20150206 xnew

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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public outcry outrage in embakasi as more chunks of land are grabbed

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rewarded 3,000 nakumatt customers get school fees vouchers

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fresh act Phil jay living his dream of writing and making music

NEWS

BALDEV Chager confident HE WILL retain 2015 rally title

Barclays Golf circuit TEES OFF at Limuru golf and country club

Governors may get extra Sh20 billion

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ounty governments may receive an extra Sh20 billion in allocations for the next financial year after the Cabinet approved the funds yesterday.

A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta resolved to increase county allocations

from the current Sh228 billion to Sh248 billion.

The cash will be equally shared among the 47 devolved units in the next financial year.

The counties are also set to benefit from Sh4.6 billion conditional grants for maternal health care, Sh4.5 billion to support level five hospitals and

Sh3.3 billion for road maintenance.

The allocations are contained in the Division of Revenue Allocation Bill and County Allocation Bill for the 2015/2016 budget, which will await approval by Parliament. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

State House receives Sh3million table

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Alai in court for annoying Gichuru

Blogger Robert Alai was today morning arraigned in court and charged with causing personal annoyance.

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Back for good

The iconic Florida Club, which had shut down for a while after demolition, is back and judging from where we stand, it is here to stay.

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PRICEY TABLE: President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta admire the Ramara Lily table worth Sh2.9million at State House, Nairobi.

The table, designed by Ramara Limited, won the Design Quest Award in 2010 for creativity, aesthetics and functional art.

Closet raid x-news.co.ke

H_art the band grew from obscurity in record time and are now setting trends in fashion.

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NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Governors may get extra Sh20 billion From Page 1

But the key focus of resource allocation as approved by the Cabinet will be infrastructure and human capital development, including education, environment and youth.

The move comes even as a new World Bank report on county expenditure reveals that majority of governors committed a huge chunk of cash on salaries and administration costs at the expense of development.

But the Budget Policy Paper approved yesterday and which outlines spending priorities for counties also took note of incomplete projects arising from allocations in the previous financial year.

It calls for ‘serious’ strategic interventions in national security and environment dockets due to the heightened spate of attacks in the country in the past year.

The attacks cast the central government in negative light especially with widespread criticism over terror detection mechanisms.

The meeting also resolved to create an advisory board to determine how the equalisation fund will be allocated to ensure marginalized counties are catered for. Sh6 billion was set aside for priority projects.

The equalization fund is also

meant boost other initiatives by the government in its bid to achieve Vision 2030.

The Cabinet also discussed fast-tracking of compensation for those displaced or affected by the Lappset project to guarantee payment by the end of the month before construction of the multibillion shilling project can continue.

Construction of the first three berths has started even as criticism mount over

delays in compensating victims.

The Cabinet welcomed a grant by the International Monetary Fund to cushion the country against changes in the financial sector.

It expressed confidence that inflation may fall to 5 from 5.5 per cent in the course of the year.

The Cabinet proposals are awaiting approval by Parliament once it resume sittings next Tuesday.

Kidero to pay fees for needy KCPE stars in Alliance, Loreto Two of last year’s KCPE candidates who scored highly but were unable to join Form 1 for lack of fees can now smile after Governor Evans Kidero pledged to sponsor their secondary education.

The plight of Caroline Maina and Mercy Kiplimo was highlighted in the media after their chances of joining two of the country’s leading national schools was jeopardised by lack of finances.

Caroline has been admitted to Alliance Girls while Mercy will join Loreto Convent School, Limuru.

Kidero met the girls at City Hall and pledged to pay full school fees from form one to four,

including upkeep.

He will do so through the Evans Kidero (EK) Foundation which has set aside Sh10 million to sponsor poor but bright children.

Kidero said he will closely monitor the academic progress of the girls.

“I would like to urge more people to support needy and bright children pursue their education. Caroline and Mercy must pursue their education. I will closely monitor their grades in school. I’m a firm believer that a good education means learning to read, write and most importantly learn how to learn so that one can be whatever they want to be when they grow up.”

In 2014/2015 the County government set aside Sh20million to finance needy cases from Nairobi who join national schools.

Another Sh85 million was set aside for members of the County Assembly to support needy cases joining schools in their wards.

Kidero said the County has developed a roadmap to transform education since the release of the Taskforce report on February 28, 2014.

Among the recommendations is the requirement that all the children entering class one next year register with an Education Identification Number (EIN) to enable the county track their performance

HELPING HAND: Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero (centre) after handing out cash to Mercy Kiplimo for her fees. The student scored exceptional grades in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam last year and will join Loreto High School, Limuru.

Both engines failed in TransAsia crash Black box data from the TransAsia Airlines turbo-prop plane that crashed in Taiwan has revealed that both its engines failed, investigators say.

Taiwan’s Aviation Safety Council said the engines failed to produce enough thrust for two minutes after take-off.

Flight GE235 was carrying 58 passengers and crew, at least 35 of whom died as the plane crashed into a river.

voxpop....

Black box and flight recorder data show the crew fruitlessly tried to restart one of the failed engines.

The pilots of TransAsia Airways Flight GE235 grappled with problems with both the engines before it clipped a bridge and crashed into a river.

The stall warning went off in the cockpit five times, starting from about 37 seconds after takeoff, the aviation agency told

reporters, citing information from the aircraft’s flight recorders.

The two engines on the ATR 72 twinengine turboprop aircraft stopped producing power one after the other, and the pilots failed in an attempt to restart one of them, according to the agency.

The pilots issued a mayday alert to air traffic control, announcing an engine flameout, or power failure.

Flight GE235 crashed into the Keelung River in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, shortly after taking off Wednesday with 58 people on board.

Authorities say 35 people have so far been confirmed dead. Another 15 survived and 8 are still missing, Taiwan’s official news agency CAN has said. Two people on the ground were also injured.

The Aviation Safety Council said Friday

it was still collecting information on the disaster and was not yet able to say what caused the engines to shut down.

The agency says it will take months to carry out a full analysis of the contents of Flight GE235’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

The reported engine problems tally with the account of Huang Chin-shun, a 72-year-old survivor of the crash.

Do you think the Government is doing enough to ensure the Standard Gauge Railway is completed on time?

Joseph Ouma

Steve Mungai

Michael Wanjohi Maybe. The Government should speed up the process as Kenyans want to use the railway by 2017. The Standard Gauge Railway will minimise the rate of accidents on our roads and reduce the cost of transport.

I do not think so. Thy can do better if they set priorities right. Ethiopia completed theirs earlier than us and in my opinion, they are economically lower than Kenya. The government should direct more effort into the project.

They are doing a good job. Things are actually working. Given time, the Government will come through on its promises. As we can remember, Uhuru Kenyatta said we give his government time to deliver.

NEWS 3 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

CARTOONSPEAK

NEWS BRIEFS

Cockroaches have personalities too, French scientists now claim Insects, and cockroaches in particular can be shy or adventurous when emerging from hiding places, scientists claim.

In a study that may confirm that cockroaches behave much like humans do, scientists from Université libre de Bruxelles (French for Free University of Brussels) observed the behaviour of the insects when they came out in the open in an ‘arena’.

They found that ‘shy’ insects tried to keep hidden as much as possible while more adventurous insects were keen to explore their surroundings.

These human-like habits give cockroaches an evolutionary advantage because different behaviour means at least some of a group is likely to survive a disaster.

Teargas as City Park traders riot over burning of stalls

In an experiment, scientists from Université libre de Bruxelles studied the behaviour of the insects when they came out in the open.

They theorised that if cockroaches all have the same personalities they would all behave exactly the same when in the open. But their observations revealed clear differences.

“We have categorised the observed personalities. We call them ‘shy or cautious’ and ‘bold or explorers’, says Isaac Planas Sitjà, one of the researchers from the university.

He said that his team is studying the implications of these personalities for social behaviour.

“Moreover,” he adds, “these individual personalities have an impact both on the group personality and sheltering dynamics.”

