201503012 xnews

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

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getting ready olx preparing for e.Africa digital marketing summit

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electric plans olkaria to kisumu power project to start in april

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career chat blogging journalist reveals how she rose to the top

NEWS

SportPesa soccer tourney to kick off in nairobi on Saturday

samuel Eto’o calls for harsher punishment for racism culprits

MPs plot to force CS resume exam ranking

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embers of the National Assembly are agitating for the reintroduction of school ranking in national exams.

Debate over the system was triggered as legislators contributed to a motion by Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and Magarini MP

Harrison Kombe.

The motion sought a resolution of the House to compel the Ministry of Education to revert to the ranking system for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations.

Kombe claimed ranking promotes hard work by teachers and institutions.

But Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo, MPs Bowen Kangongo (Marakwet East MP) and David Ochieng (Ugenya MP) opposed the motion, saying ranking had led to commercialisation of education,

resulting in exam cheating.

Midiwo said Parliament has no power to influence policies of the Executive. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

First lady in new york for UN summit

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All combs up

The annual Hair Awards are around the corner and we are waiting to see whose work will be rewarded

P.10

Fashion scoop WELCOME TO THE BIG APLE: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta arrives in New York, US, for the 59th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women conference which is going on at the UN Headquarters. Story on Page 4.

The voting phase of the 2015 Kenyan Blog Awards is now open.

Visit: http://www.blogawards.co.ke/vote/

Uber-cool fashion house Wam Fam has released a new line of hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants

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NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

MPs plot to force change on exam rankings From Page 1 “This is a policy of the Government… it is not an arbitrary decision. Today is Jubilee Coalition government and tomorrow is going to be Jakoyo government. When I am in government and I propose a statement, I want the policy to be tried and tested,” Midiwo said.

“We are doing something that is going to take our education to the drain.

We should not politicise education, that even MPs want to run schools in their constituencies that they became number one,” Ochieng said.

“If we don’t revert to the ranking

system; we might as well start giving out completion certificates for primary education and secondary education. As a professional teacher, I don’t think it is the right direction,” Kombe said.

Wamalwa said he will seek Parliament’s Education Committee help in looking into ways of reverting to the ranking system.

“Ranking has traditionally been used locally and internationally and has been a source of positive competition, motivation, reward and acts as an important tool for resource allocation,” Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa said Education CS Jacob

Kaimenyi has three months to comply with MPs wishes by communicating to the House Committee on Implementation if operationalisation of the changes does not taken place within minimum time.

The ministry abolished ranking of schools, saying the method has been a leading cause of unethical practices by some institutions. Kaimenyi said bright candidates are registered in different streams from the rest by school heads out to maintain top slots in exams list.

Kaimenyi insists that there will be no return to the ranking system, saying it led to cheating and unnecessary

competition.

The Education Committee scrutinises resolutions of the House, petitions and undertakings by Executive. It may propose sanctions against CSs for failure to report to relevant committees on implementation status of Parliament resolutions without justifiable reasons.

Seme MP James Nyikal had earlier fruitlessly tried to amend the motion to have the school ranking system restored but under established criteria and not performance alone.

“All you have is a system that gives you a summation assessment of the student and has nothing to do with the process

through which the student has gone. It really does not tell you how much is in the character of the person, the ability of the person to adapt to the challenges of the world,” Nyikal told the House.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

Kenya is China’s preferred industrial partner for Africa

PROGRESS FOR KENYA: China’s Director-General of African Affairs Lin Songtian says Kenya’s policies will create a conducive environment for industrial relation.

China has identified Kenya as its most preferred African industrial nerve centre ahead of Ethiopia and Tanzania.

A Chinese delegation has described Kenya as a business reformed environment with an incentive framework. The delegation has been conducting a survey on investment readiness of the three Eastern Africa countries.

“Kenya fits the bill for China’s ambition for an African-Chinese Cooperation model with Chinese companies through industrial investment,” the delegation said.

The delegation is set to establish industrial hubs along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Corridor in the African-Chinese Cooperation. China’s Director-General of African Affairs Lin Songtian, who led the delegation, says Kenya has made a progress

in generating policies that create a conducive environment for industrial relation.

