201501014 xnew

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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saved by court judge spares huruma landlord police detention

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safaricom in new apps deal with united states firm

fashion scoop footballers dress up for fifa ballon d’or

NEWS

UK rugby team recruits Kenyan as fitness coach

manchester City defender Nastasic loaned out to Schalke

Will judge rescue suffering pupils?

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illions of pupils in public schools who are at home due to the teachers’ strike wait in bated breath for the hearing and ruling of a case seeking to declare the industrial action illegal.

The Government and teachers’ representatives met in court earlier today as discussions on how to end the on-going strike in public schools kicked off

before an arbiter.

Industrial Court judge Justice Nduma Nderi last week declined to issue orders declaring the strike illegal. Nderi instead summoned all parties in the dispute to appear before court for an inter-parties hearing to try and resolve the impasse which has seen operations in public schools paralysed.

Justice Nduma said issuing such orders could

worsen the situation as both parties were open to dialogue. “The interim orders are declined at this stage because it will not help. The court notes the willingness of the parties to engage in constructive engagement and the court directs that officials of the two unions and the officers of TSC in court today appear before me in chambers at 10.30am on January 14, 2015,” he rules.

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Uhuru launches civil servants insurance scheme

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Do it yourself

You don’t need a plumber to clear the airlock in your water pipes.

Learn how to do it and save some money.

P.9

Walk you way to better health Walking is one of the simplest yet rewarding exercises you can do.

Live healthy by walking.

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Breaking up i’m impressed: President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects air and road rescue equipment during the launch of the Civil Servants and Disciplined Services Medical Insurance Scheme Enhanced Benefits-Air Rescue and Road Ambulance Services.

Could popular group P-Unit be falling apart after teaming up to give us club-bangers for years?

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Millions of pupils pin hope on ruling From Page 1

And today, Teachers Service Commission officials led by chairperson Lydia Nzomo and Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni were accompanied to court

by Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi as mediation efforts kicked off in court.

Knut and Kuppet officials were also present.

The negotiations kick off amid hardline positions by the unions and the Government.

The Government hopes the court will declare the strike illegal so as to weaken claims by the unions that their actions are anchored in law.

But should the court declare the industrial action legal, teachers will feel emboldened in their quest for a pay rise.

Earlier this morning, Education Cabinet Secretary likened the teachers’ demands to an economic sabotage.

He said the union demands are unsustainable and insensitive.

He made the remarks during a meeting with education and private sector players when he accused teachers of refusing to be subjected to performance contracts.

“The Government has offered the teachers’ union a reasonable offer,” he said.

“The strike is more beneficial to the teachers union than the welfare of the teacher,” he said.

The arbitration efforts come even as a committee of the National Assembly gave parties to the dispute a two-day ultimatum to unlock the stalemate or risk having the matter taken up by MPs. The chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education Sabina Chege warned that if the Teachers Service Commission fails to resolve the crisis, her committee will ask the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi to convene a special session to discuss “the way forward.”

WILL JUDGE RESCUE THEM? Pupils of Walala Primary School in Bungoma learn by themselves under a rock. Millions of their colleagues in public schools who are at home due to the teachers’ strike wait in bated breath for the ruling of a case seeking to declare the industrial action illegal.

Britney younger sis caught on video French mag back in battling attacker with kitchen knife newsstands after raid A former TV star has been caught on camera defending her friend from an attacker using a kitchen knife.

Jamie Lynn Spears, the younger sister of pop star Britney Spears, picked up a knife during a sandwich shop fight in Louisiana.

In the video, Jamie Lynn, who is a former star of the popular TV network Nickelodeon, is seeN brandishing a seveninch bread knife in CCTV footage captured during the showdown.

The 23-year-old grabs the weapon from a kitchen counter top after her friend got caught in the middle of a brawl at the Pita Pit restaurant in Hammond, Louisiana.

The incident occurred when Jamie Lynn visited the health food chain for a late night snack before her female companion was allegedly hit with a bottle.

Though the incident took place last month, the footage has just been released.

Jamie Lynn’s friend did not want to press charges, so no arrests were made.

winner: Jamie Lynn Spears at the 49th annual academy country music awards-arrivals.

Long queues formed at newsstands in France for the latest edition of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo which was published for the first time since it was attacked last week.

Three million copies are being printed a week after Islamist gunmen murdered eight journalists at the magazine and four other people in Paris.

The cover shows a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad weeping while holding a sign saying “Je suis Charlie” (“I am Charlie”).

It is believed earlier cartoons of the prophet prompted the attack.

The slogan “Je suis Charlie” has been widely used following the shootings.

In a separate attack in Paris two days later, four Jewish men died after an Islamist gunmen raided a kosher shop in the French capital. A police woman was shot dead in a third shooting believed to have been carried out by the same attacker.

Referring to last week’s shocking events, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said his country was at war with extremism and terrorism - but not with Muslims.

He was speaking on Tuesday after funeral ceremonies were held for seven of the victims in France and Israel.

France has deployed 10,000 troops to various sites across the country -

including synagogues, mosques and airports - in response to the attacks Wednesday’s edition of Charlie Hebdo had an unprecedented print run of three million copies. Only 60,000 copies are printed each week.

Demand for what is being called the “survivor’s issue” of the magazine is high, correspondents say, especially as the proceeds will go to the victims’ families.

Kiosk owners told French media they had received large numbers of reservation requests. One shop in Paris reported that all copies were sold out in 30 minutes.

The issue will be available in six languages, including English, Arabic and Turkish, some in print and others online.

Editor-in-chief Gerard Biard told reporters: “We are happy to have done it and happy to have been able to do it, to have achieved it. It was tough.

The front page... was complicated to put together, because it had to express something new, it had to say something relating to the event that we had to deal with.”

Outside France, the Washington Post, Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine, Corriere della Sera in Italy and the UK’s Guardian are among publications that will publish the cartoon.

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 2015

Africa’s in ambitious bid to launch first moon mission Africa has revealed an ambitious mission to land a probe on the moon.

The move, dubbed Africa2Moon is expected to cost $150,000 (Sh13.7 million) in its first phase and has already raised $13,000 (Sh1.2 million).

The aim of the mission is to see an African-engineered rocket take an African-built probe to moon.

The project was set up by the South Africa-based Foundation for Space Development.

The Foundation is a non-profit group that was co-founded in 2009 by the head of the space lab at the University of Cape Town, Peter Martinez, who is also chairman of the South African Council for Space Affairs.

Despite expressions of optimism from those working on the project, some critics have little faith that it will take off. “We get a lot of

NEWS BRIEFS

Boy, 2, killed and dumped in Mbagathi

Afro-pessimism,” the Foundation’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Weltman told the media.

“Anything positive, aspirational or leading edge is treated with scepticism. But I have faith that Africa can do this, without a doubt.”

The appeal for the money is to cover the first phase, which aims to finalise a feasibility report that will be presented by the end of November.

The team intends to inspire interest in the study of science among young Africans Some critics have suggested that money spent on space exploration could be put to better use on other projects in Africa, such as conquering Ebola.

