2015012016 xnews

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 16, 2015 | www.x254.co

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KIDERO ANNOUNCES NEW PAY STRUCTURE FOR COUNTY STAFF GOVERNOR SAYS MONEY FROM THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT WILL NO LONGER BE USED TO PAY WORKERS’ SALARIES

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NEWS

fabregas Rallies teammates to justify fat wages with good play

Sports registrar on the spot over AFC leopards wrangles

Cord MP files motion to block Uhuru nominees NOT SATISFIED: Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi. He has filed a motion with the clerk seeking to block the approval of nominees to the Cabinet.

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n Orange Democratic Movement MP has today filed a petition in Parliament seeking to block the approval of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s nominees to the Cabinet.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi wrote to the clerk of the National Assembly today morning arguing that MPs should reject the president’s nominees because their appointment is against the requirements of the Constitution.

He has accused President Kenyatta of failure to observe the two thirds gender rule in his latest nominations.

The MP also wants the nomination of Dan Kazungu rejected saying the President poached a member of the opposition without consulting.

Mr Kazungu was elected on an ODM ticket as the MP for Malindi.

“It’s a violation of the Constitution.

We shall seek to have them blocked,”

Wandayi said.

Although the motion had not yet been approved by the time we went to press, Mr Wandayi was confident it would be discussed when debate on the approval of the nominees kicks off on the floor of the House today afternoon.

“Hon Maanzo will move the motion on my behalf. I am flying to Kakamega with Rt. Hon Raila on an urgent mission,” he added in a text message sent to our reporter.

MPs are scheduled to begin debating the suitability of seven Cabinet and 24 Principal Secretaries nominated President Kenyatta nominated last month.

In special sittings set to run for two days, the MPs will consider the reports from the various House committees that undertook the vetting process before approving or rejecting the nominees.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Senator Agnes Zani voted among best lawmakers Nominated Senator Agnes Zani has been voted as the best legislator representing the views of the common public in the education sector in Parliament. A survey conducted by Mzalendo a NonGovernmental Oraginsation on the performance of legislators for the last one year saw Zani emerged as CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

www.x254.co Nominated senator Agnes Zani.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

MP Wandayi files motion to block approval of new cabinet nominees

From Page 1 MPs had already taken a break for the Christmas holidays, but were recalled to consider the nominations.

Parliament’s Principal Media Liaison Officer Martin Mutua in a statement yesterday said the House will hold morning and afternoon sittings Wednesday and Thursday where reports on the suitability of the nominees to the Cabinet and Principal Secretaries will be considered.

Eleven House Departmental Committees will each present their respective reports recommending the appointment or rejection of PSs after they conducted separate approval sittings last Friday.

President Uhuru last month nominated politicians Charles Keter, Mwangi Kiunjuri and Dan Kazungu to join the Energy, Devolution and Mining ministries respectively.

Others nominees include Willy Bett (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), Joseph Mucheru (Information, Communication and Technology), Sicily Kariuki (Public Service, Gender and Youth Affairs) and Cleopa Mailu (Health).

During their vetting last week, most of the nominees were put to task with both Kiunjuri and Kazungu particularly being questioned over past corruption allegations against them.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi addresses the media at Parliament Buildings flanked by ODM lawmakers Florence Mutua and Christine Ombaka on December 2, 2015. The MP has sought to block the approval of new Cabinet nominees saying President Uhuru Kenyatta flouted constitutional requirements when he nominated them.

Kiunjuri, who has been nominated to the Devolution ministry, was the first to appear before the committee sitting at County Hall, and was questioned on his role in alleged graft at the Ministry of Water when

he was an assistant minister.

Keter, who is the current Senator for Kericho, was questioned about a court case in which he was accused of illegally operating telecommunication equipment in

Nominated lawmakers top list of best performing legislators From Page 1 the best in the category of education.

The Senator is credited for bringing a motion in the Senate calling on the ministry of Education to review categorsation of public secondary schools and instead classify all of them as County schools to ensure equity in resource allocation and guarantee quality education for all.

Another nominated MP Issac Mwaura was voted as the best representative of people with special interests.

Mwaura presented a petition in Parliament calling for the construction of a footbridge on Waiyaki Way to link ABC Place Bus Stop and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities Office. The NCPWD promotes the rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr is top in articulating land matters.

Mutula recently sponsored the County Boundaries Bill that seeks to address historical land injustices to provide a framework to ensure that land is properly utilised for the economic benefit of the affected communities.

Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’ emerged best in the representative business category.

Kajwang sponsored the Company Act 2015 which ensures ‘Wanjiku or Adhiambo’ can simply go to the Registrar, get prepared forms, deposit them with the Registrar and she will have a business vehicle that she can use for trade.

The bill makes company registration to the common public friendly. According to the Bill, one do not need to have a lot of wealth or complicated business systems to have a company.

Nominated Senator Fatumo Dulo emerged the best on security front. Dullo presented the human-wildlife conflict case between the Kinna Community

of Isiolo County and wildlife at Meru National Park has escalated over the years.

The conflict has led to tension between the community and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) which the community accuses of kidnapping, shooting, torturing, wounding and even killing members of the community.

She pushed for a Senate factfinding mission to the area to ensure the matter is resolved. The resolution of the matter would inform similar cases across the country.

Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o performed well in the institutional oversight category, while his Busia counterpart Amos Wako was top in the access to justice category.

Nyong’o pushed for the establishment a Select Committee in Senate to conduct an inquiry into the affairs of the Kenya Airways Limited and its subsidiaries and report to the House.

2005.

“The court case was a malicious one. The judge ruled that I had no case to answer,” he told the vetting team.

Malindi MP Dan Kazungu

is also facing accusations of misappropriating CDF cash.

Only yesterday, detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided the Malindi CDF offices and carted away dozens of documents.

Already, sources intimated that the vetting committees had approved all the nominees.

Should the MPs approve their nomination, the seven will join the Cabinet which has since been expanded to include 20 ministers.

A nod for Keter and Kazungu will mean that they resign as MPs to take up their Cabinet assignments.

The Constitution which recognises the presidential system of government bars sitting members of the Legislature from simultaneously holding a position in the Executive.

The House Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs will also table its report on the suitability on EACC Chairperson Nominee Philip Kinisu and four others nominated to serve as commissioners to be considered and approved by MPs on Thursday.

The National Assembly gave itself an extension to consider the suitability of the nominees to allow MPs more time after it emerged the 14 day deadline given could have lapsed before the House proceeded on recess on December 4.

Own up and quit, MP tells Speaker Muturi Endebess MP Robert Pukose wants National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi kicked out of office for presiding over ‘corrupt’ Parliamentary Service Commission.

Pukose said Muturi should not continue being in office when PSC is accused of perpetuating massive graft in total disregard of the constitution.

Speaking to X-News, Pukose said the speaker should not discredit the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) for exposing the rot in the august House but instead take fully responsibility and resign from office.

“Hon Muturi shifted goal posts after realising that he is in a hot soup, the truth of the matter is that the PSC is perpetuating tribalism, nepotism and in fact its involved in embezzlement of public funds,” said Pukose.

He argued that the speaker invited the anti-graft body to investigate the loss of public money through fraud in mileage claims and allowances to divert attention after some of his colleagues had questioned the awarding of tenders and contracts by PSC.

“Aware of the irregular allocation of tenders by PSC and his commissioners, he invited EACC to ‘cleanse’ himself of any corruption allegation. He should be impeached for presiding over a corrupt system that is stealing public funds,” he said.

He said the action by the Speaker was an indictment that the Parliamentary commission was corrupt and fraudulent in its dealings.

“The Speaker is the Chairperson of PSC, therefore, it means the buck stops with him. Muturi and his team cannot be clean, should be sent packing for allowing massive loss of public funds” said a bitter Pukose.

“Why should Muturi think that he as any moral authority to lead to Parliament with these corruption clouds on his head?” he posed.

He promised to mobilise his colleagues to have Muturi ousted “to save reputation of the august house.”

However, the Jubilee legislator questioned why some PSC members claim false mileages yet they use GOK vehicles and tenders awarded to senior parliamentary staff.

NEWS 3

Nairobi County to pay workers from its revenue, says Kidero Nairobi County government will begin paying staff salaries and operations costs from its revenue, Governor Evans Kidero has said.

