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Medics want mass supply of Ebola drug for Africa
Doctors have called for the mass production of Ebola serum being used to treat two US patients to ensure Africans benefit from the drugs. The appeal comes as the death toll from the virus nears 1,000 after 932 people died of the hemorrhagic fever in West Africa. Saudi Arabia has joined in the list of countries with suspected cases after a businessman was reported to have died of the virus following a trip to Sierra Leone. But there are concerns that Western countries could be holding a cure for the disease as majority of their victims are said to be responding well to treatment. Two American doctors who contracted the virus in Liberia are being treated at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta where they were taken for treatment. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol have been given the experimental drug, ZMapp. But doctors say the drugs have not been tested on humans or subjected to clinical trials. Doctors say it is too early to tell whether ZMapp is effective.
President shifts stand on Mpeketoni killings Kenya to set up data sharing unit
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Weatherman warns of El Nino storms P5
Fox pulls out of Time Warner bid
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changing view: President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses a news conference. Kenyatta, who had earlier dismissed claims that the June Mpeketoni killings were perpetrated by the Al-Shabaab, now says the militia group may have been involved with the help of “local networks.”
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NEWS | 3
THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
Medics want Ebola cure for Africa From Page 1
But theirs is the only case where patients are recording improvements and medical ethicists now want the drug to be produced in large quantities to be supplied to Africa as well. In a CNN opinion, Dr Harriet Washington who is a fellow at the University of Nevada, in Las Vegas, said the drug makers should produce the serum in large quantities to help dying patients in Africa.
“The Ebola serum should now be mass produced and given to Africans,” she wrote. Her article was the second opinion article following another by Prof John Ashton in UK newspaper the Independent. Prof Ashton blamed the failure to find a vaccine to fight the Ebola virus on the “moral bankruptcy” of the pharmaceutical industry to invest in the disease because it has so far only affected people in Africa.
UN health agency WHO says all deaths recorded from Ebola infections have been in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, where more than 1,700 cases have been reported. The agency says 108 new cases were reported between Saturday and Monday in the countries as well as Nigeria. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has declared a state of emergency for 90 days because of the deadly outbreak, her office said
Wednesday. “The scope and scale of the epidemic, the virulence and deadliness of the virus now exceed the capacity and statutory responsibility of any one government agency or ministry,” she said in a statement. “The government and people of Liberia require extraordinary measures for the very survival of our state and for the protection of the lives of our people.” She said Ebola is a “clear and pres-
ent danger.” US doctors however say it is still too early to tell whether ZMapp is effective. The Centre for Disease Control says it is not likely the drug will become available for patients in West Africa. “The product is still in an experimental stage, and the manufacturer reports that there is a very limited supply, so it cannot be purchased and is not available for general use,” the CDC said.
School drops laptop project over costly maintenance
Inside Hoboken’s Combined Junior-senior High School is a storage closet. Behind the locked door, laptops are strewn among brown cardboard boxes. Others are stacked one atop the other. Dozens more are stored on mobile computer carts, many of them on their last legs. That’s all that remains of a failed experiment to assign every student a laptop at Hoboken Junior Senior High School. It started five years ago with desirable plans to help students, the majority of whom are under or near the poverty line, keep up with their wealthier peers. But Hoboken faced problem after another and is abandoning the laptops. “We had the money to buy them, but maybe not the best implementation,” said Mark Toback, the superintendent of Hoboken School District. “It became unsustainable.” By the time Jerry Crocamo, a computer network engineer, arrived in Hoboken’s school system in 2011, every seventh, eighth and ninth grader had a laptop. Crocamo’s small tech staff was quickly overwhelmed with repairs. We had “half a dozen kids in a day, on a regular basis, bringing laptops down, going ‘my books fell on top of it, somebody sat on it, I dropped it,’ ” said Crocamo. Screens cracked. Batteries died. Keys popped off. Viruses attacked. Crocamo found that teenagers with laptops are still… teenagers. In Kenya, the Government recently committed to delivering its election pledge of laptops to pupils joining public primary schools. And even as the promise is being worked out, measures should be developed to ensure the project does not end up the Hoboken’s way.
COSTLY UNDERTAKING: Students using laptop computers in class. A school in Hoboken, US, has abandoned a programme to provide laptops for its students after it found maintenance costs overbearing.
House report declares PSV regulations illegal
Tough laws introduced by the National Transport and Safety Authority last March to guide the operations of Public Service Vehicles are illegal. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Delegated Legislation in a report says the National Transport and Safety Authority news@x-news.co.ke www.x-news.coke facebook.com/XnewsKenya twitter.com/XnewsKenya
Regulations on the Operation of PSVs were enforced contrary to the requirements of the law. MPs particularly faulted the authority for contravening the Constitution, the Employment Act and Parliamentary Standing Orders. The regulations stipulate that owners of vehicles be held
Publisher: Paul Marshall Commercial Director: Neema Wamai Content Editor: Brian Moseti Finance Director: Fred Bunei
responsible for offences committed by drivers. But MPs argue that it is against the constitution to extend such criminal liability to another person. “Rules of natural justice require that a person be individually responsible for any criminal acts they commit,” the legislators say in a report.
Apart from requiring vehicle owners to take criminal liability, the regulations also propose that matatu crew be employed by PSV owners on permanent basis, a proposal the MPs say goes against the Employment Act. Other requirements include that vehicles be fitted with digital speed
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governors, owners register all staff with NSSF and NHIF and that PSVs be registered with Saccos of not less than a fleet of 30. The report is set for debate in the House and should Parliament declare them illegal, NTSA may be forced to make new submissions.
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NEWS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2014
Tasia guard killed by gang for raising alarm
Americans in denial over global warming
Most Americans are in denial over climate change According to a Global Trends survey by the UKbased market research firm, Ipsos MORI, almost half of US citizens do not believe that global warming is a real thing. Aside from leading the world in consumer debt and military spending, the US can now add climate denial to that list. The Ipsos MORI study polled thousands of people in 20 leading countries on eight different topics, including the environment. Not only was the US top of the list when it came to ignorance about global
A night guard was shot dead today morning after he tried to stop a gang from breaking into a supermarket in Tasia estate, Nairobi. Police say the guard had raised an alarm when he noticed the gang poised to break into the store. One of the robbers was shot dead before the gang escaped on foot. Police say a hunt on the gang has been launched although no arrest has been made.
Decision on tainted police hiring to be made today The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) will today make its final decision regarding last month’s police recruitment. The commission is under pressure to nullify the results of the exercise and call for a repeat recruitment. MPs, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and members of the public have demanded the nullification of the exercise claiming it was marred by bribery and nepotism. Civilian police body, the Independent Police Oversight Authority has already moved to court seeking for the nullification. Although NPSC had earlier given the exercise a clean bill of health, it is expected that it will declare a repeat in some centres where its taskforce that investigated the claims of malpractices proved the allegations. It can also nullify the whole exercise and order a repeat. If the commission nullifies some of the affected centres, a number of District Commissioners, OCPDs and AP commanders could be prosecuted.
warming, but it made it there by a considerable margin. The survey posed the following question: “To what extent do you agree or disagree, the climate change we are currently seeing is largely the result of human activity?” A mere 54 per cent of respondents from the US agreed compared to 93 per cent from China and 84 per cent from both Argentina and Italy. India, France, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Belgium, South Korea and South Africa all scored 75 per cent or higher. Kenyan’s while not polled, are being made aware of the threats of global warming.
