201502012 xnew

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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presidential plea sign pact and let kenyans win, kenyatta urges governors

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PHONE market huawei on a roll as honor 6+ drives sales

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fund raising rapper juliani pitches art hub idea to bank chief

NEWS

new premier league sponsor to hike benefits for players

wenger worried over midfielder aaron ramsey’s muscle injury

File in ‘assassination plot’ linked to Betty Tett recalled

T

he Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko today recalled a file in which former assistant minister Betty Tett has been linked to a murder conspiracy by the man she is alleged to have hired to assassinate a business rival.

The hearing of the case was subsequently adjourned before a court in Kibera to allow the DPP to give further directions in the case.

This is however despite protests from the intended victim’s lawyer Cliff Ombeta who wants Ms Tett to be charged alongside John Linus Wachira, the alleged hit-man.

Ombeta complained that the Ms Tett is yet to be arraigned in court yet investigations have been completed and her file taken to the DPP for approval.

“We have raised a similar complaint with the director of criminal investigations Ndegwa Muhoro and the officer in charge of investigations

at the CID headquaters, the questions we are asking is that why has the suspect not been produced before court to be enjoined in the matter,” he told reporters outside the court.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Mourning the late Hon. Muchai

P.8

Cecilia Mwangi’s mother killed The mother of the former beauty queen was found in a chicken coop with strangle marks on her neck

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SOMBRE MOOD: President Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders attend the Memorial Service of the late Member of Parliament for Kabete, George Muchai, at Kanyariri Primary School grounds in Kiambu County.

Fashion scoop x-news.co.ke

The Nairobi Elegance Affair is back and will take place on Valentine’s Day at the Railway Museum

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NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

File in ‘murder plot’ linked to Betty Tett recalled From Page 1

He said the file in which Tett had been adversely mentioned had been transferred to the DPP for subsequent charging yet nothing has taken place since.

The prosecution had requested Kibera Senior Resident Magistrate Brian Khaemba for a month’s adjournment to allow the DPP peruse and give further advice in the case. They return for a

mention on March 16.

In the case John Linus Wachira is charged with conspiring to kill Andrew White.

He is however out on a bond pending the determination of the case.

Ms Tett was questioned in connection with the planned murder but her file still awaits approval from the DPP. It is alleged that Tett hired Wachira to

eliminate White but the plot leaked after the hit-man attempted to extort more money from the intended target than he had been paid for the hit.

The police initially said the former nominated MP would appear in court as a second suspect in connection with the conspiracy.

Wachira has since denied a charge stating

that between august 1 and December 29, 2014 at an unknown place in Nairobi he jointly conspired with others not before court to kill White.

A preliminary investigation had implicated Tett after M-Pesa transfers were made from her phone to the alleged hit-man along with explicit instructions.

It is said that she wanted White

eliminated after her business fortunes had suffered as a result of his company providing competition.

The hit-man allegedly approached the target of elimination and demanded Sh3 million to drop the plot. He was arrested on December 29 before making the allegations and availing his phone records.

SYSTEMS CHECK: IEBC officers test the electronic poling systems ahead of the Homa Bay senatorial by-election. The number of voters at polling stations was high in the early hours of Thursday, but dwindled as the day broke.

low turnout as Homa Bay elects new senator Voting in Homa Bay got underway this morning amid tight security across the county.

Casting of ballots started shortly after 6 am when the 878 polling stations opened for voters to pick a new senator to replace the late Otieno Kajwang who died last year.

No ugly incidences had been reported by the time of going to press.

Long queues were witnessed across many polling stations in the morning but the numbers dissipated as time went by.

326,505 registered voters were expected

take part in the mini poll.

“I would wish to participate in choosing a leader who deserves the post. I would also wish to come back in the evening so that I can as counting takes place,” Rose Abok, a voter at Obambo Primary School in Homa Bay town constituency told Capital FM. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said the exercise was proceeding smoothly and urged voters to remain calm.

“All polling stations are open with a few hitches here and there in terms of limitations to agents at the stations. There

is peace largely across the county,” he said.

Security was beefed up yesterday after 2,000 police officers were deployed to the region following intelligence reports that warned of the possibility of chaos that may disrupt the exercise.

Five of the eight candidates in the race cast the vote as ODM’s Moses Kajwang’ escorted his family members to vote at Waondo Primary School in Mbita at about 8am. Kajwang is not registered as a voter in the county. Philip Okundi of Maendeleo Democratic Party at

Kouyo Kochia Primary School while Hillary Alila cast his ballot at Homa Bay Polytechnic.

Meanwhile, polling clerks remained vigilant to detect possible double registration of voters.

The County Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer Maurice Raria said they had provided a list of names of double registered voters to the clerks.

Raria said voters who are registered twice will be arrested if they turn up at polling stations.

“We will have a list of voters who have registered more than once. There could be multiple and not just double but if the voters turn up to cast their ballot, they will be arrested since it is an electoral offence,” he said at Homa Bay Agricultural Training Centre.

The institute will be used as the county vote tallying centre.

IEBC vice chair Lillian Mahiri said polling centres will close at 5.00pm but time may be extended if voters are caught by the deadline while still in the queue.

IS MONEY ALLOCATED TO COUNTY GOVERNMENTS PROPERLY USED? WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY?

voxpop....

Endinal Nyainda, student, KU

No. Hospitals, schools and other public organisations lack equipment or are rundown. This means the funds are misused.

The Government should appoint people to move to counties and supervise ongoing projects.

Onyango Oloo, Contractor No. The money is only used to enrich county officials. From the houses they (politicians) build for themselves and the cars they buy, we can testify that the cash has been misused.

The Government can do nothing because they only appoint “friends” as county officials.

Mercelyne Anyango, Population Health No. CDF is supposed to be for the greater good of citizens but if you look around, you see no progress in counties.

The Government should do a review every month with the county officials to ensure the cash is properly used.

Willis Otieno, Electrical engineer No. From roads to hospitals, one can clearly see that county officials are misusing the cash because they are in a bad state.

Where does all the money go if they cannot afford to pay nurses?

NEWS 3 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

CARTOONSPEAK

Governors secure more cash for counties

Scientists discover best ways to take perfect selfies People will soon be able to choose the perfect selfie from their photo albums, a Barcelona subsidiary of tech company, Yahoo has revealed.

Researchers have found a mathematical system, otherwise known as an algorithm, which can spot the ‘beauty’ in photographs and determine what makes a great selfie.

They say their work could improve the quality of snaps that people post online.

To come up with their system, the experts used 10,000 photographic portraits, which were rated by selfie enthusiasts.

‘Selfies’ have become a phenomenon, and recent studies show that images with faces are more popular than other pictures in online social networks.

On social platforms like Instagram, they are 38 per cent more likely to get ‘likes’.

They say that the ‘aesthetic score’ (appeal) of an image is related to specific features like the sharpness of facial landmarks, image contrast, exposure, uniqueness, and originality.

They team say their algorithm is significantly better than other machine-based attempts to recognise beauty.

End of road for 14-seater PSVs

Governors have struck a deal with the national government for a Sh32 billion increase in revenue allocation for the next financial year.

Counties will now receive Sh258 billion up from the Sh226 billion that was allocated this year. This follows a meeting chaired by Deputy President William Ruto and attended by Governors, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA) yesterday. “We have agreed to raise the equitable share to Sh258 billion, now this clears the way for us to finalise documents before the deadline which is February 15th,”said Rotich.

