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eXtra.sharp Wednesday, 16.07.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

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Govt’s about-turn on GMO foods ban The Government has all but lifted the ban on genetically modified products.

Pressure to have the ban imposed in November

2012 lifted to increase food production has been unrelenting.

Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday urged

farmers to adopt the new technology to ensure food sufficiency.

“There have been a lot of distortion of information on

GMO crops and it is time Kenyans were told the truth.

This is the type of technology we can adopt to ensure food sufficiency for our people,”

Ruto said at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies during an international conference on agriculture financing.

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Regulation of alcohol prices will reduce deaths, says Mututho

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MAN of the hour: Deputy President William Ruto (second right) accompanied by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei and Nigerian Agriculture Minister Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina during the official opening of the international conference on Revolutionising Financing Agri-Value Chains at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, in Nairobi, yesterday. Ruto said farmers should use biotechnology to enhance food production.

Man claims land in Africa to make his daughter a real princess

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NEWS | 3

WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

Govt’s about-turn on GMOs ban From Page 1 The ban had been imposed following a controversial research that linked GMO products to cancer.

Proponents of GMOs said the decision was rushed because findings on which the research was based were sponsored by anti-GM crusaders.

Researchers and university lecturers have since joined the push for the Government to lift the ban as a way of solving perennial food shortages.

The calls have also been backed by the Council of Governors who have blamed the ban for food shortage experienced in parts of the country.

The council’s chairman for Biotechnology Committee Jack Ranguma claimed food supply has been a headache because the Government has shunned technology.

“Genetically modified crops is the key to tackling the challenge,” Ranguma told a biotechnology

stakeholders’ forum in Kisumu.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei was the first to hint on the Government’s apparent change of heart when he said last month they recognised GM crops as a food production alternative that can help check perennial food shortage.

“The Government recognises the potential that technology, including genetic modification, can offer towards attainment of food security,”

Koskei said in a speech read by Principal Secretary Japhet Ntiba during a global forum on food security at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

He said they were awaiting a report from a task force formed by the Ministry of Health to assess the safety of GM crops before advising on the way forward.

But Ruto’s remarks all but indicate the Government could have decided to lift the ban soon.

The DP argued that the country can no longer rely on traditional farming methods to produce enough food to sustain a growing population.

“What we should be asking ourselves is how to use biotechnology in food production to deal with hunger and poverty,” he said.

Poachers resort to poison instead of guns to kill jumbos Poachers are using subtle killing techniques after discovering that guns easily expose them to authorities.

The illegal hunters are poisoning the vegetation that elephants and rhinos feed on before killing them. They later pull off tusks and horns, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) says.

Speaking to XNews, Assistant Spokesperson Paul Muya said the gangsters were lacing food plants and water with a yet-to-be-confirmed poison.

“Poachers have invented a new method of killing the animals using poison in vegetation. This complicates the matter of getting rid of the menace,” the official said.

The technique was used in Zimbabwe and South Africa between 2011 and 2013 where smaller animals fed on the carcasses of the killed elephants and died of poisoning.

Muya said in the recent past, they have recovered carcasses without horns or tusks.

Closer examination revealed no gun shot wounds or other harm using sharp objects.

“We have been experiencing a shortage of human capacity, but by September 600 rangers will be graduating. They are undergoing training on how to identify poison that may be intended for poaching,” he said.

KWS dispelled claims from conservationists that there are more elephant and rhinos carcasses than the agency cannot account for.

“They (conservationists) do not carry out surveillance or census. It is our officers who traverse these conservancies. How do they know which animals are missing? They have never presented any evidence to us or any other oversight body to substantiate their claims,” said Muya.

KWS could not admit or deny a recent report by Interpol that indicated poaching is fuelling terrorism.

merciless butchers: An elephant killed by poachers. Poachers have resorted to poisoning animal food and water in a bid to avoid detection by rangers.

“Interpol is a global organisation and we cannot dispute their findings because they may have considered a number of factors.

As far as we are concerned, KWS has not

made arrests that are directly linked to terror groups,” Muya said.

Early this year, six senior officers were sent on compulsory leave on allegations of

involvement in the rampant killing of wild animals. Investigations cleared the officials after lack of evidence to support the claims before they were reinstated.

Dead girl ‘resurrects’, then passes on for good A three-year-old child who ‘came back to life’ at her funeral has been pronounced dead again.

Reports say the three-year-old Filipino girl who became the subject of a viral video that showed her coming back to life during her funeral on Sunday, has died. news@x-news.co.ke www.x-news.coke facebook.com/XnewsKenya twtter.com/XnewsKenya

The video that appears to show the small child from the south Philippines city of Aurora coming back to life went viral on Youtube, gaining over 4 million views in just two days.

The child was first pronounced dead on Saturday morning after tests by

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

doctors could not find life in the girl who had been suffering from fever for several days.

Family members were told by doctors the girl could not be revived.

The medics allowed the girl to be taken home as funeral arrangements were being made.

The reports said her parents’ neighbours removed the lid of her coffin on Sunday and noticed the girl’s head move.

The toddler was then lifted out of the casket, still breathing, and wrapped in a shawl as amazed mourners stared in shock and

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disbelief.

Local police chief inspector Heidil Teelan told The Philippines Star the girl had appeared to have died when doctors checked on Saturday morning, but she must have been in “a state of comatose”.

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NEWS

wednesday, JULy 16, 2014

OLX starts drive to beat fraudsters

Kenyan bank clients have the worst customer experiences

Local e-commerce firm OLX has embarked on an awareness campaign to protect buyers and sellers from fraudsters.

There have been several complaints about conmen posing as sellers or buyers and OLX country manager Peter Ndiangui says they have already taken steps to ensure advertisements posted on the website are genuine.

He says those who post suspicious adverts will be immediately blocked from using the platform.

Muranga college to be a university

Murang’a University College is set to be elevated to a full-fledged university by the end of this year. Deputy President William Ruto over the weekend said the Commission for University Education will soon present its report on the proposed elevation of the institution with preliminary findings indicating it could be given a charter soon.

Machakos University closed

Machakos University has been closed indefinitely after students went on rampage destroying property on Monday night.

The protests had begun following a blackout shortly after 7pm before the students proceeded to the Machakos-Katolobni road where they harassed motorists and stoned their cars. Anti-riot police were called in and dispersed the louts.

3 magistrates sacked by vetting board

Three magistrates have been sacked by the Judges and Magistrates Vetting board after they were found unsuitable serve in the judiciary. Magistrates Isaac Orege, Sogomo Gathogo and Innocent Maisiba were dismissed for drawing double salary from the lands ministry, using abusive and derogatory language in court and drunkenness respectively. The board said they had got many complaints aboutMaisiba’s habitual drunkenness.

Kenyans have some of the worst experiences when dealing with their banks compared to their global peers, a new survey has revealed. A report by Ernst & Young shows that more than half of bank customers in Kenya reported a bad experience, compared to a third globally. System failures and technical hitches like cash transfer delays were among the problems that many Kenyans admitted to facing. The survey titled, ‘Winning through customer experience’, was carried out in 43 countries with responses from 32,000 retail banking customers.

