20150109 xnew

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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crackdown on illegal no. plates POLICE to impound vehicles

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premature experts warn against buying 4k television sets

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watch out eric wainaina set to release new song in a week’s time

NEWS

BATTLE OF TITANS AS KIMETTO, KIPSANG LINE UP FOR LONDON

TP MAZEMBE STAR TO SKIPPER ZAMBIA AT AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Poaching ‘lord’ to remain in custody

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Get ready for Maisha show Young Kenyan artistes to get mentored on new reality TV show

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Continental recognition Eddy Kenzo selected among stars to compose AFCON theme song

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staying BEHIND BARS: Feisal Mohammed Ali stands in the dock at a Mombasa court on December 24, 2014, after he was handed over by Tanzanian authorities. Ali was arrested in Tanzania and charged in a Mombasa court with masterminding suspected illegal ivory trade.

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Mombasa court has dismissed a bid by alleged poaching tycoon Feisal Mohammed Ali to be granted bail.

Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku says Feisal, who was arrested in Tanzania, was running away from justice since he knew the charges he was facing in Kenya.

Kituku said prosecution has compelling reasons

to indicate Feisal chose to live in Tanzania where he was arrested by Interpol to avoid criminal proceedings.

Hearing of the case was set for June 20.

Feisal was on Interpol list of nine most wanted suspects linked to environmental crimes, including poaching. He was arrested by International Police (Interpol) agents in Tanzania before being

extradited to Kenya to face charges.

He faces charges of possessing and dealing in elephant tusks weighing more than two tons, an equivalent of at least 114 slaughtered elephants.

The haul was discovered by police in June when they raided a car dealership premises. The suspect is reported to have later fled to Tanzania.

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I am clean

Reformed Ray C dismisses rumours that she is doing drugs again

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NEWS FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Poaching lord Feisal to remain in custody From Page 1

State Counsel Alexander Muteti described Ali, 47, as an “international fugitive who cannot be trusted” and whose application for bail must be rejected.

“He is a man of many means and a powerhouse who can survive in any country. We urge you not to allow him a second opportunity to escape,” he told the court.

“A fellow who has perfected the art of cheating justice is ready to cross any international border without fear of being apprehended,” he said.

“If the court allows a person like the accused to operate with impunity, there is no doubt that there will not be a single elephant left in the country to be seen by future generations. Courts have a duty in this country to protect our environment and heritage for the sake our tourism

industry,” Muteti told the court.

“He is a flight risk. If released, he will definitely abscond,” Muteti said and dismissed claims by Ali’s lawyer that his client had a right to bail and would comply with conditions set by court.

But defence lawyer Cliff Ombeta insisted that Ali was an innocent man who only evaded Kenyan police because he feared he would not get a fair trial.

“He was in Tanzania when his name

was published worldwide as a wanted suspect. He feared coming back after seeing on television that armed police were around his premises. He feared for the worse,” Ombeta said.

Elephant ivory is sought out for jewellery and decorative objects. A huge chunk of tusks are smuggled to China where many increasingly wealthy shoppers are buying ivory trinkets as a sign of financial success.

Kenya has in recent times reported a sharp rise in poaching. The country is home to an estimated 30,000 elephants and just over one thousand rhinos. The slaughter of the prized game has sparked warnings from conservation groups that the Government risks losing the war to especially save elephants in a generation.

By Capital FM

SENSELESS SLAUGHTER: Kenya Wildlife Service rangers inspect the carcass of a bull elephant that was slaughtered near the Tanzania border. A court in Mombasa has dismissed an application by alleged poaching tycoon Feisal Mohammed Ali to be released on bail after prosecution said it has compelling reasons to indicate Feisal lived in Tanzania to avoid criminal proceedings.

Nairobi CID team takes Obama free college learning over Yebei death probe proposal for all US citizens Criminal Investigation Department officers from Mazingira House in Nairobi have questioned the family of Meshack Yebei in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, in investigations into his mysterious death.

Yebei, who is said to have been a defence witness in the trials of Deputy President William Ruto at ICC, was found dead in River Yala, Nandi County, on Saturday.

Lead investigator John Kariuki told a news conference in Turbo they have questioned family members in efforts to establish circumstances under which he died.

The team will compile and release a report after the probe.

“We have come all the way from Nairobi to take over from our counterparts from Eldoret. We are assuring we will handle this matter professionally and according to the laws of Kenya. We shall give a professional report at a later date through our CID headquarters; allow us to finish on the side of forensics,” Kariuki said.

Yebei’s brother Moses Kisorio said the family was making burial plans with expectations that his body will be laid to rest on Saturday.

He said the family had not received official communication from police on DNA samples of his brother.

However, the family does not find taking DNA samples necessary since they believe the body belongs to Yebei.

“We have been holding burial meetings and have planned burial for Saturday. When we saw the body, we saw like it belonged to Meshack. CID (officers) did not request us for DNA to be conducted on the body and that’s why we have decided to go ahead with the burial plans,” Kisorio said.

Police launched investigations into Yebei’s murder after the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko ordered for the probe.

The family said his body was found floating on River Yala on Saturday after he went missing on December 28 last year.

They said Yebei was taking a sick child to hospital when he was abducted.

Deputy President William Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan said Yebei was a defence witness and requested for investigations to uncover his killers.

ICC condemned the killing said it had offered Yebei a safe place from Turbo which he allegedly turned down.

US President Barack Obama has made proposals to that will award citizens two years of free community college.

Speaking on Thursday, the president said the proposal would be coming in a video uploaded to Facebook.

“Put simply, what I’d like to do is to see the first two years of community college free for anybody who’s willing to work for it,” he said. “It’s something we can accomplish, and it’s something that will train our workforce so that we can compete with anyone in the world.”

Obama said a world-class education starts with children, but that adults need training, too.

“It’s not just for kids, we also have to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to constantly train themselves for better jobs, better wages, better benefits.”

The proposal, dubbed ‘America’s College Promise’, could save eligible students $3,800 (Sh346,000) a year in tuition, the White House said.

In order to qualify, students must attend community college at least half-time, maintain a 2.5 grade point average (GPA), and make steady progress toward completing their program.

A grade point average is a number representing the average value of a student’s final grades, earned as they complete their academic courses over time.

by video: Obama said the two-year free community college education proposal would be unveiled via a video uploaded to Facebook.

NEWS 3 FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

CARTOONSPEAK

NEWS BRIEFS

City Hall staff issue strike notice over pay

BlackBerry, Boeing team up to offer spy phone that can self-destruct Blackberry, one of the world’s leading phone makers, has confirmed that it is working with Boeing, a US-based plane manufacturer on a secret handset that can self-destruct if it is tampered with.

The phone will be especially useful to those protecting their private text messages, selfies and videos among other digital items of personal importance.

It is, however, particularly designed for secure communication between governmental agencies and their contractors. The makers of the phone say that any attempt to open the case without the proper procedures will automatically delete all the data in the device.

Nairobi County government staff have threatened to go on strike on Wednesday salary arrears and pension contributions owed to them.

Through the Kenya County Government Workers Union, they are demanding Sh9.6 billion, including pay arrears of Sh1.6 billion and Sh8 billion in pension scheme remittances. They have have written a protest letter to the county secretary over the delay.

The handset, nicknamed ‘blackphone’, will run on Google’s Android Software.

The phone is so secure that Boeing will only sell it to ‘approved’ purchasers.