Briton charged with murder of Kenyan girlfriend A Briton accused of killing his Kenyan girlfriend whom he met on Facebook was today charged with murder at the Milimani High Court. Carl Singleton is accused of killing Peris Ashley Agumbi in Gachie in November last year after allegedly flushing her diabetes medicine in the toilet.

Mpesa owner shot dead in Waithaka SOON TO RETIRE: 14-seater matatus could be phased out by the end of the year after the government published a new regulation that will deny them licences to operate.

14-seater matatus could be phased out by the end of the year after the government published a new regulation that will deny them licences to operate.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau published the regulation in a legal notice dated December 15, 2014.

This was revealed yesterday after

Majority Leader Aden Duale tabled it in the National Assembly for consideration.

“The National Transport and Safety Authority shall not licence any new PSV as commuter service vehicle whose carrying capacity is less than 25 passengers from January 1, 2016,” the notice says. This will set the stage for re-

newed clash pitting the ministry and matatu owners who have always opposed the move.

The matter has remained a delicate one for implementation over the last ten years. However, President Uhuru Kenyatta last year offered hope to the matatu owners when he declared that a blanket ban on 14-seater matatus

is not appropriate. “After wide consultations between my government and stakeholders, it has become clear that a blanket ban on 14-seater matatus especially for long distance transport, may not be appropriate at this time,” Mr Kenyatta said last November during the National Delegates Conference of matatu owners

in Nairobi. Already, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has referred the notice to the parliamentary committee on Transport for scrutiny. The Committee will either recommend its adoption or withdrawal. The government has always argued that phasing out the 14-seaters will help reduce traffic jams.

An Mpesa owner was last night shot dead by gunmen in a robbery incident in Waithaka area, Nairobi. The man had resisted a robbery on his shop after the gang on a motorbike struck. According to police, the gang had arrived at the shop and demanded cash. A confrontation ensued, then the man after he was shot twice in the chest. The gang grabbed an unknown amount of money before escaping.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Raila faces stiff challenge over 2017 ticket: ODM leader Raila Odinga faces stiff challenge from his Cord co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula, who also want the coalition’s presidential ticket in 2017. The decision by all three to declare their presidential candidatures is seen as a way of consolidating their individual support bases to bargain their way to the ballot.

Last weekend, the former Prime Minister, campaigning for ODM in Homa Bay, said that he would be on the ballot in the 2017 elections, come what may...

MP killing: Puzzle of bungled police probe: Police investigations into the shooting of Kabete MP George Muchai and his three aides in the centre of Nairobi appear to have degenerated into confusion and a farce of conflicting leaks. Even though the shooting took place in the heart of the capital within sight of some of the country’s most sensitive and secure installations — Immigration headquarters in Nyayo House, a major intelligence installation on Loita street and the General Post Office, among others — no special effort seems to have been made....

Sh5.6 billion teachers’ medical cover cancelled: Up to 288,000 teachers will have to wait longer for their much-fought-for medical scheme after their employer cancelled the tender it had awarded an insurance firm. The Teachers Service Commission ( TSC) and Aon Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited are due to appear before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) tomorrow, to argue their case for and against the nullification of the Sh5.6 billion tender that would have seen teachers enjoy outpatient, inpatient, dental and optical services...

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NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Sign pact and let Kenyans benefit, President Uhuru tells governors President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday appealed to governors to sign agreements for the new Sh38 billion medical equipment launched last week.

Governors have remained apprehensive over the plan to equip hospitals in the 47 counties interpreting it as a scheme to wrestle the devolved health function from them.

But Mr Kenyatta yesterday said Kenyans stand to benefit from project that seeks to have at least two hospitals in each county equipped with intensive care units, cancer diagnosis equipment and treatment, dialysis machines among others.

While speaking in Nairobi at a function attended by the city governor Evans Kidero and his Trans-Nzoia counterpart Patrick Khaemba, Uhuru told the two to lead the way in signing agreements so that Kenyans can start enjoying the benefits of the medical equipment procured by the national government but supposed to be managed by the devolved governments.

The medical equipment were procured under the Managed Equipment Service Programme (MESP) but since President Kenyatta launched the programme

last week, the governors have declined to sign the necessary agreements on the grounds that they were not consulted.

The new medical equipment are aimed at providing specialised healthcare through an innovative project where manufacturers install and manage modern machines in Kenyan hospitals across the country.

The project will provide each of the selected hospitals with modern theatre equipment, surgical and sterilisation equipment, laboratory equipment, kidney dialysis equipment, ICU facilities, digital X-ray machines, ultrasound and imaging equipment.

Mr Kenyatta said it was wrong for the governors to continue criticising the national government as Kenyans continued suffering from chronic diseases like cancer.

He challenged the governors to end what he termed as perennial criticism of his administration.

He was speaking at the Survey of Kenya headquarters along Thika Road in Nairobi where he opened the new National Titling Centre and witnessed the released of the first batch of 750,000 new look digitised title deeds.

The title deeds are safe, secure and tamper-proof.

RIGHT CLICK, SAVE: President Uhuru Kenyatta with Deputy President William Ruto at National Titling Centre to assess progress of phase 2 of digitisation of issuance of title deeds. He appealed to governors to sign agreements for the new Sh38 billion medical equipment launched last week.

Ebola cases show rise for second week in row

DEADLY VOYAGE: A boat packed with African migrants approaches the coastline of Lampedusa, Italy, the gateway for illegal migrants entering Europe.

UN: 300 migRANTS FEARED DEAD iN mEDiTERRANEAN SEA TRAgEDY At least 300 migrants are feared to have drowned after attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa this week in rough seas, the UN says.

UNHCR official Vincent Cochetel said it was a “tragedy on an enormous scale”.

Survivors brought to the Italian island of Lampedusa said they were forced to risk the bad weather on ill-equipped vessels by human traffickers in Libya.

They were rescued from two of four dinghies that got into

trouble after leaving Libya for Europe on Saturday.

The Italian coast guard rescued 105 people on Monday after one of the dinghies overturned but 29 died after spending several hours in the water.

Those rescued on Wednesday morning had spent days drifting without food or water in two of the other dinghies - with each said to be carrying more than 100 people.

The survivors said the fourth dinghy, carrying an estimated 100 migrants, disappeared at

sea.

Carlotta Sami, a spokeswoman for the UNHCR, said the victims had been “swallowed up by the waves,” with the youngest a child of 12.

“This is a tragedy on an enormous scale and a stark reminder that more lives could be lost if those seeking safety are left at the mercy of the sea,” Mr Cochetel said in a statement.

The UN said the latest incident should be a message to the European Union that the current search and rescue operation in

the Mediterranean was inadequate.

“Europe cannot afford to do too little too late,” Mr Cochetel added.

The survivors of the latest incident were from the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Mali and Mauritania, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

One survivor was quoted in Italian media as saying the migrants had been forced to make the journey in bad weather from the Libyan capital Tripoli .

The number of new cases of Ebola has risen in all of West Africa’s worst-hit countries for the second week in a row causing alarm over the containment of the spread of the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the second weekly increase in cases in 2015, ending a series of encouraging declines. The WHO said on Wednesday that Sierra Leone had registered 76 of the 144 new cases, Guinea 65 and Liberia three.

More than 9,000 people have died from Ebola since December 2013.

The WHO said that the increase highlights the “considerable challenges” that must still be

overcome to end the outbreak.

“Despite improvements in case finding and management, burial practices, and community engagement, the decline in case incidence has stalled,” the UN health agency said in a statement. Only last month, scientists tracking the Ebola outbreak in Guinea said the virus is fast mutating in what could further hampers containment efforts.

And in another development, US President Barack Obama has said he will withdraw nearly all US troops helping to combat the disease in Liberia.

