NORWEGIAN FAMILY cries out FOR JUSTICE
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THREE SIBLINGS ARE UNHAPPY over THE PACE AT WHICH police probe INTO THE MURDER OF THEIR FATHER IN KISUMU IS being carried out P.2
eXtra.sharp Thursday 25.09.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke
olympics team appeals for help former champion hellen obiri eyes to prepare for summer games | P.13 world crown in China next year P.14
SPORT
Democracy under terror threat, Kenyatta tells UN
Terrorism is hampering efforts to entrench democracy in Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said. Kenyatta said the country is struggling to balance protection of her people’s democratic freedoms against the resolve to stamp out terrorism within its borders. Uhuru, who made the remarks during his maiden speech at the UN General Assembly in New York last night, said terrorists are exploiting democratic freedoms to advance extremist ideologies.
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we’re struggling: President Kenyatta addresses the UN General Assembly in New York. He said Kenya is struggling to balance between democratic freedom and the resolve to stamp out terror threats.
Mutunga reveals Kenyans’ loss of trust in courts
Flourishing middle class boosts retail sector growth P4
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Tips to help you save most from your earnings P9
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NEWS
THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
Democracy at risk, warns Kenyatta
From Page 1 “Terrorist actors are exploiting the expanded democratic space, sometimes feeding into and even influencing local politics,” he said. The President’s remarks echoed his speech in June when he said political networks were involved in the heinous killing of more than 60 people in Mpeketoni.
He said the country has thrust itself on the frontlines of regional and global war on terror even amid efforts to deepen democracy. “Unless we can provide an effective buffer to fight back this tendency, Kenya and indeed other countries will find it difficult to entrench democracy and the post-2015 development agenda,” he said.
He said Kenya will continue playing its rightful role and shoulder global and regional responsibilities, including bring peace to Somalia and resolving the conflict in South Sudan. He said no country is too big or small to play its role in making the world a better place for all. “Kenya is a member in good
standing of the international community and it intends to continue to shoulder its global and regional responsibilities,” he said. The President, who had earlier in the week criticised Western nations for not doing enough to curb the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, launched his 20-minute speech by appealing for urgent and sustained
attention to the crisis. The speech drew applause from the audience as he said the Government has moved to provide free maternal and child health care in all public hospitals. And the applause continued as he singled out First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for praise for her efforts in the Beyond Zero Campaign.
Slain Norwegian volunteer’s family query police probe Three Norwegian siblings have hired lawyers for judicial hearings in which they have accused police of laxity in investigating the murder of their 73-year-old father. Lawyer Vibeke Hein Bæra will represent Jan Kristensen’s family which claims the police probe has “many gaping holes.” “We have a series of questions on the prosecution’s handling of the case. For instance, in recent months, there has been little, if any investigation,” she said. “We cannot just sit and wait when there are so many unanswered questions about police work,” Baera said. Kristensen was killed at dawn on September 12 in an armed robbery in his home. Three of the robbers were shot and killed by police but one fled. Nyanza provincial security chief Francis Mutie confirmed that the suspect who fled and one of those
killed were Administration Police (AP) officers who were at the time guarding the Kisumu Pipeline Company premises. He said the duo had been deployed from Nairobi and did not report to him. Police said the robbers were looking for cash, but Kristensen resisted. He was beaten up and eventually strangled. “His legs were tied using aluminium wire as the thugs strangled him despite the old man’s plea that he did not have money,” said Mutie. “The Norwegian was the target and the assailants knew where he lived and that he had money. We believe this must have been an ‘inside job’ - that the perpetrators had received information and assistance from someone known to the Norwegian,” said Mutie. Reports said one of the killed robbers was a nephew to Jan’s wife, Anne Okech Kristensen.
MURDERED: Norwegian Jan Kristensen (in glasses), who operated a centre for street children and school facilities in Kisumu, was killed at their family home.
Ebola drug for West Africa victims yet to leave Canada Canada’s experimental Ebola vaccine is yet to be shipped to West Africa, Dr Gregory Taylor, the country’s new chief public health officer, said on Wednesday. Canada pledged 800 to 1,000 doses of a vaccine developed at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg six weeks ago. But there are still questions on how and where to send it, Taylor said in an interview with CBC News. “The 800 to 1,000 doses that we offered to WHO is still in Winnipeg,” Taylor said. “We’re getting very close to shipping
some of that.” Canada has a small number of doses compared with the number of people infected, Taylor said. The Ebola outbreak has infected at least 5,800 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal. This type of vaccine also needs to be kept cold at all times to remain active, he said. There needs to be a facility able to accept it and patients need to give informed consent to use the experimental vaccine. “All of those issues are proving challenging.”
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NEWS | 3
THURSDAY SepTembeR 25, 2014
Senate committee to visit Makueni over violence
Humans and chimpanzees are naturally violent Chimpanzees, like their human ‘cousins’, also wage war amongst themselves. Research has discovered that the apes are naturally violent, with males in particular proving to be the most aggressive of the sexes. The study suggests that violence and war have deep evolutionary roots, and are not a modern man-made occurrence. Primatologists (those who study primates) and anthropologists have debated the concept of warfare for years, with some saying that killing off competitors opens up access to key resources such as
food or mates. It was previously believed that human beings accidentally forced the apes to fight for food and mates when they destroyed their natural homes and food resources to make room for new developments. Now the latest research by ape experts at the University of Minnesota has found that lethal violence between chimpanzees indicates this is normal adaptive behaviour and not one that has emerged in response to humans encroaching on their habitats. A team of 30 researchers studied 18 chimpanzee communities over a period of 50 years.
3 suspects, 65-year-old killed in city crime wave
letHal : an armed police offer at a scene of crime. Police killed three suspected robbers in different incidents in Nairobi last night.
Three suspects were last night killed in separate crime incidents in which a 65-year-old-man was also burnt to death. In Riruta, a suspected robber was shot dead and a gun found on him in what police say was a botched robbery. The suspect, alongside others were robbing residents in a block of flats when an alarm was raised. Police say the other suspects managed to escape. In the other incident, a suspected robber was killed in Mukuru kwa Reuben by police and another lynched by a mob. Police say they recovered a homemade gun and a panga from them. In Kasarani, police are investigating an incident in which a 65-year-old man was killed and burnt to death in his house in Mwihako area. The man, who operated a
You will account for your juniors’ conduct, IG tells bosses Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo has issued a directive to all police bosses to conduct a lifestyle audit of their juniors before submitting a recommendation about the suitability of every officer to continue serving in the police
service. Kimaiyo has also said that the police bosses will now be held responsible for the conduct of every officer under them. “The same enforcing officers use carelessly the tools of work they have been entrusted with by misusing them
against the same society they are supposed to protect,” said Kimaiyo (pictured) Of late, a number of police officers have been involved in law breaking incidences including theft, a trend that has been termed as worrying. Early this week, an AP officer
was among four gangsters arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International airport in connection with a series of bank robberies. Kimaiyo has also urged them to use the right channels of command in resolving conflicts in the service.
butchery in the area, was burnt beyond recognition in a suspected arson incident. Police say they are yet to know those behind the attack. The authorities believe a bloodied slasher found outside the house indicates the man was killed before being burnt. In other related cases, a 24-year-old man committed suicide in his house in Kaloleni area, Nairobi. Alphonce Kasyioka Kimilu is said to have used a rope to hang himself in the house last evening and the motive of the incident is yet to be known. In Kayole, a man was shot and seriously wounded in an attack outside his house. Police say Stephen Mwaniki was getting into his house when he was shot by four men who escaped without stealing anything from him.