Blackberry confirmed the existence of the project, but refused to reveal any more information. BlackBerry CEO John Chen said: “We’re pleased to announce that Boeing is collaborating with BlackBerry to provide a secure mobile solution for Android devices.”

Speaking during a conference call held to discuss the company’s quarterly results, he added: “That, by the way, is all they allow me to say.”

30 houses razed down in Kibera night blaze

Police to impound vehicles with illegal number plates

PHOTO: (Back) The quick, brown fox jumps over a lazy dog. DJs flock by when MTV ax quiz MY WAY: Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Engineer Michael Kamau (above)says continued prog. Junk MTV quiz graced by fox whelps. Bawds jog. (Front) flick when MTV ax quiz prog. Junk use of foreign number plates compromises national security.

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Police have been ordered to impound vehicles using un-authorised number plates as the Government steps up security measures.

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau says continued use of foreign number plates compromises national security.

“It has come to the attention of the Gvernment that certain vehicles operating on public roads bear un-authorised personalised and unprescribed number plates. The use of the number plates is not only illegal but compromises national security,” he said. “The law is clear and specifically the Traffic Act on the issuance and use of number plates for all vehicles using public roads in Kenya.”

Kamau says issuance of number plates is a preserve of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and warned that those who commit the offence are liable to a fine of

not less than Sh500,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years or both. “The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has therefore advised the National Police Service to impound any vehicle on a public road with un-prescribed number plates and arraign before court the owners and drivers of such vehicles. Members of the public are encouraged to notify the National Transport and Safety Authority of any vehicle displaying such number plates,” he said. He has also asked individuals who want to have personalised plates to apply and pay the prescribed fee to the Authority.

The move comes as the country grapples with threats from the Somalia based Al-Shabaab terror group who have been responsible for numerous attacks in the country.

In addition to adopting tough security laws, police presence has also been enhanced in all public places.

More than 30 houses were Thursday night burnt down in Kibera slums, Nairobi. The fire, which took more than two hours to put out, destroyed more structures at Gatwekera area. No casualties were reported. Kilimani police boss Peter Katam said fire engines were unable to put out the blaze due to narrow feeder roads. “I appeal to residents to widen roads to enable easy passage of fire engines in case of incidences such as this one,” he said.

He attributed the fire to an electrical fault.

Robbers kill Chinese construction worker A Chinese construction worker was this morning killed in a robbery along Ngong Road, Nairobi. The man was clobbered to death after he resisted demands by a gang that had raided their site at Jamhuri prisons. Kilimani police chief Peter Katam said the seven gangsters raided the site and demanded for cash and mobile phones. “They beat up workers who resisted and the victim was one of those injured and succumbed to injuries in hospital,” said Katam.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Forget Uhuru, Ag Githu writes to Bensouda: Kenya has told ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to accept that the case against President Uhuru Kenyatta has collapsed. Bensouda is seeking to appeal a decision by the court not to sanction Kenya over alleged non-cooperation in the case.

But Attorney General Githu Muigai says the attempt to keep Uhuru’s case alive is frivolous, unwarranted and an abuse of the court process…

Blow for MPs as Serem team cuts travel perks: Travel allowances for Members of Parliament were slashed by the Salaries and Remuneration Committee in a move that could open fresh confrotation with the legislators.

The team led by Mrs Sarah Serem communicated new foreign travel per-deimrates to the Parliamentary Service Commisison (PSC) in a circulation dated December 10, 2014. Members of staff are also affected in the new changes which affect popular destinations for MPs...

Political truce at Fidel’s Service... but for how long?: The wall between government and opposition crumbled as leaders eulogised Raila Odinga’s son Fidel as a unifier and called for national unity and dialogue fashioned along the lines of what they praised as his indiscriminate socialisation and friendship circle. They spoke a few feet from where the casket bearing the remains of the first born son of the Opposition leader and with the differences between the two political blocs set aside, even President Uhuru in his speech appreciated that...

Police disarm Sonko guards: Four police bodyguards attached to Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko have been disarmed, pending unspecified disciplinary action against them, after two of them were pictured brandishing automatic rifles while not in uniform. On Tuesday morning, outside the Lee Funeral Home, two of Sonko’s bodyguards jumped out of chase cars in his entourage, totting AK-47 and causing a stir among a crowd...

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NEWS FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

170 Kenyan medics depart for West African Ebola mission

BRAVE ENOUGH: Kenyan Port Health Services workers wearing protective equipment receive a woman and her child prior to their Ebola screening as they arrive from Ebola hit Liberia, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on 28 October 2014. 170 Kenyan medical workers are set to leave the country for Liberia and Sierra Leone in a mission to boost efforts to help contain the Ebola.

170 Kenyan medical workers are set to leave the country for Liberia and Sierra Leone in a mission to boost efforts to help contain the Ebola outbreak that has been ravaging the West African nations for months now.

The medics will take between three to six months during the mission which is a collaboration between the government and African Union.

Speaking during the last day of training the medical volunteers, Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Health) and Amina Mohamed (Foreign Affairs) expressed delight and congratulated the group for daring to risk their lives on the Ebola battle front.

“I never thought we would get anyone to apply. Let alone have the room be too small for those who did,” Macharia marveled.

A total of 700 Kenyans responded to the Ministry of Health advertisement for health workers willing to be deployed to West Africa to assist in the African Union’s efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The 170 medics had been booked onto two chartered planes from Kenya Airways and were scheduled to depart from

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport today morning after receiving a send-off from President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We’re supposed to meet the President briefly at 9.30am but we’re meant to be there by 8.30am. After that it’s straight to the airport,” Macharia said.

The African Union Director of Social Affairs Olawale Maiyegun expressed hope that all 170 in the room would also be on the tarmac come the time for departure. One of the volunteers, Stephen Kariuki, a clinician, said they did not have second thoughts.

“I just got married three months ago but I felt that I had something to give humanity and so I told my wife I would be back.

But if they need me for a year I’m ready,” Kariuki said.

The health workers who comprise doctors, nurses, clinicians, technicians and morgue attendants are meant to spend a total of 18 weeks in the mission.

“They will undergo two weeks of training then they’ll work six weeks, take an in country break of a week, do another six weeks before being placed under observation for three weeks,” Maiyegun explained.

City Hall ordered to release impounded garbage trucks A court has ordered the Nairobi County Government to allow 22 garbage collection companies to continue with their operations in three city estates.

City Hall had stopped the collectors from collecting garbage in Kilimani, Kileleshwa and Kangemi estates to allow it pilot a new project of such collection in those areas.

The collectors however filed a case in which they accused the county government of interfering with their operations.

The county government of Nairobi claimed that it was conducting pilot projects for a new garbage collection system. In her ruling, High Court Judge Lady Justice Rose Aburili also ordered

the release of their seven trucks which had been impounded by the county government.

In their petition, the firms claim that the county government of Nairobi had barred them from collecting garbage with the county government claiming that the trucks were violating an earlier court order.

“There shall be no impounding of Wemak trucks until the applications pending herein are mentioned before Justice Alfred Mabeya on January 20,” ordered the judge.

The city government had proposed to sub-divide the city into zones with each zones being allocated one company to carry out the garbage collection business.

BATTLE OF THE TRASH CANS: Waste management workers hauling trash into a garbage collection truck. A court has ordered the Nairobi County Government to allow 22 garbage collection companies to continue with their operations in three city estates.

AWAITING THE WHIP: A photo of Saudi activist Raif Badawi is taken from his Facebook Page. The Saudi blogger will receive the first 50 of 1,000 lashes after Friday prayers in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia internet activist to be flogged in public for ‘insulting islam’ Prominent Saudi online activist Raif Badawi was to be flogged for the first time in public today after prayers in front of a mosque in Jeddah, according to Amnesty International.

Badawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison, 1,000 lashes and a fine of 1 million Saudi Arabian Riyals (approximately Sh24 million) in May 2014 by a Saudi court accusing him of insulting Islam, said his wife and a source who followed the case closely.

Being a respected rights activist

in Saudi Arabia, Badawi first got into legal trouble with the Saudi government after he started the Free Saudi Liberals website in 2008, which included a forum for users to discuss religion.

His trial, guilty verdict, sentence and imprisonment have raised outrage among international rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which accused Saudi authorities of cracking down on activism and attempting to suppress dissent in the ultra-

conservative nation.

Human rights groups accuse Saudi authorities of targeting activists through the courts and travel bans.

Amnesty International has said Badawi’s “is clear case of intimidation against him and others who seek to engage in open debates about the issues that Saudi Arabians face in their daily lives.”

Badawi will receive his first 50 of 1,000 lashes on Friday following prayers in front of Al-Jafali

mosque in Jeddah. The rest of the 1,000 lashes will be carried out over a period of 20 weeks.

Amnesty International considers Badawi a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his sentence to be quashed and for him to be released immediately and unconditionally.

“The news that Raif Badawi’s flogging will start tomorrow is shocking,” said Philip Luther, director of Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa.

BUSINESS 5 FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Govt Sh900m roads plan to decongest City The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure will embark on a 900 million road project to decongest Nairobi.

Infrastructure Principal Secretary John Mosonik said the project is expected to be complete in eight months. The tender has been awarded to five contractors.

“The issue of decongestion in the

city is something that has been a public outcry for quite a while.

Last week we awarded a tender of up to Sh900 million which is to start soon,” said Mosonik.

The project will focus on construction of decelerating and accelerating lanes in about 60 junctions to ease traffic.

“This will ease traffic in Nairobi

so that instead of people blocking, they can move faster. That is the immediate plan,” he said.

Mosonik revealed plans to start the tendering process for the 10,000-km road construction project which will be completed in three phases. The first phase will entail construction of 2,000 kilometers, second 3,000 km and

the final phase 5,000 km set for completion in three years.

“We are receiving bids for the nine out of the 45 lots spread across the country. We expect to receive bids for the remaining 36 lots on February 6. We shall soon launch the selection process for phase two,” he said.

StanChart to axe 2,000 workers to boost profits British multinational bank Standard Chartered plans to shed more jobs to cut costs and boost profits.

The bank will lay off more than 2,000 employees in the retail banking division. The move is expected to save up to $100million (Sh9.

1billion) in 2016.

A restructuring of its South Korean business, fines and an increase in bad loans saw a 16 per The bank will dismiss cent fall in operating profit last more than 2,000 year. The bank issued three profstaff in retail division it warnings last year.

In August last year, the bank agreed to pay $300m (Sh27.3 billion) fines to New York regulators after failure to improve on money laundering controls. The institution was banned from accepting new dollar clearing accounts without state approval.

Investors have welcomed the cost-cutting move with shares going up by more than two per cent on Thursday. The firm had told shareholders they would try to deliver $400m (Sh36.4 billion) in cost savings this year.

The bank plans to close up to 100 branches this year in Asia, Africa and Middle East in an attempt to boost profitability.

Last year, the institution closed 22 branches in the second half on the year.

2,000

city wallet

TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE: Nairobi is the world’s fourth-most congested city. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is expected to launch a 900 million project to decongest the capital city.

Only about 4 per cent of households in the country spend Sh120,000 or more every month, a study from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has revealed.

GLOBE WATCH Nothing to watch on 4K TVs, say experts Manufacturers across the world are trying their best to get consumers adopt 4K TV screens that offer some of the sharpest levels of clarity.

But analysts in Japan where the first sets were launched in December 2012, say anyone who buys a 4K TV will have little to watch.

“There is no 4K content being broadcast on television, and that’s keeping sales of 4K TV sets from really taking off,” said Ichiro Mitsukoshi, executive analyst at Japanese retail sales research firm, BCN. Japan is one of the first countries to embrace the technology. Their 4K TV sets are competing with standard High Definition (HD) sets.

History The 4K resolution refers to a display device or content with a resolution of 4,000 pixels. It is roughly four times clearer than HD. The first commercially available 4K camera used for cinematography was released in 2003. But it wasn’t until 2010 that mainstream websites like YouTube started supporting 4K

videos.

Few TV stations across the world and none in countries such as Kenya support this level of video quality since it is expensive to broadcast.

Implications Since few service providers offer programmes in 4K quality, not many consumers will be willing to buy the sets.

Affluent homes spend 5 times more than lower income rivals

Japan’s major broadcasters plan to start broadcasting in 4K “ in mid-2016”, says Yoshiki Matsuda, Japan’s Assistant Director at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

A report published late last year said the country aims to make 4K the nation’s standard of video quality by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

As recent numbers suggest that Kenya’s middle class is growing, a previous study revealed that the group only constitutes about 24 per cent of the population.

Kenya’s lower income group accounts for 72 per cent of the population as their upper income rivals are about 4 per cent.

The KNBS study revealed that lower income households spend Sh23,670 or less per month.

It was also discovered that middle-income households spend between Sh23,671 and Sh120,000 per month.

Meanwhile, upper income households spend above Sh120,000 per month, more than 5 times what lower income households spend.

SHARPER images: The super-high-definition 4K TV looks sharper than regular highdefinition sets.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Varsity Towers completion on course Construction of the Sh2.3 billion University of Nairobi 22 storey tower is right on course as scheduled.

Recently appointed University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Mbithi, was yesterday briefed on the construction progress during a meeting with consultants and the China Wu Yi company representatives who were the main contractors.

According to the contractor, 50 per cent of the work is complete as the top floor of the building was cast in December 2014. Key among the works yet to be completed is the finishing of building which includes cladding of the external facade of the building and installation of the mechanical and electrical services as well as the interior finishes.

Upon completion, the tower will strive to ease the congestion in academic and administrative facilities in the university and create a conducive environment for learning. The tower will also feature state of the art research labs and a helipad making it the first university in the country to own such a facility.

Key partners who have made major contributions towards the construction of the tower include the Chandaria Foundation who donated Sh50 million and China Confucius Institute who contributed Sh152 million.

Waweru and Associates Company was chosen as the architect for the project.

CHANGING SKYLINE: The UoN Towers building under construction. University of Nairobi says that completion of the Sh2.3 billion, 22 storey tower is right on course as scheduled.

Business wise

SMART move

New seed treatment techniques double potato farmers’ earnings

BAD WITH MONEY: Only about a quarter of Kenyan adults are financially literate.

Only 24 per cent of Kenyans can make good savings and sound investment decisions Only 24 per cent of Kenyans are extremely confident in making good savings and investment decisions.

This means that only about a quarter of Kenyan adults are financially literate.

Financial literacy refers to the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources.

It also includes skills like longterm vision and planning for the future, and the discipline to use those skills every day.

According to one of Old Mutual Savings and Investment’s latest surveys, 11 per cent of Kenyans are not confident while the remaining 65 per cent are somewhat satisfied with their investment choices.

In 2014, Old Mutual embarked on a Financial Education

mission to empower Kenyans with regard to managing their money.

Their research found that the current “Digital Generation”, which is accustomed to instant gratification, may need to recognize that financial success takes diligence and patience.

