201501021 xnew

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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ILL PREPARED KENYA NOT PREPARED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT

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AGREEMENT KENYA AIRWAYS, aviation union IN pay hike deal

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IT WAS UNNECESSARY kenyan celebritie§s weigh in on lang’ata ROAD tear gas INCIDENT

NEWS

We were lucky against south africa, says Algeria coach

novak Djokovic, Wawrinka blow out rivals in Australia open

The tax burden in high petrol prices K

enya’s fuel prices are still relatively higher than the global rate because the Government has no capacity to import crude oil, experts claim.

Although the Government purchased stocks after worldwide prices had dropped, local pump prices are far higher in Kenya than in other African nations.

Global crude prices have fallen by 60 per cent in the

last six months, as pump prices fell by less than 23 per cent in Kenya.

Industry players say Kenya’s lack of a modern, functioning refinery makes it difficult for prices to fall by a significant margin as the country imports refined products.

Coupled with high tax margins, the trend has put pressure on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Kenya’s regulatory authority, to maintain

high prices.

The trend has forced consumers to bear the cost of refining petroleum products. But Kenya is not alone in the struggle.

In neighbouring Uganda, prices have only fallen by a slight margin (an equivalent of 3 Kenya shillings) even after receiving cheaper supply than in many other parts of the world.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Lang’ata school recovers playground

P.8

Home and living Adding an aquarium to your living room will make it more inviting. But fish need more attention than the carvings hanging on your walls

P.10

Prada fails to impress Milan

Prada’s newest collection, launched on Sunday in Italy, has been termed boring and uninspiring by reviewers

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school finally celebrates: National Youth Service officers clear the Lang’ata Road Primary School playground, which had been snatched by a developer. President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Devolution and Planning to ensure the ground is made safe for children to play on.

Ready to rumble After a challenging 2014, singer

Juliana is ready take 2015 head on

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Tax burden in high petroleum prices From Page 1

Hans Paulsen, the Managing Director of Uganda’s Vivo Energy, says crude oil, no matter how cheap, is taken through a lengthy process before pump prices are set.

In countries such as Kenya and Uganda, crude oil has to be moved to a refinery before import.

From the refinery, finished products from the Middle East or elsewhere are transported into Kenya and then Uganda,

a land-locked country.

The oil takes two to three months to cover the supply chain.

“You don’t get the new price out there tomorrow,” Paulsen says. “There is a clear logistic chain that one has to follow I would say a two to three-month cycle.”

Kenya has been working on ways to reduce reliance on foreign refineries, including upgrading the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL).

KPRL was set up to serve the East

African region in the supply of a wide variety of oil products. However, it has been operating as a tolling refinery since its set up in 1960.

To improve the sector supply chain, the defunct Prime Minister’s office in May 2011 recommended the conversion of the facility from tolling to a merchant refinery Unlike the current system where the facility receives crude oil from an international distributor known as

Offshore Mediterranean Conference (OMC), the change to a merchant refinery would enable KPRL purchase oil.

KPRL officials say the plan, due to be effected by 2018, will allow KPRL to process crude products from a supplier in Abu Dhabi, in United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other cheaper sources from other parts of the word.

The refinery will continue to focus on servicing the Kenyan main market which is the most dominant in the region.

Kenya has a demand of about 4 million cubic metres per year.

The upgrade promises to increase the refinery’s crude handling capacity to more than 11 million cubic metres per year by 2018.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya, along with the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) under chairman Peter Murima, have asked the Government to speed up the upgrade project.

Nairobi tops intelligence cities list

back TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNER: Lang’ata Road Primary Schools students protest the grabbing of their playground.

The Lands Ministry says it will issue the school with a title deed in a week’s time.

Nairobi has been named one of the most intelligent communities in the world for the year 2015 in a ranking done by the Intelligent Community Forum.

The Kenyan capital is the only African city to be shortlisted in the top 21 intelligent cities list.

The forum describes an intelligent community as “those which have – whether through crisis or foresight – come to understand the enormous challenges of the broadband economy, and have taken conscious steps to create an economy capable of prospering in it.”

The ranking takes into consideration innovation, education and technology in solving problems in the community.

Some of the innovative projects that gave Nairobi an edge include use of mobile money to pay fees by Nairobi county government.

The system has cut down on inefficiency and introduced transparency.

“We also look at innovation to see if it’s part of the culture.

For example, is there a creative culture? Are people thinking about new ideas?”

Louis Zacharilla, co- founder Intelligent Community Forum said.

Digital inclusion was another factor that worked in Nairobi’s favour.

Lang’ata road school to get title deed within a week, officials say

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

The Lands Ministry says it will issue Lang’ata Road Primary School with a title deed in a week.

Director of Survey Cesaare Mbaria said on Wednesday they were retrieving a title deed for the school which has been at the centre of controversy over land grabbing allegations.

Mbaria said the Ministry of Lands will help put up boundary beacons to check future grabbing.

The National Youth Service was deployed to Lang’ata Road Primary School on Wednesday morning to demolish the perimetre wall erected by a developer who was claiming ownership of the school

playground. The youth were sent to the scene at 5am with machinery to clear the site after the developer failed to show up as directed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.

An official at the Office of the President said NYS would also level the playing field and put up a fence around the school.

The exercise caused a massive traffic snarlup on the busy Lang’ata Road, as police advised motorists to use alternative routes to ease congestion.

Nkaissery had on Tuesday directed the developer, Airport View Housing Limited, to remove building materials or the Government takes the initiative.

The move follows violent demonstrations at the school on Monday when police lobbed teargas at pupils who had joined protesters, sparking national outrage.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko has directed that four protestors arrested by police over the Lang’ata Road Primary School fracas on Monday be released.

The suspects were to be charged with malicious damage, incitement to violence and taking part in the riot which police had termed illegal.

During the protest led by area MP and activists, police lobbed tear gas to demonstrators, including the school pupils.

The incident has widely been condemned and the officer commanding the operation suspended to pave way for investigations.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday said Government officials who failed to act prior to the incident will be punished.

“It is deplorable the manner in which the police handled those young children and indeed action will be taken against the officers responsible. But what is more disappointing to me is the fact that we even had to get to that level. Where was the Ministry of Lands… where was the National Land Commission? Why did they not resolve this problem; what were they doing?” he posed.

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

CARTOONSPEAK

80per cent of Kenyans have phones

Kenya has no battle plan for climate change and could face devastating losses As the world’s weather patterns continue to change on a critical level, it has emerged that Kenya is not ready to cope with climate change.

Due to the global warming effect, there will come a time when Kenya, along with other countries across the world, will face catastrophic problems in terms of poor cereal yields, insufficient access to reliable drinking water and vulnerability to heatwave hazards.

Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system and its related effects.

Climate change experts have released maps of the world revealing how prepared different countries are ready to cope with the effects of climate change.