However, the Foundation says it will go ahead with the mission, even if the initial target is not reached.

Police are looking for the parents of a two-year-old boy whose body was found dumped along Mbagathi Way, Nairobi. The smartly dressed boy had a head injury at the time the body was found. Police say the boy seemed to have been killed and body dumped at the scene last evening. The body was later moved to the mortuary and police have appealed to anyone with a missing boy to visit City Mortuary.

Nkaissery’s new proposal to deal with rogue motorists

NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN: Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery. He has proposed new punitive measures aimed at taming rogue motorists used to committing various traffic offenses.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has proposed new punitive measures aimed at taming rogue motorists used to committing various traffic offenses.

In the new proposals announced yesterday, the minister said traffic offenders will be dealt with in a new strategy meant to discourage the commission of such offences.

Traditionally, motorists who violate traffic regulations are arrested and arraigned in the nearest court where they are fine once found guilty.

But that could change if the new proposals already with relevant government agencies are adopted.

“Traffic offenders will be dealt with with a different strategy.

For instance if you commit a traffic offense in Mombasa, your case will come up in Kisumu. And if you commit a crime in Nairobi, your case will be heard in Mandera,” Mr Nkaissery revealed.

The new proposals, he said, are aimed at instilling fear and discipline among Kenyan road users. “That will help us avoid repeating these small offences so that Kenyans become people of discipline,” he said.

He made the announcement yesterday at the KICC where he met all the county commissioners to discuss security challenges. He pointed out that corruption is widely to blame for the numerous insecurity cases among a cocktail of shortcomings, which he hopes to address through proper legal and administrative actions.

The minister did not have kind words for those who gives bribes to the police.

“You are the ones who are corrupt. Police are not since you are the one who give them money; we shall arrest you and take you to the court,” he warned.

“We shall fight corruption practices even those at the ‘ATM’… the road blocks.”

Dagoretti blaze leaves families homeless More than 50 families were on Tuesday night left homeless after a fierce fire razed down their homes in Ng’ando area, Dagoretti, Nairobi.

The fire is said to have started from one of the affected structures before it fast spread to others. It took fire engines hours to contain the fire. Police say no one was injured in the incident.

Driver shot dead in Mwiki A driver was shot dead in a robbery in Mwiki area, Nairobi. The driver, an instructor of a driving school was in his car last night when a gang of three carjacked him. They demanded that he surrenders his car prompting a confrontation that left him dead. Police say he was shot at close range in the head before later escaping without stealing anything from him. A hunt on the men has been launched. In Highrise area, a family was robbed of their household valuables by gunmen who had posed as officials from Kenya Power.

Police have warned Nairobi residents against opening their doors to such strangers who pose as servicemen.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

My dad was poisoned, says Mutula: Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior has sensationally claimed that his father, the late Senator Mutula Kilonzo was poisoned.Mutula Jnr told journalists yesterday that the excessive bleeding witnessed in Mutula Snr’s internal organs was trigered by a poisonous substance he may have ingested. However, he did not name the substance.

Mutula Jnr made the claims after he recorded a statement with the police over recent allegation that body specimens from his father’s postmortem examination were tempered with....

Cord leaders demand major IEBC changes: The Opposition yesterday dismissed the appointment of a new chief executive at the electoral commission as a step that will mean little because the body requires a complete overhaul.

Cord MPs said the problems at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission were systemic and deep-rooted and can only be cured through a thorough restructuring.

The new CEO is Mr Ezra Simiyu Chiloba, who has been described as a specialist in electoral governance and political management...

Ruto clashes with Bensouda over witness who was killed: The faceoff between Deputy President William Ruto and The Hague Prosecutor over an alleged witness killed in Kenya continued with the DP’s defence team claiming Ms Fatou Bensouda was aware of death threats against the deceased whom they said was their client’s “critical witness”.

Further, Ruto made a startling claim that the late Meshack Yebei, whom Bensouda had discredited claiming he could not be on the final witness list because he was found to have tried to corrupt witnesses...

So what killed Mutula: The ghost of former Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo is yet to rest, as fresh controversy has emerged over what may have killed him after his son, Mutula Kilonzo Junior, claimed there may have been a cover-up in probing the cause of death. Kilonzo Jnr, who made the claim last Saturday in Bondo, during the funeral of Fidel Castro Odinga, was yesterday directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to record a statement...

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NEWS WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 2015

Uhuru orders demolition of tacky buildings President Uhuru Kenyatta has now ordered that all buildings not constructed in line with the approved standards be demolished.

Uhuru who made the order while on a tour of Mukuru, Korogocho and Mathare slums said all defective buildings will be demolished and no developer will be allowed to carry out any construction until they meet the required standards.

“All defective buildings that were built without following the due process must be demolished and we shall ensure they are brought down,” he said.

He said the move will ensure the safety of tenants.

He warned developers, contractors and planning officials who approve such constructions of grave consequences should those building collapse on residents.

“The first person to be arrested and charged with murder is the owner of the house, then the contractors and the officials who approved its construction,” he said.

The orders follow a directive he issued last week for an audit on all commercial and residential buildings especially in major towns to ascertain their safety.

The president had earlier directed the ministry of Lands and Housing in collaboration with the County Government of Nairobi to conduct the audit within three months.

The directive followed two tragedies that

happened three weeks apart after residential buildings collapsed in Kaloleni and Huruma estates killing at least twelve people.

President Kenyatta was touring the informal settlements believed to have the highest number of defective buildings during which he also launched projects to upgrade the slums.

He said the youth empowerment programmes similar to the one initiated in Kibera last year would engage youth in activities that would impact positively on their lives.

Under the programme, the Government will engage 3,500 youths in each of the three settlements to be trained by National Youth Service Personnel on SACCOs to sustain them in the future, the President said.

The programme entails clean-up of informal settlements, opening-up of roads, street lighting, construction of medical clinics and police posts to ensure security of the residents.

The President said clean-up of the settlements would guarantee residents clean environments to engage in lawful activities.

He spoke at Kwa Njenga primary school grounds, Korogocho grounds and Kiboro grounds respectively while launching the programme. “As Government, we are committed to ensuring equitable development in informal settlements and all other parts of the country,” he said.

MADE IN MATHARE: President Uhuru Kenyatta during the launch of the Mathare and Korogocho slums upgrade projects. The government will employ 3,500 youths to help the National Youth Service upgrade slums in Nairobi.

‘Phombe’: Poisonous home brew kills 71 in Mozambique A homemade alcoholic drink has reportedly killed 71 people and sickened nearly 200 others in a village in Mozambique.

The fatal victims ranged in ages from 18 to 60, state-run Mozambique Radio said. More than three dozen people remained hospitalized Tuesday, the outlet said. A group of people returning from a funeral stopped off late Friday in an area where customers can buy a popular home brew -- made from sorghum, bran corn and sugar, and known as Phombe -- according to state-run Radio Mozambique.