According findings from the study, 52 per cent of Kenyans have given up on a banking service over the past year because they

did not find it reliable. Ernst & Young head of advisory services for East and Central Africa, Celestine Munda, blamed the problems on aggressive uptake of technology innovations by banks, creating technical hitches that trickle down to customers.

“The customers, however, report that they are always satisfied with the resolutions when problems are solved,” Munda said.

The survey points out that the numerous problems should encourage local banks to improve their efficiency in problem-solving.

On the positive side, Kenyans cited the ability to withdraw cash via mobile phones and ATMs as the main cause of their confidence in banks.

Bill proposes fines for air polluting factories, cars

Motorists whose vehicles emit excessive fumes and factories polluting the environment will pay heavy fines when a law on air quality is passed.

The Air Quality Regulations Bill 2014 has been drafted by The National Environmental Authority (Nema) and is aimed at setting limits for exhaust emission into the atmosphere.

The bill seek to reduce the limits earlier set by the Environmental Management and Cordination Act of 1999.

Governments all over the world are preoccupied with containing air pollution from exhaust fumes emitted into the atmosphere and their contribution to climate change.

In Paris for instance, private motorists were denied entry to the city CBD in early April to limit the emission of such fumes into the air.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu said two months ago

SMOKY: Owners of vehicles emitting excessive fumes into the air will face heavy fines if a bill drafted by the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) becomes law.

her Ministry was on alert following the listing of the Nairobi by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the dirtiest in terms of air

quality.

“We are on alert and before the end of the year, we will have stiffer penalties and standards to ensure vehicles

and industries do not pollute the environment,” she said in May while launching the national guidelines for strategic environmental assessment.

That was to provide the guidelines on strict enforcement of environmental regulations, especially in Nairobi.

Mbagathi hospital opens 120-bed maternity wing A new 120-bed maternity wing was yesterday opened at the Mbagathi District Hospital to ease demand for maternity spaces in Nairobi hospitals. The Sh220 million expansion was funded by the Nairobi City County

Government. It is estimated that the hospitals serves 1,000 patients daily and the introduction of free maternity services further put pressure on the available spaces.

But the new maternity unit,

which is equipped with two theatres, neo-natal wards, and 20 incubators will now cater for most delivery cases. Speaking at the official opening ceremony yesterday, Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero said the

Nairobi County overnment wants Mbagathi Hospital to contribute to the improvement of health and well being in Nairobi.

“The wing will boost access to maternal health services and enable the country to

realize the millennium development goals of reducing death of mothers and infants at birth,” said Kidero.

“Plans are underway to replace scattered structures within this facility with a storey building” he added.

NEWS | 5

WEDNESDAY, JUlY 16, 2014

Regulate alcohol prices to curb deaths, says Mututho

The National Campaign Against Drugs and Alcohol (Nacada) Chairman John Mututho has proposed a raft of measures to help curb the rising death toll caused by intake of illegal drinks.

More than 100 people have died across the country in the past two months after taking poisonous drinks.

And Mututho has proposed for the harmonisation of alcohol prices to get rid of cheap drinks. He says manufacturers should be given tax relief to get rid of harmful substances like methanol with which they lace their drinks.

He has also called for a special police unit attached to Nacada saying implementation of the alcohol regulations commonly known as Mututho laws has been frustrated by lack of an enforcement agency to investigate and arrest law breakers.

“Nacada does not have the enforcement wing. We need a specialised unit to deal with the special crime. The wing will help in investigating illegal outlets as police engage in the control of all

preparing to kill: a distiller prepares a lethal alcoholic drink in a den. the national Campaign against alcohol and Drugs abuse says setting prices for all alcoholic drinks will curb the rising death toll caused by unregulated drinks.

manner of other crimes,” he said. The agency relies on regular police to effect the law. The officers end up perpetuating the illegal trade through corruption instead of arresting law breakers.

“Police are supposed to arrest illegally operating outlets and those drinking in

undesignated areas and time.

Perpetrators get away with it by bribing officers,” Mututho said. Mututho said negotiations with the Government, manufactures and other stakeholders should come up with mechanisms on how to reduce tax on liquor.

“Reducing tax on available

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and well prepared alcohol will make it affordable to those who must drink. This will prevent others not to go for cheap and low quality drinks,” Mututho said.

The agency has profiled all liquor outlets to ensure only licensed sellers operate.

He said some believe that

they must drink after eating while the youth perceive drinking as fashionable.

Nacada has embarked on a programme of collecting views from universities on causes of rampant drinking, including the obvious ones such as poverty and social factors.

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City motorist guns down suspected phone thief A man shot and killed a suspected thug in a botched robbery along Limuru Road in yet another gun drama incident involving a civilian licensed gun holder.

The man was driving home in a traffic jam near City Park when a gang of three attacked and tried to grab a mobile phone on Tuesday at about 9 pm. Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue said the motorist reached for his gun and killed one suspect as others fled on foot.

“He was defending himself and had to repulse them but unfortunately one of them died,” said Kibue.

No arrest has been made.

The incident comes barely two weeks after police arrested Fredrick Mwangi for shooting a motorist dead in Dagoretti.

Mwangi, who was later identified as an insurance manager with ICEA Lion Group, shot the motorist twice in the abdomen.

A second motorist was admitted to MP Shah Hospital for bullet wounds.

Mwangi, who was a licensed gun holder, told police he thought the men were carjackers and he feared they would rob and harm him.

He was later charged with murder and his gun confiscated.

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014

Nigerian police nab Boko Haram’s ‘chief butcher’ Nigerian police have arrested a man claiming to be Boko Haram’s “chief butcher” in an area identified as the Balmo Forest in northeastern Nigeria.

Detectives arrested Mohammed Zakari, 30, as he fled from what police and the military described as an intensive counterinsurgency sweep in the area.

Zakari is wanted in connection with the deaths of seven people, including women and children,

according to Nigerian police.

He is also accused of taking part in an April attack against Nigerian customs officers in Kari, police say.

Boko Haram, a fundamentalist Islamic militant group based in northern Nigeria whose name translates as “Western education is forbidden”, has claimed responsibility for bomb atttacks against Nigerian government offices, churches and schools since 2009.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) yesterday said the group is responsible for at least 2,053 civilian deaths in 2014 alone.

Figures were based on the group’s account on media reports and field investigations.

“Boko Haram is effectively waging war on the people of northeastern Nigeria at a staggering human cost,” said HRW West Africa Director Corinne Dufka.

In May, the group abducted

more than 200 girls from a boarding school in the town of Chibok, setting off worldwide condemnation of the group and prompting Western nations to send troops and aid to the region to help in the search for the missing girls.

Last month, Boko Haram militants held residents in the village of Kummabza hostage for four days, abducting more than 60 females and killing 30 men. The women later escaped

when the militants left them alone in a camp while they battled Nigerian soldiers.