A statement from one of their analysts says that these young people should learn to live within their means.

“Your first salary provides the chance to learn valuable lessons, such as creating a budget and spending less than you earn,” says one Old Mutual agent.

“Build a saving habit.

Understand credit and credit reports. A good credit history helps you get a car loan and a mortgage, but a bad one can ruin your borrowing chances for years.”

Potato farmers in Meru and Bomet are doubling their profits with a seed treatment technology. The new innovation combines natural products and artificial compounds to produces a healthy variety of seeds that can survive almost every single pest attack nature can throw at it.

The innovative approach, dubbed Viazi Power, has been developed by Lachlan Kenya Limited, a local agriculture marketing and distribution company.

Unlike the harmful chemicals that many farmers use on their land, Viazi Power employs an environmentally friendly seed treatment that increases yields and crop quality at a sustainable cost while preserving the quality of the soil.

Nearly 200 potato farmers have tried out Viazi Power through a grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The early results have been impressive.

“In many cases, we’ve been able to double yields,” says Richard Stone-Wigg, Lachlan’s founder and CEO. The company plans to distribute the product to more than 11,000 potato growers over the next two years.

Viazi, which means “potato” in Swahili, is a staple food for millions and a crop that is

vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

But with effective seed treatment, potatoes have a better chance of withstanding heat, drought and other stresses.

Martha Johna, a smallholder farmer in Meru County, says: “Even if you farm only this small plot, it is enough. This supplies a whole shop.”

Lachlan is teaching farmers how to achieve optimal yields using Viazi Power. The organisation is also providing comprehensive field training that covers basics such as

planting and fertilizing.

To test the crop’s potential to be profitable, the company will also assess the impact, adoption rates, distribution and marketing plans, as well as Viazi Power’s benefits for farmers and households.

“By partnering with entrepreneurs who have promising new concepts, products and services, we can multiply the results we are able to deliver,” says Freeman.

CASHED POTATOES: A heap of harvested potatoes awaiting transportation. Potato farmers in Meru and Bomet are doubling their profits with a seed treatment technology, a new innovation that combines natural products and artificial compounds to produces a healthy variety of seeds that can survive almost severe pest attacks.

NEWS BRIEFS Young women’s clothing store fires 3,700 employees to curb losses

State-owned sugar companies have till February to be privatised

Close to 3,700 employees have lost their jobs as Wet Seal (WTSL), a once popular chain of US clothing stores begins to close hundreds of its outlets.

The retailer announced on Wednesday that it will shut a total of 338 stores in an ongoing drive to cut its losses during current tough economic times.

The company has been struggling

Kenya’s government-owned sugar companies are not ready for changes in the industry that are set to begin next month.

Experts have warned that “Kenya’s sugar industry is under threat as the country’s final extension of sugar import safeguards comes to an end.”

Last year, Kenya made plans to privatise all its sugar mills and encourage local millers to take up a process known as Ethanol distillation to boost sugar production while lowering costs. Kenya currently produces about 600,000 tonnes of sugar annually. Government-owned sugar companies, including Chemelil Sugar Company, Nzoia Sugar Company Ltd, South Nyanza Sugar Company Ltd, Muhoroni Sugar Company Ltd and Miwani Sugar Company, are yet to be privatised.

to keep up in the world of fast fashion, which requires retailers in the country to get the latest trendy clothing articles on their shelves quickly and cheaply.

The store closings have led to the termination of around 3,695 full and part-time employees.

After the closures, Wet Seal will have just 173 stores remaining, along with its online business.

FRIDAY JANUARY 9, 2015

ACCESS quicke

ELANI'S STAGE COLLECTION

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The celebrity mentors are oozing confidence that their rookies will clinch the ultimate superstar title

Nameless

Chameleone

Maurice

Eric AY Shaa Rabbit

Get ready for

Maisha superstar reality TV show

M

-Net and Endemol South Africa have teamed to produce a reality TV talent show dubbed Maisha Superstars.

The show is a quest to mentor six extraordinary young aspiring artistes and eventually unveil the supreme star. The show premieres on February 9, 2015 on Maisha Magic. The superstar search initially began with six artistes being chosen during auditions from each country.

But after a head-to-head run against each other, only six best acts made it. Unlike other music contests, each contestant has been put under the wings of mentors, who are some of East Africa’s bestselling and renowned musicians and producers.

Kenya is represented by Eric Wainaina as the music director while Nameless and Rabbit will mentor

one rookie each from the country.

Tanzania’s Shaa and AY, together with Jose Chameleon and Maurice Kirya will also be working with one contestant each from their countries.

M-Net East Africa Regional Director Michael Ndetei, said that Maisha Superstar show intends to unveil the raw music talent deepseated in young artistes from the region. “This show is more than just a musical contest. It is a talent search that explores and uncovers the real untapped talent in the youth within the East African region”, said Ndetei. The celebrity mentors are confident that their rookies will clinch the ultimate superstar title.

Shaa, without mincing her words warns that her mentee is blazingly talented and will be the one to walk away with the prize. The former

Wakilisha member intimated that this opportunity to model young artistes would not have come at a better time. “It is a God sent opportunity and I’m so honored because I still feel like a rookie in the industry but being here means so much and has proved otherwise,” said the cheerful Sugua gaga singer.

Bongo’s countless hit maker believes that with legendary musicians participating in the talent search, the show will become one of Africa’s unique and biggest gig ever. Rabbit, Kenya’s finest rapper also affirmed that the show will be amazing and will bring out strong, talent loaded and long term musicians. And because the chance to be on the show only enriches his profile as a top dog in the game, he said he was grateful for the recognition. “I

feel appreciated for the hard work and plan to sponsor the upcoming artiste I am training even after the competition,” the Kaka Empire chief told XAccess. Uganda’s friendly and popular singer Maurice Kirya also can’t wait to make a winner out of his rookie. He admits that all the contestants are very talented and that is why he selected someone who is not only good in his art but also knows what he wants. Although he is busy cooking something with Rabbit and Vanessa Mdee he is humbled to take on this great role. “I’m really inspired to be part of this great show and give back to the same people who are responsible for my fame,” said the Blue dress song singer.

AY is equally oozing confidence, “This is a big step in smoking out hidden talent across the region,”

says the Bongo rapper and producer of Mkasi TV show, Tanzania’s top rated TV show by Synovate.

As Nameless also prepares to launch a superstar, he is convinced that the show will be a hit of its own and will keep people glued to their screens.

The music director and master of Benga, Eric Wainaina was dazzled during auditions when he came across sizzling talent even though not all made it to the finals.

“While choosing finalists, gender balance among other good qualities were considered,” he says. As the music director, he promises to make sure everyone is comfortable and in good state during the show. With every musician convinced that they have all it takes to produce the ultimate superstar, who will carry the day?

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th 9, NOVEMBER 2014 FRIDAY JANUARY 2015

SHOPPING

One can alsO chill Out and catch up with pals at the BuBBle’s lOunge, which alsO Offers well Brewed cOffee

shOpping at

Greenspan

T

he Green Span shopping mall is one of the newest entrants in Nairobi.

Opened in 2012, the four storey mall is located in Nairobi’s Donholm Estate and attracts shoppers from the Eastlands area. The mall is home to more than 60 outlets of popular local brands and is serviced with escalators and elevators.

For all your household, electronic and grocery needs, Tuskys Supermarket is your sure stop. The supermarket occupies an entire first floor to stock quality and affordable items to ensure you get all you need under one roof.