Bank shuts Somali fund service over Al-Shabab terror fears MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

SHUT OUT: Somali-Americans rally in Minnesota in 2012, after the only bank that supported the money-exchange system called hawala withdrew from those transactions. Now, Merchants Bank of California is withdrawing from the service over concerns the funds are being channelled to militants.

A bank which handles money transfers between US-based Somalis and their families in East Africa is to close its service over concerns the funds are being channelled to militants.

Merchants Bank of California handles up to 80 percent of such transfers from the US, worth about $200m annually but it says it will no longer be able to con-

tinue due to new money-laundering regulations.

A US congressman described the decision as “catastrophic”.

Regulators are concerned that some of the money transfers may be finding their way into the hands of Islamists tied to the al-Shabab militia.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a federal

regulator, told the Merchants Bank of California last year that it found its anti-money laundering procedures inadequate.

In the US, bank directors are responsible for ensuring all the funds they handle are used for legitimate purposes.

The OCC ordered the Merchants Bank to determine more exactly the destination of the funds

it was wiring. But in a letter to its clients last month, officials from the bank said they could not meet the regulators’ requirements and would have to close their money wiring service, US media reported.

Abdullahi Ismail, a Somali-born US citizen who lives in California, told the BBC that the local Somali community was baffled

by the decision. “Nobody knows what to do at this point but everybody’s just shocked by that news,” he said.

“I really don’t know if anybody sends money to the terrorists or launders money. Most Somalis send the remittances to their families, who are not doing anything wrong in Somalia.”

Police today fired shots in the air and lobbed teargas to disperse hundreds of City Park Market traders who were protesting the burning down of their stalls last night. The traders had blocked Limuru Road demanding compensation from the government after the fire destroyed their goods and other property. The area near the market remained a no-go zone as the angry business people hurled stones at motorists and passers-by. The confrontation ensued by our press time today, even as more police officers were sent to disperse the rioting traders. They had been joined by former Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu. The cause of the fire that broke out at about 10pm remains unknown but some of the hawkers claim it may have been sabotage.

Guinean arrested with 3Kg cocaine at JKIA A 45 year old Guinea national has been arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after being found with three kilos of cocaine valued at Sh11 million. Abdoulaye Diallo was on transit from Doha to Cotonou in Benin through JKIA when the drugs he was carrying were noticed. He was then arrested and put on observation on Thursday morning during which he emitted the three kilos of the narcotics.

Airport CID boss Judy Jebet says the suspect will be arraigned in court on Monday.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

ICC admits Waki Report against Ruto, Sang: ICC judges yesterday admitted the Waki Report as evidence against Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang in their trial at The Hague. Trial Chamber V(a) ruled that the report was relevant to the background of the case facing Ruto and Sang. In their ruling however, they rejected seven transcripts sources from the Waki Commission, saying that they were of a testimonial nature and not admissible at the ICC. The Waki Commission’s official name is Commission of Enquiry on Post Election Violence...

How the governors spent your money: Counties are going against public policy by spending most of their allocations on salaries and administration costs rather than on projects that directly benefit wananchi. A new report shows that only 10 counties spent at least 30 per cent of their budgets on development projects last year.

That means 37 other counties failed to meet this threshold. The report by the World Bank indicates that if counties continue to pour money into salaries, fuel and office expenses, then the whole purpose of devolution...

Shocking study on teachers and job satisfaction rating: Nearly half of Kenyan teachers are ready to quit their profession because of unfavourable working conditions, an international education conference heard Thursday. According to a survey on the working condition of teachers across the globe, whose findings were presented at the ongoing Education International (EI) Conference in Nairobi, 45 per cent of Government employed teachers “want to leave the profession”. EI Secretary General Fred Van Leeuwen revealed the damning statistics...

NO COPY BY PRESS TIME

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NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Outrage in Embakasi as more chunks of school land grabbed

MORE LAND GRABBED: Pupils of Lang’ata Primary School holding placards as they protested against an alleged land grabber who pinched the school’s playground. Rampant land grabbing of public schools’ land in Embakasi Central has also elicited anger among the residents of the constituency

Don’t be moved, union tells Mandera teachers as TSC threatens to sack A government workers’ union has called on North Eastern Kenya teachers to remain unmoved even as the government moves to replace them after refusing to return to their work stations.

Deputy Secretary General of the

Trade Union Congress of Kenya Charles Mukhwaya, has asked the embattled teachers who have declined to resume their duties to remain put as they fight for their security in the region.

The teachers’ employer, the

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) yesterday advertised 1, 089 vacancies to replace those who have refused to resume work.

The commission had earlier given the teachers up to February 2,

FEAR NOT: Deputy Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Kenya Charles Mukhwaya.

He has asked North Eastern teachers to remain unmoved even as the TSC threatens to replace them.

2015 to return to their respective schools or risk being sacked and yesterday, it inched closer to executing that threat by advertising the positions belonging to the striking teachers.

Dr Mukhwaya however blamed the government and TSC for resorting to intimidation with threats and ultimatums, instead of addressing the pertinent questions raised by the teachers.

“It is unfortunate that the TSC has advertised the teaching positions in northern Kenya without even listening to the concerns of the teachers. We need to have a tripartite meeting with all the stakeholders and resolve the standoff. These staff are not violating the law, they are ready to deliver services, only in two conditions; that they are secure, or are transferred to other regions,” said Dr Mukhwaya.

The teachers are claiming that they are no longer secure in the counties of mandera, Wajir and Garissa which have recently been faced with al-shabaab terror attacks.

Only last evening, three people were injured after a hand grenade was hurled at a food kiosk in Mandera town.

Rampant land grabbing of public schools land in Embakasi Central has elicited anger among the residents of the constituency and the area legislator John Ndirangu.

Ndirangu has specifically singled out Mwangaza Secondary school and Bondeni Primary school where huge chunks of land has been grabbed and developed.

He says despite numerous attempts to get help from the County Government, he is yet to get a response over the matter.

“The president has directed (that public schools be issued with title deeds) but what action has been made?” he posed. “Nothing… we are his agent on the ground. You can see people are doing new developments instead of demolishing. We will do whatever we can to recover this land.”

Bondeni Primary School has been worst hit with apartments and a private school built within the playing ground.

Efforts by school pupils to bring down a section of the wall erected on their playing ground were stopped by the MP who said he will find a private surveyor to determine the exact land of the school.

“I will fight until all that is built on the school ground is removed and we maintain the school compound the way it was originally as surveyed by the County Council of Nairobi,” he said.

He cautioned that if the county government acts sluggishly and in quotes, “I will use the masses here to demolish all these structures here.”

Even before the MP had finished his briefing, some of the owners of the ear marked buildings started trickling in to the school playing ground.

“It is good we follow justice…we can finish these issues without causing a lot of problem,” an elderly man told the legislator.

One of the owners Patrick Gichuki who was visibly shaken after students started chanting ‘Haki Yetu’ slogans told journalists he was given the land by the defunct County Council of Nairobi together with three others who have constructed on the land.

Gichuki said he occupied the land in 1983 after acquiring it from the then area councillor together with three other developers.

“All this area was called purpose land…the school was given the same way we were given by the city council,” he said.

He claimed already a title deed was being processed for his plot which he has erected a five storey building. “I don’t know why we are arguing on this matter…the school was given their portion the same time I acquired mine,” he said. “It is the MP who wants to bring issues…I will go to the County Government to take my grievances.”

Matatu owners issue strike threat Public Service Vehicle operators have given the government a seven day strike notice to stop harassment of its members.

Matatu Welfare Association Chairman, Dickson Mbugua has also threatened to go to court, if the government does not stop its alleged aggravation towards members.

Mbugua has also demanded that the transport ministry and the National Transport Safety Authority, review the recent suspension of 11 speed governors’ dealers.

“The matatu industry has been made a cash cow. Anybody who wants to make money, targets the matatu industry. We cannot allow this to happen.”