Nigerian troops have been conducting intensive efforts against the group in the northeastern part of the West African nation for days, according to government statements and local media reports. The military said it has routed terrorists from the Balmo Forest region and uncovered weapons caches.

globalview Royalty in the making Jeremiah Heaton from Virginia has claimed a piece of land between Egypt and Sudan after telling his 7-year-old daughter, Emily (inset), who sleeps in a custom-made castle bed at night (naturally), that he would one day make her an actual princess.

The doting dad took the kingdom, otherwise known as Bir Tawil, an 800 square mile stretch of desert in northeastern Africa, following an online search for unclaimed areas of land sparked by his promise to his little girl (known from now on as Princess Emily).

Although several attempts to claim the area have been made online, Mr Heaton feels he stands the most chance of success as he actually travelled to the area in June and planted a flag in the ground – the flag featured a family crest designed by his three children (so totally legit, no?)

The new royal family (Princess Emily plus her two brothers, Princes Justin and Caleb), have decided to name their land the Kingdom of North Sudan and hope to ‘turn North Sudan into an agricultural hub for the area’, says their dad.

Mr Heaton now just needs to get Sudan and Egypt to recognize his Kingdom of North Sudan. Simple.

Although he says he’s confident in his claim, experts are less convinced.

Kenya to launch sms for health and nutrition Kenya will be among the Sub Saharan-Africa countries to use mobile phone text messaging to educate people on better health care and nutrition to reduce child and maternal health. The project, named Pan-African mHealth Initiative (PAMI), is supported by the United Nation’s Every Women Every Child Global Strategy and the Global Nutrition for Growth Compact. It aims at capitalising on the high mobile phone penetration to reach audiences with health messages. It is estimated that 6.6 million children and 260,000 mothers die annually in Africa. The initiative will be launched in Kenya by early 2015. “As the world is becoming ever more digital and wireless, we are thrilled to see our solutions being used to support a noble social cause with this initiative”, commented Philippe Vallée, Chief Operating Officer at Gemalto.

Buru Buru matatus want rivals banned from road

Matatu operators in Buru Buru route went on strike over usage of some roads in the area. The number 58 matatus boycotted work this morning demanding that police stop Umoinner matatus from using a link road popularly known as Sonko Road.

Those on strike say the TLB for Umoinner does not allow them to use the link road between Umoja and Buru Buru shopping centre and instead requires them to use Outer Ring Road.

They want police to arrest any Umoinner matatu using the route. The strike has affected some of the local commuters who were not aware it had been called.

What others said today...

Land-grabs behind lamu violence says Raila: Cord leader Raila Odinga has said decades of land-grabbing are to blame for the ongoing violence in Lamu and other parts of the Coast. Without naming names, Raila says the solution is for those who grabbed the land to return it. “It is wrong for anyone to blame the Opposition for what is going on in Lamu. The only way for the problem to be resolved once and for all is for robbed land to be returned” he said...

Reveal death toll from Somalia war, says Raila: Cord leader Raila Odinga has asked the government to disclose the number of Kenyan soldiers killed since the beginning of the military campaign against Al-Shabaab in Somalia three years ago. “KDF soldiers are dying in Somalia. We only see coffins arriving in Kenya each day but they have not revealed the number of our fallen soldiers to date,” Mr Odinga said....

Auditor —How county units are misusing your billions: Auditor General Edward Ouko has unearthed how billions allocated to county governments are squandered in wasteful expenditure and even outright diversion to individual pockets through fraudulent claims. Specifically, the audit tracks down misuse of public funds in 33 out of the 47 counties. Worse still, the extravagant spending spree was carried out without requisite approval...

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BUSiness | 7 WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

jobmarket

Recruitment firm Alternate Doors to hire accountants

competitive: Standard Chartered Bank Karen branch. The bank has lowered its lending rate to 10.9 per cent.

StanChart lending rate cut to 10.9pc Standard Chartered Bank has announced the lowest borrowing rates in the market on three of its key customer products.

During the launch of a campaign dubbed ‘The Grand Sale’, the bank said it will offer new home loans at an interest rate of 10.9 per cent. The figure is lower than two per cent above the newly launched Kenya Banks Reference Rate (KBRR) of 9.3 per cent.

KBRR is a guideline for banks to set own rates and seeks to drive down the cost of borrowing.

Other products on offer during the sale period are personal loans at rates of as low as 14.9 per cent and business loans going for 10.9 per cent Speaking before the launch of the campaign on June 14, 2014, Bhartesh Shah, the Bank’s Head of Retail Clients in Kenya and East Africa, said the move will open up banking solutions to more customers.

“Increased consumer appetite to borrow prompted the Bank to open up access to credit to people who wish to borrow but are otherwise restricted by

the cost of credit,” said Shah.

Standard Chartered’s new tariffs are the lowest borrowing rates in the market.

Under the new bundles, customers can borrow up to Sh100million to buy homes and enjoy up to 25 years repayment period.

“We are always looking for ways of fulfilling our customer needs by providing them with very competitive solutions,” said Shah.

The Grand Sale will run for a limited period of 45 days starting July 15 and ending August 31, 2014.

US violated trade rules by levying tax on China goods The US has been found to have violated international rules by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) after imposing tariffs on products from China and India.

The judges said on Monday the US broke the rules in imposing hefty duty on Chinese steel products, solar panels and other goods that Washington argues enjoy government subsidies.

The US had argued it imposed the tariffs to combat artificially low prices on products from India and China’s state-subsidised industries.

The Chinese foreign trade minister in a statement said: “China urges US to respect the WTO rulings and correct its wrongdoings of abusively using trade remedy measures, and to

chronic violator: Officials from the World Trade Organisation panel at a previous trade conference. The organisation has accused US of abusing trade rules.

ensure an environment of fair competition for Chinese enterprises.”

In a related case, WTO panel ruled against US in a case involving their methods

in deciding when foreign imports are unfairly priced.

They ruled in support of India on steel products from three of its major steel firms.

The two cases have been un-

der scrutiny for two years by separate panels. Diplomats have argued that the cases reflected common concerns in WTO over illegal US protection of its producers.

Alternate Doors, a local recruitment company, is looking for accountants to fill a number of slots for clients.

Candidates should send CVs to hotjobs@alternatedoors.co.ke and await instructions.

Winners will work in hotel, construction or security industries, Recruitment Manager at Alternate Doors Juliet Gateri has said.

Among other duties, recruits will be required to implement all accounting procedures, manage invoices and perform accounting

entries “The ideal candidate should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business from a recognised university,” Alternate Dors has said. The firm has asked those who are already Certified Public Accountants (CPA) or those with A Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) qualifications to feel free to apply.

“The candidates must have excellent analytical and mathematical skills and be computer literate with skills in Microsoft Soft Office,” said the company.

consumerrights

Mafundi saves consumers from fake craftsmen Consumers have a way of finding and rating informal craftsmen.

Mafundi, a local start-up company, has launched an online platform that provides information and reviews for craftsmen, artisans and other informal workers.

The system, which can be accessed through a link on the Facebook page, Mafundi-Kenya, helps small scale craftsmen by marketing their services and provides consumers with a reliable database of workers.

Mafundi Founder, Kihahu Macharia, says the platform is meant to make finding reliable workmen in Nairobi easier. It hopes to provide a quality filter to safeguard consumers against unprofessional and shoddy work.