WHO says 11m Kenyans suffer mental illness
MENTAL WELLNESS: Mathare Hospital is Kenya’s premier mental hospital.
At least 11 million Kenyans have mental disorders according to a report by the World Health Organisation. The study attributes the problem to lack of proper plans to deal with the illness and insufficient treatment. Director of Mental Health, Davis Kiima says stakeholders in the health sector are advocating for the integration of mental medical facilities in both public and private hospitals. “Mental health and mental disorders have been neglected in the world over and the reason being it is ill understood,” he said. Program Officer for Mental Health and Tobacco Control at the World Health Organisation, Joyce Nato says mental disorders are the leading cause of ill health and deaths worldwide having 65 percent of deaths caused by this disorder. Nato says the importance of mental health conditions should be prioritised and policies should be implemented by all governments. “If the mental health policy is in place, then it is easier for the governments to then prioritise these conditions. The policy will mainly focus on how Kenyans can achieve and have good mental health and those who have disorders that can be managed effectively,” she said.
Kenya to establish a regional data sharing centre at JKUAT Kenya is set to establish a regional data sharing centre to improve the generation, analysis, management and archival of scientific data to support development plans. The centre, to be based at Jomo Kenyatta
University of Agriculture and Technology, will be actualized in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) and the United Nations.
ICT Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred. Matiang’i said the centre will facilitate the creation of a peoplecentric, inclusive, open and developmentoriented information society where people can
create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge. “There is a clear demand for new data sets, manifested by the recent upsurge of request,” Matiang’i said. The Cabinet Secretary also informed
the workshop that the government will soon table a draft legislation on access to information and data protection to the National Assembly, a legislation expected to guide collection and management of
information in Kenya. Matiang’i was speaking yesterday at the United Nations Offices where he opened an international workshop on open data for science and sustainability in developing economies.
NEWS | 5
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2014
President shifts stand on Mpeketoni deaths President Uhuru Kenyatta appears to have changed his stance on the Mpeketoni attacks, saying Al-Shabaab militants may have been involved. Gunmen attacked the coastal town on June 16, 2014, killing at least 48 people before the militants claimed responsibility. Two days later, President Kenyatta absolved the terror group, saying the attack was a “well-planned, orchestrated and politically motivated ethnic violence against a Kenyan community.” “This, therefore, was not an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack,” Uhuru said in a live televised speech. But the President appears to have changed the stance on Wednesday when he said the attack was carried out by militants with some assistance by locals. “We did not say there was no Al Shabaab involvement (in
the attacks). We said there were local networks assisting them,” President Kenyatta said last night. Another 12 people were killed the following day in nearby villages and President Kenyatta warned politicians thought to have incited the violence. “Evidence indicates that local political networks were involved in the planning and execution of the heinous attacks,” he said then. But when asked if he still hold that position, he replied: “We said there was AlShabaab involvement, but with local networks assisting them.” Kenyatta said security personnel are being equipped so that they can diligently combat the threats of terrorism. He said security officers have thwarted a number of terror attacks which could have resulted in untold misery and destruction.
new position: president Kenyatta says the Mpeketoni attacks were carried out by Al shabaab millitants assisted by some local residents.
Us pledges aid for Kenyan security forces in terror war President Obama says US will continue helping build the capacity of Kenya’s security services to deal with terror threats posed by Al Shabaab. Such assistance, Obama said, will also be extended to Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana and Tunisia. “We are launching a new security governance initiative to help our African countries continue to build strong, professional security forces to provide for their own security,” he reportedly told news reporters on Wednesday. He spoke after day-long meetings with African heads of state who attended the US-Africa Leaders’ summit in Washington DC. “Most importantly,” Obama said, the US was entering into a “rapid response partnership” with six African countries who have “demonstrated a track record as peace keepers.” The partnership with Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda was entered into with the goal of “quickly deploying African peace keepers in support of UN or AU missions.” Obama called on countries “beyond Africa” to support the effort. On the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Obama said US will supply them with additional equipment as it would in the war ravaged Central African Republic. Obama listed the US security interventions in Africa barely two days after President Uhuru Kenyatta appealed to the international community not to
obAMA: New initiative.
abandon Kenya in the war against terror. The US security interventions in Africa, Obama was keen to relay “are not to create a big foot print,” but were focused more on building the capacity of African security agencies to deal with their own security problems. Violence, Obama said, was not the solution to the radicalisation of youth in Africa and advocated for, “professional,” law enforcement. He said good governance is key as it would also allow those who were disgruntled a non-violent means of expressing their dissatisfaction. “And I made a point during our discussions that nations that uphold these rights and principles will ultimately be more prosperous and more economically successful,” he said.
Kenyatta rules out ministers’ sackings President Uhuru Kenyatta will not reshuffle the Cabinet despite recent calls to have some ministers sacked for failing to deal with challenges in their dockets. Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku has particularly come under criticism as MPs and some Kenyans urged the President to sack him for failure to curb growing insecurity. But the President defended the Cabinet members, saying they are doing their best given that they are relatively new in their jobs. The Cabinet has been in office for about 15 months. “There is no reason to make changes,” Kenyatta told NTV in an exclusive interview just before he left for the US. Uhuru said he will adhere to constitutional provisions guiding such dismissals. “We can’t just sack people. There are processes and we want to respect them. Those not capable will be weeded out,” he said in the interview aired last night.
Weatherman warns Kenyans to prepare for El Nino storms The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in the country in the next three to six months. The meteorologist says they are in an El Nino watch situation and have been monitoring the El Nino and La Nina. “The characteristics associated with El Nino, like high temperatures, have not yet been established but we predict as the season goes on
we should start to experience them,” says Samuel Mwangi, the Senior Director at the Department. Heavy rainfall is expected in October and could last up to three months. Kenyans have been warned that they should prepare for the El-Niño floods which have a history of causing deaths and destruction to property and basic facilities, especially roads. On Tuesday, Eldoret town
was flooded after heavy rains pounded the North Rift region. The downpour left traders counting losses as roads were rendered impassable. But the weatherman says the flooding was caused by the tarmacked roads and poor drainage systems. “The area is known to experience a lot of rainfall in the month of August and we should expect more of the same,” said Mwangi.
be wArned: the Meteorological department has warned Kenyans to prepare for the elNiño floods which have a history of causing death and destruction of property.
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NEWS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2014
Mediators keen on deal as clock ticks on Gaza ceasefire Mediators in the conflict between Israel and Hamas are racing against time to broker a peace deal as the clock ticks on the 3-day cease-fire that halted the Gaza fight. Two days into the pause in fighting, talks led by the Egyptian government are taking place in Cairo but are yet to yield a breakthrough. Officials from Israel and the Palestinian side -- including
Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Palestine Liberation Organization -- are in the city, communicating through Egyptian intermediaries in an effort to reach an agreement on extending the truce. “We are working so hard now,” said Saeb Erakat, a veteran negotiator for the PLO. “We’re trying to sustain the 72 hours, and we’re working now to extend the 72 hours,” he told
CNN on Wednesday. Israel, which withdrew its ground forces from Gaza on Tuesday, is willing to extend the cease-fire unconditionally, an Israeli government official told CNN today. “The current one is unconditional, and from our point of view, it can be extended unconditionally,” said the official, who asked to remain anonymous. The Israeli military
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has said it is maintaining “defensive positions” around Gaza. The burden appeared to be on Hamas, the militant Islamic group that holds sway in Gaza. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman told the group’s AlAqsa television on Wednesday that talk of an extension of the truce for another 72 hours was nothing more than that -- talk. “There is no basis for the media
news about the extension of truce,” he said. On paper, the warring sides’ positions are far apart. Israel says it wants Hamas to disarm. Hamas, meanwhile, is demanding an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza, a measure Israel says is required to stop weapons being smuggled in. It remains to be seen what kind of compromise might emerge from the Cairo talks.