Mobile phone penetration in the country has risen above 80 percent as at September last year according to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya. The regulator says 32.8 million Kenyans are now subscribed to a mobile network. CAK is confident that adoption of 3G technology would drive online transactions in coming days with the telecommunications sector slowly gaining momentum as one of Kenya’s lucrative sectors.

In the maps, 192 countries are ranked by their ‘vulnerability’ and ‘readiness’, to come up with safeguards against extreme changes in weather patterns. The experts have discovered that in the coming decades, places like Kenya and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa will be most affected by a warming climate.

The results reveal that Scandinavian countries like Norway and Finland, as well as the UK, are among the most likely to survive, but areas of sub-Saharan Africa will be hardest hit. The Eco Experts, a London-based company, says that map uses data that tracks a country’s vulnerability and readiness to climate change Results have been published every year since 1995 with Norway coming top every single year.

Private schools cite bigotry in KNEC Form One placements

EDUCATION AND LEARNING: Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi (right) during the release of the 2014 KCPE results at the KNEC, Mitihani House along Dennis Pritt Road. He is flanked by his Principal Secretary, Department of Education Dr.Belio Kipsang (left), the CEO of the KNEC Dr.Joseph Kivilu (2nd left) and Chairperson of the KNEC Prof.Kabiru Kinyanjui (3rd left).

Private schools have threatened to quit as registration centers for the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) following what they have termed as continued biasness towards their candidates in form one selection.

They say the affirmative action entailed in form one selection put pupils from private schools on the competitive disadvantage.

As such, they have threatened to deregister as centres of examination so that all students sit their exams in public centers from where they will not be classified as those from private schools.

“If registration as a KNEC (Kenya National Examination Council) centre is what will cause us a lot of pain then why should we stick with registration centres? We’ll just teach and the public schools and the government will offer examinations,” Kenya Private Schools Association CEO Pe-

ter Ndoro said.

A total of 695,684 of the 888,258 candidates who sat their KCPE last year will get form one places in the 7, 711 secondary schools across the country. 100, 000 of those to miss places will be admitted to youth polytechnics according to Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi.

“My Ministry is alive to the fact that 22 percent of the candidates may not be placed into secondary schools. We however wish to inform the public that my Ministry in conjunction with County Governments initiated the process of placing students into these institutions in 2014 and those involved have reported impressive results,” he said in a statement read out on his behalf by his Principal Secretary for Education Belio Kipsang at the launch of the form one national school selection exercise on Tuesday.

Suspected thugs shot dead in Dandora Two suspected thugs were last night shot dead in Dandora area in a botched robbery and weapons found on them. The suspects had been attacking and robbing pedestrians when police were alerted. The officers say they recovered a mini Ceska from the suspects. In Pangani area, three suspected carjackers were arrested in a botched attack. The gang had hijacked a woman from Kileleshwa area and were escaping when police intercepted them.

Scientists to mine drugs from soil

US scientists are asking the public to join them in their quest to mine the Earth’s soil for compounds that could be turned into vital new drugs.

Spurred on by the recent discovery of a potential new antibiotic in soil, the Rockefeller University team want to check dirt from every country in the world. They have already begun analysing samples from beaches, forests and deserts across five continents.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

How my case collapsed, says Bensouda: Politicians and senior government officials helped to coordinate the massacre of ODMsupporters in the 2007-2008 post-election violence, according to an International Criminal Court document.

The 69 page Pretrial Brief was compiled by the office of Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and posted on the internet on Monday night. It said President Uhuru Kenyatta, retired President Mwai Kibaki, Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia and the late Security Minister John Michuki were central in the planning of the attacks...

Victory for pupils in school land dispute: President Kenyatta yesterday condemned the violent manner in which a protest by school children over the grabbing of their play ground was dispersed. All public officials who failed to act on the matter before the protest will be dealt with, said President Kenyatta. But he did not say what action will be taken against the perpetrators of the land grabbing. He singled out the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission as departments that should have sorted out the matter before the protest...

Case Bensouda had built around Uhuru: Details of the case The Hague Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had woven around President Uhuru Kenyatta include names of prominent figures allegedly linked to the 2007 post-election violence. Bensouda also sensationally claims Uhuru attended meetings to plan punitive attacks and bankrolled Planned Publication Mungiki raiders. The document sketches out the prosecution’s case that never went to trial after Bensouda was forced to withdraw charges for lack of sufficient evidence...

NO COPY BY PRESS TIME

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NEWS WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21, 2015

NEW FOREIGN CODE: President Uhuru flanked by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed during the launch of the two policy documents at KICC. The Foreign Policy is pegged on 5 pillars; economic, peace, environmental, cultural and Diaspora Diplomacy.

Uhuru launches new foreign and diaspora policies to attract investors President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday launched the Kenya Diaspora Policy as well as a new Foreign Policy, both of which seek to enhance the country’s engagement with other nations.

The President says the two policies will help the government put in place structures, programmes and incentives to attract and utilise qualified and skilled human resource drawn from Kenyans abroad.

Speaking during the launch at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre,

the president said through the Diaspora Policy, the country will develop and implement an Integrated Diaspora Information System.

“Kenyans are increasingly aware and proud of the important role they play in the region, and indeed throughout the world. We are an anchor for peace and security throughout our region, and in trade and investment.

We are a gateway between Africa and the emerging economic powerhouses of Asia, plus the more traditional trading

partners in Europe and North America,” he stated.

“We have redefined our foreign policy to ensure it properly supports robust reciprocal bilateral and multilateral relations in trade, taxation and investment.”

Among the wider objectives of the Diaspora Policy is to mainstream and empower Kenyans aboard to effectively make significant contributions to the development of the country.

“The main thrust of the policy, therefore, is to harness and maximize the potential

of Kenyans abroad to contribute to Kenya’s transformation agenda while at the same time meeting their needs and expectations through a mutually beneficial and lasting partnership,” he stated.

The policy also seeks to mobilise Kenyans abroad to form, “town or country specific umbrella associations which have national outlook as well as regional and global umbrella associations for effective engagement and representation.”

It will also seek to enhance measures put to protect Kenyans living abroad.

“The Government will strengthen and enhance the capacity of Kenya missions abroad through deployment of additional staff to missions in countries with high concentration of Kenyans in order to effectively deal with diverse issues affecting Kenyans abroad,” he assured.

On the country’s foreign policy, the President says it seek to protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect the image of the country and protect the interests of Kenyans abroad among other objectives.

Obama in State of Union: Tax wealthy, help middle class US President Obama tried to reboot his presidency Tuesday night after Republicans’ election gains, rolling out plans to boost the middle class and declaring it time to “turn the page” on war and a “vicious” recession.

Obama began his speech at 9:10 p.m. in front of a joint session of

has passed, and the state of the union is strong.”

“At this moment -- with a growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling industry, and booming energy production -- we have risen from recession freer to write our own future than any other nation on Earth,” he said.