“Kenya provides the best option for open and conducive environment for Chinese investments in industrial manufacturing. We are confident of Kenya’s legal mechanism, a one-stopshop and incentivised framework that will attract and retain Chinese investors as a strategic conduit to the African market and larger Chinese market,” Songtian said.

Industrialisation PS Wilson Songa says investment opportunities presented by China will boost the economy.

Songa said Kenya offers more advantages to Chinese investors than its East African partner states.

These include a larger middle income economy with better purchasing power and access to a 400 million people

market that draws from EAC and Comesa membership.

“Kenya boasts of a modernised and expanded regional sea port in Mombasa strategic for Chinese imports and exports,” he said.

He said Kenya is working on a global ranking ease of doing business index by reforming key drivers.

He said Kenya is on course to deliver 5000MW of energy to power industrial investment, ease registration of businesses and harmonise intraregional trade.

The Chinese visit was a follow-up to a recent meeting between Kenya and China’s Heads of State. Bilateral trade between the two governments has been cemented by economic deals, including building a new 600-mile railway to transport goods across Eastern Africa region.

Justice Aluoch elected ICC first vice president Kenyan judge Joyce Aluoch (right) has been elected First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Judges at ICC sitting in a plenary session elected Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi (Argentina) as President of the Court for a three-year term with immediate effect.

Joyce Aluoch was elected First VicePresident as Judge Kuniko Ozaki (Japan) was picked as the Second Vice-President.

The three judges will serve for three years.

Aluoch, who became the first Kenyan judge to work for ICC, holds a law degree

voxpop....

from the University of Nairobi. She also has a diploma in legal studies from the Kenya School of Law and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs (GMAP) from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts, University, Medford US. She was a judge of the High Court of Kenya for more than 20 years before being elevated to the Court of Appeal in December 2008.

She has been involved in the training of judges, magistrates and paralegals in the provision of regional and international

human rights instruments. She undertook the task in liaison with the International Association of Women Judges.

“I look forward to working together with the two Vice-Presidents, Judge Joyce Aluoch and Judge Kuniko Ozaki, and all judges, other organs of the Court and Assembly of States Parties, civil society and international community in fulfilling ICC’s important mandate for the sake of justice, peace and rule of law,” President Fernández de Gurmendi said following the election.

What should be done to reduce crime in City?

Anthony Karanja

Namboka Belinda Police patrols within and outside CBD should be enhanced.

For security forces to work well and city residents feel safe, the Government should light up all parts of Nairobi. Street families should be repaired to ease congestion and crime incidents.

James Oluoch Corruption in police ranks should be dealt with to ensure they can be trusted to safeguard the city. Job opportunities should be available to everyone to boost citizens’ buying power.

Esther Anyango It is disappointing for such a major city to run a poor CCTV surveillance system.

The Government should deploy more officers to CBD and mobile service providers liaise with Government in tracking down criminals using SIM card registration.

People should be encouraged to venture into self-employment and the cost of living reduced to check cases of robbery and violence. More police officers should be deployed to notorious crime spots and police paid well to reduce corruption.

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NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

CARTOONSPEAK

First Lady in US for Status of Women forum

Plants can feel themselves being eaten alive - research Some plants can feel themselves being eaten alive and others can even tell what type of creature is attacking them, scientists have claimed. The discovery was made after tests were carried out on a Arabidopsis plant, which is a close relative of the cabbage vegetable. Based on the research, the plant can distinguish between the insects that are eating it based on the way they chew and drool.

The study has confirmed that some plants may attempt to defend themselves from insects like aphids and caterpillars using different methods, such as giving off spicy flavours and foul smells.

“What surprised us was how different plant responses were to each of the caterpillars and aphids. The plants could clearly tell insects apart - they really seem to “know” who’s attacking,” Heidi Appel, Senior Research Scientist at

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has arrived in New York, United States of America, to join other world leaders for the 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

The meeting is taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 9 to 20, 2015.

Representatives of member states, UN entities, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and accredited Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are attending the session.