Militants kill 10 in raid on Cameroon village Militants with suspected ties to Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram have killed 10 people in a raid on a remote village in north Cameroon, police say. Nine bus passengers and a soldier were shot dead after coming “face-to-face” with heavily armed militants in Zigague, they said. The son of a local chief was kidnapped in the attack, according to local media reports. Boko Haram, based in north-eastern Nigeria, has intensified cross-border raids into Cameroon in recent weeks.
Miss Corporate pageant boosted as founder signs new partnership deal Ashley’s Events has entered into a partnership with HnJ Events Nairobi, that will see them launch the first ever Miss Corporate World Kenya beauty pageant in Nairobi County on August 30 2014. Going by the slogan ‘These Brains and Beauty’, the pageant will be replicated in 21 other counties amongst them Nakuru, Machakos, Mombasa, Kisumu, Embu, Kirinyaga and Bomet. Miss Corporate World Kenya aims to elevate women in the corporate world by providing mentorship programmes, a platform for education, sponsorship and funding, as well as empowering them by providing leadership training. For more information on how to participate, or become a part of this pageant, please call 0720- 590-615 or 0725-867-329
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What others said today...
CID Summons owners of Lamu land: Criminal Investigations Department director Ndegwa Muhoro has summoned all the directors of 22 companies mentioned in the controversial allocation of 5000,000 acres in Lamu. Muhoro issued the directive as over 50 Jubilee MPs gave the three government agencies investigating the matter 14 days to produce the individuals behind the entities...
Kenya plea for world help in war on terror: The international community is not doing enough to support Kenya’s effort in the fight against terrorism, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said. In an interview with CNN in Washington DC on Tuesday, Mr Kenyatta said terrorism was not country-specific but a global problem. “The world needs to recognise the fact that this is a global threat which requires to be countered by a global partnership in order to secure world...
Uhuru’s moment with the Obama: US President Barack Obama’s meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at the White House may not have been exclusive, as other African leaders also posed with America’s First Family, but it did have a huge political symbolism. It was clearly a public relations coup for Uhuru after the “choices have consequences” declaration a month to the Kenyan polls last year by a top US official...
Obama remembers home: In a session devoid of the traditional US patronising atitude towards Africa, where President Barack Obama hosted African Heads of State and Government, he left no doubt that there is a deliberate American change of tact in dealing with Africa. He also spoke nostalgically of Kenya, a sign that he could be warming up to president Kenyatta...
BUSiness | 7 THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
newsbriefs
27,000 Russians stuck as tour firm closes shop
Courier company’s modest earnings Steve Kiruri CEO of Petty Errands.
The courier sector has created many jobs for the youth who run errands in motorcycles for organisations. But investors like Steve Kiruri do not regret delving into the business because he scoops handsome returns while employing others. When Kiruri left university with a Bachelor of Commerce degree 19 years ago, a flame was burning in him: to be a source of employment to himself and others.
“I never wanted to be employed. I wanted to be my boss and employ others too,” Kiruri says. The flame plunged him into the courier sector. This, in turn, gave birth to Petty Errands Ltd, a company that has, however, not been petty as the name may suggest. The company offers services to individuals, companies and other organisations that need an extra hand to have items safely delivered on
time and in good condition. The services Petty Errands handles on your behalf include mail and gifts delivery, payment of bills and renewal of documents. It is strategically placed at the heart of the city from where it spreads tentacles to the outskirts of the capital city. Kiruri, the company Chief Executive Officer, says charges are determined by a number of factors.
“Our charges are pegged on the urgency, complexity, and type of dispatch you need delivered,” he says. And technology has been his ‘friendly foe’: it closes opportunities and opens others despite sometimes providing soaring competition from peers. “Technology killed some of our businesses like paying bills for clients with the online and mobile settlements,” he says.
A scene from Game of Thrones - a popular series on HBO - a channel owned by Time Warner.
US media giant Century Fox withdraws bid for Time Warner
The 21st Century Fox corporation, the famous US-based multinational mass media corporation has withdrawn bid to purchase entertainment giant, Time Warner, for an estimated $80 billion (Sh7 trillion). Time Warner, which has produced popular films such as ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ and ‘300’ rejected Fox’s initial offer in July. Fox, which has produced films such as ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and ‘X-Men: Days
of Future Past’, said in a statement Time Warner had “refused to engage with us to explore an offer which was highly compelling”. Fox’s share price has dropped by 11 per cent since the takeover news was revealed. Meanwhile, Time Warner shares plunged more than 11 per cent in after-hours trading after the surprise news of the withdrawal was announced. “Time Warner’s Board and management team are committed to enhancing
long-term value and we look forward to continuing to deliver substantial and sustainable returns for all stockholders,” the company said in a statement. Experts say a merger between the two giants would have significantly altered the media industry in US by creating one of the world’s largest media conglomerates. Time Warner owns lucrative cable channels in US, including HBO, TNT and TBS. Fox, whose CEO is billionaire, Rupert Murdoch,
owns the dominant US Fox News channel. The acquisition offer was seen as a way for Fox to stay competitive as other big players in the industry, including Comcast (the largest broadcasting and cable network in the world) and AT&T (a multinational telecommunications company). “This could easily be part of their negotiating strategy,” said Brett Harriss, an analyst with brokerage firm Gabelli & Co.
Up to 27,000 Russian tourists are stranded abroad after Labirint, a local tour firm, suspended operations. A statement from the company attributed the move on a deterioration in the rouble (Russia’s currency) exchange rate and the “negative political and economic situation”. There are signs that European Union and US sanctions against Moscow over the ongoing Ukraine crisis may be hurting the wider economy, including Western investment in Russia. Even billionaire businessman Gennady Timchenko, a Russian tycoon close to President Vladimir Putin, told Russia’s Itar-Tass news agency the Gulfstream
aircraft company was no longer servicing his jet. He said pilots are not allowed to use its navigation equipment. Meanwhile, Turpomoshch (tour help in English), an agency assisting Russian tourists, said in a statement it is trying to book Russians onto return flights in various countries, including Bulgaria, Egypt and Tunisia. Labirint’s sudden failure last week left up to 27,000 Russian tourists without return tickets, Turpomoshch said. Anxious Labirint customers are bombarding Turpomoshch at a rate of five calls per minute, the agency says. “Our managers are working flat-out to help them, Turpomoschch said.
theindustry Researchers say poor quality seeds affect farmers production Kenyan farmers have been performing poorly after failing to use superior seed varieties. As the seed sector stumbles forward, experts at Tegemeo Institute say farmers stand to earn higher yields if they embrace new breeds. “It has long been recognised that Kenya’s agricultural productivity, especially for crops other than maize in highland areas, is well below potential productivity,” says Anna Karimi Wamache, a scientist from the institute. Woking with other researchers, she has discovered that Kenya’s maize yield is approximately two tonnes per ha. This is the same as the 1960 global average, more than half a century later, a sign that while the world moves forward in seed technology, Kenya is still dragging behind. George Bigirwa of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa says the country has made
strides in developing superior varieties for selected crops. Urging farmers to move away from cheap traditional seeds, he says new varieties are tolerant to pests, diseases and drought. A report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization says there are about 38 registered seed companies in Kenya. The leading ones are Kenya Seed Company, East African Seed Company, Western Grain and Seed Company and Faida Seeds. “In order to improve farmers’ access to locally adapted and improved crop varieties, the government and NGOs have been carrying out community-based seed interventions in arid and semi-arid areas,” says Paul Rossiter, a spokesperson and researcher for FAO. “The interventions include seed and cultural fairs, community-based seed bulking, community-based grain banks and seed recovery and banking.”
