20150107 xnew

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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REBEL LEADER SURRENDERS DOMINIC ONGWEN GIVES Up

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rolls royce sales soar hit historical mark

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it’s a big lie rapper ay denies dating victoria kimani

NEWS

silas kiplagat plans to smash records this year

jerry santo closes in on a move to kpl champions gor

Knut’s high salary demands kill talks

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overnment failure to table a higher basic salary offer for all teachers has stalled efforts to find a solution to the strike that has paralysed learning in public schools.

Meanwhile, the teachers’ unions have vowed to stay away from work as the strike entered the third day today.

It had been hoped that yesterday’s conciliatory meeting convened by Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi would solve the stalemate between Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet).

But the discussions ended in disarray after the

union rejected a higher offer on benefits tabled by the Government.

Chairman Mudzo Musili said later the meeting failed to solve the stalemate because the Government failed to “table any concrete offer.”

“We have reached a stalemate because the Government has declined to give us a good offer,” Nzili said at the end of the meeting.

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The fast lane

Read about the ‘Peter Pan’ generation, a group that does not want to grow up, instead opting to party though life

Tanzania vexed by JKIA ‘lock-out’ of tour vehicles

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Reduce, reuse and recycle Instead of discarding nonbiodegradeable items, why not use them to make art?

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Healthwise CROSS-BORDER RELATIONS: The Tamzanian government has set up a task force to look into reports that vehicles, mostly tour vans, bearing the country’s number plates are being denied entry into Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. STORY ON PAGE 2

Find out which foods are good for controlling high blood pressure

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Knut’s high salary demands kill talks From Page 1

“It will be a mother of all strikes from tomorrow (today Wednesday).”

“Teachers are demanding for salary increment and until the increment is put on the table we have no other choice but to go on with the strike,” Nzili thundered.

The meeting was attended by representatives from TSC, Knut and Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi.

Nzili claimed the Government only tabled the annual leave allowance “which is in the new code of regulations.”

Knut had demanded an offer of between 50 and 60 per cent increase in basic salary for the talks to proceed.

But Kambi said the Government offer amounted to Sh9.3 billion and “no more cash will be added.”

“This offer will push the annual teachers’ wage bill to Sh170 billion, accounting for 10 per cent of the budget,” Kambi said.

The minister said the basic salary for teachers will only be reviewed once a job evaluation for all public sector employees has been completed.

But Nzili dismissed the move. “When the Government says teachers are many, and increment of salary shall run into billions (of shillings) which will run down this government is unreasonable because every teacher has a single stomach and are human beings.”

He claimed TSC had crafted another agreement with Kuppet in case discussions with Knut fail.

“We welcome legitimate talks to unlock the stalemate, but we are not going to call off the strike until we sign a CBA that is conclusive,” Nzili said.

Teachers stayed away from classrooms again today as they vowed to carry on with the strike until the Government meets their salary demands.

TEACHERS ARE IMPORTANT: Teachers demonstrate for higher pay. Their unions have vowed to stay away from work until the Government gives in to their 50 to 60 per cent basic salary increase before talks can resume.

Divers locate AirAsia tail section in Java Sea Searchers have found the tail of the AirAsia Flight QZ8501 in murky depths of the Java Sea, raising hope that the plane’s black boxes might soon be recovered.

The tail section, marked with part of the airline’s logo, was detected by Sonar early Wednesday, said search and rescue chief Bambang Soelistyo.

Divers who were deployed to the sea floor took pictures of the wreckage.

Locating the tail section is potentially crucial because the section is where flight data and voice recorders -- the so-called black boxes -- are located in the Airbus 320-200, the aircraft model of Flight QZ8501.

The recorders are often considered a key piece of evidence when it comes to investigating a commercial plane disaster. They provide valuable information, from a plane’s air speed to the position of the landing gear, to pilot communications.

Investigators hope the flight recorders will contain vital information that may help explain why the aircraft dropped off the radar and plunged into the sea.

One of the images released by the search agency showed what appeared to be letters A and X, while another showed the word “Air” from the AirAsia logo.

Soelistyo said divers were preparing to return underwater in the area, which is a priority zone that has been the focus of the search efforts.

Searchers have been scouring the

choppy waters of the Java Sea for remains from the commercial jet since it lost contact on December 28 with 162 people on board.

Search teams had previously located several large pieces of wreckage

believed to be from the plane, but none of them as significant as the tail.

Difficult conditions -- including thunderstorms, strong winds and major waves -- have hampered the search efforts now in their 11th day.

Soelistyo also said Wednesday another body had been found in the sea, bringing the total to 40. Some of the remains recovered previously have been discovered still strapped on the plane seats.

HAWK-EYED:An Indonesian Air Force pilot looks from the cockpit windows of a C-130 Hercules plane during a search and rescue operation as they search for the missing AirAsia plane over Bangka Island, Indonesia. Search crews have found the tail of the AirAsia Flight QZ8501 in the murky depths of the Java Sea.

Tanzania vexed

by JKIA ‘lock-out’ of tour vehicles Tanzania has formed a task force to investigate reports that vehicles registered in the country have been barred from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Travellers from Tanzania have since December 2014 reported alleged frustrations after Kenya reportedly barred Tanzania-registered cars from the airport as they dropped or collected transit passengers.

The travellers claimed the order was issued on December 22 last year. The situation is said to have generated fear and uncertainty among tourists travelling to Tanzania through the airport.

Tanzania minister for the East African Cooperation Samuel Sitta said the government had sent a letter to the Chairman of the Non-tariff Barrier Committee in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) alerting him of the matter.

“We have heard that Kenyans want to enjoy the East African common market protocol which grants member states free movement of people, labour and goods,” he said.

The minister dismissed reports that Tanzanian officials had prevented Kenyan-registered vehicles from the country’s airports.

“We are going to pursue this matter until we come up with the source of all these problems,” he said.

Last year, tour operators from Kenya claimed vans carrying tourists were denied entry into Tanzania at Namanga, Sirari, Horohoro and Holili. This forced the operators to hire Tanzaniaregistered vehicles to move visitors to tourist spots in the country.

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

World could run out of hard drive storage space by 2020 The world could run out of computer hard drive space by the year 2020, according to experts in the field of Information Technology (IT). Officials from Seagate, a leading international tech company, argue that the world is facing a data capacity shortage of more than six zettabytes.

While most consumers think of data storage space in terms of Gigabytes (GB), experts have found that a single zettabyte is the equivalent of more than34 billion smartphones, assuming a typical device has 32GB of storage.

In 2013, the total amount of digital data produced around the world was 3.5 zettabytes.

By 2020, that will increase to 44 zettabytes of data every year.

Man hangs himself in Ngong

Speaking with regard to the coming crisis, Mark Whitby, Vice President of Branded Products for Seagate says: “It’s starting to reach the point where new technologies will have to take over.”