Speaking when he met County officials, Kidero challenged those in charge of revenue collection to up their game and ensure the move is a success. “So far, we have only managed to collect 33 per

cent of what we used to collect in the past and this must change,” he said. “In 1964, the City Council used to loan the government money while in 1968 it loaned foreign governments money, what has changed? All staff salaries and operational activities will be funded from our own revenue, while money received

from the National government will go to development.” Kidero, who accompanied by his deputy Jonathan Mueke said the County has reduced the previous 110 revenue centres to10 sectors to improve efficiency. “I need to see an improvement in terms of revenue collection from Rates, Car parks, planning and Trade

NEW STRUCTURE: Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero with his deputy Jonathan Mueke when he met county officials today morning.

Hypertension killing over 7.5m in Africa, data reveal More than 7.5 million people die annually in Africa due to hypertension with the number doubling up in middle income countries.

The current epidemiological data indicates that the figure is set to rise to 150 million people by 2025.In Kenya, 44.5 per cent of adults have high blood pressure.

A non-Governmental Organisation AstraZeneca’s has now partnered with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) to form a partnership aimed at improving hypertension screening, treatment and care throughout the country.

The Vice President of AstraZeneca Karl Friberg said the partnership is set to make screening services available to all Kenyans.

Friberg said they will use the over 453 health facilities, 18 medical training colleges and over 46 Community Based Health programs owned by the Catholic Church to

save the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children.

“This partnership is a major boost as it brings on board the solid expertise and experience of the Catholic Church in the health sector across the country,” Friberg said.

Chairman Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Reverend Philip Anyolo hailed the move, saying it will help many families and communities suffering from hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

“I am thankful that AstraZeneca and KCCB through this partnership will be able to tackle hypertension and cardiovascular diseases which causes suffering to so many families and communities which cannot afford treatment in other health facilities,” Anyolo said.

“His holiness Pope Francis during his maiden visit to Kenya called on all of us to treat certain health issues like the elimination of malaria and tuberculosis, treatment of so called orphan diseases and neglected sectors of tropical medicine with sense of urgency above and beyond all other commercial or political interests,” Anyolo added.

Anyolo said that the partnership will go a long way in realizing the call by Pope Francis in making health services accessible by all Kenyans irrespective of their living standard.

The partnership has been structured around three key pillars namely, raising education and awareness through community health worker networks, training healthcare providers and driving care to lower levels of the healthcare system and ensuring access to availability of affordable treatment.

licences).” He also urged Nairobi residents, who owe the county money to pay up for them to enjoy services and help the City regain its lost glory. “I have forthwith set a target of Sh2.2 billion to be collected every month, for staff salaries and other county operations. The Sh13.37 billion from the National government will set aside for development.

It is a high time we maximised our potential because we have an excellent team in place to achieve that,” he said. “If our staff want to enjoy car loans and mortgages, the result has to be in the increment revenues, we cannot over-rely on National government, yet we are self-sustainable,” he added.

On the war on corruption, Kidero said he will do all that it takes to root out the vice in the City.

“We continue to grapple with graft, but we will continue to create fight it by installing automated systems and processes that reduce handling of cash,” said the governor.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Governors oppose plan on sugar firms The Council of Governors (CoG) has opposed plans by the National government to privatise six sugar milling companies citing violation of the Constitution and County Governments Act. The council said the approval was done without consultations and consent of the county governments and the public participation of the sugarcane farmers.

In a paid up advert in the local dailies, CoG committee on Agriculture chair Nderitu Gachagu said the council will oppose the move, saying it is unconstitutional and any actions by the privatisation commission purporting to implement the decision will be rendered null and void.

“Whereas the National government has the function of public investment, this function cannot be exercised exclusively in this case because Agriculture is a devolved,” said Gachagua.

He said the privatisation process was flawed as it contravenes the principles of consultation and collaboration as provided for under Articles 6(2) and article 189(1) of the Constitution.

The governor said as provided by law, the privatisation commission engaged the council of governors but the commission completely disregarded the views of the council.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Republican candidates spar over countering terrorism President Hassan Rouhani

Nigeria’s Shias protest over crackdown Shia Muslims are protesting in six northern Nigerian cities against a military crackdown they allege has left hundreds of their members dead. Many businesses have shut in Kaduna, one of the cities worst-affected by the demonstrations, a BBC reporter says. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani phoned his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari, about the crackdown. Nigeria’s military accuses the pro-Iranian sect of trying to assassinate army chief Gen Tukur Buratai. The sect, known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), denies the allegation. According to Iranian media, during his conversation with Buhari, President Rouhani inquired about the fate of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the IMN leader arrested after troops besieged his home in the northern city of Zaria. The IMN alleges that the military killed hundreds of its members and destroyed a religious shrine and the sheikh’s home during the raid.

Republican presidential hopefuls sparred over how to stop the socalled Islamic State (IS) in the first debate since attacks in California and Paris.

The national security focus yielded heated exchanges between Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio who clashed on surveillance and immigration policy.

Jeb Bush also sought to revive his struggling campaign by forcefully attacking front-runner Donald Trump. “You’re not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency,” he said.

Trump was on the defensive early in the debate for his proposed ban on Muslims entering the US, saying “We are not talking about religion, we are talking about security.”

However, the debate quickly expanded to broader issues of foreign policy and national security.

The candidates repeatedly addressed heightened fears of terrorism in the US on the same day an emailed threat shut down Los Angeles’ school system.

But the top nine candidates disagreed over the scope of government surveillance and how to end the civil war raging in Syria.

“If terrorists strike again ... the first question will be, ‘Why didn’t we know about it and why didn’t we stop it?’” said Rubio, taking aim at Cruz who voted to curtail government surveillance powers.

Another of Trump’s proposals “closing that Internet up” to stop IS recruitment - has been hotly debated, with the candidate saying, “I don’t want them using our Internet”. After defending it, he

Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson and Jeb Bush during the party’s presidential debate yesterday The candidates engaged in a heated exchange over ISIS and terrorism.

seemed confused by loud booing from the audience, and replied: “these are people that want to kill us folks”. It was not the only time that the crowd played a part in the programme; on several occasions the audience’s cheers and jeers forced a pause in the candidates’ conversation. At one point, a heckler interrupted Trump with inaudible comments.

Trump

loomed large over the so-called undercard debate, with the four candidates split over the efficacy of his proposed ban. Senator Lindsey Graham apologised to US-allied Muslim leaders saying: “I am sorry. He does not represent us”. Democrats debate on Saturday night, and both parties will hold debates in January. The stateby-state primary contests in the

presidential election begin in six weeks in Iowa on February 1 and will last for months. Each party will formally nominate their candidate over the summer, with Hillary Clinton the favourite to win the Democratic nomination.

Americans will finally go to the polls in November, and the newlyelected president will assume office in late January 2017.

Uhuru challenges WTO delegates to support developing countries President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged World Trade Organisation (WTO) delegates to ensure developing countries benefit from global trade.

Speaking at the opening of the ministerial conference of the

WTO, at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), President Uhuru said “the consequences of the lack of economic opportunities are a leading driver of social as well as political instability which also helps

drive extremism and violence”.

African leaders have been critical that some richer nations - including the US and those in the European Union - have been reluctant to drop agricultural subsidies, which they argue affect farming sectors.

Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told delegates that she was the meeting can make changes “to ensure the less developed nations of the world are given a better deal”.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Liberian counterpart Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and other leaders pose for a group photo after he officially opened the WTO summit at KICC, Nairobi yesterday.

NEWS 5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Morning newspaper summaries New bill to cut counties Uhuru, Ruto settle Inside UhuRuto’s 2017 It’s a make or break for from 47 to 25: A Bill seeking on new party for next vote machine: President Uhuru global trade as Nairobi to reduce the number of the counties and his deputy William Ruto elections: President Kenyatta and Kenyatta talks begin: The World Trade and alter the membership of the Senate have set off their re-election campaign by has been published. The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2015 wants the number of counties reduced to 25 (down from 47) from where two senators each will be elected. The Bill, sponsored

by Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu, proposes to limit the application of the two-thirds gender principle to appointive offices only, scrap the 47 woman representative seats.

Deputy President William Ruto have settled on a new party on whose ticket they will contest the next elections.

The party was yesterday endorsed by a delegates meeting at State House, Nairobi, and is different from the Jubilee Alliance Party, which some members rejected. It is to be called Jubilee Party with the slogan ‘Tuko Pamoja (we are together)’.

unveiling the Jubilee Party, its structure, symbol and slogan. The two leaders yesterday moved to quell the resistance against the new party and declared that there was no turning back. At the helm of the party structure is the party leader and deputy party leader, posts that presumably will be held by the President and his deputy respectively.