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BUSINESS
THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
infrastructure
State has Sh4.5b to buy land for Lapsset
President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that the government has set aside Sh4.45 billion to compensate land owners who will be affected by a Lamu Port upgrade project slated to begin next month. He has informed the Ministry of Lands to compensate those affected
as soon as possible. Last Friday, President Kenyatta approved the project, which is part of a bigger initiative to connect Kenya to South Sudan and Ethiopia. It is part of the Sh2.1 trillion Lamu Port and South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor project, which
had been derailed due to a lack of funds after it was launched in March 2012. The Lamu Port, located in Manda Bay, will be bigger than the Port of Mombasa. “The Lapsset project encompasses other infrastructure components
Kenya in WB Sh440b power project for six Africa states The World Bank Group yesterday committed $5 billion (Sh440 billion) to provide technical and financial support for energy projects in six African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, which have partnered with President Obama’s Power Africa initiative. Africa has some of the world’s largest hydro, geothermal wind and solar power potential, as well as significant oil and natural gas reserves but 600 million of its people have no access to electricity. Africa’s power crisis forces families and communities to use costly and unhealthy forms
of energy, such as kerosene, diesel generators or wood for indoor cooking fires. Health Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia indicates that close to 25 million Kenyans are at risk of getting lung disease and TB due to use of kerosene. Speaking on the second day of the First US-Africa Summit, World Bank Group President, Dr Jim Yong Kim, said the new financial commitment was urgently needed to generate more electricity for the people of Africa. “The U.S. Government and the World Bank Group are working to achieve one quarter of Power
Africa’s goal of generating 10,000 megawatts of new power in Sub Saharan Africa,” he added. Africa has vast hydropower potential but uses just 8 per cent of this untapped water force. In comparison, Western Europe uses 85 per cent of its available hydropower potential, which has led to their economic development and industrialization. “We are working with African leaders and their development partners to create power pools in Africa’s East, West, Central, and Southern sub-regions,” said World Bank Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop.
and facilities, including roads, railway, airports, oil refineries, pipeline, fibre optic cable and high grand falls,” said the President. “All these components are to be implemented as a package that will result in the development of an integrated transport and economic corridor.”
The President said the construction for the project’s three berths will send a strong message to Kenya’s neighbours of the government’s commitment to regional trade and will create many employment opportunities.
Fresh power: Workers at Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant, Kenya. The World Bank Group has committed $5 billion (Sh440 billion) in new technical and financial support for energy projects in six African countries, including Kenya.
cityscape
Know the buildings that shape the city
Chancery Building The Chancery building off Valley Road in Nairobi, was constructed in 1989 and completed in 1992 by Vishva Builders Ltd, a General Building Contractor based in both Nairobi and Eldoret. Assuming the form of a highrise building, the Chancery is primarily used for commercial office space.
Home to a number of office spaces, the red-brick structure boasts eight floors and two sub-level parking spaces. Phorio, an architecture resource platform, describes the building as having a modern architectural style, with sharp definitive shapes and regular geometric patterns.
The building is home to: China Plate restaurant (1st Flr) Enke Management (1st Flr) Scanad (1st, 5th, 8th Flr) Family HealthInternational (2nd Flr) African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) (3rd Flr) National Council for Population and Development (4th Flr) Scan Group 6th Flr Rural Electrification Authority-REA (6th Flr) X News HQ(7th Flr) Roundtrip (7th Flr) Abacco Media (7th Flr) Internet Solutions (7th Flr) REA-CEO’s office (8th Flr)
PLAY | 9
forecast
THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19
cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22
aquarius Jan 20 - Feb
leo Jul 23 - Aug 22
You’re in a unique position to understand all sides of the issues, Capricorn. While this is apt to give you a tremendous advantage over those who still have their heads stuck in the sand, this knowledge also gives you a greater responsibility to others.
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
You may be feeling rather anxious, Aquarius. Perhaps you have a big date coming up and your mind is buzzing with how to make the best impression. Remember that the harder you try, the further away you’ll push the object of your desire.
pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
This could be one of those days in which you feel like you just can’t get anything right, Pisces. In an effort to appease other people, you may think you have to make some adjustments that make you feel uneasy. This uncomfortable feeling could turn into nervousness, restlessness, and eventually anger.
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
’s o ayhot d er p st ing e Y nn i w
You may feel a need to add some fantasy to your daily routine today, Aries. Do you have someone in mind you’d like Cupid’s arrow to strike? Well, don’t rely on a cherub to do your work for you. Get out and do some target practice of your own so you’ll be prepared when you see the object of your desire across a crowded room.
ng s i n n in tio W p ca
taurus Apr 20 - May 20
Your psychic sense is apt to be keen as you fill your mind with fanciful scenarios, Taurus. These pictures in your head aren’t as farfetched as you might think. Today would be a good day to listen to your inner guidance the aspect of yourself that’s keyed into hearing subtle important messages.
gemini May 21 - Jun 21
You may be having a difficult time getting your opinions across to others, Gemini. For some, your ideas may seem too self-centered. For others, you may come across as insensitive to the situation. Do your best to understand what others are telling you.
1. Send a caption for the photo above to news@x-news. co.ke. The winning caption gets published on this page.
sudoku
1. Custodians of good morals, my foot-Moses Gitonga, Nairobi. 2. I feel lightheaded, let me smoke- Benjamin Olika, Globe Cinema. 3. Old habits die hard my friend-Munyao Michael, Nairobi.
To Rise Again at a Decent Hour
The emotional swings that you could feel today might put a damper on your fantasy world, Cancer. Remember that it’s up to you to nurture these dreams. Try not to let the emotional tides of the day affect your long-range strategy for realizing your most treasured visions.