“It’s now up to us to choose who

come,” he said. “Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes and chances for everyone who makes the effort?”

Obama argued that a raft of new policy proposals — which include an ambitious plan to

THE UNION: U.S. President Obama the Stateraise of the Union 2014 theSTATE HouseOF and Senate, declarwe wantBarack to be over the gives next fiftaxes on address wealthyinAmeriVice“the President Joeof Biden Boehner on. and financial institutions ingasthat shadow crisis(left) and teenHouse years,Speaker and forJohn decades to look cans

to pay for progressive priorities — favor the middle class, and that “middle-class economics works.” And he laid down the gauntlet to Republicans: They’ll “continue to work, as long as politics don’t get in the way.”

It’s a defiant speech for the President, now freed from the shackles of vulnerable red-state Democrats up for re-election and looking to burnish his legacy in his final two years.

Instead of granting Republicans their wish for a realistic compromiser-in-chief chastened by a midterm election drubbing, Obama is attempting to set the terms of an economic debate that could continue into the 2016 race to replace him in the Oval Office.

He called for cooperation, reprising the theme that there isn’t a “red America” or “blue America” from the 2004 Democratic National Convention speech that shot Obama into stardom.

And he flashed a renewed confidence, going off-script after touting the improving economy to say, “This is good news, people” -- and followed it with a wink. Later, when Obama said he had no campaigns left to run and some Republicans sarcastically clapped, the President shot back: “I know, ‘cause I won both of them.”

DOWN VOTE: The Nairobi County Assembly during a previous session. The assembly has shot down a motion that was aimed at giving the county government powers to demolish all unapproved buildings in the city.

MCAs shoot down bill on demolishing tacky buildings The Nairobi County assembly has shot down a motion that was aimed at giving the county government powers to demolish all unapproved buildings in the city.

The motion that was tabled during a special sitting of the house sought to reduce the publication period for the Nairobi City County Regularization of Developments Bill 2015 from 14 to 12 days and thus allow assembly members to debate and pass it in one day. MCAs however challenged its tabling on technicalities.

A section of the assembly members have however said that the motion was dropped as a set back to the county government over the delayed release of ward

development funds.

“Unless this Act (Ward Development Fund) is implemented to the letter, there’s no business that will be conducted in this House,” chief whip David Mberia said.

The MCAs have also questioned lack of public participation in the bill adding that they ought to be taken through the bill by experts to ensure they contribute with facts.

This comes at a time when the county government of Nairobi has set out a plan to demolish a number of buildings in city estates following the collapse of buildings in Makongeni and Huruma that claimed the lives of 12 people. Scores others were left injured.

BUSINESS 5

More Kenyans accessing internet on their phones A report by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reveals an increasing demand for internet by mobile subscriptions.

The report, that was carried out between July to September last year, shows that mobile subscriptions increased from 32.2 million in the last quarter of 2013 to 32.8 million in 2014. The report

attributed the growth to higher demand in internet subscriptions that recoded a 5.8 jump over the period.

“The number of new subscriptions registered during the period was 522,435 compared to 416,390 new subscriptions recorded during the preceding quarter,” the report shows.

Pre-paid mobile subscriptions grew by about half a million to 32 million from 31.5 million.

While post-paid subscriptions rose by 7.1 pc to 712,894 in 2014, from 665,697 in 2013. The report shows mobile penetration rose by 1.3 pc to reach 80.5 pc last year, up from 79.2 pc in 2013.

“Mobile voice traffic stood at 8.0

billion minutes up from7.3 billion minutes registered during the last quarter marking an increase of 9.0 percent during the period.

Each subscriber made calls for an average of 81.9 minutes per month (2.7 minutes per day) compared to the previous quarter’s 79.3 minutes per month,” the report says.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

CONSUMER RIGHTS

done deal:Moss Ndiema Kenya Aviation Workers Union Secretary General (right) and Mbuvi Ngunze Kenya Airways’ Group Managing Director exchange the Collective Bargaining Agreement papers at the airline’s head offices in Nairobi. Looking on is Alban Mwendar, Kenya Airways’ Group Human Resources Director.

KQ, aviation union strike pay hike deal

RISING DEMAND: A group of youth busy surfing the internet on their mobile phones. A report by the Communications Authority of Kenya shows rising demand for internet by mobile subscribers.

job market

Meds to hire auditors PR, dispatch officers The Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) plans to hire a pool of staff and has asked qualified candidates to submit applications.

The faith-based medical supply chain and capacity building organisation is looking for professionals as it expands

operations.

In line with its growth strategy, MEDS will hire a PR and Communications Officer, a Dispatch Officer, Internal Audit Assistant, Field Officer, Warehouse Officer, Purchasing Manager, Inventory Control Manager and Driver.

Applicants can send CVs and application letters to ‘hr@meds. or.ke’ and indicate positions applied for no later than January 30, 2015.

A statement from the organization says that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

WELL DONE: Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies Managing Director Paschal Manyuru presents a gift to a staff member. The company plans to hire a fresh pool of talented employees.

Kenya Airways employees who were looking to improve on their terms will finally reap from negotiations with the employer.

In a move that is likely to boost staff morale, KQ has struck some common ground with workers.

KQ has released a statement saying the management of Kenya Airways Ltd and Kenya Aviation Workers Union have struck a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

They signed the deal on December 19, 2014 which is awaiting approval from the In-

dustrial Court.

The statement says both parties are “aligned on increasing productivity” to help the company achieve financial goals.

The parties have agreed to give workers pay hike on productivity based allowances.

The increases in salary took effect from January 1, 2015 and will be valid until July, when a review of the terms will be done.

KQ management and Kenya Aviation Workers Union have agreed that the CBA should be emulated by other staff and trade unions in Kenya.

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BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

CREDIT POINTER KCB Salary Advance As January nears its end, most salaried workers are already counting down to their next paycheque.

However, KCB bank has come up with a product, Salary Advance. The product is aimed at getting cash-strapped folks sorted during difficult financial times, like January.

KCB’s Salary Advance is a short term loan that is open to all salaried employees who have a KCB bank account.

The service offers up to 1.5 times a person’s salary or Sh100,000

for permanent employees.

The service allows contract employees to borrow up to 100 per cent of their salary or Sh100,000.

What makes this KCB’s feature special is that there is no security required.

All one requires is an account with KCB that has been active for at least three months, an original and a copy of their National ID or passport and their original payslips for the last previous three months.

DECOTION: A barista prepares coffee during last year’s Tea and Coffee Festival. This year’s edition of the event promises to be bigger than the previous, attracting more than twice the number of guests.

City beverage fest promises more caffeinated experience Tea and coffee junkies alike are in for a great treat this weekend, as this year’s edition of the Tea and Coffee Festival promises to be bigger than the last, attracting more than twice the number of guests.

