201502020 xnews

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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FARE PRICES MATATU OPERATORS FINALLY AGREE TO REDUCE FARES

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clean savings Waste reduction saves Unilever Sh20 billion

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global recognition activist boniface mwangi nominated for honesty oscars

NEWS

KCB, nakuru Top Fry in Kenya Cup top prize showdown

cristiano is back, Real coach Ancelotti warns opponents

Fresh court bid to stop digital switch

T

he Supreme Court’s decision last week to grant the Communications Authority of Kenya the go-ahead to proceed with digital migration may not have been final after all. Activist Okiya Omtata has filed an application seeking to have the authority compelled

to restore analogue TV frequencies.

Although High Court Judge Weldon Korir declined to give the orders sought, he certified the case as urgent and directed that CAK, ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Attorney General Githu Muigai, who are all listed as respondents in

the case, be served with suit papers.

Parties were to advance their arguments in court today before further directives are issued by the court. But the hearing was scuttled later after CAK asked the court for another seven days to respond to the application. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Kisii Flow boss

MusicBank singer Rajiv Okemwa, created a rap style called Kisii Flow, which is gradually getting popular

Friendly neighbours

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The curtain falls Maisha Magic will be shut down at the end of March after failing to meet DSTV’s expectations

P.10

Closet raid PHOTO OP: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and his Rwanda counterpart Paul Kagame pose for a photo dressed in Maasai Shukas. The two leaders inaugurated a 140mw Geothermal Power Plant in Naivasha.

Pinky Ghelani can pull off a street look as easily as she can a dinner outfit. Find out what is in her closet

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NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Fresh bid to stop digital switch From Page 1

It also sought that the Africa Digital Network, an umbrella body representing NTV, Citizen and KTN be brought on board as providers of the service.

Justice Isaac Lenaola accepted the requests which now sets another round of court battles over the digital migration.

Omtata wants CAK to be

compelled to restore free to air services across the country.

He says the Supreme Court order did not direct the telecommunication regulator to terminate free-to-air TV services upon which poor Kenyan masses depend for viewership.

“The switch off is a violation of a court order, the equipment the stations rely on were carted away and it is consumers

of the services whose rights are being trampled underfoot,” Omtata told Justice Lenaola.

Hearing has been rescheduled for Wednesday next week before Justice Mumbi Ngugi.

The activist argues that while upholding dates set by CAK as valid, the Supreme Court never ordered that the migration period be “cast in stone” and therefore

cannot be changed to suit the needs of consumers.

He submitted that respondents are under obligation to ensure Kenyans get free to air TV services as a right under article 33(1) (a) which entitles NTV, Citizen, KTN and QTV to distribute information.

The respondents, according to the applicant, are promoting pay TV

for improper motive contrary to the law as provided for under article 73 and 75 of the constitution. He says article 34 of the statutes guarantees freedom of the media.

Omtata’s move comes even as owners of TV stations asked for a May deadline, saying they need at least 100 extra days to import free-to-air set-top boxes.

Court ruling on security laws suit pushed to Monday

CONTROVERSIAL: Parliament last December passed the Security Laws (Amendment) Act 2014 in a chaotic session characterised by violence.

The High Court this morning failed to deliver ruling on the Security Laws (Amendment) Act 2014 after judges adjourned the case to Monday, saying they need the weekend to “fine-tune it.”

The judgement will now be delivered on Monday at 11.00am, Justice Isaac Lenaola ruled.

Meanwhile, the conservatory orders that suspended eight clauses after the first round of the hearing of the case were extended.

The opposition maintain the law is unconstitutional and was illegally passed by Parliament.

They submit that the Amendment Bill was passed un-procedurally and without public participation.

Through lawyer James Orengo, the opposition told the five judge bench that President Uhuru Kenyatta was misled into signing the Bill into law even after it failed to follow due process as provided for in the constitution.

Orengo told justices Isaac Lenaola, Mumbi Ngugi,

Hilary Chemitei, Hedwig Ongu’di and Louis Onguto that National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was partisan during the debate that resulted in the passage of the Bill in December.

“The Speaker contravened the constitution by failing to refer the Bill to the Senate for the two speakers to make determination as required by law,” he said Orengo said public participation was restricted because time allocated was inadequate and committee meetings were held at odd hours in contravention of the constitution.

“The Amendment Bill was rushed without public participation,” he told the judges.

The Court of Appeal last month dismissed an application by Attorney General Githu Muigai seeking to stop the suspension and operationalisation of eight sections of the Anti-Terrorism law, saying there was no vaccum in the constitution that would stop the Government from enforcing the law.

Thousands celebrate Burundi scribe’s release on bail Thousands took to the streets of Burundi capital Bujumbura to celebrate the release of a prominent journalist controversially charged with the murder of three Italian nuns.

Crowds danced after Bob Rugurika entered the city on Thursday after he was freed on bail.

Such huge demonstrations in defiance of the government are rare in Burundi.

The government will be under fresh pressure to investigate the murder of the nuns, observers say.

Lucia Pulici, 75, Olga Raschietti, 82, and Bernadetta Boggian, 79, were killed at their convent in Bujumbura in September.

Rugurika was arrested about a month ago after his station, African Public Radio (RPA), broadcast the purported confession of a man claiming to be one of the killers.

voxpop....

It was alleged that the man was acting on orders of senior intelligence officials, an allegation denied by the government.

The authorities then charged Mr Rugurika with complicity in the murders, “breach of public solidarity” and disclosing confidential information about the case.

His arrest sparked outrage among many Burundians and human rights campaigners.

Hundreds crammed into dozens of cars and motorbikes to follow Rugurika as he drove into the city on his release from prison, about 50km away, AFP news agency reports.

I have no words to thank the Burundian population,” Rugurika said in a radio broadcast.

“Thanks to your support, your commitment... I’m free at last.”

HERO’S WELCOME? Thousands of Burundi residents took to the streets in Bujumbura to celebrate the release of prominent journalist Bob Rugurika who has been charged with the murder of three Italian nuns.

Kenya Power yesterday announced their trading results.

Are you happy with services offered by the power monopoly?

Patrick Sampao

Faith Mutio I’m not happy because my bills are never consistent. My user trends are never the same. In a month, my bill may read a specific amount and by the next month, the amount could double even when the usage remains constant.

Usage is consistent but bills are not.

Lemmy Kimani I’m happy with the services most of the time. But when blackouts occur, services are disrupted for too long. Where I live blackouts occur almost every week and for days on end.

When the matter is reported, nothing is done.

Jessica Otaba I’m not satisfied because taxes are too high. There are too many levies that whenever I decide to buy units, I get lesser than what I paid for.

They should lower price per unit.

I’m unhappy with the services because after power is interrupted, nothing can be done about it. When Kenya Power fails to offer efficient response, consumers have fewer options during blackouts.

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NEWS

NEWS 3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

SPECIALFEAtURE

One of a kind music fest to be held in honour of Kenyan elephants

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n February 28, some of the top most bands in Kenya will put up a grand show for elephants.

Sauti Sol, Sarabi band, Juliani, Emmanuel Jal are among the top artistes slated to perform at the Ndovu Zetu concert on to be held at the United Nations Recreational Grounds.

This will be the first time that a concert is held in Kenya just for elephants.

It will also be the first time that ‘Tusimame’- an elephant anthem song will be performed live. Tusimame was written and performed by various artistes including former South Sudan child soldier Jal, Juliani, Syssi Mananga from Congo-Brazzaville and Vanessa Mdee from Tanzania.

“We are excited to be hosting a show just for elephants,” said Dr Paula Kahumbu, the CEO of WildlifeDirect.

WildlifeDirect, whose patron is the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, is the main sponsor of the event and will be working in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

The Ndovu Zetu concert will be the kick-off event of the Kenya Wildlife Festival, an initiative aimed at create

awareness among the public and celebrate Kenya’s wealth and natural heritage in wildlife.