People around you are apt to be touchy, Leo, so be careful how you interact with them. You’ll find that they can see beyond any sort of facade and easily detect dissention within the ranks. Be honest about your opinion, regardless of how you think it will be received.
virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22
While other people may be confused and distressed, you’re actually the one with all the answers, Virgo. Indeed, you’re best equipped to deal with the difficult situations that are likely to arise on a day like this. You have the ability to see through thick walls that others erect as barriers.
libra Sep 23 - Oct 22
Be passionate about the thing you love the most, Libra. Instead of trying to eat every single thing at the buffet table, just pick one or two items that you like the best and eat them with great enjoyment. Feel free to take some for later.
scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21
You may feel like a skipping record, Scorpio. You’ve been scratched and mistreated, and now you continue to repeat the same thing over and over until you’ve driven your point home. This isn’t your doing, so don’t be concerned if you hear protests that you’re sending others over the edge.
sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
There could be some tough forces questioning your most cherished dreams, Sagittarius. Be careful about confronting someone who wants to poke holes in your idealism. You could end up feeling like a punctured balloon that’s slowly deflating. Do whatever you can to avoid the aggression at work to bring you down.
greatread
— by Joshua Ferris
Yesterday’s solution 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.
yoursay
Paul O’Rourke, a dentist, insomniac, baseball enthusiasts is addicted to his iPhone. An anxious atheist who is desperately searching for meaning in life, he wants to belong and believe. The only problem is that he cannot wrap his head around the idea of a god who lets mankind suffer rather than help them. Then someone begins to impersonate him online. He watches in horror as a Facebook page, witter account and website are created in his name. The accounts and website claim he is a descendant of a Biblical tribe called
Amalekites who were all but wiped out by the Israelites. Paul sets out to find out who is impersonating him and why they think he is an Amalekite.
Tinder app links partner users in a specific radius
Word of Encouragement Can I whisper a little bit of encouragement to you today? No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone. You’re doing all of this so much better than you think you are. God has entrusted you with life, your loved ones, your unique challenges because, through Him, you are perfectly equipped for it all. Please, be the good shepherd you are meant to be, and don’t prey on those under your custody. — Beldina Chao
Tinder is a matchmaking mobile application. The app connects with Facebook profiles of users and provides pictures and ages for others to view. Using GPS, the app connects users to people who are within a specific radius and matches them with anyone within the distance. Tinder gathers users’ basic information from Facebook profiles and analyses social
graphs to match them to potential candidates. The matching is based on geographical location, mutual friends and interests. Started in September 2012, the app was first tried in college campuses. Tinder aims to make connecting with new people an exciting experience. Users swipe to the right to like or left to pass. If someone likes your
profile back, it is a match. One can chat with a match or take a photo to share ‘moments’ with all their matches at once. The ‘moments’ photo feature allows users to draw on photos and add filters. It is available in 24 languages. By April 2014, it was estimated to have more than 10 million active daily users.
10 |
education
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2014
Home schooling catching on in Kenya Home-schooling, an alternative method of teaching where the parent delivers an educational program to children at home, is gradually becoming popular in the country. The Kenyan Education Act provides parents with the statutory right to educate their children at home. Homeschooling is the full responsibility of the parent, is not required to meet national standards, and is not inspected by the Ministry of Education. And parents who opt for this form of education say the benefits are tremendous. “The quality of education is great because the children get one-on-one teaching,” said Mary Mukami, a parent, who practices home-schooling. Home-schooling allows students to work at their own pace and parents to blend family, life and schoolwork into their own schedule.
The Kenyan Education Act provides parents with the statutory right to educate their children at home.
fourmusts...
coursesin... Journalism gives you skills in dealing with people Working in the media is a desire of many young people. Some study different courses but end up working in the media. Besides politicians, journalists are the most famous professionals. They can work in the TV, radio, as well as public relation departments. It is also one of the most accommodating field of study that integrates with virtually all disciplines of study and life - health, education, environment and culture, among others. Some people think if they have a good voice for radio, good posture and pleasant appearance for TV, and good writing skills for print they can get themselves into mass media industry. It is not true. You need skills that you can only acquire if you attend a school for a degree or a diploma in journalism. University: Multimedia University of Kenya
But, parents can also contract trained teachers to conduct classes in their homes. Nairobi Home School (NHS) is an institution that offers home-schooling services to Nairobi residents. “As a professional teachers, we looked at home-schooling as it is traditionally-that parents were doing the teaching themselves-but as we know most people struggle with subjects such as sciences and that is where we came in; to bridge the gap,” NHS founder David Musila said. The main draw-back with home-schooling is that homeschoolers do their school work at home, and naturally, usually do not have as many social opportunities as public schoolers. However, parents who opt for this form of education can ensure that their children are well socialized through other fora such as church and play-dates.
Course category: Bachelor’s degree Journalism Specialisations: Print Broadcast (TV and radio) Public relations Applied Communication Diploma is also available. Duration: Four years Entry requirements: A mean grade of C+ in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education A minimum of C+ in both English and Kiswahili Fees: For the first semester, one will be required to pay Sh85, 100 them Sh80, 400 for the subsequent semesters. This will amount to Sh165, 500. It will sum up to Sh647, 000 for the four years. Careers: News anchor, radio and TV presenters, news features writers, literature editor and publishers.
Classic stories you should read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This is the story of London and Paris during the French revolution. Dickens spins a tale of drama adventure and courage based on the French peasantry under the yoke of the aristocrats. 1984
by George Orwell
When Orwell published 1984 in 1949, he may have had no idea just how his futurist imaginations would come true. It’s the story of a domineering and omnipresent government that controls every aspect of its citizens’ lives, even using camera’s to watch their every movement and action, even at home. Is that not happening today? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Gone with the Wind is a love story and Civil War novel. It narrates the
experiences of Scarlet O’Hara the spoiled daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, who must use every means at her disposal to come out of poverty that she finds herself in. The books traces her growth from a self-centred young spoilt rich girl to a woman who is capable of taking care of herself.
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton This is the story of Stephen Kumalo, a black Anglican priest from a rural Natal town, who is searching for his sister and his son Absalom in the city of Johannesburg. He is saddened by the way the country has changed and he is disheartened by what he experiences.
online
Use role-playing apps to master your eLearning content Online Students can master and evaluate their skills with a downloadable role-playing app. Role-play is a system of learning where students listen to customised questions or comments and then give responses. Their responses are recorded by the customer before a replay. During the replay,
the students will listen to the responses they gave to the questions. They will then evaluate their performance in the skills under test. It is this scrutiny of their performance that will bring out what they did well, and what to improve on. The customer will give feedback, upon which
the students will assess themselves. Repeating this exercise many times helps students perfect specific skills. They are allowed to use scripted responses. Your eLearning instructor can be instrumental in the preparation of prospective feedback.
The student responses are also available to the tutor who will use them to define focal points that the student needs to address for a good mastery and better results. Coaching is also allowed and it is advantageous because it is personalised. Role playing can also be in form of audiocoaching from a narrator.
CAREER |11 wantmyjob?
careers ornot
Abby Momanyi is an events officer at Etihad Airways. She spoke to XNEwS about her job.
There is life outside the traditional white collar jobs Traditions have undergone major overhauls giving way to vocations which were looked down upon in the past. Elements which were not considered as serious careers have emerged as great sources of employment. Education is highly valued and in the past parents expected their children to pursue courses which would earn them white collar jobs. They could not entertain the mere thought of their children studying fields related to performance and theatre. They viewed music and acting as pass times and not real professions.DJ Kace (Maxwell Kimutai) had a passion for the decks at an early stage. He started playing as a DJ while still in high school. His parents
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2014
XN: What does your job entail? AM: I’m responsible for the selection and assignment of brand ambassadors to Etihad’s corporate events and coordinating all related and relevant logistics. XN: How many hours do you Work in a Day? AM: 30 hours a day XN: How much do You Earn? AM: Never enough :) XN: What qualifications do you need for your job? AM: Events Management training is helpful though not mandatory. As long as you have a business sense and understand overall requirements for events then you are good to go.
were not amused by his choice of profession. They did not view music as a real career. Max pressed on despite his parents’ lack of support and made it his number one love. “It was hard to convince them that it is what my heart wanted but they came to accept it later,” he said. Today, Maxwell is one of Rongai’s best versatile DJs. His efforts have paid off and he can now pay his own bills. It takes a strong will and persistence for one to take on a career that many may stand against. Hundreds of people study and graduate with various degrees but not all end up in those fields. Therefore one must have another plan to fall back to in case things do not turn out as expected.