SCREENING: A health worker, left, uses a thermometer to screen a man at a makeshift road block run by Guinean security forces outside the town of Forecariah, Guinea.

xnews | THURsday, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

NEWS BRIEFS

BUSINESS

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

MEAN BUY SELL 91.5094 91.6372 91.5733 139.4433 139.6294 139.5364 103.5533 103.7250 103.6392 7.8334 7.8510 7.8422 31.2209 31.3410 31.2810 19.9155 20.0526 19.9840

DT Dobie moves office from College House to Msa Road

Why Kenyans won’t smile as oil prices dip Kenya and other East African countries may not benefit from a significant fall in global oil prices due to insufficient storage equipment.

A recent report states that the nations will have to cope with what some term as ‘unfair’ prices, given the global trend

of falling rates. Global oil prices fell by almost 50 per cent last year but a litre of Super petrol only dropped by Sh9.13, barely a 10 per cent drop.

Diesel prices fell by Sh7.50 and kerosene by Sh5.78 at the start of the year. Deloitte East

Africa’s latest report ‘Falling Oil Prices – Winners and Losers’, states that failure to set up sufficient storage facilities among East African countries means the region will not benefit from a chance to accumulate cheap stockpiles, CNBC Africa reports.

DT Dobie, one of the country’s leading motor vehicle dealers, have moved showrooms from College House in CBD to a spacious building along Mombasa Road, near ole Sereni Hotel.

The facility will be open for business from February 16, 2015. It enjoys ample space for displaying a selection of Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Dodge, Jeep brands and Hyundai light trucks.

Zarak Khan, Managing Director of DT Dobie, said: “By moving to Mombasa Road, we will serve the growing southern part of Nairobi and complement our Lusaka Road facility and strengthen customer service for Industrial Area. Our Westlands branch near Sarit Centre will continue to cater for motorists on the other side of the city.”

“Staff formerly working at College House have been deployed to Lusaka and Mombasa roads and are keen to boost customer service using better facilities in more easily reached locations.”

Govt to issue 800,000 titles At least 800,000 new title deeds will be distributed across the country in coming weeks as promised by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking when he officially opened the New Titling Centre in Nairobi, President Kenyatta said the plan is in line with his government’s goals as stipulated in the Jubilee Manifesto.

“When we came to government two years ago, we promised to distribute at least 3 million title deeds. Many people doubted our promise but we are on our way to reaching our target,” he said.

The President said the deeds have been processed by the Ministry of Lands and are awaiting distribution.

He dismissed claims that his government was distributing the deeds for political reasons, saying

the country will benefit economically through increased investment.

“We are not doing this for political reasons. We just want Kenyans to benefit and realise the full value of their land to improve their lives,” he said.

He said he will travel to different parts of the country to distribute the deeds.

Speaking at the event, Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu said the new titling centre would curb challenges in the sector. He said the processing of the documents will be automated to reduce chances of forgery and tampering.

“We have been encountering a lot of resistance and interference from those opposed to having order in the land sector. Issuing the new deeds is a game changer for the economy,” said Ngilu.

service upgrade: President Kenyatta listens to Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu during the official opening of the New Titling Centre in Nairobi.

the industry 10m jobs at risk in climate threat to fishing Up to 10 million jobs in the fisheries sector may be lost to extreme weather changes in Sub Sahara Africa.

Kenya and Ethiopia, which are the most affected by the phenomenon, may lose up to 10,000 fish daily. The loss is likely to strain food security, says a report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

Majority of those who rely on fish are poor communities.

IIED experts say policy experts have overlooked the sector in the development of plans to adapt to climate change, mainly because little is known of the role fisheries play in fighting poverty and food insecurity.

The experts say rising temperatures due to climate change, along with increasing salinity and ocean acidification, could cut supplies, destroy habitats and affect fish migration patterns.

Smaller catches will result in fewer fish to eat and export, leading lower incomes for fishermen, mongers, exporters and other stakeholders.

Experts say climate change is likely to displace some species across national borders, making it economically unviable and politically difficult for fishermen to follow them.

A new report, co-authored by Zenebe Bashaw Uraguchi of Swissbased organisation, Helvetas Intercooperation, says fisheries should be a top priority in strategies to adapt

to climate change. Given the growing threat of climate change to the sector, Uraguchi warns against over-relying on fish as the sole source of protein and income.

The study shows that lower availability of fish leads to higher hunger rates and experts have called for diversification of dietary habits, sources and livelihoods.

jobs threat: A fisherman takes away daily harvest from Lake Victoria. Ten million jobs may be lost in the sector to weather changes in Sub Sahara Africa.

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BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Centum enters deal to Biz GADGET Huawei Honor 6+ take sip of beer market NSE-listed Centum Investment Group has signed a local distributorship contract with Danish brewer Carlsberg, the Business Daily reports.

The move will see the company which recently announced multibillion shilling projects in real estate and energy, enter the beer market with the distributorship of the premium beer.

Centum says that the product will target middle class consumers,

adding that the move will also be part of the company’s plans to diversify revenue streams and gulp a few pints of the alcohol market dominated by the East African Breweries (EABL).

“We are targeting the premium beer market segment. There is space for growth given that Kenya’s per capita consumption of beer remains very low,” Centum chief executive James Mworia told the Business Daily

on Monday.

The deal between Centum and Carlsberg Group was signed mid last year to exclusively sell its beer brands in Kenya.

Depending on the sales volumes, Centum prospects to set up a beer bottling plant by the end of the year.

Centum further told the local daily that acquisition of the Carlsberg franchise is part of plans to solidify its presence

in the fast-moving consumer goods category and exploit the rising demand for premium beer brands.

“The product is doing very well and we plan to begin local production. There is a team working on the plan and we will make a decision within three months,” the daily quotes Mr Mworia as saying.

Carlsberg Group is ranked the world’s fourth largest brewer.

Huawei has been on a roll lately with their highly-regarded Ascend Mate 7, which is currently one of the best-selling smartphones.

So let’s see what they have to offer with their new member of the Honor family.

DESIGN The Huawei Honor is a departure from the metal construction that has been used on its current devices. The Honor 6+ is mostly has a glass build with a simplistic and attractive design. Huawei hasn’t changed the button layouts for this model.

DISPLAY The device has a 5.5 inch display that provides 1080p resolution with 401 pixels per inch. The IPS display offers a super high level

of brightness to the device, even when outdoors.

PERFORMANCE Huawei decided to stick with their very own HiSilicon 925 processing package. The device comes with 3GB of RAM which allows for a splendid multitasking experience.

HARDWARE The device comes with a 3,600mAh battery, which can give around a day to a day and a half with moderate usage.

CAMERA The Honor 6+ comes with a dual camera just like that of the HTC One M8. The rear cameras are both 8megapixel (MP) shooters.

It has a front facing 3MP camera, allowing selfie lovers to enjoy the experience.

BEERY TALE: Centum Investment Group has signed a local distributorship contract with Danish brewer Carlsberg.

Roads upgrade in Mombasa to spur development within the country

INFRA STRUCTURE

ROADS AND MONEY: TMEA Director General David Stanton with Henry Rotich, Cabinet Secretary of National Treasury addressing the press after signing a grant agreement worth Sh2.2 billion for the construction of the Port Reitz Road in Mombasa.

CITY SCAPE Times Tower is a skyscraper located in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Standing 140 meters high, it is easily noticeable, as it is one of the tallest buildings in the city. It is known as the tallest structure in Kenya but will soon dethroned by a number of newer, taller construction projects in Nairobi in the coming months.

