will pay a discounted rate of Sh180 to the fund, while the employer will pay the same amount, bringing the total to Sh360. Those earning Sh18,000 and above will contribute Sh1, 080 as their employer matches the sum and brings the total to Sh2, 160. The same rates will apply to those earning up to half a million shillings and above.

The NSSF Act also states that no one will be able to get a job if he or she does not have an NSSF card.

tions, or caveats, on the sale of the land.

You will a need lawyer to prepare a sales agreement between you and the seller. At this stage, you can then pay a deposit to the owner, who will provide you with documents to start a proper transfer. The documents will include the original Title Deed in the name of the land owner, three copies of the land transfer forms, three passport size photographs of the land owner, PIN number and their ID number.

The balance is paid only after all the necessary documents have been exchanged. Your lawyer should confirm that the documents are authentic and must certify the documents before presenting them to the lands registration office.

infrastructure

60 junctions to go in city plan to ease congestion

AVERAGE KENYANS: Lady tailors at the Wildlife Works Apparel eco-factory in Rukinga. Workers like her will be contributing more to the NSSF starting next month.

buckstop

More than 60 road junctions in Nairobi will soon be removed in a new Sh2 billion plan to reduce congestion in the city, Transport and Infrastructure Principal Secretary John Mosonik has said.

“We will replace the junctions with acceleration and deceleration lanes,” he explained during an official announcement in Nairobi.

Acceleration and deceleration lanes are speed change areas that allow vehicles to merge with ongoing traffic.

The junctions, which have been blamed for traffic congestion in and around the city, will be demolished as the Ministry of Transport sets deadlines for the com-

Lack of premises no hinderance for hair stylist Lynnet Anambo plaits hair in her home in Donholm as a means to make ends meet as she searches for a permanent job. Saturdays are the best days for business when Lynnet can make up to Sh2, 000.

On a good week, she can rake in Sh5, 000, and Sh20, 000 in a month. “On most

days, I can plait four people,” says Lynnet. “Weaves are the most common hair styles, which I charge Sh500 to Sh1, 000 depending on the weave and style the client wants.”

Her clients are mostly friends and neighbours who also recommend their other friends to her. “My clients come to

my house to get plaited but I can also go to their homes if they request and they usually cater for the transport.”

Lynnet says business peaks during school holiday. “When on holiday, school children want to plait braids, which usually cost more and is good for me,” she says, “it usually

depends on the size of braids one wants and it can cost Sh1, 000.” She although admits that not having access to a salon has limited the services she can offer her clients like blow-drying their hair, wash and set but the money she makes is enough for her upkeep.

pletion of roads in Nairobi.

Mosonik said the Mara Road in Upperhill, which runs all the way to the Kenyatta National Hospital, will\ be completed by August.

At the same time, the road running from Lang’ata to Bomas, which contains one of the said junctions, is set for an upgrade within the same period.

“The contractor has up to August to complete it. We are no longer going to see any delays because we want to move to new projects,” Musonik said.

He said that work on all the roads will include construction of walkways, cycle tracks and footbridges.

PLAY | 9

forecast

THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

HOROSCOPES

Feeling unusually adventurous, Capricorn? You’re often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today are going to push you even further on your spiritual quest. Satisfy your desire to discover new horizons.

Vote for your winning pick of today’s top three insta moments (below) by sending an email with the picture number to news@x-news.co.ke 1

2

3

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Aquarius.

Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Pisces.

Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul.

Go to a church and light a candle, sit outdoors and watch the changing sky, or study a painting in a local museum.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

s y’ to dapho r e st ing e Y nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

Yesterday’s solution

Jacque Nicol

yoursay

WE ARE TRULLY A DRUNKEN SOCIETY Picture this,in Kiambu Town near the main EABL depot,from as early as 0445hrs,young men mostly touts & upcoming Drivers,stream in for the quick gulp,then walk to the main Bus stage to ask for ‘squads’ stinking like ‘sh*t’... its a disgrace how our young energetic men spoil their lives with this filth in the name of ‘kutoa lock’...you wonder what will happen to their existing and non-existing families,we only Pray God to Protect.— Gilbert Nyoro, NAIROBI

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

With today’s planetary energy, you’ll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Virgo. You’ll finally be able to say what you really think about things. It’s an important change for you.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use.