“People do great things for people and causes they love and believe in. Were doing this for elephants because we love them. Like humans, elephants feel, worry, play, hurt, mourn, and remember. Elephants are human too,” said Kahumbu.

And the reasons to celebrate our elephants are many.

Kenya hosts the world’s most famous elephant research project, the Save the Elephants, and the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. The Amboseli Trust for elephants has been in operation for 40 years. All the elephants at the Amboseli eco system are known by names and their families.

Save the Elephants operates in Northern Kenyan where they have been on the frontline in taking down poachers, and creating awareness about elephants conservation.

Kenya is also home to the David Sheldrick Elephant Wildlife Trust, which hosts the world’s most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre.

But the truth remains that African elephants face imminent extinction

if nothing is done to save them.

Approximately 33,000 elephants are killed every year across Africa to supply the ivory market especially in Asia.

Dr Kahumbu explained that in Kenya, we have made huge strides in the last couple of years in efforts to protect our elephants. But a lot still needs to be done.

“The public is better informed and engaged now, a suspected ivory kingpin, Feisal Mohamed Ali, is behind bars and the poaching level is down.

“But we still need to win the hearts and minds of Kenyans of all walks of life; we hope that every Kenyan will know of the benefits of elephants not only to our ecosystems but to our economy as well. “At Wildlife Direct, our goal is to get all Kenyans and Africans to love our elephants so much that extinction is no longer a threat,” she said The Ndovu Zetu concert and the Kenya Wildlife Festival is an attempt to win the hearts and minds of everyone.

Blankets and Wine will help manage the show, which will start at 1.00pm and end at 8.00pm.

Tickets are available at ticketsasa.com for Kshs 1,500.

Award winning band Sauti Sol (top) and Juliani (right) will headline the Ndovu Zetu concert to be held on February 28 at the United Nations Recreational Grounds.

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NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS EAC presidents in Nairobi for 16th summit Regional heads of state are meeting in Nairobi as Kenya hosts the 16th summit of the East African Corporation.

The summit to be held from today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre will look at the progress in the implementation of key outstanding decisions of EAC as well as consider the Annual Report of the Council of Ministers for the period between December 2013 and November 2014. Appointment of new judges of the East African Court of Justice will also be on the agenda.

Woman charged with sending offensive SMS A middle aged woman has been ordered to deposit a Sh50,000 bond in a case in which she denied sending an abusive text message to her lover’s girlfriend.

Paulein Nyaguthii Gakuru was charged in a Milimani court. She however denied sending the abusive SMSs to Jospehine Waiyigo Mwangi on February 2.

CARTOONSPEAK Cheating spouses can now blame their promiscuous tendencies on their genes Women who are unfaithful to their lovers can now blame their ‘wanton behaviour’ on biology.

As much as people cheat on their spouses and partners for a number of reasons, women are the ones who might have a more valid reason for doing so.

Studies have discovered that women are more likely to cheat on their partner if they carry a gene known as AVPR1A, otherwise known as the ‘infidelity gene’.

Scientists have found variations of a gene are linked to what they describe as ‘extra pair mating’. Their studies reveal that variants of this ‘infidelity gene’ make women more likely to cheat on partners.

University of Queensland scientists came to the conclusion after studying the DNA and lives of more than 7,000 people.

They found a variant of gene present in large number of unfaithful women What’s more, they discovered that this variation of the AVPR1A gene only has an impact on women.

Dr Brendan Zietsch, a professor of psychology at the university, worked with a team of geneticists and neuroscientists and found that out of a number of women who had been unfaithful, a large amount of them had a specific variant of the ‘infidelity gene.’

“Overall, these findings confirm genetic underpinnings of extra pair mating in humans,” the scientists said in a report.

The scientists said the findings were surprising, as it is generally thought that behaviour is affected by a combination of different genes as well as social and cultural factors.

PSVs agree to slash fares

2 suspects gunned down in Kariobangi Two suspected were last night shot dead in two separate robbery attempts in Nairobi. One of the suspects was killed at the Kariobangi round about after a group of thugs attacked a woman whom they robbed of money and valuables. Police say their patrol officers responded and shot dead one of the thugs and recovered a home-made gun. The second suspect was killed in Kayole where of six thugs attacked police officers on patrol at around 3am. A Pistol with 4 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the slain suspect.

SLASHED: Matatu owners have finally agreed to lower fares so as to pass over the benefits of the global reduction in fuel prices to commuters.

Matatu owners have finally agreed to lower fares so as to pass over the benefits of the global reduction in fuel prices to commuters.

Chairman of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Simon Kimutai yesterday announced that the industry players had resolved to bring down the fares since the reduction in fuel prices have brought down their operation costs. “We are now obliged to pass the benefits to passengers,” Mr Kimutai said.

Public service vehicles have recently been put under pressure to reduce commuting fares following the biggest drop in fuel prices in the last four years.

New fuel prices announced last week by the Energy Regulatory Commission slashed the price of super petrol by Sh8.17 per litre, diesel by Sh7.83 a litre and kerosene by Sh13.19 a litre to leave diesel commonly used by matatus retailing at Sh75.52 per litre in Nairobi. This is a big reduction considering that the same product cost Sh104.67 per some eight months ago.

“It is only prudent for any type of business to be sensitive to customer demands. We did not do it immediately because in the past, the prices of fuel kept fluctuating,” Kimutai added.

He said they have directed all PSVs to immediately reduce fares.

MOA coordinator for Nairobi Godfrey Akumu told X News today that they expect all members to abide by the decision and reduce fares.

“Anyone who fails to do so will be going against the decision of the stakeholders. We are already beginning the implementation to see that everyone complies,” he said.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

3 Muchai killers formerly jailed for robbery: Three men held by police for the killing of Kabete MP George Muchai have served time at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison for robber with viloence. One man was released in 2013 after serving three years and the rest n 2014 after five years in prison. This disclosure came after police conducted a background check on Eric Isabwa Muyera, aka Chairman, Steve Astiva Lipopo, alia Chokore, an Raphael Kimani Gachie, aka Kim Butcher. The detectives are probing the February 7 fatal shooting of the MP...

Poll chief questioned on his bank accounts: Electoral commission chairman Issack Hassan was yesterday questioned about his bank accounts when he appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission which is investigating the “chicken” bribery scandal. Sources at EACC said the detectives were interested in Mr Hassan’s bank accounts between October 2008 and December 2010, the period during which the directors of British firm Smith & Ouzman allegedly bribed Kenyan officials of the now defunct IIEC...

Detectives grill elections chief over ‘chicken’ scam: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has begun questioning Kenyans linked to the directors of a British printing firm convicted of paying Sh47.3 million in bribes. The payments, referred to as “chicken” in emails used to convict the two, were allegedly made to officials of the defunct Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), its successor the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) to secure contracts for electoral and exams...

NO COPY BY PRESS TIME

xnews | FRIday, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

Main STORY

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 91.2917 91.4361 91.3639 141.0850 141.3189 141.2019 104.2361 104.4178 104.3269 7.8625 7.8804 7.8715 31.2787 31.4377 31.3582 20.0140 20.1552 20.0846

State releases Sh860m for Lamu Port project land compensation Kasuku said those with no bank accounts and those involved in disputes over sharing of the compensation funds did not receive the funds, saying NLC will assist them.

“NLC and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development will assist families with disputes to resolve them so as to give way for the closure of compensation issue,” he said.

Kasuku said implementation of the Lapsset Corridor Project is on track, with the construction of 1000km between IsioloMarsabit-Moyale (505km in Kenya) and Moyale-Hawasa

The Government has disbursed a total of Sh860 million compensation for residents whose land was acquired for the Lamu Port Project.