The main focus of the session will be on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The commission will undertake a review of progress made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 20 years after its adoption at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995.

the University of Missouri, US told the Washington Post in a recent interview.

She also believes that the plant could tell several different insects apart, even when they were eating the leaves simultaneously.

To test her theory, she harvested a chewed up Arabidopsis plant, extracted the genes, and froze it in a laboratory.

By studying the plants genes, Professor Appel found that the plant can sense when a caterpillar is drooling and provides a different defence mechanism, than if it sensed a butterfly.

Professor Appel hopes that this will allow scientists to breed plants that are naturally insect resistant rather than spraying them with pesticides.

This kind of discovery could save farmers a lot of time, money and trouble, given that some pesticides do more harm than good.

X-NEWS, Kenya’s FIRST and largest FREE newspaper and the country’s only EVENING publication, will be dedicating the next one month to providing comprehensive information to our 300,000 daily readers — ambitious Kenyans looking for higher learning opportunities.

We invite your institution to showcase your programmes and enlighten our readers on available opportunities by taking advantage of our one-of-a-kind advertising package throughout the March-April campaign period.

TO BOOK SPACE: CALL: Eric 0722616208 Boniface 0721541406 Micah 0721266099 Willie 0727622516 —or — EMAIL: sales@x-news.co.ke

Morocco, Nigeria in fall out over royal phone call Morocco has recalled its ambassador from Nigeria, accusing the authorities there of using King Mohammed VI in an election campaign.

Its foreign ministry issued a statement, denying the king had spoken by phone to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, as had been stated by Nigeria.

The North Africa kingdom denounced such ‘unethical practices’, it said.

Nigeria has denied that the king was being used to win over Muslim voters.

Mr Jonathan, a Christian from southern Nigeria, is facing a strong challenge in the 28 March elections from opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari, who is popular in Nigeria’s mainly Muslim north.

The Nigerian ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Sunday, denying reports that President Jonathan had been snubbed by King Mohammed because he was trying to curry favour with Muslim voters. “This information

is absolutely not correct as the president did in fact speak to the Moroccan monarch... both leaders spoke extensively over the phone on matters of mutual interest and concern,” it said.

However, Morocco’s foreign ministry responded by saying it wanted to state in the “clearest and strongest terms” that “there has never been a phone conversation” between the two men.

“The king has actually declined the request of the Nigerian government because it is part of the internal electioneering,” Morocco’s official news agency Map quoted the statement as saying.

“The kingdom of Morocco expresses its astonishment and denunciation to these unethical practices that are contrary to the spirit of responsibility that must prevail in relations between states.”

As a consequence Morocco’s Abuja ambassador was being recalled immediately for consultations, it said.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Uhuru gives two week ultimatum on corruption: President Uhuru Kenyatta has acknowledged that mega corruption threatens to paralyse service delivery in his administration. Consequently, he has ordered all State coporations to furnish his office with details of their anti-graft strategy - within two weeks. Stung by the runaway corruption, Uhuru, in a hard-hitting but confidential Executive Order, bitterly protested “outright theft and blatant breaches of ethical standards” by State and public officers. In a rare confession, the President said...

Deal firmly with MPs in graft saga, says Raila: Cord Leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday challenged Parliament to deal firmly with corruption allegations against members of the Public Accounts Committee chaired by ODM secretary-general Ababu Namwamba.

While declaring that he does not want to be dragged into parliamentary affairs, Mr Odinga also turned the heat on key officials at the Office of the President who are alleged to have paid bribes to members of the House committee, demanding that they be investigated...

Raila steps in as Ababu seeks open PAC hearing: The besieged chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) wants his grilling by a committee of the House to take place in public. Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba told the Powers and Privileges Committee investigating claims that he took a bribe to alter a report of the PAC on how the Presidency spent Sh2.9 billion that questions touching on the integrity of MPs must be open to the public. He made the demand even as ODM party leader Raila Odinga warned that the sportlight on MPs is diverting...