Whitby notes that there is an enormous demand for computers and that the industry cannot keep up.

He blames the hard drive industry for not doing enough research into new products.

Currently, a typical external hard drive currently has up to 5 terabytes of space and can store 2.5 million songs, 1,000 films and two million photos. While this may be enough for some consumers, it is a drop in the ocean for others that store, create and share larger amounts of information.

Police are investigating an incident in which a man committed suicide in his house in Ngong Town. Police say the man’s body was found hanging in his house on Tuesday evening and it is though that could have been several hours after he took away his life. There was no suicide note found and the officers are yet to know the reasons behind the suicide.

Elsewhere in South C, police are looking for a gang that robbed a woman of her car in an attack. The woman was injured in the struggle after she jumped out of the car.

Appeal on suspended security laws to be heard on Monday

LEGAL TUSSLE: An appeal by the state against the suspension of eight clauses in the newly enacted security laws will be heard on Monday. AG Githu Muigai (above) has filed an appeal challenging the decision by High Court Judge George Odunga which suspended the eight contentious clauses in the new law.

An appeal by the state against the suspension of eight clauses in the newly enacted security laws will be heard on Monday.

The Court of Appeal set the day after Attorney general Githu Muigai filed an appeal challenging the decision by High Court Judge George Odunga which suspended the eight contentious clauses in the new law.

Prof Muigai argued that the High Court did not have jurisdiction over the matter and as such, has applied a reversal of the orders issued last Friday.

In the appeal filed yesterday afternoon under a certificate of urgency, the AG argues that the Judge did not have jurisdiction to suspend sections of the controversial laws, in a case filed by members of the opposition.

He now wants the Appellate Court to overturn the decision, arguing that the judge did not have jurisdiction to suspend the legislations at an interlocu-

tory stage. “The learned Judge of the High Court erred in law and in fact in failing to find that a proper and wholistic interpretation of Article 23 of the constitution does not envisage conservatory orders in respect of legislation but that the only redress the court may issue is to declare if merited, the invalidity of any law as a final determination in proceedings,” the states in his appeal.

He also faulted the judge for failing to find that the court had no jurisdiction to suspend legislation at an interlocutory stage. “He failed to appreciate that there was not sufficient material evidence on the record to warrant the granting of the prayers of stay or suspension of the law,” Muigai states, adding that the judge had erred in law and in fact in “failing to find that mere apprehension by the petitioners was insufficient to warrant the granting of the prayers for suspension sought.”

Families left homless after slum fire Scores of families have been left homeless after a fire broke out in Mukuru slums and gutted their shanties.

The cause of the inferno was not immediately established but it’s said that it started from one of the affected structures from where it spread to the others. Police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause.

Deadly blast rocks Yemen At least 30 people have been killed and many injured in a blast outside a police college in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, security sources say. The bomb went off as people queued for a police recruitment drive, police officials said. Witnesses said the blast was heard across the city and a large plume of smoke was seen. Yemen has been unstable since protests in 2011 forced then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh from office.

What others said today...

Pathologists say tests on Fidel inconclusive: The government and family pathologists said that the first rounds of tests were unsuccessful saying that they will embark on a second round of tests Fidel who was the eldest son of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed was found dead at his Karen home Sunday morning.

Journalists had earlier on Tuesday camped at the Lee Funeral Home awaiting a verdict on the cause of death, however, the results were not made public until the statement later in the evening...

Postmortem test on Fidel Odinga fails to yield results: Pathologists Tuesday failed to establish the cause of Fidel’s death, saying more tests needed to be done. Family members waited for more than 10 hours before the team, led by government pathologist Dorothy Njeru and Prof Emily Rogena for the family, emerged to announce their findings.

Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, Senator James Orengo and Fidel’s uncle Oburu Oginga witnessed the autopsy. “We have done body examination and dissection and have not come up with a conclusive cause of death,” said Dr Njeru...

CORD points out urgent issues it wants State to address this year: The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has identified a range of issues it wants the Government to implement this year and signaled its intention to keep the Jubilee administration on its toes, both inside and outside Parliament. More than 80 MPs, seven governors and several senators met at the Wiper Democratic Movement offices in Lavington, Nairobi Tuesday in a meeting also attended by CORD co-principals, Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Moses Wetangula...

No deal as Knut walks out on Sh9b offer: Teachers have snubbed a government offer of Sh9.3 billion to boost their allowances, leaving no end in sight for the debilitating strike that has stalled operations in public primary and secondary schools. A spirited government effort to appease the teachers’ representatives, that had been convened by Labour Cabinet secretary Kazungu Kambi—acting as an arbitrator— ended in a stalemate as union chiefs rejected the offer and walked out on the CS...

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NEWS WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7, 2015

Ruto witness death alarms ICC

OBSCURE: ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel. He said that the ICC remains strongly committed to the safety, security and well-being of all witnesses whether appearing for the prosecution or defence.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed concern over the death of Meshack Yebei who was a defence witness in the case against Deputy President William Ruto.

ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel said the ICC remains strongly committed to the safety, security and well-being of all witnesses whether appearing for the prosecution or defence.

“The International Criminal Court (ICC) expresses its deep regret at the reported abduction and violent death of Mr Meshack Yebei. Mr Yebei was allegedly abducted on 28 December 2014 and found dead on 2 January 2015,” he stated.

The Registrar further pledged the court’s support in uncovering the mysterious death that has cast a dark shadow over the safety of ICC witnesses.

He said the ICC will be willing to work with authorities in Kenya, and had already made contact with them in relation to the death of Yebei.

The court is profoundly concerned by this grave reported incident. It stands ready to provide the local authorities with any assistance, if required, in their investigations. Ensuring the safety and security of witnesses is a cornerstone of fair trials,” he said.

The registrar disclosed that before his death, Yebei had been offered protective measures by the ICC’s Registry but he turned down the offer to relocate from the area where he met his death.

“While the ICC Registry had offered Mr

Yebei security measures, including a safe residency in a new location, he returned to Eldoret where the incident reportedly took place,” he said.

Yebei’s mutilated body was found floating in a river in Turbo Town after he went missing.

On Tuesday, Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan asked for an investigation into the death of the 34 year old Yebei, who he stressed was a defense witness.

The Director of Public Prosecutions also directed the Criminal Investigations Department to speedily investigate the death of Yebei.

The ICC is protecting over 650 witnesses, victims and their families in the two Kenyan cases before the court following the 2008 Post Election Violence in Kenya. Some 27 witnesses have testified in the case against DP Ruto and former broadcaster Joshua arap Sang.

The prosecution is set to close its case in March. Judges of Trial Chamber V (b) are expected to issue a ruling on an application by ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda who withdrew charges against President Uhuru Kenyatta over lack of evidence. Since investigations began, witness and victim intimidation has been a major concern. The ICC Prosecution has particularly argued that its witnesses were bribed and intimidated which allegedly led to massive withdrawal of witnesses in the two cases.