Lamu Port Southern SudanEthiopia Transport (LAPSSET) CEO Silvester Kasuku said the National Land Commission had transferred the funds to 154 Project Affected People (PAP) “The amounts had been set aside by the Lapsset Corridor Project after several provisions were made in the Government Budget beginning 2013 and banked with the Kenya Ports Authority,” said Kasuku.

(500km in Ethiopia) ongoing under 10 contracts.

The construction is funded by the African Development Bank, Kenya government, the government of Ethiopia and the European Investment Bank, among other financiers.

“Design works are being undertaken for the road between Lamu-Garissa-IsioloNginyang with funding from African Development Bank and Government of Kenya and the section between NakodokLodwar to Kitale has been funded by World Bank and Kenya,” he said.

IMMEDIATE BENEFITS: An upcoming housing project at the Lamu port. The Government has released a total of Sh860 million to compensate those whose land was acquired for the port project.

Greece applies for loan extension from Eurozone After days of talks between Eurozone finance ministers and the Greek government, Athens has asked the Eurozone for loan extension.

The country is seeking a six-month loan instead of a renewal of the existing deal which has strict conditions set by the Eurozone. The restrictions end on February 28.

The Greek authorities also require €11.9billion (Sh1.2 trillion) for bond repayments before August.

Greece has been living beyond its means for a long time and at the moment, it has become very hard for them to get loans. They face running out of money by the end of the month without the deal.

Alexis Tsipras, the Greek prime minister, said his government needs time to carry out reforms. He said he was confident Greece will have transformed within six months.

The loan deal will be reviewed by Eurozone finance ministers, representatives of the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Commission.

The request includes a pledge to maintain fiscal balance (measure used to show whether the government has to borrow from financial markets to covers its activities) for a sixmonth period as it negotiates with Eurozone over long-term growth and debt reduction.

Study reveals Kenyans’ bias for fresh vegetables Kenyans take vegetables seriously. The average consumer will pay up to twice the market price for a fresh bundle of Sukuma wiki.

A study by the Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development shows consumers would rather pay Sh20 for a good-looking leafy vegetable than Sh10 for a flimsy bunch.

“Vegetables are a key source of income generation for smallholder farmers,” says Marcia Croft, Maria Marshall and Stephen Welle, who spear-headed the study.

Their results show a strong market for high quality vegetables at premium rate.

The researchers evaluated consumer preference for high quality in a number of urban centres, including Nairobi and Eldoret.

Croft and colleagues based their study on three vegetable species, namely nightshade, spider plant and amaranth.

The prices were set in intervals of Sh5 and ranged from Sh10, Sh15 and Sh20.

Consumers of above 18 years of age were asked to select a bundle of each vegetable they would most likely buy.

can’t pay now: The Greek government has confirmed it will ask the Eurozone for a six-month extension of its European loan agreement.

GLOBE WATCH Apple Inc, the most valuable company in the world, is being sued for poaching engineers to build a large-scale battery-making branch of the company.

Electric-car battery maker A123 Systems has sued Apple for poaching top engineers, a court filing has revealed. The filing has offered evidence that Apple may be developing a new kind of car. The suit

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city wallet

All the bundles were of similar size within each species, but low quality bundles showed limp leaves, crushed appearance, and severe wilting.

Firm sues Apple for ‘poaching’ engineers

implies that it needs some of the best engineers to make this happen.

Apple has been poaching engineers with expertise in car systems after hiring experts from big tech companies such as Tesla.

Apple’s recruiters have also been talking with industry experts and automakers with the ultimate

aim of learning how to make its own electric car, Reuters reports.

Around June 2014, Apple started an aggressive poaching of A123 engineers to lead some of the company’s most critical projects, the lawsuit said.

In violation of their employment agreements, the engineers left to pursue careers at Apple, A123 said

in a filing earlier this month in a Massachusetts (US) federal court.

Apple has not responded to the allegations.

Implications If Apple succeeds in poaching high-profile engineers, it could become a world leader in the lithium ion battery sector.

Lithium-ion is a battery technology that can be used in applications from computers to airplanes. But A123 specialises in large batteries that can be used in big machines, including cars. The lawsuit indicates that engineers who quit were so valuable to the company that the projects they had been working on had to be abandoned on their departure. The company also accused former employee, Mujeeb Ijaz, of helping Apple recruit among its ranks.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY20, 2015

Waste reduction saves Unilever Sh20 billion

TEAM UNILEVER: Unilever East Africa CEO Marc Engel (R) at a function with the Unilever Uganda team.

The company has announced that it has saved Sh20 billion from its waste reduction practices of sending nonhazardous waste to landfill.

Unilever, a global consumer goods company has announced that it has saved Sh20 billion from its waste reduction practices of sending non-hazardous waste to landfill.

Unilever CEO for East Africa and Emerging Markets, Marc Engel said this was been achieved through innovations in waste management as part of the firm’s responsibility to consumers and environment. He added that the move has also created hundreds of jobs globally.

“We are reducing waste throughout our operations. I am particularly pleased by our Nairobi factory team for their efforts in ensuring that we send zero non-hazardous waste to landfill. Our vision to halve the environmental footprint of our products is on track,” said Engel.

Engel lauded the manufacturing plant in Nairobi’s Industrial Area for its efforts to reduce waste by recycling product wrappers into

new initiative helps farmers boost milk production fivefold Dairy farmers in six regions across the country are increasing their milk production five times over thanks to a training programme that shows them how to manage fodder and improve on livestock management.

Dubbed the Smallholder Dairy Commercialisation Programme, the project is helping rebuild profitable small dairy enterprises that can be sustained throughout the year.

It is, in turn, supporting the revival of the milk and dairy subsector. The programme operates in six districts of the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza Provinces.

Josephat Tabuka belongs to a dairy farmers’ group in Bungoma district in Western Province. He and his wife have been small-scale dairy farmers since 1986 and have six children. The couple through the training has seen a leap in

their milk productivity and incomes. “We are using the extra income to pay for school fees,” says Tabuka. And the rest of their income is being used to invest in farm improvements.

Petronella Karani and her husband live near Ndalu in Bungoma, and head a household of 27. She began farming sheep on her 5-acre plot, then switched to dairy farming.

However, she struggled to make an adequate income with local breeds of cattle, which produce little milk. The training she has received from the programme has allowed her to begin building a profitable dairy enterprise. She now has three cows.

She is one of the few farmers in her locality selling milk through the dry season when she can make Sh30 a litre for milk and Sh45 for fermented milk.

MILKY SPLASH: The Smallholder Dairy Commercialisation Programme has been launched to help rebuild profitable small dairy enterprises that can be sustained throughout the year.

BUSINESS WISE New SMEs need loans in order to prosper Bank loans are some of the most important resources to anyone starting a business.

From pastry shops to small courier businesses and clothing boutiques to stalls selling electronic, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) need access to money in order to get off the ground.

A survey from the African Development Bank, one of the continent’s biggest lenders, has found that access to finance, particularly to bank financing, is crucial element in the development of the SME

sector.

In fact, data collected by the World Bank shows that access to finance is perceived as one of the main obstacles to doing business.

A number of studies have shown that financing is a greater obstacle for SMEs than it is for large firms, particularly in the developing world, and that access to finance adversely affect the growth of the SME sector more than that of large companies.

In light of these challenges, it is evident that

SMEs, entrepreneurs and small business owners must have a source of income before they choose to invest. Banks are not always willing to lend money to the jobless or financially challenged.

However, there are some lenders that will give small or ‘micro’ loans to those who can raise about a third of the money they wish to borrow. The Faulu microfinance Bank and a number of savings and investment groups dubbed Saccos are two examples of these lenders.

boards.

He said to achieve zero-waste to landfill, the company has adopted the 4 ‘R’ approach which includes reducing waste at source then reusing, recovering or recycling any non-hazardous waste that remains.

“It has meant reconsidering every single material that is consumed in a factory - from reusing packing materials from supplier deliveries to food waste from staff cafeterias,” said Engel.