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

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 91.5528 91.7028 91.6278 138.0872 138.3089 138.1981 97.9139 98.0878 98.0008 7.4024 7.4205 7.4115 32.7471 32.9100 32.8285 19.9558 20.0977 20.0267

MAIN STORY

OLX prepping for E.Africa Digital Marketing Summit OLX, the famous online marketing platform owned by South African media and technology giant, Naspers, is on a fierce marketing drive ahead of the 2015 East Africa Digital Marketing Summit.

They recently launched the ‘Pata Cash Money’ campaign that encourages consumers to use the online market place to generate income.

Now the digital trading platform plans to make more waves at the East Africa Digital Marketing Summit.

The meeting, the second instalment of what is now an annual event, will be held on April 9-10, 2015 in Nairobi.

The event will bring together a number of stakeholders in the digital marketing sector from across East Africa and beyond.

The meeting will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

The event will witness OLX and other digital marketing companies, communication and

marketing managers in public and private sectors showcase products and services.

OLX, a popular destination for buyers and sellers of virtually every imaginable movable product, has been a local powerhouse that provides services Kenyans have grown to love.

“We want people to know OLX is not just a website,” said Country Manager Peter Ndiang’ui in a previous engagement. “It is brand run and managed by Kenyans.”

He added: “Kenyans have embraced OLX beyond what we ever expected.”

Ndiang’ui is expected at the Summit.

The inaugural Fair was held on March 2014 at Sarit Centre Exhibition Hall in Nairobi.

It attracted about 1000 visitors and 25 exhibitors. The second edition will focus on exhibiting digital marketing, media and communication solutions.

fierce drive: Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore (right) and OLX Country Manager Peter Ndiang’ui share a light moment during a recent ICT Innovator’s forum. OLX is on a fierce marketing drive ahead of the 2015 East Africa Digital Marketing Summit.

Trio charged with hacking illegally obtaining 1 billion email addressess

DEADLINE: Jerome Ochieng, director, IFMIS, shows President Kenyatta features of the e-Procurement portal during its launch at KICC. The President has ordered all State agencies to adopt the e-procurement platform within seven days.

Govt agencies have 7 days to embrace e-procurement President Kenyatta has ordered all Government agencies to adopt the e-procurement system within a week to reduce corruption cases.

Speaking when he launched the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the President said the IPRS system will enhance transparency on how tenders are awarded.

“I am reminding Government officials they have one week and all those in charge

of Government agencies will be held personally responsible if they fail to adopt the e-procurement system,” he said.

He said the objective was to make Government procurement processes open to scrutiny by the public so that everyone can know how a tender was awarded.

President Kenyatta last week directed Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of parastatals to ensure all agencies under them move to the online platform within two weeks.

the industry Thousands of jobs will be created in a Government-sponsored mining initiative set to transform the sector.

Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala recently confirmed Government plans to launch an internationally accredited mineral certification laboratory in East Af-

x-news.co.ke

“Our objective is to ensure all procurements are made public for wananchi to see the transparency of the process,” he said.

The system will provide easy access to information and documentation and simplify the bidding process and ensure cost saving for the Government and tax payers.

The IPRS is a system which creates a single database for tenders that make it easier to verify identity and improve security.

The US Department of Justice has charged two Vietnamese men with hacking into email providers in the US and stealing one billion email addresses.

Viet Quoc Nguyen and Giang Hoang Vu are believed to have hacked into eight email providers in US between 2009 and 2012. They are alleged to have profited by sending spam mails to tens of millions of the stolen addresses.

From this, they earned millions of dollars from websites that paid to have traffic directed to them through spam.

The two were charged alongside Canadian David-Manuel Santos Da Silva, who allegedly helped the hackers launder the money made from the spamming scheme.

The DoJ, via statement, said they

used the access to steal more than one billion email addresses in what is the largest data breach in US history.

Some of the spam sent sought to make people pay for software they could get free elsewhere.

FBI, who led investigations into the breach, said large-scale and sophisticated international cyber hacking rings are becoming more problematic for the law enforcement community. The major challenges include identifying suspects and arresting them.

The DoJ said Giang Hoang Vu has pleaded guilty to committing computer fraud and will be sentenced next month while Viet Quoc Nguyen is a fugitive. Da Silva will be arraigned before a judge later this week.