By Saturday morning, dead bodies of those who drank the Phombe began arriving at a hospital, the radio station reported, citing Paula Bernardo, a health official in the district of Cahora Bassa. “As we prepared to determine the cause of death, many more people began to arrive with diarrhea and other muscle aches,” Bernardo said. “Then many dead bodies from several neighborhoods were brought in, which aroused our attention.” Authorities are still trying to figure out what contaminated the batch of Phombe that has poisoned so

many people in the village of Chitima. Samples taken from a 210-liter (56-gallon) drum of the brew have been sent to a national laboratory for tests, Radio Mozambique reported.

Most of the bodies have been buried in a cemetery in Chitima after a mass led by a bishop, the radio station said. A mass funeral was carried out because the morgue of the local hospital was too small to accommodate all the bodies and the situation was being made worse by the intense heat in the region, the report said. Provincial officials have descended on the village

and the national health minister was reported to be heading there with a group of doctors to bolster the medical teams already on the ground. “We are receiving support from all corners,” said Bernado, listing coffins and medicine among the key aid coming from authorities and nongovernmental groups.

The news came even as the death toll from a similar tragedy in India rose to 25.

As many as 125 people have been hospitalized in the state of Uttar Pradesh after drinking the toxic liquor Monday, according to health officials.

DEADLY HOOCH: Health officials in the Mozambique district of Cahora-Bassa ready to ferry victims to a mortuary. A popular home brew - made from sorghum, bran corn and sugar, and known as Phombe has left 71 dead and 200 others hospitalised in Mozambique.

Court rescues owner of collapsed Huruma block from police detention Owner of the Huruma building which collapsed last week killing at least five tenants was given a temporary reprieve yesterday when the High Court barred police from detaining her.

Margaret Magiri Mwaura moved to the court under a certificate of urgency to cushion herself against possible detention in connection with on-going investigations over the January 4 tragedy on grounds that she “is disabled, sickly, suffering from Asthma, Arthitis and hypertension.”

“There have been several telephone calls to her relatives and neighbours which are strongly believed to have been made by the police to the applicant threatening her with arrest and confinement,” her lawyer Johnson Ondego told the court.

Justice Rosyln Korir however clarified that she must present herself to the police within 24 hours in the company of her lawyer and continue reporting to investigators whenever required, and that that the “police had only been barred from detaining her but not from charging her with an offence” pending the outcome of investigations.

The prosecution while opposing Ms Magiri’s application for anticipatory bail said her apprehensions were unfounded and that it was premature to specu-

late on the outcome of the investigations as she may be treated as “a suspect or a witness” depending on the outcome of the probe.

Mr Odengo was yesterday hardpressed to explain why his client “was not the first person to assist the police with investigations” since the building collapsed a week ago. He said she has been apprehensive that she may be “booked in cells and tortured.”

“The communication has been intimidating, there has been talk that she may be charged with murder...my client has documents showing that she complied with the law regarding the physical planning but has been fearing arrest in connection with the building which collapsed,” Mr Ondego said.

In a replying affidavit, a state counsel had argued that the landlady had gone into hiding and had failed to present herself for questioning but her lawyer said she had not been formally contacted and had only come to lern that she was being sought through press reports.

“She had reasonable apprehension that she would be taken into custody and possibly tortured,” the lawyer submitted.

He said Ms Magiri was only seeking “safeguards” and was ready to abide by whatever conditions the court may peg to the reprieve.

Safaricom in apps deal with US firm Safaricom and US-based mobile payment firm Fortumo have developed a service that allows the mobile phone users to buy apps and digital content using their credit.

The service will allow e-commerce entrepreneurs to overcome challenges they face during mobile payments.

Fortumo Chief Business Officer Gerri Kodres said the service will benefit digital content merchants who struggle to generate revenue due to low credit card penetration.

“Emerging markets like Kenya have become the biggest drivers of smartphone growth globally as cheap smartphones are becoming available to millions of people in growing economies,” said Kodres.

Mobile games developer Wesley Kirinya said the move will help developers monetise apps as a better way of selling content.

“The biggest hurdle we face, is charging smaller amounts like Sh20 for apps. The current method of using premium SMS discourages

app developers,” said Kirinya.

Kirinya said premium SMS service providers take a bigger percentage of what developers charge for content and take long to pay merchants.

“Platforms such as Google Play and Apple store offer better terms for developers, and the reach is global,” Kirinya said.

Fortumo provides carrier billing services in 83 markets, including South Africa and Nigeria.

BUSINESS 5 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

GOING UP: Li Dafeng, president of Huawei Eastern and Southern Africa region, and a model displays the Huawei Ascend P6 during the Launch in Nairobi recently. Huawei has reported a 17 pc jump in operating profits.

Huawei’s operating profit records boom

new frontier: Safaricom subscribers can now buy apps ans digital content using their credit after the company struck a deal with US payment firm Fortunoi. The deal allows e-commerce entrepreneurs to overcome challenges they face during mobile payments.

Technology company Huawei has reported a 17 per cent increase in operating profits and a 20 per cent rise in revenue last year.

The growth was generated by higher sales of its mid- to high-end range of mobile phones.

The increase has been attributed to global adaptation of the fourth generation (4G) mobile technology. 4G is the latest generation of mobile technology that provides mobile broadband internet access to laptops with wireless modems and smartphones.

Huawei is also in the process of developing the fifth generation (5G) mobile technology with other technology firms.

The giant is considered one of the most innovative group that makes networks that power internet and mobile phone networks.

But Chinese products’ reputation of being cheap and a poor imitation of original brands has been a low to its consumer growth around the world.

Huawei has recorded growth despite being banned from broadband projects in US and Australia due to espionage allegations.

job market

Mt Kenya University to hire accountants The Mt Kenya University is hiring accountants and accounts assistants.

The university has asked qualified candidates with a bachelor’s degree in commerce or related fields to apply.

A statement from MKU says applicants for the accountant’s post “should possess at least five years’ relevant experience in a busy organisation, accounts

or audit firm, university or an institution of higher learning in a similar position.”

Those applying for accounts assistants positions must have “two years of experience in an accounts or audit firm or at a university or institution of higher learning.”

Qualified candidates should send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing phone numbers,

current salary, names and postal. They should also indicate e-mail address of three referees and copies of academic and professional certificates.

Two copies of application must be addressed to ‘Human Resources Director, Mt Kenya University, P O Box 342 -01000, Thika’ or email ‘hrm@mku. ac.ke’. Deadline for applications is January 20, 2015.

0789970475/0712787764

APPLY FOR POSTS: Mt Kenya University school-based programme students during a public lecture.

The institution has vacancies in the accountants department.

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BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

CREDIT POINTER Standard Chartered’s Salary Solution As it becomes increasingly difficult for many Kenyans to make investments due to meagre salaries and poor saving habits, lenders like - Standard Chartered bank have come up with services to take care of the situation.

Salary Solution is one of Stanchat’s such products.

The service allows Standard Chartered customers to access personal loans that allow them to use a credit card as well.

It requires borrowers to fill in just one application form and the loan can be given within

just 3-days.

The loan targets salaried individuals with a minimum gross salary of Sh15,000 per month.

Those applying need to submit an introduction letter from their employer, typed or written on the company letter-head, proof of income through a certified copy of their pay slip and bank statements, where applicable.