He also called on the ministry to do away with the requirement that all matatus should comply with the cashless system and new digital governors for their TLB licences to be renewed. Addressing the press, Mbugua also criticised an order that matatus with a 25-seater capacity and below will not be allowed to operate come January next year.

Meanwhile, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a 14 day ultimatum to digital speed governor suppliers and agencies to address technical hitches in their gadgets failure to which legal action be taken against them.

BAD FOR YOU: Scenes during a past Matatu strike in Nairobi.

Public Service Vehicle operators have issued a seven day strike notice the government to stop harassing them.

xnews | FRIday, FEBRUARY 6, 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 91.4894 91.217 91.5556 139.0583 139.3039 139.1811 103.7450 103.9067 103.8258 7.9681 7.9865 7.9773 31.2372 31.3916 31.3144 19.8643 20.0023 19.9333

Why regulator won’t issue 3rd broadcast digital signal The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) says it will not issue a third Broadcast Signal Distribution (BSD) licence as earlier expected.

This comes after the African Digital Network, a group comprising Nation Media Group, Royal Media Services and Standard Group, fruitlessly waged a campaign for a licence.

The licence was offered to State-owned broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation subsidiary, Signet, and China’s Pan African Network Group.

Addressing a forum on

digital migration in Nairobi, Communications Authority Chairman Ngene Gituku said the authority had initially planned to issue two licences as required by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) policy agreement.

“The issue of BSD was an international tender and where ITU said we must not have more than two BSD because of the shortage of spectrum,” said Gituku The authority, however, says the issue of issuing a third BSD can only be considered

once the digital migration is completed later in June.

The authority says there are no plans to extend the digital migration deadline as the country is regulated by international regulations.

“This is not an easy decision as people may think. Kenya is a member of ITU and we abide by rules and regulations of ITU. In any case I don’t know why we would want to ask for an extension yet all other countries have migrated,” said Gituku.

no plans: A digital TV remote control baton. The Communications Authority says it will not issue a third Broadcast Signal Distribution (BSD) licence as earlier expected.

Sandwich demand raises US coffee chain’s profits US coffee chain, Dunkin’ Brands Group, has reported a 1.4 per cent rise in revenue in fourth quarter sales.

The rise has been attributed to demand for their sandwiches and launch of a new dark roast coffee at their US outlets.

Net income rose to $52.5 mil-

lion (Sh4.8 billion) in the fourth quarter, from $42.1 million (Sh3.8 billion) a year earlier.

The fall in oil prices has also been seen a key factor in the revenue rise. Analysts say the 43 per cent plunge in oil prices has left Americans with more spare money for spending.

The coffee chain house said consumer traffic at US outlets has risen in the recent past as sales rose by 9.3 per cent.

Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. It rose by 4.3 per cent in the fourth quarter compared with a 3.2 per cent jump in

the third quarter.

The company plans to buy back shares worth up to $700 million (Sh63.9 billion) and introduce new beverages at US outlets, including fruit smoothies and a frozen Dunkaccino.

city wallet Kenyans will spend up to Sh110,000 on mobile phone Kenyans have embraced mobile phones ownership faster than any country in East Africa. And the penetration rate is close to countries with higher average incomes and rates of urbanisation.

Nearly three quarters of households have a mobile phone where two thirds of the homes have a smartphone.

Experts from Dublin-based firm, Research and Markets, and data provided by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show some consumers spend as much as Sh110,000 on a single smartphone.

Middle to higher income Kenyans can afford multiple smart devices.

There are more mobile phones, which were once considered luxury goods in Kenya, than the country’s population.

Low income Kenyans can afford to spend up to Sh50 a day to top up airtime.

A study by the World Bank has revealed that “with decreasing prices, people of all socioeconomic levels rely on the phones for personal and professional needs.”

sales trigger: Dunkin’ Brands Group, a US coffee chain, has reported a 1.4 per cent rise in revenue in fourth quarter sales driven by demand for sandwiches and launch of a new dark roast coffee at their outlets.

GLOBE WATCH Disgusted customers have caused the Japanese McDonald’s to record the first annual operating loss in more than 10 years.

The fast food retailer has seen sales plunge by a record 39 per cent as safety scandals driven customers away.

Their pain was made worse by a shortage of French fries late last year. The crisis is likely to persist as analysts say they do not expect a quick turnaround in a country where consumers are used to high quality foods.

Known officially as McDonald’s Holdings Co (Japan), the company runs the food chain’s second-largest restaurant network in the world after US. The firm says it experienced an operating loss of 6.7 billion yen (Sh5.2 billion) in 2014, compared with operating profits of 11.5 billion yen (Sh8.9 billion) a year earlier.

History Quality issues arose last month with the news that customers had found foreign objects, including a tooth, in

Mobile handset sales have increased 200 per cent since 2009. The cheapest gadget costs about Sh900 while the most affordable smartphones cost as low as Sh50,000.

McDonald’s customer flight triggers loss their food. January figures showed customer numbers fell by 29 per cent from a year earlier.

Implications McDonald’s Japan Chief Executive Sarah Casanova says the company is determined to restore its reputation.

“We serve billions of menu items every year and in the food industry we understand these kind of issues should never happen. It’s our responsibility to do everything we can to obtain as close to zero as possible,” she told a recent earnings briefing.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Nakumatt rewards shoppers with Sh43m More than 3,000 Nakumatt shoppers, have received school fee cheques valued at Sh43 million drawn from their loyalty points redemption at the supermarket.

Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director, Atul Shah, said the awards program enables Nakumatt shoppers to redeem their accumulated Smart points for school fees cheques drawn in favor of their school of choice. Shah added that the scheme has received high demand from shoppers which has led to an extension of the redemption period to the end of this month.

“Nakumatt’s contribution to academic advancement is borne out of the popular demand by a majority of our smart shoppers. Alongside this program, we shall continue extending a number of other reward programs for our customers’ as we remain grateful for their loyal patronage,” said Shah.

Shah encouraged all users regardless of whether they have school going children to redeem points for friends and family.

“The Nakumatt Smart Points redemption plan for school fees program is open to all shoppers including those who may not necessarily have school going children. They can opt to redeem their points in favour of their domestic staffers, extended family members or other needy friend,” said Shah.

Nakumatt smart card holders can also enjoy other benefits which include discounts, earning extra points on purchase of specific products and higher redemption value for products during offer periods.

VALUE FOR MONEY: More than 3,000 Nakumatt shoppers have received school fee cheques valued at Sh43 million drawn from their loyalty points redemption.

Modest hand-pulping Sacco doubles BUSINESS NEWS Switch on for Africa’s first members’ profits exporting coffee A modest Sacco that once saw its member’s process coffee by hand is now an exporter of the crop with a fully-fledged processing facility.

What started as a modest hand pulping coffee venture by a farmer group in Nandi County has now exports ready-made coffee and has more than doubled the earnings of smallholder farmers.

With 40 founding members, the Toroton Farmers Cooperative Society was registered as a cooperative in 1991.

Despite registering the new cooperative, the members did not have the infrastructure required to collect and process coffee.

This continued until 1995 when a local councillor donated a device known as a hand pulper to the cooperative.

Hand pulping was a tedious affair as the farmers spent hours queuing, waiting to pulp their beans before carrying the device back home for washing.

In 2005, the group developed a

strategic plan to set up a central processing facility.

“We were tired of hand pulpers,” recalls David Sang, the group’s Treasurer.

It wasn’t until 2009 when the farmers pursued a partnership with a group known as TechnoServe Coffee Initiative that their fortunes changed.

“TechnoServe officers were in our area looking for potential cooperatives to take part in their project. They explained that this would entail business and coffee quality training for management, farmers and factory staff,” explains Sang.

Results were impressive. For the first time in history, production increased by 25 per cent from approximately 72,000kg in 2009 to 90,000kg in 2010. Payment to the farmers nearly doubled from Sh48 per kg in 2009 to Sh88 for the 2010 season.