As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value, the time comes when it’s necessary to look to the future rather than dwell on the past.

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you’ll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do. You’ll be recharged, and some of the wonderful discussions could lead to something great.

greatread

—by Anthony Doerr

Play the XNews Sudoku and be in with a chance of winning a Sh500 meal voucher everyday.

To participate, send a photo of your completed Sudoku via Whatsapp to +254722980807, or by email to: news@x-news. co.ke.

The first person to send in the correct completed puzzle wins the voucher.

Yesterday’s winner

Today your brain is supercharged, Leo. If you’ve been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

All The Light We Cannot See

sudoku-Sponsored by The Patio Restaurant

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.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

Today you’re unstoppable! You’re a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you’ll be able to accomplish even more than usual. You have an abundance of energy, more than enough to handle everything that comes your way.

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Gemini. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

It’s as though you have symbolically just completed an in-depth acting class.

1. Protecting the fundamentals-Njeri Wangari, CBD. 2. Who needs a belt?— Moses Mutembei, Innercore.

3. Waiting for the key to my heart-Kimani Joram, Bomas.

Today’s planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights. You’ll be encouraged to explore your desires and personal tastes and express your opinion openly and clearly.

A new phase in your life is beginning, Aries. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities. And you did accomplish some good deeds to boot.

Today’s aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Taurus. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit, now is the time to begin planning exactly how to go about it.

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

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

Marie Laure is a blind French girl who lives with her father in Paris. The professional locksmith works at the Museum of Natural History. He has built her a model of their neighbourhood so that she can memorise it with her fingers and empower her to go through the streets with her cane and feet. When the Germans occupy Paris, they are forced to flee to Saint-Malo where her uncle lives.

In Germany, Werner grows up enamoured with the world of radios and becomes a master of repairing them. The talent wins him a spot at the military academy

where he specialises in detecting resistance. He travels to Russia and finally to Saint-Malo where he meets Marie-Laure.

The book tells the story of their bid to survive the devastation of World War II.

Wendy Wahito teaching the world to cook Wendy Wahito is an aspiring chef, food enthusiast and blogger.

She uses the blog to document her love of food and her experiences with different cuisines from around the world.

The blog was started in August 2013 and has over time gained its own audience. She posts a new recipe on weekly basis.

She often gets requests from readers on the recipes she should prepare and occassionally, she invites celebrities to contribute to her video blogs (vlogs).

Among the celebritites that have been featured on the blog are Muthoni Drama Queen, Carol Odera , Porgie, and Lenana Kariba to help her cook.

10 |

TRENDING

Spike your wardrobe THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

The spikes-and-studs fashion rend was traditionally associated with gothism.

However, over the years, it has become a sensation, gracing both runways and streets.

It may be a risky look to pull off but the secret is not to overdo it. For example, if you wear spiked jeans, then they you don’t wear a spike shirt.

Spikes and studs are also good accessories, which can resusci-

tate a dead item of clothing.

This is achieved by clipping spiked studs to old clothing.

This is guaranteed to make them fashionable again.

The studs come in different shapes and sizes; cones, pyramids and flat head. They also come in different colours but the gold and the silver ones are most popular. This is because the golden ones have a luxury and class statement affixed on

them.

Silver studs read young and hip.

The studs can be affixed on the collar of a shirt, the sleeves or the elbows.

For jeans or shorts, they can be added on the back pocket or the waistline.

Spiky studs can also be used to give life to belts, handbags, shoes, bracelets and rings.

fashionquirk

Extreme scarification is all the rage now, tattoos are too bland Tired of tattoos or think they have become too mainstream?

Well, scarification is another option.

Scarification is the scratching, etching, branding or cutting designs, pictures, or words into the skin as a permanent body modification.