Unilever Chief Supply Chain Officer, Pier Sigismondi called on other companies to engage in sustainable practices for a brighter future.

“We are also committed to developing an open-source approach and sharing our ‘zero waste framework’ and experience with other organizations to drive global change and create a more sustainable future,” said Sigismondi.

BUSINESS NEWS AfDB gives Kenya, Tanzania Sh13 b loan to switch off power shortage problems As the cost of power continues to plummet, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $145 million (Sh13.3 billion) loan to fund the building of an electricity line between Kenya and Tanzania to improve regional power connections.

Despite frequent power shortages, East Africa has some of the fastest growing economies on the continent.

These shortages tend to stifle investment while pushing up the cost of doing business.

Reuters reports that these shortages also continue to maintain an extreme level poverty and inequality.

The funding will help construct 508 kilometerlong transmission lines and substations along its path, AfDB officials said on

Wednesday.

This will allow for the transfer of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in either direction between Kenya and Tanzania.

“The Kenya-Tanzania Interconnection Project plays an important role in promoting regional integration through power trade,” an AfdB spokeperson said in a statement.

Kenya is adding 5,000 MW on installed capacity by 2017 from about 1,664 MW now.

Tanzania aims to double its generation capacity to 3,000 MW by 2016, Reuters reports.

In December Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia said they will link their power grids by 2018 and create a regional power pool for trading electricity.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

ACCESS CELEBCHAT

He is signed MusicBank and hopes to impact and improve music in Kenya. Can his Channel O Awards and BET dreams come true?

factfile

Who is Raj? am a Christian, a student, producer, artiste, videographer and CEO of MusicBank a record label. I am someone who always strives to be different and I am a very hard worker.

When and how did you start out?

I started doing music professionally in 2011 but I have always been into music since I was 13 years old. I used to make beats by beating my chest when I was younger. My parents were against it and used to ask my teachers to discourage me because I was asthmatic. They eventually bought me a piano.

Where do you get inspiration for your music?

My life is my inspiration. When I have an issue with my girlfriend I would probably just put it down though she hates it. That is how I am, my music is what is going on in my life.

Whether I am happy, in a party mood or feeling down.

How would you describe your sound?

I rap in a style called Kisii Flow, which is a fusion of Kisii, English and Kiswahili. I used to actually rap in English but my mum she did not understand what I was singing about.

So I decided to start doing Kisii Flow!

You recently released, Obe Baba. Tell us about the song.

The day I wrote the song we had a party and I just put down I

raPPer

RAJ and the kisii flow HOT TOPICS

Jaguar

Jaguar drops Huu Mwaka Video Jaguar has finally released the video to his Huu Mwaka song that was released at the beginning of the year. The video shot in South Africa shows Jaguar leaving behind village life to try a new life in the city. We like the video better than the song!

REAl NAME: Rajiv Okemwa RElATiONSHiP: in a relationship AgE: 21 HiTS: Obe Baba, Ndizi Flow and gaaki BEST FOOd: Nyama Choma BEST BOOk: The Sky is Falling by Sidney Sheldon BEST QuOTE: When it’s dark out, the sun is shining somewhere- J.Cole

the feeling I had at that moment and Obe Baba came into play. I was also inspired by videos from musicians like South Africa’s K.O, A.K.A and Ghana’s Sarkodie because I felt, if they can do that there we can also do it here in Kenya. Obe Baba is a feel good, fun song that makes people want to party.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I do not really look up to anyone locally because I feel they do not do good videos.

For me videos have to have a concept, good story line and message. Internationally I look up to Diamond because I like his vision and drive as an artiste, K.O, A.K.A and Sarkodie.

What are some of the challenges you faced while starting out?

Finances. Doing a good professional video costs a lot of money. Secondly, sometimes it is hard deciding the right track to release and the right time to release it. Lastly, fake promoters who disappear with an artiste’s dues after you have performed.

Which artistes would you like to work with?

I would love to work with Makadem because his sound is African and I am a big fan of his music. Juma Tutu Band, they are the only band I feel that can seamlessly do different genres of music without stress.

H_art the Band, they take music back to the 90’s they bring the culture. Internationally I would like to work with J.Cole because I feel he is way on top of his game, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z and Kanye West.

What is next for Raj? A remix to Obe Baba with different artistes is in the works and releasing my album later this year. I also hope to be doing international music and for my label, MusicBank to grow.

Activist nominated for Honest Oscars

Activist Boniface Mwangi has been nominated for the Honesty Oscars Awards 2015 in the category of Best Activist in a leading Role. The awards held

by ONE an advocacy organization seek to honor the creative works of activists and organisations who are fighting corruption. People can vote for the activist they feel deserves the award on the ONE website. The winners will be announced on Monday, February 23.

Boniface Mwangi

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 2014

SHOPPING

The eaTeries mighT noT be numerous buT They are appealing.

Highway Mall gives you the impression that maybe, with its unremarkable location and modest size, it was specifically designed as office space as opposed to a mall. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its bright spots.

Hidden treasures at

H

ighway Mall is located on the busy Uhuru Highway, which lends its name to the shopping centre.

Nakumatt Mega is right next to it and T Mall not very far away, which adds another dimension to the shopping experience.

The entrance to Highway Mall is nothing special but once you get inside everything changes. The focus of the mall is on the elevator.

This seems like some erroneous design feature but the thing that makes this special is that all the floors, all the shops and the general concentration of the inside of the building lead your eyes towards the atrium. And the elevator is located right under this feature where the skylight bathes it in sunshine. The water feature which consists of two lions carved out of stone gently streaming water into a fountain.

The easy soft running sound helps mellow the atmosphere and is nice to look at.

Farik shops dominate. There is a wide selection to choose from Highway does not disappoint in that capacity. Right off that bat the

conspicuous City Walk, tried and tested brand has a department store at Highway Mall. City Walk’s saving grace is that it takes care of the whole family. It triples as a shoe store, women’s clothing store, men’s clothing store and also has goodies for the kids. It truly is a one stop shop.

Women’s clothes shops are more than enough to satisfy any shopper’s tastes. Chrisley Fashions stands out among the many, it’s a large colourful store with high quality and trendy clothes that are easy on the pocket. Kimona is a gem, the shop deals in luxury Italian bags, clutch purses and wallets.

Not only does the shop look lux but it offers exclusive products.

Zero Degrees West is a small but charming store that provides clothes for the professional woman and Landa Designs aims to do the same, although the clothes look good, the shop itself is rather dull. Then there is the understated elegance of Fiallis Boutique which is designer fashion store that has branches in London and Johannesburg and stocks big

Highway mall

name bands such as Issey Miyake, American Apparel and Natasha Hulse.

Elvis Exclusive Textiles sells executive men’s wear in a classy package, with everything from dress shirts, shoes and suits.

Beauty shops are also available for interested shoppers. Xpress Africa is an exceptionally attractive shop that sells beauty products and other cosmetics at wholesale prices.

Beats Beauty Salon pampers the ladies with hairstyling, weaving, plaiting, mani-pedis including kids hair care. This doesn’t mean men are left out of the equation, The Barber Zone provides head and beard shaving, full body massages, mani-pedis and even facials all for guys. Beauty Target is a retailer that deals in high end cosmetics, scents and clothing with names such as L’Oréal, Calvin Klien, MAC and Victoria’s Secret.

Highway Mall’s food court deserves to be described only in superlatives. The dining area in the mall shoud not be called a food court because it offers a shopper the ambience of an

maisha magic to shut down M-Net yesterday announced that it is closing down Maisha Magic DSTV Channel at the end of March 2015. The organization stated that it was closing the channel because it was not performing as they had anticipated. The channel had been having dismal view ratings and was not popular. It gave a platform for local productions M-Net however said they will continue to support local productions through their other affiliate channels like Maisha Magic Swahili.