XN: Was this your dream career? AM: Actually no, it was an opportunity that came up and I took it! XN: Does your job interfere with your social life? AM: What social life?
XN: What is the best part of your job? AM: Attending great events, networking and meeting celebrities that I’d otherwise may never have the chance. I have met the likes of Patrick Vieira, Lucas O’Neil, Sharne Warne, Martin Kaymer, Dannii Minogue to mention just a few. Being on the F1 track with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel just before start of the race, watching Arsenal play at Etihad Stadium in Manchester are just some of the things my job has enabled. XN: What is the worst part of your job? AM: It is a 30 hours a day; 8 days week kind of job. XN: Any Advice for people who want to venture in to your line of work? AM: Go for it! It is the best line of work for learning organizational skills, interpersonal skills and for networking both within your organisation and out.
Workaholism is bad for health, career There is no problem with putting in a few extra hours of work but when you drown in your work without valuing your health or family then it becomes a troubling concern. Workaholics forego other interests or activities and lead a joyless life where they don’t even take time to breath. It is an obsession with many adverse effects, which those affected may not even realize or accept. Work addiction can lead to disintegration of family units. When parents gets too engrossed in work, their spouses and children may feel neglected and unimportant. Precious family moments are wasted, family rifts crop up and trust is lost. Health complications such as depression caused by destructive work patterns also accompany obsessive toiling. Career addicts may know that their abnormal tendencies are hurtful and want to stop but they find it hard. They develop chronic fatigue and
excessive anxiety levels. Dedicating every moment to a profession smothers interpersonal relationships. Instead of watching or playing games with friends, grabbing a couple of beers, hanging out and going on dates, workaholics will only find peace in their jobs. Unhealthy eating habits is an added result of work addiction. When one barely leaves their desks to stretch, they ignore eating hours and snack all the time. Insomnia kicks in but they do not mind staying up all night to work on their projects. Others will not feel the effects of a lack of sleep because their mind is trained to see it as a normal activity. However, the body gets exhausted leading to a melt down after increased sleepless nights. Whether one is an enthusiastic or non-enthusiastic workaholic, the behavior is self-destructive. Take time to enjoy life with your loved ones and treat yourself often.
STRESSED OUT: workaholics court extreme mental health and social problems.
bucketlist
Creat the bucket list now, and start living up to it
A bucket list is an inventory of all the goals and dreams one wants to achieve before they die. For most people creating a bucket list comes after a doctor tells them their days on earth are numbered. They then try to cram as many experiences, goals and dreams into a small time frame. Don’t wait for something significant or tragic to happen in your life for you to start a bucket list.
once! Every week we shall be giving you, our readers, suggestions to consider for your bucket list. Live in the moment.
The whole point of creating a bucket list is to maximize every moment of your life and to do as many things as possible and create memories. You only live
Travel the world Travelling is a great way to learn more about different cultures, move out of your comfort zone, open your eyes to new things, meet new people and discover the great gems of the world. Travelling will make you feel a
deeper appreciation for where you are from and where you are going. You can start by first travelling all around the country. Some of us have been born and bred in Kenya but we never take the time out to visit the different parts of the country to see what they have to offer. Decide just one day to take a road trip with a friend, life is all about the adventures you make, it is all about the journey.
12 |
FUN
Elevator surfers dare death in thrill chase
THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
filmmenu
What’s in the cinemas
Thursday evening traffic jams are for those who want to catch a nap as they travel home. But if you want some entertainment and plan to avoid the evening mad rush, stop at iMax Nairobi, on Mama Ngina Street, 20th Century Cinama.
Guardians of the galaxy: An iMax 3d expierence An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits— Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy’s fate in the balance. Time 7/08/2014-8:00am, 10:20am, 12:40pm, 3:00pm, 10:20pm, 12:30am 8/08/2014-1:00am, 7:00am, 11:20am, 1:40pm, 4:00pm, 6:20pm 9/08/2014-1:00am, 9:00am, 11:20pm, 1:40pm, 4:00pm, 6:20pm, 8:40pm 10/08/2014-7:00am, 11:20am, 1:40pm, 4:00pm, 8:40pm 11/08/2014-1:00pm, 3:20am, 5.40pm, 8:00pm 12/08/2014-7:00am, 1:00pm, 3.20pm, 5:40pm, 8:00pm 13/08/2014-9:00am, 1:00pm, 3.20pm, 5:40pm, 8:00pm
Hercules: An iMax 3d experience Fourteen hundred years ago, a tormented soul walked the earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules was the powerful son of the god king Zeus, for this he received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labours and the loss of his family, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the gods finding his only solace in bloody battle. Over the years he warmed to the company of six similar souls, their only bond being their love of fighting and presence of death. These men and women never question where they go to fight or why or whom, just how much they will be paid. Now the King of Thrace has hired these mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. It is time for this bunch of lost souls to finally have their eyes opened to how far they have fallen when they must train an army to become as ruthless and blood thirsty as their reputation has become. Time 8/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm 9/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm 10/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm 11/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm 12/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm 13/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm 14/08/2014-9:20am, 11.00pm
Adrenaline junkies have found yet another risky form of amusement - elevator surfing. Elevator surfing, also known as elevaroping, involves riding on top or below elevators and sometimes, jumping from one elevator to another. A surfer is advised to first find out whether the top of the elevator shaft has ample headroom. Most do but some may not. Surfers also need to check the space for clearance before “manually driving” the elevator to the top of the shaft. The elevator surfers like to do their thing either early in the morning or late at night when there is minimal activity in the building to lower the risks. Most surfers usually force the elevator doors open between floors and unlatch the outer doors from the inside. Their accomplices will press the elevator buttons on the inside of the elevators to provide controlled movement. Like most adrenaline-driven daredevil acts, elevator surfing is a pretty daft thing to do. Not all elevators move at the same speed, and the
surfer does not have the ability to stop the elevator at any time by pressing the emergency button. There is the risk of being crushed between the elevator top or the sides of the elevator car and the elevator
shaft, getting struck by the counterweight or falling to their deaths. Tony Rodrigues, an elevator surfer, suffered terrible injuries when he was crushed by an elevator in an apartment in Manhattan, US.
He was surfing at the top of an elevator when his head got stuck between the elevator shaft and a beam. He suffered a fractured skull, a broken jaw and internal injuries. He was lucky to survive.
tunnel thrill: An elevator shaft like this provides is the playground of elevator surfers.
drinkingcorner
killerdancemoves
The whiskey ginger
The Basic Egyptian
You don’t need a Ph.D. or even a cocktail shaker to mix up this cocktail — just a glass, lemon whiskey and ginger ale. Top one or two shots of
Step1
Step2
Spread your arms. Place your feet together. Place your right foot forward then back. Place your left foot forward then back.