People actually pay to get this done to them; on their arms, legs,

stomachs and some even on their faces, mainly because they want to set themselves apart and also for cosmetic purposes To get scarification, one has to have a high threshold of pain because it involves branding using either heat, lasers or electrocution. The process may also involve the removal of patches of skin with a blade, or the use of

showtime

chemicals that burn the skin until the desired design is achieved.

And all this without the use of anaesthesia or pain relievers!

The procedure can be fatal because some practices like burning can break the skin and the mucus membranes and lead to excessive bleeding as well as exposure to infection.

fakerush

Wambui’s clothes-made for women to feel beautiful Angelsmile House of Design is one of the top fashion houses in the country.

It was founded by Wambui Kibue, who doubles up as the head designer. The label was started in 2010 and has three lines: custom-made, ready-to-wear and couture.

The couture range mainly comprises bridal gowns.

Kibue does not have a favourite fabric, colour or pattern and she says her clothes are made to make women feel beautiful and special.

Sanaipei Tande, Sheila Mwanyigah, Kaz and Ajuma are among the celebrities she has dressed.

This year, on May 31, she will be showcasing at the FAFA-Fashion for peace gala at The Oval in Westlands.

Angelsmile wedding dresses sell at Sh38,000 onwards depending on the material and cut.

The label has a shop at Embassy House on Harambee Avenue.

How to spot fake timberland boots

1.Retail box All Timberland boots come in a shoe box that is branded at the top and side with the Timberland logo, which is usually a tree.

2.Heel Logo The Timberland tree logo is on the outside of the boot, usually on the heel.

Also check for the registered trademark circled R. The logo is also on the sole of the shoe.

3.Stitching The stitching on all Timberland boots is of the highest quality. The stitching colour will match the colour of the shoe and will be straight, evenly spaced and perfectly finished.

4.Texture Feel the texture of the shoe. If it feels light or almost like plastic or seems to be made of poor quality materials then it is fake.

CAREER | 11

wantmyjob?

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

coursesin...

Mboloi Abbih Nguma, a 25 year-old urban rhumba artist, goes by the stage name Abbih Nguma. He spoke to X NeWs about his job.

Rhumba Artist XN: What does being an artist entail?

MA: It is about hard work, endurance, self-discipline, daily self-evaluation and most importantly, dedication.

XN: How many hours do you work in a day?

MA: It depends on the projects I’m planning for or working on at a particular moment. At times I can work up to 24hrs or none at all. But on average, I work for three hours a day.

XN:How much do you earn?

MA: That’s for me to know but I survive and all my bills are paid.

XN: What qualifications/ qualities do you need to have for being an artist?

MA: You need to know what you really want in music and why you are in music in the first place. The rest will fall into place.

XN: Was being a musician your dream career?

MA: Yes, music has always been a part of me since I was a small boy. I was surrounded by music and so I knew it is what I had always wanted to do. I thank God that He provided an opportunity to practice.

XN: Challenges you faced when starting out?

MA: Challenges are there even after

establishing yourself. From false promoters and con men to contracts that kill morale. The biggest challenge I faced as I started out was getting funds to record my music and getting it out there. I still face the challenge up to today.

XN: What type of music do you do?

MA: People call it Afro-fusion…I call it Urban Rhumba.

XN: Do you have an album/single out?

MA: I have two singles out; that is, Kazi Yako produced

by Rkay, and a wedding song, I Still Remember, in which I collaborated with Norah Mwongeli.

It was produced by Jesse Bukindu and Jacky B. I plan to do a video for the song next month.

Want to control money?

Study BCom at CUEA There are virtually no institutions that can run without money. This means financial controllers form a critical part of any organisation because they determine how revenues are to be raised and spent in liaison with respective management boards.

Bachelor of Commerce equips prospective financial and human capital managers with relevant skills for efficient service delivery.

Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) offers these skills.

Course category: Degree in Bachelor of Commerce.

Specialisations: Accounting Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Mgt Banking and financial services Mgt and service management.

Campuses: Lang’ata Gaba, Eldoret duration: Four academic years.