HOT TOPICS

upmarket restaurant because the service is friendly and the view of Uhuru Highway as well as the Nyayo National Stadium is simply superb. The eateries might not be numerous but they are appealing.

Burqa Dishes serves authentic African and continental dishes while Jay’s Grill dishes up more contemporary meals such as smoothies, breakfasts, and salads.

Sultan Pizza and Grill is a Lebanese Restaurant offering grilled taouk, soujouk and new craze shawarma to give your taste buds a little tingle.

The wonderful Urban Grind is at the first floor of Highway Mall and it presents nothing but an all-inclusive dining experience.

The coffee shop offers Japanese, American and contemporary dishes in a sophisticated, moodily lit ambience. It is also one the few restaurants in Nairobi that serves up dishes the traditional Japanese teppanyaki way. Urban Grind offers foods for the more exotic palates and is perfect for anybody looking to try something new.

Under hidden treasure would be Marabou Sports Lounge at the top

happy birthday miss Dela!

Musician Dela Maranga is celebrating her birthday today. The songstress is known for her strong and sharp vocals. She started out as background vocalist for some established artistes in Kenya then decided to branch out on her own and released her album, Paukwa. Happy Birthday to the star, we wish her many more returns.

floor of Highway Mall. Although the lounge is assumed to act a sports bar it has infinite potential and the inside of the lounge is lovely.

ElectroHub and Precious Phone and computer Accessories deal in electronic equipment such as headphones, keyboards, laptops, phone and laptop covers and batteries.

Gym services at the mall are provided by Highway Fitness Centre which performs all the duties of a spa, salon, and barber including doubling up as a gym while medical services are offered

by Late Night Chemist.

Some points to note would be that the parking lot is not very large, which an inconvenience considering it is shared by all the office buildings and shopping centres along the road. There also seems to be only one bank branch and ATM in the building that is the Bank of Africa.

The overall tone of the mall might not be the liveliest but it has some real gems and would be a good spot to chill out and unwind after work.

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ACCESS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

WEEKENDPLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

miss tourism kenya 2015 WHERE: KICC WHEN:7pm HOW MUCH: Sh500 regular Sh2, 000 VIP

WHERE: Skatepark Kangemi WHEN: 10am to 6pm WHO: DJ SKATE and ShaolinX - tha Rookie HOW MUCH: Sh100

safaricom international Jazz festival 2015 WHERE Ngong Racecourse WHEN: 11 am WHO: Jimmy Dludlu, Swahili Jazz Band, Soweto Kinch, HOW MUCH: Sh300 students Sh1,000 regular

WHERE:Tribe Hotel WHEN:8pm-11pm WHO: Aline Frazão HOW MUCH: Sh2, 000 advance and Sh2, 500 gate

SUnDAY

SUnDAY

makofi ya kilo - the play

Soweto Kinch

Artcaffe at the

WHERE: Alliance Franҫaise WHEN: 3pm to 9pm WHO: The Makofi Squad HOW MUCH: Sh500

A

rtcaffe has become a household name in Nairobi. Whether you are craving freshly baked croissants, gourmet coffee, healthy salads, tantalizing burgers or sweet cocktails, Artcaffe has them all. One of the latest Arcaffe branches is the Oval located on Ring Road opposite Nakumatt Ukay in Westlands.

Space is never an issue at the Oval.

The seats are evenly spaced and one can choose to sit on the high chairs next to the counter or on the round tables. There is also a large balcony with a seating capacity of 150 with a perfect view of the bustling Westlands area. The restaurant

Oval

Out&about

SATURDAY

Shangilia Skatepark aline frazão Jam competition live in nairobi 2015

SATURDAY

the pit WHERE: Pawa 254 Rooftop WHEN: 11am WHO: Various artistes HOW MUCH: Free

has not spared on décor either. The walls next to the counter are endowed with beautiful and eye catching murals.

The low hanging bulbs complete with big lampshades add a touch of class to the ambience. Nothing beats the aroma of freshly roasted and brewed coffee which attacks your nostrils when you enter.

You can enjoy a double Cappuccino at Sh220 and complement it with either a muffin or plain croissant at Sh190 each.

Although the joint is famed for its coffee and pastries it also offers hearty meals which will set you back a few hundred shillings. The special meals are served with either french fries, mashed potatoes, green salad, rice or steamed potatoes.

Salads do not have to be boring, you can choose from exotic, plain vegan, chicken

Aline Frazão

kspca art auction SATURDAY

WHERE: Purdy Arms Restaurant, Karen WHEN: 2pm WHO: Various artistes HOW MUCH: Sh1000

and beef salads ranging from Sh650 to sh720 per plate. Forget the boring plain beef burgers offered in a majority of eat outs. From Sh850, you can choose either cheese, chili, chicken, beef, lamb or vegan burgers all of which are accompanied with French fries or salad. You also have an option of trying flavorsome caramelized onions, bacon slices, guacamole add ons at an extra cost of course.

For tasty cocktails, one can sit at the outdoor specialty cocktail bar and choose from diverse and exciting cocktails ranging from Sh550 to Sh650. Classic milkshakes are Sh350 while signature ones fetch Sh400. A glass of sangria will set you back Sh600. Why not spoil yourself once in a while at the Artcaffe Oval, life is too short!

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ACCESS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FASHIONScoop

PiNky iS a formEr bEauty quEEN aNd radio PrESENtEr. ShE iS NoW a mothEr of tWo aNd Editor of homE aNd LiviNg magaziNE; WE fouNd hEr SoPhiSticatEd cLoSEt to bE oh- So-imPrESSivE.

What is the fashion advice that you live by?

Own your style-what suits someone else may not suit you-be comfortable in what you are wearing so you can own the look with confidence.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Sophisticated, trendy and fun.

Which one do you prefer, sundresses or jumpsuits?

Jumpsuits because you have to be able to pull it off.

Sundresses can be worn by anyone.

CLOSET RAID

What is your best fashion accessory?

A stylish pair of sunglasses, I just love designer sunglasses!

I cannot leave home without them.

PinkY GHelani

Whose fashion style do you admire locally and internationally?

I love J-Lo’s look at the moment, Taylor Swift’s style statements and I am a fan of Priyanka Chopras fashion choices.

Locally, Sharon Mundia, Julie Gichuru, Anne Kiguta and Janet Mbugua always seem to nail their looks.

What is the last item you wear before leaving the house?

Handbag!

What is your guilty pleasure (fashion wise)?

There is no end! I feel splurging on quality make up is a must and also like good quality

What is the one fashion trend you have sworn never to try and why?

I used to hate prints but as I am getting older I’m trying out new looks.

TOP 10

NEWS

TRACKS THIS WEEK

Rabbit ft Rich King Kaka Mavoko

Rank

watches.

What is your favourite fashion colour?

It has always been black (did you expect me to say pink??!)

Black is flattering. I can dress it up or down and it shrinks you in regards to size. It’s a magic colour!

Who is your favourite fashion designer internationally and locally?

Locally I love all designers-most are my friends and I have seen them grow.

Internationally it depends on the look- JPG, Marchesa, Chanel, Tom Ford, Pucci, the list is endless!

Sharon Mundia

TiTle

aRTisTe

1 2

Njoo Doc Shebeleza

Rabbit ft Rich Mavoko Cassper Nyovest ft Talib K.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

My darlin’ Hali na mali Check and balance My city Awuth yam Woman Mutima Gallardo

Tiwa Savage Kidum ft Nikki & Frasha Burna Boy Toya ft Cassper Nyovest Yanga ft Kid X Juliana Kanyomozi Keko Runtown ft Davido

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 A visitor who needs a little sympathy could visit you today. Your friend probably wants some advice about some problems. He or she could also bring information involving new scientific or metaphysical studies that you find fascinating. This information could trigger your own insights.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Some important plans, perhaps for a vacation or involving education in some way, could be temporarily blocked by circumstances beyond your control, Aquarius. This can cause considerable upset and might even set your temper on edge. Go to it.