They also need to submit a copy of their ID or passport and one passport-sized photograph.

APPROVED: KCB Bank Group CEO Joshua Oigara. The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the grant of a REIT Trustee license to the bank.

REITS Trustee licence for KCB bank approved As part of its drive to deepen the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) segment, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the grant of a REIT Trustee license to KCB Bank. Besides the REITS Trustee license, KCB, a public listed company has a subsidiary, KCB Capital Ltd, operating as an Investment bank.

In a press statement sent to news-

rooms, CMA noted that it had reviewed the application and was satisfied that KCB had complied fully with the requirements of Regulation 125 of Capital Markets (Real Estate Investment Trusts) (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2013.

As part of preparation for the rollout of REITS, CMA has issued licenses to six REIT Managers and

another two REIT Trustee licenses. REITS are expected to help the real estate industry in Kenya by facilitating access to funding from the capital market, while allowing investors an opportunity to diversify their investment portfolios.

A REIT is a collective investment scheme in real estate, structured as a trust where an investor owns

ALTERING THE COURSE: A snow peas crop, locally knows as “minji”. Farmers in Nyeri are now growing high-value export crops like snow peas, and flowers such as limonium and tuber rose, which they sell to larger growers.

Hawkers selling belts along the streets of Nairobi can make up to Sh2000 a day and roughly Sh60,000 holding all factors constant, studies have revealed.

While steady sales and profits are rarely assured in any given retail business, research has found that hawkers only need to focus on their target market to make ends meet.

By positioning themselves along the busy streets of the Central

Business District (CBD), hawkers selling belts are sure to have hundreds of male or female clients pass by. Given that faux leather belts for men cost about Sh200 a piece, a hawker only needs to sell 10 to make Sh2,000 in a single day.

They get their supply from larger city markets where their suppliers have brought in cheap goods from international importers.

They buy their belts in bulk and

NEVER ALONE WITH A LOAN: Standard Chartered Chiromo Branch. The Bank’s “salary Solution” product enables its customers to access personal loans that allow them to use a credit card as well.

Farmers ditch harmful pesticides for profit-making legumes and flowers

SMART MOVE

HUSTLER SECTOR

rights or interests in property in the form of units and earns returns from income or capital gains. There are two types of REITS in Kenya; Income REITS, which derive income from property rentals, and Development REITS, which are involved in development and construction of properties for sale or rental.

More than 5,500 women farmers in Nyeri are currently correcting decades of pesticide misuse that had since diminished soils nutrients in their farms, leaving them impoverished.

Using a new legume and with help from locally-based experts, these farmers have now branched into international markets.

The women grow high-value export crops like snow peas, and flowers such as limonium and tuber rose, which they sell to larger growers as fillers for bouquets, as well as legumes. No significant domestic markets exist for the legumes, so the field schools also

teach marketing for export.

Kevin Gallagher an expert form the Food and Agriculture Organisation has been inspired by the women’s resolve and has begun to assist them in good pest management practices.

“We’re helping growers learn about safe alternatives in pest management,” he explains.

“They haven’t been fully informed about good practices, so they misuse pesticide compounds. It’s a double challenge for us all. But the women are very determined. Most of them are saving to send their children to school, and they have organized very effectively,” says

Gallagher.

The groups in Nyeri have already set up their own revolving loan funds, and their produce competes with that of large growers.

They grow so many crops that exporters send a truck every other day to pick up more supplies.

Horticulture is the fastest-growing sector of Kenya’s economy, bringing in more than $270 million a year.

Although it was only established in 1972, the horticulture industry is on the same level as Kenya’s traditional hard currency earners, including tea, coffee and tourism.

Hawkers selling belts can make up to Sh60,000 a month move them into town, where they sell them for a profit.

By working every day of the week with no expenses save for transport to the CBD, a bit of cash to restock one’s supply and other miscellaneous expenses a hawker can make a gross income of Sh60,000 a month.

However, experts warn that the ever changing business environment requires enterprises such as these to adapt quickly.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

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HEALTH TIPS for 2015

HEALTH ALERT: you couLd bE in dAngER of conTRAcTing common LifEsTyLE disEAsEs LikE HEART disEAsE, cAncER, ALzHEimER’s disEAsE, AsTHmA And diAbETEs.

The good news is that lifestyle diseases can be prevented by making simple changes in the daily routine and following a healthier way of living.

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very Tuesday, you can be found lining up at a Pizza Inn just because it is ‘Terrific Tuesday’. On Wednesday, you are at Steers for burgers because it is Wacky Wednesday. On Friday you are once again queing for pizza, this time at Debonairs. Does this describe you? Have you become a slave to fast foods and the tempting offers? If you answered yes, then you are among the many young Kenyans at a great risk of contracting lifestyle diseases.

Lifestyle diseases are diseases that are brough about by the choices that people make in their every day engagements. They are common in developed nations where people are inclined towards eating unhealthy foods, having a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking too much. This problem is now finding its way into developing countries. Common lifestyle diseases include high blood pressure, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, chronic liver disease, diabetes, stroke and

THink

TWICE osteoporosis. The risk of developing these diseases depends on many factors including the type of work you do, the work environment, physical activity and your susceptibility to stress. Other contributing factors include poor posture, the kind of foods you eat and poor sleeping habits. The good news is that lifestyle diseases can be prevented by making simple changes in daily routines and following a healthier way of living. Few basic changes include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol,

before you take a bite of that junk…

having a balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits, regular physical activity and leading a stressfree life.

How many urban teens carry a packed lunch to school or college? That would be so “uncool”, right? Grabbing a burger or a pizza and a coke for lunch is the “in thing”.

Skipping breakfast has become a norm among the youth. Smoking and drinking are no longer regarded as bad habits. Technology and modernization

Was nick mutuma fired from radio?

HOT TOpICs

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e already know by now that hot actor Nick Mutuma has left his radio gig at 91.5 Hits. A little bird at the station said that Nick reportedly said he wants to focus on his career on television when he handed in his notice.

However, rumours have been rife that he left the station on bad terms. The actor already has a gig on TV as a presenter for Mashariki Mix, and will be coming as a lead in Shuga. Is there more than meets the eye?

is fast disappearing. Do you hesitate to look at yourself in the mirror? Do you tend to suck your tummy in when you are measuring your waist size? Do you describe yourself as pleasantly “healthy”? It’s time to wake up. We live in testing times. Youths are susceptible to diseases which were unheard of, even a decade ago. Who would have imagined youngsters suffering from heart ailments, diabetes, liver diseases or obesity? Well you will be a statistic if you take another bite of junk food!

has made our lives sedentary. Various electronic gadgets have made our work faster but removed any scope of physical activity. Added to that, is the fear in the parents’ minds of sending their children out and the lack of playing space. We no longer walk to work. Most of our time is spent at our seats, in front of the computer or the TV. Eating out or take away meals has become extremely common. Even in developing nations, back breaking work like hauling water from the well

sauti sol on top again

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auti Sol have started the year with a bang. The group, which had great success in 2014, have topped the list of tp five artistes to watch out for in 2015 by BBC Radio 1Xtra, a popular station in the UK. An excited Sauti Sol expressed their joy at making it to the top of the list online. The group was listed among other African artistes like, Nigerians Patoranking and Seyi Shay, South African, K.O and Ghanian Silavstone.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th WEDNESDAY, JANUARY NOVEMBER 14, 2015 2014

HOME& LIVING Flowers are really good for brightening up a living space, especially as they are a great way of adding some new colour to the house.