Keep your arms spread. Turn to the left. Place your right foot forward then back. Place your left foot forward then back.
the hitlist
whiskey with ginger ale and garnish with a lemon twist. It’s called a “Horse’s Neck” if it’s served with a long, curly strip of lemon peel. CHEERS.
Step3
Touch your right hip and move your left hip in a soft diagonal thrust. Touch your left hip and move your right hip in a soft diagonal thrust. Repeat.
Westlands
Valley Arcade
Embakasi
Aqua Blu
Ozone Club
Club Fahrenheit
Perfomance by The villagers Band
Ravish Rave nights with Reggea night with DJ Fab DJ Musty, Denz and Simple Ronnie
East Africa Evolution Party
Admission: Free Time: 9pm onwards
Admission: Free Time:8pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards
Kimathi Street Club Sylk
THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
Sport
no motivation Higuain claims Messi failed to convince him to Barcelona P.15
Arsenal tap German fitness specialist Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of World Cup winning fitness coach, Shad Forsythe as they take significant steps towards preventing last season’s injury woes. Forsythe, who was part of Germany’s triumphant Brazil 2014 campaign, joined up with the Gunners squad during their recent New York tour before travelling with the team to Austria for a pre-season training camp. A series of injuries last term raised question marks over the team’s training methods at their London Colney centre.
Ibrahimovic may return to Juventus Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain for a return to Juventus, a former coach of the Swedish striker has claimed. The enigmatic 32-year-old has won two successive Ligue 1 titles with PSG, starring in both seasons. But he has endlessly been linked with a return to Italy throughout his time in France. Stefan Hansson, who befriended the Swede during his youth at Malmo, claims the striker wants to return to Serie A in the next year and has his heart set on the current Scudetto holders. “He was young and crazy - now he’s just crazy,” the current coach of Indonesian club Mitra Cutra said. “We spoke on Skype a few days ago and he told me that he would like to return to Juventus, if not this year then next year. But it is not a matter of money.” Ibrahimovic, who scored both goals in PSG’s Trophee des Champions win over Guingamp on Saturday, left Juventus in 2006 amidst the Calciopoli scandal. The crisis relegated the Turin club. Ibrahimovic later played for Inter, Barcelona and AC Milan before moving to Parc des Princes in 2012.
But Arsene Wenger revealed last year the club had started a review of procedures following an accumulation of injuries that disrupted their Premier League title challenge. Forsythe, who will take the match-day warm-ups, will work in tandem with the club’s current fitness specialist, Tony Colbert. The American has a close working relationship with the club’s German trio Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski following his role with the German FA.
the training guru: Forsythe was part of Germany’s triumphant Brazil 2014 campaign.
Federer’s cruising start in Toronto
out you go: Federer took 52 minutes to wipe out Canada’s Polansky in the Rogers Cup.
Rodger Federer cruised to a 6-2, 6-0 victory over wild card, Peter Polansky in the second round of the Rogers Cup. Ernest Gulbis, Richard Gasquet and Fabio Fognini also advanced in the US Open warm-up on Tuesday. Federer took 52 minutes to wipe out Canada’s Polansky, who beat 2013 Wimbledon finalist, Jerzy Janowicz on Monday. Gulbis moved to the second round with a 6-3, 6-4 win against Joao Sousa of Portugal. Gasquet beat local favourite, Vasek Popisil 7-5, 7-5, as Fognini hammered Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 6-3. “He has an extra motivation because it’s being home,” Gasquet said of Popisil. “It’s the same when I’m playing in France. But he had big expectations on him, especially here in Toronto.” Jack Sock of US defeated Jurgen Melzer of Austria 6-1, 6-3 in the first round to set up a tie with big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic. Andreas Seppi defeated Cana-
dian qualifier, Brayden Schnur 6-3, 6-3 after a rain delay of more than two hours. Seppi next faces Ivan Dodig, who upset 10th-seeded John Isner on Monday night. “I’m definitely excited for tomorrow,’ Sock said of facing Raonic. “The juices will be flowing. He got me in my home country last week, so I’m going to try to maybe get some revenge.” Raonic beat Sock in straight sets at Wimbledon and then again last week at the Citi Open in Washington. In another Canadian loss, Frank Dancevic fell 5-7, 6-0, 6-3 to American Donald Young. Dancevic said Young did a good job of adapting to his game. “He just started reading my serve in the second and third set,’ Dancevic said. “I couldn’t get any more free points on my serve, my serve percentage dropped down a little bit and he just started playing better and better as the match went on.”
14 |
SPORT
THURSDAY, AUgUST 7, 2014
Bayern Sign Reina Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina from Liverpool, as the German champions agreed a shock Sh292million deal. The move ends the Spain international keeper’s search for a permanent club this summer after spending last season on a loan at Napoli. Rafa Benitez was thought to be keen on a reunion this term but the Bundesliga champions have swooped in to snap him up. Artur Boruc emerged as a shock candidate for the Bayern back-up role last week before they turned their attentions to Reina. The ex-Red will now compete with current number one and Germany international stopper Manuel Neuer for first-team minutes at the Allianz Arena. Despite a fluctuating debut
sAfe HANDs: former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has joined Bayern Munich.
campaign by the Belgium goalkeeper, The 31-year-old failed to play a single minute of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the USA with Simon Mignolet, Brad Jones and rookie Danny Ward all named ahead of him. The former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, who brought Reina to Anfield from Villarreal in 2005 as a replacement for the Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek, had been keen on re-signing the Spaniard for Napoli. However, Liverpool’s desire for a permanent deal and the keeper’s Sh14million-a-week wages have proved prohibitive to the Italian club and Bayern have stepped in to offer Reina an escape to the Bundesliga.
Kenyan signs pro contract to play kabaddi in India
Japan-based runners for Ndakaini race
National Kabaddi Association chairman Mathew Mwangi has congratulated Simon Maina Kibura for becoming the first Kenyan to play professional kabaddi after signing for Indian side Puneri Paltan. The 25-year-old is also the only African taking part in the Pro Kabaddi League. Kabaddi is a new sport in Kenya and had a national team taking part in its debut world cup held in Punjab, India last year. “That is really great for the sport from Kenyan perspective, he will surely market the game as he turns professional and hopefully many Kenyans will embrace the sport,” he said. Already, the Kenya Kabaddi Association is laying structures to develop the game from grassroots. The sport has already been introduced in three schools within Nairobi namely Potter House, Braeburn Garden Estate and Mountain View Primary. At the world cup, the men’s team wentout in the group stages with two points in four matches.
Japanese based athletes from Nyandarua County will run in the Ndakaini Half Marathon scheduled for September 13, 2014. The athletes are expected to represent Nyandarua County in the 21km race whose prize purse has been increased to Sh1.2 million as registration kicked off on Tuesday. Long distance runner Paul Mutero and his colleagues confirmed that they will be participating in the race alongside other Japanese-based athletes, who are currently on holiday in the country. In a notice, the organizers of the event announced that the top prize in the 21km race has been
RUNNING WILD: Athletes at a past race. Prize money for Ndakaini Half Marathon has been increased.
raised from Sh150, 000 to Sh200, 000, while the winner of the 10km race will receive Sh30, 000 up from last year’s Sh15, 000. Registration fee is Sh1, 000 for individuals in each category, and Sh50,000 for corporate teams. The registration is going on at the UAP head office and all UAP branches countrywide, Uchumi Sarit Centre, Uchumi Aga Khan Walk, Parklands Sports Club, Maathai supermarket, Thika, NDEKA offices, Ndakaini and all athletics training camps in the country, according to James Mukuna of Ndeka.