The Senate Sessional Committee on Devolved Government will visit Makueni County next week on a mediation mission following a gun battle that left five people injured on Tuesday. Committee chairman Kipchumba Murkomen says the impasse, if allowed to continue, would cause delay of development in the county. “The objective of that trip is to find out what is exactly happening because the committee has a mandate of inter-governmental relations, propose the best way of dealing with the relationship problems within the county. If there are issues of accountability as reported in the media, we would like county governments to handle those issues within the confines of the law” Murkomen said yesterday. This came even as police boss, David Kimaiyo ordered the arrest of all officers involved in a gunfight that took place in Wote town on Tuesday. The Senate team said a leadership crisis is looming in the county after Members of the Makueni County Assembly issued a 14-day ultimatum over the weekend to Governor Kivutha Kibwana to sack corrupt officers in his government or face impeachment. The MCAs have accused the governor of frustrating accountability and transparency in the use of county funds.
Uhuru: No KQ flights to Ebola countries yet Kenya Airways will resume its flights to countries affected by Ebola “once appropriate measures are put in place”, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said. Uhuru, who made the remarks while delievering his maiden speech at the UN General Assembly in New York last night, said the suspension of Kenya Airways flights to some destinations in West Africa “followed a stark warning from the World Health Organisation.” He, however, did not specify the measures to be put in place before the suspended flights are restored.
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NEWS
THURSDAY, SepTembeR 25, 2014
Kenyans have lost faith in courts, says Mutunga
A majority of Kenyans are seeking alternative dispute resolution mechanisms instead of courts. Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said on Wednesday that 95 per cent of Kenyans avoid seeking justice in courts. He says as much as avoiding courts is helping deal with case backlog in the justice system, lack of access to the institutions is a major attributing factor. Mutunga was speaking during the Milimani Law Court user’s committee open day. He said some Kenyans avoid courts because of expenses and problematic court processes. “I will be the first person to agree that there are people who do not see us as the only forum for the administration of justice and that’s why they go to Kadhis, to the elders and chiefs,” he said. “They do that because the adversarial system in the court is problematic for some
More on this story at
they don’t trust us: Chief Justice Willy Mutunga (above) says majority of Kenyans have lost faith in the Judiciary.
people. If you have a case with our brother in any of the courts you will actually cease to be brothers, it’s a fact.” He said some areas like Moyale, do not have upper courts, which deny people a chance to seek court services.
“In Moyale, when you want to lodge an appeal against a decision, you have to go to Meru and if it is raining, it will take you seven days,” he said. “We ask that we get more money to build courts, you (media) just keep quiet.
260 Boko Haram militants surrender to Nigeria army More than 260 Boko Haram militants have surrendered in north-eastern Nigeria, the military has said. The military says it has also killed a man featuring in the group’s recent propaganda videos posing as its deceased leader Abubakar Sheku. The army said it had killed Sheku last year, but never gave proof. Boko Haram has suffered heavy losses in recent weeks
healthcheck Many people who suffer from urinary bladder problems are reluctant to seek treatment despite the massive impact it has on the quality of their lives. Some of the problems include silently enduring urinary incontinence. The symptoms are embarrassing and are sometimes considered to be ‘age related’ even when it is not necessarily so. The involuntary leaking of urine is a distressing symptom which is associated
as the army battles the group close to its hometown of Maiduguri in the north-east. The military said 135 Boko Haram members surrendered with weapons at Biu, Borno state, on Tuesday. Another 133 surrendered elsewhere in north-eastern Nigeria. It was also the first time the military has publicly mentioned the death of the group’s leader Abubakar Shekau, who security forces
claimed died in clashes with the army in 2009. General Chris Olukolade of the Nigerian military said a man named Mohammed Bashir was among those killed in the latest offensive last week. Bashir “had been acting or posing in videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group,” Olukolade said.
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Why can’t you have a great demonstration or you march to Parliament and make sure we get money to build courts? He said the Judiciary was working “with elders like in Isiolo so that they comply with the Constitution in
dealing with some cases.” He said reforms in the sector will enhance delivery of justice. Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation Gideon Kimilu asked criminal justice institutions to unite as a way of assuring justice to victims of crime. “Police are the frontline officers in the criminal justice system…they are the ones who mainly initiate matters of criminal, investigation, prosecution and trial in court,” he said. “The level of violence globally and locally is going up. When you see a person carrying a machete you may think he is going to farm but they are now going to police stations and political meetings to attack people,” he said. He was refereeing to a man who was shot dead on Tuesday after he slashed a policeman with a machete outside Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Govt to unveil digital driving licences in 18 months The Government is set to introduce digital driving licences and new generation of registration plates as a way of reducing careless driving. The system is expected to be implemented in the next 18 months following the signing of a deal between the Government and a Chinese company, Huawei. The system will store and monitor drivers’ habits and record violations of traffic rules in a centralised IT system to be hosted by the National Transport and Safety Authority. NTSA boss Francis Meja says the inspection and new licensing for public transporters will be carried out before the programme is implemented. “This module will improve information sharing between government agencies and will lead to effective monitoring of driving habits and record violations,” he said.
US researchers develop first lab breath test for TB Researchers have developed the first breath test for TB in the laboratory. It provides rapid information on drugs resistance that takes up to six weeks using standard methods, US scientists report in the journal Nature Communications. The bacteria emit a unique gas signature within 10 minutes of exposure to an inhaled antibiotic in
rabbits. TB infects 8.6m people each year worldwide and kills 1.3m, second only to HIV. The World Health Organisation says early diagnosis and treatment are a priority in the global war on the disease. The research used an inhaled form of isoniazid - an antibiotic commonly used to treat the disease - which is activated by a TB enzyme. The test
exploits the fact that the enzyme is unique to TB, said Dr Graham Timmins, associate professor at the University of New Mexico, US, who led the research. “We realised that we could actually look at the conversion of isoniazid to its active form by monitoring one of the labelled gases that’s given off during its activation,” he said.
Treatment available for urinary bladder problems with loss of confidence, self-esteem, relationship difficulties or depression. Some women deal with the problem by avoiding to go out, wearing dark clothes with frequent changes, using scents, sanitary pads or diapers. Bladder difficulties can affect all age groups, but are more severe among older people. It is likely that as many as one in five women and one in nine men experience incontinence at some stage
in their lives. About 70 per cent of urinary incontinence sufferers tolerate the symptoms. Those who seek medical help wait for an average of four years because of embarrassment, shame and stigma. Dr Johnstone Miheso, the Programme Director and an Urogynaecologist at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University Hospital says: “Urinary bladder difficulties are relatively common and there
is no need for patients to be reluctant about seeking treatment.” “We have established a dedicated clinic called the Urogynaecology clinic to help treat patients suffering from this. There is a specific bladder test called urodynamics that can be undertaken at the clinic to help doctors assess how the bladder is functioning. The clinic is one of its kind in the region and runs on a weekly basis.”
The biggest risk factor for women is damage to the pelvic floor especially related to pregnancy and child birth. Other conditions include extreme sports, chronic coughing and heavy lifting. Contributing causes include obesity, smoking and drugs. There are two main types of incontinence which are described as ‘stress’ and ‘urge’. Urine loss in the stress type is preceded by actions like laughing, sneezing, or coughing. Women
experiencing the other type have a compelling urge to pass urine which is impossible to control and causes leaking. Treatment can start with measures which do not involve medication, but can be followed by pharmacotherapy including prescribed drugs. The doctor may also consider surgical treatment depending on the type of incontinence and patient’s choice after appropriate counselling.
NEWS | 5
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
ISIS affiliates in Algeria behead French tourist
Militants allied to Islamic State fighters have beheaded a French hostage who was abducted on Sunday in Algeria. French President Francois Hollande told the United Nations General Assembly last night that Herve Gourdel was killed by his abductors. “You will understand that today I am speaking before you with a particularly high level of emotion because one of my compatriots has just been subject of a cowardly assassination,” Hollande said. “He was a man who was full enthusiasm.