FRIday 13/02/2015

sunny

28

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your first reaction may be to blame yourself or someone else, but the circumstances are probably beyond anyone’s control. Chances are good that it can be set right. Before anyone gets too upset, it’s best to investigate and find out what needs to be done.

27ºC 37%

SATURday 14/02/2015

More sun than clouds

29 6:42 am 6:51 pm

27ºC 31%

6:42 am 6:51 pm

Sunday

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 Jealousy could rear its ugly head today, Aries. This may involve a romantic relationship. Jealousy is often groundless. If you want to avoid an upset, try a little communicating. This is definitely the time to make the effort to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Nervous tension could cause a temporary malaise that keeps your energy low today. Try not to get overworked, and try not to take your weariness out on others. It’s better to let work go than make yourself and everyone else more stressed out.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 A group with which you’re affiliated may be temporarily torn apart by politics and quarrels. If so, Gemini, it’s best to stay out of it. Don’t get too frustrated by his or her weaknesses. This could be a frustrating day for you - one best spent working on your own projects.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Perhaps you’re moving, cleaning, or refurnishing, and everyone is getting in everyone else’s way. The best way to handle this situation is to try to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Once it’s done, Cancer, tempers will subside and all will be fine.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Don’t get sucked into a quarrel, Leo. Try to sort out the problem. Changes in your neighborhood could cause trouble getting around, so be prepared for blocked streets and heavy traffic. Walk, if you can. It will clear your head and get you where you’re going more quickly.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Your psychoanalytical talents could be put to work today when misunderstandings come up.

Your friends aren’t likely to be thinking clearly and may not respond to reassurances, Virgo.

Use your intuition to determine the best way to defuse the situation.

MUSTREAD

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 This could bring up your insecurities and jealousy. Don’t make yourself crazy, Libra. Try to learn the facts before letting the situation get the better of you. Invitations to more than one social event for the same night might force you to make an uncomfortable choice.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Someone is keeping secrets from you. We all have private issues we don’t wish to share, Scorpio, but this affects you. Your intuition will probably tell you who this person is. Try to get him or her to open up without exerting pressure. Unfinished tasks could be driving you crazy.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Perhaps you planned to attend a group event but circumstances beyond your control got in the way. Maybe it was canceled. A project of your own is likely to need some attention, and this challenge could keep you engrossed for hours. Tonight, treat yourself to dinner out.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

YOURSAY

— by Nike Campbell-Fatoki

Princess Amelia is the favourite daughter of King Gbehanzin. She is loved by parents and overprotected by her siblings. She struggles to find balance in the palace as her father’s counsel conspire to bring him down. A secret threatens to shatter the perfect life that Amelia enjoys in the shelter of the palace. The repercussions of the secret being known is so serious that Amelia has to flee to neighbouring Nigeria with a brother. Far away from home, she feels lonely and longs for the family until she finds acceptance with a new family. And God.

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.

Some studies just tarnish the country’s name There is no way anyone can convince me that Kenya is sixth among countries with biggest population of the poor in Africa (Study ranks Kenya sixth among countries in Africa with largest poor population,

Thread of Gold Beads

Thursday, February 19, 2015). Surely, this cannot be with countries like war-torn Somalia and South Sudan in the picture.

The people who conduct these studies need to be investigated

for objectivity before being allowed to make public such findings, which have the effect of tarnishing the country’s good name.

—Valerie Maiyo, Nairobi

winning captions

1. That was really bad...glad my soda was saved-BKL, Nairobi 2. How you treat you car tells a lot about the man you are-SD, Nairobi 3. Thank you Lord I am still alive to enjoy this drink-Jack Meli, Nairobi

12

PLAY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Former Chrysler cars 8. Courtroom V.I.P. 13. Remodel 14. Return, as to a past practice 16. Transports by plane 17. Slip by 18. Ricky Martin tune “___ the Minutes” 19. Cause of an unexpected fall 21. Villa ___ (estate near Rome) 22. Mulch material 23. Coastal bird 24. Agnus ___ (prayer) 25. Play end, perhaps 26. Ars gratia ___ 27. Sin of ____ 30. That, in Mexico 31. Clerics’ council 33. Aspect of a personality 35. Canadian rock band big in the 70s, for short 36. Scolds sharply 40. Disease of cereal grasses 42. Prefix for wine 43. Freud’s psyche parts 46. Neuf preceder 47. Bit of sediment 48. Name in 2001 bankruptcy news 50. Deeply buried 52. Recite as a psalm 53. First name in aviatrices 54. Insults 56. Downtown Dallas Plaza 57. Is preoccupied with 58. Cast-off material 59. Absolutely

Down 1. Cleared a winter windshield 2. “La Vie ___” 3. Problem fixer 4. Like sheep 5. Heaviest U.S. President 6. Mel of Cooperstown 7. Stanzas of six lines 8. Goody 9. Assist 10. Dodger 11. Someone sent away 12. Criminal type 13. SWAT team action 15. Mother who won a Nobel 20. Saxophonist Coltrane 22. Not Macs 25. Verdi princess 26. Med school subj.

28. Shed, as skin 29. “That’s ___ concern to you” 31. Played a guitar 32. Jellystone Park resident 34. It precedes a call of “Heads” or “Tails” 35. Execute, in old France 37. Olden days 38. Bean container 39. Gerund’s ending 41. Verdi hero married to Desdemona 44. Start to nod off 45. Browning piece 47. Make-or-break dates 48. Pulled the plug on 49. Crime-fighter Eliot 51. Buys the farm 52. “____ Miracle” (Culture Club single) 55. After a man’s name, a European river

DAILY WISDOM “A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change.

— Earl Nightingale “The winner’s edge is not in a gifted birth, a high IQ, or in talent. The winner’s edge is all in the attitude, not aptitude. Attitude is the criterion for success.”

—Denis Waitley “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” —Albert Einstein “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”

— Colin Powell “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

— Thomas Jefferson “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.”

— William James “Great effort springs naturally from great attitude.”

— Pat Riley

“There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes.”—William J. Brennan, Jr. “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” — Scott Hamilton “Hope the millions of people I’ve touched have the optimism and desire to share their goals and hard work and persevere with a positive attitude.”

— Michael Jordan

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport FRIday, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

flags of convenience Our sportsmen would switch nationalities for the right price P.14

Terry wants to extend Chelsea career by a year John Terry wants to extend his Chelsea career by another 12 months.

The 34-year-old centre back, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has made 656 appearances in 16 years for the Premier League leaders.

“The club know my position,” said the former England captain. “I want to stay. Hopefully my performances are showing that and they can keep me.

“I’ll be happy to get one year and then see how it goes. I’m taking it year by year. I haven’t got much choice.”

Terry made his first team debut in October 1998, and replaced Marcel Desailly as club captain at the start of the 2004-05 campaign.

He is the most successful captain in the club’s history after leading Chelsea to three Premier League titles, a Champions League success, four FA Cups and two League cups.

TOP GUNS: KCB and champions Top Fry Nakuru (right) will at the weekend battle it out for the Kenya Cup top prize at Nakuru Athletic Club.

KCB, Top Fry to clash for Kenya Cup top prize Leaders KCB and champions Top Fry Nakuru will at the weekend battle it out for the Kenya Cup top honours at Nakuru Athletic Club.

Going into the final league fixture, the teams have maintained unbeaten runs at 53 points apiece.

Under an arrangement introduced by Kenya Cup clubs at the start of the season, the team finishing top of the log at the close of regular season hosts the semi-final set for March 7. And as matters stand, either side has chances of earning hosting rights.

Pan Africa Strathmore Leos provide the closest

opposition. Lying third on 45 points and coming off nine wins and two defeats, they cannot finish the regular season in a higher position.

At the bottom of the log, Mombasa Sport Club’s two season stints at the Kenya Cup appears to be over with two rounds of the regular season left.