Toroton is now able to deliver produce for marketing much earlier than in the past.

BUSINESS WISE

Fail proof guide to financial fitness As the month of February edges on, experts from investment group, Old Mutual have released a ‘fitness regime’ to help people keep track of their finances.

The first step to financial fitness is to follow a program. “This simply means rethink your household budget,” says Old Mutual.

The second step is to ‘trim down’. Old mutual says: the term trim down means reducing the fat that appears as weight. In the body of finances this is signified by debt.

The third step is to bulk up. In physical fitness, bulking up means to gain mass

muscle but financially speaking, it means that you should ensure you top up the cash you are saving for your retirement fund if you have one and get one if you don’t.

The fourth step is cross training, which means training in two or more sports in order to improve fitness and performance in the field of fitness.

In the firld of finance, it refers to diversifying your investment portfolio (making many different investments like farming and property) The fifth step is injury prevention.

In terms of managing your finances, this refers to getting insurance packages for your vehicle, your property and your family.

The final step is endurance training. In the field of physical fitness, endurance is the ability of a human being to exert himself and remain active for a long period of time.

Based on this method, Old Mutual says “your investments should have the value of longevity to serve you after you have stopped earning income.”

biogas power plant in Naivasha expected to light 10,00 homes

Africa’s first grid-connected biogas plant will begin supplying power by March 1 2015, adding 2.2 megawatts of electricity generated from baby corn (a breed of maize) a company official said on Wednesday.

This is one of many steps that the government, including industry stakeholders, has taken in reducing the frequency of blackouts, lowering the cost of electricity and connecting marginalised consumers to the national power grid.

Biogas is an added advantage in that, although Kenya Power supplies electricity mostly from renewable sources such as hydro power and geothermal steam, the country suffers frequent

blackouts because of generation shortfalls and a sub-standard grid that often breaks down.

Johnnie McMillan, the Managing Director of biogas and solar product maker, Tropical Power Kenya Ltd, said the biogas plant, which was built at a cost of $6.5 million (Sh593 million) would start producing power within weeks.

The plant will supply power to as many as 10,000 homes in Naivasha, paving the way for other plants to be set around rural areas as well as major cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa.

Tropical has signed an agreement to sell half of the electricity it generates to Kenya Power.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

ACCESS

russell peters show on

9

He started out singing in Sunday school and went on to join the choir.

Now, Phil Jay is living his dream of making and writing music. His first song, Hakuna, has been received well, can he keep it up?

NEWACT

PHIL JAY

Who is Phil Jay? I am a gospel musician who is simple, outgoing and very ambitious. I live, breathe and eat music.

Where do you draw your inspiration for your music from?

I draw inspiration from my faith and things happening around me. Real life lessons and experiences also play a big part.

You have a new song coming out today, Jalali. Tell us about that.

Jalali is different from my first song,

IS ALMOST FAMOUS

Hakuna, because it is more urban and one can dance to it. It is all about things that might happen in life when close friends leave you, but God never will. He is always with you and never leaves.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I really admire Gloria Muliro. I am impressed by what she does. Daddy Owen has also remained relevant with his music throughout the years.

He is a legend. Before I got into music I used to look up to the late Angela Chibalonza and Eunice Njeri.

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

The main challenge was getting airplay for my music. Because media houses are required to put out 30% local content and I feel we should be given more to grow the industry.

Which artistes have you worked with?

I have not worked with anybody so far, but some collabos with other industry players are in the pipeline. I would definitely like to work with Gloria Muliro, I like her talent and passion. Given a

chance I would also do something with Size 8 as well.

In five years where will Phil Jay be?

Five years is a long time. I just don’t want to be a hit and miss, I want to spread my wings. Do collabos with people from South Africa, Nigeria and many countries. I feel Kenyan gospel artistes have not explored that yet and collaborated with other artistes from different countries.

Rabbit and Rich

HOT Mavoko in studio again Robert Alai causing TOPICS personal annoyance

Controversial blogger Robert Alai was arrested yesterday for a post on his blog linking TV anchor Julie Gichuru’s husband, Anthony, with the Langata and Ruai land grabbing saga. He was today morning charged with causing personal annoyance to Anthony Gichuru.

You would think one song is enough but No, they are at it again. Yesterday Rich Mavoko landed in the country, presumably for the release of Njoo and ended up doing another song with King Kaka. The pair were in the studio until the wee hours of the morning. King Kaka posted a picture of him and Mavoko in studio saying: “It’s 3:35 am, and while most of East Africa is asleep we just made another one with talented Tanzania’s Rich Mavoko.”

factfile Gov Names: Theophilus Mkisilu Age: 24 Relationship: Single Hit Songs: Hakuna, Jalali

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

SHOPPING

Places to grab a bite to eat seem to be taj mall’s strong suit.

The Taj Mall was ostensibly built to supplement the bristling activity in Embakasi, along Mombasa Road. The mall can be chiefly accessed by two roads; From the City Centre by Jogoo Road and from Mombasa Road through Old Airport Road. It is located right at the heart of Nairobi’s industrial area and its location is prime for business...

By all appearances, the mall is a modern, fresh testament to the up and coming middle class that frequents it.

As is with most malls, a water feature sits right at the entrance of the central plaza. The big difference, however, is that the one at Taj is extremely appealing in design.

An elephant sculpture sits infront of the feature with foliage added into the mix, making the water feature the water feature resemble a savannah spring. The jungle theme that the proprietors wanted brought out becomes apparent right from the doorway.

The columns of the mall are modelled after tree trunks with the big 5 game on the first floo.

An impressive sky light illuminates the plaza breathing new life into the shopping experience.

The entire first floor is occupied by Uchumi Supermarket. The design of the mall leads a shopper seamlessly from one end of the supermarket to the other without the

HOT TOPICS

Family Fun at the

Taj Mall

customer even realizing that they have just travelled the entirety of the store.

The supermarket also has an area where shoppers can sit, relax and take snacks they have just purchased right on its premises.

Taj Mall has a mini Maasai market at the middle of the shopping centre that sells shoes, jewellery, clothing and other accessories at affordable prices. All the merchandise is locally made and is an interesting addition to anyone’s wardrobe.

The sellers stock both men’s and women’s products.

Other clothing options at the mall are provided by Moms and Tots, a shop that deals in apparel for mothers and children.

Phyllmatt Bridal covers all wedding needs when it comes to clothing. They parade unique wedding dresses, shoes, hats in the corner of the third floor where the view is quite remarkable.

Places to grab a bite seem to be Taj Mall’s foundation. Erick Cookies is a quaint little coffee shop that not only offers hot

no love lost between jaguar and nigerians The beef between Jaguar and Nigerian artistes seems to have no end in sight. He has now hit at West Africans again saying that they are always seeking to remix East African artistes songs thinking it is for their own benefit. The post read in part: “Every East African hit is being remixed by a Nigerian artiste, by them thinking they are using us. Soon they will know Africa is coming to East Africa.”

beverages but also à la carte dining in the laid back ambience of the mall.

Serenity seems to be another running theme in the mall. From the Klimax Lounge to Randevu Lounge, with its mosaic of colours and scents wafting down the lobby, all the restaurants provide you with the opportunity to have your meals outside the main eateries—there is a food court wherever a restaurant is.

We highly recommend that you visitVegi Veg Food because it sells purely vegetarian foods that are delectable, not to mention healthy. Located at the 3rd floor of the Mall, enjoy the scene while munching on an array of heart friendly dishes.

Hair and beauty services at the mall are offered by Pearl’s Beauty Lounge and Barber Shop. It is a place for both men and women to get pampered and take in the generous amount of care they desire.

Weaving, manicures, pedicures, facials, perms and plaiting are all offered in one convenient location.