“Seventy per cent of Kenyans suffer from bad workmanship,” says Macharia. “Mafundi simply enables you to hire experts in real-time, while it also professionalises and mar-

kets workmen’s work.”

Using the platform, anyone can easily hire, rate or recommend a workman in a specific field. From electricians to plumbers, wood carvers, door makers and painters, the system offers a variety of experienced workers to pick from.

Users can pay for a set of services from Mafundi, including finding names and locations of highly-rated craftsmen, using Safaricom’s M-Pesa.

A large number of the population prefers to hire informal workers since their fees are negotiable.

But there is no official way of rating quality of work before Mafundi launched its platform. Those who need quick fixes for homes and electronics will rely on opinions of friends and neighbours or risk hiring a half-baked artisan.

The Mafundi platform provides a more direct communication channel between customers and workmen.

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BUSINESS

wednesday, july 16, 2014

IN TRANSIT: Passengers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. KQ passengers can now check in online.

Kenya Airways unveils online check-in portal Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched an online passenger check-in facility.

Dubbed ‘Mobile check-in’, the facility is part of the airline’s strategic efforts to improve on its services to customers.

The platform will include a number of options, such as flight selection, seat selection

from a seat map of the plane, frequent flyer updates, customer notifications as well as the cancellation of check-ins.

“The Mobile Check-In service is part of our technology integration process that is geared at raising efficiency and reducing costs of service delivery,” Titus Naikuni, Kenya Airways’ outgoing CEO

said. “It allows customers to conveniently check in for their flights even before they get to the airport.

We are continuously working to refine this service, expand its use on our other flights and make it available in multiple languages.”

The mobile check-in service is only available in English at

the moment an can only be used by passengers travelling without infants.

Currently, one booking can only be made for up to nine people.

Naikuni added that passengers can also receive an electronic boarding pass from the Mobile Check-In service forwarded to their

email addresses.

He explained the service will be available for any onward domestic flights in Kenya any time and anywhere for 30 hours up to 90 minutes before the flight departure.

Using the platform KQ’s mobile website will send passengers their boarding pass in the form of an SMS.

hustlersector

creditpointer Get Sh3m in personal loans at CBA As many Kenyans find it increasingly difficult to pay for all their needs from just one source of income, many resort to personal loans to finance small investments, pay overdue bills and house furnishing.

The Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), with a personal loan facility of between Sh50, 000 and Sh3 million, is an option for those with such needs.

A customer can borrow in Kenya Shillings or in major foreign currencies such as the Dollar, the Euro and the Sterling Pound if your salary is in a foreign currency.

The repayment is five years and there is no penalty for early repayment. The bank charges interest on reducing balance basis. This means that the interest paid by the borrower is reduced every time they pay back an instalment.

This is unlike other conventional loans where the interest rate is fixed so that the borrower pays, for instant, 16 per cent of what they borrowed every year, for the next five years.

smartmove

Farmer uses mirrors to ‘roast’ soil, killing harmful bacteria

SWEET TOOTH: Chewing gum among what street vendors sell.

Most sweet vendors are driven by desperation but earn Sh400 a day Sweet vendors, the kind that walk around with a packet of sugary treats, make close to Sh400 a day, about the same as casual workers packing and assembling items in industrial area.

A survey headed by Mary Kinyanjui from the United Nations Research Institute has shown that the informal street vendor business is fuelled by desperation.

Kinyanjui says, without formal bases of operation,

these hawkers are forced to sell their sweets in buses, where they have a sort of captive prospective buyers who would otherwise walk past them if they were on the street. They make their money by buying a packet of sweets at wholesale price of between Sh100 and Sh300 and retailing them for much more.

From the sale of toffees to mints and éclairs, they have discovered that each sweet

can be sold for twice its retail value once it leaves the packet.

Therefore, vendors can double the money they spent by the end of the day.

Gibson Amenya, a researcher for the Youth Micro Finance Forum, an initiative that targets young entrepreneurs, notes that small scale vendors who have to look for their customers make a lot less than those who have shops.

Leah Nduire a farmer in Karatina, has halved almost her labour costs by using mirrors to heat up her soil, a demonstrated method of killing harmful pathogens that limit her yields.

The mirrors form part of a contraption invented

by Peter Mwathi, a local agricultural economist. The device, which he calls the ‘solar concentrator’, consists of a bicycle wheel, a ball of string and a range of mirrors arranged in a semi-circle.

Using the device, Nduire directs sunlight onto a container of soil. “We have proved that temperatures go up to 3,000 degrees on the concentrator, which is enough to kill any pathogen in the soil no matter how stubborn,” says Mwathi.

The majority of the eliminated pathogens are the kind that damage crops like potatoes through blight, and bananas through a process known as wilting.

POOR HARVEST: Harmful bacteria in the soil also affects production of potatoes. A survey by regional farmers’ NGO, Bridgenet Africa, found that potato blight is among the major causes of poor potato harvest in the country.

A survey by regional farmers’ NGO, Bridgenet Africa, found that potato blight is among the major causes of poor potato harvest in the country. It is so serious, that if left unchecked, it can lead to a 60 per cent increase in potato prices as farmers are forced to turn to expensive pesticides to save their crops.

Before Nduire found out

about the device, she, like many other Nyeri farmers, was using tree logs to heat up the soil and kill the pathogens.

The traditional practice has been to lay wood across the soils and burn it. This is counter-productive since it forces farmers to cut down trees around the area, leaving some of the land barren.

PLAY | 9

forecast

WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

HOROSCOPES

A small sum of money could come your way today, Capricorn. It could be that someone pays you what’s owed you, or you could win a small amount in a lottery. You might find a $20 bill lying in the street! Sex and romance are very much on your mind.

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

2

3

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

Your romantic side is flying high today, Aquarius. The opposite sex in general and your own partner in particular are going to seem especially attractive to you. You could also see in an entirely different light someone you think of as a friend.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

New people you meet today are likely to be favorably impressed by your manners, social skills, and, above all, excellent sense of humor. Don’t be surprised if all of this brings you some new opportunities today!

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

s y’ oto a rd h te g p s n Ye nni i w

Romantic feelings blossom today, Aries. Your entourage may suddenly appear more attractive than usual.

Lovers and potential lovers may seem unusually attentive. You could also be feeling very creative, and you might want to try your hand at poetry or fiction.

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

You could wake up this morning, look around, and decide you want to spend as much time as possible working on your home, Taurus. You could be bored with the decor and want to make some changes. Spend the day coming up with ideas and then tonight try to analyze the situation and see what’s feasible now.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

Today, Gemini, you could receive an affectionate, supportive letter or phone call from someone close to you. Communications with others should go smoothly, and intelligent conversations could well take place.

A favorite author, musician, or actor could release a new book, album, or movie that you’ll want to jump on right away.

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

1. Just me, having a regular meal-Prince Okoth, UoN. 2. Where is the meat my friend?- Jackson Sale, Kinoo.

3. You really expect me to be full on these?-Jane Rutto, Nairobi.

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.