The side returned to the country’s top tier for the 2013/14 season after narrowly escaping relegation at the expense of Eldoret and Kisumu who were relegated to the lower Nationwide league. Another side that is staring relegation are Catholic University who sit second last on four

Ronaldo is back, warns Ancelotti Cristiano Ronaldo “lives to score goals” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned rivals.

Ronaldo (pictured) started Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 tie in Schalke without a goal in three games but scored the opener in a 2-0 first-leg win.

“Cristiano is back,” said Ancelotti of the forward who has 58 goals in 58 Champions League appearances.

“Today we needed a game like that, with this attitude.

Everything went well.”

Ancelotti spoke of his confidence in Ronaldo in the build-up to the match when questioned over the Portuguese superstar’s goal drought.

A fourth game without finding the net would have been Ronaldo’s worst run in front of goal since 2011. But he headed in after 26 minutes and later passed to Marcelo, who finished sublimely in the second half.

“He scored, he played well and gave an assist,” said Ancelotti.

“It’s not a problem for us if he

doesn’t score for a game or two but it’s obvious that the goal did him good.

“It wasn’t only a goal for the statistics. It was an important goal - the lead goal.”

The former Manchester United player’s first goal in a month provided the platform for Madrid to record a 10th-straight Champions League win. The victory equalled Bayern Munich’s record set in 2013.

They remain the only side with a 100% record in this year’s tournament and Ronaldo - on six - is only three goals behind the competition’s leading scorer - Luiz Adriano of Shakhtar Donetsk.

But Real nearly left Germany without a win as Schalke struck the woodwork moments before the lead was doubled and the home side ended the night with eight shots on goal, only three fewer than the holders.

“He goes into the box once and scores a goal. Then he sets up the second. The quality made the difference tonight.”

points after managing only a single win.

The final will be held March 14 at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds.

Saturday 21 February 2015

Blak Blad v Homeboyz – 2.00pm, Impala Club Mean Machine v Mwamba – 4.00pm, Impala Club Catholic Monks v Western Bulls - 4.00pm, Catholic University Kabras Sugar v Pan Africa Strathmore Leos – 4.00pm, ASK Kakamega Showground Mombasa Sports Club v Kenya Harlequin – 4.00pm, Mombasa Sports Club Top Fry Nakuru v KCB —4.00pm, Nakuru Athletic Club

Zimbabwe record highest World Cup run as UAE fall

Zimbabwe recorded their highest World Cup run chase to avoid an embarrassing defeat by the United Arab Emirates.

UAE’s Shaiman Anwar scored 67 as the qualifiers posted 285-7, their highest one-day international score, in their first World Cup match since 1996.

Zimbabwe started slowly before the greater quality and experience of the Test nation began to shine through.

Sean Williams’s well-constructed 76 led them to a fourwicket victory with 12 balls to spare in Pool B. UAE almost caused a shock in the picturesque New Zealand city of Nelson as they chased a first ODI win against a Test side.

The Arab qualifiers showed less nerves in their first World Cup appearance in 19 years. They passed a previous ODI best, 282-4 against Afghanistan set last November.

Anwar’s enterprising 50-ball innings. The score included nine fours and a six that set the platform before eighthwicket pair Mohammad Naveed and Amjad Javed added 53 runs to complete the record tally.

14

SPORT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Flags of

convenience: Just what is the price of patriotism?

J

ust over a decade ago, a teenage budding striker was offered Sh230 million to switch nationalities on the eve of the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Dennis Oguta ‘the Menace’ Oliech, then 19, was the sensational youngster who was being seduced by spellbinding cash incentives to change nationalities to Qatar, but he wouldn’t let his head turn.

Fast-forward to a decade later, another 19-year-old Divock Origi, son of former Kenya international Mike Okoth Origi turned down a chance to play for Kenya, (a side battling to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations) and opted to play for a star-studded Belgium during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

In all honesty, he must be glad he made that call given how his stock has risen.

Another case but in a different field is back in 2003. Qatari athlete Saif Saaeed Shaheen, formerly known as Stephen Cherono, won gold medal in the 3,000-metre steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Paris, robbing Kenya of a title she’d won at each of the previous six World Championships (and every Olympics since 1968). The nation was left in shock.

“Economic hardships was the main factor for my changing nationality. Such decisions were never easy, but something had to give,” said Cherono alias Shaheen whose move guaranteed him Sh89,600 a month for life compared to Sh182,000 he earned a year while sweating it out on the

QATARI: Qatari athlete Saif Saaeed Shaheen, formerly known as Stephen Cherono.

DENNIS THE MENACE: Oliech in action for Kenya against Mali at the 2004 African Cup of Nations.

track for the East Africans.

The aforementioned three are just but cases of dozens of sports persons who have either jumped ship or waiting for the opportunity to do so.

Kipchoge Hezekiah “Kip” Keino, Chairman of the Kenyan Olympic Committee, and a winner of four Olympic medals says cases of athletes defecting has only but started and likely to go on for a long time.

“Our sports people sweat to fly the Kenyan flag high but do not get due recognition

from the government which is very unfortunate,” says Kipchoge, a three-time Commonwealth Champion.

“Did I ever receive anything from the government for my efforts?

Never ever, but I never regret.

However, going forward, the government must step up and reward our athletes better,” he laments.

Divock Origi’s father, Mike Okoth echoes Keino’s sentiments saying, it’s no longer pleasant representing Kenya in different disciplines due to limited recognition back at home. “ E v e n though the government has made attempts to give appealing cash incentives for excelling athletes, it is the way they are treated after their active career is over that might see them opt for changing nationalities,” says Okoth who played for Kenya’s Harambee Stars between 1989-2004.

Billy Konchellah, the 1987 and 1991 World Champion in the 800m discipline had his son Gregory Konchellah sacrifice a family name with a proud reputation to run for Bahrain as Youssef Saad Kamel. Konchellah concedes that there is little that can be done especially when there are better deals out there.

“The bitter truth is that, to keep your best, you must give them the possibility to realise their full potential and promise of better life after retirement. That sadly is not the case in Kenya,” says Konchellah.

There have it, comparisons in the manner in which Kenyan athletes are remunerated back at home once they win major races compared to their counterparts in other countries and a stark contrast has emerged.

Take for instance, in neighbouring Uganda, Stephen Kiprotich, who won the country her first Olympics gold medal in 40 years returned home to a hero’s welcome and a check worth Sh7.2 million.

Besides that, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni promised to erect a three-bedroom house for his parents in eastern Uganda, a promise which was delivered.

No Kenyan athlete, male or female, a World Cross Country or Olympic Champion, has ever been accorded such level of significance.

Her colleague, Dorcus Inzikuru also had a house built by the state in her honour while also receiving the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane Class 3 Medal from Museveni immediately after she won gold at the World Championships in Helsinki Finland and at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The two are just but examples in a world where Kenyan sportsmen and women have found themselves lagging behind as far as being rewarded is concerned.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario recognizes the need to have a provision in the Sports Act to ensure active and former sports persons are treated with utter respect.

“The element of feeling wanted in your hey days and life after has to

OLD BILLY: Billy Konchellah winning men’s 800m in 1991 World Championship

be key. In other nations superstars are given state protection. Same can’t be said about Kenyans, we need to get there,” he said.

It is relieving to have somebody who understands the dynamics of modern sports as the Sports C a b i n e t Secretary.

However, talk is cheap. Whether he’ll marshal his honchos and juniors to prepare a golden handshake for our sportsmen and women who make this country proud at the international arena is a case of wait and see.

BELGIAN: Divock Origi, son of former Kenya international Mike Okoth Origi plays for Belgium.