H

FloWers bring natural beauty to our living spaces.

as anyone ever bought you flowers? Did your face glow with happiness? Now imagine that feel good joy and happiness throughout your day. That is exactly what flowers can do for you and your family. No need for drugs, meditation or a fistful of supplements each morning.

A “beautiful house” is not complete without a landscape thick with foliage and blooming flowers. In fact, a bed of plants and flowers leading to your doorstep can contribute in increasing your home’s aesthetic appeal. It is common knowledge that your entry door can make or break a visitor’s impression of your house.

Flowers bring natural beauty to our living spaces. By creating texture and balance, a room or patio can be transformed into an environment that comforts and welcomes.

But, just like Miss Universe, flowers can do more than look pretty. They’ve been proven to reduce stress so well that one glance at a flower lowers your heart rate.

They also help clean the air we breathe by absorbing toxins and acting as little oxygen factories. Plants simply make us feel better.

Flowers are good for brightening up a living space, especially as they are a great way of adding some new colour to the house. Furnishings and decor always remain the same but by changing flower colours you can really make the room look new, fresh and different. It is a good way to redesign on a budget.

Different rooms can be radiant depending how you arrange the flowers.

With a good florist you should be able to have a fresh feel and fresh air in your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom patio and even lawn.

use

FlOWeRS to bring back liFe in to your home

you can be your oWn plumber and fix that air lock

A

DIY

re you tired of having your plumber on speed dial and having to call him a thousand times in a month because of an air lock? Well you can fix the problem yourself!

Air locks are a common problem in relation to water piping. Often, when you attempt to turn on a tap and no water comes out it is due to there being an air lock located somewhere within your piping. As the name implies, an air lock is essentially a pocket of air which has become trapped in your piping and obstructs the flow of water. All you need to fix the majority of water pipe air locks is an ordinary hose and some free time to carry out the works.

Here is how: If the tap which is affected by an air lock is located indoors you should place towels, newspapers or some form of absorbent cloth down in the general

area where you will be working before you start as spillages are likely to occur.

First, you should attach one end of your hose (pipe) to the tap which is not working. The other end of the hose should be attached to a tap which is in proper working order.

Both the broken tap and the working tap should be turned on. The water pressure generated from the working tap should remove the air lock from your piping. This may take a few minutes.

Assuming the previous step has worked, you should then proceed in removing the hose from whichever tap is the highest in terms of positioning first. This prevents a vacuum from being created and contributing to more air locks.

Only then should the hose be removed from the lower of the two taps and emptied of water which has collected within.Voila!you have resolved the air lock problem!

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

HEALTH &FITNESS

Water is a necessity as it gives you clearer skin, keeps you hydrated

The year is just beginning and getting your health on track is important and will set the tone for the whole year. No, it is not another resolution, it is something you need to do because not many people keep their resolutions. Here are a few tips to keep you healthy throughout this year.

Include vegetables and fruit in every meal

There is a truckload of benefits for including vegetables and fruits in your diet. You will increase your intake of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Putting you at a lesser risk of heart disease, stroke and select cancers. If you are trying to shed some weight, fruits and vegetables are the way to go because you will be consuming less calories and who does not want to shed off a few kilos?

Water is life

Make water your beverage of choice. Soft drinks and alcohol are packed

with a lot of processed and concentrated sugars that leave your body dehydrated and battered. Water is a necessity as it gives you clearer skin, keeps you hydrated, helps in losing weight. This is because it keeps your appetite in check while boosting your metabolism.

The recommended daily intake of water is 8 glasses a day so you should try to at least achieve this by the end of each day. If you are not a fan of water, you could try flavouring it using pieces of fresh fruit like apples, strawberries and lemons. But you should also know that however good water is, too much of it is also bad for you, so try not to overdo it.

Eat whole-foods

Try as much as possible to eat starch that is not processed. We eat a lot of refined starch like white bread, pasta and rice. Eating brown

health tips to guide you in

2015

bread, rice and whole wheat is good for you. Diabetics are not the only ones who are supposed to eat whole foods and it is not so bad. You can also benefit greatly because research has shown that whole foods lower the risk of heart disease, stroke cancer, obesity and diabetes.

They adequately fill your stomach and have a good amount of fiber that is good for you.

Reduce sugar intake

Sugar is great, it boosts your blood sugar and gives you a much needed energy boost when you need it. But when sugar is taken in excess it can lead to complications. Processed sugar which is found in candy, soft drinks and baked foods is dangerous. You could get diabetes or become obese by eating them. You do not have to cut out sugar from your diet all at once—you can gradually cut out the sweet stuff.

WORKOUT

WalK YOUR WaY TO beTTeR Walking is one of the oldest and most effective low cost exercises that one can engage in. All one needs is a pair of comfortable shoes, adequate walking space and of course strong legs and you can start your fitness journey. It is suitable for people of all ages as it is easy and requires no equipment. It is recommended to take a brisk walk for a minimum of 30 minutes daily so as to get the most out of the numerous health benefits the exercise has to offer.

If you have any doubts then here are some key reasons as to why you should be walking more often.

It increases the heart’s fitness. Regular walking at a speed that increases the heart rate enhances better blood and oxygen circulation around the body and gets the heart pumping, which is a good

healTh

workout for the heart and circulatory system in general.

Lowers chances of getting heart diseases. Want to stave off diseases like type 2 diabetes? Stroke? Arthritis?

Asthma? Take a walk and your chances of getting such will be slashed off by some good percentage.

According to the Stroke Association, walking quickly can reduce chances of getting strokes by up to 27 percent as walking helps prevent the high blood pressure associated with strokes.

Helps reduce excess body fat Although not as quickly as other forms of exercise, walking can reduce and maintain your weight in a fun and effortless way. For those who want to lose that excess fat through walking, it is advisable to increase the intensity of

the walk and also incorporate some light weights for better results.

It helps prevents bone related diseases. Walking especially up hills, while carrying comfortable weights will stimulate and strengthen bones increasing their density. This wards off bone related diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Boosts vitamin D levels Walking especially in the early mornings and evenings when the sun is not too hot will ensure you get the maximum benefits of the sun’s exposure. Vitamin D is mostly taken in by getting adequate sun exposure which will ensure you have healthy bones.

Walking is fun, free and can be done at any time of the day. Keep walking for a healthy you.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 7th WEDNESDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 14, 2015 2015

FASHIONScoop

FIFA BAllon d’or red cArPet.