He loved the mountains. He thought he would be able to pursue his passion moving into the Ouzou area in Algeria.” Hollande said the attack won’t affect France’s role in the battle against terrorism. “France will never give in to blackmail, to pressure, to barbaric acts. Quite to the contrary, France knows what is expected,” Hollande said. Earlier, Hollande expressed his condolences to Gourdel’s family in a news conference at the French mission. Gourdel was kidnapped over the weekend in Algeria’s Tizi
Ouzou region east of Algiers, the French Foreign Ministry said. His kidnapping followed a call by Islamic State fighters for muslims to kill westerners whose nations have joined a campaign to eliminate the terrorists. In the video posted online Wednesday, armed men who claim to belong to Islamist militant group Jund al-Khilafa (Soldiers of the Caliphate) in Algeria, beheaded the Frenchman. They pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Titled “A message of blood for the
inothernews My foot got stuck on pedal, teen pleads A woman was arraigned in court to answer to charges of speeding after she claimed her leg ‘refused’ to leave the fuel pedal. Johnson County officers, North Carolina, spotted Star Shields Williams driving at 160km/hr and she never stopped when they flagged her down. After a long chase, the 19-year-old told the sheriffs her foot got stuck on the gas pedal. She was charged with reckless driving, speeding, ignoring stop sirens from officers and fleeing to escape arrest. Williams is in the county jail on a bond of Sh3.2m.
French government,” the video surfaced as French Prime Minister Manuel Valls addressed the French National Assembly, the country’s lower house of parliament, about the fight against ISIS. France is part of a coalition working with the United States to combat the brutal extremist group. The Algerian government called the beheading an act of criminals. “It is an odious and despicable act committed by a group of criminals,” officials said, according to the state-run Algerie Presse Service news agency.
Amnesty up in arms over Chad’s anti-gay bill Amnesty International has opposed a draft Bill by the Chad parliament seeking to make homosexuality illegal. The body termed the Bill, which proposes a jail term of between 15-20 years as going against human dignity. A statement from AI on Tuesday read in part: “Chadian people who are perceived to be gay or don’t conform to traditional gender stereotypes will not be able to live their lives with equality and dignity.” Uganda and Nigeria have criminalised homosexuality.
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URP gets ready to expel Isaac Rutto: Deputy President William Ruto’s URP has began the process of kicking out Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto. The party plans to use failure by Rutto to honour summons to appear before the Senate to answer questions about use of devolved funds in his county. However, even if he he is expelled from URP this will have no impact on his five-year incubency as governor...
Blow to students as laptops tender axed: Children looking foward to free laptops from the Government will wait a lot longer after the judges nullified the tender. Fresh tendering, which was ordered by a Nairobi court yesterday, will take atleast six months and first deliveries will be delayed by many more months. This year’s standard one pupils will most likely miss out on the free computers because by the time the procument is done, they’ll be disqualified...
Why court blocked Uhuru shcool laptops project: Eighteen months after ascending to power, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto will have to wait longer to fulfil Jubilee’s promise to give 1.2 million laptops to Standard One children. In fact it looked clear after Wednesday’s court decision to annul the Sh24 billion tender awarded to an Indian firm, Olive Technologies, that the first benefits will come after 2014...
URP plots to kick out Ruto over referendum: The United Republican Party has indicated it is plotting a drastic solution to end rebellion from within its ranks by renegade Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto. Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale yesterday said URP is planning to expel Ruto, who chairs the Council of Governors, if he fails to account for Sh185 million...
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BUSINESS
newsbriefs
THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
Rafiki loans means affordable housing
Kenyans have more access to affordable home loans thanks to Rafiki Deposit Taking Microfinance (DTM), a product of Chase Bank. As more banks try to reach out to tens of thousands of borrowers with affordable loans, the lender has introduced credit packages which allow a customer to borrow up to Sh3.4 million for building a house in phases until it is complete. The product, which was piloted about a year ago, offers two options: the ‘Self
Buid’ package and ‘Tujenge Pamoja’ option. Self Build allows salaried borrowers to repay the loan for a maximum of 60 months at interest rate of 19.5 per cent The Tujenge Pamoja package gives investment groups, also known as chamaas, with at least three members, a loan worth nine times their savings. This means if a chamaa has Sh300,000 in their account, they can get up to Sh2.7 million payable over a duration of up to 48 months. Those planning to
set up commercial buildings enjoy an interest rate of 18 per cent while those building residential houses attract a19.5 per cent interest rate. The packages allow clients to access loans using payslips and savings as securities. DTM Marketing Manager Zack Syengo says the products are meant to encourage low income earners to invest income in worthy assets. “Our products give a low income earner a sense of belonging in the mortgage industry,’’ he said.
affordable: Kenyan builders on the construction site for new home. Kenyans have more access to affordable home loans courtesy of Rafiki Deposit Taking Microfinance (DTM), a product of Chase Bank.
US securities body probes firm over price fixing A US Investment Company is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over pricing irregularities. Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO) has been accused of artificially boosting returns of a popular fund targeted for small investors. The firm confirmed the probe, saying they have been co-operating with SEC over the matter. “We believe our pricing procedures are entirely appropriate and in keeping with industry best practices. We take our regulatory obligations and responsibilities to our clients very seriously,” said a firm spokesman. SEC is investigating whether investors in PIMCO’s Total Return Exchange Trade Fund were given misleading information on the fund’s performance. They are also under probe on whether it (PIMCO) bought investments at one price and used a higher valuation when subsequently calculating the values of its holdings. It is a breach of securities law to provide investors with misleading information about values or performance, even if the information was supplied unintentionally. Bill Gross, founder and managing director of PIMCO, has been questioned by investigators. The firm has recently been dogged by poor performance and management rivalry.
Airtel Club for exclusive service to top customers 1. Airtel Premier Club offers exclusive services for top clients Since its unveiling two weeks ago, the Airtel Premier club has unveiled for high-value customers a variety of exclusive services in outlets across the country. The ‘club’, which was announced more than a year ago, includes 44,000 subscribers, who were picked on the basis that they fell among Airtel’s biggest spenders. They were also selected based on how long they have been with the service provider. Each receives a card, which gives them access to premium services, including credit facilities, an exclusive website, free SIM replacement and discounts with Airtel’s preferred partners. Under the new packages, Customers travelling across Africa in the 17 Airtel operating countries will be allowed to roam on one network with local Airtel SIM cards. They will also access cheaper rates for calls made, data/value added services and recharge using local top-up vouchers in the visited country.
Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said the card allows customers to withdraw cash from Airtel Money accounts using Visa ATMs instead of queuing at agents’ counter. 2. Alibaba now bigger than Facebook Alibaba, a China-based internet company, is worth more than Facebook, one of world’s largest social media websites. Alibaba started trading shares on the New York Stock Exchange Friday after what economists describe as the biggest initial public offering (IPO) in history. An IPO is the first sale of a company’s stock to the public. Alibaba is worth more $223billion (Sh19.9 trillion), which is more than Facebook, Amazon and eBay, three of the world’s biggest tech companies. Facebook is worth slightly more than $200 billion (Sh17.8 billion). Alibaba founder Jack Ma said in a recent statement that he plans to reinvest $3 billion (Sh267 billion). He set aside the cash from the IPO for environmental and educational projects in China to “help those who want to be successful.”
theindustry
Flourishing middle class boosts retail sector growth Kenya’s retailing industry has experienced major growth over the past few years, says a report by research group Euromonitor International. “This can be attributed to increased purchasing power among Kenya’s middle class and upper class populations,” says a researcher with the group. The industry includes large and
small businesses that sell goods and services, such as clothing and foot ware. “Other key factors include improved infrastructure, which has facilitated the movement of goods and meant higher quality at lower prices,” says the researchers. As more Kenyans buy and rent property, leading to a boom
in real estate market, retailers have been encouraged to set up outlets in prime and strategic locations near residential estates. The move will offer convenience to consumers and has led developers to set up shopping malls, especially along the busy Thika Superhighway. “The role played by regional
governments to ban hawking (street trading) while revitalising and encouraging modern trading has not, however, led to the complete overhaul of the informal retail sector,” say the Euromonitor experts. Informal retailers include traditional open air markets, kiosks, small corner shops and street traders.
good life: Kenya’s retailing industry has experienced major growth over the past few years mainly due to increased purchasing power among Kenya’s middle and upper class populations.