Ecobank, NIC, Chase Bank and Equity bank take care of your money needs, while the Mater Hospital and Samart Pharmacy serve your medical considerations at Taj Mall. Guests can workout at Aim Fitness Centre found at the rooftop.

The most outstanding aspect of the Taj Mall is the children’s play area at the rooftop.

It is a place where children can engage in a variety of activities like bouncing castles, trampolines and even swimming. Open on the weekends from 8am to 6:30pm, it boosts the ‘family fun’ call to the mall.

Elevator experience is excellent and the entire mall is wheelchair accessible, which is always an added advantage. Parking is plentiful with spaces available at the basement and outside.

The downside of to Taj is that it is quite new a mall, and there are unfinished lots on the inside. There are also not a large variety of shops to choose from; at least for now.

But if only to pay a see the amazing rooftop, Taj Mall requires a stopover.

Happy birthday Dj mista Dru! Popular disc jockey, DJ Mista Dru is celebrating his birthday today. The Head TV producer for Kiss TV has been a DJ for more than 10 years. Commonly referred to as The Showstopper, Mista Dru can be found in various clubs throughout the week dishing out large servings of his DJ skills. X Access wishes the DJ a Happy Birthday!

9

ACCESS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

WEEKENDPLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide.

SATURDAY

Fashion high tea WHERE: Zen Gardens WHEN: 1:00 pm WHO: Shenu Hooda, Njema Helena, Vaishali sarees among others HOW MUCH: Advance Sh5,500 and Sh6,000 gate

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

Kaya nairobi micro festival

couture by mAggie organised by Jeffery Wilson

WHERE: Goethe Institute WHEN: 5pm -midnight WHO: Yellow Light Machine, DJ Raph, DJ Lasta HOW MUCH: Sh 500

TODAY

WHERE: Six Eighty Hotel WHEN: 7:00 pm WHO: Maggie Wangare HOW MUCH:Invite only

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

russell peters Almost Famous World tour

Wine, chocolate and cheese Festival

Afro soul sensation

WHERE: Westhouse Hotel WHEN: 10 am – 5pm HOW MUCH: Sh1,000

WHERE: Carnivore Grounds WHEN: 6:00pm WHO: Russell Peters HOW MUCH: Sh5,000

Out&about

WHERE: The Elephant WHEN: 9:00 PM WHO: Thais Diarra HOW MUCH: Advance Sh1,500. Gate Sh2,000

the iconic

T

Florida Club bAcK With A bAng!

here is a silent but interesting supremacy battle going on between clubs in the CBD. The new Florida Club on Banda Street is the latest entrant to the game and has put out its full artillery to get a share of night crawlers.

It has come back bigger, better and beautiful and has outlived its former glory. What captures your eye once you enter the club is the heavy investment on décor. From the creatively painted massive abstract murals, to the lighting, to the floor arrangement… it is pure magic. The DJ booth is also

a masterpiece. It is long and spacious with lights at the front.

The joint also has a really long bar counter, translating into ‘no more squeezing up at mini bars’. For the tables, the club has refurnished used casks into high tables.

The black and white checked dancefloor, although not very big, easily wooes revelers. On the left side of the club is where the carpeted lounge is located. The VIP room makes you feel like royalty. It is has framed pictures hanging on one wall of the room with evenly spaced couches. An ancient looking chandelier gives

it that added touch of class. An exclusive smoking area is also available for those who want to puff the night away.

The club is classily dark, which keeps prying eyes off one’s personal space. You cannot get enough of the flashing disco and neon lights which provide a nice contrast to the darkness.

Local beers are just Sh250, soda Sh150 while shots range between Sh200 and Sh400.

Their tasty cocktails will set you back Sh600, which we promise you is worth every dime.

The crowd is mature and this influences the choice of music.

Music selection is mostly from the mid 80’s and 90’s eras and covers soul, old school and classics.

The DJ also plays current house and techno music to keep you jumping to the beat.

The waiters look sharp and geeky in their black bow ties and pants, complete with suspenders. The only issue is, of course, parking. This is the CBD remember! Also the club has no visible windows and can get quite stuffy! The air-con systems supposed to compensate for the lack of windows easily get overwhelmed.

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ACCESS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

FASHIONScoop

Boy Band H_art tHe Band Has taken tHe music scene By storm witH tHeir unique lyrics and vocal range. tHeir wardroBe Has also Been as dramatic as tHeir rise to fame.

mordecai kencHez

Stage act closet H_art the Band W

hat goes on in selecting different outfits for every show?

Most times, it is usually just random but for some shows it will depend on how we feel, the type of audience and the performance set we have.

Who designs your show outfits or do you buy them from clothing stores?

We design most of our clothes since we are fashionistas in our own sense. Our favourite local designers are two young gentlemen known as GnM trends, we also shop at Gikomba market, the one stop market with the most unique stuff.

What is the one fashion accessory that you must have while on stage?

Mordecai: Socks and my necklace Kenchez: Chains, Watch and bangles Wachira: Shoelaces

wacHira

TOP 10 TRaCKS TRACKS TOP

Emmy DEE

Rands and Nairas

BuciE

Easy to Love

RuNTOWN

Gallardo

2facE iDiBia

Nfana Ibaga

Timaya

Saved

Does the selection change depending on the event or location?

Yes and no. We believe fashion has no boundaries it’s all about wearing what you feel makes you comfortable. Plus, wearing a sweater in Mombasa is plain crazy.

Are there times you get it wrong, ever had a wardrobe malfunction while on stage?

None yet, but it would be very interesting to have such.

How often do you change your wardrobe?

We love changing our wardrobe so we shop anytime and every time. You need to look fresh and new.

Do you change outfits during a show?

Rarely, since we have not yet had a show that requires us to do that. We hope to make it to that level some day!

KiD X

EuphONiK

TiWa SaVaGE

mc GalaXy

KcEE

Caracara

Busa

Girlie O

Sekem

Fine Face

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Problems in your community may result from malfunctioning machines. Be prepared, Capricorn.

Have flashlights handy in case of a power outage, and walk instead of drive in case signals cause major traffic jams. Neighbors may be going crazy, but try to stay calm.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Temporary upsets regarding money might result from a computer failure of some sort. Take care not to lose your temper over it, Aquarius. Instead, remain calm, focused, and polite until everything is worked out. Your financial condition itself still looks very promising.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Even though you’re usually calm and laid back, Pisces, today the ogre in you may be tempted to emerge. Don’t let it. It will only cause tension between you and those around you. Stay calm and focused, call in a technician, and enjoy the break from your routine.

FRIday 6/02/2015

sunny

29

SATURday 7/02/2015

More sun than clouds

28

27ºC 34%

6:42 am 6:52 pm

27ºC 36%

6:42 am 6:52 pm

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 No matter what friends tell you, Taurus, this isn’t the day to make an investment of any kind, from buying a house to starting a savings account. And this isn’t a good day to invest online.

Discussions about possibilities are OK. Just don’t do it yet.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 More than one problem with modern equipment could rear its head today, Gemini. Computers could malfunction, crash, or be maddeningly slow. You might also have a hard time reaching people you need to talk to. Don’t be tempted to blow your top. That won’t accomplish anything.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 A trip of some kind might have to be postponed, as computers and other technology involved in your arrangements might be temporarily out of operation. This can prove frustrating, Cancer, but it’s beyond your control. The best thing to do is make new arrangements and move on.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Machines are likely to pose a few problems today, Virgo, particularly where work and money are concerned. An unforeseen problem might interfere with your social life, perhaps forcing you to cancel a get-together you’ve been anticipating. It’s only a temporary situation.