You cannot afford to shop on an empty stomach. The mall takes this into consideration by availing a number of eateries.

The Innscore franchise is represented with Chicken Inn,

HOT TOPICS

Pizza Inn and Creamy Inn. Galitos is conspicuously missing from the action though. The mall has an in-house cafeteria which serves fresh foods and snacks at affordable prices.

While there please try out their various milkshakes which are out of this world. You can also sip your aromatic and freshly brewed coffee while sitting at the lounge in Java. One can also chill out and catch up with pals at the Bubble’s lounge which also offers well brewed coffee, pastries, cakes and milkshakes among others.

Pamper yourself with exotic massages, facials, manicures and pedicures at the Beauty Spa and Salon which has professional staff eager to transform your look. Tired of dragging your young ones with you as you shop? Why not leave them at the care of professional and fun staff

at the mall’s children’s park and have your peace of mind while shopping.

Game lovers are in for a treat when they visit the mall’s gaming arcade to play the latest play station and X box games from football, to car racing to mission games… the arcade stocks the best games and is indeed a paradise for game lovers. With the country going for digital transmissions, you can buy your genuine DSTV dishes and set up boxes at Multi Choice outlet.

For all your shoe requirements, Bata is your best bet. It stocks a variety of women’s shoes from official to flats. It even stocks classy bags.

Do not panic if you start feeling unwell while shopping around. The Aga Khan Hospital has a branch which caters for emergency and outpatient cases from qualified staff. The mall’s

eric wainaina to release new song Eric Wainaina hinted to XAccess that he is set to launch a new song next week.

The King of Benga revealed that the track is collaboration with Frasha and no doubt it will be an interesting one.

The Maisha Superstar music director promises more super hits are in the making.

ATM lobby avails services from the National Bank, Bank of Africa and Imperial Bank therefore you can relax and sort your money woes 24/7 at any of the banks.

The New Year has come and top on the minds of most of us is getting healthy. Well Healthy U shop should be your best friend this season as it avails various health supplements and one can also seek expert advice on diets and living healthy from the well trained staff.

For all your mobile phone needs, trust Phone Link shop to buy genuine and affordable phones and accessories.

The mall also houses Club Cubano which attracts revelers in their numbers with its epic theme nights and affordable drinks.

Should you visit Donholm, take a turn into Greenspan and enjoy your day… and night!

shaa and rabbit in hit collabo Shaa and King Kaka are working on a new song that is going to hit the airwaves very soon. Without revealing too much, both artistes told XAcess that the single is going to blow fans away.

Shaa is one of Bongo’s top selling female artistes and one of the mentors alongside Rabbit on Maisha Superstar, a reality TV talent search music show that premieres in February.

eddy Kenzo in africa cup of nations theme song Eddy Kenzo is among Africa’s big acts selected for the Africa Cup of Nations theme song project. The Ugandan artiste hit worldwide stardom last year with the release of his track Sitya Loss. Eddy Kenzo will be working with WizKid, Fally Ipupa, Toofan among others. Unable to conceal his excitement, he took to his Facebook page to share the news with his fans.

ACCESS FRIDAY JANUARY 9, 2015

WEEKENDPLANNER SATURDAY

nairobi children orchestra

your comprehensive gig guide.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

poetry workshop at story moja

the little art gallery exhibition: empty Walls, no more

Treat yourself to an afternoon of deep poetry at a workshop hosted by Keguro Macharia which will be held at Story Moja in Spring Valley. Charges Sh3, 000 which includes some lessons in poetry writing.

Come enjoy classical music every Saturday at the Nairobi Children Orchestra concert held at the Peponi House Preparatory School.

The event features performances from children aged between 5-14 years and starts at 9am until midday.

hip hop hookup

FRIDAY TODAY

TOMORROW

dJ izrael at sky World

Thank Changes iT’s Friday (TCiF)

Catch DJ Izrael hot on the decks of steel as he hosts the back to school party at Sky World Lounge. Food and drinks at affordable prices. Entry free.

Changes Lounge and Play House Entertainment present Thank Changes its Friday tonight from 9pm till late. Get your dance shoes out and ready for an epic night and enjoy thrilling music by DJ Will.

9

Local hip hop fans should brace themselves for hours of nothing but ill lyrics at the January Edition of the Hip Hop Hookup which will be held at the Sarakasi Dome in Ngara. The event starts at 2 pm and will feature the legendary Kitu Sewer of the Mashifta group who shall also be launching his album. DJ Stin the Chronic will be on the decks and will release his mixtape. Lots of hip hop related merchandise will be on sale. Charges Sh300

Come witness art at its finest during the official opening of the Little Art Gallery Exhibition which will be showcased at 202 Daisy Road in New Runda. The exhibition will feature cocktails and will be opened by Mary M’mkindia at 2pm. Artists exhibiting include: Alex Mbevo, Boniface Maina, Michael Musyoka, Douglas Musyoka, Patrick Kinuthia, Patrick Mukabi, James Njoroge, Peter Elung’at, Samuel Njuguna, Michael Soi, Tom Mboya, Anthony Wanjau and most notably Adrian Nduma.

hOT

another sura yako remix hits the airwaves

Out&about

TOPiCs

US based DJ Xpect has taken Sura yako to the larger international market by releasing a new remix of the song.

While in Kenya for the Smirnoff New Year’s party at Crayfish, where he set the show ablaze, Xpect did some digging into the local music and was impressed by Sauti Sol’s song and thus he went ahead to spice it up.

The

sky world

lOunge

is ray c doing drugs again?

Ray C has denied word spreading around that she is back on drugs. She says that the allegations, published by a tabloid in Tanzania, are out to taint her name. The singer, who is trying to re-ignite her musical career with her new track Mshum shum, believes that people only want to ruin her image and destroy her friendship with President Jakaya Kikwete who has been catering for her rehabilitation treatment. The singer is still on medication for the next five months.

Will she make it?

I

t is just 9pm in the City Centre, and while most clubs are waiting for revelers to stream in, Sky World Lounge is almost fully packed with music pumping and the waitresses up on their busy feet getting orders from the charged customers. They look sharp in their pilot-cut uniforms, and are quick to take orders.

Sky World Lounge opened its doors recently on Tom Mboya Street and is already causing a buzz in the city. It has managed to attract party animals and even those who just want to have alcohol-free fun due to its diverse services. The décor is artistically presented. The white and black couches are attractive and so

are the black and red cushioned bar stools. The counters have coloured lights shining at the sides which look cool especially when the lights are dimmed. The color of the lights can also be changed to set different moods and ambience. Private booths on the ground floor are a welcome idea for those who want exclusivity and some time off the prying eyes of the public. The lounge’s upper floor is designed to cater for sports fanatics as the television screens are in strategic positions for enhanced viewing. It also contains a mini stage where artistes perform. There is a giant astronaut and launch pad fixture, which fits perfectly with the

club’s galaxy theme.

Let us start with the dancefloor, it has been designed for the contemporary dance enthusiast who loves things turned up. The dancefloor is supported with a whopping 35,000 plus watts of surround system sound! The flashing laser lights and smoke take the dancing experience to a whole new level.

Theme nights are a must in any club nowadays.

To remain upbeat, Sky World has crazy offers on its theme night, top on the list is Wednesday where wait for it, it is happy hour all night with drinks and cocktails at low

prizes. The lounge has various food points where one can buy snacks including pastries, cakes and food at affordable prices. There is even a Shawarma stand!