Admission requirements: A minimum grade C+ (Plus) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and a minimum C Plain in Maths and English.

Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education GCE or A-levels applicants will need at least 2 principal passes or equivalent.

They must have passed in subjects related to commerce.

Fees: One will require Sh138, 500 for one academic year which add up to Sh554, 000 to complete the course.

Career opportunities range from financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, health, academic or industrial firms.

Creativity a way to be rid of poverty At 20, Edwin Nyaboe has already veered into the mitumba business.

“You do not have to attend a business class or graduate with a first class degree to start an income generating deal. All one need is knowledge, diligence and funds,” says Nyaboe. He supplements his wallet with proceeds from his baby wear sales.

Nyaboe is among thousands of graduates who leave institutions of learning with the

hope of finding jobs in the formal sector.

Self-employment and innovation were hardly thought of. But the situation is slowly changing with the realisation that there is lack of office space so innovation and skills are critical for development.

Full of robust ideas, the youth are steering the economy forward by running private firms and enterprises. They have ventured into farming, electronic inventions, scien-

online

logged on:online solutions for slow learners are available.

tific researches, socio-economic projects; anything that would challenge poverty.

One of them is William Kibowen Towett, the self-made millionaire from Nakuru.

He was featured on K24’s September 2013 Young Rich programme which unveils Kenya’s youngest and established entrepreneurs.

Kibowen, 28, is entrepreneur, farmer and car salesman rolled into one. The Imperial Motors owner has a

SAleS pitCh: Second hands clothes business is a livelihood for many Kenyans.

net worth of Sh40 to Sh45 million. He started off as a car wash attendant after high school before growing a passion for motor dealing. After making some reasonable sav-

ings, he opted out to start car sale deals. Sub-Sahara Africa has always been riddled with poverty and health care problems. Residents in the region shy away from innovations

and careful planning. The region has vast amounts of resources, energy and labour force. Yet the people fail to think beyond self-imposed limitations.

Online student aid for slow learners available Institutions offering online studies initiate student-based support to bridge the gap for slow learners. Dr Judith Boettcher, a distance learning expert, says creating an online course community generates balanced dialogue between students and teachers. In her article Designing for Learning, she says early evaluation by instructors of the mode of delivery

and seeking feedback from students can foster quality learning.

“The early feedback is done early in the course so corrections and modifications can be made. It is an easy opening for students who might have comments or suggestions or questions,” says Boettcher The Glossary of Education Reform suggests a number of academic support

programmes available for students. It says teachers can monitor a student’s performance and give personalised response in their areas of weaknesses. By monitoring, they will adjust delivery strategies to meet student needs for better understanding because they are from diverse backgrounds. Struggling students are catered for by colleges creating extra time in

learning labs where instructional time is not limited as in formal online class. In the labs, students work closely with instructors who spend extra time explaining difficult subjects. For students close to colleges, after school lab sessions are organised. Technology-assisted strategies involve visual simulations such as games that are used to explain complex concepts.

12 |

FUN

THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

filmmenu What’s in the cinemas Today being a Thursday, you can’t wait for the weekend but then there is still Friday to negotiate.Re-energise for the last day of the working week by checking out the movies on offer at any into Imax, Century Cinemax Junction, and Fox Cineplex at Sarit Centre, the best entertainment theatres in the city.

Theatres 2 iMax, Fox Cineplex, Century

Endless Love (2014, USA)

A charismatic boy’s instant desire for a privileged girl ignites a love affair that parents disapprove and they try to separate them.

Century Cinemax Junction: 7.30pm, 9.40pm:

Captain America:The Winter Soldier (2014, USA) Steve Rogers is striving to accommodate the past, the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier, into his role in the modern world.

Imax: 8.40pm and Century Cinemax Junction: 7pm, 9.40 pm:

Noah (2014)

A story of a man chosen by God to rescue his people before a deluge.

Imax: 6pm: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014, USA) Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life.