MUSTREAD

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Obstacles may arise in the course of your chores when machines break down and interfere with your efficiency. Your frustrations may cause you to want to yell and throw things. If you must blow your top, Libra, do it in such a way as to avoid causing upset to others.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Payment for work you’ve performed may not come when expected, Scorpio, particularly if direct deposit is involved. The planetary energies today don’t favor the smooth functioning of computers or other machines. This is a temporary setback and not worth stressing over.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Family members might not be in the best of moods today, Sagittarius. Frustration with machines or friends could have tempers on edge, so try to avoid the temptation to get into arguments. The problems will be resolved and the bad moods will pass.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

YOURSAY

All Our Names — by Dinaw Mengestu

Two young friends come of age during the African revolution. Their once safe country has plunged into violence and now they cannot continue with university studies. As the violence intensifies, the two friends are pulled apart. One joins the liberation struggle as the other disappears for safety in US. As he pretends to be an exchange student, Isaac falls in love with a social worker and joins the local university which he cannot afford. Nobody is sure if Isaac is his real name but they do not question. He is haunted by the scenes he ran away from back home and the dear friend he left behind.

Will he ever come to terms with his past?

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.

Eastleigh needs more than a new police station I am really not sure how the opening of Police Post in Eastleigh will help boost security (New Eastleigh Police post to boost security, February 5, 2015).

Most of our policemen rarely

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 Don’t try to sign up for a class over the phone or online today, Aries, as it probably won’t work.

This also isn’t a good day to travel - delays are likely whether you fly or drive. If you’ve been planning a trip, don’t finalize the arrangements now.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 You might be a bit edgy emotionally and more likely to overreact when other people quarrel or machines break down. It might be a good idea to analyze your dreams first thing in the morning so you can learn from and release them.

Sunday

respond to appeals for help when they are on patrol and I can bet having a couple sitting in a police station will do little if anything to deter criminals.

I am not trying to dampen the efforts of the ministry

in charge, but I think they need to look at the bigger picture before making some decisions.

Security needs more that new police station. My views.

—Anonymous, Nairobi

winning captions

1. We need this in every county...I have seen a few of the sleepers-Anon.

2. This will cause me to slow down more than the fear of death, SK, Nrb. 3. What will police say about this? We’ll find out when they wake up-JB, Nrb

12

PLAY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Romeo 5. Sleep affliction 10. Emmy-winner Ward 14. Hebrew letter 15. Shuffle, briefly 16. Reuniongoer, informally 17. Solid ground 19. Heinz number, to Ovid 20. “All That Glitters” author 21. Unrivaled at malice 23. Cuts with garden shears 26. Beam of light 27. Activity that ended at midnight 32. Prefix with gram or center 33. Beforehand 34. Papyrus plant 38. Doctrines, informally 40. Military messes 42. Iran monetary unit 43. Proscription list 45. Remained firm 47. “Ha-ha,” on-line 48. The Clermont 51. Country singer Kathy 54. Condiment for fries 55. Don’t run with them 58. When some TV news comes on 62. Subject to mildew, perhaps 63. “Lighten up!”

66. ___ O’s (chocolaty cereal) 67. ___ Zagora, Bulgaria 68. Nutrition amts.

69. Spanish muralist Jose Maria ___ 70. All finished, as dinner 71. Encl. with a manuscript

Down 1. Sheet of matted cotton or wool 2. One taking a gander 3. Full of breezes 4. Open up, in a way 5. Terrier’s cry 6. Architect Ieoh Ming ___ 7. Scandinavian goddess of fate 8. Comical Bombeck 9. 1992 Wimbledon champ Andre 10. “Catcher in the Rye” author 11. Young, snakelike fish 12. Soprano Tetrazzini 13. “Jaws” locale 18. One place to hook up the jumper cables 22. Casks 24. Stroller 25. Most achy 27. “It’s not easy ___ green” 28. Lhasa ___: small dog 29. Represent in drawing 30. Socratic student 31. Entrance markers 35. Pickle choice 36. British pokey 37. __ May Clampett 39. Area of vulnerability 41. Swingin’ Sammy 44. Brings to court 46. Black key 49. Founder of Taoism 50. Furry frolickers 51. Predecessor of Windows 52. ‘Have —!’ (‘Look out!’)

53. Microwave feature 56. Pro ___ (proportionate) 57. Three-hand card game 59. “Told you I could do it!”

60. Those, in Nuevo Laredo 61. AMEX’s kin 64. Stanzaic preposition 65. Prefix for millionaire

DAILY WISDOM “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

—Proverbs 13:20 “A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend” — Prophet Muhammad “Rights and privileges and other things can only come through friendship, and friendship can only be expected between two equals When one of the parties is a beggar, what friendship can there be?”

— Swami Vivekananda “To be without a friend is to be poor indeed.” — Tanzanian proverb “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.”

— C.S Lewis “Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”

— Muhammad Ali “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”

—Thomas Aquinas “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

—Marcel Proust

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport FRIday, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Mancini blasts players after loss to Napoli

Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini accused his players of acting like “chicken” after they lost a Coppa Italia quarter final clash against Napoli.

Gonzalo Higuain’s stoppage-time goal was enough to seal Napoli’s progress to the semi-finals.

The Argentina striker pounced on a mistake from Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia to curl the winner into the far corner.

The fall was the third in a row for Mancini’s side.

Napoli, coached by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, face Lazio in their two-legged semi-final.

“You just can’t concede a goal like that.

I’m shocked,” Mancini said.

“We played really well throughout the game and we’re growing as a team but we can’t afford to make so many mistakes. Every time we go and hand the opposition a free goal.

“We were far too lax. Higuain is a smart player and he nipped in there before anyone else on the throw-in. We were like a bunch of chickens, it was five against one. It was a ridiculous goal to concede.”

ALL-IMPORTANT GOAL: Gonzalo Higuaín scored a stoppage-time winner to seal Napoli’s progress to Coppa Italian Cup semi-final at Inter’s expense.

Atletico host Real for Madrid derby It will be Last Chance Saloon time for Atletico Madrid Saturday who are at home to leaders Real in an eventful Spanish city derby.

If Atletico intend to stay in the battle for La Liga, they must beat Los Merengues, who are seven points above them and four above second-placed Barcelona.

Atletico defender Diego Godin refused to accept this: “I don’t agree that a defeat would put us out of the title race, though it would obviously make things more difficult for us.

“We are planning to cancel out Real’s

after beating samoa...

Kenya cruise to Wellington Sevens quarterfinals P.16

strong points, one of which is their sharpness on the break. They have very quick players in attack, and they are one of the best teams in the world.”

Atletico have not lost to Real in five matches since that agonizing defeat against their neighbours in the Champions League final. They beat the whites in the Spanish Super Cup, won 2-1 in the Bernabeu in La Liga, and knocked Real out of the cup three weeks ago.

Atletico will be sweating on the fitness of midfielders Tiago and Arda Turan.

Fernando Torres will be desperate

to do well after failing to help his beloved Atletico beat Real in his first spell at the club, from 2001 to 2007.

Meanwhile, Real will make the short trip to the Calderon with a patched-up defence, due to injuries to Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao plus suspension for Marcelo. Pepe, still recovering from a rib injury, might be rushed back into the fray.

In addition, midfielders Luka Modric and James Rodriguez are both injured.

However, world player Cristiano Ronaldo will be back and raring to go after a two-match suspension.

Rodriguez to undergo op after breaking foot James Rodriguez limped off with a broken metatarsal as Real Madrid moved four points clear at the top of La Liga with victory over Sevilla at the Bernabeu.

The Colombia midfielder will undergo surgery “in the coming hours”, the European champions said.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side put themselves on course for a fourth successive league victory when James headed home.

His replacement, Jese Rodriguez, swept in a second before the break before Iago Aspas scored a consolation.

James is likely to miss Real Madrid’s last-16 Champions League tie against Schalke on February 18 and March 10.

Real have not dropped a point at home in the league since losing to Atletico Madrid in September.

The Madrid rivals meet again this

weekend but Real go into the game without James and Sergio Ramos who also picked up an injury against Sevilla. Cristiano Ronaldo will, however, return after serving a twomatch ban.

Vitolo threatened to give Sevilla an early lead when he drew a fine save out of Iker Casillas before Real opened the scoring with their first real attack.