Sergio Ramos and girlfriend Pila Rubio

Stephanie Roche and boyfriend Dean Zambra

Sepp Blatter and girl friend Linda Barras

Lionel Messi and wife Antonella Ruccuzo

Carlo Ancelotti and wife Luisa

The hostess Kate Abdo

FASHION MEETS

FOOTBALL dJ crème joins 1FM

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few days back, DJ Crème de la Crème announced that he would be quitting the DJ booth in two years.

However before then, the DJ has landed a job at 1FM as the music director.

Crème reported to work at the station yesterday. Posting a photo of his new work place, the DJ said: “Giving thanks to God for this new grind. Group Music Director 1FM.First day at work.

Expanding the brand. #DoMore” let the music begin.

HOT TOPICS

The annual FIFA Ballon d’Or (an award given to the best footballer in the world) took place Monday night. Cristiano Ronaldo was nam ed the best on earth—we hear some people are still not amused…

But who cares about the trophy when there was a red carpet? The top footballer s walked down

Is P-Unit breaking up?

R

umours have been circulating online about a possible split of famed group P-Unit after Frasha supposedly updated that he was working on a solo project. This threw fans into a frenzy as they could not come to terms with the implied demise of the group. But that does not seem to be the case after Frasha cleared things up through a post on twitter. The post read: ‘’For all those who are spreading rumours that p unit is breaking up better have your facts rights @iamfrasha and @Imapunit @mdundo @Niaje’’. It did not help. however. that the other two members of the all boy group remained quiet on the matter?

the installation with their WAGs giving us a rare glimpse of their fashion conscious side. High slits and lace gowns were the favourite s, while the men kept it elegant and classy with their fitting suits-the abs helped! Check out the best look s of that night.

PLAY 11 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Your intellectual abilities are particularly sharp, Capricorn, so you may want to combine them with your tendency toward mysticism. This should keep you busy for much of the day, but you need to watch out for intellectual overload. You don’t want to forget what you’ve learned. Take notes.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 New friends, new goals, and new attitudes could all appear on the scene, Aquarius. Unexpected developments within a group are likely to require reevaluating a course of action. This is probably a positive development, and it could be exciting, but it’s going to mean some immediate adjustments.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 If you’ve been aiming for a specific career goal, Pisces, it might suddenly manifest with the current planetary energy. You could be catapulted into the public eye in some way. The possibility of an increased income could arise, although it might be speculative at this point.

WEDNESday 14/01/2015

sunny

27

26ºC 35%

THURsday 15/01/2015

More sun than clouds

28 6:36 am 6:47 pm

26ºC 26%

6:36 am 6:48 pm

FRIday

29

Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number.

Friday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 This could be exciting as some close friends or a romantic partner might accompany you.

A new turn in your intellectual or spiritual interests could have your mind going a thousand miles an hour. You will want to learn more about it. The Internet could have useful information.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Unexpected economic developments might make a sudden and positive difference in your situation, Taurus. Perhaps your field becomes more competitive, and people with your skills are more in demand. Whatever it is, you can expect more money to come your way in the future.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 This could involve a group with which you’re affiliated, perhaps one with a humanitarian focus.

Expect to be busy over the next few weeks, as this trend isn’t likely to slow down soon.

Stimulating conversations could set your mind going a mile a minute.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 The intellectual stimulation could have positive and negative effects on your health. Positive because it raises your enthusiasm and puts you in an enthusiastic state of mind, and negative because it might get you so excited that you forget to eat or rest.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 If you aren’t involved, you could meet someone special today, and it might be like love at first sight. An instant bond could form between you because of mutual intellectual interests. You might have a lot to talk about, as your own projects are going better than you’d hoped.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 An old friend you haven’t seen in a long time could turn up. This should be a pleasant surprise, Virgo, as you will have a lot of catching up to do. You might have good news, as you’ve been busy and could have come across some very exciting information.

MUSTREAD Gone –by Rebecca Muddiman

Sixteen year-old Emma Thornley went missing 11 years ago. Police ruled her case as a runaway and closed it. But her body has been discovered years later and police are forced to re-open the case. Detective Sergeant Nicola Freedom is charged with the job of finding Emma’s killer and bringing them to justice.

It turns out to be harder than Nicola thought.

Two years before her disappearance, Emma had dropped off the grid and went to live with her drug dealer boyfriend, Lucas Yates. What happened? Is her boyfriend to blame for her disappearance and subsequent murder?

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Some great news could come today that turns your life upside down momentarily. Libra, you will find it very exciting. New neighbors could move in and you might spend some time getting acquainted. Much of your day could be spent seeking information in a field that interests you.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 News might bring exciting opportunities for increasing your income, Scorpio. Perhaps you will learn of ways to start your own business. Maybe the demand for people with your skills has increased. You might discover the efficiency some new technology for managing your finances.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Discussions could bring some exciting information your way that alters your thinking slightly.

You tend to be oriented toward social, political, or humanitarian issues, Sagittarius. Today you might have the chance to put your talents to work. Someone could ask you for assistance.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

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

winning captions

Friday’s winning photo

YOURSAY

Send a caption for the photo above with your name and location to: play@x-news.co.ke .The winning caption gets published on this page.

Illegal sirens should go, but will they?

Retired General Joseph Nkaissery has taken up duty as Interior CS boss with an order that all unauthorised cars remove sirens and strobe lights.

While I fully support the

good general, I highly doubt he will get some of our rebellious politicians to play ball. I have seen one politician on several occasions drive onto oncoming traffic, just

because he has a siren in his Mercedes limousine.

His action puts the lives of Kenyans in jeopardy only because he is late for some kind of ‘government duty’.

Unfortunately, even police

are afraid of dealing with the politicians because they have some strong connections to higher authorities.

— Job Musembi, Nairobi

1. 1000 ways to look stupid. Wear oversize shoes-Martin M. Nairobi 2. We woke up like this, true story-Margaret Wambui, Nairobi 3. These are way cooler than high heels-Janet Mark, Kinoo

Sport WEDNESday, JANUARY 14, 2015

UK rugby side hires Kenyan as fitness coach

Lucas Onyango has been confirmed as Strength and Conditioning coach for Mancunians for the 2015 season.

Onyango, the former Super League Star and Kenyan Rugby Union International, completed a Master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science at Manchester Metropolitan University. He has experience in coaching staff at Salford Red Devils and Oldham Roughyeds.

The stay will oversee pre-season strength and conditioning sessions for the Mancunians men’s team as they prepare for the 2015 season which is due to begin in March.

His recruitment underlines the approach the Mancunians are taking in 2015.

Taken as a ‘Manchester’s Club’, Mancunians are keen to recruit high quality people to the club to continue to their rapid curve of development.

Onyango has experience Mancunians will offer players and co-owners.

Originally from Nairobi where he cut his teeth with the University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine, Onyango travelled to Manchester to play Rugby Union 7s at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

He later joined Widnes Vikings and enjoyed a lengthy career with Oldham Roughyeds where he made more than 100 appearances.

He scored more than 70 tries in five years until he suffered achilles and knee injuries that have sidelined him for the last couple of

years.

Club Director Stefan Hopewell welcomed Lucas to the club.