MORE ON THIS STORY AT www.capitalfm.co.ke

Rescue operation ends: Five concluded dead The body of a man was yesterday pulled out of the rubbles of the collapsed building in Huruma to bring the total death toll from the tragedy to five.

This came even as the multi-agency team that was conducting the rescue operation announced it had completed its work.

The team had been shifting through the debris since the tragedy struck on Sunday night.

Earlier, the body of an infant had been pulled out of the rubble and that of a woman on Monday. Another woman died from injuries sustained from the incident while yet another body was pulled out early Tuesday morning.

This brings the total deaths from collapsed buildings in Nairobi to 12 in less than a month following a similar tragedy in Kaloleni some three weeks ago in which seven people died.

Two victims are still recuperating at the Kenyatta National Hospital

where they were admitted while 36 others have since been discharged.

A total of 72 families including those living in adjacent shanties that were destroyed by the collapsed building’s debris were being offered humanitarian assistance by the Red Cross and area MP Steven Kariuki.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has since ordered for an audit of all Nairobi residential buildings accusing developers of impunity that risks the lives of tenants.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has also sacked top City Hall officials believed not to have done enough to check on rogue builders.

The owners of the collapsed buildings have been accused of flouting construction procedures. Construction was still going on in both even with some floors already occupied by tenants.

GOOD NEIGHBOURS: Public taking part in rescue operations.

ROGER THAT: In this Sunday, April 29, 2012 photo, U.S. Army special forces Master Sergeant Eric, center, speaks with troops from the Central African Republic and Uganda, in Obo, Central African Republic, where U.S. special forces have paired up with local troops and Ugandan soldiers to seek out Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA.

Man claiming to be top Kony aide surrenders to US forces U.S. forces in Central African Republic (CAR) have in custody a man claiming to be a top leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, a potentially significant blow to Joseph Kony ’s rebel group, the State Department said on Tuesday.

The man, who said he was senior commander Dominic Ongwen, surrendered to U.S. troops in the Central African Republic, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

U.S. military personnel are

there helping African forces search for Joseph Kony and his forces. Ongwen is wanted by the International Criminal Court on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He is believed to be a deputy commander to LRA chief Joseph Kony.

“In co-ordination with the AURTF (African Union forces), US military forces took custody of an individual claiming to be a defector from the LRA. That individual later identified himself

as Ongwen,” she told reporters in Washington.

“Efforts to establish full and positive identification continue.

If the individual proves to be Ongwen, his defection would represent a historic blow to the LRA’s command structure.”

Ongwen is said to have commanded the LRA’s Sinia Brigade which has been blamed for some of the worst atrocities the group carried out in northern Uganda.

Joseph Kony and the LRA have

waged war in Uganda and the region for more than two decades. He is also wanted by the International Criminal Court for rape, mutilation and murder of civilians, as well as forcibly recruiting children to serve as soldiers and sex slaves.

Ongwen himself has claimed he was snatched by the LRA as a child.

The US first deployed about 100 Special Forces in 2011 to support thousands of African troops seeking the LRA leader.

Financial software giant now in Kenya Kenya is among three African countries who enter into a partnership with ICS Financial Systems Limited (ICSFS), a global software and services provider for banks and financial institutions.

ICSFS partnered with Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda through a project awarded by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), a leading bank in Africa. The project has so far been implemented in all ICSFS branches in the region.

GTB Kenya Managing Director Adekunle Sonola says he has been impressed with the speed at which the project was implemented

and hailed ICS Financial Systems team for the work.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank ICS Financial Systems for their high level of professionalism and team spirit which contributed to achieving this milestone,” said Sonola.

He pledged high standards of service delivery for customers to fulfill their financial obligations through use of the latest technology.

ICSFS Managing Director Robert Hazboun ICSFS said the partnership was a major achievement for the company as it seeks to

meet expansion plans. He said the achievement has been made possible through teamwork.

“We strive to continually discover innovative, ground-breaking tools to deliver powerful banking solutions designed for the world’s largest banks. This achievement is the result of a finely coordinated rapid go-live process performed by a very talented Implementation & support team,” said Hazboun.

ICSFS has presence in 31 countries, three continents with a client base of over 80 customers who run banks and financial institutions.

GLOBAL PRESENCE: ICSFS is present in 31 countries and three continents. Their client base of over 80 customers all run banks and financial institutions. Inset: Robert Hazboun, ICSFS Director General.

job market

BUSINESS 5 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Luxury Rolls Royce car sales in historic jump Sales of luxury car Rolls-Royce have increased by 12 per cent compared with last year.

The automobile company, which is owned by Germany’s BMW, sold more than 4,000 cars for the first time in its history. In US, sales rose by 40 per cent and 20 pc in Middle East and Europe.

It is fifth consecutive year of record sales by the firm. Rolls Royce boss Torsten Muller-Otvos has attributed the positive growth to the Wraith model and strong orders for the new Ghost Series II. The company said it has sold more cars worth more than €200,000 (Sh21.7 million) than any of its competitors. Demand for Bespoke customisation has remained high.

“A record number of customers spent personal one-on-one time with Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design consultants commissioning their personalised vehicles,” the company said.

About 80 per cent of buyers were entrepreneurs, business owners while celebrities took the balance.

Rolls Royce have created 200 new permanent jobs and employed more than 1,500 people in the past 18 months to meet high demand of their vehicles.

consumer rights

Nairobi Java House to recruit cashiers, cooks Nairobi Java House plans to hire a number of staff in the next few days.

As one of the country’s leading cafés, the franchise is seeking applications to fill positions of assistant accountant, human resource assistant, branch managers and sous chef.

Nairobi Java House also plans to recruit wait staff, a hostess, cashiers, baristas, line chefs and cooks.

The company will also recruit branch chefs, drivers, technicians for refrigeration devices and electronic equipment, brand associates, storekeepers and bakers.

Interested applicants should visit ‘nairobijavahouse.com/ jobs’ for details.

A statement from the firm says: “We are always looking for the best people to join our team.

Company benefits include

pension, medical cover, annual leave, on the job training and opportunities for growth.”

Nairobi Java House kitchens are some of the busiest in Kenya, serving more than 7,000 meals a day at about a dozen restaurants.

“We are looking to recruit, well trained and team oriented chefs to lead our various kitchens,” says a company statement.

FREEDOM TO USE: Mobile phone insurance gives you freedom to use the device without fear. If the gadget is stolen in crowded areas, you can claim for a a replacement as soon as possible.

Researcher discovers phone insurance popularity growth

best talent: Nairobi Java House plans to recruit talented individuals to work as assistant accountant, hostess, baristas, branch managers and sous chef, among other professionals.