Organisation (WTO) faces an acid test as ministers attending the Nairobi conference make a last-ditch effort to rescue talks, which have dragged on for 14 years without conclusive agreement.

The agency, which sets global rules of trade, is under pressure to produce a positive outcome to prove its relevance in the world’s economic order.

Mutua bans 7 condom, US, EU dash hopes for State to seize assets in Safaricom war with alcohol ads: Two television trade deal: Hopes of African NYS graft probe: The Bitcoin dealer sparks government has made good its threat condom adverts and two alcohol ads have countries gaining access to the markets of CBK warning: A legal battle been banned for being “pornographic in nature, promoting and glamourising sex among teenagers”. The condom ads are from the brands Durex and Trust. Also banned are ads featuring East African Breweries Limited’s snap drinks and London Distillers Limited drinks. The Kenya Film and Classification Board also said it has banned an ad promoting Lux soap and another for Fresh Fry.

rich countries were yesterday dashed, after representatives of Western powers said they saw little prospect of an agreement.

Africa and other developing, countries want rich economies to stop subsidising their farmers and allow competition.

They also want rich countries to open their markets for processed goods from poor countries. Western countries are shockingly hypocritical in trade matters.

to freeze and seize assets of individuals linked to lost millions in the National Youth Service. The Assets Recovery Agency has its sight on eight parcels of land in Nairobi and Thika, some in upmarket areas like Muthaiga North and Rosslyn Estate frozen by the High Court.

The ownership of the properties revolves around eight suspects-Ben Gethi, John Kago Ndugu, Josphine, among others.

pitting telecoms operator Safaricom and a company owned by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet nominee for the ICT docket, Joe Mucheru is behind the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) latest warning against dealing in digital currencies such as bitcoin, the Business Daily has learned. The CBK advisory effectively throws a spanner into the works for BitPesa Limited.

Uhuru to launch new NHIF members to be Muturi trashes EACC Boom for new car party in March 2016: treated abroad: National graft report: Speaker Justin dealers as sales near The Jubilee Coalition yesterday adopted Hospital Insurance Fund members will Muturi has finally yielded to pressure record high: New motor President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election vehicle – the Jubilee Party – at a meeting held at State House, Nairobi. Following the meeting, the ruling coalition announced the party, to be launched in March, will operate under the slogan “Tuko Pamoja (We are Together)”. The individual parties were asked to hold their national delegates’ conferences to dissolve their entities ahead of the March launch.

from February next year be able to use their cards to get treatment abroad.

NHIF announced recently that under its new “Chronic Disease Fund”, the insurer will pay up to Sh5 million for any of its members who needs treatment outside the country. This benefit will be limited to only those patients with diseases that cannot be treated locally. “This benefit is currently only available to members of the civil service and the armed forces.

from MPs and has now gone ahead to rubbish a report by anti-graft czar which exposed massive corruption in the august House. During an impromptu Kamukunji at Parliament Buildings, MPs threatened to kick out the speaker for inviting the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate allegations that some of them were filing false mileage claims, forcing him to apologise so as to save himself the wrath.

vehicle dealers are set to end the year on a high note as sales in the 11 months to November surpassed units moved in the whole of last year. Data from the Kenya Motor Industry Association (KMI) shows that new vehicle dealers sold 18,509 units in the period, beating 2014’s full-year sales of 17,616 units.

The dealers sold an average of 1,600 units per month.

Top stories from X News global partners UN accused of Los Angeles Public The case for and against US Industry frets as “shocking” lack of action Schools Closed After an interest-rate hike: On Fed rate rise looms: If the over murder and rape Bomb Threat: United States two December 16th, the Federal Reserve, the Federal Reserve proceeds as expected central bank, will take what and raises US interest rates for the first in South Sudan: The UN largest school systems confronted threats American could be a historic decision: the first time in almost a decade on Wednesday peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has been accused of a “complete and utter failure” to protect civilians in one of the most dangerous and volatile parts of the war-ravaged country. Medicines Sans Frontieres (MSF) says that although civilians in southern Unity state – an oilrich area and key battleground in the civil war – have been subjected to murder, rape and abduction for many months, there has been a “shocking” lack of action from the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (Unmiss). “There has been a complete protection failure on Unmiss’ “ said Pete Buth. www.theguardian.com

of a terrorist attack on Tuesday and reacted in sharply different ways: New York City reviewed the warning and dismissed it as a hoax, but officials Los Angeles abruptly shut down all public schools, upending the lives of parents, students and teachers. The emailed threats to school officials on both coasts — which spoke of teams of jihadists using guns, bombs and nerve gas to attack public schools — were largely identical in their wording, and both had been routed through a server in Frankfurt, apparently by the same person, officials said.

www.nytimes.com

interest-rate increase since before the iPhone was invented. The last time Fed raised rates was in June 2006. The credit crunch and financial crisis followed soon after and rates began to drop. Low rates have played a big role in supporting the global economy since the financial crisis, so the consequences of a rise will be profound. Economists debate whether a rate increase is the right decision.

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it will be an affirmation of what Janet Yellen and her fellow policymakers see as the strength of the US recovery.

It will also be at odds with what many in the US’s industrial economy are seeing. From manufacturing behemoths like Caterpiller and Deere & Co to companies supplying the industrial sector the common theme in recent months has been that, thanks to a strong dollar and a collapse in commodity prices, tough times are back. Some are going so far as to declare the arrival of an industrial recession. www.ft.com

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xnews | WEDNesday, DECEMBER 16, 2015 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

Come up with solid pacts, Uhuru tells WTO delegates President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday challenged World Trade Organisation (WTO) delegates meeting in Nairobi to come up with solid agreements that will guarantee a more open trading platform across the world.

Speaking during the official opening of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, President Uhuru promised Africa’s commitment to the full implementation of deals that are struck during the weeklong meeting.

“As we look forward to the next 20 years of collective effort to build prosperity, we should get encouraged from the achievements of the WTO,” he said.

“Africa and the whole world eagerly awaited the completion of a framework for new order of sustainable development where the ambition which seemed to be a distant is now within reach given the singular achievement as a multilateral community seen in this year.’’

He requested delegates to come up with lasting solutions on insecurity, instability and inequality, adding that during the past global meetings, the world had agreed on major measures in eliminating the challenges facing humanity.

He applauded the WTO for scaling up international trade and resolving dispute among member as well as supporting the developing countries.

“The growing membership of the organisation, it’s a strong endorsement of its continued relevance’s,” he said.

Uhuru cautioned inadequate economic opportunities as barriers of not only

social, but also political instability which could aid extremism and violence.

He said the deliberations of the conference must be focused in unlocking the economic potential of the more than 100 countries involved.

The secretary General UN Conference on Trade and Development Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi also urged delegates to be optimistic and deliver a success at the week-long talks.

The opening ceremony was attended by Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Uganda Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and more than 6,000 delegates.

“In this few days, you all can play a role in

contributing to a world we all want, to an Africa we all want, to a WTO that we all want,” said Sirleaf.

“In this respect, the WTO should continue to assist countries in undertaking domestic structural reforms aimed at modernisation, diversification and improvement of business environments,” said Uhuru.

“For our part as Africans, even as we seek a deeper more beneficial role in the global economy, boosting regional integration is a priority. We know that increasing trade between ourselves will boost our economic growth, and create jobs for our youth,” he added.

Opposition leaders Raila Odinga (right) Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula during the opening of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi yesterday.

Publishers set to win big from free State laptop project for schools Book publishers, digital content authors and animators are set to reap big from the free laptop project set to be launched early next year after the government gave them a window to create digital content for the programme.

The project dubbed ‘Digital Learning Programme’ is designed to offer an opportunity for public school pupils to access education materials through the digital platform devices such as laptops, personal computers and tablets.

Speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Tuesday, Longhorn Publishers managing director Simon Ngigi said his firm signed a partnership pact with Samsung to make available its digitised content on its devices, and is also seeking similar partnerships with local mobile telecommunication firms

to increase its revenue.

“What we see in the coming years is that more revenue will be generated from the digital books,” said Ngigi.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the government will hold a digital content stakeholders conference in February to create awareness about the opportunities available and the process to be followed in approving digital education content.

“We have liberalised the development of digital content, all publishers and content developers are welcome to participate. The content will however be regulated by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to ensure standards are met as per curriculum objectives,” said Matiang’i.