That is how serious the owners take the food business. Local beers are Sh200 while shots Sh150.

Liquored coffee is Sh350.

For those who just want to experience a night out without necessarily hitting a few bottles, you can try various mocktails starting from Sh200, energy drinks are Sh250 ,while house coffee will set you back Sh150. Once you experience Sky world, you will always go back. We highly recommend it.

10

ACCESS FRIDAY JANUARY 9, 2015

FASHIONScoop

Kenya’s hottest band talKs stage and fashion

brian Chweya

elani’s stage

COLLECTION

TOPTEN TRaCKS TOP TRACKS

What goes on in selecting the different outfits for every show?

Every show and every concert planning experience is different.

There are very many factors to consider from the songs to the venue of the show like the demographic of the crowd, duration of performance; among other factors.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

We cannot even name one person! We are impressed by many of the Kenyan fashion designers.

As far as stylists go, our stylist Silvia Njoki, who dressed us for our Share The Love concert, really did an amazing job and she is so professional and great at her job.

What is the one fashion accessory that each of you has to have before going on stage?

MAURICE

Keep on walking

SHAA

Njoo

Wambui ngugi

Because of the versatility of the things that we wear, we cannot insist on wearing something particular on stage.

What if it does not match the outfit chosen?!

Does the fashion change depending on the location?

Obviously, weather plays a big part in choosing the outfits, as well as the culture of the people to whom we are performing. It does not change drastically, but yes outfits do vary from place to place.

How often do you acquire a new wardrobe?

There isn’t a specific number of times, we just work with getting new things when we see them.

Do you change outfits during a show and if you do, how many times?

Yes, it depends on the show.

But for our most recent concert we had 4 different outfits. It was awesome!

KANSOUL

Drum

VANESSA

HAWAJUI

Maureen Kunga

MAVOKO

Roho Yangu

DIAMOND

ALI KIBA

Mdogo Mdogo

Mwanas

AY

Touch Me

P-UNIT

Weka weka

LINA

Ole Themba

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Your dreams and fantasies are more real than you know, Capricorn. Smile at the people you pass and watch them smile back. Your sensitive and fun-loving nature is infectious. Use it to help heal others’ wounds. Laughter is the remedy that cures all.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Your sensitivity is especially heightened today, Aquarius. You’re in tune with your emotions and more sensitive to your dreams. Realize the importance of friendship and show someone you care by initiating an outing or intimate dinner at your home. Watch out for overindulgence.

FRIday 09/01/2015

sunny

26

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You may be going through a confusing period now, Pisces. Parts of your life seem to be slapping you in the face, indicating that a drastic life change is coming. Resist the urge to play the victim and let other people grab the reins simply because they act more confidently.

26ºC 46%

SATURday 10/01/2015

More sun than clouds

26 6:34 am 6:45 pm

26ºC 51%

6:34 am 6:46 pm

Sunday

24

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 Perhaps you’re pulled by playful emotions and escapism. Keep one foot on the ground while you send your mind into the clouds, but definitely take time to check the air up there and report your findings to your conscious self.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Have you taken someone for granted lately? Today you should give them the thanks and attention they deserve, Taurus. Your sensitivity and psychic awareness are especially strong. You aren’t in the mood to put up with superficialities. Stick with what is real and say it like it is.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 There may be some serious miscommunication today, so be honest in all your dealings, Gemini.

Be as straightforward as possible, since issues can backfire if the truth is clouded. Honesty is invaluable and must be maintained at all times.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You may not be sure what to think today, Cancer. Mental confusion could be the day’s theme for you, but don’t let it get you down. Realize that it’s just one of those days when none of the pieces fit right. The truth is that they do fit somewhere, just not now.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Spiritual concerns are a bigger issue for you today, Leo. You may have found that you’re drawn to a fanciful mindset and unorthodox way of viewing the world. Pursue this realm of thought and trust that your intuition knows exactly where to take you.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Does it seem like your life is pulling apart at the seams, Virgo? Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate.

Major aspects of your being could be coming into question and you can’t seem to find the answer to why you started down this road in the first place.

MUSTREAD Still Alice by Lisa Genova

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 There’s an extra bit of fire in your words and emotions today, Libra. Your sensitivity is heightened and you should consider doing some sort of volunteer work now. You may talk about saving the world, but talk will get you nowhere until you put those ideas into practice.

Alice Howlans has a very fulfilling life. She is a Harvard Professor, one of the best researchers in the country a wife and mother of three grown children. Things start changing when one day she sets out for a run and finds she does not remember the way home. She has taken the road for years but she cannot recognise anything.

Alice is soon diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Slowly she starts to lose her memory and finds she cannot recall information she was told moments before, cannot keep up with a conversation and reading is becoming didficult as following the storyline is difficult.

Alice is seized with terror as it dawns on her that she will soon not be able to recall anything or recognize her family.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 There may be serious challenges in your daily routine today, Scorpio. How can you organize your day more efficiently? Take time to set a plan into motion. Write it down. You may want to drift into another realm, so let those emotions roam free - just make sure you deal with your daily tasks first.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 You may feel idealistic today, Sagittarius. This is fine, but make sure these ideals are rooted in reality or they may be nothing more than a pipe dream. Feel free to escape to another mindset, but make sure you can still discern what’s real and what isn’t. Spread the word.

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

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.

Kudos to AK bid to register all foreign agents The order by Athletics Kenya that a roll call of foreign athletics agents (AK orders roll call for foreign athletics agents,

Thursday, January 8, 2015) be carried out is overdue.

Our sportsmen have been sweating out on the tracks only to lose a big

chunk of earnings to rogue agents.

We need to set up a database of agents and coaches. Not just for administrative

purposes, but for accountability in case of misdeeds or mischief.

Taiwo Juma, Nairobi

winning captions

1. Have to deal with the itch, Benjamin Mangare, Nairobi 2. Stop, I am police and have gun behind my back-Julius O.T. Kinoo 3. After standing the whole day, I can sit anywhere-Jack Mo, Nairobi

Sport FRIday, JANUARY 9, 2015

not leaving soon Barca president says Messi is ‘happy and will stay’ P.15

Battle of titans as Kimetto, Kipsang line up for London World marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto, and compatriot Kenyan Wilson Kipsang (inset) will go head-to-head for the first time at the London Marathon in April.

Kimetto, who clocked two hours, two minutes, 57 seconds in last September’s Berlin Marathon, will be making his London Marathon debut. Kipsang is seeking a third title after winning in 2012 and 2014.

The training partners in Iten town have never faced each other over the marathon distance.

Ten runners in the men’s field have covered the distance under two hours six minutes, including multiple track Olympic and world 10,000 and 5,000m world record holder Kenenisa Bekele.

Bekele will also be making a London debut in his fourth outing over the 26.2 mile distance.

Emmanuel Mutai, the 2011 London winner, is also in the field.

Kimetto, 30, re-ignited talk of a possible subtwo hour marathon with his remarkable run in Berlin.

The marathon world record has fallen by almost three minutes in the last 12 years.

“I broke Wilson’s world record in Berlin last year and now I want his London Marathon crown,” said Kimetto.

“I am relishing the chance to face my friend over the famous course. I know it won’t be easy but I am confident I can go the distance whatever he throws at me.”

Kipsang is also relishing the battle.

“London always has the best fields but with Dennis in the line-up this year it promises to be a bruising battle,” he said.

Agent: Bony’s Man City sale to be finalised soon Wilfried Bony’s sale from Swansea City to Manchester City should be completed soon, says his agent Francis Kacou.