Century Cinemax Junction: 6.50pm, 9.40pm; Fox Cineplex Sarit Canter: 6.55pm, 9.30pm:

THE FILM: Russell Crowe played the lead role in the film Noah. The controversial movie has been banned in a number of Asian countries and in China, on religious grounds.

Biblical Noah returns to raise controversy “In the beginning, there was nothing,” is first line of the film Noah, which has in the two months since its release attracted a lot of controversy.

The movie is loosely based on the life of the Biblical Noah and the events leading to the apocalyptic

killerdancemoves

flood that cleansed the world.

“It is not the Noah you know, but something provocative, flawed and mostly astonishing: an outsider blockbuster with a mythic texture that’s less Genesis than Revelation,” writes Robbie Collin, a film Critic.

The film was banned in Malaysia,

Indonesia, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. The Al-Azhar institute of Egypt described the film as irreligious and advised that it should not be screened in the country.

Regarding the bans, Russell Crowe, the star said those Arab countries

would miss out on “stimulation and discussion”.

The film will also not be released in China, the world’s second-largest film market, with local censors dismissed it on religious grounds.

Drinkingcorner

Willy Bounce

Wind up your day with Red Cherry Sangria

Step1

Step2

Step3

Bend your knees and lift one leg up as you place your hands on your side.

Throw one arm to your side as you swing from left to right. Bend your body at the waist and repeat.

Lift one arm up and drop one down as you bob your waist from side to side.

the hitlist

Cherry Sangria has a fine sweet smooth taste that keeps you wanting more and more. With simple preparation techniques it makes an unforgettable evening and can serve up to 10 people in one sitting.

Ingredients: 750 ML red wine 750 ML bottle Brandy Fresh pitted sweet Cherry fruit Orange juice 300 ML 1 cup Simple syrup 1 cup unsweetened cherry juice Ice cubes Sliced pieces of orange Preparation: Put all the ingredients in a big bowl and shake them well. Add small pieces of sliced orange and cherry a fruity sweet taste. This only takes 10 minutes but will make the party worthwhile.

Industrial Area

Serena Hotel

Upperhill

Westlands

Parklands

Choices Pub

Aksum Bar

Shebeen Bar

Ebony Lounge

K1 Klubhouse

Thursday night live with Kosovo

Whiskey and Jazz night

Project shame karaoke with Martin Kariuki

HipHop Rhapsody

One love Thursdays hosted by Dohty Family

Admission: Free Time: 8pm-11pm

Admission: Free Time: 6pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 7pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 9pm-3am

Admission: Freez Time: 5pm onwards

THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

Sport

political runner MP Wesley Korir is in Canada training for the Ottawa Marathon. He says he’s ready P.15

Gor likely to relocate

HAPPIER DAYS: Gor Mahia players celebrate a goal in a past league match. The 2014 season has not been friendly to the defending Champions, who besides losing their sponsor, Tuzo, have now been forced to vacate the City Stadium.

KCB ready for Kenya Cup finals Defending Kenya Cup champions, Nakuru Athletic Club, face a titanic clash with Kenya Commercial Bank for the national title at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.

KCB qualified for the Kenya Cup finals with an impressive 24-8 victory over Harlequins at the grounds last week.

The champions romped into the finals after rolling over Strathmore Leos 30-16 in a pulsating semi-final also played last weekend.

KCB coach Curtis Olago says his boys needed the victory more than the rivals.

The coach has called for the same spirit in the finals but warned his team to be wary of the champions who have already been one better this season.

“Nakuru are the best side in the country but we must take the game to them,” said the coach.

“Sticking to our game plan is what we intend to do. They are the best but I know they are in for a major surprise,” he said.

Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia are likely to shift their home matches to the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

The move follows the decision by the Nairobi City County to ask the team to vacate City Stadium.

Club chairman Ambrose Rachier has implied that the champions have a high percentage of moving to Kisumu and make it home.

“We received a notice from Nairobi County to vacate City Stadium. I want to be on record saying I support the initiative because the stadium needs a facelift. We must accept and get another venue for training and our home matches,” said the chairman.