State in fresh drive to create more mining jobs

rica. The facility will help experts study and analyse minerals in the region.

The facility will be used to identify precious and semi-precious minerals and carry out research on mineral studying techniques.

In liaison with the recently-introduced information

storage facility known as the ‘national geodata bank, the laboratory will “increase efficiency and transparency in granting mineral rights and concession management.”

The $70 million (Sh6.4 billion) initiative will help complement Kenya’s small but potential-rich min-

ing activity.

Kenya is the third-largest producer of soda ash and ranks seventh among the highest fluorspar sources.

Although the country produces titanium, gold and iron-ore, experts say the discovery of oil and rare earth deposits will lift the industry to higher heights.

The ministry had previously said Kenya has worldclass deposits of rare-earth elements in its coastal region.

Marketing Analyst Henry Lazenby of Mining Weekly says the recent discoveries are estimated to be worth $62.4 billion (Sh5.7 trillion). The amount is likely to propel Kenya to the list of top five countries with rare earth deposits in the world.

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BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Biz GADGET Olkaria to Kisumu power transmission project starts in April

Best headphones of 2015

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has signed two contracts for the construction of Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu electricity transmission. The construction of the line rated at 400 kilovolt to 220kilovolt double circuit project will facilitate the evacuation of clean energy from the geothermal generation plants of Olkaria in Naivasha to the Western region parts of Kenya. According to KETRACO Managing Director, Engineer Joel Kiilu the project will serve as the backbone for regional power interconnection among the countries in the region. “I thank the government of Kenya and financing agencies for supporting KETRACO in implementing over 40 ongoing power transmission projects. These projects will see the country’s grid stabilize as the dream of regional power trade

becomes a reality when Kenya and Rwanda receive 400MW and 200MW respectively in 2017 from Ethiopia,” Kiilu noted. The project is intended to connect the Ethiopia-Kenya interconnector which terminates at Suswa substation, via the Olkaria-Suswa project and shall be financed by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Kenya at a cost of approximately Sh8.14 billion.

The project shall consist of three lots, whose tenders were awarded to Kalpataru Power Transmission of India, in joint venture with Kinden Corporation of Japan for Lot 1. NARI Group Corporation and China Construction Civil Engineering Limited Consortium in China for Lot 2 and Sieyuan Electric Co. Limited of China for Lot 3. The project is estimated to last two years starting April 2015 to March 2017.

INFRA STRUCTURE

MORE POWER: Olkaria geothermal plant in Naivasha. The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has signed two contracts for the construction of Olkaria-LessosKisumu electricity transmission.

AmBank House is a 22-floor building located along University Way, next to Koinange Street.

Officially known as the African Mercantile Bank House, the structure was designed by Triad Architects, a team that has been involved in a number of high profile projects, including the construction of Times Towers and Barclays Plaza.

AmBank House is over 76 meters tall and serves primarily as a commercial building. It’s tall, geometric style is described as ‘modernism’ in the field of architecture. The building is famous for being connected to Anniversary towers through its back wall.

the best on-ear headphones.

They do not have Bluetooth as a feature but they have passive noise cancellation. These devices have a great design and are made of leather and aluminium.

Razer Tiamat 2.2 The Tiamat 2.2 have been rated as the best gaming headphones.

This headphones are known for great bass, great positional audio and they are also great for listening to music. However, they are slightly heavy and the bass at times drowns out the details during gaming.

China Southern Airlines confirm plans to launch flights to Nairobi China Southern Airlines has announced plans to launch flights to Nairobi.

The flights will begin on August 5, 2015, officials from the airline have confirmed. The airline will operate three weekly flights direct from its home base of Guangzhou to Nairobi.

Flights will depart the Chinese city’s Baiyun International Airport every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:45am, arriving

CITY SCAPE

Bose QuietComfort 25 These cover ear headphones have the best noise-cancelling technology found on headphones in the market. They are loud with great balanced audio quality. They have a battery life of up to 35 hours.

And in the event one does not have a battery, the QC 25 technology can play sans charge.

It also comes with a microphone.

These headphones have a sleek design and come in a variety of custom designs.