Completed in 1997, Times Tower was designed

by Triad Architects, an architectural firm that has been in operation for over 50 years.

The building, also known as the New Central Bank Complex, is located on Haile Selassie Avenue.

Its grey, pillar-like walls and glass windows are known to represent a style or architecture known as modernism, which uses 90-degree angles to form simple, formal and functional structures.

A network of roads in Mombasa is set for an upgrade that will not only lower the cost of goods coming into the country, but also increase trade in the region, thereby creating employment for thousands of Kenyans.

Logistics Consultancy firm, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), has come up with $20 million (Sh1.8 billion) to add to $10 million (Sh916 million) in funding from the government - money which will be used to improve a vital transport system in Mombasa County.

The cash will go towards the improvement of the existing Port Reitz and Moi International Airport access roads.

“This access road is one of many efforts by the government to boost economic growth through

Times Tower

infrastructure development,” Engineer Michael Kamau, Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary, said in an earlier statement.

The Port Reitz Road is an important network in that it provides the only link to the new container terminal that will heavily rely on the completion of the Mombasa Southern By-pass project. Access to the new container terminal will decongest the existing container sections at the Mombasa port, which are currently operating at almost full capacity.

Eng. Kamau added: “We recognize that in order to achieve substantial economic growth and reduce poverty in the country, we need to continue looking for similar ways to open

up our markets to other parts of the region such as this.”

TradeMark Chief Executive Officer, Frank Matsaert said: “The Port Reitz Road is among many projects that TMEA is spearheading to enhance trade environment in the region since East Africa has amongst the highest freight and transport costs in the world.

“These costs seriously erode the marginal competitiveness of goods exported by East African countries, reducing trade, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.”

TMEA is heavily involved in reducing the bottlenecks that delay trade flows in the East African Community.

DavIDO SeT TO rOCk kenya

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

ACCESS

8

We are one day away from the day of love. What is your favourite celebrity planning for the day?

topstory

where are YOU

valenTIne’S

day?

Sauti Sol

P-Unit

T Owago Onyiro

Jalang’o

HOT TOPICS

Before

Eric Omondi

his week, Villa Rosa Kempinsky hotel made countrywide headlines when they offered their presidential suit for Valentine’s Day pleasure at a modest Sh 2.4 million.

The offer, dubbed Night of Diamonds comes with diamonds and sapphire jewellery for the lady, a chocolate and honey Jacuzzi, exclusive champagne, a personal chef and a butler, among may other offerings.

And it did not take 12 hours before someone wired that cash to book the suite!

The romantic millionaire is unknown but he could be one of

your favourite celebrities. with that offer taken, find out where your other favourite celebrities will be on Valentines Day. Sauti Sol Sauti sol will be performing at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, in California after the Las Vegas Rugby 7s leg. The group will entertain revellers through out the Valentine’s weekend. Sauti Sol will no doubt be presenting their hit all-time hit song Lazizi, saucy Nishike and current banger Sura yako.

Avril Singer Avril will be hosting a Valentine’s party in Nyeri at the White Rhino Hote. She has

intimated that later that day her fiancée will be among the people she will serenade with her silky voice.

Eric Omondi Comedian Eric Omondi will be hosting his comedy show Untamed 3 at the Safari Park Hotel. Omondi is sure to keep the crowd laughing through the night as he shows them what he does best. He refuses to comment on who his date for the night will be.

All-star comedy night When you have a cocktail of comedians on one stage platform, the crowd is likely to be left in stitches. Chipukeezy,

Lite the Way campaign launched Tusker Lite has launched a five-month campaign dubbed Lite the way, which seeks to revolutionise the club scene in Kenya and also grow and nurture local talent.

The campaign will involve a series of lite parties and club activations in key towns around the country. DJ

Kymnickdie, DJ UV, DJ Stretch, DJ Pierra, and DJ Burn will be on hand to keep the crowds on their feet.

At the launch party, a new look Tusker Lite was unveiled to inspire vibrancy and represent a pioneering lifestyle among young people.

Avril

Sleepy David, Owago Onyiro , Dr Ofweneke, Jalang’o, David The student and Fred Omondi will be at the Hilton for the All-star Comedy Night: Love and laughter edition. We shall be scouting the crowd for those females laughing alone or rushing back stage to steal a kiss from the funny men.

P-Unit On-off group P-unit will be performing at the Sheba lounge in Mombasa in an event dubbed The Take Over.

It is rumoured that their better halves are also booked in the same hotel for a weekend of love after the show.

Klint the drunk Popular Nigerian comedian Klint the drunk will be the main headliner For the Nite of Roses at Lake Elementatiata.

The lovely singer Dela will also be there to croon the night away with Scott Violinist fiddling away at his violin and DJ Protégé spinning the decks.

Funny man Obinna was meant to perform at the event too but turned it down last minute for a different gig in the city.

Have you made your pick yet?

Check out our comprehensive gig guide tomorrow for more Valentine’s Day hot dates.

Juliani pitches art hub to National Bank boss

Juliani and Mr Munir

Last year Juliani announced that he was starting an art hub in Dandora. The Hip Hop City Art and Business Incubator will offer endless opportunities to the youth to grow their talent. The artiste has been sourcing for funds and support to start it. Yesterday he met with National Bank CEO, Mr Munir Sheikh Ahmed for lunch where they discussed ways of working together. He has already gotten support and pledges from several other quarters.

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26th NOVEMBER 12, 20152014

YOLO

Why Would I be playIng a gIrlIe game at every request from a complete stranger?

hot toPiCS

davido set to perform in Kenya Top Nigerian artiste Davido is expected in the country next month for a concert.

The singer confirmed this to his followers via a twitter post saying, “Kenya 28th March Turn Up”. Known for numerous hits, the artiste has a legion of fans in Kenya who enjoy his music.

Those annoying

cecilia mwangi’s mother murdered

I

Cecilia Mwangi mother’s body was yesterday found in a chicken house in her compound. The former Miss World Kenya’s mother had apparently gone missing last week on Thursday and the search for her had hit a dead end until a foul smell coming from the chicken house alerted the neighbours. Her body was found covered in chicken feed and bore wire marks around her neck, indicating she had been strangled.

Police have since arrested three people in connection with the murder and are carrying out investigations. Our condolences go out to Cecilia and her family.

Facebook requests

t is now almost a routine for one to check their social media accounts for updates immediately after waking up. Facebook notifications have become the modern equivalent of pancake aroma wafting into the bedroom.

But the high spirits dampen immediatel you log onto you account to discover that all 10 notifications are requests from someone inviting you to play Candy Crush, Farmville and Find Your Best friend!

Facebook has thousands of new apps and games cropping up everyday. Some stay the course and others fickle within days. Some of games are

addictive and that is why they stay on longer. For example, Candy crush Saga has over 10 million users.

The games get more users through current players, with incentives. Ask your friends to play and you get credits to move on to the next level or get them to play to help you unlock a level. This results in those endless game requests.

But it has become annoying to say the least. Why do I have to help a complete stranger entertain himself?

Some people get on to Facebook to communicate with friends and family and find the game and app invites nauseating. Others get so

irritated that they unfriend people who keep sending them invitations.

Memes have even been made imploring people to stop sending game requests and app invites.

But, still there is always that one person who is oblivious to all the irritation he is causing and insists with the invites.

Some of the games and apps require one to give them permission to post on their behalf. Meaning you give the games and apps permission to post updates without you giving an ok. So your wall is constantly filled with posts like, “I won USD 10,000 at Walmart when I followed this

Gospel artiste Ambassada charged with theft

link.” Making you a land mine for hackers because you have already given access to your friends list and wall. To avoid such requests on Facebook one can block requests by the game or person. There are options under the games and apps tabs on Facebook that allows you to block and ignore requests from apps and games. With just a click of the button it becomes easy.