Yesterday’s solution

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 +254703208803, 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 James Kariuki

yoursay University Education This is the most valued level of education, but walk into any company and ask if our graduates are fully ready for the market. You will be scared to the bones. I did the same and my findings were simple; just a small fraction is ready for the market; a majority are half-baked and incompetent. University students should get the right job-oriented skills before they leave school. Failure to do so means they will hustle for a job for the rest of their lives.

— Job Komulo, Kisumu

The Light between the Oceans

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

Your financial affairs could look especially rosy now, Cancer. Some benefits are definitely coming your way, although everything isn’t quite as promising as it seems. You could well find yourself with less than you were hoping for.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

You should be happier than usual with what you see in the mirror, Leo, because your inner beauty is more visible than usual. You could also feel especially sociable. Both old friends and new should find your company especially congenial.

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

Today you might find yourself more inclined than usual to actively explore your interests in the arts, Virgo. You might want to stroll through an art gallery or attend a concert or play. Your interest could be in the motivations of the artists as much as the works themselves.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

A female friend you haven’t seen for a while could surprise you with a call or visit. A lot of interesting news and useful information could be exchanged that benefits both of you. You may make a number of short journeys throughout the day, Libra, as you have a lot that needs doing.

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

With the current aspects at play, Scorpio, you could find that the hard work you’ve done in the past finally brings financial rewards. This will make you very happy, but don’t get carried away and go on a spending spree! Treat yourself a little. Celebrate with a friend.

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

Today, Sagittarius, you might find yourself thinking longingly of exotic lands and possibly traveling to them.

You could also wonder about the people who live in those countries.

Romantic daydreams may distract you from your day-to-day business, so it’s important to stay focused.

greatread

—by M.L Stedman

After four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia to take a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season and shore leaves are granted every other year at best, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later and after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, a grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

Tom, whose records as a lighthouse keeper are meticulous and whose moral

principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel has taken the tiny baby to her breast. Against Tom’s judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy.

netslang Learn to speak like a netizen TMI- Too much information Information that is more personal than anyone wants to know.

Lamp To hit someone who is annoying you, especially in the face.

OOMF- One of my friends/followers Used on twitter to describe what one person did.

Soapie A selfie taken when one hasnt completely

rinsed off the soap from their face.

GMTA- Great minds think a like When two or more people thinkbof the same thing at the same time.

BTDT- Been there done that Used to ascertain that a suggestion a friend is giving you have already done.

DND- Do nit disturb Used to show you are busy and you do not want distractions.

10 |

TRENDING

WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

Managing asthma is key to avoid attacks The World Health Organisation defines Asthma as a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency.

About 60 per cent of asthma cases are genetic, while the rest result from environmental factors in form of allergic reactions.

Severe attacks can lead to instant death but WHO says asthma does not cause any fatalities.

This respiratory infection occurs in all socio-economic classes, with severity in the low-income section of the society because of poor management.

Asthma occurs when the airways leading into the lungs are inflamed making breathing difficult.

It is characterised by shallow breaths, tightening chests, coughing (especially at night and early mornings), sleeplessness and chest pains among others.

emergency: An inhaler is a handy emergency device for asthma sufferers.

The Kenyan Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (KAPTLD) says it is key for one to identify triggers that accelerate

bodyshock

The adrenaline hormone helps us fight or flee Adrenaline makes humans fight or run when they are faced with danger.

The release of adrenaline is an automatic response by the body. Once one detects a threat, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain located at the base of the brain, triggers the adrenal glands to produce or secrete adrenaline.

The hormone raises the rate of blood circulation, heartbeat, breathing and breaking down of carbohydrates.

The nutrients are sent to the muscles in a matter of seconds to enable you react respond to the threat.

It is produced alongside cortisol hormone.

However good his chemical may be in

helping us avert danger, sustained production of it especially in times of stress is unhealthy.

The National Academy of Science of the USA says excessive presence of this hormone in blood, results in headaches, stomach upsets, and high risk to heart attack due to high blood pressure.

This is because the muscles will be having more energy than they need.

The academy says stress leads to physiological problems making one to be angry, anxious, and sometimes violent without a justifiable reason.

Excessive stress can lead to depression and other psychological disorders.

their asthmatic attacks. They include dust, cold, pollen grains, vigorous exercises, fur and feathered pets which have mites if not well kept,

Gold gym thigh toner

perfumes mould and fungi.

Being a viral infection, there is no cure to asthma. It can only be managed by medication and behavioural adjustment.

The Gold’s Gym Thigh Toner is a compact toning system that works your hips, thighs and gluts and is easy to use. Simply grip the padded handles between your knees and press inward.

The thigh trimmer can also be used to strengthen your upper body by pressing the handles with your hands.

The thigh toner is also light in weight and versatile. This

medicalmiracle

Leukemia cured by dead HIV virus Emily Whitehead is the first child leukaemia patient to be successfully treated using a disabled form of HIV virus to remodel the immune system.

She suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia which did not respond to chemotherapy. This prompted doctors to try out an experimental procedure on her at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Six months down the line, seven-year-old Emily remains in remission and is attending school.

This treatment has been carried out on other cancer patients. It has been two years now since three of the patients became cancer free.

Speaking to CBS, Dr Stephan Grupp, Director of the Centre for Child-

thigh workout equipment has a reinforced steel spring resistance to give you an effective workout, and it comes complete with an exercise chart.

Being small and portable, you can easily use the toner at home or take it with you.

The thigh toner is available in

hood Cancer Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said they were happy with the outcome.

“We collect cells of the immune system from a patient, so we use the patient’s own cells. We put a new gene in those cells that makes the cells go after cancer cells and then we put those cells back in the patient,” he said.

In order to battle the cancer, millions of T-cells were removed from the body and modified by injecting the disabled form of virus into them.

Dr Grupp noted that more tests need to be done to confirm the treatment.

“We don’t know until we treat more patients and we have longer follow up, whether there’s a potential for curing these patients.”

a wide range of colours and stiffness.

Prices range from Sh1500 to Sh2000 at sports shops in Nairobi.

jumpinggym

Trim that body at King’s Gym

body shop: Some of the equipment at the Kings Gym.

Nonchalant, silent, sparkling and modern are the simplest words that can describe King’s Gym and Spa at the King Post Apartments on Rhapta Road in Westlands.

The gym offers a wide range of fitness exercises from physical training to poolside yoga and ‘insanity’ workout. Body toning, Taebo and core strength training are among the other numerous packages available at King’s.

“Everything we offer here is world-class. We have the best equipment and the best team of instructors,” said Henna Arain, the General Manager at the gym.

Any workout at King’s is

aimed at boosting personal health and promoting the well-being of an individual.

This is while working under the dedicated and qualified hands of Fred Kaloki and other instructors.

“Before one starts training with us, we carry out fitness assessment to know the conditions of the trainee before prescribing a training program,” said Kaloki.

Whether you’re looking to improve your physique or a good spot to relax and socialize, King’s Gym is the perfect place to visit.