Plantroics BackBeat Pro Wireless Headphones The BackBeat Pros are a comfortable pair of Bluetooth headphones. Bluetooth is the key feature when it comes to these headphones, allowing a range of 300 feet away from the device that’s connected to them. They also have a noisecancelling feature with the option of adjusting the amount of ambient noise you want to hear. They also have up to 24 hours of battery life. However, they are not as loud or clear as the Bose QuietComfort 25.

V-Moda XS Headphones The V-Moda’s are known as

AmBank House

at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 0700.

The return service will then leave the Kenyan capital at 1:35pm and get back to Guangzhou at 5:50am the next day.

Kenya Airways (KQ) is currently the only carrier that operates flights between Guangzhou and Nairobi. The announcement comes just weeks after Nairobi’ Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was voted the 5th best airport in Africa based

on rankings from the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards.

The Awards are part of an event that lets passengers vote for their preferred airport. This year, Mauritius’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport came in first, claiming the title of the ‘best airport in Africa’ and ‘second best airport in the world’. The African airports ranked after Mauritius were Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nairobi.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

ACCESS topstory

it is officially hair season and all hands are on deck.

Judges Ronnie Maingi, Mercy Ollow and Farouk Jannedy assess contestants’ work.

ALL COMBS UP FOR THE NEXT

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he hair industry is one of the most profitable in the country, given the fact that women do love their hair, fake or not.

But it is not just the women who have led to the sudden bulge.

Increased spending by men on hair care has led to an increase in the number of hair product brands in the Kenyan market.

And people have taken notice hence the rise of awards to celebrate players in the hair care industry. Last year, there were two notable events specifically designed to celebrate hair; the Hair Expo and the Kenya Hair Awards. The Hair Expo took place in March and is returning for a second season this Saturday, March 14.

The event seeks to reward both amateur and professional hair stylist in different categories.

The idea of the event was founded by two ladies, Irene Kimani and Emily Kinuthia.

“Emily and I often shared challenges that women often experience when it comes to hair and beauty matters yet the hair industry has such fantastic “hidden” talent,” said Irene.

“We decided to go ahead and be a part of finding and exposing that talent in a format that most women would enjoy.

In that spirit of being the change we would like to see and the Hair Expo concept was born.”

The awards have five categories; weave stylist of the year, bridal stylist of the year, cut and style (ladies haircut), battle of the

Before

HAIR

barbers (men’s haircut) and fantasy (most creative) stylist of the year. The contestants are given a chance to select the one they would best compete in.

“Under the guidance of some of the seasoned and respected hair dressers in this country, like Farouk Jannedy, we have been able to formulate a criteria that is simple yet effective in selecting the contestants for who will compete for the awards,” said Emily.

The contestants are judged on the spot meaning, the styling is done in front of the judges, who note the steps taken, the products used and the time taken.

“Contestants gain or lose marks based on this, and the contestant with the highest score wins” said Emily. “Given that it is a live competition, the awarding of the marks is very open and honest as everyone can see what is going on, live on stage.”

The judges reward creativity, speed, time and accuracy.

Ronnie Maingi, one of the judges, says the amateurs tend to outdo the professionals because they are more motivated and always bring something new to the table.

“The professionals, may walk on stage feeling confident because of their experience but the amateurs are usually not frightened and give it their best,” said Ronnie.

Mercy Ollow, another judge, says the final presentation is also very important.

“What you show us has to be neat, showing that you can make hair beautiful.”

awards season

The contestants win 15 prestigious titles for the year which include 1st place gold winner, 2nd place Silver and 3rd place bronze winner for each of the five categories.

The overall winner of the competition will enjoy an allexpenses paid five-day trip to the Dubai Hair and Beauty world expo in May 2015.

Jane Awino Okoth, one of the contestants, taking part in the weaving category.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, MARCH 26th NOVEMBER 12, 2015 2014

YOLO

The beauTy of Technology blogging is ThaT you Talk abouT whaT you already know.

hot toPiCs

big celeb turnout at k1 for amani’s video release and yes, amani is in love!