He also launched the curriculum guidelines and training manual for primary school teachers on Information Communication

Technology (ICT) integration into the learning.

KICD has already completed developing five subjects for Class One in digital format, including Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English and Kiswahili.

To ease the learning process, different interactivities have been incorporated including animations, videos and audio cartoons and puppetry.

The education quality regulator said the curriculum guidelines for the execution of the programme have been completed. These include the requirement for a new universal platform and another for special needs education.

Also developed is a draft cloud education strategy that will be shared with stakeholders for review to ensure sound basis for content delivery.

CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH

MEAN 102.0579 155.3103 112.1783 6.4778 33.6575 21.1645

BUY SELL 101.9628 102.1529 155.1461 155.4744 112.0572 112.2994 6.4707 6.4849 33.5771 33.7378 21.0958 21.2332

Facebook to amend ‘real name’ policy after protests Facebook, the world’s leading social network, has announced that it is set to amend its controversial ‘real name’ policy after a series of passionate and at times angry pleas from various vulnerable communities.

The move, according to the firm, is as a result intense pressure, including reports of thousands of fake names every week.

The firm on Tuesday said it would test new tools that allowed people to share any special circumstances in which they feel they could not use their real names.

The tool was however intended to help users who may have suffered domestic abuse or in case where their sexuality could, put them in danger, the BBC reports.

Facebook has stood firm on insisting that subscribers should use their ‘real names’ in all, but the most but unusual situations.

“We require people to use the names their friends and family know them by because when they use their names they are known and are accountable for what they say,” the company said.

“After hearing feedback from our community, we recognise that it’s also important that this policy works for everyone, especially for communities, who are marginalised or face discrimination.

We’re firmly committed to this policy and it is not changing,” the company added. The site said it will also introduce a new tool for reporting fake names requiring anyone who is reporting another user to provide more context for their complaint.

“In the past, people were able to simply report a ‘fake name’ but now they will be required to go through several new steps,” the company said.

East Africa Trade and Investment Hub to hire consultants The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub), a five-year project funded by USAid with the objective to spur inclusive economic growth, is seeking independent consultants as part of its latest recruitment drive.

The Hub is looking for applicants with experience in Investment and Technology, particularly those working in ICT technology programe design, with specific experience for deployment of new technologies in the agri-business.

The group is also seeking an investment promotion consultant with key skills in working with Investment Promotion agencies in the region to identify investment opportunities, design materials to target investors, build investment promotion capacity within IPA regionally and support the packaging of large investment projects for

potential investment.

The group has announced that it also plans to hire experts in Agriculture and Agribusiness, particularly people specialising in Food Security, Food Nutrition, Seed Systems, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Agricultural technology, as well as Gender and Youth integration in regional agricultural value chains development.

The Hub is looking for Trade promotion and African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) workers, particularly a Macro-economist, a Footwear Consultant and an Apparel Consultant among others. The group has said those applying for the aforementioned positions must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant to the area applied for, though a Master’s Degree is preferred.

Donor countries pledge Sh9b aid for developing countries Fifteen donor countries have pledged $90 million (Sh9 billion) for Phase Two of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), which is dedicated to helping least-developed countries (LDCs) use trade as a vehicle for economic growth and poverty reduction.

The support was confirmed at a Pledging Conference in Nairobi on 14 December, held on the eve of the WTO’s Ministerial Conference. Phase Two of the EIF will begin on 1 January 2016, the Organisation has affirmed.

At the Conference, representatives from Australia, Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their strong support for this Aidfor-Trade programme. The Netherlands pledged EUR 400,000 (Sh45 million) and joined the EIF as a new donor. A number of donors who confirmed their pledges also announced that further contributions would be made during the course of Phase Two of the EIF. The Conference was co-chaired by Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, and Norway’s State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Morten Høglund.

“There is no doubt — the EIF has delivered for the LDCs,” Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said in his opening speech.

“The importance of the EIF in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth has been recognized by the global development

community. Research shows that every dollar invested in Aid for Trade — of which the EIF is part — results in about 20 dollars of exports for LDCs. This is very significant. It shows the value of these initiatives, especially for the poorest countries,” he added.

“Out of the 51 EIF countries, 35 are in Africa.

Building up African LDCs is in the interest of all of Africa. All five of Kenya’s neighbouring countries are LDCs and they all benefit from the support of the EIF. Kenya benefits from

having neighbours with stronger economies and reduced poverty. In Phase Two of the EIF, the stronger focus on regional aspects of trade will offer a great opportunity for countries like Kenya to contribute to stronger regional trade ties with its LDC neighbours,” Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Chair of the WTO’s Tenth Ministerial Conference, Amina Mohamed said.

World Trade Organisation Director-General Roberto Azevêdo speaks during the opening of the WTO 10th ministerial meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre yesterday.

its continued and deliberate investments in the people agenda which has now placed the Bank ahead of Africa’s biggest corporations when it comes to offering top-notch employee value proposition.

“The award sums up and recognises all the achievements the bank has achieved in the past year which is a confirmation of the brand’s excellence and supremacy and most befitting of our position as an industry leader,” said Mr Russo.

“The various employee reform programmes we have put in place in the recent past have truly set us apart from our peers who have

now had to play catch up and emulate our steadfast growth,” he added.

Employer Band was first used in the early 1990s, and has since become widely adopted by the global management community.

The process of employer branding is concerned with talent attraction, engagement and retention strategies deployed to enhance your company’s employer brand.

KCB has also been voted as one of the Most Attractive Employers of talent in Kenya by Universum, the global research firm in its Universum Talent Research 2015 Survey. The talent surveys conducted in Ghana, Kenya and

Nigeria polled a total of 3, 993 respondents in Kenya who were interviewed on which brands they would wish to work for and what attracts them to the said brands.Respondents were asked on which brands they prefer based on creative and dynamic work environment, professional training and development, good reference for future career, leadership opportunities and Innovation.

The bank recently reworked its staff proposition to match up with global employee management trends. Russo said the bank has put in place several employee reform programmes.

Calls mount for boycott of Thai shrimp imports United States politicians and human rights groups have called for a boycott of fish and shrimp products linked to slave labour in Thailand following a report by the Associated Press.

The report has revealed that shrimp producers in Thailand were forcing labourers to work 16 hours a day for little or no pay at all marketing its products in US, Europe and Asia.

According to the news agency report, a majority of workers could end up being tricked or sold into factories where they were forced to work without off time, some workers have been trapped for years and even locked

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

BIZ BRIEFS

AfDB lends Egypt Sh153 billion

The African Developing Bank (AfDB) has approved a $1.5 billion (Sh153 billion) loan to Egypt to be paid in three years, International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr has said. The minister confirmed that $500 million (Sh51 billion) of the said kitty will arrive within days and will be directed towards the government’s economic development programme among other national project ‘’We’ve a competitive economic reform programme that started more than a year back and based on that we’re taking the first tranche,’’ the former World Bank official told Reuters. Egypt is expecting to receive an additional funding of $1 billion from the World Bank at the end of the year to support the budget and could discuss potential IMF financing once parliament convenes. “The bank’s approval today is a strong message affirming that the Egyptian economy is moving at a steady pace,” said AfDB representative Leila Macadam.

Lobbyists stage WTO protest

KCB Group bags continental Employer Award KCB Group has been feted as Africa’s Best Employer Brand by the Employer Branding Institute at the second edition of the Africa Best Employer Brand Awards ceremony in Mauritius.

The annual awards are meant to recognise top organisations across Africa, which have excelled in building the employer brand as an employer of choice and have of late emerged as a stimulus in creating a culture of contribution and innovation at work.

KCB Group Human Resource director Paul Russo said the recognition is an important milestone for the Group as it goes a long way in affirming

BUSINESS 7

inside factories, BBC reports.

Chris Smith, a Republican Congressman from New Jersey who is also a member of the House foreign relations committee said,”All of us may find ourselves eating a slave-made product without knowing it, but once we know it, we all have a moral obligation, I believe, to make a personal decision to boycott it.”

However, the company which owns the brands including John West has said it would change its employment practice from January first 2016.

According to the Union, AP’s report was a ‘wake-up call’ to both the company and the

wider industry.

Its chief executive, Thiraphong Chansiri, said the use of internal labour was “a positive step towards our goal of ridding the Thai seafood sector of illegal labour practices”.

In July, Greenpeace called for a boycott of Thai after another AP report which had revealed abuses at Indonesian processing used by the firm.

The Thai embassy in Washington said it was investigating the allegations.