Marcelo swung in a cross into the middle and James, timing his run to perfection, was there to plant a header into the back of the net.

Vicente Iborra almost levelled when he rounded Casillas only to hit the post, before Real were dealt a blow when James had to be replaced by Jese.

Jese hit the post as Real started to find rhythm before fourth-placed Sevilla pulled one back late on.

Ex-Chelsea boss tips Spurs to hammer Arsenal in derby

new hitmaN: Fernado Torres celebrates with teammates after scoring for Athletico Madrid in a recent clash. Atletico will be at home to leaders Real in a potentially explosive Spanish city derby.

Former Chelsea assistant boss Ray Wilkins says he fancies Tottenham Hotspur to get a result in the North London derby this weekend.

Tottenham host the Gunners at White Hart Lane on Saturday looking to go one better than the 1-1 draw they managed when the teams met at the Emirates earlier this season.

“I fancy Tottenham – Harry Kane is in great form and I fancy Tottenham to get a result,” said Wilkins.

Tottenham’s big incentive for a win is that they are just two points behind

Arsenal and victory would see them leapfrog Arsene Wenger’s team.

Tottenham have the home advantage and will be looking to make maximum use of it.

Kane has just signed a new longterm contract and fresh off a brace in the game against West Brom last weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino is likely to stress the need for consistency for the rest of the season to be guaranteed of a top four spot.

14

SPORT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Chager confident he’ll retain 2015 rally title Three-time Kenyan national rally champion (KNRC) Baldev Chager says he is looking forward to the 2015 season while hoping to retain his title.

Chager has also distanced himself with claims that he will abandon his Mitsubishi Evolution 10 for a Super

2000 machine this season.

“So many people have asked me whether I am planning to acquire S2000 but to be very honest, I’m still very sceptical about this. I’m not really sure if it’s the best decision but again terrains in Kenya are tough and need a very strong car,” said Chager

who first won the KNRC in 2008 in a Subaru N12 then racked-up back-toback titles in 2013 and 2014.

Chager says Evolutions have so far proved very reliable on Kenya’s rugged terrains hitherto regarded as the toughest on the continent’s racing arena.

The Mitsubishi EVOX has proved to be a very strong car.

However, the S2000s are equally very quick as long as they are problem free and so there are pros and cons,” Chager added.

Chager and his partner Ravi Soni retained the KNRC title in Naivasha

last November for the second year running despite retiring on the season-ending KCB Guru Nanak Rally, where they had earlier stopped to say sorry to a crestfallen Carl “Flash” Tundo after his early retirement.

CHAGER CHARGING: Three-time Kenyan national rally champion (KNRC) Baldev Chager in action. He has said that he is looking forward to the 2015 season while hoping to retain his title.

Barclays Golf circuit TEES OFF IN Limuru Sailing venue water pollution big concern for Rio 2016 Olympics Organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympics admit they are “concerned” about water pollution in the sailing venue, but say the Games will be delivered “on time.”

About 48% of sewage pumped into the Guanabara Bay is untreated, while illegal dumping is a big problem.

Last month government officials stated they would miss their target of an 80% reduction in water pollution by the start of the Olympics next August.

“There is a huge problem with garbage,” Mario Andrada said.

The Rio 2016 director of

communications continued; “It the state of the sailing venue is a concern because the water is not fully clean, but it will be safe for the Olympics.”

Last year, International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates claimed Rio was the “worst” prepared host city he had ever seen.

Olympic sailors also complained about floating debris and even dead animals found in the water when they competed in the Rio test event last August, and drug-resistant “super-bacteria” were found in December.

The 12th leg of the Barclays Golf Circuit tees off on Saturday February 7, 2105 at the Limuru Golf and Country Club The club has heralded a number of upcoming players with Keziah Kihara and John Karichu being the players to watch at the tourney.

Over 200 players have signed up to participate at the tournament with an eye on clinching a slot at the highly anticipated Barclays Kenya Open scheduled for 7th-12th April 2015.

The club captain Mr. Sam Ndung’u remains optimistic that the golfers will put up a good show on the greens on Saturday.

“The coming Barclays Golf Circuit will provide an opportune platform for our golfers to practice more as we strive to have one of our own participate in the Kenya Open,” said Sam Ndung’u the Limuru Golf and Country Club Captain.

So far, 72 players drawn from Nakuru, Machakos, Kitale, Nyanza, Sigona, Nanyuki, Thika, Nyali, Eldoret, Vet Lab, Karen and Royal Nairobi Club have qualified to participate in the Grand Finale to be held at the Karen Country club on 28th March. The Kenya team to participate at the Barclays Kenya Open will be named at the Finale. The challenge, however, is for the country’s golfing crème to increase their chances of winning in the Kenya Open.

Sponsors of the sport, Barclays Bank, have invested over Ksh 85 million since 2012 to

boost the profile of the sport in Kenya. The financial services provider aims to reach over 2800 youth to endear them to golf.

“One thing that has stood out throughout the 2014/2015 Circuit is the increased number of youth taking interest in golf. We have reached over 1500 youth through the circuit, and their participation has made it much more

exciting as we raise a new cadre of golfers and contribute towards building the talent in Kenya,” said Zahid Mustafa, Barclays Bank Consumer Banking Director.

Barclays has sponsored the PGA-led Barclays Kenya Open for the fifth year in a bid to raise the country’s global profile as one of the ideal golfing destinations in East Africa.

NINE HOLES: Spain’s Jordi Garcia Pinto in action during the Barclays Open Championships in 2013. The 12th leg of the Barclays Golf Circuit tees off this Saturday at Limuru Golf and Country Club.

SPORT 15 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 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

Atletico Vs R. Madrid

Leicester Vs C.Palace

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 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 PREDICTIONS DATE DATE 1. 07.02.15

TIME TIME 18:00

GAME GAME ATL. MADRID vs R. MADRID

11 2.97

X X 3.12

22 2.16

2. 07.02.15

18:00

LEICESTER vs CRYSTAL PALACE

2.23

3.09

2.88

3. 07.02.15

20:00

VERONA vs TORINO

2.67

3.02

2.42

4. 07.02.15

20:30

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL

2.79

3.19

2.23

5. 07.02.15

20:30

HAMBURG vs HANNOVER

2.22

3.12

2.87

6. 07.02.15

22:00

LEVANTE vs MALAGA

2.98

2.98

2.22

7. 08.02.15

0:00

RE. SOCIEDAD vs CELTA VIGO

2.17

3.13

2.93

8. 08.02.15

14:00

CORDOBA vs ALMERIA

2.12

2.98

3.19

9. 08.02.15

15:00

BURNLEY vs WEST BROM.

2.46

2.96

2.66

10. 08.02.15 17:05

NEWCASTLE vs STOKE CITY

2.16

3.07

3.02

11. 08.02.15 19:15

WEST HAM vs MAN. UTD

3.58

3.28

1.87

2.73

3.09

2.33

3.20

2.95

2.13

12. 08.02.15 21:00 13. 08.02.15 23:00

ESPANYOL vs VALENCIA LYON vs PSG

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

Atletico Madrid has played 11 Primera Division matches this season on Estadio Vicente Calderon.

On home ground, Atletico has won 9, drawn 1 and lost 1 matches. This ranks the Los Colchoneros 4th in home team performance in the Spain Primera Division.

Real has played 11 Spain Primera Division matches this season away from home. On away ground, Real have won 9, drawn 0 and lost 2 matches.

This ranks Los Galacticos 1st in away team performance.

XSport: 2-1 Atletico Betty: 3-2 Real Steve: 2-2 Game ID: 9295 Pick 1(Atetico X (Draw) 2 (Real win) win)

Leicester are still rock bottom of the table after losing two matches in a row. Fortunately for The Foxes, other sides have also lost to leave them only three points adrift of 17th place Burnley. Leicester have faced some of the toughest teams in the League at home and will fancy chances of picking up some points when Palace visit on Saturday. The Eagles’ honeymoon period under Alan Pardew came to an end when Everton stole a win at Selhurst Park in Gameweek 23.