SPORT| 15
Higuain claims Messi failed to seduce him to Barcelona THURSday, AUGUST 7, 2014
not convinced: Gonzalo Higuain claims Lionel Messi failed to convince him to join Barcelona this summer.
Gonzalo Higuain claims Lionel Messi failed to convince him to join Barcelona this summer but joked that his Argentina colleague should move to Napoli. Before Luis Suarez’s move from Liverpool became a reality, there were rumours that the former Real Madrid attacker would leave San Paolo back to the Catalunya club. Messi conceded it would be brilliant to play alongside his Argentina team-mate on weekly basis but Higuain insists he was never swayed by the four-time Ballon d’Or winner to ditch
Napoli. “Did I want to go to Barcelona? I always told the truth and that is that I wanted to think only of the World Cup and then I would return to Napoli,” he said. “So I kept quiet and I had nothing to fear because there was nothing to comment about,” Messi said. “I believe every player would love to play alongside a great champion like him but that does not mean I ever wanted to leave. If Messi came to Napoli, that would be great.” Higuain joked that Antonio Conte’s departure from Scudetto
holders Juventus will level the playing field for the rest of Serie A’s top clubs. He predicts a better showing from him and Rafa Benitez’s men than 2013-14’s third-place finish. “Although there is no Conte, Massimiliano Allegri is a good coach so Juventus will still be the opponent to beat,” the 26-year-old said. “Roma have reinforced and Rudi Garcia has a strong team, yet this year they are involved in the Champions League which will take away some of their energy, whereas last year they had no Europe to deal with.”
Mcllroy favourite to lift US PGA title Rory McIlroy says his recent form does not signal “the start of an era” as he prepares for the US PGA Championship. The world number one has won his last two tournaments, including the Open at Hoylake and is favourite to claim his fourth major at Valhalla this week. But the 25-year-old says talk of the “Rory era” is premature. “I’ve had a great run over the past
few months but sometimes people are too quick to jump on the bandwagon,” said the Northern Irishman. “It’s nice to win a few tournaments and get back to where I feel I should be, but I’m not sure you can call that the start of an era.” McIlroy said his confidence in the game was at an all-time high following his victories at Royal Liverpool and the WGC-Bridge-
stone Invitational at Firestone last week. “Definitely over the past couple of weeks, it’s the best I’ve driven the ball,” McIlroy said. “I’ve put on three kilograms of muscle in the last eight weeks, so that definitely helps. “I’ve started to work harder in the gym and I’ve got stronger in certain areas of my body, which I needed to. “My wedge play has come up as
well. I discovered a little thing with my putting, which seems to have worked also. I’m converting a lot of the chances that I’m giving myself.” McIlroy is bidding to become the first player to win back-to-back majors since Padraig Harrington triumphed at the Open and US PGA in 2008. He won his first major at the 2011 US Open.
Fellaini Napoli move rests with Man U, says Benitez Napoli manager Rafael Benitez insists any move for Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini depends on the Old Trafford club. The Belgium international has been linked with an offseason exit from Old Trafford after a disappointing debut with the English giants. Fellaini has not featured for United during their pre-season US tour after he was granted extra time off following his World Cup participation with Belgium. New boss Louis van Gaal revealed after his side’s US tour he will speak to players on whether they feature in his plans for the upcoming
campaign. Partenopei president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed last week the 26-year-old midfielder was a target for Benitez, who is hoping to thrash out a deal if their Premier League counterparts are open to a transfer. Benitez told the Italian media: “It’s hard not to talk about the transfer market– names keep cropping up constantly. For Fellaini, it’s all down to United, not us. “In midfield, we’re looking for a player with the right winning mentality. If Fellaini arrives immediately then there won’t be any problem getting him used to our its up to man-u:Napoli boss Rafael Benitez says any move system. for Marouane Fellaini rests with the Old Trafford club.
History makers San Antonio name Becky first female coach San Antonio Spurs have named Becky Hammon an assistant coach, making her the first female paid by an NBA team to the role. “I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said in a statement. “Having observed her working with our team this past season, I’m confident her basketball IQ, work ethic and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs.” Hammon, 37, who plays for the WNBA’s San Antonio Stars, will retire after her 16th season. She is a six-time All-Star and two-time first-team All-WNBA, is seventh in
points, fourth in assists and sixth in games in WNBA history. “It just so happens you are a woman, but I’m hiring you because of your IQ and your personal relationship skills.’ I’m just grateful that they see something in me that fits in with them and their organisation.” It has been a productive and progressive offseason for the NBA champs. Popovich signed an extension, big man Tim Duncan decided to come back for another season, guard Tony Parker agreed to an extension and Popovich hired well-regarded international coach Ettore Messina as an assistant.
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SPORT
Ref Webb retires after 25 years
THURSDAY, AUgUST 7, 2014
Top English referee Howard Webb has brought a 25-year career to an end, after he was appointed technical director of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Webb’s new position means he will be responsible for overseeing the technical decision and standards, as it relates to the performance of PGMOL match officials on the pitch. He will also supervise PGMOL’s training programme and coaching systems. “I am very excited to start this new chapter in my career after a wonderfully rewarding 25 years on the pitch,” Webb said. “I have spent over a decade with the best seat in the house for Barclays Premier League matches, been lucky enough to be involved in nine UEFA and FIFA tournaments, and taken charge of the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup finals.” “Refereeing has given me so much
CuRTAInS dOwn: Referee Howard webb who announced his retirement yesterday.
thetimeline
Joseph S Blatter @SeppBlatter My best wishes to Howard Webb. 2007-14: 21 games, 6 FIFA competitions. A record! Happy his experience to be retained. Matt Bailey @Matt_Bailey1575 17h Brace
yourselves for the inevitable avalanche of ‘Howard Webb statue to be erected outside Old Trafford’ Tweets, lads ‘n lasses. Amusing as. Simon Irunch @KenyanSimonSays 16h lol your
tweets on Howard Webb #mufc from Kenya here ...we will miss Him...
tweets about how united fans will be devastated aint assed
Logan Romario Thiago @ Rudebwoy20014 17h Howard webb retires = every non united fan recycling dead
Lee Oulds @lee_oulds 17h Seen a lot of Webb/Man U tweets now he’s retired. In fairness, quite a few refs bot-
and it’s important that match officials who have had the rewards remain in the game to pass on their knowledge. “Over the last five years in particular we have made huge strides in terms of our accuracy, fitness and professionalism. “The current Select Group are the best referees this country has ever produced and I am thrilled that I not only get the chance to continue working with them but also the opportunity to develop the next generation of officials.” The PGMOL General Manager, Mike Riley, also a former referee has spoken highly of the MBE holder. “While we will no longer see Howard’s commanding presence on the domestic and international stage, we have an excellent mix of experienced officials and some very talented younger referees in our 17-strong Select Group,” Riley said.
tled it and gave UTD dodgy decisions. Not just him. Trendoa South Africa@ trendoaZA 8m ‘Howard Webb’ is the most active trending topic now in South Africa with 31 tweets per
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minute Manchester City FC @ MCFC · 17h GOOD LUCK: All at #MCFC wish Howard Webb the best in his new role after bringing an end to 25 years of officiating.