The embassy said: “We are determined to ensure that the country’s seafood supply chain is free of human trafficking and forced labour.”

The ongoing Tenth World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks have faced protests from civil societies that have voiced dissatisfaction on trade issues.

Protestors drawn from various WTO member countries staged a protest as delegates exited the opening plenary session at KICC. The protestors were armed with placards to express their disappointment at delay in solving issues that could help developing countries.

The organisations -- led by Jessa Boehner, International Program Associate at Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch in US — called on WTO members to remove barriers to food security and sustainable development and that any future WTO negotiations should focus on addressing imbalances in the existing WTO rules particularly regarding agriculture and Special and Differential Treatment (SDT).

The protestors advocated for fair trade for Least Developing Countries, especially in the case of agriculture reforms.

Domino’s buys Sh8.8b pizza chain

The companies that own Domino’s Pizza in the UK and Australia have set up a joint venture to buy Germany’s biggest pizza chain, Joey’s Pizza.

Joey’s Pizza has 212 stores across Germany with annual sales of €143 million (Sh16 billion). Germany is the world’s fourthbiggest pizza market and the deal is worth up to A$120 million (Sh8.8 billion).

The deal will increase the number of stores owned by Sydney-listed Domino’s Pizza Enterprises to 1,870, the BBC reports.

The joint venture will be two-thirds owned by the Australian company, with the remainder owned by the Londonlisted Domino’s Pizza Group, which already has operations in Germany. Don Meij, chief executive of Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, said that entering the German market represented a long-term growth opportunity.

8

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

WTO boss urges States to invest in least-developed countries

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa and the world’s least-developed countries (LCDs), Director-General Roberto Azevêdo has said.

Speaking during a ceremony in Nairobi yesterday, Azevêdo welcomed delegates to the WTO’s 10th Ministerial Conference for the second phase of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).

The EIF is a multi-donor programme, which helps leastdeveloped countries play a more active role in the global trading system. The programme has a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty.

“We are marking a new and exciting chapter for the EIF partnership today and I am delighted that we are doing so here in Nairobi, on the eve of the WTO’s Ministerial Conference,” the Director-General explained.

This is the first time that the WTO has held its Ministerial Conference in Africa, marking a milestone since the EIF’s work already supports 34 African LDCs. In five years, the first phase of the EIF has managed to reach out to over 50 beneficiary countries across the globe, supported over 40 analytical studies to help LDCs identify and address their main constraints to trade and supported 100 projects to build trade policy capacity.

Tullow strikes oil in Northern Kenya after Lokichar miss Oil exploration company Tullow Oil has discovered over 100 metres of oil in its Etom-2 well in Northern Kenya, the best reservoirs in the basin so far.

Tullow Oil Exploration Director Angus McCoss welcomed the discovery saying it further underpins the company’s development options and resource base.

The firm said on Tuesday that it will review the potential of the greater Etom area and neighbouring prospects to decide on its forward programme.

Following the discovery, Tullow Oil’s shares jumped as much as 7.7 per cent. The well’s objective was to explore the Etom structure in an untested fault block.

“Discovering this thick interval of high quality oil reservoirs further underpins our development options and resource base,” McCoss said in a statement.

“The result follows careful evaluation of 3D seismic data which was shot after the Etom-1 well and demonstrates how we have improved our understanding of the South Lokichar Basin.

Beware of virtual currencies, Central Bank cautions public The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public notice cautioning the public on virtual currencies such as Bitcoin. The attention of CBK was drawn to this matter following media reports on the use, holding and trading of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin in Kenya.

Bitcoin is an un-regulated digital currency that is not issued or guaranteed by any government or central bank. With regards to the fact that domestic and international money transfer services in Kenya are regulated

by the Central Bank of Kenya Act and other legislation, no entity is currently licensed to offer money remittance services and products in Kenya using virtual currency such as Bitcoin.

“This is to inform the public that virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are not legal tender in Kenya and therefore no protection exists in the event that the platform that exchanges or holds the virtual currency fails or goes out of business”, the cautionary statement read in part.

Some of the risks associated

with buying, holding or trading virtual currencies include their intractability and anonymity making them susceptible to abuse by criminals in money laundering and financing of terrorism activities.

Moreover, transactions in Virtual currencies are traded in exchange platforms that tend to be unregulated all over the world. Consumers may therefore lose their money without having any legal redress in the event these exchanges collapse or close business at any point. There is also

no underlying or backing of assets and the value of virtual currencies is speculative in nature. This may result in high volatility in value of virtual currencies thus exposing users to potential losses.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reiterates that Bitcoin and similar products that are categorized as virtual currencies are not in any way legal tender nor are they regulated in Kenya. The CBK has thus strongly warned that the public should desist from transacting in Bitcoin and similar products.

Coldwell Banker unveils Kenya’s first interactive window touch screen display Real estate company, Coldwell Banker Kenya has installed the country’s first ever interactive touch screen display, marking a milestone in window technology in the region.

The company -- which is the leading luxury real estate agency in the US -- is launching in Kenya, making the East African nation its first entry point into the continent.

Coldwell Banker’s new technology provides a touch screen platform where customers will be able to get information about the company by swiping through industry reports, going to the Coldwell Banker Kenya website, and searching for properties.

The technology, described as ‘interactive projection foil’, transforms the window’s glass

surface into a touch screen and is the latest equipment in touch sensitive display. The touch foil is applied directly to the glass and a projector is mounted from behind to make an interactive projection display.

“It is fixed from inside, but it projects on the outside and the screen is then calibrated to be touch sensitive. It is not external and thus there is no risk of it being damaged, as the whole technology is secured from the inside,” said Danielle Callaway, Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Kenya.

“It also demonstrates the new level of advanced technology that Coldwell Banker Kenya is bringing to the East African real estate sector, with innovation that spans into real estate management systems,

marketing tools and activities, and customer-centric services,” she said.

The display also acts as a promotion front for Coldwell Banker when the offices are closed over the weekends or during public holidays, as it is an advertising platform for properties and other complimentary services offered by Coldwell Banker Kenya.

“This is taking real estate promotion to the next digital level, reducing its carbon footprint, and deploying technology as a new way to connect to customers. This closes the gap in real-time interaction between usColdwell Banker - and the customer,” said Ms Callaway.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

ACCESS FASHION SCOOP

top story

We fix a tag and believe in an over simplified image of a particular, person, thing, race or tribe

PG11

TURNING

MEMES

into serious conversation

T

here is a meme doing rounds on the internet that has a creative depiction that the idea of Heaven for Luhyas is a place full of tea mugs. A paradise that will be flowing with tea and perhaps chicken!

We guess that it is true that all Kikuyu’s love money yet they are stingy and that, of course all Luo’s live life, theirs is a lifestyle!

With unlimited certainty, we label.

We fix a tag and believe in an over simplified image of a particular, person, thing, race or tribe.

We already know how they behave.

This is called stereotyping. Given the fun and games involved, the ills of stereotyping are normally ignored.

Nonetheless, the Creatives Garage has created a platform to have all social labels, talked about and demystified. In a five day exhibition, dubbed LEbo that premiered yesterday and set to conclude this Saturday, all talks will be about labels and conclusively so.

LEbo highlights that even though, these labels, now and then are fun to throw around, sometimes they can be upsetting and unsettling.

They may demoralize and create a

hidden animosity of some sorts and that’s why the Creative Garage feels the need to we have us talk about it.

At the installation, geeks, creatives, physco, Christians, Muslims, thugs, punks, sluts, tribe, race, men and women are all highlighted.

A particular worldview about them demystified creating a healing from deep within the heart for those that might have been hurt from the labeling.

According to Liz Kilili one of the exhibition coordinators of LEbo, the installation is a journey, towards an open heart and healing at various levels of the society.

“It’s about having a society that has not tagged persons, or individuals or groups of people in a particular view.

An Idea or a character.”

She adds that it a path towards dealing with hidden superiority and inferiority complexes that may be harmful to people especially the youth. Coming at a time when the country is faced with multiple problems the conversations at this exhibition will go a long way into helping withnational healing and cohesion. Sometimes it takes art to start a revolution, this may just be it.