Yesterday, the industry’s finest turned up for Afrobeat Wednesdays hosted by Mseto East Africa. Amani was launching the video to her new song, Kizunguzungu.

It was a lady’s night as Renee of Dawa ya moto and Habida also took to the stage to perform to their adoring fans. Jaguar, Reffigah, Trapee, Kenrazy, Wilbroda, Jackie Vike, Akothee, Big Pin, Obinna, Nebulazz Gkon and Fena were all in the house. It was a full house which also marked XNews’s one-year anniversary and partnership with the weekly event. Amani also took time to gush about her boyfriend, Naz, who was supportive throughout the night.

kenrazy’s new song out in april Kenrazy exclusively told X Access that he is releasing a new hit in April that will be bigger and better than Dawa ya Moto. The artiste mentioned that he will feature Avril on the new song.

daddy owen’s Malaika awards humbles many

T

he third annual Malaika Tribute Awards went down yesterday night at Safari Park Hotel. The event is a brainchild of Daddy Owen and seeks to honor people who have overcome their disabilities and made an impact on society Maliza Umaskini founder, Sadat Muhindi pledged to sponsor the next song by Bryan, a young boy who does not have both arms and one leg, after his singing impressed.

Jaguar and Ringtone beefing

Ringtone’s car

Jaguar’s car

We know Jaguar for promising to cross the borders but we also know Ringtone for accepting Christ and becoming rich, almost overnight.

What we don’t know is that the two have a deep hatred for one another. To show how far their beef has gone, Ringtone intimated that Jaguar blocked his Rangerover on the streets the other day just to show him whose car was better.

Really? Boys and their toys, we reckon!

tively new blog Droid254 is a rela d one year ago. having been starte has grown in However, the blog and it has now leaps and bounds r the BAKE been nominated fo e Best Technology Awards 2015 in th caught up with Blog category. We d here is what the guy behind it an he had to say.

droid254 unmasked W

hat is the blog droid254 all about?

Droid254 is just about anything tech. I cover anything and everything from latest gadgets, apps and social media.

Who is behind the blog?

My real name is Charles Kireki.

This is the first time I’m revealing my real name on any platform.

Contrary to what people believe, I’m not hiding behind my twitter handle. I just think anonymity is better on the Kenyan twittersphere.

Why a blog on tech?

I started blogging as a creative outlet to express my love for tech.

T

My friends and followers were asking me advice all the time on gadgets and apps. So I thought why not share my passion with everyone. So I got the passion and inspiration from some other tech bloggers like Kachwanya to start blogging.

The beauty of technology blogging is, you talk about what you already know in addition to learning more along the way in sharing that priceless knowledge with your readers.

The blog has been nominated in the Best Technology Blog category for the BAKE 2015 Awards. How does that feel?

Koroga Festival New sights aNd souNds

he 6th edition of the Koroga Festival promises eve n more exhilarating perfor mances by African artistes bot h local and international. On Su nday March 15, the ‘Princess of Africa’ Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be headlining the eve nt at the Nairobi Arboretum alo ngside a number of other big acts.

Yvonne, known for hits such as ‘Umqombothi’ and ‘I’m Burning Up’, will shi ne a light on what rea l African music s o u n d s

hot date

like to a new cro p of music lovers. Other perfor mers will be ‘phenomenal’ woma n, Fena Gitu and household name Nameless.

Last month’s event had Juliani and Sauti Sol on the line up and it was nothing but a spectacular evening.

True to the show’s nam e, Koroga, this round’s performe rs are a true mix of African talent and sounds and should elicit an even more diverse audience.

The event starts at 11am and tickets go for sh1500 at Ticketsasa.

It is really amazing and unexpected.

Talk to us about Memes!

Droid254 is famous for that.

There was a time I was learning photoshop through Youtube and I found the best way to try out my new skills was through creating memes, mostly because they are fun to edit.

I then started posting them on twitter and within a short time my followers wanted more and it inspired me to learn more graphic design.

What makes droid254 different from all the other tech blogs around?

My blog is simple .I’m planning to focus on a few niches within the tech industry mostly by blogging about practical applications and how they can improve lives.