As more consumers continue to use smartphones, the use of protective devices is becoming increasingly evident.

Service providers are quickly warming up to the idea of mobile phone insurance, the practice of paying cash on monthly basis to ensure one is compensated in case the phone is lost or damaged.

Latest reports from research group, Companies and Markets, shows that mobile phone insurance market will continue to grow as “expensive smartphones become ever more prevalent in modern everyday lives.”

An analyst says: “You can organise your life through your smart phone these days and so damage or a loss of the device would result in more than just a practical inconvenience.”

“There has been a mobile phone insurance surge in Kenya in the last 2 years, with thefts common, and the effect of theft more damaging as more people own expensive handsets,” says the report.

“Two years ago there was just one stand-alone phone insurance company in the country, now there are 4, as well as the insurance coverage packages offered by telecoms companies and banks.”

Basic insurance packages cover the phone if is it is lost, stolen or broken and might cost as little as Sh700 a month.

Companies and markets experts say the global mobile phone insurance market will be worth $48 billion (Sh50 trillion) in revenue by 2020 as providers seek to boost the uptake of mobile phone insurance.

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BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

CREDIT POINTER Postbank’s Jijenge loan

GRAIN MATTERS: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni during an Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) event. The regional grain council has encouraged maize farmers to form small marketing societies to maximize their earnings.

Grain council asks maize farmers to form societies Maize farmers have been urged to form groups, which will enable them to sell their maize jointly so as to get better prices for their produce.

Currently small scale farmers prefer to sell their grains alone which is detrimental to their business as it leads to losses from inconsistent market and in worse cases failure to reach the market due to poor

transport systems.

Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) Market Linkages Officer, Davine Minayo, urged farmers to form small groups in order to increase profits and access the big suppliers in the industry.

“If farmers would form groups and sell their maize jointly, they would not be experiencing the problems they are currently fac-

ing,” said Minayo.

Minayo added that groups enable farmers to have economies of scale, which allows them to dictate the price of their produce.

“Through groups, farmers can access the big suppliers like maize millers and negotiate for better prices. An individual farmer cannot do this because he does not have the huge number of bags

ILLEGAL HAUL: A man transports illegally harvested charcoal to sell for about Sh500 a bag in Kilifi. Charcoal trade exacerbates deforestation.

Tough financial times have prompted urban hustlers to do whatever it takes to make money.

As some entrepreneurs are lucky enough to make stacks of cash, others are fortunate enough to get by with a fistful of shillings.

One group in particular, has found a market in selling plastic paper bags. These large, flat, coloured bags are bought in bulk in supermarkets and shops and

sold along the city streets.

Young hawkers peddle them next to makeshift stalls where other hawkers are selling goods that can be easily carried within these bags.

A spot check by X News has revealed that plastic bag sellers can make as little as Sh200 a day or as much as Sh500, depending on how desperate their customers are.

It also assures borrowers of quick processing and disbursement of the loan.

The requirements for employed borrowers includes a copy of their ID or a valid passport, a copy of their PIN certificate, certified copies of their latest pay slips for the last three months and one colour passport photo.

Self-employed borrowers only need a copy of their ID or valid passport, a copy of their PIN certificate and one colour passport photo.

Groups or Joint borrowers need the same documents as well as the signature of their partner or spouse.

Liability Companies and Businesses require a copy of their certificate of registration and incorporation or business licence as well as a copy of their Company’s PIN certificate.

PACT: Jamii Bora Bank CEO Mr. Samuel Kimani (L) with Postbank Ag. Managing Director Ms. Anne Karanja (R) display Agency Banking partnership agreement that will allow Jamii Bora Bank customer access banking services from the 99 Postbank branches countrywide.

Youth group recycling waste to make cheap low carbon charcoal to fight deforestation

SMART MOVE

HUSTLER SECTOR

millers demand,” she said.

Minayo noted that groups enable farmers to store their maize through the Warehouse Receipting System (WRS), which requires a minimum of 10,000 tonnes of maize to store. This might prove difficult for individual farmers who cannot meet such a demand.

Most low to middle-income Kenyans have made their fortunes investing in personal loans.

As it becomes increasingly evident that the path to financial stability requires a bit of borrowing, lenders like Postbank have launched services like their ‘Jijenge Loan’ to help their customers along.

Postbank customers can access the service through AAR credit Services Ltd at all Postbank branches across the country.

The loan, which lets customers borrow up to Sh10 million, is available to Employed and Self Employed Groups, Limited Liability Companies and Businesses alike.

The bank promises affordable interest rates and no hidden charges as well as flexible repayment periods and repayment terms.

A group of youth from 13 counties in Kenya keen on creating jobs is also helping to conserve trees and forests in the process.

By recycling waste to make low carbon charcoal, which they sell to local consumers, these young people are becoming the heroes that the ‘green movement’ needs.

The initiative, a product of Climatic Action Teams - Kenya (Kenya CAT), has been hailed for halting the wanton felling of trees, which has reached epidemic proportions.

By the year 2010, deforestation, also known as the large-scale cutting down of trees, in the country stood at 5,000 hectares per year according to

a survey by the Kenya Forest Services and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).

Aware of the catastrophe that the country was facing, the government, along with other organizations, decided to take action.

“Our main objective is to provide ways and means of mitigating the effects of climatic change,” says Kenya CAT Officer, Kevin Ochieng.

The youth are drawn from 13 counties cutting across the Eastern, Western and the Southern regions in the country forming 17 different groups.

In collaboration with the waste disposal agencies and large-scale farmers, they collect waste products that are high in

fibre content.

These products include sweet potato and cassava peelings, paper, wheat, coconut and coffee husks, sawdust, maize cobs and hyacinth.

They burn the waste to remove the moisture in it and use a compression machine to form briquettes, which can then be used as charcoal.

These briquettes can burn for six hours, which is efficient, especially when it comes to cooking hard food.

The British government has sponsored the initiative through UKAid while UN Habitat and the UN Environmental Programme facilitate training neeed to initiate the entire production process.

Plastic bag sellers make Sh200 a day By selling each bag for between Sh20 and Sh30, hawkers need to offload as much of their stock as possible to make a decent living.

By stationing themselves outside fast food outlets and next to hawkers selling shirts, shoes, curtain hook holders, sweaters, coats and leather jackets among other items, plastic bag sellers are sure to find a customer or two.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7, 2015

ACCESS topstory

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING A GYM

HasH tags, instagram, late luncHes, drinks and Holidays - it is life in tHe fast lane.

liVing

DANGEROUSLY a story ran by a uk based paper caught our eye this week. it spoke of a generation dubbed ‘Peter Pan’, a group of individuals who do not want to grow up and are delaying every possible move by partying through life. are you one of them?

F

rom the outside looking in rich kids seem to have everything in life if the E channel show ‘Rich Kids of Beverly Hills’ is anything to go by.