The Premier League champions are in advanced talks with Swansea to sign the 26-year-old Ivory Coast striker for a fee expected to be in excess of shs3.9billion “It’s about some small details about money but I think things will go all right in a few days,” Kacou said.

“I will fly with him to Abu Dhabi and let’s see what will happen.”

Kacou added no other clubs had bid for Bony, despite previous reported interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Instead it is Manchester City who seem set to sign Bony, who was the Premier League’s top scorer in the calendar year of 2014 with 20 goals.

“Talks are going on and we are waiting but I really hope things will happen soon,” Kacou added.

When interviewed alongside his agent, Bony said he was aware of the negotiations for

his sale but is concentrating on the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

“It’s going on, the discussion is still on, so now I am going

to join my national team so just focus on that now,” said Bony, who added he had not undergone a medical to move to Etihad Stadium.

“It’s good to hear [of Manchester City’s interest] - every player wants to play Champions.

TP Mazembe star to skipper Zambia at Africa Nations Cup Zambia coach Honour Janza has given the captain’s armband to Rainford Kalaba after naming his 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The softly-spoken TP Mazembe midfielder takes over from defender Stopilla Sunzu who led the team during the qualifiers.

Sunzu told the coach that he wanted to give up the captaincy in order to concentrate on his defensive duties.

Janza named eight players who took part in Chipolopolo’s 2012 Nations Cup winning campaign in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

The list comprises three players

from South Africa’s Premier League, goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, Mukuka Mulenga and Davies Nkausu.

Those excluded the squad named on Wednesday include Captain Christopher Katongo and forward James Chamanga.

A total of four players were excluded in the final selection by coach Honour Janza at a news conference in South Africa where the team are preparing for the finals.

Zambia have been drawn with Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands and Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B.

Asian Confederation backs Blatter over Ali

GOAL HUNTER: Manchester City are expected to sign Wilfried Bony, was the Premier League’s top scorer in 2014 with 20 goals.

The Asian Football Confederation will support incumbent Sepp Blatter in the Fifa presidential election even after their vice-president Prince Ali said he would be a candidate.

Jordanian Prince Ali, 39, joined Jerome Champagne as a rival to Blatter, 78, who is seeking a fifth term of office.

AFC general secretary Dato Alex Soosay said members had agreed to back Blatter at their 2014 congress.

“And I think that sentiment still remains,” he said.

“But I’m not here to stop anyone from having their own rights. The election is independent and democratic.”

Football’s world governing body

has suffered a number of corruption allegations during Blatter’s 17-year reign. Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein, Uefa president Michel Platini and FA chairman Greg Dyke have backed Ali’s candidacy.

Soosay said: “We made a pledge in congress in Brazil that the entire Asian football family was supporting the Fifa president.

“As Asia we should also stay together and be united rather than divided.

“For us the Asian Cup is paramount and I’m sure the member associations don’t want to be affected by this situation. We just want to focus on football.”

14

SPORT FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

MOVING ON: Gor players during a 2012 match. Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna believes the club has done adequate replacements for title winning players who opted to seek new challenges.

Ouna contented with Gor signings Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna believes the club has done adequate replacements for title winning players who opted to seek new challenges.

In former Tusker’s midfielder Khalid Aucho, Michael Olunga, Boniface Oluoch, Ugandan striker Farouk Sentongo and Burundi’s Pierre Kwiizera,

Ouna says this are quality players.

“We did lose dependable players, but we must rise and get their replacements.

I am happy with the players we have signed,” he said.

“At times you are forced to change system of play to fit with the new players. This is one of the alternatives we will explore

given that we have lost several key players,” Ouna said.

The club had already secured the services Timothy Otieno and Martin Weruga (both from Talanta Academy), Ghanaian striker Taofiq Zachary and midfielder Jerry Santos.

He however said losing defender David

Owino, and the Ugandan pair of Dan Sserunkuma and Geoffrey Kizito was the biggest blow to the champions.

“I am not saying other players are less important, however Owino, Kizito and Sserunkuma were stand out in their departments,” he said.

The 14-time Kenyan Premier League

Barca president says Messi is ‘happy and will stay’ Lionel Messi is happy at Barcelona and will stay with the club until at least the end of his contract in 2018, club President Josep Maria Bartomeu has said.

Reports in Spain suggest that La Liga’s all-time record goalscorer, 27, is unhappy under coach Luis Enrique.

But Bartomeu said: “Messi has a contract until 2018, he is happy with the club and wants to win more titles.

“There is nothing to panic about in that regard. Messi is the central figure. The team is built around him.”

He added: “The whole footballing world knows that Barca don’t want to sell Messi. For me he is the best player in the world.”

Messi started on the bench as Barcelona lost to Real Sociedad at the weekend.

The defeat meant they remained second in the La Liga table, a point behind fierce rivals Real Madrid.

In November, Enrique insisted Messi was “delighted” to be at Barca after reports linked the Argentine with a move away from the Nou Camp.

“These news stories are created to try to damage FC Barcelona. They are written with the intention of creating conflicts where conflict does not exist.

Ultimately these are questions that you have to direct to Enrique and Messi, but from the contact I have made they are getting on fine and want to win titles.

“Enrique has a project that he is working on. Of course, we always want to win, but there is no doubting him.

“All the turmoil around the club will affect the team.

That is precisely why we have called an election.”

Asked if Messi was still happy with life at Barcelona, Enrique said: “I don’t want to comment. We know things change and a month is a long time.”

The former Barca player added: “I have the same relationship with all my players that I had at the start of the season. That has not changed.”

champions are preparing for a grueling season that they will kick off with a preliminary round tie of the African Champions League against Madagascar side Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale Sport (CNaPS) mid next month.

Roller Skating, Triathlon make SOYA list for top Federation of 2014 Kenya Triathlon Association (KTA) has made the cut to the final four federations for the 2014 SOYA Awards Gala scheduled for next Friday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

KTA have been nominated for the top award alongside Kenya Federation of Roller Skating, KFRS, Kenya Volleyball Federation, KVF and Kenya Golf Union,KGU. Despite not being a popular discipline in the country, Kenya Triathlon Association has shown determination to popularize the sport by organizing local events across the country including Nairobi, Eldoret and Mombasa among others.

CRESTFALLEN: A dejected Messi in a past match. Barcelona president rubbished rumours about Messi’s exist, saying that the player is happy and will stay at Camp Nou.

For the first time ever, KTA sent men and women teams to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

They also prepared a youth team that took part in the Youth Olympics Games Qualifiers in South Africa and Africa Youth Games in Botswana last year.

They, however, failed to make the cut for the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

In April last year, the KTA took a team to Zimbabwe for the Troubeck Africa Triathlon Championships.

The association has successfully been hosting The Africa Triathlon Cup for the past three years in Mombasa.

SPORT 15 FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2015

How to play 1. Register SMS the word ‘GAME’ to 79079. You will receive a message confirming that your SPESA account has been opened.

2. Top up your account Deposit money in your MPesa, Airtel Money, Orange Money or Yu Cash.

Once deposited send the amount you want to your SPESA account, using MPesa Paybill 955100, Airtel Money Paybill SPORTPESA, Orange Money Paybill 079079 or Yu Cash Paybill 107079 3. Place a bet Send an SMS in the following format to 79079: GAME ID#(OUTCOME i.e 1, X or 2)#AMOUNT OF MONEY. For instance, in tomorrow’s match between Manchester City and Chelsea, if you want to bet Sh100 for a Man City win, you will send the following SMS to 79079: 6112#1#100

Weekend matches predictions

West Brom Vs Hull

Leicester Vs Aston Villa

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

West Bromwich Albion secured a good point away at West Ham in Gameweek 20 and will look to build upon that as they host Hull on Saturday.