The second option that is nicer than unfriending is choosing to block all game and app requests from a particular user. The person being blocked will be none the wiser that you have blocked all their invites.

StArt your

VAlentine’S

Gospel singer Ambassada, of the Watoto Inkane fame, was yesterday charged with being in possession of a stolen item. The singer had bought a stolen iPad from a dealer and unknown to him it had been stolen from comedian Fred Omondi last week. Ambassada was later released on bond and his case will be heard on May 5 2015.

hot date

T

DAy WeekenD With A bAnG

he Pink Connect’s first annual Valentine’s Masquerade party is not one to miss. The bash will be held at the Sirona Hotel in Parklands tomorrow February 13 from 8pm until late. A reservation only couples’ dinner will be held before the party, giving lovers time to converse and connect.

Complimentary love portions will be available with the dinner, all at a cost of Sh1500.

The masquerade party officially starts at 10pm and tickets cost Sh500 plus two free beers and transport. Activities for the night will include the grand opening of the Suncity Lounge, spin the bottle for the partygoers, a drag show, heels speed contest and a lot more.

The pick-up point to the club is opposite Club Envy as from 8pm. So ,put your classiest dress on and prepare for an exciting night.

ACCESS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

CAMPUSVIBE

all round news and updates from universities.

Babu in trouble over ‘Uhuru na SONU’ shirts

Babu

The always controversial Students Organization of Nairobi University Chairman is in trouble over the production of t-shirts with the words ‘UHURU NA SONU’ emblazoned on the front during the launch of the Presidential Digital Talent Programme.

A group of students who have identified themselves as the official opposition to Babu’s

‘government’ expressed their displeasure in the manner in which members of the current SONU leadership offered the T shirts to the Head of State. The action was seen as a tactical move by Babu

to garner support from the Government. The students called Babu a ‘Mugabe’, especially because he plans on vying for another term ,despite holding the seat for two years.

SUEU chairman expelled In a shocking turn of events, the Students Union of Egerton University Chairman, Isaac Ongoma has been expelled from the institution. This consideration came after the school’s disciplinary committee found him culpable in organizing a strike that caused millions in damage.

On the day of the aforementioned strike in December last year, it was reported that Isaac Ongoma had been seen trying to calm the mob together with other students going as far as protecting some of the female students of the University from their male counterparts The blame seems to have been heaped on one individual over the actions of an entire student body. This has left the students confused over how the disciplinary committee arrived at their decision.

Multimedia University students go on rampage after Wi-Fi breakdown

president launches digital talent programme at uon

Mulltimedia University students will go down in history as the first students to ever organize a strike over wi-fi privileges. The students destroyed property and slowed down traffic along Mbagathi Highway.

The school has been closed and no further communication on when it will be opened have been made. The Senate Board of the Multimedia University stated that following the strike the University would be closed indefinitely. Wifi, really now?

T

he Presidential Digital Talent Programme was yesterday unveiled at University of Nairobi’s Taifa Hall by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The programme aims to improve service delivery to citizens through the use of Information Communication Technologies. The programme will take up graduates as interns and provide them with a year’s worth of training on effective and efficient ICT use.

CAREERCHAT

Ian Olwana is a third-year Law student at the University of Nairobi, who has a flair for social media marketing. He is the CEO of Legacy Gold Inc, a marketing and advertising company.

What does your job entail?

We mostly deal with social media marketing, brand development, marketing consultation, graphics and web design. We also create advertisements.

How many hours do you work in a day?

I do not clock regular hours because of school. Sometimes I can miss class to be able to do my job well. Other times I have to stay up late to compensate for the lost class time. But it is worth it. (Smiles) What qualifications do you need for your job?

You need to have excellent management and leadership skills. Financial management and organizing skills will also go a long way to help you come up with and achieve your goals.

Was this your dream career?

(Excited) Yes! I have always had a passion for marketing and branding plus I have always wanted to be my own boss.

What achievements have you had?

In our events portfolio we have been privileged to publicize Beauty and the Beat contest in Bungoma, Mr and Miss Amani and Mr and Miss Parklands which was very successful as we managed to liaise with the Miss Kenya crew and Senator Mike Sonko. We have also done online

9

marketing for House of Marz, several colleges and artistes.

Any challenges you have experienced so far?

It is quite difficult to get clients as some companies are skeptic about using social media as a marketing tool. Convincing such clients is a whole other process.

Does your job interfere with your social life?

Yes, balancing work with school is challenging. If I am not at work, I am in school hence time is of the essence. The flipside to this is that my job entails a lot of networking which means I get to meet new people and have fun while at it.

What is the best part of your job?

Doing the job I love. Not many people get to do that. I also have the best team who are self-driven to ensure the success of our company.

What is the worst part of your job?

When clients make many corrections to the proposed plan and after you incorporate the changes they revert back to the initial plan, it can be quite a turn off.

How much do you earn?

Enough to lead a comfortable life.

Any advice to people who want to venture in to your line of work?

Be confident and believe in what you do.

It is important to surround yourself with likeminded individuals.

PLAYING IN THE BIG

LEAGUE

UON student sues University over missing marks A graduate student at University of Nairobi is suing the school over missing marks. Adrian Kimathi Njenga who is completing his doctorate in Business Administration is demanding that the institution and the Vice Chancellor, Peter Mbithi, to produce his results.

The missing mark is said to have been from a unit he completed two years ago, something that has halted his academic progress.

After University officials promised him a completed transcript, but later handed him one without the unit, Mr. Njenga decided to take legal action against the institution.

stds on the rise in Campuses Considering just how much sex, unprotected or otherwise, college students engage in, it should not surprise anyone that STDs are on the rise in many universities.

There are usually many safe-sex campaigns and every pubic university normally has an ACU present on the grounds, and it is not clear why the STD reports are on the rise.

Valentine’s Day is taken as an excuse to encourage bad behaviour with all the concerts that are held on campuses and E-pills have done their part, unfortunately, in perpetuating some of this.

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ACCESS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

FASHIONScoop

EvEN ON lOvErs’ day, a fashION EvENt wOuld BE a datE tO CONsIdEr…

fashion meets

valentine’s day S

aturday is definitely going to be a special day for fashion lovers not because it the lover’s day, Valentine’s Day, but because the annual Nairobi Elegance Affair is back, for its third edition at the Nairobi Railway Museum. The event, organised by Wesley Owiti, seeks to give new designers and established ones a platform to showcase their latest collections from clothes, shoes and jewellery. Artistes who will be parading their designs include: Mary Odhiambo, Sophy Wanjiku, Zephania Adar, Angie Jelbrina, Terry Watowa, Becksville Bridals, Eve Isabela, Cindy Wanjiku,Lucky Maggy and renowned fashion designer Shenu Hooda. There will also be exhibitions for fashion lovers to buy some of the designs they see on the runway. Here is a sneak peek.

TOP

KIKO rOMEO

FasHiOn desiGn HOUses Founded in 1996, Kiko Romeo has managed to carve a niche in the country’s fashion industry specializing in Africaninspired contemporary clothing. Under the leadership of Ann McCreath, the brand has managed to withstand the test of time and put Brand Kenya on the globe.

CO-BE INC House of Tahzi is one of the newest entrants in the fashion industry and is already giving established fashion houses a run for their money.