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THE DESIGN AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS MAGAZINE OF THE FUTURE

10

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

HEALTH &FITNESS

Honey can be tHe all-natural cure wHen it comes to pesky colds

REASOnS wHY HOnEY wIll SAvE YOUR HEAlTH

WORKOUT

Honey contains a treasure chest of hidden nutritional and medicinal value for centuries. The sweet golden liquid from the beehive is a popular kitchen staple loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Honey’s scientific super powers contribute to its vastly touted health benefits for the whole body. Honey’s anti-inflammatory effects and ability to soothe coughs has led to the belief it can also reduce seasonal allergy symptoms

ways to build leg muscle

S

trengthening the muscles that support your knee will reduce stress on your knee joint. The less strain on your knee, the better the chances are for pain relief and preventing further injury. Having strong flexible muscles is the best way to keep your knees healthy and prevent further injury.

Start slowly. Building muscle strength takes time. As you get stronger, gradually increase the number of exercise repetitions or add weight to an exercise.

Do not ignore pain. You might feel discomfort because you are challenging your muscles, but not pain. If an exercise hurts, stop!

Straight leg lift: Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight.

Tighten the thigh muscles in your straight leg and slowly lift it until it is about a foot off the floor. Hold it for 3 to 5 seconds. Slowly lower your leg to the floor. Repeat and switch sides Single leg dip: Hold on to the back of a chair for balance. Plant your weight onto your supporting leg. Lift the other foot and bring the heel up toward your buttocks. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Slowly lower your leg.

Repeat and switch sides. Keep your knees together.

honey acts like a natural vaccine.” It contains small amounts of pollen, which if the body is exposed to small amounts of it, it can trigger an immune response that produces antibodies to the pollen. Honey can be the all-natural cure when it comes to pesky colds. A persistent cough that won’t go away can easily be remedied with two teaspoons of honey, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics. Children between the ages of 1 and 5 with nighttime cough

If you’re tired of your usual decorations year in year out, why not pick a theme this year?

due to colds coughed less frequently when they received two teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed.

Honey is a natural antibiotic that can act both internally and externally. It can also be used a s a conventional treatment f o r wounds and burns b y disinfecting wounds and sores from major species of bacteria.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GET YOUR HOME CHRISTMAS READY Christmas is the best time of the year to make your home sparkle with some clever lighting. Everyone loves fairy lights on the tree but adding them to your mantelpiece creates a festive glow that can flow from room to room. If you’re bored of just a large Christmas tree stuck in one corner every year, why not think about getting a several smaller trees to dot around the house? Artificial little trees are great for adding festive cheer to other areas of your home such

as the hallway, upstairs landing and even your bedroom.

Get the kids involved in making home-made decorations such as wreaths and fireside ornaments.

Make sure Santa doesn’t miss your house by using fun signs and placards. A ‘Santa stop here’ sign looks great outside the house or by the chimney – and it’s a good way to bribe the kids into behaving well by reminding them Father Christmas is on his way and he does not honour the wishes of naughty kids!

If you’re tired of your usual decorations year in year out, why not pick a theme this year? Think Mistletoe balls hanging from ribbon, and small toys, dried fruits and nuts hanging from the tree for a truly historical Christmas. It’s the

HAnDMADE CHRISTMAS CARDS

T

he art of handmade holiday cards is a treasure. This season, try your hand at one of our many holiday-card craft ideas. Whether the sentiment is embossed, decked in ribbon, or encasing a prized photograph, the extra time will be well worth it when your cards are opened.

Here is how to make a card by yourself.

You will need one plain matte

paper, a colored matte paper a pair of scissors a ruler a slim ribbon and glue. lStart by folding the plain matte paper into two.

Cut out shapes of your choice to suit the recipient of the cards from the colored matte paper and glue them to the plain matte paper. lYou can design the shapes that you cut out to give different

most important meal of the year, so don’t let your table decorations let the turkey down. A selection of different colored flowers in a clear vase make a great centerpiece.

Handmade place cards cut into shapes like Christmas trees or sprigs of holly will make your guests feel extra special.

If you want more than just a few lights hanging from the exterior of your house, why not invest in some freestanding rope lights in festive shapes such as reindeers and Santa to give a festive edge to your front lawn? Or you could get one with LED lights that will glow in the darkness, welcoming your guests to the perfect Christmas. Go all out its Christmas after all .Happy holidays!

DIY messages for instance, “MERRY CHRISTMAS, HO HO HO, SEASONS GREETINGS etc”. lYou could cut out shapes of a Christmas tree, a reindeer, a snow man or even flowers.

You could write a short message addressing the recipient of the card. Perhaps a name or so. lLastly you can wrap up the card using the ribbon.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER OCTOBER 28, 16,2015 2015

11

FASHIONScoop

@ star wars ForCe awakeNs worLd premiere

biLLie Luord: The Chinese belt was a perfect cinch.

sarah hyLaNd: She was all about the legs.

Lupita NyoNgo: Elegant with a little tease.

BrinG On The

T

eLizabeth baNks: She aced the floral.

gweNdoLyN Christie: She struck the perfect pose.

Willy Paul is a Preacher?

C

ontroversial gospel singer Will Paul ‘Msafi’ could have turned into a preacher. Willy took to his social media to preach peace and condemn the woes that are currently bedeviling the gospel industry.

He also noted that there is no need to fight and reminded his brother in Christ Bahati that God loves them both.

Willy also said that he will be releasing a new song and Bahati’s name is in it. wiLLy pauL

HOT TOPICS

GALAxy

he world Premiere of ‘The Force Awakens’, a sequel to the popular Star Wars franchise had been a hotly anticipated event and lived up to expectations Monday evening.

From fans camping outside the venue for days, tight security, a line up of distinguished guests and a tent-shredding red carpet, the premiere made history as the biggest film event of 2015. The stars had plenty to show on the red carpet.

L’ Oreal to support education for Albinism

A

fter a continued effort to protect Albinos LOreal East Africa has heard their plight and opted to support their education.

Nominated MP Isaac Mwaura on behalf of the Albinism Society of Kenya has signed a partnership with the beauty giant L’Oreal .Mwaura noted that he hopes the initiative will benefit people with Albinism. isaaC mwaura

daisy ridLey: Hello, Snow White.

Ghana actor John Dumelo to spend Christmas in Kenya Ghana’s top actor John Dumelo is scheduled to spend his Christmas in Kenya. The actor is said to have favored Kenya due to its serene and abundant wildlife. He is expected to jet in on Friday and spend a good time at the Maasai Mara.

JohN dumeLo

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Equipment could give you trouble today. You’re probably good at working with it, but when it comes to troubleshooting, you might not know as much as you should. Don’t make yourself crazy worrying about it. You’ll feel more confident and get a lot more done.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A friend’s lack of communication and perhaps even shortness with you could bring up your insecurities and have you wondering if this person still cares about you. Don’t worry. Your friend is upset, but not about you. He or she may be too caught up in difficulties to realize the problem.

WEDNESday 16/12/2015

sunny

22

21ºC 78%

THURsday 17/12/2015

More sun than clouds

21 6:22 am 6:34pm

21ºC 73%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 A member of your group may have gone away without telling anyone where he or she was going.

This could be worrisome for the rest of you, but don’t fret. Your friend is probably OK, but may just need to do some thinking alone. You have to accept that you won’t hear from this person today.

6:23 am 6:35 pm

FRIday

22

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

Yesterday’s Solution

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 You may not know the caller, the information might not make sense, or it might bring news that doesn’t feel right. Whatever you hear may be exaggerated if not false. If it’s important to you, check out the facts before jumping to conclusions and before passing it on to others.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 You may be getting worked up over nothing. Get all your paperwork together, focus on the facts, and see what’s really happening. Once you consult the actual figures and go over them a few times, you should find that you can handle the situation.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 deas for creative projects may be flooding your mind, but they may be too general or vague to grasp. Make a list if you like, but don’t feel you have to start anything today. You may need a few days to let the ideas churn around before settling on the best one to start. Be patient.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Have you been getting strange vibes from someone close to you? Chances are this person isn’t upset with you. He or she may be worried about upcoming changes in the professional environment.

All signs are that these worries are groundless. Offer to take your friend out to lunch and just listen.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 A current or potential love partner may drop out of sight and not return your calls. You could panic, wondering if your friend has lost interest. Don’t jump to conclusions. Your partner may be involved in other matters. Remember the old saying, “If you love something, let it go.”

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 This may be a fascinating and stimulating meeting, but there may be someone who likes to stir controversy and debate. Be aware of this possibility and short-circuit it if you can or this promising encounter could end with battered egos and bruised feelings.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 You might have a few difficulties. If you try to sign up by phone, the line may be busy. If you enroll online, the website might crash. Don’t get discouraged and give up. These are only temporary delays. You won’t want to miss the class. Keep trying!