Open to the public and a mustsee for tea drinkers and coffee enthusiasts, the Festival will be held on the 24th and the 25th of January, 2015 at the Nairobi National Park, Club House.

From brownies to milkshakes,

croissants, sandwiches, coffee cocktails and coffee-flavoured confectionery, the experience will be adorned with all manner of event-themed pastries.

The event comes at a time when the Kenya Coffee Directorate and the Ministry of Agriculture just launched a bra nding campaign that will help the coffee industry regain its position as a top foreign exchange earner.

The premier edition of the Festival was held on the 5th of July, 2014

at The Mall, Rooftop in Westlands and sponsored by Shiriki Coffee, a premium Kenyan coffee brand, and a product of the Kenya Cooperative Coffee Dealers Limited (KCCD).

It was held in tandem with a workshop that was hosted at the Safaricom Michael Joseph Centre three days before the main event. The two events attracted an average total of 400 people.

However, the next instalment will be held this weekend, bringing

Plan bee: Pokot women’s group making sweet splash into honey export markets

SMART MOVE

PLAN BEE: A Kenyan woman beekeeper. Over 400 women in Pokot are now exporters of a unique brand of honey in an initiative that is empowering them economically while opening up job opportunities in the area.

HUSTLER SECTOR What if you could carry a basketful of a cool Sh40,000 a month from weaving baskets? Some basket weavers know that better as they can make that amount within a month, depending on how hard they work and how high the demand is for their products.

A case study of basket weaving groups in parts of the country has revealed that while individuals can work alone to keep all the profits of their business, small

organisations and clusters of weavers tend to make more profit once their business takes off.

One group in Laikipia, dubbed Smart Lady, has close to a dozen members who can make 1,000 baskets in a month, selling each for between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000.

The case study suggests that an individual, making 20 baskets a month, can earn Sh40,000 in gross income over the same pe-

with it music, art and games as well as a variety of speciallyprepared foods to buy and sample.

The event will give festival goers and the public a platform to sample, buy and enjoy a selection of the world’s best tea and coffee brands The festival is expected to attract an average of 1,000 people in what event organisers have termed as “a social laid back environment,” inspired by the best musical ambience.

Over 400 women are now exporters of a unique brand of honey in an initiative that is empowering them economically while opening up job opportunities in Pokot, an area where crop failure is the order of every season.

The initiative, known as the Cabesi Project, aims to promote modern beekeeping techniques to ensure the production of high quality honey.

The project has already trained over 1,600 beekeepers since it was first conceptualized in 2007.

Those who take part in the project are trained on beekeeping, management of

beehives and honey harvesting.

Once the trainees harvest the honey, they take it to six Cabesi collection centres, where the honey and the by products like beeswax and a substance known propolis is processed into finished goods.

While there is a huge market for the processed products locally, there has equally been a growing appetite for the honey from the export market, especially when it meets international standards.

“We hope to develop more products and transform Cabesi into an independent

and competitive business venture,” says Mercy Kiyapyap, the Manager of the Cabesi project. “I have confidence in our potential and believe in a successful future for Cabesi”.

While the project wouldn’t divulge how much they make after every harvest, officials says the returns are proof enough that Cabesi has been a lucrative venture.

Group member, Walethu Kiaki says that unlike crops, which have irregular yields each harvest season, bee keeping assures the farmers of a boon every harvest period.

Basket makers weave out Sh40,000 each month riod. Assuming each item is sold, every member can make a gross profit of roughly Sh167,000. After labour costs, raw materials and miscellaneous expenses, these women may keep almost half the profit, some of which is used to purchase more items for basket weaving.

The basket weaving industry has a strong following among tourists, both foreign and domestic.

Sold in places like Maasai Mar-

ket, open air trade stores and sometimes during events and festivals, these hand-woven baskets are providing hundreds of self-made entrepreneurs with a source of income.

However, to break into the industry, a report by Ng’arua Maarifa, a locally-based NGO, states that potential weavers need training beads and threads, as well as start-up capital to get the ball rolling.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

ACCESS topstory

Gym etiquette 101

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the government’s forces used force and non-lethal weapons on children protesting the grabbing of their playground — was it really necessary?

HOW COULD THE GOVERNMENT ‘GAS’ LITTLE CHILDREN? Monday January 19 will forever be etched in our memories.

It was the day a peaceful protest by young primary school children turned chaotic as police pounced on them with teargas. Kenyan celebrities share their view of the incident.

Boniface Mwangi, Activist No children were used by us in the protest. The children came out on their own to protest the grabbing of their playground.

The students were where they were supposed to be, at their playground. The police were the ones who were out of place.

No school has police on their premises, it is only the teachers and parents who are allowed to be in school. It was necessary for Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery to apologise, apology accepted. Now he should go a notch higher and reveal who this private developer is. The police had no right to use excessive force. They are notorious for using excessive force where it is not necessary. They spend a lot of money on buying tear gas every year for protesters. But they were not supposed to use force on innocent students.

Gerald Langiri, Actor People have different opinions on the matter. But I think there was wrong doing on both ends. Wrong for children to be in such a space of violence anything can happen.

What right did the police have for using tear gas on children? They are kids and it is not like they had machetes. The protest was peaceful. Kids too have a right to protest. I don’t care what the kids were doing, but it was wrong to

use tear gas on children. If tear gas affects grownups like me that much, imagine the agony the children went through.

Owago Onyiro, Comedian The police should not have used force on students. They are harmless, I saw two of them faint.

Students are not like arrogant Kenyans, they fear policemen and they could have just scared the kids away not tear gas them.

The police should have just surrounded the area and scared the kids away. It was a good move for Nkaissery to apologise. How could he do that to students? I also do not think the students were forced to protest, they had to, it was their right. Their playground was being grabbed by a greedy private investor.

Xavier Jerry, Nato, Actor It was wrong for the police to use force on children. The fact that some hooligans were using the kids as a shield is still not justification to exert so much violence on the kids. It was also noble for Nkaissery to apologise.

Only great men can apologise to a kid. I wish it was the President though. I will not say it was wrong to have kids in the protest.

Demonstrations are not for adults alone. A demonstration is a way of expressing yourself when you feel you are not heard. In Kayole

Ray C is promoting light skin Singer Ray C has been trying to pick herself up after rehab. She has noticeably gained weight and her skin colour has moved a few complexions lighter. Now, the singer has come out with a range of creams that she says will get rid of blemishes leaving one’s skin smooth. Bleaching cream anyone? The singer, turned business lady, announced the news of her new venture on her facebook fan page saying she is open for business. However the creams do not have any labels and look like those mixed in River road.

in 2009 we saw Waititu leading kids in a protest after their land was grabbed. The only problem with the Langata demo is that it wasn’t well organized. The school should have brought in the police as it is required in a protest. The kids walked by the roadside on a busy highway, next to a trench in their hundreds. Besides the vicious police, they were exposed to more dangers. Demonstrations by children are done all over the world but must be well organized.