Membership to the gym is Sh15,000 per month.

homes | 11

Can’t work out? Sauna will do wednesdAy, JUly 16, 2014

Typical Sauna, a small room used as a hot-air or steam bath for cleaning and refreshing the body

paintjob

White helps keeps kitchen cabinets clean

Crowning kitchen cabinets with white paint is a sure way of ensuring they remain clean and hygienic.

“A small spot on a white material calls to be noticed, unlike the overall white appearance of the surface.

Being a storage places for our foods hygiene is a number one factor for healthy living”, says Peterson Ouma, Business Manager of Nguru Hardware.

He says white gives a neutral lasting impression without looking boring and outdated.

“Our eyes are tuned to look at soft objects. They can do so for long without feeling any repulsion.

White in such a colour that does not scare them away,” says Ouma.

White painted cabinets

Saunas are alternatives to workouts, for those who do not have time or space to jog around for healthy living.

Sauna is a small room used as a hot-air or steam bath for cleaning and refreshing the body.

Urban dwellers are exposed to pollution and are prone to lifestyle ailments because of the generally sedentary lifestyle.

The inactive state exposes them to diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, hypertension, asthma, colds and allergies, among others. Spending time in a sauna has been recommended to boost blood circulation through the heart and entire

cause a good clash with background wall colours.

This makes them not only interesting but also a source of toning down sharper and stronger background paints.

Ouma says it is a colour of choice for many people because of its perceived neutrality.

“One will not spend a lot of time finding out the correct matching décor for the cabinets and other interior finishes,” the manager says.

Since most kitchen appliances are white, they will not look out of place but will instead spice up a room that is painted with different colours such as yellow or grey.

But some may find the paint tedious to maintain because they require constant cleaning.

circulatory system. Alternative Medicine Review (AMR), a US journal, says one derives as much benefit as one who goes out for a moderate work-out.

The performance of the heart beat is also boosted by up to 60 per cent, leading to better blood flow.

Obesity is another health challenge people are grappling with that can lead to heart ailments and related chronic complications. Sitting and relaxing in a sauna can help one burn up to 300 calories.

The journal says it is a figure that can be equated to running for about five kilometres.

Jewellery

Sh600

Urban population is constantly exposed to high emissions of substances from industries and locomotives, among other sources. The AMR says the equipment accelerates sweating of cells.

The sweat drives out some chemical compounds such as copper, zinc and mercury to some degree. The sustained sweating also improves skin ‘breathing’. Other studies say the constant flow of water in form of moisture from one’s skin opens up pores that may have been blocked by dangerous chemical deposits such as mercury and lead.

smarttool

Organizer

It is always frustrating when you are looking through jewellery boxes searching for a lost earring or matching neckpiece as time mercilessly ticks away.

Every woman needs a little black dress in the wardrobe. This dress is, however, space and time saving piece. It is a jewellery organiser that keeps your jewellery safe and in order. The organiser has 36 clear vinyl pockets for storing earrings and rings and 14 hooks and loops that are perfect for necklaces and bangles. The dress can be hung in your wardrobe and it can blend perfectly with your other clothes.

It is available at Vimark Innovations located at Standard Street PanAfrica Life Building Shop 6A.

The Toda house The Toda House is an unconventional residence perched high on stilts overlooking Hiroshima in Japan.

The home consists of one continuous wrap-around volume that is cloaked in a panel of well insulated glass.

This affords the home not only the view, which is enviable enough, but also plenty of daylight.

This dynamic structure with a gaping courtyard in the middle also ensures that plenty of natural venti-

Coconut rice

toprecipe Ingredients l2

cups of pishori rice 1/2 cups of water l2 1/2 cups of coconut milk unsweetened l1teaspoon of salt l1 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil l2

lation is able to circulate throughout the 374 square foot residence. The house unique design raised by pillars and at the bottom lies a lovely garden and a playing ground for the kids and a relaxing stone curved

seat that one can relax while watching the kids play. This unique home provides a better picture for space maximization, as at the bottom a garage space was built and the house itself provides shade for the cars.

Method

1 Wash your rice carefully then in a sufuria add the water and bring it to a boil then add the rice.

2 Let the rice cook on low heat and once the water

level has reduced add the coconut milk then cover and continue cooking on low heat till ready.

3 When ready, fluff with a fork then serve.

Serve with beef or chicken curry

12 |

FUN

WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

worldthrill

Heli-skiers take risk to the edge

sheer drop: Water falls like this provide the the thrill sought by extreme kayaking enthusiasts.

Extreme kayaking thrills Steep creeking is canoeing or kayaking that involves descending very steep low volumes of white-water. It is also known as extreme kayaking.

The canoes and kayaks used are specifically designed to withstand the extreme white-water environment. These give the paddler improved performance and manoeuvrability needed to avoid river obstacles.

quoteit

“It’s very difficult to be great. Losers prove this point continuously.”— Ron R.

Down a steep waterfall is the best place to experience extreme kayaking. The canoeist plunges almost 18 storeys down through water rushing at 56 metre per second. The acceleration, speed, and impact of rushing water is the thrill that the enthusiasts crave.

The rate of descend is multiplied so there is actually no time to react and that is why the white-water enthusiasts are said to

be mindless thrill-seekers with a death wish.

The steep water fall can vary from very smooth granite, where there are no loose rocks. Rapids are formed between rocks with features including sieves, step drops, holes, and undercuts.

At Great Falls, the water fall speed increases and so does the force as it plunges over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through

the narrow river below. Dangerous currents, rocks, and rapids make the river extremely hazardous.

The world record for extreme kayaking is a 127-foot fall in the Amazon. This extreme sport requires extra safety gear that is not necessary in regular kayaking such as elbow pads, float bags, pin kits, first aid kits, repair kits, and sometimes the addition of a face mask to the helmet.

Feel the terrror in Alien Isolation Alien Isolation is a firstperson survival-horror game developed by Creative Assembly due for release later this year.

The gameplay will be primarily based in exploration and stealth as players attempt to navigate the space station Sevastopol and escape a deadly creature that resides on board.

The mission, begins just after the death of Brett, an unfortunate crew member, killed after the Xenomorph reaches maturity and has players attempting to flush the monster out of their air ducts and into the airlock.

“You will never have anything you don’t respect, including lot’s of money”

— Ben B. “It’s difficult to appreciate the value of others when your own self assessment is over valued.” — Mary J. “In the highest civilization, the book is still the highest delight. He who has once known its satisfactions is provided with a resource against calamity.”

— Ralph Emerson

“Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.”

A rule of thumb should be that if you have to use a helicopter to access a section of a mountain to ski on, you probably shouldn’t be skiing there.

This rule, however, does not seem to apply on heli-skiers who risk life and climb to hit the most pristine slopes nature offers. Skiers are dropped by helicopter on a mountain top and then skiing downslope at very high speed.

Heli-skiing is an extremely dangerous sport, given the elevated risk for causing an avalanche at the altitudes these athletes ski. Deaths are common in this variation of an already-dangerous sport, and it’s probably in the best interests of most of us to just stick to the bunny slopes.