“We don’t want to block Nairobi County’s initiative to renovate the oldest facility in Kenya.

That is why we are seeking an alternative venue with Kisumu the front runner,” he said.

The Nairobi County government plans to demolish City Stadium, the oldest stadium in Kenya, and set up a new one.

“Moi Kisumu is ready in terms of playing surface but the perimeter wall is yet to be completed. Immediately contractors are done with perimeter wall, we will move our matches to Kisumu.

In the meantime, we are looking for an alternative venue in Nairobi and outside,” said Rachier.

Scolari denies Sh720m tax evasion

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has denied any wrongdoing after being accused of tax evasion in Portugal.

Media reports said Scolari allegedly failed to pay Sh720million tax dating from his 2003-2008 stint with the Portuguese national side.

Tax evasion involving large sums of money carries a prison sentence in Portugal.

“I made all my income tax declarations correctly,” Scolari, who coached Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title, said in a statement.

“I always declared my earnings in all the countries I worked in.

I am absolutely convinced of the correctness of my declarations,” he said.

“If there is something wrong it is not of my doing,” said Scolari, who invited the authorities to look into “all the facts.”

Scolari, who is Brazilian, led his country’s national team to the World Cup title in 2002. He later coached Portugal’s national team from 2003-08, and will again coach the Brazilian team at this year’s World Cup.

It is all a lie: Felipe Scolari had been accused of tax evasion, but he says it is not true.

14 |

SPORT

The countdown is on—27 days to go

THURSDAY, mAY 15, 2014

Cup title in 1992 remains the Elephants’ only achievement in international football.

They lost in the continental final in 2006 and 2012, reached the semis in 2008, and the quarters in 2010 and 2013.

They have never got out of their World Cup groups in their past two attempts.

“I’m proud to be a part of this adventure and to be making footballing history in my country. We want to do something special at this World Cup. The last two have been difficult so we’re hoping for a bit more luck this time around and we want to get through the first round at the very least,” Drogba said.

“It hasn’t been easy so far but when we all work for one another, we get our just rewards.”

Striker Didier Drogba is in the enviable position of celebrating his 100th international cap at a World Cup finals but this is likely that this will mean nothing if his Ivory Coast team fails to make an impact in Brazil.

The tournament represents the last shot for the so-called ‘golden generation’ of Ivory Coast at international football glory.

Brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure are joined by fellow Premier League-based stars Cheick Tiote and Wilfried Bony, and a host of other highly talented and experienced players in what is likely to be the generation’s international swansong.

And the team could really do with a good performance in Brazil. It will be the third straight World Cup for the country. The Africa Nations

The squad: Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry, Sylvain Gbohouo, Ali Sangare Badra, Sayouba Sande.

Defenders: Kolo Toure Sol Bamba, Didier Zokora, Serge Aurier, Arthur Boka, Benjamin

Angoua, Ousmane Viera Diarrassouba , Constant Djakpa, Brice Dja Djedje, Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro.

Midfielders: Yaya Toure, Cheik Tiote, Serey Die, Max Gradel, Diomande Ismael, Didier Ya Konan, Mathis Bolly.

Forwards: Gervinho, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Wilfried Bony , Seydou Doumbia Lacina Traore, Giovanni Sio.

Last shot for Ivorian golden generation Celebrated Park Ji-sung retires

Former South Korea captain Park Ji-sung has rejected calls for a return to help the squad at Brazil 2014 and retiring from top-flight football. The long-time Manchester United midfielder has represented his nation at three World Cups the most notable World Cup semi-finals place in South Korea back in 2002. The 33-year-old Park played his last season on loan with PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch league. In his immediate plans are two pre-season club friendly matches later this month and a

wedding date in July. A high-energy, hard-working midfielder, Park followed manager Guus Hiddink from the national team to Eindhoven after the 2002 World Cup, then became the first South Korean to make an impact in the Premier League after signing with Manchester United, where he won the 2008 Champions League and four Premier League titles.