The brand was launched in January last year and has held shows both locally and internationally in Ohio and Berlin. 20-year-ol Sophie Umazi is the brains behind the fashion house.

hOusE Of tahZI

If you want to rock authentic and unconventional designs, CO-BE Inc is your one stop brand. It is well known for its trendy scarves and stylish men’s wear. It was founded in 2011 by two young enterprising men, Bevern Oguk and Collins Karanja, who wanted to bridge the gap between high end and mainstream fashion. Rapper Octopizzo is the official CO-BE brand ambassador.

PLAY 11 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 An older person you’re very fond of could visit or call and ask for your advice on practical matters. Clear and logical thinking enhances your intuition, Capricorn, and you might be able to put this ability to work not only for your friend but also for yourself.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Logical and focused thinking could lead to social, career, or financial advancement. Your organizational ability and industry are keener than usual, Aquarius. You’re likely to be able to make sense of murky matters that might not have been clear before.

THURSday 12/02/2015

sunny

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PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Concentration, logical thinking, and a heightened ability to put ideas into words enhance your own communicative abilities. Therefore, your gift of getting directly to the point in any matter is likely to clear previously clogged channels, impress others, and increase your self-confidence.

27ºC 31%

FRIday 13/02/2015

More sun than clouds

30 6:42 am 6:52 pm

28ºC 25%

6:42 am 6:52 pm

SATURday

29

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

Friday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 To those around you, you might appear to be your usual logical, rational self, Aries. Actually, you may be drawing a lot of your ideas and insights from deep within your psyche. You’re probably drawing on experiences from your past, even if you aren’t consciously aware of it.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Your experience has joined with knowledge acquired from others to enable you to formulate practical ideas for advancement. You may have lost faith in your goals, but now they seem more attainable. What you’ve wanted for a while could be within your grasp.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Today you’re likely to experience a heightened level of intuition and how to use it, Gemini.

This could mean advancing a career, furthering a personal goal, or helping a friend. Make use of this ability while you can, because right now it could lead to success and good fortune.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You’re in just the right frame of mind for this, Cancer, and therefore willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. You might be the center of attention at some point, perhaps sharing your skills with associates. Don’t forget your own goals. They could be advanced today, too.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Financial interests look especially promising now, Leo, so seize any opportunities for advancement that come your way. Working with others is likely to prove profitable, and could bring you closer to them, too. Roll up your sleeves and go to it. The results could surprise you.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Social events, perhaps business related, could put you in touch with people in fascinating fields or from foreign countries, Virgo. Logical thinking and a philosophical attitude enhance your communicative gifts, so people will be drawn to you to hear what you say.

MUSTREAD

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Ideas and insights coming from deep within your psyche are likely to increase your effectiveness in whatever work you do today, Libra. Your mind is particularly practical and logical.

When coupled with an increased intuition, these abilities are invaluable.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Some of your professional colleagues will probably be there. Conversations are going to focus primarily on business development and the economy in general. A lot of useful information could result from social contacts with others in your field. Write it all down.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 You tend to prefer intellectual and philosophical rather than practical pursuits, Sagittarius, but today you may feel especially practical and more inclined to want to get as many routine tasks out of the way as you can. Other members of your household could pitch in. Go to it.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

YOURSAY

— by Teju Cole

The narrator has been away from home for 15 years, a long time to be away from one’s homeland. He left things unsolved and matters hanging over his head. Now he is back on a short visit from New York to draw inspiration. He is a writer who needs to piece his thoughts together and feels home will help settle his mind.

He finds Lagos has changed. It is not the city he remembers and keeps comparing it with the Lagos he knew as a child. He explores the city and watches a young boy face cruel fate for stealing in a market. He also watches how people are defrauded over the internet in cyber cafes, visits the museum and longs after a woman with a book in a bus. All the while he reconnects with old friends, finds peace with his family and rediscovers his lost self.

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

Friday’s winning photo

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

Kenyans, we need to be peaceful during elections Thousands of police officers have been deployed to man the Homabay by-election (2,000 officers in H.Bay before vote, Wednesay February 11, 2015).

While the government should

Every Day is For The Thief

be commended for taking the necessary precaution to ensure that everything runs smoothly, it is worrying for the world to know that as Kenyans we are not mature enough to conduct peaceful

elections, without police officers sent to guard us.

We have grown a lot since independences and it is high time, we abandoned the bad trends of the past.

—Jane Nyokabi, Nairobi

winning captions

1. The latest desert inspired scalf-Mulki Mamie, Nairobi 2. How to safely wear as snake-Josphine Mueni, Embakasi 3. Look at me people, ain’t I the hottest?-Pastor M. Nairobi

12

PLAY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. “It’s possible” 8. Latin dance 13. Large wardrobe 14. First American in space 16. Controversial music-sharing Web site 17. Had a yen 18. Bears witness 19. Where rails come together 20. Stag mates 21. Certain undergarment 22. ___ Mae (Whoopi’s “Ghost” role) 23. Analogy words 25. Old geezer 27. “ ___ the ramparts...”

28. Got out of control 31. Eminem’s mentor 32. Delta, but not alpha 33. 1971 Piers Anthony book 36. It cooks meat to a turn 40. Corp. bigwig 41. Haiku, for one 42. Not at all brave 44. Inits. before several golf course names 45. Seminoles place (abbr.)

46. Veni, ____, vici 47. “The Passion of the Christ” language 49. Rosie the ___ (WWII icon) 52. Ancient Assyrian capital 53. Remove from a box 54. Back 55. Unpredictable 56. Mall component 57. Do a biolab assignment

Down 1. P.E.I place 2. Platform pundits 3. Indefinitely large number 4. Finishes behind 5. Morse signals 6. “Maverick” brother 7. Suffixes for mountain and musket 8. Red-headed comic Anne 9. Auto loan figs.

10. Adult life, for some 11. Kennel club member 12. In all likelihood 14. Use of metaphors 15. Bucks up 24. Man ____ 25. Oval containing Egyptian characters 26. Basic skateboarding trick 29. Some screeenings 30. Insect repellent 33. Pump figures 34. New edition 35. “Sorry, that’s impossible” 37. Geraldo and Diego 38. Appear like 39. Like clear mental images 43. Straightforward 45. Quarterback Brett 48. “It’s ____ him” (relationship ultimatum) 49. Was sorry 50. Letters on a cross 51. TiVo forerunners Copyright

DAILY WISDOM “Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.”

— Charles de Gaulle “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.”

— Nikita Khrushchev “People often ask me how I feel about my invention being used to kill people every day and the AK being a common weapon of ethnic conflicts. I want to make it clear that I created my assault rifle to protect my country. You can blame politicians for its spreading out of control on a global scale.”

— Mikhail Kalashnikov “Money and corruption are ruining the land, crooked politicians betray the working man, pocketing the profits and treating us like sheep, and we’re tired of hearing promises that we know they’ll never keep.”

— Ray Davies, English Muisician “Nations are born in the hearts of poets, they prosper and die in the hands of politicians.” — Muhammad Iqbal, philosopher, poet, mystic and politician “Popularity should be no scale for the election of politicians. If it would depend on popularity, Donald Duck and The Muppets would take seats in senate.”

— Orson Welles, American Actor/Director “The military don’t start wars. Politicians start wars.”

— William Westmoreland, American 4 Star General “What this country needs is more unemployed politicians.”

— Angela Davis. American Activist

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport THURSday, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Group claims Kenya Rugby Board take-over Former vice chairman Sasha Mutai has been elected the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) interim chairman in a Special General Meeting held at Nairobi’s RFUEA grounds on Tuesday. The meeting was held in defiance of a court order that had stopped it.