The Baggies have picked up just three points from a possible 15 at The Hawthorns lately and need to pick up points urgently to put some daylight between themselves and the Relegation Zone.

Hull have managed to hold onto Steve Bruce who sees his side sit just one point ahead of their hosts heading into this week.

Xsport: West Brom 2-1 Hull Samantha: 2-2 Abiud: Hull 1-0 West Brom Game ID: H9698 Pick 1(W.Brom X (Draw) win)

2 (Hull win)

Leicester City have finally halted a run of defeats which has seem them pick up four points from their last two Premier League matches. The Foxes are still at the foot of the table but are within touching distance of safety following an impressive 2-2 draw at Anfield in Gameweek 20. Leicester have two home matches which could see them climb out of the relegation zone. Villa have struggled on the road lately losing their last two matches by an identical 1-0 scoreline. The Villains would love to record a positive result at The King Power Stadium.

Xsport: Leicester 2-1 Villa Samantha: Villa 2-1 Abiud: 1-1 Game ID: Y8438 Pick 1 Leices X (Draw) 2 (Aston win) win)

Odd

1.92

3.04

3.34

Bet Amount

Odd

2.01

2.94

3.19

100

100

100

100

100

100

Possible win (KSh)

Bet Amount

192

404

334

Possible win (KSh)

201

294

319

Burnley Vs QPR

Swansea Vs West Ham

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Burnley have secured two draws against tough opposition in their matches against Manchester City and Newcastle United in recent weeks. Now Burnley fans can hope their side can pick up a win when Queens Park Rangers visit on Saturday. The Clarets have been beaten just once in their last five home matches which will give them plenty of confidence heading into this relegation six-pointer.

QPR’s form away from home has been dreadful.

Xsport: 2-2 Samantha: Burnley 3-2 QPR Abiud: QPR 2-1 Burnley Game ID: A4626 Pick 1 (Burnle X (Draw) win) Odd

2.01

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

201

2 (QPR win)

Odd

2.06

3.04

2.99

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

304

309

Possible win (KSh)

206

304

299

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Game ID: A9538 1 (Everto X (Draw) 1 (M.City win) win) 3.81

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

381

Crystal Palace Vs Spurs SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Everton have had a poor season by their lofty standards and some are beginning to suggest that Roberto Martinez is under pressure to pick up results. The Toffees challenged for a Top 4 finish last term but are hovering just four points above the Relegation Zone heading into Gameweek 21 having lost four Premier League matches on the trot. City have won all of their last four away Premier League matches at Goodison Park.

Xsport: Everton 3-2 Man City Samantha: City 1-0 Everton Abiud: 2-2

Odd

Game ID: R2433 Pick 1 (Swan X (Draw) 2 (W.Ham win) win)

3.09

3.04

Everton Vs Man City

Pick

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Swansea responded well after being well beaten

by Liverpool and recorded a creditable 1-1 draw at QPR in Gameweek 20. The Swans were once again thankful for Wilfried Bony who scored and has become a target for some big Clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. Garry Monk’s side have been beaten just once in their last 6 outings at The Liberty Stadium and will give West Ham a tough game.

Xsport: Swansea 1-0 West Ham Samantha: 1-1 Abiud: West Ham 2-1 Swansea

Crystal Palace host Spurs looking to pick up a home win for the first time since their 3-1 win over Liverpool back in November. The Eagles have appointed Alan Pardew to oversee their survival bid and Palace have secured two 0-0 draws in their last two Premier League encounters. Palace are in the bottom three and Pardew needs to make good use of home advantage.

Xsport: Palace 2-1 Spurs Samantha: Spurs 1-0 Palace Abiud: 0-0 Game ID: P8566 Pick 1 (Crysta X (Draw) 2 (Spurs win) win)

1.73

Odd

3.18

3.O8

1.96

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

322

173

Possible win (KSh)

318

308

196

3.22

16

sports

FrIDAY, JANUArY 9, 2015

Toure takes home fourth African Player of the Year Award in a row Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has become the first player to be named Confederation of African Football African Footballer of the Year four years in a row.

Toure, 31, was nominated after playing a pivotal role in winning the Premier League and League Cup. He also helped Ivory Coast qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Toure beat off the challenge of Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Midfielder Toure scored 20 goals in City’s title-winning campaign and also netted the equaliser in the 3-1 Capital One Cup final victory over Sunderland at Wembley last March.

He has nine goals in 26 appearances for City in all competitions so far this season, including six goals in his last nine outings.

Toure also made the Fifa shortlist for the 2014 Ballon D’Or prize in October.

However, he has also had to contend with the disappointment of being part of an Ivory Coast side that lost two out of their three World Cup games. He was given the news of his brother Ibrahim’s death only hours after the team lost their second World Cup match 2-1 to Colombia.

He also hit the headlines in May as a row over a birthday cake threatened to bring an end to his Manchester City career.

Everton striker Samuel Eto’o is the only other player to win the African Footballer of the Year award four times but his achievement was not in successive years.

KING TOURE: The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire and Manchester City’s midfield dynamo, Gnégnéri Yaya Touré has been crowned King of African Football for the fourth year running.

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Kenya Cup action resumes this weekend Rugby action resumes tomorrow after the festive season with seven matches in the top-tier league.

The match pitting table-toppers Pan Africa Strathmore Leos and fourth-placed Mwamba RFC at Impala Club will be the weekend’s highlight. The teams are separated by six points and Mwamba need to win by a bonus point to halt Strathmore’s unbeaten run.

Before the break, they won all their matches with bonus points.

In the second leg, Mitch Ocholla, the Strathmore head coach aims for consistency. “That is what we are planning and hope to win more games.” He remains tight-lipped on chances of his team winning the maiden title this season after their last minute hurdle in 2013.

“We cannot pre-empt on something that is yet to happen. It’s still too early.”

Some of the key players are Brian Nyikuli, the captain and inter-

nationals Cyprian Kuto, Tony Onyango, Tony Owuor and Billy Odhiambo.

Ocholla is not underrating Mwamba but adds they are not a special opponent either. “All games are tough for us. We will go out to play and talk about the results at the end.”

Mwamba ended first leg on a high by beating Kenya Harlequin 2219. In preparation for this match, Mwamba resumed training early and intend to build on win against Quins when they face Strathmore.

The second match at the venue will pit Catholic University Monks and Blak Blad. Both teams will be chasing a second win.

Meanwhile all teams in Kenya Cup and Nationwide leagues action this weekend will observe a minute of silence prior to kickoff in memory of the late Fidel Odinga who was Kisumu RFCs chairman.

Weekend Fixtures

BACK ON: Strathmore takes on on University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine in a previous Kenya Cup encounter.

Published by Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road. Printed by the Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way.

Kenya Cup: Catholic University Monks v Blak Blad (2pm, Impala Club), Pan Africa Strathmore Leos v Mwamba (4pm), Kenya Harlequin FC v Homeboyz (2pm, KCB Ruaraka), KCB v Total Nondies (4pm), Mombasa Sports Club v Mean Machine (4pm, Mombasa Sports Club), Kabras Sugar v Resolution Impala Saracens (4pm, Kakamega Showground), Top Fry Nakuru v Western Bulls (4pm, Nakuru Athletic Club).