But if you zoom in on their money splashing lifestyles you would be shocked their rather lavish lives reveal troubled, reckless and clueless souls.

They are accustomed to massive spending on worthless things.

Their choices are based wholly on expendable wealth with no worry for the value of the hard toiled for money. Some of them derive pleasure in abusing drugs, binging on alcohol, taking part in sex orgies, gambling, bullying and partying with peers of the same status quo.

Locally a lot has been reported about this exclusive club also known as the elite Kenya. These are the kids of business barons and politicians who by the way in Kenya dine and wine

together. Recently mysterious deaths and alcohol abuse has brought this club to the limelight. What would drive a fully grown man or woman to live on the edge? Many believe parents are to blame. Because such rich or privileged parents do not outline decent boundaries, kids carry themselves pompously with a sense of self entitlement. They are irresponsible and lack a rational bridge between behavior and consequences.

It appears this breed of parents have failed to raise children with proper decorum but instead shower them with material things. True parental love is overshadowed by wealth which they would rather spend on kids than sit down and have meaningful bonding sessions. Kids grow up believing that love is when parents dish out cash for them to spend recklessly. They will use it to buy friends and seek attention they don’t get from their parents.

HOT TOpicS

The desire to accumulate wealth eats into parental time leaving nothing for their children. Parents work for long hours as long as children are tucked in the hands of nannies. By the time they get home, the children are already asleep. They have no idea of how the children were while they were away.

As long as the caregiver says they oversaw completion of homework and feeding then that’s more than enough.

The next day comes, parents are up before sunrise and leave for work but not without leaving chunks of cash for them to spend at school and the cycle continues. Children don’t need all that money but once they run into bad company then they get ideas of what

H_art the Band’s new video

they can do with it. In fact, they will start demanding for more money for partying, buying up to date gadgets, taking expensive trips, keeping up with fashion and spoiling friends. But who can blame them when they are left to themselves? These outright uncultured ways if not combated early escalate into adulthood. Rehabilitation may not work on them. Their moral character and personality has deteriorated. They have no sense of duty and always make excuses for their poor habits. Believing that wealth buys one privilege, they will mess around knowing that their folks will get them out of trouble.

What happens, when these parents are no longer there?

It is every parent’s duty to enrich their child with the correct moral upbringing.

This means they must earn everything, be responsible and accountable for their own actions. Expose them to realities of life so that they appreciate what they have. Just like you worked hard for your wealth, so must they.

Otherwise life will teach them what parents failed to. And maybe, life will not be kind to them while imparting lessons which parents should have.

Consequences can be unbearably painful. However, it should be noted that there are rich families who raise their children in profound humility and discipline. But they are few and far between.

ay denies dating Victoria kimani

The all-boy band H_art the Band yesterday night launched a video for their track ‘nikikutazama’ at Club Tribeka. This group is one to watch out for and are continuously showing that sensible lyrics and acoustics does pay in the craft.

AY

AY has shot down allegations that he is seeing Kenya’s Nigeria based songbird Victoria Kimani.

AY has been linked in the past to Kenya’s Amani and a Tanzanian beauty queen but has always maintained that he is single and ready to mingle. Is Victoria the girl to tie him down?

Victoria Kimani

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th 7th JANUARY NOVEMBER 2015 2014

HOME& LIVING One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. You can find use in almost everything if you dared..

R

you can Turn This Tin inTo a recipe holder or a greeTing card holder—ThaT is also a Work oF arT.

ecycling is beneficial for everyone. It is easy to do and helps our world in a variety of ways. Reusing items saves landfill space. Instead of a plastic bottle being added to an existing mound of garbage in a landfill, why not choose to use it in a work of art? That

way it can actually bring more beauty to the world, while also helping to save it. People of all ages can create works of art utilizing recycled items. The possibilities are endless as is your imagination.

Art can be comprised of just about anything you find laying around your home. Some people like to weld old metal

scraps together to create a “sculpture.” Others may use an old shirt, buttons, used wrapping paper or an old Band-Aid tin to create art of some type.

One fantastic idea that is easy to do as well as practical involves an old, tin lunch box.

You can turn this tin into a recipe holder or a greeting card

holder that is also a work of art.

Utilize items such as different colors of cardstock, wrapping paper, ribbon or scrapbooking embellishments to cover and add flair to the outside of the tin.

You can decorate it with many things you have in your home that you might otherwise simply throw away.

hoW To

Recycle beauTiFully imporTanT Things in your baThroom

A break in the line means the bulbs are in series circuit and they depend on each other to be alive.

DIy

TooThbrush

Your toothbrush is host to a cornucopia of bacterial nonsense from saliva to blood. It is also important to remember that your toothbrush, sleeps rather close, to your toilet!

Keeping your toothbrush clean is actually quite simple, just remember to rinse it well after each use to avoid old toothpaste build-up and if you really want to get it clean – you can leave it in a cup of vinegar for about half an hour and the vinegar will take care of the bacteria.You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or right after you recover from being sick. By the way, old toothbrushes can easily be

anD hOW clean t

turned into cleaning toothbrushes.

ToileT brush

Now tell me this thing doesn’t have a crappy job. Your toilet brush takes care of some of the most undesirable messes imaginable – so, it’s important to ensure that what you’re cleaning out of your toilet isn’t ending up sitting on this brush or in the little cup.

You don’t need to clean the brush every time you use it, but once a month is a good frequency to maintain the brush.

Okay here’s what you do.

After cleaning the toilet, rest the brush between the bowl and the seat. Spray it generously with a

disinfectant of rinse the brush hottest water y find and allow dry again, us same method. Y never place a back into the br that’s when para starts to happen The brush con be cleaned by disinfectant, le minutes and rin water. People c kinds of crafty w brush, it’s up to do it, just store it clean.

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 7th JANUARY 2015

HEALTH &FITNESS

Try incorporaTing beans To your dieT.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health problem that is at times called the silent killer. This is because, it has no symptoms and the only way one can catch it early is to get regular checks. There are, however, foods that can help and keeping the blood pressure tamed. spinach

Spinach is low in calories and high in fiber. It also has heart friendly nutrients like potassium, magnesium and folate which are key in lowering and maintainig high blood pressure. Not many people like eating the vegetable, but one could make it easier by combinig it with other green vegetables like kales, managu, kunde and many others.

beans

Beans are great for you, but most people associate it with endless gas, that is among its many benefits. Beans are full of fibre, magnesium and potassium which are all great for lowering blood

Foods ThaT are good For conTrolling

T WORKOUK

pressure and improving heart health. Try incorporating beans to your diet and your heart will thank you.

bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium and adding it to your diet will greatly benefit you. You could add it to your breakfast, eat it after meals and is a great snack too.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate! Who doesnt like chocolate?