At the time of negotiations for his last contract at Manchester United in 2011, manager Alex Ferguson said the Korean’s “career at United

has been nothing but excellent, a tremendous professional.”

Park left Old Trafford in 2012 after seven seasons to make an ill-fated move to Queens Park Rangers. After the team’s relegation from the English Premier League, Park was loaned to PSV Eindhoven, where his European football journey had begun in 2003. “I’ve been mulling retirement since February, and I’ve concluded that my knee won’t hold up for another season,” Park said. “I have no regrets about my career.

Squad Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-ryeong, Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Bom-young, Defenders: Kim Jin-soo Yun, Suk-young Kim Young-kwon, Hwang Seok- Hong Jeong-ho, Kwak Tae-hwi Lee Kim Chang-soo Midfielders: Ki Seung-yeung Ha Dae-sung Han Kookyoung Park Jung-woo Son Heung-min Kim Bo-kyoung Lee Chung-yong, Ji Dong-won Forwards: Koo Ja-cheol Lee Keun-ho Park Chu-young, Kim Shin-wook.

Adidas’ Brazuca is Brazil 2014 official ball The Brazuca has been unveiled as the official ball of Brazil 2014.

It is the 12th ball created for the World Cup by sports gear makers, Adidas. Players have been asked to not kick the ball as hard now compared with 2010. The giant company came under fire four years ago for the Jabulani, the official ball at the 2010 competi-

tion in South Africa, which was heavily criticised. “Its trajectory is unpredictable,” claimed Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, while Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano branded it “supernatural”.

Adidas claims the Brazuca has improved touch and accuracy.

“We do extensive flight path analysis and the results have shown

constant and predictable paths, with deviations hardly recognisable,” said Adidas’s football director Matthias Mecking.

Experts outline three factors that are expected to influence how the official ball of Brazil 2014 will behave. “The most important thing on the soccer ball is how much roughness you have,”

explained Dr Rabi Mehta, branch chief at the US space agency’s (Nasa) Ames Research Center in California, and an aerodynamics expert. The amount of roughness, he explains, “dictates the critical speed at which you get maximum ‘knuckling’ of the ball”. He tested the Jabulani in a wind tunnel and has been looking at the Brazuca.

SPORT| 15

Korir ready for Ottawa race THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

Wesley Korir, MP for Cherangani, is looking forward to a good race in the Ottawa Marathon, on May 25.

Thanks to an impressive record in the distance, Korir is the man to watch in the race.

The tactically-smart University of Louisville graduate is most famous for his ‘come from behind’ victory at the 2012 Boston Marathon. But he is also a two-time winner of Los Angeles Marathon, finished second in Chicago in 2011with a personal best of 2:06:13 he recorded at the 2012 Chicago Marathon.

“My training has been going well—not the best, but good,” he admitted. “I think coming to Canada for the two months before the race will allow me to push it to the next level. I have been doing about 70 to 80 miles a week and I’m now starting to push it up there.

Korir, 31, is naturally cautious about predicting the results

of the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon but believes he will be ready.

“Ottawa is going to be an incredible competitive field,” he said. “I think Ottawa has done a great job in recruiting the best athletes. It will give me an opportunity to compete and try to win the race. My first goal is to win the race.”

Meanwhile, organisers of the marathon have put up a bonus of Sh850,000 and a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe sports utility vehicle to whoever beats the standards in Ottawa in addition to the Sh1.7M top prize money.

The fastest time ever run on Canadian soil is 2:07:05 by Ethiopia’s Derissa Chimsa a year ago in Toronto.

The legislator also noted that he values personal security while training.

“I train by myself but I have a bodyguard; a policeman, who runs with me sometimes. He is a 2:06 guy,” he said.

TOP DOG: Cherangany MP Wesley Korir crosses the finish line of the Bosto Marathon in 2021. He has been training in Canada ahead of the Ottawa Marathon.

KCB rally in Kerio Valley gets new route A new route has been included in the KCB National Rally Championship set for Kerio Valley on May 26.