Business | 7 THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
business101
Go for non-financial aid to keep projects moving
ON DISPLAY: Exhibitors at the Japan Association of Travel Agents Expo in Tokyo, Japan, where the East Africa Common visa will be showcased.
Regional states to promote the EA visa at Tokyo Expo A delegation from Kenyan will join Uganda and Rwanda to market the East Africa common visa during this year’s Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Tourism Expo as it seeks to reassure the market that Kenya is a safe place to visit. In a move that aims to revitalise the county’s tourism sector, the campaign will take place at the largest tourism exhibition in Asia which takes place from today to Sunday in Tokyo. The EA visa will be showcased tomorrow in an event that will give the three countries an opportunity to exhibit what they have to offer.
Japan is a travel market that the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is eyeing to tap into. It is Kenya’s third Asian source market after India and China. KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa says Japan has tremendous growth potential given that 16.5 million Japanese travel outside the country every year. “KTB is seeking to increase Kenya’s market share by continuously positioning the country as the ideal tourism destination in Africa,” said Ndegwa. The expo comes at a time when over
7,000 jobs within Kenya’s tourism sector have been lost following the closure of a number of hotels due to tourists leaving the country after a series of terrorist attacks, especially in the coastal region. The JATA Tourism Expo is one of the largest tourism exhibitions in Asia providing an opportunity for tourism destinations and companies to showcase their products and services to the region. KTB is partnering with the Kenya Embassy in Japan to showcase the destination.
cityscape Nyayo House Nyayo House is a 84-metre (276 feet) tall structure built in 1983. The building was designedby the Ministry of Public Works and Ngotho Architects and was constructed by the Laxmanbhai Construction company. The skyscraper has 27 floors and hosts several government departments such as the department of immigration. It also serves as the headquarters of Nairobi Province. The building is located on the corner of Uhuru Highway and Kenyatta Avenue. Planning of the tower started in 1973 when was initially set to be named Nairobi House. Construction, however, begun in 1979 and was completed in 1983.
NGOs often give financial assistance to high priority projects. However, it is important for aid receipients to understand the importance of nonfinancial assitance, which is often more easily available than cash donations. Non-financial donations can include books, computers, furniture, stationery and even vehicles. These resources can be crucial to projects and programs implemented by other NGOs in developing countries. Small organizations that struggle with resources can look for these easily available non-financial donations to develop their secretariats in remote areas. International NGOs like the International Book Project, Book Aid International, International Book Bank, World Land Trust, African Studies Association, The Elsevier Foundation, World Vision, and Computer Aid
International are some of the organisations that help in this regard. Others are the Microsoft, World Computer Exchange, CARE, Transport Aid. Managers of projects in need of assistance from any of these organisations can make request on the NGOs respective websites, any project that requires their non-financial assistance can make a request. The IBP for instance, partners with schools, libraries, medical and religious institutions, and Peace Corps Volunteers. “To serve partners in the efficiently possible, IBP limits itself to 150 to 200 partnerships, each lasting three years,” a spokesperson for the group said. The IBP will only accept applications when its current 3-year terms expire. This means that those applying must do so as soon as a term expires.
infrastructure State’s10,000km road project raises demand for construction equipment As the government embarks on an ambitious project to build a 10,000-kilometre road network to open up rural areas, the demand for construction equipment has risen. The project will create thousands of new jobs in the construction sector, officials from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) have said. “Some equipment is not available in the country, Business opportunities therefore exist. For example, to import equipment and lease or hire them to local
contractors,” a KERRA spokesperson said. KERRA, which is in charge of rural road development, said in statement that the Sh260 billion project will require 540 excavators, 1080 rollers and 1,440 earth movers. Cement producers will likely benefit from the project since the construction of first 2,000 kilometres, which will begin in December, will require 60,000 tonnes of the product. Iron and steel producers will also benefit since their materials will also be needed.
MEN AT WORK: A Kenya road under construction. The government is to use Sh260 billion on a 10,000km road network.
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education
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
Kenyans still value education Employed Kenyans in urban areas are taking investment in education more. A report released late last week by a research firm TNS Kenya said 43 per cent of Kenyans are saving for their education as opposed to property and other investments. According to the report, 36 per cent of those surveyed said saving is for emergencies while 29 per cent said they were saving for a home. The expansion in university education over the last 10 years is testimony to the importance accorded studying. However, this expansion must not compromise the quality of education. University students last week demonstrated over delayed remittance of government loans for their sustenance.
The complaints are genuine. But they must also be proactive in questing for quality education to meet the needs of the next economy. Universities must increase lecturers, boarding, learning, among other facilities so that
skills and knowledge can be imparted in young people for societal transformation. Other reports say more than 200 million Africans are between 14 and 24 years. Investing in quality education is likely to burst Kenya and
the continent to an economic hub of this century. More than 60 per cent of those sampled, aged between 50 and 64, said they want their children to take care of them after retirement. The government has
identified education in the social pillars of Vision 2030 and it expects the scholars to support the economy for everyone to be a middle class earner. It is in these two dreams of education that life will be made better for all.
musthave
coursesin...
Books to read before watching the movies Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn The book is about a woman who has a sick twisted fantasy to make her husband suffer for a crime he did not commit. She creates a situation and plants fabricated evidence to implicate him. The couple is played by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike who have all the skill to portray the couple in the book. The movie is expected in October. This Is Where I Leave You by Jonanthan Tropper The novel is a comic read, every sentence has some witty underlying tone. A family that cannot stand to be with each other are forced to sit Shiva for seven days after their father dies. The week spent together starts spinning out of control when past grudges resurface, secrets come to light and old flames are
Communication to help get messages across as intended
revisited. Tina Fey stars in the film adaptation that is bound to leave you in stitches. The movie is in the cinemas. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins The Mockingjay is the last instalment in the Hunger games series by Suzanne Collins. Katniss Everdeen has once again survived the Hunger Games but Peeta Mellark has been captured by the Capitol. Her beloved home, District 12 has also been destroyed by the Capitol. She is at a loss and looks for a way to rescue Peeta from the Capitol’s clutches while leading the districts in revolution against the capital.
OFF YOU GO: University of Nairobi students leave the campus after a closure.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner Thomas, a teenager, wakes up to find himself in a man-made labyrinthical society. He can only remember his first name but not how he got there or where he is. He is not the only one as he finds other boys in the Glade who also cannot tell how they got there. But one thing they do know, they would risk everything just to find out what was beyond the Glade. The movie is in the cinemas.
Communication is an integral component of every formal or informal organisation. Studying for a degree in communication gives one the necessary skills required to be effective channels of information between the source to the target audience. Course category: Bachelor of Arts in Communication College: St Paul’s University Duration: Four years Mode of study: Full and part time Specialisations: Publishing Mass Communication Public Relations Development Communication Entry requirements: Applicants must have attained a minimum of a
C+ at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. Besides, they must have scored at least B- (minus) in English. A-level scholars must have a minimum of two principal passes. Diploma holders with a Credit Pass qualify too. Fees: Tuition fees varies. Those in Limuru will pay Sh76, 100 per a semester, while those in Machakos, Nakuru and Nairobi City campuses will pay Sh72, 100 for the same duration. Careers: Communication affords opportunities for work in the media, public relation departments in firms as well as communication consultants.