Other celebs who have condemned the act include Caroline Mutoko, Churchill, Maina Kageni, DNG, Nameless, Juliani and Eric Wainaina.

Juliani

Kageni

DNG

Mutoko

Wainaina

celebs weigh in….

Boniface Mwangi

Owago Onyiro

OMG

Gerald Langiri

Churchill

BRENDA WAIRIMU IN HOSPITAL Rapper Juliani’s expectang girlfriend is in hospital. Brenda Wairimu yesterday posted a picture of her in hospital. The picture showed her cannulised hand accompanied by a caption of crying smileys. Is the child on its way out? We can’t wait.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th WEDNESDAY, JANUARY NOVEMBER 21, 2015 2014

Adding an aquarium to your home will make it beautiful and inviting but it needs a little more attention than some carvings from Mali.

A

TheRe aRe maNy OpTIONS wheN IT cOmeS TO FISh TaNkS.

quariums are good interior design fixtures.

They not only provide a soothing visual for people but also enhance the design and space of a room.

In addition to their soothing effect, studies have shown that looking at fish reduces stress and blood pressure. Ancient Chinese believed that having fish in a room made for good Feng Shui—the balance of energies in the body. The fish, the Chinese say, attract good luck, help solve financial problems, protect the occupants of a house from illnesses and many more.

Adding an aquarium to your home will make it beautiful and inviting but it needs a little more attention than some carvings from Mali.

When selecting an aquarium, for your home, you should get something that is functional and energy saving. You can also get custom made aquariums to suit your design needs. For instance, aquariums can be built into your walls and some designed as coffee tables, among many more options.

The custom made aquariums make for stunning centre pieces regardless of the design. There are many options when it comes to fish tanks. It all depends on the size you want and your budget. The bigger, more elaborate the tank is, the more expensive it will be. The upside is that once you have invested in one it will help in making your home cozy and welcoming and maybe even bring you luck!

Explore serenity with

Aquariums

hOw TO cleaN yOUR

E

DIY

HOME& LIVING

lectric kettles are a necessity in almost every household, especially to those who do not have the luxury of piling up enormous gas bills.

Repeated use of any equipment eventually results in some wear and tear and a kettle is no exception. Rust and other deposits on the heating element usually cause it to work much slower and less efficiently than it normally would. This means care and proper maintenance of your kettle is crucial.

The thing to remember here is that your kettle can be restored to its former glory by sticking to some easy to follow instructions.

White vinegar works wonders on rust build up on an electric kettle.

To get that pesky rust off your kettle, first, make sure the kettle is empty

elecTRI

before you embark on any of this. will probably lessen the impact o vinegar on the rust and dilute its e So, ensure that nothing is insid kettle. Pour in the white vinegar an enough to cover the heating elem its entirety. Turn on the kettle and the magic happen.

The rust should break off immed leaving the heating element nice shiny again. After you are done, out the vinegar and rinse out the The method is effective in clean stainless steel kettle.

An alternative to using white vi is preparing a citric acid solution works just as well. Mix four teaspoo citric acid and 100ml of water and r as above. The rest of the kettle c washed normally with dish wa liquid or soap.

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

The wIll TO wIN meaNS NOThINg IF yOU DON’T have The wIll TO pRepaRe.

Depression is considered a mental disorder. In addition, it has definite physical effects on an individual’s body. Although there is no clear cut formula of what to eat and what not to eat while going through depression, there are certain foods that boost serotonin levels in the body and help in maintaining a person’s mood.

These are, of course, to be taken as a supplement to other tried and tested treatments for clinical depression.

Healthy proteins such as beans and peas, milk, fish and poultry are excellent sources. Although protein intake should be regulated, it does help in improving alertness and concentration.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have in recent times gained a bad reputation as being the number one culprits when it comes to weight gain because they are essentially stored as fat when consumed in excess amounts. That being said, they are still a key element in any person’s diet and should be consumed in a smart way. Sugary foods such as cakes should be left out with a preference for whole foods like whole wheat bread and rice.

Omega-3 foods.

Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, have also been linked to lower the depression levels in people.

Gym etiquette 101

WORKOUT

inegar which ons of repeat can be ashing

Proteins

DepReSSION

Water of the effect. de the nd put ment in watch

diately e and , pour kettle. ning a

HEALTH &FITNESS

NUTRITIOUS FOO DS TO cONqUeR

Ic keTTle

Even at the gym, where serious crimes against fashion and sweating profusely are considered the norm, some etiquette is important. The gym ascribes to certain rules which must be followed by everybody. It does not matter whether you are the president or just an ordinary Joe… gym rules and courtesy must be followed religiously for the sanity of the institution. Those who fail to follow the rules must be reported to the gym staff.

Below are some rules that will enhance peace and comfort in the gym.

No phones in the gym, please.

Remember the main reason which took you to the gym in the first place and stick to it. It surely wasn’t to be engaged in mindless chatter which distracts both you and other users. Please put the phone off or on silent and save the conversations

9

for a later time when you have left the gym.

Return the workout equipment at their rightful places. When you have finished using equipment like dumbbells, mats and stability balls ensure you have placed them where others can easily access them. Do not leave them sprawled all over the floor expecting the staff to pick after you.

It is always nice to keep your sweat to yourself. It is totally normal to break a sweat in the gym. When you have finished using a machine or mat and notice sweat all over it, kindly wipe it clean for the next user. Also put away used towels in their respective bins.

No ogling. There is nothing as distracting as noticing a pair of eyes staring at you while you are busy working out. First

of all it is not only freaky but rude to stare at someone when they are in their zone. Staring makes one feel uneasy and conscious about themselves. So stop staring!

Hygiene. Sure enough you will drop a sweat during a workout. It will help if you wear clean workout clothes and also observe some hygiene practices so as not to end up stinking the whole place. Some deodorant is a welcome idea to ensure you remain fresh during the workout.

But then again go for mild scents which do not distract others or cause splitting headaches and complications for users with asthma or allergies.

Remember, the gym is a communal place and respect for each other will go a long way in enhancing your workout experience.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 7th WEDNESDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 21, 2015

FASHIONScoop

the devil did not wear prada in milan.

PRADA FAILS TO IMPRESS IN MILAN Prada’s new collection, Autumn/Winter 2015-16 women’s wear has been described as boring by fashion critics and we agree. The collection was launched on Sunday in Milan, Italy and it would appear Prada ran out of ideas. It features skirts, dresses, trench coats, blouses with the office woman being their target market, black and grey

FASHION BLOGGER LANDS JEWELRY DEAL

are the colours of choice. The designs are just too simple for Prada and do not look original, there is nothing special, even their men’s wear is nothing to write home about. However, the handbags are still as classy and will be the only thing on demand from the Prada store this season. Have a look at the collection and be the judge.