Kisumu Magistrate Court had stopped Stormers and the KRU from convening the meeting pending hearing case of the matter on February 23. Stomers chairman Kennedy Wesonga, KRU acting chairman Gabriel Ouko and secretary general Eddie

Omondi were to appear before court following a move by Kisumu Secretary General Fredrick Maube to file an application.

Despite the injunction, the group led by Stomers founder and former KRU CEO Jack Okoth held the SGM and elected former vice chairman Sasha Mutai as interim chairman. Gerald Chege was appointed Mutai’s deputy, Okoth as Secretary General while Joshua Aromi was appointed treasurer.

Directors are former national Sevens head coach Benjamin

Ayimba (who has since rejected the position), Kennedy Monari, Patrick Mwangi, Daniel Kimoro, Ochieng Ohaya and Doris Mwanzia.

“After serving them with a 21 day petition of SGM notice, we had no option but to follow the KRU constitution and go ahead with the meeting,” Okoth said.

But on Wednesday, Ayimba said the take-over was “improper.”

Ayimba said a looming AGM would be a better platform to make such sweeping changes at KRU.

MUSCLE game: A Kenya Sevens team player in a past clash. Former vice chairman Sasha Mutai claims he has taken over Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairmanship following resolutions of a meeting held at Nairobi’s RFUEA grounds on Tuesday.

Nasa team for SA tourney to train at Kasarani pool The Nairobi Amateur Swimming Association team which will participate in Level I, II and III championships in South Africa will start training this weekend at the Kasarani pool.

Cardimore Avwonda, the Nasa Secretary, said the team will train for two hours every weekend.

“Only two swimmers have confirmed participation though a number have qualified. Nabil Saleh and Martha Opiyo have

confirmed though others like Ambala Atuhaire and Kabir Bedi.

Level III is the highest level because of the qualifying times and therefore you find only a few qualify,” Avwonda said. “They will train for two hours every day on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

NASA organised the Triple A Gala championship over the weekend at Aga Khan High School with Seahorses Swim team dominating both boys’ and

girls’ events. “We had to do the championship in a short course pool because at the time, the Kasarani pool was not yet ready but we would have preferred a long-course one because we will be swimming in such a kind in South Africa,” Avwonda said.

At the weekend’s event, Seahorses amassed 163 points in the girls’ category beating Loreto Convent Valley Road to second place at 136 points.

14

SPORT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Morgan out for another duck as England lose to Pakistan England captain Eoin Morgan scored his third duck in a row as his side lost their last World Cup warm-up game by four wickets as Pakistan prevailed in a tense finish in Sydney.

Alex Hales (31) and Gary Ballance (57) came into the England side but both got out playing loose shots when well set.

Joe Root then hit 85 from 89 balls but fell in the penultimate over as England finished on 250-8 from their 50 overs.

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (91 not out) and Umar Akmal (65) kept them in contention, and Shahid Afridi saw them home with seven balls to spare.

England now have to decide on the make-up

of their XI to face Australia in Melbourne when the tournament begins on Saturday - with the biggest decisions resting over who joins pace pair James Anderson and Stuart Broad in the bowling attack.

Having barely been tested in Monday’s comfortable win over a lacklustre West Indies side, Peter Moores’ team rang the changes at the Sydney Cricket Ground to give their remaining World Cup squad members a run-out.

Batsmen Hales and Ballance, who did not feature in England’s recent one-day tri-series against Australia and India, were given a final chance to press their credentials as Ian Bell and James Taylor sat out, while Anderson and Broad - rested against the Windies - returned in place of Chris Woakes and Steven Finn.

England’s Chris Woakes in action for the team. They lost their last World Cup warm-up game by four wickets as Pakistan prevailed in a tense finish in Sydney.

Junior cricket team ready for world cup qualifiers Kenya under-19 cricket team is prepared for the International Cricket Council’s under-19 World Cup Qualifiers set for Tanzania this week.

Thomas Odoyo, the team’s head coach has said that he knows his players well and has tipped them to win the tournament and qualify for the under-19 World Cup for the first time in 14 years.

“We have a very good group of young men and

I’m very confident that they will do well for the Kenya in this tournament. The team has been together for more than a year now and they work well together,” Odoyo said.

The team which has completed their threematch series against a Kenya A side departs on Thursday morning for Tanzania. Odoyo added: “So far our preparations have been spot on and I’m happy with the level of development among the players. We have

received good match practices from the three matches we have played with the senior players. The matches have been useful and we are happy with how we have played.” Odoyo said the long time they have trained as a unit has enabled them to work on the various aspects of the game. “A crucial part of winning is preparation and we are going to Tanzania to win, because we have prepared well in mostly all the areas.”

Aston Villa axe Lambert after 10-match winless run Paul Lambert has been sacked by Aston Villa after a disastrous run of results that has seen the club slip into the relegation zone. Lambert, who was appointed in June 2012 as a replacement for Alex McLeish, had given no indication that he would consider walking away from his post after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Hull made it 10 Premier League matches running without a win.

However, a club statement on Wednesday evening confirmed that the former Scotland international has left the club, with the first-team coach, Scott Marshall, and goalkeeping coach, Andy Marshall, placed in temporary charge.

“Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert,” it read. “First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall will continue to prepare the squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Leicester City at Villa Park.

“The club would also like to place on record its thanks to Paul and take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future. The club will announce a new manager in due course. There will be no further comment from the club at this stage.”

Musasia ditches Police to join Butali Warriors For the third time in two seasons National hockey team midfielder Brian Musasia has ditched clubs, the latest move being from Police to champions Butali Sugar Warriors.

Musasia, is a former player with the Italian side, HC Superiba. He played for former national champions Strathmore University in 2013 before trying to force his way to 2012 champions Nairobi Simba but landed with 2013 winners Kenya Police mid last year.

Perhaps the allure of wanting to

be associated with champions has led the talented player to once again jump ship.

At Warriors he will be joined

by Seth Oburu from Strathmore University and forward Barnabas Odhiambo. Butali coach, Cliffe Okello, welcomed the club’s new players saying they will aid in the club’s league defence and challenge for Africa Club Championship. Meanwhile, the 2015 league season will revert to the round robin format back from the pooling format last season.

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

better perks: FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya (left) and Gor Mahia boss Ambrose Rachier.

Nyamweya says the new FKF- Premier League will ensure better benefits for players.

FKF fixtures Sat 14-Feb: Kakamega Homeboyz v Posta Rangers- 3pm, Bukhungu Sun 15-Feb: Nakumatt v Shabana- 3pm, Machakos Wed 18-Feb: Stima v Mathare- Kisumu AFC v Sony- Mumias Ushuru v Bandari- Nyayo Thika v Ulinzi- Thika Tusker v Muho- Kasarani, Sofapaka v Chemelil- Machakos KCB v Gor Mahia- City Stadium

New FKF league sponsor to hike benefits for players For the fourth time since its inception in 1963, Kenya’s top tier football league will assume a new name should resolutions passed by Kenya Football Federation (FKF) be adopted.

Federation president Sam Nyamweya says the league will operate under the name FKF- Premier League after dropping the Kenya Premier League title

it has assumed since 1998.

At its inception over half a decade ago, the league was known as the Kenya National Football League before switching to Kenya Super League in 1973 and Kenya Premier League in 1998.

Nyamweya said the new outfit has been registered and matches will kick off at the weekend.

In what could be a kick in the teeth for long-term partners Supersport, FKF have signed a deal with London-based international media rights company, MP & Silva, who have invested in the new setup. The deal will ensure FKFPremier League and associate lower leagues receive Sh227.5million. This is a 60 per cent hike from Sh136.5m KPL

signed with SuperSport. Clubs will receive Sh9m per annum, (Sh1milion per month for 9 months) to be directly wired into their accounts. “We will see to it that players receive salary directly to personal accounts as well as cater for match officials. We appeal to players to join Saccos,” said Nyamweya.