Google drive gives collaborative, interactive eLearning experience to recreate this by giving peers a platform to create discussion questions and projects before sharing. The resulting feedback can be harmonised into one concrete material. The material is much more enriched because of diverse opinions and backgrounds. Publishing your work also will
draw positive criticism from the peers, who become part of the Google Drive class. Through this, quality work is produced for term papers or projects. Loss of class data is a tragedy to a student. It costs a lot to involve data recovery services. Google Drive allows one to keep their files and documents safe for
later retrieval or update. With the advent of mobile learning, studying is not limited to internet hotspots alone. One can work offline then upload the files or assignments once they are in the hotspots. Like other chatting modes of social media, it gives instant feedback from peers as it would in a physical class.
online
Most elearning students know Google search engine for its mesmerising quantity of content but they may not know the benefits of Google Drive, which is a component of this search engine that can be resourceful in many ways. Collaboration among students is traditional feature of physical classes. Google Drive tries
CAREER | 9
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
Save something every time you earn
PLAN: Before shopping, pen down the items you need and stick to the list. Temptations to snack on that amazing ice cream will arise but resist the urge.
bucketlist
Appreciate the people who are important
No man is an island, therefore, we each have people in our lives who have helped us grow, nurtured and believed in us. They helped shape the person you are today and are still your biggest supporters. They are the only people who hold your hand in the bad times and celebrate with you in good times. Have you ever thought of taking a few minutes from your
wantmyjob? Beryl Ringos is an associate producer with Supersport for their Kiswahili football magazine show, “MCHAKAMCHAKA” that airs on Supersport 9 EAST. She spoke to X News about her job. XN: What does your job entail? BR: It involves thorough researching and planning the topical issues to be discussed on the show and pitching them to the senior producer for approval. Scheduling and producing feature stories to run on the show, overseeing their editing before the final approval by the country’s senior producer and conducting weekly briefs with my panel of experts to run through the topical issues and agreeing on who the suitable guests to help drive content on the show will be. XN: How many hours do you work in a day? BR: I am always working. I sleep with a notebook and my cell phone just in case I get an idea and I need to jot it down. I am also constantly responding to emails that need prompt response. XN: How much do you earn? BR: Tricky one, I earn enough to keep me and the people around me comfortable. XN: What qualifications do you
Anyone can attest to the fact that saving is easier said than acted out although it is important. Try the following tips in order to accustom yourself to the art of saving as early as possible. lKeep track of your spending in order to budget for your expenses. This will save you from impulse buying especially of non-essential stuff. lAvoid piling debts because you will not enjoy your salary. Debts deny you peace of mind and eat into your saving opportunities. lEat healthy and nutritious foods that are cheaper than prepackaged ones or fast foods. Not only will you stay in shape, but it will
need for your job? BR: Apart from the formal training in either film or television production, I think it’s very important that whoever works in this industry constantly updates their understanding of the different sporting disciplines and all that happens around sports generally. XN: Was this your dream career? BR: Yes it was because I loved sports and TV right from childhood, my mother was and still is an actress in one of the most famous Kenyan Soap Operas. She used to take us to sets during their rehearsals and this grew my curiosity for TV.
deter you from losing money to medical bills. lCut off dishing out cash on non-essential indulgences. It is okay to treat yourself to a chocolate bar once in a while, but resist expensive habits. Avoid buying things you do not need. lBefore shopping, pen down the items you need and stick to the list. Temptations to snack on that amazing ice cream will arise but resist the urge. lSubscribe to customer reward programmes such as shopping smartcards and discounts. A shopping card will earn you points which materialize over time and can be used later on as
hectic life to appreciate them? To just say thank you for always being there? Because you should. Do not wait until it is too late to tell them how much they mean to you and how you appreciate them. Give them their flowers while they are still alive, they will not smell them when they are six feet under. You too will not have to face the regrets of what if.
an alternative to cash. lToss your loose change into a piggy bank. Doing this everyday will accumulate to a good amount of money that comes in handy in dire times. lUnsubscribe from pay TV channels that you do not watch. lInstead of spending money every weekend on partying and club hopping, agree with your friends to plan an inside thing and contribute cash for it. lShop in convenient stores or thrift shops to get quality stuff at a fair charge. Just because your neighbor glams up with designer clothes and make up does not mean you have to match up.
What if I had told them how important they are? What if I appreciated them? Appreciating somebody can start with a simple thank you. You do not have to go all fireworks to show them how important they are. Sometimes a note saying thank you is all the person will need to lift their spirits and feel appreciated. It will not take you more than a few
minutes to jot down something. Belief is a powerful tool. Some people believe in themselves more than others but some of us get confidence and courage to face what life throws our way from others. Through their encouragement we slowly begin to be confident in our abilities and we feel we can take over the world.
lineofduty Male nurses are historically known to be scarce Their presence in the medical profession was very rare in the past but now the figure is improving by bits. The nursing field has always been dominated by females. Even as more male nurses take on the role of caring,their number can not outdo female nurses. In order to spark more interest in the field,unfair preheld assumptions should be rooted out. Men should be seen as equally nurturing and caring as women. Changing this mentality will be fruitful because men will step up to the fact they are being trusted with lives of people. Those who the desire to join the field will be encouraged to know that they are valued as much as doctors are. Another reason for
men’s absence in nursing is due to concerns income,advancement fears and limited opportunities for growth. Adequate salary is a concern for everyone but traditionally,the worry is bigger in men because of the role that is bestowed upon them in society. People have argued that the nursing field is one of the professions that is largely looked down upon in Kenya. The pay granted is not a reflection of the services the group renders to this nation. This is why some of them are seeking employment overseas. Taking knowledge and expertise with them. However, this can be changed. Bringing awareness of opportunities to the population before they go to college will attract more people to the profession.
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FUN
The chilling challenge that is winter swimming
THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
filmmenu What’s in the cinemas
Khoobsurat The movie is a remake of the 1980’s Khoobsurat and is a modern Indian romantic comedy. Mili Chakravarty, a physiotherapist for cricket team, is hired by an aristocratic family to rehabilitate the patriarch, who is confined to a wheel chair. There she meets Prince Vikram Rathore whom she falls in love with but there is a problem; he is engaged to another woman and is closely monitored by his strict mother. Stars: Sonam Kapoor, Aamir Raza Hussain, Fawad Afzal Khan, Ratna Pathak Shah, Kiron Kher
There is a new favourite pastime for swimming enthusiasts known as winter/ ice swimming. This is a sport in which swimmers take a dip in icy water, usually a frozen lake or river or in an unheated swimming pool. In Europe there are many winter swimming competitions. The International Ice Swimming Association requires that the water be colder than 5 °C for the competitions. The swimmer does not wear any kind of safety gear other than regular swim wear - cap, goggles and, briefs, all of which are optional. A chisel is usually used to break the ice to give swimmers access to the water. One can dive how they prefer, there are no special diving skills required. The sport is very dangerous especially for first timers. When one first enters the water, their body suffers a cold shock response. “Your muscles get cold and are instantly paralysed by hyperventilation, (excessive and rapid breathing) and you can become very weak,” says Dr. Thomas Traill, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the US. “The rapid breathing will cause uncontrollable gasp of air leading one to ingest water and since the muscles are paralysed and the body is weak, one finds it quite difficult to swim to safety thus drowning. That is why you hear of people drowning in a minute or two, even when they are just a few feet from safety.” A cardiac arrest is another risk. “As blood in the limbs is cooled and returns to the heart, this can cause irregular contractions of the muscles of the heart and consequently a cardiac arrest,” says Dr Traill.