SPORT 15 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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

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

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

Weekend matches predictions

Hull Vs QPR

Aston Villa Vs Stoke

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

TO PLAY FOR JACKPOT,SMS TO 79079: JP#XNEWS#13 predictions E.G: JP#XNEWS#1X2X1XX2212X1

YOU WIN WHEN ALL YOUR 13 PREDICTIONS ARE CORRECT. JACKPOT IS EQUALLY SHARED AMONGST ALL WINNERS.

PREDICTIONS DATE

TIME

GAME

1

X

2

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Hull comfortably took advantage of Aston Villa visit to KC Stadium in Gameweek 25 to pick up a priceless 3 points. The harvest saw Hull move out of relegation zone. The Tigers face another struggling side that has been poor on the road in form of Queens Park Rangers. QPR picked up their first away points of the season during their long trip to Sunderland. Victory moved QPR out of the drop zone heading into Gameweek 26.

XSport: 2-1 Hull Gakii: 2-2 Silas: 1-0 QPR Game ID: 2896 Pick 1(Hull win)

X (Draw)

2 (QPR win)

Villa have parted ways with manager Paul Lambert after a dismal run of results which saw them lose 5 matches in a row. The Villains need to pick up form promptly to drag themselves out of the Relegation Zone. Stoke were outplayed by visiting Manchester City in Gameweek 25 to end up on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline. The Potters had run a decent form at three wins in a row before City came calling.

XSport: 1-1 Gakii: 2-1 Stoke Silas: 1-0 Villa Game ID: 1685 Pick 1(Aston X (Draw) 2 (Stoke win) win)

Odd

2.03

3.26

3.34

Bet Amount

Odd

2.66

3.09

2.77

100

100

100

100

100

100

Possible win (KSh)

Bet Amount

203

326

334

Possible win (KSh)

266

309

277

Sunderl Vs W. Brom

Swansea Vs Man Utd

Sunderland were the first League side to concede points against travelling QPR. The Black Cats have a chance to resume winning ways when West Brom visit North East. Sunderland have lost three of the last four on home soil and need to turn things around. The Baggies have been in decent form and have only lost one of their last six outings home and away.

XSport: 2-1 West Brom Gakii: 1-1 Silas: 2-1 Sunderland

Swansea crashed 2-0 at West Brom in their last game and sit 9th in the log heading into a showdown with United on Saturday. Garry Monk’s side are without a win in three matches at home and United’s visit might jus be just what The Swans need to get things back on track. United have been recently ridiculed as poor who boring to watch. Away win expected at The Liberty Stadium.

XSport: 3-0 Man United Gakii: 1-1 Silas: 2-1 Swansea

Game ID: 2346 Pick 1 (Sunder X (Draw) 2 (W.Bro win) win)

Game ID: 3809 Pick 1 (Atalan X (Draw) 2 (Inter win) win)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Odd

2.45

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

245

3.04

Odd

3.86

3.54

1.93

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

309

304

Possible win (KSh)

386

354

193

3.09

Southampton Vs Liverpool

Sampdoria vs Genoa

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015

Southampton host Liverpool in the final fixture of Gameweek 26. The Saints played out a boring draw against Hammers in Gameweek 25. They have conceded only two goals in their last EPL outings.

Liverpool will hope they can maintain a robust goal scoring form which saw them notch three against Spurs in their last League fixture. Daniel Sturridge seems set to start and Mario Balotelli is pushing for a recall after netting the winner against Spurs.

Score: draw at St Marys.

XSport: 1-1 Gakii: 2-1 Liverpool Silas: 3-1 Soton Game ID: 9592 Pick Odd 0755 079 079 0709 079 079

1 (S.ampt X (Draw) 1 (Liver win) win) 2.45

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

245

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Although they are among the top spots in the table, Sampdoria seem to have run out of steam this year.

They have only won two out of seven games this season. Genoa bounced back from defeat at San Siro in Gameweek 22 to trounce a hapless Verona in an exciting seven goal thriller they won 5-2. A fierce contest is on the way as the two city rivals clash as they eye European football next season.

XSport: 2-1 Sampdoria Gakii: 1-0 Genoa Silas: 0-0 Game ID: 1698 Pick 1 (Samp X (Draw) 2 (Genoa win) win)

2.87

Odd

2.23

3.24

3.29

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

330

287

Possible win (KSh)

223

324

329

3.30

xnews | friday, february 20, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

AUSTRALIA SKIPPER MICHAEL CLARKE TO MISS WC OPENER Pg: 13

Headr header dha Header dd ad header dd abd heabdbd headbebdfuddu

KANING: Harry Kane celebrates his first Premier League goal in April 2014. England coach Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Harry Kane will be called up to his next England squad.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 Barua Muganga RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY Nipe Nafasi You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this Glory to Glory link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

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Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 wil be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Harry Kane will be called up to his next England squad but insisted that he will not use Wayne Rooney as a midfielder on a day when it also emerged that another of his forwards, Saido Berahino, had become the first player to receive an official reprimand for breaching the Football Association’s code of conduct.

Berahino has been given a formal warning after highlevel talks behind the scenes involving Hodgson and the FA’s technical director, Dan Ashworth, to discuss whether the West Bromwich Albion striker’s conviction for drunkdriving was serious enough for him to be left out of the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Lithuania on 27 March followed by the friendly against Italy in Turin

four days later. The verdict was that a reprimand would be enough but Berahino’s place is at risk anyway at a time when Hodgson says he is not just planning to award Kane his first senior cap but is also giving serious consideration to including Danny Ings on the back of his impressive form for Burnley.

Hodgson made it clear he will not follow Louis van Gaal’s decision to employ Rooney in a midfield role for Manchester United despite the increased competition for places. Daniel Sturridge is fit again, Danny Welbeck is one of the manager’s favourites and Jermain Defoe is also back in contention, and that threatens to bring an end to Rickie Lambert’s international career after his disappointing season for Liverpool.

HEAdER HEAd dgd HEAdER dgdA dg HEAdER dgHd HEAdER HdA dHd AHd d Sports betting firm SportPesa today morning handed over a Sh14million cheque as sponsorship for this year’s edition of the Super 8 tournament.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Dr. Hassan Wario was in attendance at the handover, and his presence was warmly recognised by tournament organizers Extreme Sports’ boss Hussein Mohammed. “It is the first time since we started that Ministry of Sports has come to support,” said Mohammed.

The ninth edition of the tournament was launched earlier this month with Mohammed confirming that the tournament will feature teams in the 17 constituencies in Nairobi County and will run between March and July 2015.

“The preliminary matches will be played on home and away format as opposed to the previous knockout tournament,” said Mohammed.

Interested teams are required to pay a Sh3,000 registration fee. Winners of

the event will take home a doubled-up prize of Sh500,000 while first runners up will pocket Sh250,000. Bronze winners will earn Sh100,000.

All the regional champions who will not advance to the medal brackets will bag Sh60,000 in a structure that will see even third and fourth placed teams at the regional level bag Sh10,000 each.

The deadline for registration of participating teams will be on February 20, 2015.

Eden Hazard has become the

first big-money beneficiary of Head the lucrative Premier League rights deal after penning a dbdabdudbaudTV new contract worth a whopping £57million (Sh8 billion). abdua Chelsea have confirmed the Belgium international has penned a new five-and-a-half year contract worth £200,000 (Sh28.2 million) per week.

The news comes in a week that the Premier League confirmed a £5billion (Sh705 billion) deal with Sky Sports and BT Sport to show live matches over three seasons from the start of the 2016-17 campaign.

The staggering TV rights package will see increased revenue for Premier League

Published By Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road, Nairobi | Printed By The Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.

clubs and is likely to result in increased transfer fees and wages.

And Hazard’s deal - which puts him amongst the highest paid at Stamford Bridge merely underlines the growing financial power of clubs in England’s top-flight.

The Belgian’s new deal has been an open secret for some time, with manager Jose Mourinho insisting on several occasions that the talented forward would extend his contract.

“The manager has helped me improve a lot, the fans have been fantastic and I have an amazing understanding with my team-mates,” Hazard said.