Yes chocolate is good for you. Research shows that eating dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure considerably.

Be careful to eat only dark chocolate as it is low in calories and will not put unnecessary strain on your heart.

high blood pressure

tIPS FOR chOOSIng a

W tO them

your choice. Then, h in the you can to drip sing the You should a wet brush rush container, anormal activity n. ntainer can also spraying it with eaving for 10 nsing under hot come up with all ways to store the o you how you it dry and keep

9

he New Year comes with new things. The holiday has passed and the weighing scale is our number one enemy— and so is the tape measure.

You shudder at the thought of measuring your weight.

After getting the strength to step onto that monstrous scale, your worst fears are confirmed.

You have gained weight! No need to worry, it was bound to happen anyway. You chose to ignore that constant warning not to over indulge when you were chomping into that juicy steak or rib and guzzling down the cold beer during the festivities. The effects‌ a bulging waistline and pounds

gym

of fat to testify against your holiday misbehavior. You hurriedly scribble some New Year resolutions, top on the list being to shed off that extra weight and get back to your old self, an extreme wardrobe make over is not an option. (Your bank account cannot allow that). You decide to join a gym to meet your goals. Joining a gym is usually easy, especially after noticing that layer of fat accumulating around your waistline. The fat must go at all costs. Below are key factors you should take into consideration before committing your sweat to any gym.

Location is key when choosing a gym. Choose a gym that you

will have no stress accessing. A gym that is either close to your workplace or home is ideal as you can easily go either before or after work, whichever time suits your schedule. Also put into consideration the opening and closing times which will guide in preparing your workout schedule.

Ensure the equipment is in good condition to avoid any accidents. The number of equipment should also be adequate to avoid waiting in line to use them. Also look out for time limits on cardio equipment like treadmills and bikes.

Cleanliness is a plus for any serious gym. Look out for

clean towels, washrooms, sinks.

Take a sneak peek around the showers and locker rooms to ensure top standards of cleanliness.

Cost also plays a role in the decision making process. You do not want to spend an arm and a leg for services which you will never use in the first place.

It is also a good idea to avoid signing long term agreements which tie one down to that particular gym.

So, before you sign that membership contract, shop around, get recommendations and only sign when satisfied that the gym will meet your fitness goals as well as financial might.

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 7th WEDNESDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 7, 2015 2015

FASHIONScoop

NEw YORK FILM CRITICS CIRCLE AwARDS

Kyra Sedgwick

Jake Gyllenhaal

Marion Cotillard

Ellar Coltrane

Rose McGowan

RED CARPET SEASON BEGINS John Lithgow

HOT TOPICS who pissed Davido?

Davido went guns blazing on Twitter attacking an unknown person describing him as an “ungrateful broke fool” who is smearing his name. Could he still be feuding with his rival at the TooXclusive awards, Diamond or is it a fresh beef with someone else?

T

he Hollywood award season is building up, which means the fashion world is finally awake!

First on our list is the 80th Annual New York Film Critics Circle Awards which went down on Monday. The awards are usually seen as one of the first predictors of the coming Academy Awards-even fashion wise.

An organisation of film reviewers from New

Rwanda’s music queen joins Twitter Knowless Butera has given in to the pleas of her fans and finally joined the Twitter family. Her fans delightfully welcomed her on the social media platform and immediately followed her in large numbers.

York based publications honour movies released in the previous year.

The big winners were: Marion Cotillard, who won the best actress award for her role in The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night and Timothy Spall, who won the best actor award for his role in Mr. Turner.

They took awards for acting and dazzled on the red carpet enroute to picking them.

Don’t Mess with Kansiime!

Popular Ugandan TV entertainer and comedian Anne Kansiime is the chosen host of the glitzy African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) that will take place in Dallas Texas, United States on October 10, 2015. This was confirmed in a statement released by her manager Johnson Mujungu.

PLAY 11 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Enjoy the calm morning, Capricorn, because things are going to get crazier and more energetic as the day goes on. Emotions will run high, and people will be more opinionated than usual. A conflict may arise from which you just want to extricate yourself.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You will experience an intense amount of energy today, Aquarius. Your dream state will be more active than usual, and you will find that people are drawn to you like moths to light. Make sure you keep your fiery emotions in balance and don’t cross any boundaries with others.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 It’s time to get up and get moving, Pisces. You have tremendous ideas and vision for the future.

You have all the information you need. Now all you have to do is act. Step up to the plate and hit one over the fence. Get a greater perspective on things and enjoy time in a new environment.

WEDNESday 07/01/2015

sunny

26

26ºC 47%

THURsday 08/01/2015

More sun than clouds

27 6:33 am 6:45 pm

26ºC 47%

6:33 am 6:45 pm

FRIday

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 The early part of the day might find you sluggish and indecisive, Aries, but later you should be psyched up and ready to go. Today marks the beginning of a new period in which you should set your ideas in motion. Make sure your discussions about others don’t turn into gossip.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Today’s energies will get progressively more intense as the day goes on. In the morning, you may be in an easygoing, dreamy state, Taurus, but you will be itching to take action by nightfall. Take what you’ve learned from your sensitive, meditative state and share it with others.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 For the past several weeks you’ve felt like you’ve been dragging your heels, Gemini. Decisions may have been hard to make and people may have seemed wishy-washy. There’s a major energy shift tonight that will spark things back into action.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 The morning might find you sitting like a stick in the mud, Cancer. People might be getting down on you for not contributing, but tell them to be patient. You will be raring to go by nightfall.

The catalyst may come from an outside source. Be on the lookout for a challenge.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Things are moving your way, Leo. As the day progresses, you will find that the energy intensifies. Conflicts may arise near sundown, but don’t worry about it too much. See it as a call to jump-start your motor. Visit an antique shop and chat with the people around you.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 You should enjoy the intense energy of today, Virgo. The mud is finally beginning to clear away. Expose the truth in every issue and get ready for the gremlins that may be unEarthed.

Connect with nature today and spend some time with animals if you can.

MUSTREAD The Carrier-By Sophie Hannah

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Today marks the beginning of a new cycle for you, Libra. Collect and consolidate your recent ideas and focus them outwardly. The time is right for you to act. Improve your surroundings and adjust your bed so that it faces east/west. Drink plenty of water to keep your mind clear.

As Gaby Struthers’ plane delays overnight, she finds herself sharing a hotel room with a stranger. The terrified young woman, Lauren Cookson, seems to be scared of Gaby. But why Gaby? She soon says something shocking; an innocent man is going to jail for a murder he did not commit. The murder victim is Francine Breary, the wife of the love of her life Tim Breary. Tim confessed and even provided police with evidence; what is missing in the puzzle is the motive. He says he has no idea why he killed his wife.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Take a cold shower to jump-start yourself today, Scorpio. It’s fine if you laze around a bit in the morning, but by evening, you should be working at full capacity. Notice how active your dreams are tonight and over the next couple of nights. Messages are trying to get through, so listen.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Today may start out sluggish for you, Sagittarius, but by the end of the day the energy will move fast and furious. An introspective and contemplative morning has filled your brain with a new wave of thoughts, which you will be eager to share with anything that has ears tonight.