He said FKF have severed ties with KPL

but are open for talks. He reiterated that the league will have 18 instead of the current 16 teams.

FKF new partners, MP & Silva, have offered Supersport chance to air matches but are looking into possibilities of selling two to three games a week to free-to-air and international channels.

Wenger worried over Ramsey muscle injury

happier days: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and midfielder Aaron Ramsey after winning a cup. Wenger is concerned by a “worrying injury” Ramsey sustained during their 2-1 win at Leicester.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered what manager Arsene Wenger described as a “worrying” injury in their 2-1 victory over Leicester City.

Ramsey, 24, was introduced on 73 minutes but limped off with a muscular problem.

“It’s very early for Aaron but he stopped straight away and that is never a good sign,” said Wenger.

Alexis Sanchez was also withdrawn but Wenger expects his top scorer to face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The former Barcelona player suffered a kick on the knee when he left the field for Olivier Giroud on 68 minutes.

Ramsey looked frustrated when he sat on the turf awaiting treatment late

on, having replaced Theo Walcott, the scorer of Arsenal’s winner.

“He’s not overplayed - since he’s had these problems I’ve been more cautious,” said Wenger of the midfielder.

“It looks like it (a recurrence of a hamstring injury). I don’t know how bad it is yet. Just visually, it didn’t look good.”

Ramsey suffered a hamstring injury against Galatasaray in early December which kept him out for six weeks but started four games since returning on 18 January before the visit of Leicester.

The latest set-back will be a worry for Wales manager Chris Coleman, whose team face a Euro 2016 qualifier against Group B leaders Israel on 28 March.

Pearson says Leicester Lambert loses job in don’t want to sack him Villa results gloom Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says the club do not want to sack him amidst reports he was dismissed on Sunday.

The Premier League bottom side issued a statement later in the day denying they had sacked the 51-year-old.

“They don’t want to get rid of me,” Pearson said after Tuesday’s 2-1 fall at Arsenal. “I’m here. I had lunch with the owners today.

“My relationship remains very good, professionally and personally.”

He added: “I’m more than within my rights to

move on from that situation now.”

Pearson said he spoke to Palace midfielder James McArthur on Monday after the pair tangled on the touchline on Saturday.

“It was a friendly chat and the lad comes out of it with an awful lot of credit in defusing the situation,” said Pearson, who avoided FA punishment for the altercation.

Owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who bought Leicester in 2010, sat one seat in front of Pearson in the stands during the first half. The pair were spotted laughing at one point.

Aston Villa have sacked manager Paul Lambert after the club dropped into the Premier League relegation zone.

Villa lost 2-0 to fellow strugglers Hull City on Tuesday, their 10th league game without a win.

Their haul of 12 league goals this season is the lowest total after 25 games in Premier League history.

The 45-year-old Scot, who was appointed in 2012, signed a contract extension through until June 2018 on 17 September

First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall have taken caretaker charge.

Fans called for Lambert to go during the game against Hull. Local newspaper, the Birmingham Mail, tweeted a picture of its front page saying that ‘Lambert Must Go’ with the accompanying hashtag, #lambertout.

Wednesday evening, Villa released a statement confirming the manager’s exit.

“Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert,” it read.

6

xnews | THURsDAY, FeBRURY 12, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

ENGLAND LOSE TO PAKISTAN IN CRICKET WARM-UP: PG14

HOWL OF VICTORY: Willian is jubilant as he celebrates his late winner with substitute Didier Drogba, sending Stamford Bridge into pandemonium.

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An 89th-minute deflected strike from Willian gave Chelsea a victory over Everton that maintained their seven-point Premier League lead. The goal came moments after Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic went unpunished for a clash with James McCarthy that followed Gareth Barry’s red card. It was a dramatic finish to an unconvincing performance from Jose Mourinho’s men, who were moments away from seeing their lead cut to five points

by Manchester City, who were 4-1 winners at Stoke. Everton keeper

Tim Howard had earlier denied Chelsea trio Loic Remy, Nemanja Matic and Willian with fine saves.

At the other end, Petr Cech brilliantly denied Romelu Lukaku from close range. Barry’s second yellow card for a trip on the game’s goalscorer sparked a melee during which Ivanovic got McCarthy in a head-lock and appeared to thrust his head towards his opponent’s back. When play resumed, a freekick from deep was punched out

by Howard as far as Willian, whose low shot glanced Steven Naismith

on its way into the corner of the net. In the final match of Diego Costa’s ban for stamping, the hosts lacked penetration in attack, with new signing Juan Cuadrado struggling to make an impact on his first start. Matic had a late goal ruled out because Ivanovic was in an offside position, Mourinho’s misery appeared to be compounded.

There was still time for a late twist, however, and while Everton contested Barry’s red and pointed the finger at Ivanovic, Willian pounced to steal the points.

Smalling headed double against Burnley steers Manchester United to third spot Substitute Chris Smalling scored twice to help Manchester United overcome battling Burnley and climb up to third in the Premier League table.

United lost Phil Jones and Daley Blind to injury but Smalling nodded his team into the lead with his first touch after Radamel Falcao’s flick back.

Danny Ings equalised for Burnley from Kieran Trippier’s cross before Smalling headed home Angel Di Maria’s cross.

Ings went close before Robin van Persie added a third with a late penalty.

The spot-kick was awarded after Scott Arfield sent Di Maria sprawling.

United have now lost only once in

GOR OvERRUN SOfAPAKA TO WIN DSTv/ SUPERSPORT CUP

15 top-flight games but this was anything but a fluent display. It will have done little to improve Louis van Gaal’s mood after West Ham boss Sam Allardyce labelled his team “long-ball United”. The hosts were second best to the struggling Clarets for long periods, yet, despite a committed performance, Burnley remain one point from safety. They have won only once in nine league games ahead of their next match at leaders Chelsea.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said the performance was great but was happy with maximum points. “I didn’t like this performance.

Of course, we have won and the result

Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC won the DStv/SuperSport Cup with a 2-1 win over Gotv Shield winners Sofapaka on Wednesday, at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The top two teams from last season were meeting in the traditional season opener ahead of their weekend’s champion’s league and Confederations Cup assignments. Gor will be hosting Madagascar’s CNaPS on Saturday in the first-leg of the Champions League’s preliminary round while Sofapaka will welcome Zimbabwean Platinum FC in the Confederations Cup on Sunday.

is fantastic. “But after this match you cannot say that we are going up, and I want to progress every match. Burnley were the better side.

“Daley Blind has a headache and maybe tomorrow it is better. But for Phil Jones, I fear. I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see tomorrow.”

Burnley manager Sean Dyche credited his players for pressuring United and creating chances.

“It’s a tough business we are in and this game can sometimes kick you in the rear. The manner, energy and organisation... it was all on show tonight.

But we have to turn performances into wins,” said Dyche.

Prodigal son Victor ‘Teargas’ Ali Abondo scored a brace a goal in half proved to be the difference as Gor took home Sh750,000 . There was consolation for Batoto Ba Mungu who took home half million as losers’ prize in the curtain raiser for the 2015 campaign Abondo who made a comeback to the club he left in 2013, struck first in the 24th minute from a Khalid Aucho assist before doubling the lead from the spot in the 69th while Innocent Wafula a former Chemelil Sugar forward turned to his own net in the first minute of added time to wrap the scoring.

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