HOT TOPICS

Award winning fashion blogger Nancie Mwai is the brand ambassador for Adele Dejak. Kenyan based Adele Dejak makes handmade fashion accessories from jewellery to handbags using locally available materials. The blogger announced the news on her blog saying: “I’m the new brand ambassador for Adele Dejak. A brand that I have been in love with for a very long time. I am so excited about this amazing partnership.” She, however, did not disclose what she will be earning in from making that line, well, famous.

Juliana is ready to rumble

Last year, Juliana Kanyamozi suffered immeasurable heartbreak when she lost her only child. It seems all that is in the past as she announced the release of her latest jam Woman.

“This is a song that comes from deep down within me. It is my story. And I believe it is the best project to launch my comeback,” she said.

PLAY 11 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 This is a day to reach out and touch someone, so pick up the phone. It’s a good day to share your dreams, no matter how farfetched they sound. Others may look at you as if you have three heads, but as long as you’re being honest with yourself, there’s no reason to be shy about sharing.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A sensitive issue may pull on you, leaving you feeling like you’re out in left field in the way you relate to others. You might want to consider letting someone else take the lead for once, allowing you to regain your equilibrium before the next decision needs to be made.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Question the validity of anything you come in conflict with today, Pisces. You might find that people act on incomplete information, and that they’re falsely accusing you of something you didn’t say or do. Words may be charged with strong emotions, so be gentle.

WEDNESday 21/01/2015

sunny

25

25ºC 53%

THURsday 22/01/2015

More sun than clouds

25 6:38 am 6:49pm

25ºC 50%

6:39 am 6:50 pm

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 You feel tempted to act, but some of the pieces seem to be missing. It could be hard to make a decision, since you don’t have the whole picture in front of you. You’re better off spending this day outside with a group of friends rather than trying to make any major life decisions or commitments.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Be the star of your own movie and proud of the role you play, Gemini. You might find yourself taking on many different characters, depending on your mood of the hour. There’s a special gleam in your eye that you should share openly with others. Don’t feel rushed to get anywhere.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Take a break from your daily routine and get off the treadmill today, Cancer. The world will turn without you for one day, so tune out for a while. Remember that whatever path you take is the right one. Regret is a useless emotion. Don’t even bother with it.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Don’t try to nail down any answers today, Virgo, because you will probably end up feeling frustrated. The less you try to force your will on others, the more you will find that things just automatically go your way. Today isn’t about finding solutions to problems.

MUSTREAD

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your dreams are in full force, so let them lead the way. Enjoy lighthearted conversations with friends about the latest movies or novels. You might want to go shopping or get a haircut. This is a good day to improve your general appearance.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Take a break from the routine and get off the beaten path, Scorpio. This is a day to forge ahead with ideas and dreams rather than commitments and answers. Question things and debate the facts. Have fun whatever you do. This is the perfect day to go out and fly kites with your friends.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 It may feel like something has suddenly clicked into place for you today, Sagittarius, because you’ve found the missing piece of a puzzle you’ve been working on. The answers may be subtle, but they’re there. Fantasy and a playful attitude will lead you to them effortlessly.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

YOURSAY

Weathering — by Lucy Wood

Pearl loved the river and it loved her back a bit too strongly. Pearl has passed on as daughter Ada returns home to put her mother’s estate in order. Ada has returned to childhood home with her six-year-old daughter to try clean and renovate the home so that she can sell it. As she and the daughter stay in the house, Ada hears and feels her mother’s presence. And as days pass by, she feels reluctant to leave the place she once swore to never return to. It seems the past does not want to be forgotten and the present is also clamouring for attention. Can Ada let by-gones be by-gones? Will she let go of the past?

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

Friday’s winning photo

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.

Pope Francis advice on family misplaced So the good Pope has come up with guidelines on what an ideal family should look like (Three children per family are enough, says Pope, Tuesday January 12, 2015.) While my sentiments may stem

26

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 You should enjoy a great deal of playful conversation, Aries. Fantasy is likely to play a big role in events, and you may daydream as you walk down the street. Don’t bother with reality if you don’t have to. You’re much better off keeping the tone light and playful.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Things are flowing your way, Leo, and you should find a great deal of pleasure in the company of others. There may be an element of fantasy about the day that causes you to lose track of time and space. Don’t bother connecting to reality if you don’t have to.

FRIday

from the fact that I am not a Catholic, I do not think the Pope has authority to advise the world on the number of children to have unless he has some. As long as someone has the ability to raise children,

s/he can have as many as they feel like. I think the world has space for all of us and many others yet to be born.

— Chris Kiplangat, Nairobi

winning captions

1. With these shoes you can never trip on rocks -Patience K. Nairobi 2. I am walking to heaven-Jordan Mokaya, Thika Rd. 3. The big question is why?-Benrobert Muli, Nairobi

12

PLAY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Pigpen dweller 5. Palm tree fruits 10. Egyptian vipers 14. River of Pisa 15. Siberian antelope 16. NL stadium 17. One way to compete 19. singer Bennett 20. “___ is Born” 21. One way to order on a menu 23. Freight 26. More stale 27. Knowing no more than before 32. Abbr. akin to alias 33. Flavorful 34. Colleague who forsook Paul 38. Honduran seaport 40. Foot bottoms 42. Parlor, in La Paz 43. Pundit Alexander 45. Durable woods 47. ___ and Stimpy (cartoon duo) 48. Secret diet-breakers 51. Deliverer 54. ___St. Vincent Millay 55. Well maintained 58. Musical upbeats 62. Rialto light 63. In pairs 66. Cave, in literature 67. ESPN anchor Rich 68. Noted pugilistic family 69. Spade and Hill 70. Stall call 71. Fixed procedure Down 1. ___ Ullah, Persian religious leader 2. Some natural resources 3. Sci. subject 4. Prevention publisher 5. British mil. decoration 6. What a doctor might ask you to say 7. ‘___ Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree’ 8. The same, in Paris 9. Former First Family of Egypt 10. Fred and Adele 11. Film genre 12. Game similar to gomoku 13. One talking 18. Uses a sulky 22. Street ___ 24. Cries of triumph 25. Places for arms 27. Washington nine

28. Approve 29. “The Lion King” daughter 30. Cartoon Coyote 31. Dream up 35. Stallion’s mate 36. DiMag, for his entire career 37. Without: Fr. 39. Patriarchs and matriarchs 41. Calendar a la Variety 44. Hanging loosely 46. Capital of Yemen: var.

49. Sounds off 50. Xanthippe, e.g.

51. Comes clean 52. “It’s the end of __!”

53. Souped-up engine sound 56. “Victory is mine!”

57. Gnawed: It. 59. Fodder storage site 60. issue 61. Late ruler Mobotu ___ Seko 64. ___ Lingus: Irish carrier 65. Boom producer, for

QUOTE OF THE DAY “Your reputation is more important than your paycheck, and your integrity is worth more than your career.”