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.

Kidero pulling wool over our eyes Nairobi Governor’s firing of four City Hall workers after a house crashed in Huruma (Kidero Fires City Hall chiefs over Huruma disaster, Tuesday, January 6, 2015) is a band

aid treatment to a serious housing problem. In all honesty, the four were just sacrificial lambs. Kidero is on record dismissing a report that called for an evaluation of buildings

being set up in Nairobi. It is, therefore, disingenuous and hypocritical of him to try and dish out blame.

The Governor needs to set up a task force, comprising professionals, to vet all

buildings in the City.

Those found not up to the mark should be immediately pulled down.

James Mark Mwangi, Nairobi

1. Fake it till you make it bro, just do it-Mike Mbondo, Nairobi 2. They are genuine Nikes, believe it-Jane Osore-CBD 3. A man is as authentic as his shoes-Peter Muli-Nairobi

Sport WEDNESday, JANUARY 7, 2015

Boxer early plan ahead of September Africa Games The 2012 London Olympics Kenyan boxer Elizabeth Andiego plans to start early preparations ahead of September’s All Africa games in Brazzaville, Congo.

The revelation comes as Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) President John Kameta urged the Ministry of Sports to release funds to enable boxers prepare adequately for the continental

games.

“I have to keep going…I don’t really know what criteria they will use in coming up with the team.

Mine is to keep working hard and hope for the best,” said Andiego.

“There is some time from now to September, but as a boxer that is never long time,” she says.

Meanwhile, Kameta says Kenyan boxers can win five gold boxing

medals during the 11th games scheduled for September 4–19.

“If the Government wants results in Congo, it should work closely with all associations for early preparations,” said Kameta.

“We will have three invitational tournaments for our boxers probably in Germany, Cuba and South Africa before the final and national trials,” said Kameta.

early plan: Boxer Elizabeth Andiego plans to start early preparations ahead of September’s All Africa Games to be held in Brazzaville, Congo.

Hammers boss predicts defender to quit in June West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he expects Winston Reid to leave the club when the central defender’s contract expires in June.

Reid has been in talks over a new deal with the Hammers but Allardyce does not think the 26-year-old will extend his stay.

“It’s highly unlikely Winston

is going to sign for us based on what people have said to me,” said Allardyce.

Reid has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool.

The New Zealand international joined West Ham from Danish side Midtjylland in August 2010 and has developed into one of the club’s key players.

Allardyce said no approaches had been made for Reid so far in the January transfer window.

He added: “There is no future for Winston Reid at West Ham as his contract ends on June 30 He hasn’t said he is going to sign.

“You would err on the back that he isn’t, by the feel and look of it, at this moment in time.”

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Kiplagat wants to smash records in 2015 Former commonwealth 1500m champion Silas Kiplagat is predicting a great year ahead as he prepares to start his season next month at the IAAF Indoor Permit meeting in Moscow, Russia.

The Diamond Race champion enjoyed a superb summer in which he clocked a lifetime best of 3:27.64, taking him to fourth on the world all-time list.

“World champions will go down this year. There is also need to remain fit for next year’s Olympic Games, no forgetting the diamond league meets,” he said.

Kiplagat also came close to setting a PB indoors when winning at the Russian Winter meeting in 3:35.85.

But the 2011 world silver medallist will be up against two of the other top-four finishers from the

2014 Russian Winter meeting, neither of which will be easy to beat.

Fellow Kenyan Bethwel Birgen won at the 2013 Russian Winter meeting before finishing a close second to Kiplagat one year later. He defeated Kiplagat in their three other indoor encounters in 2014.

Aman Wote set Ethiopian records in both the 1500m and mile during the past summer with respective marks of 3:29.91 and 3:48.60.

Other big names so far confirmed for the Russian Winter meeting include world indoor high jump champion Maria Kuchina, French sprint hurdler Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, US sprinter Mike Rodgers and Olympic 800m silver medallist Nijel Amos.

HUNTING FOR MORE GLORY: Silas Kiplagat wins the 1500m men’s race at the IAAF Golden Gala at Stadio Olimpico on June 5, 2014 in Rome, Italy.

Black Stars await Schlupp injury update

Santo could be headed to Gor Former Tusker FC and Coastal Union midfielder Jerry Santo is in the coming days, likely to be confirmed a Gor Mahia player.

Santo is reportedly holding talks with the reigning league champions and he might soon pen a deal that will make him the latest big name to the club that has witnessed a number of players leaving as others come in.

Gor Mahia will be participating in the CAF Champion’s League for the second year in a row and Jerry’s arrival will bring a wealth of experience especially in the team’s midfield following the departure of midfield maestro Baba Kizito who decided to seek new challenge elsewhere.

His imminent arrival will supplement the club that has already signed Faroque Sentogo from Uganda, Khalid Aucho formerly at Tusker, Ronnie Owino from Muhoroni Youth, Bidco United’s Ernest Wendo.

Others are Former Tusker goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch and Ghanian striker Zachariah Taofi.

The Kenyan Premier League champions, Gor take on Madagascar’s CNAPS in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League and had confirmed 18 players for the continental assignment.

GOR AND JERRY: Jerry Santo arriving at the JKIA from international duty. The former Tusker FC star is allegedly closing in on Gor Mahia.

Ghana are waiting to learn if Jeff Schlupp will be fit to play at the Africa Cup of Nations after the winger underwent a knee injury scan.

Schlupp has been named by new Black Stars coach Avram Grant in a 31-man provisional squad for the 17 January to 8 February finals in Equatorial Guinea.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson said the player’s participation “depends on the results of the scan”.

“But our priority is our player,” Pearson continued on the club website.

“We’ll do what we need to do in terms of rehab, and if he goes and plays in the tournament, then that’s all well and good for him, if he doesn’t and he has to stay behind, then fine.

“It’s one of those where first and foremost, if he picks an injury up while he’s playing for us, then we’ll make sure we take the steps that we need to take to make sure that his welfare is put top of the list.”

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Kenya’s rough hockey league path Kenya national women hockey team’s hopes of facing relatively weaker opponents has been quashed. The team will travel to Uruguay for the second round of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League.

Kenya will travel to India for the championship set for March 7-15 after a request to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) by the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) for a change in opponents.

FIH later reversed the decision, meaning Kenya will play powerhouses such as Uruguay, France, Italy, Dominican Republic and Azerbaijan in the qualification rounds for the Rio games.

KHU was later notified by FIH that all teams in the pool had confirmed participation and the status quo remains.