XSport: 2-2 Betty: 2-1 Leicester Steve: 1-0 Palace Game ID: 6255 Pick 1(Leice win)

Odd

2.97

3.12

2.16

Bet Amount

Odd

2.23

3.09

2.88

100

100

100

100

100

100

Possible win (KSh)

Bet Amount

287

312

216

Possible win (KSh)

223

309

288

Everton Vs Liverpool

Burnley Vs West Brom

Everton host Liverpool in a Merseyside Derby hoping to kick-start a season which has been well below par by their standards. The Toffees sit 12th in EPL, 12 points behind their arch rivals heading into the fixture after a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Liverpool finally welcome Daniel Sturridge back to the fold after a run of injuries. The England forward bagged a goal in their 2-0 win over West Ham. XSport: 2-1 Everton Betty: 3-3 Steve: 3-1 Liverpool

Burnley lost 2-0 at Sunderland in Gameweek 23 and will look to resume winning ways when West Brom visit Turf Moor on Sunday. The Clarets are well aware that West Brom have lately struggled on the road and will look to capitalise on the form. The Baggies were over-powered by in-form Spurs and were unable to contain forward Harry Kane who struck twice. Both sides need a win for breathing space in the relegation battle.

XSport: 2-1 West Brom Betty: 1-1 Steve: 2-1 Burnley

Game ID: 7978 Pick 1 (Evert X (Draw) win)

Game ID: 8997 Pick 1 (Burn win)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

Odd

2.79

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

279

2 (liver win)

Odd

2.46

2.96

2.66

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

319

223

Possible win (KSh)

246

296

266

W. Ham Vs Man Utd

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Newcastle bounced back from two consecutive losses to beat Hull 3-0 away from home in an early kick off of Gameweek 23. The Magpies sit 11th in the log and will be eying up a Top 10 finish this season. Stoke continue to go about their business in typical fashion. A 3-1 win over QPR in Gameweek 23 saw The Potters move onto 32 points, two ahead of their Saturday hosts. Stoke have won two of the last three away games and will pose a real challenge to Newcastle.

XSport: 2-1 Stoke Betty: 3-2 NewCastle Steve: 2-2 Game ID: 7935 Pick Odd

1 (N. Cas X (Draw) 1 (M.City win) win) 2.16

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

216

X (Draw) 2 (W.Bro win)

2.23

3.19

Newcastle Vs Stoke

0755 079 079 0709 079 079

X (Draw) 2 (C.Pala win)

West Ham were unable to match Liverpool on Saturday before losing 2-0. The Hammers face an equally tough fixture in Manchester United’s visit.

They will, however, be boosted by the fact that they beat Manchester City at Upton Park earlier in the season. The Red Devils visit East London after a comfortable 3-1 win over Leicester City in Gameweek 23. Van Gaal’s side are unbeaten in six matches on the road and will not be turned over easily.

XSport: 2-1 Man United Betty: 2-2 Steve: 1-0 West Ham Game ID: 9494 Pick 1 (W.Ham X (Draw) 2 (M. Utd win) win)

3.02

Odd

3.58

3.28

1.87

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

307

302

Possible win (KSh)

358

328

187

3.07

xnews | friday, february 6, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

africa cup of nations 2015 AFCON 2015 FiNAl (suNdAy) ivOry COAst vs GhANA 10 pm

Ghana swamp AFCON hoodoo

TWISTING THE KNIFE: Andre Ayew netted from close range towards the end to take his tally for the tournament to four goals. INSET: A helicopter circles over the stadium in Malabo in an effort to control the shambolic scenes.

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It has taken Ghana five years to smash their Afcon semifinal jinx, and now they want the icing on the cake. Black Stars coach Avram Grant has now made his ambitions of winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final clear. His side fought a tempestuous battle to beat Equatorial Guinea 3-0 on Thursday.

The clash was described as a “war zone” after play was suspended for more than 30 minutes because of crowd trouble.

Players ducked bottles thrown from the stands, Ghana fans sought safety behind a goal, riot police used tear gas and a helicopter hovered over the stadium.

“It’s now like a war zone,” the Ghana Football Association (GFA) tweeted, claiming “barbaric acts of vandalism” and “unprovoked violent attacks” had taken place inside the stadium.

When play resumed, Ghana sealed a 3-0 win to reach Sunday’s final, where they will play Ivory Coast, who beat DR

Congo 3-1 on Wednesday.

Trouble flared at half-time between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea.

Ghana players had to be protected by riot police using plastic shields as they left the field, already 2-0 up in the tie.

The second half was then halted eight minutes from time when Ghana supporters sought sanctuary on the field after coming under attack.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) officials had used the public address system to threaten to call off the game if the crowd did not stop pelting Ghana’s players.

Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi tried to play down events after the game, insisting: “I don’t think this is a fair commentary of Africa.

“This has been a very successful tournament and this isolated incident of violence will leave a slur on the reputation of African football.

“It is very unfortunate and it doesn’t deserve that.”

Nyantakyi added that he felt spectators were to blame.

KeNyA reACh irB 7s mAiN Cup quArter FiNAls FOr the First time this seAsON Kenya sevens have qualified for the main cup quarter finals after coming from behind to beat Samoa 28-14 in their last Pool D match this morning.

Kenya will now face South Africa in the quarters tomorrow at 4.10am.

Kenya bounced back from a 7-31 opening Pool D loss to Argentina to pip Scotland 19-14 and keep their chances of reaching the cup quarters at the Wellington Sevens alive.

Newly appointed coach Felix Ochieng has achieved fate which his predecessor Paul Treu couldn’t do in the opening three rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Kpl 2015 season week one fixtures released

The match also saw returning vice-captain Collins Injera record his 190th try in the IRB series to maintain his third spot as the all-time scorer.

In the win against Scotland, Billy Odhiambo scored Kenya’s only try as they trailed the Argentines 7-12 at the break through tries from Etchart and Tuculet with Rojas Alvarez managing one conversion.

They would fall 7-19 behind when Moyano Joya’s try was converted by Alvarez. Revol scored and converted his try for a 7-26 lead before Finco killed off the Kenyans, touching down for the 7-31 full time score. Scotland

Gor Mahia will start their title defence against Mathare United at City Stadium according to 2015 fixtures of 16-teams released by Kenyan Premier League Limited.

The premier body has released first leg fixtures with GOtv Shield winners Sofapaka lined up to play Ushuru FC in Machakos on February 22. AFC Leopards will face Chemelil on the opening day. Tusker under Francis Kimanzi will host Thika United. and Gor versus title rivals Tusker.

The fixtures have however, excluded promoted sides Posta Rangers and Shabana FC with KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier saying they have

would then edge Samoa 14-12. Scotland caught Kenya cold, going ahead through Hoyland’s converted try but Dan Sikuta responded, scoring under the posts with Lavin Asego converting to restore parity.

Kenya would turn over possession deep in Scottish territory, Hoyland the beneficiary as he landed his brace, Collin Gregor managing a second conversion to see the Scots take a 14-7 lead into the break. Billy Odhiambo scored twice in the second half, Asego managing one conversion to hand Kenya a lifeline after Argentina and Samoa played to a 21-21 draw.

written to Football Kenya Federation to provide them with two teams failure to which relegated Nakuru All Stars and Nairobi City Stars will be reinstated.

KPL opening weekend fixtures.

February 21: Chemelil Sugar vs AFC Leopards (Chemelil), Ulinzi Stars vs Sony Sugar (Afraha), KCB vs Western Stima (City), Thika United vs Tusker (Thika).

February 22: Team B vs Muhoroni Youth (TBA), Team A vs Bandari (TBA), Sofapaka vs Ushuru (Machakos), Gor Mahia vs Mathare United (City).

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