— Ryan Freitas, About.me co-founder

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport WEDNESday, JANUARY 21, 2015

Rita Jeptoo to know drugs probe fate in April, says AK Drug cheat Rita Jeptoo will know her fate over suspension from long distance running in April after thorough investigations, Athletics Kenya officials have said.

The once world’s top female marathoner was suspended for using banned blood-boosting hormone EPO during an out-ofcompetition test last year.

She faces a ban of at least two years plus loss of a string of recent titles.

After testifying before Athletics Kenya medical commission for more than three hours last week, AK says provided crucial information to the panel.

“It was a very productive hearing,” said David Okeyo, AK vice president.

“This case has not been concluded simply because there is a lot of information that has come about through the hearing and we have to go back and consult,” he said.

Okeyo says AK will consult with

TO PLAY FOR JACKPOT, SMS TO 79079: JP#XNEWS#13 predictions E.G: JP#XNEWS#1X2X1XX2212X1 YOU WIN WHEN ALL YOUR 13 PREDICTIONS ARE CORRECT. JACKPOT IS EQUALLY SHARED AMONGST ALL WINNERS.

the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) on whether Jeptoo should be punished with a two-year or mandatory four-year ban that came into force on January 1.

“This is a hearing that is confidential so we may not be able to give a lot of information but of importance to note is that we will be asking further information from IAAF then we will communicate once we are through.”

drugs driven: Former world top marathoner Rita Jeptoo will know the outcome of investigations into her drugs use by Athletics Kenya in April. Jeptoo was suspended for using blood-boosting hormone EPO.

Froch hints at retirement Carl Froch has said the thought of never fighting again is a “nice” one, a day after pulling out of the fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. An elbow injury has forced the WBA and IBF supermiddleweight fighter out of the March 28 clash in Las Vegas.

Froch, 37, says he is “wavering” again on whether he will fight on.

“It’s no secret that I’m nearing the end of my career and I may or may not fight again,” he said.

On Sunday, he posted a photo on the social media of his gloves hanging up.

“I was actually thinking to myself, you know, what if they stayed hung up and I never boxed again? It’s quite a nice thought if I’m totally honest,” he

said.

“I’ve got two wonderful children, very young, and being at home spending time with them is good and I think ‘Am I still this fighting machine?’

“But I’m sure once I get back in the gym and start really pounding the bag and the roads hard in the morning I’ll be back to my old fighting self.”

0755 079 079 0709 079 079

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SPORT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Red hot R5 cars rev for 2015 season Three R5 rally cars have been imported into the country and will be hitting local competitive stages soon. Such will be the zest and gusto for spectators when the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) 2015 gets underway in Kisumu next month.

R5 drivers are expected to offer stiff opposition to the existing three Super 2000s machines as well as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions which have dominated the KNRC series for many years now.

Manvir Baryan, who won the African Rally Championship (ARC) class during last year’s 62nd KCB Safari Rally, is said to have brought in a ‘Ford

Fiesta R5’ rally contraption which has a 1.6 litre,4 cylinder,16 valve engine developed by M-Sport and with an FIA regulated 32mm turbo restrictor.

Manvir’s is already branded with the carroty Multiple Racing Team livery.

Pundits reckon that the new crowdpulling R5s have amazing power and it will interesting to see just how they will fare on Kenyan soil.

Two other R5 cars have been imported by a top KNRC Division One driver whose identity is yet to be known.

In relation

to motorsport governed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Group R refers to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition.

The Group R regulations were created in 2012 as a replacement for Group A and Group N cars, and took effect from 2013 meaning that

no new cars are being homologated under Group A or Group N regulations, and instead existing cars are reclassified according to Group R rules.

Meanwhile, disabled Safaricom Soya award winner Nikhil Sachania will be bringing in a Fiat Grande Punto S2000 in February.

This will increase the number of S2000s in Kenya to 4 cars.

Currently Alastair Cavenagh and his

former Dalbit Petroleum teammate Carl “Flash” Tundo are running Malaysia’s Proton Neo Satria S2000 while Tigoni based youngster Quentin Mitchell is anticipated to drive his Scoda Fabia S2000 for the second time in Kisumu.

The youngest driver in last year’s KNRC Karan Patel who won both the KNRC Division 3 and S Class Championship in his first year of racing is upgrading from the ex-Baldev Chager Subaru GC8 to a Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionX.

NEW ARRIVALS: A Ford Fiesta R5 in the Qatar Rally. Three such cars have been imported into the country and will be hitting local competitive stages soon.

England swat aside world champions India by 9 wickets Steven Finn and James Anderson led England to a morale-boosting nine-wicket thrashing of India in Brisbane.

Finn took 5-33, his one-day best, and Anderson, back after a knee injury, 4-18 as India were bowled out for 153.

Ian Bell then made an unbeaten 88 and James Taylor 56 not out in a stand of 131 as England chased their target inside 28 overs.

The bonus-point win leaves England second in the tri-series table behind Australia, whom they meet on Friday.

Taken in isolation, the impressive performance at the Gabba was an ideal response to the opening defeat by Australia and kept England in the hunt for a place in the final.

More importantly, it gave Eoin Morgan a first

win since replacing Alastair Cook as captain, comes on the back of six defeats in eight ODIs and was only a fourth win in 16 against world champions India less than a month before the World Cup begins.

It came thanks to the penetration of pace pair Finn and Anderson, some woeful India shot selection and a purposeful England runchase.

Toronto FC sign Juventus striker MOLESTED: Ian Bell drives a delivery past bowler Stuart Binny. Ian made an unbeaten 88 and James Taylor 56 not out in a stand of 131 as England chased their target inside 28 overs.

Toronto FC have signed Juventus and Italy striker Sebastian Giovinco (pictured).

The 27-year-old, who has won 21 caps for his country, will join Jozy Altidore up front for the Major League Soccer side after they signed the US striker in exchange for Jermain Defoe.

Ex-Empoli and Parma forward

Giovinco has played 131 times for Juve, but has only made 10 appearances this season.

His last appearance for the club was as a late substitute in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Verona.

Giovinco will join Toronto, whose season starts in March, at the end of the Italian Serie A season.

africa cup of nations 2015 Afcon free of Ebola risk, federation says The Ebola risk at the Africa Cup of Nations is “under control”, says Equatorial Guinea Football Federation president Andres Jorge Mbombio.

Police and fans clashed during Zambia’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo after Ebola screening delayed entry to the ground.

Despite the wait, Mbombio claims the threat is contained.

“When we decided to host the tournament, we increased preventive measures, so that now we can say everything is under control,” he said.

“We feel proud and reassured, and only want to think of football.”

Equatorial Guinea are hosting the tournament after Morocco’s request

to postpone the event because of the possible spread of the disease was rejected by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in November.

Supporters have been asked to clean hands with sanitising gel as they enter stadiums - one of the measures which has caused long queues.