This is a sharp contrast to the opponents Kenya are likely to have faced in India, who include Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Kenya qualified for the second round of the competition after overrning Ghana and neighbours Tanzania to top the standings in the World League Series 1 held in Nairobi last September. rOUGH TERRAIN: Kenya national women’s hockey team players (left) in a past clash with Ghana.

The team’s hopes of facing weaker rivals have been quashed after being pooled against Uruguay for the second round of the International Hockey FederationWorld League.

Fifa VP, 39, to oppose Blatter in May 29 poll Fifa vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein will challenge incumbent Sepp Blatter for the leadership of world football’s governing body.

The Jordanian Prince, 39, will stand as a candidate at the Fifa presidential election on May 29, where Blatter, 78, will seek a fifth term of office.

Prince Ali said: “It is time to shift the focus away from administrative controversy and back to sport.

“The headlines should be about football, not about Fifa.”

Prince Ali said he had been encouraged to stand by colleagues.

RECORD SMASHER: Kane Williamson scored his first Test double-hundred. New Zealand took control of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka as Kane Williamson and B J Watling made a world record sixth-wicket partnership in Wellington.

Williamson, Watling set record sixth-wicket stand Kane Williamson and BJ Watling shared a world record sixth-wicket partnership of 365 as New Zealand dominated Sri Lanka on day four of the second Test Tuesday.

Captain Brendon McCullum declared on 524-5, leaving

Sri Lanka needing 390 in 107 overs at Wellington’s Basin Reserve to win and square the two-match series.

Williamson hit an unbeaten 242, his first Test double century while Watling made 142 not out, his fourth Test ton.

The record tops the 352 Watling and McCullum made against India last year.

That feat was also achieved at the Basin Reserve, where a bronze plaque marking the achievement had only been set in concrete three days ago.

Williamson spent more than

10 hours at the crease, scoring his ninth Test century and the seventh highest score by a New Zealander.

The 24-year-old faced 438 deliveries, scoring 18 fours, while Watling posted a careerbest 142, with nine fours and a six as Sri Lanka toiled.

“The message I heard, over and over, was that it is time for a change,” the head of the Jordanian and West Asian Football Federations said.

“The world game deserves a worldclass governing body - an international federation that is a service organisation and a model of ethics, transparency and good governance.

“Fifa exists to serve a sport which unites billions of people from all over the world, people of differing and divergent political, religious and social affiliations, who come together in their enjoyment of ‘the world’s game’.”

Arsenal forward joins Inter on loan Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has joined Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal in 2012, was greeted by fans in Milan at the weekend. The Gunners confirmed his move to Serie A on Monday.

Inter Milan tweeted: “Podolski will wear the number 11 shirt. He is in the squad for Juventus v Inter and on his way to Turin with the team.”

Podolski had not started a Premier

League game for Arsenal this season.

Despite playing four times during the Gunners’ run to the last-16 of the Champions League, scoring three times, he played just 99 minutes in the Premier League.

“I can’t express in words my gratitude towards Arsenal fans for all they have done for me,” wrote Podolski on Instagram ahead of completing his move.

16

sport wednesday, JanUary 7, 2015

Torres set for debut in Madrid derby Fernando Torres has said there is more satisfaction in winning the ‘Atletico Madrid way’ ahead of his second debut against Real Madrid tonight.

The ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker, 30, has rejoined the Spanish champions from AC Milan on loan seven-and-a-half-years after leaving for Anfield.

“It is a team that has won defending their values and have always taught me that,” he said.

“With hard work, sacrifice, believing in what you do you can achieve things.”

The Spain forward was paraded in front of 45,000 fans at Vicente Calderon Stadium on Sunday and is likely to be involved in the last-16 Copa del Rey first leg against city rivals Real.

He scored 84 goals in 214 league appearances for Los Rojiblancos from 2001-2007, before spells at Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan in a career that has brought him success

in the Champions League, FA Cup, World Cup and European Championship.

“It is not only about winning, it is about winning in a particular way,” said Torres after signing on loan until the end of the season.

“Although you’re competing at a disadvantage in many aspects, it can be compensated with hard work, with effort and that is what this club and team represent.

“I have found a path which has given me great satisfaction, but something seemed to be missing. This reunion closes a circle that started when I was just 10 years old wearing this shirt and now I hope to enjoy it.

“All this love becomes an extra responsibility for me, which I gladly accept.”

Copa del Rey holders Real saw their club-record 22-match winning run ended with a shock defeat at Valencia Sunday but boss Carlo Ancelotti believes the La Liga leaders will respond in the right way.

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GOLDEN CHILD: Torres tussles with David Beckham during a Madrid derby in 2006. He has rejoined Atletico Madrid on loan from Milan.

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Agent Federico Rosa dumps Jeptoo Italian Athletics agent, Federico Rosa has ditched marathoner Rita Jeptoo because of her actions and baseless defense after a positive test for EPO exposed her as a cheat.

Italian track agent who operates under the Rosa & Associati camp wants the Kenyan authorities to investigate and expose doctors and coaches whom he believes are behind the latest doping cases.

Asked why he had severed links with the two-time Boston and Chicago marathon winner who tested positive for blood doping, Rosa was categorical: “Because she cheated. EPO is not

by a mistake. I am convinced it is not a mistake,” Rosa said.

The 33-year-old‘s positive test rocked the sport. She is one of about 30 local runners who have failed doping tests over the last five years.

“I spoke to her two days later she said it was malaria, a story that I had heard before, but it didn’t go anywhere. I didn’t believe her explanations,” said Rosa who manages tens of Kenyan athletes including reigning world champions Asbel Kiprop (1500m) and Eunice Sum (800).

Jeptoo who was on the verge of bagging the world marathon

majors tested positive in an out-of-competition test in Iten last September.

She requested a second test, which also returned a positive test in December. Athletics Kenya medical commission is expected to meet and agree on the dates for the hearing later in the month.

Jeptoo is likely to be handed a two-year ban, a reprieve of sorts after the World Anti doping Agency announced new rules effective January 1, that will see drug cheats in the sport face a minimum four-year ban. This is not the first high positive test in Rosa’s stables.

Cameroon midfielder Alex Song quits international football Cameroon and West Ham midfielder Alex Song has retired from international football after his exclusion from his country’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The Barcelona loanee, 27, will now be available for the Hammers this month after talks with Cameroon about a late call-up broke down.

He said on Instagram: “My love for my country will never change.

“I want to take time to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United.”

Song has not played for his country since being sent off against Croatia in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup.

The Hammers feared they would lose him after he flew back to his homeland to discuss the possibility of appearing in the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which begins on 17 January.

“Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations I have taken the decision to retire from international football,” Song, who won 47 caps, said.

“It is true that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous discussions with my family this is the right decision.”

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