Heli-skiing guide Aaron Karitis, 31, was caught in an avalanche near the Kicking Horse Valley west of Haines, Alaska while guiding for Southeast Alaska Backcountry Adventures.

Aaron told the group to wait for him till he confirms the state of the ice.

Before going far, a giant avalanche swept him down, and he sustained severe injuries all over his body. He died three days later.

Heli-skiing is fun, go for it but know that death lies atop the slope.

fear: Alien Isolation is due for release later this year.

— Kevin Heath

the hitlist

State Hse Crescent Moi Avenue Pawa 254

City Space Club

Showing ‘How to start a revolution’

Ladies night

Admission: Free Time: 5pm-8pm

Admission: Free Time: 8pm-4am

Westlandas

Parklands

Ebony Lounge

K1 Klubhouse

Latino Night Admission: Free Time: 7pm onwards

Players will take control of either Parker, Dallas or Ellen Ripley herself and depending on which character the player chooses.

The key is to avoid the ruthless Xenomorph stalking the shadows to be able to kill the monster and restores balance.

Alien Isolation will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, and will be set on a decommissioned trading station on the fringes of space, invoking the spirit of Ridley Scott’s classic 1979 film.

Westlands

Aqua Blu Club

Afro Rhumba

Ladies night with DJ Protege’ Admission: Free Time: 6pm onwards

Admission: Free Time: 8pm-4am

WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

Sport

positive attitude Marcos Maidana is confident he will beat Floyd Mayweather on September 13 P.15

Accolades for swimming star for revealing his gay status Swimming giant Ian Thorpe received support and glowing praises Monday for revealing he is gay. Advocates claim the move will help remove the stigma of homophobia in sport.

The five-time Olympic champion made the admission in an interview with British presenter Michael Parkinson aired by Australia’s Channel Ten on Sunday.

Thorpe’s bravery in openly discussing his sexuality was a major talking point as fellow sportspeople, celebrities and commentators spoke up for the global icon.

The New South Wales Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby said his coming out would have a positive impact, particularly on young people.

“It’s a measure of how far we’ve come that Ian Thorpe is able to come out and I think it’s a measure of how far we have to go that it’s a news story,” the group’s

Justin Koonin told reporters.

Olympic gold medallist and gay Australian diver Matthew Mitcham said the revelations were a key development to break down stereotypes on gay athletes.

“I think it’s wonderful that he feels like he’s in a place now where he can talk about it,” Mitcham told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mitcham said sponsorship commitments would have weighed heavily on any athlete deciding whether to go public with their sexuality as the stereotypes and the stigma are well known.

“That’s why we need high-profile gay athletes, to prove the stereotype wrong.

Thorpe is about as high-profile as it gets.”

The swimming world embraced the 31-year-old for the courage to reveal his deep secret.

talking point:Thorpe revealed his sexuality during an interview aired by Australia’s Channel Ten on Sunday. The revelation became a major talking point among colleagues.

Origi out of Lesotho clash Goalkeeper Arnold Origi will not be available for Sunday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho due to club commitment.

Spaking in the social media, the player ruled himself out while and blamed the Confederation of African Football over their fixture plans.

“It’s difficult to be released for games outside the dates set by Fifa for international matches. Really disappointed to be missing this weekend’s Afcon qualifier,” read the post.

The 30-year-old custodian for Lillestrøm in Norway returned to play for Kenya in the return clash against Comoros Island Morini after missing out for more than a year due to suspension, injuries and club commitment.In his absence, Duncan Ochieng has been the undisputed first choice as Bandari’s Wilson Obungu stepped in after the former was injured in the tie against Comoros where Kenya won1-0.

National team assistant Coach James Nandwa denied knowledge of Origi not being available for section, saying it will be a blow if he is not available.

Junior Njani upbeat ahead of club games Age is just a number for Table Tennis player Della Njani who will represent Kenya in next week’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

The youngest of six Kenyan players earned her slot in the team after pre-

vailing in last month’s national trails at Goan Institute, in Nairobi.

Also in the team is veteran Anthony Mathenge, Mike Otieno, Peter Theuri for men, while ladies have Jinita Shah and Sejal Chandarana.

“This is the first time Otieno, Theuri and myself will be stepping in to the national team following impressive performances in the last three tournaments, that alone is humbling,” said the Kenyatta University’s School of

glasgow bound: Della njani left) in a past match is eyeing a better perfomance in aa debut appearance at the commonwealth games in Scotland next week.

Economics third year student.

“I want to come top 10 and gain experience during the games anything above that will be a bonus,” said the St Monicah Girls, Kitale, alumni.

The 20-year-old, who was best player in the 2011 Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association and first seed in last year’s East Africa University games in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, says lack of build-up matches is derailing development of the sport.

“We couldn’t mind playing more international matches, that will enhance our competitiveness at global events,” said the third seed.

The team will be under Kenya’s top seed Fahd Abdul Daim, the 1991 Africa Singles Cup player.

“We want to build a young squad of junior players but we have to do it systematically,” said Daim.

Full squad Men: Anthony Mathenge, Mike Otieno, Peter Theuri.

Ladies: Jinita Shah, Sejal Chandarana, Della Njani Officials: Coach Fahd Daim and team manager John Gicaci.

16 |

SPORT

Wednesday, JULy 16, 2014

thetimeline Akshat Tandon @ AkshatTandon18 · “Lazar Markovic Really looking forward to see him running down the flanks in the LFC shirt.”

Van persie @Persie_Official”I gave everything I had in every game.”

CuleByHeart! @Ashh_ AS9 “Gotze wanted a picture with Messi after the game.... Messi must be like is this a joke” FC Barcelona @ FCBarcelona · “Nike and FC Barcelona unveil new away kit for season” joshua Santos ‫@‏‬jsantos502 “With Luis on the team I’m not sure how he will coexist with Neymar, and Messi On the same team. They all play the same position.”

Alemanha ‫@‏‬DaveBollands friendly reminder that messi has not scored on peter cech yet so cech is a better goalkeeper”

SIBLInG RIVALRY: 15-year-old Amy Wanday (right)is rebuilding a 1990 Honda CR 80 to contest the motorcycle class at the Concours d’elegance.

She will be up against her 17-year-old brother Ted (above), who is working on a 1993 Yamaha YZ 125. Ted, who was the first runnersup in the class last year, is keen on capturing top honours this time round.

Teenage siblings to compete in 2014 Concours d’Elegance 15-year-old Amy Wanday and her 17-year-old brother Ted will be contesting the motorcycle class at the Concours d’Elegance on September 28th at the Nairobi Racecourse.

Wanday is rebuilding a 1990 Honda CR 80, while Ted, who emerged first runners up in the category last year, is working on a 1993 Yamaha YZ 125.

The two bring a teenage face into the growing list of competitors in the event. The Concours is organized annually by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club to showcase the best-kept cars and motorcycles in

Kenya, alongside entries from other countries. The event gives competitors the opportunity to showcase their machines to admirers.

In addition, the entrants have their classic and vintage cars and motorcycles assessed by highly experienced judges.

The upcoming event will have 12 classes for all makes and types of cars and eight for motorcycles.