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Do you have a lot of money in investments? Even if you have only a savings account or home equity, you could be a bit disconcerted when the stock market takes a nosedive. A lot is going on behind the scenes that the general public doesn’t know. The situation is temporary.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Don’t jump to the conclusion that your friend has found someone else. The problem is more likely to center on obstacles that your partner has encountered in achieving a cherished goal. When your friend decides to share this with you, you might be able to shed some light on the situation.

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13

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Outdated, in dictionaries 8. Annual Soap Box Derby city 13. Like a tiny town 14. Use a support 16. Kingdom 17. ___ Conventions 18. Left the building 19. Decade of flappers 21. They may be compact or floppy 22. Essen’s river 23. Jazz great Fitzgerald 24. Former ember 25. Well-ventilated 26. On ___ (winning) 27. Pesky 30. ___ deferens 31. Prohibited 33. Oxen connectors 35. Tear 36. Deficiency 40. Nemesis 42. Lay it on thick 43. Fashion inits.

46. Black, to Bocelli 47. 007 nemesis 48. Contents of some urns 50. Scottish seaport 52. Not passive 53. Women’s prison V.I.P.

54. Pleasing to the ear 56. Pamplona prey 57. Interns 58. ___ averages 59. Elves, to Santa or the shoemaker Down 1. Deprivation of oxygen 2. Neglectful 3. Small talk 4. Sharpens, as a knife 5. Dry as a bone 6. Metric starter 7. Buick model 8. Horatio of fiction 9. Avid 10. Loud speaker 11. Comment from a fan of the first number?

12. Short tales 13. Took too many meds 15. Consonants like M and N 20. “____ Love You” (Jay-Z and Kanye West collaboration) 22. ____ de Janeiro 25. Cross worn by goth kids 26. In a tizzy 28. Quite inquisitive 29. Syllable repeated for maximum annoyance

31. Pocket billiards game 32. Light work for musicians 34. Essential principle 35. Give a new title 37. Fairy-tale fiend 38. “My cup ___ over” 39. General ___’s Chicken 41. Bone filler 44. Brawl souvenir 45. Imposes, as a tax 47. ___ iniquity 48. ___ off the old block 49. Moments, in brief 51. Stella ____ (cookie brand) 52. “What ____!” (grateful buddy’s cry) 55. Ending with prefect or press

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY What the WTO can learn from Paris climate talks For many years, negotiators at the annual conferences of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change looked longingly at how the World Trade Organisation was able to negotiate effective international agreements.

Ironically, the Paris climate talks and the WTO negotiations, which is taking place this week in Nairobi, led to the opposite conclusion. Trade negotiators should emulate the progress made in the climate change agreements by moving away from a simplistic division between developed and developing countries.

For years, global climate change policy was hobbled by this division. In the Kyoto Protocol — the international agreement to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions — only developed countries committed to mandatory emissions reduction.

Developing countries had no obligations.

The stark demarcation made meaningful progress impossible, partly because the growth in emissions since the protocol came into force in 2005 has been entirely in the large developing countries. Moreover, even if developed countries were to eliminate their C02 emissions completely, the world cannot keep

global warming under two degrees centigrade unless China, India, Brazil, Korea, South Africa, Mexico, and Indonesia take meaningful action.

The WTO negotiations, launched in 2001 in Doha, remain at an impasse because of similar problems.

The negotiations are tied up because nearly all the obligations assumed by WTO members depend upon whether they claim to be developed or developing.

And since countries are allowed to self-designate, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, and the Gulf oil states seek to be treated the same as Ghana, Zambia, and Pakistan.

When developing countries accounted for a relatively small share of world trade, it was easy to grant all of them “special and differential treatment.” But it has become impossible for developed countries to agree to additional liberalization without meaningful marketopening concessions by the large emerging economies, which will account for the majority of world trade growth in the years to come. Even though they have already liberalized unilaterally, many of these countries currently avoid making concessions at the WTO by claiming treatment as developing

nations. Moreover, even those prepared to make concessions find it politically difficult to break ranks.

In the climate arena, the big break came in Durban, South Africa, in 2011, when countries agreed to achieve an outcome that carried legal force and was applicable to all parties.

In the trade sphere, nuanced approach with “differentiated responsibilities that reflect different capabilities” should be adopted by the WTO. Instead of all countries having to subscribe as either developed or developing countries, the WTO can finally move beyond the North-South divide that is embodied in almost every draft proposed in the current Doha round. The round may need to be terminated, and then newly launched with new guidelines.

The climate talks have shown that simplistic classifications of countries are a prescription for impasse.

Unless the WTO learns this lesson, it may become increasingly irrelevant, as coalitions of the willing turn to regional agreements to make what progress they can on international trade liberalization.

— Lawrence is a professor of international trade and investment at the Harvard Kennedy School

New Islamic anti-terrorism alliance long overdue A new military alliance by 34 mainly Islamic nations led by Saudia Arabia to fight ISIS is long overdue.

Countries from Asia, Africa and the Arab world are involved in the alliance amid international pressure for Gulf Arab states to do more in the fight against so-called Islamic State.

This is a clear indication that the Arab states are not party to acts of terrorism being meted out on innocent lives across the globe, It is also a warning the militants that they will not be allowed to commit crime and hide under their religion. The idea to incorporate many countries will widen the scope of the alliance to match that of the militants who have spread

all over world.

The alliance comprises of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Guinea, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinians, Qatar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Our hope is that they will indeed implement the agenda of the alliance and that the alliance will not be used to commit atrocities All countries and the West must back the alliance to give it relevance.

— Sherryl Mbogo

State should evacuate Kenyans in Burundi It is unfortunate that the government has not sprang into action to evacuate Kenyans in Bujumbura, Burundi at a time that violence is swirling in the East Africa state.

It is even more saddening to listen to foreign affairs Principle Secretary Karanja Kibicho say the government is assessing the situation to decide if the threshold is high enough for them to embark

on evacuation while reports indicate more than 90 people have already lost their lives in recent violence attacks.

What other assessment is the government going to conduct before salvaging lives of its citizens? Or probably the funds to conduct the evacuation have been embezzled?

Other countries such as the United States have evacuated its citizen further warning

its citizens from travelling to Burundi.

Our government still holds the reactive culture other than being proactive in dealing with such delicate matters.

It is the mandate of the government to protect its citizens from all forms of violence and as such our fellow citizens in Burundi need to be safely brought home.

— Nderitu, Makongeni

We want to see action after WTO summit

African countries should seize the opportunity during World Trade Organisations summit in Nairobi and negotiate for better economic deals.

The ministers attending the conference should come out with viable policies that will propel Africa’s economies.

Such meetings have always been dominated by good talks, policies and powerful presentations from various experts, but little has been heard after the conferences.

African countries are known for attending such world class conferences, but have

Send your letters to news@254.co| Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

little to show, it should not be the same this time round.

The government in particular should not let the opportunity slip by as the country is in dire need of economic boost.

— Anonymous

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

SPORTS BRIEFS

TROUBLED DEN: AFC Leopards fans during a past derby match at Nyayo National Stadium. The club has been dogged by unending leadership wrangles between two warring factions.

Messi, Neymer miss out of Uefa dream team Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar have been left out of Uefa’s Champions’ League Group stage first XI despite the pair contending for the Ballon d’Or award.

Luis Suarez, Barca’s top scorer with five goals in Group E, also missed out. The trio scored 10 goals among them as Barcelona became the first to qualify with 14 points.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Zenit St Petersburg’s Hulk and Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller make up Uefa’s attacking unit in the 4-3-3 formation. Ronaldo, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, scored 11 goals during Madrid’s group campaign. Messi only played three matches in the opening stage, scoring three goals, after missing seven weeks of the season with a knee injury. Chelsea’s Willian and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling made the cut.

Brazilian Willian scored five goals, while Sterling grabbed three, with two coming in the final group game.

NOCK agrees to send Lioness to Rio games

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has accepted to take the national women’s Rugby team to next year’s Rio Olympics. Kenya, who missed the Olympics qualification to South Africa in the continental qualifiers took South African slot after South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the South African Rugby Union failed to agree on whether to send a team to Brazil next year. After consultation with South Africa, World Rugby gave Kenya the African slot in Rio games set for August next year. “Kenya are at the forefront of women’s rugby in Africa and we look forward to seeing them representing their nation and the continent at the Games alongside the men’s team,” World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset was quote on RagaHouse saying.