The rally, dubbed the KCB Mtaani Eldama Ravine Rally, has been organised

by Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club. It will see two historic stages make up the fourth round of the season, said the course clerk and Safari Rally veteran Frank Tundo at a media briefing.

“From the start, at Eldama Ravine, we go

Nasri’s girlfriend makes World Cup omission personal Samir Nasri’s girlfriend, Anara Atanes, launched an extraordinary outburst after the Manchester City midfielder was left out of the France World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old Nasri fell out of favour under Didier Deschamps thought to be due to disciplinary reasons - and Anara Atanes made her feelings known on Twitter.

She posted: ‘F*** france and f*** Deschamps!

What a s*** manager!’

And to reiterate her point, the British model tweeted: ‘In case u didn’t read my tweet properly.... Ill repeat myself..... f*** FRANCE!!!!! And f***

40Km down into Kerio, to a place called Tugumoi, down to the very bottom—the main Tenges Florspar road. We will go in there and that’s where the first stage is,” he said. The second stage has not been used for the last 40 years and will have no tracks.

“We will repeat the first stage and do another stage that we did 40 years ago then come up at Flourspar for the second time. We have a short spectator

stage near service that will be run twice,” said Tundo.

The cars will be flagged off at the KCB Eldama Ravine branch by Governor Benjamin Cheboi at 7am. The competitive sections include Baringo and Elgeyo Markwet counties. Drivers will head 40Km towards Eldoret, Kerio Valley, Fluorspar, Kinwogo forest region and into the only service point at Kamwosor Service Park.

ROAD RUNNER: The KCB rally will take place on May 26.

Mike Okoth proud of son in Belgium World Cup squad

Deschamps!’

Nasri joined in on the social media act later, posting: “Thank you for all your messages of support, that’s life, another World Cup at home to realise what does not kill makes you stronger.”

And he even replied his girlfriend: “Love you don’t get upset. Life sometimes is unfair but you have to accept it and deal with it.”

Deschamps, speaking on the omission, said “He ( Nasri) has important status with Manchester City because he starts, which is not the case today in the France team.” the boy: Divock Origi was called up to the Belgian national team preparing for the World Cup in Brazil.

Former Kenyan international Mike Origi Okoth is proud of son Divock Origi, who got a call-up to the Belgium national team squad for the 2014 World Cup. The Lille striker has been named by coach Mark Wilmots in the 23-man squad that is set to hunt for the country’s first ever World Cup title in Brazil.

“I am happy for the kid. He has worked his way to the top of the World,” said Okoth.

Okoth also confirmed that Origi is serving national duty, for his country, Belgium.

“There were questions as to why he did not choose Kenya ahead of Belgium, but I say he is Belgian and not Kenyan,” he said.

Divock has earned his place in a starstudded squad alongside Chelsea’s Romeu Lukaku and Eden Hazard as well as Manchester United forward Adnen Januzaj.

SPORT

16 |

Giggs called to assist Van Gaal THURSday, MAY 15, 2014

Ryan Giggs gets offer to assist Van Gaal Ryan Giggs has been offered the job as Manchester United’s assistant manager after having talks with Louis van Gaal on Wednesday.

The Netherlands manager is set to be announced as the successor to the sacked David Moyes with Giggs, who had been in interim charge for the final four games of the season, as his right-hand man.

The 62-year-old former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager emerged as the favourite to take over at Old Trafford after Moyes was dismissed on April 22.

He has been in discussions with United’s executive vice-president Ed Wood-

ward, who is overseeing the search for the club’s second manager in as many seasons.

There has been a strong preference at board level for continuity on the coaching staff and Giggs is held in high esteem by the Old Trafford power-brokers. His lack of experience meant he was not considered for the job but Giggs is regarded as a potential future manager.

The 40-year-old, who was a player-coach under Moyes, is yet to decide whether to extend his career on the pitch and said it may depend on whether the next manager wants him to carry on.

He made his 963rd appearance for United as a substitute against Hull in their final home game.

number 2: Ryan Giggs.

Michael Gooner @MickTheGooner “On This Day 2004: Arsenal completed the League season unbeaten”

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