On Concours day there will also be a Classic Car and Motorcycle Sale, which is open to machines made in 1989, or earlier regardless of their condition.

Stars huff and puff against Burundi Kenya played out to a boring barren draw in a friendly match with the Swallows of Burundi at the Nyayo National stadium. It was a match in which four players earned their first international caps. Ulinzi Stars Stephen Ocholla, Brian Osumba of Tusker, Thika United’s Dennis Odhiambo, Harrison Mwenda of Mathare and Geoffrey Kataka were the surprise starters in the overly substandard match.

Coach Adel Amrouche, who is to serve two match ban for dissent, rehearsing his part by sitting in the stands at Nyayo.

Not even the introduction of the Inter Milan’s Macdonald Mariga, captain Victor Wanyama of Southampton, Peter Opiyo, Francis Kahata and Allan Wanga at the start of the second break could bring some life to the team. The only notable piece of action was Wanyama’s shock sending of for dissent 10 minutes to the second half.

Amrouche and his staff have a lot to do if Kenya is to beat Lesotho on Sunday in the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

However, of more concern is that the Harambee Stars coaching staff, led Amrouche has suddenly developed a frosty attitude towards sports journalists for criticising them.

Journalists do not need permission from the coaches to give their opinions on the

team, or the coach True, there are times when coaches need to conduct closed training sessions but wholesale media lock out from the team’s training and the players does not make sense. We understand he has to do his job, but so too, do the journalists.

For the record, Amrouche has done reasonably well since taking over the reigns as shown by the Stars positive display in recent games but that does not mean he should get big-headed. He must know that teams and coaches have media obligations to meet. They must speak to the media.

If he can’t talk to the media himself, he must send out one his assistants Amar Niyongabbo, Ken Odhiambo, or James Nandwa, and a player, for media duty.

There must be sanctions for failure by a team or coach to honour media obligations, as Argentina found out by being fined Sh28m for not bringing players to media conferences.

“Disciplinary proceedings were opened after Argentina turned up to three consecutive Match Day -1 news conferences in the stadium with only the head coach present instead of the required head coach plus at least one player,” FIFA said.

It is only in Kenya where players and managers get away with refusing to talk to the media. It is an indication of the low level of professionalism in our sport.

SuSpended: Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche will serve a two-match ban when Kenya plays Lesotho on Sunday.

Published by Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road. Printed by the Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way.

SPORT| 15

Maidana says he will hammer Mayweather Marcos Maidana is so confident he will beat undefeated world champion Floyd Mayweather that he would risk forgoing the cash prize for their September 13 welterweight rematch.

Argentina’s Maidana lost in a majority decision to Mayweather in their title unification bout in May. But last week, Mayweather said he would face the South American slugger again in Las Vegas.

The fighters launched a five-city promotional tour Monday in New York with Maidana speaking to reporters at a second event in Washington.

Mayweather, 46-0 with 26 knockouts, won the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council crowns after saying he would not fight until Maidana switched gloves. He claimed his rival’s choice did not have enough padding.

Maidana, 35-4 with 31 knockouts, agreed to switch gloves but brought up the issue when Mayweather dared him to bet his share of the rematch purse on a victory, asking: “We can bet whatever, but will he let me use my

gloves?”

Maidana says he is ready to win in whatever gloves Mayweather picks.

“I feel like this is my time now and I will win this rematch,” he said. “I’m willing to take the bet, no problem.”

But just which gloves will be used remains unclear.

“It hasn’t really been finalised yet,” Maidana said. “The last time I couldn’t use my gloves. I suspect that will be the situation again.

“I don’t think he’s afraid. I think he’s just trying to be cautious. He knows he has to respect my power.

“The gloves are not an issue. If you’re going to beat him you’re going to beat him.”

Mayweather also taunted Maidana as being a dirty fighter, noting a gash on his right eyelid.

“My eye didn’t get a deep gash from a punch.

I got it from a head butt,” Mayweather said.

Maidana shrugged off the complaint.

“Floyd is a fighter who always comes up with excuses,” Maidana said.

ready to rumble: Marcos Maidana is so confident he will beat the undefeated world champion Floyd Mayweather in their September 13 welterweight rematch.

Germany’s grand entry into Berlin

Vidal won’t force move to United Arturo Vidal has stressed he is happy at Juventus if a move to Manchester United does not materialise in the summer.

New United manager Louis van Gaal is a keen admirer of the Chile international and the Premier League outfit have long been expected to make a move for the versatile midfielder ahead of the new season.

Vidal admitted earlier this week that he would be open to a move to Old Trafford.

Yet he has made it clear he will not attempt to force through a transfer should talks fall apart.

“I am already at a great team like Juventus.

WEDNESday, JULY 16, 2014

That’s why it will not be a problem if the option of Manchester United falls through,” Vidal said.

“I am not thinking about where to go next. I just want to enjoy my holiday here in Chile with the people I love. We will see what happens when I get back to Italy.”

Vidal, 27, has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2017 and the Serie A giants are keen on securing a significant sum for the player.

The Turin outfit have told United they will have to pay Sh6.7b and include Nani in a player-plus-cash deal if they expect to sign the Chilean.

More than 250,000 jubilant fans massed at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate Tuesday to cheer the World Cup winners.

As the new national heroes brought

home football’s top prize for the first time to a reunified Germany, a jubilant crowd erupted in applause as screens showed the flight that brought home the triumphant

true patriots: German fans celebrate during a fireworks display near Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin, during the World Cup finals in which the home team won 1-0.

players to the German capital.

The jet carrying the team flew in from Rio de Janeiro shortly after 11am Kenyan time.

Crowds began forming in central Berlin before dawn and thousands more supporters gathered on a viewing platform under warm summer sunshine at Tegel airport to meet the plane, a Lufthansa jet rebranded “Fanhansa” for the occasion on one side and “Victors’ Plane” on the other.

Captain Philipp Lahm clutched the golden FIFA trophy and lifted it in the direction of applauding supporters.

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, his shoulders draped in the black, red and gold German flag, followed him down the steps to the tarmac, where airport employees snapped photos with their mobile phones as fans cheered.

“This is a historic event,” said 34-year-old bus driver Bernd Hesse, who managed to follow all the matches in Brazil on the radio when he was behind the wheel.

He noted that Germany fans had waited 24 years to bask in the glory of a World Cup victory, the first since the reunification of the country following three wins by the former West Germany.

Barcelona unveil new away kit Barcelona have unveiled their new away kit which features Nike’s Dri fit techonology design for optimum performance.

The Dri fit technology draws sweat away from the body to the exterior of the shirts and shorts

where it quickly evaporates to keeping the players dry, cool for better performance.

The laser-cut ventilation holes and mesh panels featured in key areas of the kit are designed to increase air circulation to the

players’ bodies to help regulate their temperatures throughout ninety minutes on the pitch.

The kits are made of a new dualknit fabric consisting of both cotton and recycled polyester, which as well as removing sweat

offers a softer feel and an overall more flattering appearance.

The shirt sports a crewneck collar and is entirely bright crimson colour except for the deep cuffs.

Published by Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road. Printed by the Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way.