The world’s top women’s seven players will make history when they become the first rugby players to compete for an Olympic Games medal in 92 years. Twelve-teams competing over three days from August 6.

Ferrari threaten to skip F1 over change of rules

Ferrari have warned they would pull out of the Formula 1 Race if the rules of the race are bent in “ways they do not like.”

Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne said quitting was “possible but very, very unlikely”, adding: “Ferrari would find other ways to express its ability to race and win. “Ferrari cannot be put in a corner on its knees and say nothing.” The warning comes as F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for the sport to switch to cheaper, simpler engines. Marchionne’s remarks are the latest development in an ongoing power struggle in F1 between the road-car manufacturers on one side and Ecclestone and Jean Todt, president of governing body the FIA, on the other. The manufacturers succeeded last month in killing off a plan

by Todt and Ecclestone to introduce a cheaper alternative engine that would race alongside the turbo hybrids. That followed the use of Ferrari’s contractual right of veto in October to block a move by Todt to force a cap on the price at which engines are sold to customer teams.

Sports Registrar linked to AFC Leopards wrangles Sports Registrar Rose Wasike will today afternoon appear before the Sports Dispute Tribunal after being summoned to clear the air on AFC Leopards leadership wrangles.

Wasike, who was enjoined in the case where two factions led by Dan Mule and Mathew Opwora are engulfed in leadership squabbles has been accused by some club member of being behind the woes bedeviling the club after her office allegedly registered two groups.

According to documents in possession of X-Sport, the Sports Registrar office acknowledged Mule’s group in February before registering Opwora’s faction in March.

Each group has since claimed the club ownership even after the government, through Sports Commissioner’s office revoked Opwora’s acknowledgment letter in October.

The hearing of this case was to take place at the tribunal, but Mule’s group moved to

the High Court challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction to listen to the case.

According to some club officials, the tribunal which suspended the club’s December 12 election does not have the jurisdiction to listen to a case filed by AFC because it is not a club, but an organisation registered under societies Act. According to an order sought at the High Court, the tribunal is also expected to appear at the Milimani Court, this time as a witness.

AFC Leopards- Facebook branch secretary Victor Milimi said only Wasike and the Ministry of Sports can get the club out of the squabbles by clearly stipulating who the genuine are.

Milimi claimed the ministry and the registrar’s office have been misused by some of the ‘imposters’ in destabilising the club all year.

“The office is to blame for messing the 2015 season for the club and scaring away

potential sponsors with their inefficiency after accepting documents from fake officials and undermining the integrity of the club membership and our glorious history as well.

“We would like the courts to solve this matters as soon as possible, but above all, we expect the rights of club members to carry the day.

We are better off poor and stable than have all these drama engineered using government agencies such as the controversial letter from the ministry which was revoked after members lodged an appeal.”

“Mathews Opwora and his crew had their case dismissed at Milimani Law Courts and seeking shortcuts in the Sports Tribunal is raising suspicion. The club belongs to members.”

With the new season beckoning, it will be interesting to see how the club will handle the wrangles. Ingwe is also looking for a sponsor after Mumias Sugar Company pulled out citing financial challenges.

Dandora, Kahawa to face off as Koth Biro matches resume Dandora Indomitable will be up against visiting Kahawa All Stars when Koth Biro action resumes on Wednesday with a pulsating Group H Round Four threematch thriller on the card.

A win for Dandora will extend Kahawa All Stars, who are seated at the bottom of the group miseries.

The highlight of the day will be a riveting encounter pitting last year’s losing finalist MASA currently leading the group with nine points against the highlyrated Nyoi PAWA 254, third on the log with six points from three games.

Nyoi, who last week gifted Borussia Dortmund three points after chaos marred their match have acquired the services of Gor Mahia’s prolific goal-poacher and Sportesa Premier League Most Valuable Player Michael ‘Engineer’ Olunga and hope to punish opponents.

Flamingo FC from Umoja will hope Gor Mahia’s Eric Agwanda and Thika United’s Francis Kahata are on their elements tomorrow when they take on Borussia Dortmund in the final match of the day.

Yesterday, Headquarter FC, Langata Gremio and Help Them

Lord all collected maximum points in the Round Four Group G matches played at Umeme Sports Grounds.

Headquarter FC managed their third victory with a 2-0 hammering of Githurai All Stars to ascend to the top of the group, above Lang’ata Gremio.

Last year’s quarter finalist Help Them Lord led by DJ Chris Darling had an easy cruise after they were awarded two goals and three points after Kariobangi All Stars failed to arrive at the venue on time.

In the last match of the day, an early second half strike by Hassan

Feisal was enough to hand Lang’ata Gremio all the crucial three points at the expense of Blue Stars who are hanging on the edge without any win in the group stage.

Githurai All Stars failed to shine on the muddy pitch as they could not capitalise on their chances, before being punished gripping their fate of progressing to the next stage.

Headquarters FC shot-stopper Collins Oliech had a stroll in the park on both halves as the purple clad strikers led by Nashon Thiong’o and Kelvin Njuguna denied the keeper action as they fired blanks.

SPORT 15

Fifa boss Blatter likens his probe to Inquisition Suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter has compared the investigation against him to “the Inquisition”, saying he would rather shut up.

The term Inquisition in Spanish is colloquially used to describe being asked questions which one does not feel the need to answer.

Blatter, 79, made the claim in a letter sent to all 209 national football associations, including Football Kenya Federation (FKF) reiterating his innocence.

The Swiss was banned for 90 days from all football activities last October, along with Uefa president Michel Platini.

Both deny any wrong doing. Blatter and Platini, 60, will have personal hearings with Fifa’s ethics committee this week.

The world football’s governing body is investigating allegations that a Sh135 million payment was made in 2011 for work Platini did as Blatter’s adviser.

Blatter also criticised the ethics committee’s process, accusing them of “seeking the maximum penalty and strengthening the public attitude” which leads to “prejudice”.

He added: “This process brings to my

mind the practices of the Inquisition.”

Blatter and Platini’s hearings will take place before the Fifa ethics adjudicator Hans-Joachim Eckert at an undisclosed location.

Both men will have separate hearings which, taken together, could stretch over three days and both are entitled to bring legal teams with them. A verdict could

come as early as December 21.

Platini’s bid to have his 90-day provisional ban from football lifted was denied by the Court of Arbitration of sports on December 11. The Frenchman still hopes to be a candidate to replace outgoing president Blatter in the Fifa presidential elected on February 26, but can only stand if he is cleared.

UNDER PROBE: Beleaguered Fifa president Sepp Blatter is set to appear before Fifa ethics adjudicator Hans-Joachim Eckert for questioning.

It is time to justify our fat wages, Fabregas tells Chelsea players Chelsea’s players need to justify their “big wages” and start playing like “big players”, says Blues’ Cesc Fabregas.

The floundering Premier League champions are only one point above the relegation zone after Monday’s ninth defeat of the season at Leicester City. This comes after manager Jose Mourinho said his “work was betrayed” by his players.

“If you are a big player, and paid like a big player, you must play like a big player and behave like a big player,” said the Spain midfielder.

“I am not saying you cannot have a bad season and bad games, but the attitude must Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is the latest to challenge Chelsea players to up their game after manager Jose Mourinho accused them of betraying him. Chelsea lost to Leicester City 2-1 on Monday.

be spot on.

“We must always be at the top of our games, and the behaviour has to be better than what we are seeing right now from every single Chelsea player.”

Chelsea are 16th with only 15 points following the defeat by table-topping Leicester. In Premier League history, when teams have had 15 points from 16 games, they have finished, on average, in 17th position - one place above the drop zone.

Mourinho says he does not believe t h e

Stamford Bridge club are in a relegation battle.

However, former Blues winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 live that the Portuguese should not “ignore the concept” of going down and that injuries could make it “even more difficult” to avoid being dragged into a “battle” to avoid the drop.

“You have to be realistic a b o u t r e l e g a t i o n ,” s a i d

Nevin. “Absolutely do not ignore it. When you lack confidence that can spread through the team, all can go against you.”

“I don’t think they’ll go down, but don’t bury your head in the sand. It’s a possibility so don’t ignore it,” he added.

“I did not think they’d be down there after 16 games.

What about 20 games? What about 23 or 24? Then you start thinking about it.”

Fabregas, speaking at a Facebook question and answer session, added: “Right now is not the time to think of where we might finish, we’ve been saying it almost all season.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

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