Mbombio says he doesn’t want the issue of Ebola to overshadow the tournament and take the focus away from events on the pitch.

“Everybody said that Ebola was a big risk for this tournament. It was true. It was a risk, but we managed to control it,” he added.

“We’ve got the chance to live and enjoy the football. We must forget the difficulties related to Ebola.”

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

We were lucky against SA, says Algeria coach Algeria escaped a “catastrophic” start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, says coach Christian Gourcuff after Monday’s win over South Africa.

Despite being tournament favourites, they trailed after Thuso Phala’s 51st minute goal.

Bournemouth’s Tokelo Rantie later missed a penalty for

Bafana Bafana before Algeria scored three goals in the final 23 minutes.

“The penalty was a turning point,” said Gourcuff.

He added: “At 2-0 the game was not over but we would have been in a difficult situation.”

Having impressed on their way to knockout stages in the World Cup in Brazil last

summer, Algeria are tipped by many to go all the way in Equatorial Guinea.

But after a disappointing first hour, it took Rantie’s missed penalty and an own goal from Thulani Hlatshwayo to give them hope.

Goals from Faouzi Ghoulam and Islam Slimani then secured the win for the North Africans, who face Ghana next

on Friday.

“It was an intense game and it could have been catastrophic,” said Gourcuff, who replaced Vahid Halilhodzic after the World Cup finals last year.

“But things turn quickly in football and we played well to come back and win.

“It was a real test for the players on a pitch which does not allow you to keep the ball.”

Zambia’s Sinkala out with knee injury Zambia midfielder Nathan Sinkala will not play again at the Africa Cup of Nations after suffering an injury in Sunday’s game against D R Congo.

The 24-year-old hurt his knee during the Group B opener which ended 1-1.

Zambia team doctor Joseph Kabungo told the Football Association of Zambia the injury will need at least

four weeks to heal.

Sinkala’s loss is a blow to Chipolopolo’s hopes of success at the finals in Equatorial Guinea.

He was part of the squad that won the tournament in 2012 and is one of the stars of the current first-team.

Zambia’s next match is against Tunisia on Thursday.

EXPLOSIVE: Algeria’s Faouzi Ghoulam (left) vies with South Africa striker Antony Tokelo Rakie during the 2015 African Cup of Nations group tie at Mongomo. Algeria won 3-1.

Djokovic, Wawrinka blow out rivals in Australia

extinguisher: World No 1 Novak Djokovic blew out Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene 6-3 6-2 6-4 in his Australian Open opening match.

Top seed Novak Djokovic and defending champion Stan Wawrinka both breezed through their Australian Open openers.

Djokovic, a four-time champion in Melbourne, beat Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene 6-3 6-2 6-4, while Wawrinka saw off Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan 6-1 6-4 6-2.

Czech’s Petra Kvitova opened the tournament with a 6-1 6-4 win over Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp in the women’s draw.

World number one Serena Williams beat Belgian Alison van Uytvanck 6-0 6-4 in 61 minutes in a night session.

Wawrinka enjoyed the experience of walking out on to Rod Laver Arena as the

defending champion. Ater a week in Melbourne, he says he feels ready to focus on the “new tournament”.

“It was great,” said the Swiss.

“I was happy to be back on the court. I can feel that I have a lot of support here, and it’s always nice to come back like that and to feel the crowd behind you.”

Djokovic had suffered illness that restricted his practice time at Melbourne Park, but the world number one believes he is up to speed.

“It has been a rough couple of weeks but it is behind me now,” the Serb said. “I’m proud of how I responded.”

16

sport

africa cup of nations 2015

WEDNEsDAY, JANUArY 21, 2015

WE WERE LUCKY AGAINsT sA - ALGERIA p 15.

TODAY’S MATCHES E.GUINEA Vs BURKINA FAsO

Estedio de Bata

7pm GABON Vs CONGO

Estedio de Bata 10pm

HIGH OCTANE: Franck Kom of Cameroon and Mali’s Seydou Keita (left) go head-to-head as both teams searched for a winner in an AFCON 2015 Group D clash. Ambroise Oyongo scored his first goal for Cameroon to rescue a point against the Eagles of Mali.

All square in Group D CAMEROON,MALI,IVORIANS,GUINEA SHARE SPOILS

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Ambroise Oyongo scored his first goal for Cameroon to rescue a point against Mali in their opening match.

In another Group D match, Ivory Coast fought back to draw their Africa Cup of Nations opener with Guinea, despite having Gervinho sent off early in the second half.

Guinea took a 36th-minute lead when Mohamed Yattara volleyed in. Ex-Arsenal striker Gervinho, who had hit the bar in the first half, was dismissed on 58 minutes for a slap. Seydou Doumbia slotted low into the corner to rescue the Elephants.

The Cameroonian right-back charged into the penalty area to collect a pass from Raoul Loe and controlled brilliantly before slotting home from close range.

Sambou Yatabare had put Mali ahead when he drilled home a

low shot from inside the six-yard box.

Yatabare thought he had won it in the final minute when he headed home a free-kick but he was flagged offside.

Mali had made the better firsthalf chances with Wolves midfielder Bakary Sako twice denied

by Fabrice Ondoa.

In the 10th minute Sako cut in from the left-hand side of the area and Ondoa had to tip away his shot at full stretch.

From the corner, Sako floated in a cross from the right and Mustapha Yatabare, older brother of Sambou, headed wide at the far post.

Cameroon hit back and in the 18th minute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s effort was tipped over the bar by Samba Diakité.

Vincent Aboubakar curled a shot just wide for Cameroon at the

start of the second half and then Aurelien Chedjou curled a freekick just over the Mali bar.

But it was underdogs Mali who took the lead in the 71st minute through the unlikely figure of Sambou Yatabare.

The defender found himself on the far side of the six-yard box and chested down a flick-on by Molla Wague before drilling a low shot into the net.

A surprise result looked on the cards but Cameroon refused to give up and were rewarded when Oyongo timed his run to perfection to meet Loe’s lofted pass, controlled the ball and tucked it home from close range.

Sambou Yatabare nearly won it for Mali in the 90th minute when he dived to head home after Seydou Keita’s free-kick had been parried by Ondoa, but was correctly ruled offside.

Sterling’s League Cup zinger earns Liverpool draw against Chelsea Raheem Sterling’s rasping shot earned Liverpool a fully deserved draw and ensured the Capital One Cup semi-final with Chelsea remains finely balanced.

Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty gave Chelsea the advantage but Liverpool were rewarded for another illustration of their rapid recent improvement when England forward Sterling showed searing pace followed by good composure to equalise on the hour iverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the side

that came so close to winning the Premier League title last season have regained that identity in the past month as new signings settle in - and there was plenty of evidence to support his claim at Anfield.

Chelsea will feel they hold the slight advantage ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge but it was only thanks to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made a succession of saves as Liverpool pressed for a precious second goal.

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