“Having Lucas on board will not only mean the team will be ready for the 2015 season, but will mean they will have some fun too. Lucas has a reputation for mixing a sense of humour with the serious business of preparing a team for a competitive season. This fits in perfectly with our philosophy of not being a serious club, but being serious about what we do”.

“I am looking forward to getting players training at a high intensity.

Rugby is a much disciplined sport that can change lives and I am testament to that, so helping athletes reach their fitness goals is something that I am looking forward to,” he said.

YOU’RE HIRED! English Rugby League side Mancunians has confirmed former Kenya 7s star Lucas Onyango (above) as its Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 2015 season.

City defender Nastasic loaned out to Schalke Manchester City have loaned defender Matija Nastasic to German side Schalke until the end of the season.

Schalke have “purchase options” for the 21-year-old, who was signed by former boss Roberto Mancini in August 2012.

The former Fiorentina player was a regular under Roberto

Mancini in his first season but has dropped behind Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis, Eliaquim Mangala and Dedryck Boyata in the pecking order.

He struggled for first-team action under Manuel Pellegrini and has not played in the league for City this season.

His last game for the club was

a 3-0 fall to Arsenal in the Community Shield in August.

The Serbia international made only 11 league starts under Pellegrini last season.

West Ham were also linked with Matija, but manager Sam Allardyce gave up after being told he preferred to leave the Premier League.

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Tough times for Ingwe as players snub training Rugged times ahead beckon for down-and-out AFC Leopards as players continue to shun pre-season training sessions.

Even as training was scheduled to commence last week, players have kept their word to boycott the process all the same until their salaries and allowances for three months are honoured.

The standoff has seen a number of players furnishing the club with notice of termination of their contracts.

Defender James Situma and since crossed over to 10 time champions Tusker. Other players who have wanted their contracts terminated include Jacob Keli, midfielders Bernard Mang’oli, Humphrey Mieno and keeper Martin Musalia.

Fortified club chairman Al-

lan Kasavuli understands the player’s plight while urging them to be little bit patience as they hurry to sort the problem.

“We are urging them to be patient as we plan on how we will settle their three months’ salary that is being held by Kenya Revenue Authority KRA,” He said.

“We are set to meet with them (KRA) and discuss on the payment plan because paying tax is a must,” Kasavuli added.

The chairman announced they are yet to officially terminate head coach Pieter De Jongh’s contract and that the Dutchman’s fate will be decided when the National Executive Committee meet the technical bench that includes newly appointed assistant Yussuf Chipo.

BUMPY RIDE: Ingwe players in a past match. Rugged times ahead beckon for down-and-out AFC Leopards as players continue to shun pre-season training sessions.

Premier League confirms late kick-off for Merseyside derby Next month’s Everton versus Liverpool derby at Goodison Park will remain a late kickoff despite council objections, the Premier League has ruled.

Liverpool City Council had asked that the Saturday 7 February fixture, set to begin at 8:30pm (Kenyan time), start earlier.

The request followed Merseyside Police identifying the weekend game as having a higher risk of disorder because of the late kick-off time.

However, the Premier League has said the time will not be changed.

Gareth Roberts, editor of Liverpool fanzine Anfield Wrap, said the attitude of the police and council did not create a positive image of the city.

“Everton and Liverpool have evening games without any trouble - the police and the council seem to think people will be drinking all day,” he said.

“A lot of fans have families - they won’t be drinking. Those who want to drink will have a drink no matter what time the kick-off is.”

In a report to the ground safety advisory committee in December, Merseyside Police said it did not support the teatime kick-off,

stating weekend games should begin no later than 4:30pm.

The police report said that while there was no specific intelligence indicating any organised disorder, the wider implications of a late kick-off meant they had to take action.

The council said in December it would be seeking legal advice on its position if the Premier League did not bring the start time forward. Neither the council nor police has responded to the Premier League’s decision, which is supported by the home side Everton.

HOG WILD: Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge charges for the ball past Everton’s Leighton Baines.

Next month’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park will remain a late kick-off despite council objections, the Premier League has ruled.

Situma lands regional rugby officer job Erick Situma (pictured) has been handed a permanent role as a Regional Development Officer with the body mandated to govern the game on the African continent, Rugby Africa.

The former Kenyan international is also a respected coach, having guided Top Fry Nakuru to their maiden Kenya Cup title in 2013.

He currently serves as Head Coach at Resolution Impala Saracens, a club with which he won Kenya Cup titles over 10 years ago.

A statement on the Rugby Africa website read in part, « In 2013, Rugby Africa appointed three Regional Development Officers, namely Erick Situma, Mohamed Dermouni and Charles Yapo on a part time basis.”

Dermouni and Yapo have also landed permanent roles. Dermouni will take charge of Egypt, Libya, Tunisia,Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde while Yapo will be in charge of Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Cam-

eroon, Niger, Chad, Gabon, DR Congo, Congo and Guinea.

“Following their excellent work over the last year and a half, Rugby Africa then decided to commit them full time as of 1st January 2015.”

Situma is in charge of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia,Botswana,Rwanda,Burundi,Ghana, Nigeria,Swaziland, Malawi and Lesotho and is tasked with overseeing Rugby Africa’s 2nd and 3rd tier competitions in the region.

He is also tasked with advocating for the growth and development of the women’s game within his designated region.

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 SWITCHING GEARS: Nigeria international Ighodaro Osaguona has joined Moroccan side Raja Casablanca from Enugu Rangers on a four-year deal.

Nigeria’s Osaguona joins Raja Casablanca Nigeria international Ighodaro Osaguona has joined Moroccan side Raja Casablanca from Enugu Rangers on a four-year deal.

A number of clubs were thought to be tracking the 24-year-old striker, but he was impressed with the perseverance of Raja officials and their ambition.

“There were other options, but Raja are arguably the biggest club in Africa,” his agent said.

“They regularly play in the African Champions League and want to go all out to be at the World Club championship this year.

“Casablanca is a nice place, very close

to Spain and I think it’s a good stepping stone for Osaguona.”

Osaguona, who has been capped twice

by Nigeria, scored 16 goals in the Nigeria Premier League last season and was linked with a move to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and China, but his representative insists

three-time African Champions Raja provides him with a platform to develop.

Wise added: “If you look at the journeys of top African players into Europe, there is always a process and it takes time.

“This is Osaguona’s first big move and

the club offers another level for him to showcase his talent and take the next step at the appropriate time.

“A club like Raja and his continued exposure with the Super Eagles is a perfect fit for progress we want for him.”

Palace sign Arsenal striker Sanogo on loan Crystal Palace have signed Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo on loan until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old becomes Eagles boss Alan Pardew’s first signing since he left Newcastle to take charge of the club at the start of January.

Sanogo was linked with a move to his native France to join Bordeaux but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wanted to loan him out to an English club.

“He’s a young player with tremendous promise,” said Pardew.

“He is somebody that I have tracked

FLUID TALENT: Lionel Messi (left) fights for the ball with Javi Marquez of Granda during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Granada. Messi has revealed his desire to stay at the Catalan club.

Messi reveals desire to stay at Barca Barcelona forward Lionel Messi says he doesn’t know where he will play for Barcelona next year but wants to stay at the Catalan club.