Watch it at: Fox Cineplex Sarit Centre today at 8:55pm | Planet Media Prestige Plaza today at 7:10pm
The Maze Runner (2014, USA) The movie is based on a book by the same name written by James Dashner. Thomas, a teenage boy, wakes up in a place known as the Glade with no memory of anything other than his name. He soon learns that they are trapped in a maze together with other 60 boys. The boys have been trapped there for two years trying to find a way to escape. Then one day, a girl arrives with a strange note, and things in the maze take a wild turn. Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter Watch it at: Century Cinemax Junction today at 5 pm, 7:20pm and 9:40pm | Fox Cineplex Sarit Centre today at 4:15pm and 6:20pm | IMAX today at 5:40pm, 7:50pm and 10pm |Planet Media Prestige Plaza today at 5:30pm and 9:20pm
NO GOOD DEED It is an American thriller movie. Colin Evans, a convict, is denied parole after serving five years in prison for manslaughter. He manages to escape while being returned to prison, shooting a guard and the driver in the process. While on the run, he crushes his car into a tree and goes to a nearby house to ask for help. The owner of the house, Terri, offers her phone but he invades her home and terrorizes her family. Stars: Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson, Kate del Castillo, Mark Smith, Henry Simmons, Wilbur Fitzgerald, Frank Brennan
CHILLING OUT: An ice swimmer takes a dip
killerdancemoves
drinkingcorner
The Reebok
Strawberry Daiquiri
Watch it at: Fox Cineplex Sarit today at 4:00pm |Century Cinemax Junction today at 3:30pm, 7:40pm and 9:30pm
The Equalizer The movie is an American action thriller based on a 1980’s television series of same name. McCall, a former CIA agent tries to put his past behind him by moving to a new city. He manages a home improvement store and he spends his free time reading classic novels. At a diner, he meets Teri, an underage sex worker under the control of violent Russian gangsters. He takes it upon himself to free the girl from the Russians. Stars: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo Watch it at IMAX as it premiers on Friday at 9am, 5:30pm, 8pm and 10:30pm and Planet Media Cinemas
the hitlist
Ingredients: Aged Puerto Rican or Jamaican rum, fresh lemon juice, syrup, strawberries and ice cubes
Step1
Step2
Step3
Turn to your right. Lift one leg up and thrust one arm forward. Slowly sway your head.
Turn forward. Bend your elbows and slowly sway your arms.
Turn to your left. Lift one leg up and thrust one arm forward. Slowly sway your head.
Preparation: Put the strawberries and lemon juice in a blender, let it blend until smooth then add the syrup. After a few minutes, add the rum and ice cubes and let it blend until the ice cubes melt. When done, pour into a margarita glass or wine goblet. Garnish with an orchid and/or a cocktail umbrella.
Industrial Area
Thika
Moi Avenue
Magadi Road
Baricho Road
Choices Pub
Club Brown Bottle
Lavish Lounge
Rhino Club
X/S Millionaires
Thursday Nite Live featuring Kaz
Urban Thursday
Reggea night
Campus night
Powerball Thursday
Admission: Free Time: 8pm-11pm
Admission: Free Time: 6pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 8pm-4am
Admission: Free Time: 8pm onwards
PLAY |11
forecast
THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19
cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22
aquarius Jan 20 - Feb
leo Jul 23 - Aug 22
Your phone may seem haunted today, Capricorn. Calls might be filled with static, you could get some phantom rings, or callers may insist they tried to call when your phone never rang. There probably isn’t any supernatural force at work, but it might be a good idea check with your phone company.
A reassessment of your financial goals may be needed now, Aquarius. Some of your expectations may be unrealistic, and you might need to look at them in a more practical light. This doesn’t mean they won’t happen, just that they’re apt to take a little longer than you’d like.
An opportunity to increase your income by working in an artistic or innovative manner could come your way today, Cancer. Technologies like film or computer graphics may be involved. You may have doubts about your ability to take this on, but that’s only your insecurity. Don’t be timid.
Circumstances beyond your control may frustrate your desire to get together with a love partner today, Leo. Work or family obligations could interfere. If your partner has to beg off, don’t get upset and start doling out blame. This won’t help and could put your friend on the defensive.
pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
libra Sep 23 - Oct 22
taurus Apr 20 - May 20
scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21
gemini May 21 - Jun 21
sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
Are you romantically attracted to someone you know through work, Pisces? If so, this isn’t a good time to pursue it. You might be wearing your heart on your sleeve a little too obviously. This could be unsettling for your friend, and it might sabotage the results you’re hoping for.
Inspiration for writing, music, drawing, painting, or other creative activities could hover just out of reach today, Aries. Great ideas could pop into your head and out just as quickly. The only way to avoid the frustration of missing out on wonderful ideas is to write them down as soon as they come.
Today you could run into an old friend and suddenly see him or her in a different light. A romantic, sensual attraction you never believed possible could suddenly seem overwhelming. Try to gauge if this person feels the same way. If so, plan a date.
A current or potential love relationship could hit a snag as you have a clash of wills. If either of you is stubborn, this could turn into an unpleasant power struggle. Try to work out a course of action that creates a win/ win situation, so neither of you feels compromised.
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 2
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Visitors who mean a lot to you can make your home an even warmer and cozier place, Virgo. You’ll probably spend a lot of time fixing it up and receive sincere compliments. The only downside might be that your current partner may not be there due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
A long but necessary phone call from a close friend or love partner could come at work today, Libra. Matters of immediate concern need resolution. You might be uneasy about taking company time, and could even attract some unsettling attention, but you need to have this conversation now.
’s o ayhot d r te g p s n i Ye nn i w
ng s i n n in tio W p ca
Today you might discover a previously untapped talent, Scorpio, perhaps an artistic gift. This could be thrilling, but it will probably take some getting used to. Your first efforts might be tentative and uncertain, but this is what usually happens when you learn a new skill.
You should be looking especially attractive, Sagittarius. You may have an ethereal, mystical look about you that attracts attention from strangers. This won’t be lost on your friends, either. You could find it unsettling, particularly if people get too attentive or if a love partner gets jealous.
1. Send a caption for the photo above to news@x-news. co.ke. The winning caption gets published on this page. 1. When your friend talks bad about your taste in music - Abigail Langat, Parklands 2. Where’s my money - Adil Yasser, Westlands. 3. Rex the dog was begining to doubt his dentist’s tooth extraction methods Magnificent Mutinda Langata.
sudoku
If I Stay — by Gayle Forman
Yesterday’s solution
yoursay
3
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.
Mia is a talented cello player and she hopes to go to the prestigious Julliard Music School. She has a family who adores her and a boyfriend who makes her feel like she is the only girl in the world. Things suddenly change when the family goes out for a drive on a cold winter morning. An accident tears the family apart when a truck hits the family car. Mia finds herself standing outside her body next to their mangled car and her parents’ corpses as she watches herself and the little brother being attended to by paramedics. But the brother does not make it. Mia, however, is in hospital in a coma and has to decide whether to fight to live or to let go and die. She faces the dilemma of not having her family with her if she fights to live but does not want to be without her boyfriend Adam. What to do?
mustread
Fibre optic project to spur economic growth The government has shown commitment to making education through ICT a reality by the launch of countrywide fibre optic project (Matiang’i launches phase II of Sh6.2billion national fibre optic, September 24, 2014).
Despite the challenges facing the laptop project, whose tendering process has been nullified by the High Court, we will finally be in this ICT dream when the cable touches all parts of Kenya. This means all people will have
a common base of the skills in this digital era. We do not want to see others saying they are travelling to Kenya when leaving North Eastern as has been since independence because they felt marginalised.
The future economy of this nation is in digital innovations. By this, an amalgamation of skills from the various parts of the country will robust the other supportive sectors such as agriculture, tourism and
hospitality, among others for economic development. We will have regional economic hubs even in the neglected areas and we will see people from Nairobi seeking jobs outside the city.
THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
Sport
Olympics team in US Games appeal Special Olympics Kenya (SOK) has appealed for financial support to prepare a team of 60 athletes for the 2015 World Summer Games in Los Angeles, US. The games will be held between July 25 and August 2. SOK held national trials over the weekend at the University of Nairobi grounds where athletes drawn from across the country participated. Chairman James Kimonye said the federation needs about Sh60 million for team’s preparation and participation in the games. “We appeal to corporates and well-wishers to come to our aid given that SOK does not
have the required funds for preparations and to facilitate the trip.” The SOK launched a social media funds drive that has so far raised Sh900,000. The national team has representation in swimming, athletics, handball, soccer, volleyball and basketball. Kevin Kipruto of Rift Valley who won the men’s 100m in 12:9 and Amos Ochuna in 800m with 02:07.02 highlight the athletics team of seven members. Others are Nyanza’s Evelyne Ogecho who won the ladies 100m title in 14:9, Joyline Jemptai of Rift Valley who won 800m after timing
00:73.4, Onesmus Mutinda of Eastern, Alex Kiprop of Rift Valley and Susan Gatwiri of Central. Swimming has Nairobi’s duo of Shalel Tennah, who won the ladies 50m breaststroke at 2:11. 59, and Kariuki Kang’ondu for the men’s team with a time of 1:17.15. Eastern won men and women football titles to give the teams direct qualification into the national team. The unified basketball title was won by Nairobi after ripping Eastern 6-2. US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have been named honorary chairs for the games.
bail us out: Special Olympics swimmer Sophia Chengo trains at the Nyayo stadium in Nairobi. Special Olympics Kenya has called for financial support for the preparation of a team of 60 athletes for the 2015 World Summer Games in Los Angeles, US.
Van Gaal planning to use Carrick in central defence Manchester United’s defensive disasters have prompted Louis van Gaal to consider using Michael Carrick as an emergency centre back. Central midfielder Carrick has not made an appearance for the manager as he recovers from an ankle injury he suffered in the summer. But the 33-year-old is doing some training at Carrington and has had a conversation
with Van Gaal over the possibility of playing in central defence. The Dutch coach is trying to steady the ship at the start of what is turning out to be a traumatic Barclays Premier League season. United conceded a staggering five goals in their loss at Leicester on Sunday. They had previously conceded four at MK Dons in
the Capital One Cup and lost at home to Swansea on the opening day of the campaign. Van Gaal has lost Phil Jones and Jonny Evans to injury as young central defender Tyler Blackett was sent off on Sunday at Leicester. Evans is still on crutches after limping off in the first half at the King Power Stadium.
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SPORT
THURSDAY, SepTembeR 25, 2014
Former world 3, 000m indoor champion Hellen Obiri has her eyes set on winning gold at next year’s World championships in Beijing, China. Obiri, the 1,500m Africa champion, says she has come of age and will give the world event her best shot. She confirmed that a nagging hip injury which kept her out action is healing. Obiri, however, says the pain has been a bother and that she will take a break for a month to seek further treatment before resuming training in November. She is eyeing both the World Cross Country senior women’s 8km and World 1,500m titles next year. “I could not win the Commonwealth title. I was looking forward to excelling in the finals but that was not possible,” said the Kenya Defence Forces corporal who finished sixth with 4:10.84. The 24-year did not have a good run at the Continental Cup either, finishing fourth in 4:08.15 in the metric mile race won by Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands in 4:05.99. “I started off well but fatigue crept in. I think I picked so early and somehow failed to manage that well hence the slump,” Obiri explained. “But I am not disappointed since that is part of the experience I am starting to gain.” Obiri started the 2014 Diamond League on a positive note, winning the 5,000m in Doha in a Diamond League record time of 8:20.68 in May before going for 1, 500m victory in a world lead and meet record time of 3:57.05 at the Prefontaine Classic the same month.
COMEBACK TRAIL: Hellen Obiri celebrates at Prefontaine Diamond League meeting this ended season.
Obiri eyes world title in China next year Another concussion puts future of England lock Parling in doubt Leicester have vowed to safeguard Geoff Parling’s long-term health as they seek urgent specialist advice for the England lock after the latest case in a worrying series of concussion setbacks. The 30-year-old was helped off during the second half of his club’s record 45-0 defeat at Bath on Saturday having apparently suffered another damaging blow to the head. The Tigers have concerns and doubts about his future playing prospects, but the player’s personal welfare is undoubtedly their priority. Parling (pictured right) has suffered head trauma several times in the past year and this latest episode comes just weeks after a similar injury in a pre-season match against Edinburgh. Concussion is an issue for rugby and other sports and Leicester are not going to take any chances, despite the prospect of losing an experienced Lion for an indeterminate period. Leicester director for rugby Richard Cockerill said: ‘He got
concussed in Edinburgh, had three weeks off, played against Cardiff, was good, then played against Exeter and got a bang on the head again versus Bath, so that’s two concussions in three games. “We’re waiting for advice from the specialist but he won’t be fit this week and he may need some down-time because he’s had consecutive concussions very quickly and clearly that’s not healthy. It is a concern for his health. Playing is secondary. He had a concussion in the Six Nations, he had a concussion at the end of the season and now he’s had two in very quick succession in pre-sea-
son and at the start of the season. The bigger picture is Geoff ’s well-being more than playing.” Asked if there are any fears that Parling may not be able to carry on playing, Cockerill added: ‘I don’t know the answer to that. You would like to think that with the right rest and expertise, he will be fine, but I don’t know.” Concussion has been the subject of increased awareness and improving medical procedures since Wallaby flanker George Smith’s swift return to the field against the Lions last summer following a clash of heads with Richard
YEEAH! Liverpol players celebrated during the shoot-out against Middlesbrough yesterday.
Reds win in 14-13 record shoot out as the Saints stun Gunners
Liverpool won a record-equalling penalty shootout 14-13 to progress to the fourth round of the Capital One Cup at Middlesbrough’s expense. After the match ended 2-2, it took 30 penalties before Boro winger Albert Adomah missed to send the Reds through. Swansea recorded their first ever win over Everton in a 3-0 win to reach the fourth round of the cup competition. Southampton stunned arsenal 2-1 to advance while Fulham beat Doncaster
Rovers 2-1. First-half goals from Bryan Ruiz and Dan Burn were enough to secure only a second win of the season for the Championship’s bottom club – the first also coming in this competition – and send them into round four. They still had to survive a second-half scare, though, as James Coppinger pulled one back before substitute Theo Robinson missed a late penalty. Ruiz struck the first blow when he latched on to Hugo Rodallega’s knock-down
and drove in a first-time shot from 15 yards. The centre-half Burn, standing in as captain for Scott Parker, grabbed Fulham’s second in the 31st minute when he took his 6ft 7in frame to the far post and nodded in Ross McCormack’s cross. The visitors deservedly pulled one back on the hour when their captain, Coppinger, jinked his way into the box and thumped an angled drive past Marcus Bettinelli. Cardiff City were humbled at home by Bournemouth.