The Argentina captain had dismissed speculation linking him with a move as “lies” at the weekend.

But the 27-year-old said “nobody knows what the future holds” during Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in

Zurich.

He lost out to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the World Footballer of the Year crown for the second year in a row.

Messi was asked if he envisaged ending his career at Barcelona, his only senior club, or at Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys in his hometown of Rosario.

“I’m not sure what’s going

to happen, whether I’d go to Newell’s,” he said I don’t know where I’ll be next year although I’ve always said I want to end my career at Barcelona.”

It had been suggested La Liga’s record goal scorer might leave the club following reports of a training-ground row with manager Luis Enrique, who took over last summer.

He has spent his entire career

at the Nou Camp, winning three Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles as well as four World Footballer of the Year awards. He made his Barca debut in 2004 and is contracted until 2019.

After scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, Messi said: “I have no intentions of leaving for any team, not Chelsea nor Manchester City.

personally and this club has too so that fitted well.”

France Under-21 international Sanogo has played five games for Arsenal so far this season and scored one goal, which came against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

“We have given him an opportunity.

He needs to play more games and I think he’s ready for that and he proved that at Arsenal,” added Pardew.

“It’s tough to get in their team but he’s closer to the starting action with us.”

Froome spurred by rivalry with Contador Chris Froome says he cannot show weakness to great rival Alberto Contador when the Briton tries to win his second Tour de France.

“When I’m out training, I’m thinking, ‘I wonder what he’s up to today, I wonder how hard he’s training’,” Froome said at a pre-season training camp.

“Alberto can smell weakness. He can smell it when you’re having a bad day.”

This year’s battle for the yellow jersey starts in Utrecht, Netherlands, on July 4 and ends in Paris on July 26.

In 2013, Team Sky’s Froome, 29, stunned Contador with a superb display to seal his maiden Tour de France victory.

The 32-year-old Spaniard has won the Tour twice before. He beat Froome to take last year’s Vuelta a Espana, the third and final three-week Grand Tour of each year.

But the 2014 Tour de France was one to forget for the pair as both had to withdraw after injuring themselves in crashes. Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali went on to take the title.

16

sport

wednesday, JanUary 14, 2015

Toffees hammered in replay W est Ham United goalkeeper Adrian converted the decisive spot-kick in a penalty shootout against 10-man Everton to send the Hammers into the FA Cup fourth round after a pulsating replay at Upton Park. Adrian fired past opposite number and Spanish compatriot Joel Robles immediately after the Everton keeper had crashed his spot kick against the crossbar as West Ham won 9-8 on penalties.

The match had finished 2-2 after extra time following a highly entertaining 120 minutes at Upton Park. “What a game. It’s a long time since I’ve experienced so many highs and lows in one game of football,” West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said. “All the players gave everything, it really was a fantastic cup tie and we got a little bit of the magic of the cup going our way tonight.”

Everton had to play more than half the game with 10 men after Aiden McGeady was sent off for a second yellow card after 56 minutes. The visitors had fallen behind six minutes after the break when Enner Valencia slotted past Robles from a tight angle after running on to Andy Carroll’s pass. Everton’s task got harder when McGeady was dismissed for bringing down

Mark Noble but Kevin Mirallas curled in a superb free kick from the edge of the box after 82 minutes to make it 1-1 and send the game into extra time.

Romelu Lukaku fired Everton ahead six minutes into the extra period, dedicating his goal with a skywards salute to fellow Belgian and former Vfl Wolfsburg midfielder Junior Malanda, who was died in a car accident in Germany on Saturday.

Substitute Carlton Cole, however, sent the tie to penalties when he stabbed home from a corner with seven minutes of extra time remaining and just over a minute after coming on.

“It was a great cup tie, I am very proud of the team and it’s one of those things when you lose on penalties,” Everton boss Roberto Martinez said.

“I thought it was a terrific performance, we played with vitality, and I think our fans appreciated our dynamic play and for them to give us a standing ovation at the end was great.”

West Ham visit Bristol City in the next round after the third-tier side overcame Doncaster Rovers 2-0 in another replay. Also on Tuesday, Fulham edged Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-3 in a penalty shootout, after the game finished 3-3 following extra time, to seal a trip to Premier League Sunderland.

SURMOUNTED: West Ham keeper Adrian celebrates after converting his spot kick to hand victory to his team. INSET: Adrian kept his side in the game with some memorable saves but could not get close to Kevin Mirallas’ free-kick.

The Hammers went on to win the match 9-8 on penalties to secure a berth in the FA Cup fourth round.

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Falcao at risk as Van Gaal hints clearout Radamel Falcao’s future at Manchester United is in doubt alongside several senior players whose contracts expire in 18 months, with David de Gea, Robin van Persie, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Rafael da Silva yet to sign new deals. There is an expectation at the club that the summer will feature another clearout by Louis van Gaal after the manager allowed 15 players to be sold or go on loan last year.

Although Van Gaal claimed last week to be confident De Gea will agree fresh terms – Real Madrid retain a firm interest in the goalkeeper – it is understood that Van

Persie, Evans, Jones, Smalling and Da Silva are not close to reaching any agreement to extend their careers at United.

Falcao, who is on loan from Monaco and is costing United £16m in signing fee and salary, has so far proved a disappointment. The striker has been hampered by injury since arriving in September and has scored only three goals, making seven starts in the Premier League in a total of 634 minutes’ game time.

Falcao was dropped from United’s matchday squad of 18 by Van Gaal for Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Southampton at Old Trafford, the

manager explaining afterwards that he had only one place for a forward among his replacements and that he had preferred James Wilson because of the 19-yearold’s pace.

Jorge Mendes, Falcao’s agent, confirmed the Colombian could leave the club this summer. “He is a fantastic player, and I think it’s very difficult for Manchester United fans,” he told Sky Italia.

“The truth is, right now we don’t know what will happen. What we do know is that he will play in one of the very best clubs in the world next season, whether that is Manchester United or not,” he said.

Sanchez can be as good at Arsenal as me, claims Henry Thierry Henry has given Alexis Sanchez the ultimate endorsement by declaring the Chilean his long-awaited successor at Arsenal.

Sanchez’s exhilarating start to life in the Barclays Premier League has been one of the themes of the season and Henry saw at first hand on Sunday, in the 3-0 demolition of Stoke City, just how much the Emirates Stadium reveres the forward.

His deadly finishing, electrifying change of pace and raw power have led to comparisons with Henry, the greatest striker in the club’s history.

And the Frenchman believes the comparisons are justified. Thierry Henry has given Alexis Sanchez the ultimate endorsement by declar-

ing the Chilean his long-awaited successor at Arsenal.

Sanchez’s exhilarating start to life in the Barclays Premier League has been one of the themes of the season and Henry saw at first hand on Sunday, in the 3-0 demolition of Stoke City, just how much the Emirates Stadium reveres the forward.

His deadly finishing, electrifying change of pace and raw power have led to comparisons with Henry, the greatest striker in the club’s history.

And the Frenchman believes the comparisons are justified.

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