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Axe for Safari 7s key players THURsday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
National Seven’s assistant captain Collins Injera is among five players who have been axed ahead of the weekend’s Safaricom 7s at the Kasarani stadium. Unpaid allowances and salaries among senior players who have raised concern to the Kenya Rugby Union is said to have led to the drop. Others are Horace Otieno, Patrice Agunda, Michael Wanjala and Philip Wamae. Meanwhile, KRU chairman Mwangi Muthee says the country has put in a strong bid to the IRB and hopes to get clearance to stage one of the nine rounds of the World Series. “We are ready any time for it and this was proved with the successful hosting of the National Sevens Circuit series ahead of the Safaricom International Sevens, which starts on Friday,” he said. Muthee is confident they have the capacity and technical know-how to host a successful tournament. “Our National Sevens circuit is one of the most competitive and well organised in Africa and maybe the world. That is why we have been able to attract major sponsors,” he said. The tournament has attracted a number of worldclass teams including Argentina, Canada, New Zealand’s Auckland Metro and England’s Samurai.
out: Collins Injera gets away for a try during the IRB Adelaide International Rugby Sevens match between Kenya and Wales in Australia. Injera is among five players who have been axed from Team Kenya ahead of this weekend’s Safaricom 7s in Nairobi.
Torres scores first goal in Milan debut Fernando Torres (left) scored in his debut game for AC Milan as his side recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Empoli. After early goals from Lorenzo Tonelli and Manuel Pucciarelli, Torres found the target with a header in the 43rd minute. Japan international Keisuke Honda equalised from the edge of the area in the 58th. Milan had a chance to win when Torres, who joined Milan last month in a two-year loan deal from Chelsea, set up Jeremy Menez in the 62nd but the Frenchman’s shot hit the crossbar. “He’s a real professional,” Milan
Two wins, loss for Kenya in zone V A 77-82 loss to Rwanda in the second game on Tuesday neutralised Kenyan men basketball team’s good start at the ongoing Fiba Zone V Championships in Kampala, Uganda. Kenya had beaten Somalia 97-79 on Monday and was hoping to extend the record to 2-0 but ended up at 1-1. It is a familiar script for Rwanda who lost opening game 63-79 to Egypt on Sunday. It was a tough fight by the Kenyans who trailed Rwanda by 14 points at the close of third quarter and 35-46 at half
time.The Somalia game was a high-scoring affair as Kenya led 47-37 at the breather with 22-21 and 25-16 scores in the first two quarters. Kenya won the third quarter 28-18 and exerted dominance before Somalia won the consolation fourth 24-22. Desmond Owili garnered 16 points as William Ochieng and Ancete Wafula combined for 29. The ladies beat Egypt 63-57. The first half was even and competitive as both teams tied at 21 at halftime. Egypt won the first quarter 11-8 and Kenya second 13-10.
fullback Ignazio Abate said of Torres. “I’m sure he’ll bring us many satisfactions.” Empoli finished with 10 men after Mirko Valdifiori picked up his second yellow card in the 86th for a foul on Nigel de Jong. Milan moved level with Hellas Verona in third place, two points behind leaders Roma and Juventus, which both play Wednesday. Roma visits Parma and Juventus hosts Cesena. Empoli has only two points from four matches and is back came out full of energy as Milan appeared to lack organisation in defense.
“We started too softly and this was a match full of dangers,” Abate said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement and we’ve got to start with what we showed in the second half tonight.” Tonelli took advantage of Milan’s defensive lapses to head in following a corner in the 13th after being left unmarked in the box. Empoli’s second goal was a perfectly executed free kick, as Francesco Tavano’s smart touch left Pucciarelli with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Fergie gets Europe Ryder Cup call-up Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, has called on retired Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to give a motivational speech to his team ahead of the weekend showdown with US at
Gleneagles.The Irishman said he had planned to keep the move secret, but the cat got out of the bag when the legendary Scottish coach was spotted at the course on Tuesday morning as the Euro-
BIG FAN: Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson spent an hour addressing the Europe team at their Gleneagles base on Tuesday night at the request of Captain Paul McGinley.
pean team prepared for their first official practice round. “We met a number of times over the last few months. I met him initially 15 years ago … and I met him a number of times over the last few months. We’ve had lunch, no more than that,” West Ham fan McGinley said. “He’s a big fan of golf, as we know. He knows Rory (McIlroy) very well, obviously, and Rory is a big Man United fan. “But this is not about him being a headmaster and coming in and preaching to them. This is about fun.” Ferguson retired as Man United coach in 2013 after a 26-year reign.
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THURSDAY, SepTembeR 25, 2014
KING SPURS: NBA champions, San Antonio listen to their coach.
Spurs on the brink of history Last season was a compilation of achievements for the San Antonio Spurs that culminated with an NBA Finals championship. The Spurs’ regular season record of 62-20 was impressive for many reasons, but one stands out the most. They were only 11 wins away from breaking the record for most regular season wins. During the 1995-96
regular season, the Chicago Bulls went an unprecedented 72-10 and ultimately ended up winning the NBA Finals. Many similarities have been drawn between the two franchises. If the Spurs can repeat this year, they will have matched the Bulls’ six titles. The coaching styles of Phil Jackson with the Bulls are not the same as
Kenya to play Botswana in Rio Olympics qualifier The national Under-23 football team will face Botswana next month in the first round of the African qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the draw in Addis Ababa on Monday, Kenya will have to knock out the Zebras on aggregate over two legs to make it to round two of the qualifiers, where they will face Zambia. Winners from the second stage will then battle it out with African powerhouse, Cote d’Ivoire in the third and final round. Third round winners proceed with hosts, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finals in December next year
with the top three finishers will qualifying for Rio 2016. Some 12 teams will participate in the first round with Libya facing Mauritania, Ghana tackling Liberia, Zimbabwe coming up against Swaziland, Rwanda confronting familiar foes, Somali and Guinea Bissau confronting Sierra Leone. Uganda, Mali, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Sudan, Cameroon, South Africa and Tunisia have all been given byes to the second round of the qualifiers. Holders Gabon will however not participate until the qualifying round, where they will face the test of either
Gregg Popovich, but they are both in the conversation as two of the best coaches in NBA history. Some could even argue that where the Spurs lack in superstar talent (i.e. Michael Jordan), they make up for in depth and team chemistry. Last year’s 20-loss season could’ve easily turned into a 10- or nine-loss season, but the Spurs were hampered
with injuries for the majority of their games. With almost the exact same team coming back, there is no doubt that the Spurs could easily obliterate the Bulls’ 72-10 season. This idea could be in direct opposition of the philosophy that has worked so well for Popovich, which removes the importance of looking good in the regular season and places more stock
in being ready for the playoffs. San Antonio’s best regular season came in the 2005-06 season, when they went 63-19. The result was an early exit in the Western Conference Finals, but this year’s team can change the narrative. The championship experience and this season most likely being Tim Duncan’s last could be the ingredients for a perfect storm.
Draw with Bandari pegs Gor back FIGHTING ON: Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttal says the fight for the title is stll on.
Bandari held champions, Gor Mahia to a barren draw in a midweek Kenya Premier League match at the Nairobi City Stadium yesterday. The draw pegged the champions
back in their bid to open a four-point lead at the summit of the table. They are on now 48, two above second placed Sofapaka. K’Ogalo will be ruing all the
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missed chances in a contest where the dockers were second best. Out to avenge the 2-1 defeat by the ports men in the first leg, Gor created and wasted chances in equal measure, with Erick Ochieng squandering the game’s best in first half stoppage time when he missed with only Obungu in the Bandari goal to beat. Gor’s intensity dropped and the visitors to settled in the game. The champions and they thought they had taken the lead on the hour mark through Godfrey Walusimbi but his goal was disallowed for offside. “It’s unfortunate we drew. We did not perform to our fans’ expectations but the fight is still on. We haven’t given up,” Gor coach Nuttall said.