What do you think about the blogging culture in Kenya?

Blogging and the reading culture has really evolved in Kenya.

Not at the pace it should maybe because of lack of infrastructure (that is just an excuse).

Reading has not been instilled in our Kenyan minds.

We choose to chat on Facebook or tweet over reading a well written article.

ACCESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

9

CAMPUSVIBE

all round news and updates from universities.

Universities WILL NOT offer diplomas and certificates U niversities will from July be required to stop admitting certificate and diploma students.

The Commission for University Education announced on Monday that certificate and diploma courses will be available only in midlevel colleges.

CUE, Chief Executive David Some stated that students who will have been enrolled before the deadline will be allowed to finish their courses but after June 30, there will be no more admissions.

David Some

Most popular drinks on campus D

rinking is no hobby in university. It is treated as some sort of prerequisite and any campus student knows that alcohol doesn’t come cheap, except for when it does.

Here are the top 3 drinks in Kenyan campus: Kibao There was a time this drink was called ‘the student’s companion’.

Blue Moon Blue Moon might taste like battery acid but it is affordable.

Meakins Vodka Meakins should be considered a special blend. The taste is actually milder than most of the brands on this list but it leaves you with that 1000 yard stare.

BLOGGER

EXTRAORDINAIRE

26-year-old Lilian Kaivilu, a Business and Development journalist and seasoned blogger, reveals how her love for the English language shaped her writing skills.

-just in case there are mistakes to underline.

What achievements have you had so far?

The fact that I have successfully settled in my journalism career is my greatest achievement.

I have published and edited a few books on education.

Any challenges you have experienced?

It is saddening to see that our local media has not yet embraced positive and development reporting while it propagates sensational news.

Does your job interfere with your social life?

To some extent, yes. You cannot quite predict the next assignment thus it sometimes gets tricky to plan my social life.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is when I do a story and it prompts policy makers to act or when it inspires someone else.

Looking forward to Reproductive Health Week

What is the worst part of your job?

The fact that I cannot predict my next assignment. It affects how I plan my day.

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

Do not be deceived by the glamour of journalism. It’s not just about travelling and meeting the ‘who is who’ and interviewing them. It’s is a demanding career that requires you to know a bit of almost everything.

CAREERCHAT

W

hat does your job entail?

My job as a reporter and blogger entails reporting on Business and development news and features and posting them on my blog, liliankaivilu.com How many hours do you work in a day?

Blogging and journalism has no set timelines. I work wherever I am, when need be.

What qualifications do you need for your job?

Journalism training is key to my career.

Was this your dream career?

(Excitedly) Yes! How did you start out?

My father noticed my passion in journalism from a tender age and nurtured it.

I remember at Class Four I would read short storybooks in a week or less and narrate to my father. Other times I would read a book, just to look out for grammatical mistakes. Up to date I read everything with a biro pen, even newspapers

On to other serious matters, reproductive health must be made imperative to any student. According to global statistics every one in four students has a STD, many of them asymptomatic and nearly all of them preventable.

We’ve all heard those stories of students infecting entire student populations with STDs but most of them have been championed through ignorance and scare tactics.

Reproductive health week is running from the March 16-20 at the Parklands School of Law and it is set to teach students a thing or two about their reproductive health.

After the launch on Monday, there will be daily HIV, breast and cervical cancer screenings offered by Marie Stopes Hospital as well as the UON medical students.

There will also be family planning services including an informative symposium on the topic ‘Is Reproductive Health a Fundamental Right in Kenya?’

All the week’s events will culminate in an enticing pool party on Friday that is sure to be unmissable. Everything is free, so step up, learn a little and have fun while doing it.

10

ACCESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

FASHIONScoop

wan fam latest collection made for hip cool.

For him and her, we like!

Bring out the rebel in you when wearing this outfit

For that casual look, this is perfect.

WAN FAM

The colour red has never looked so good on anyone.

gets even cooler

T

he urban-cool fashion house, Wan Fam, is back with a new series that is even cooler!

The collection dubbed “Rebel,” covers both genders and features polo shirts, sweatpants, hooded and sleeveless sweatshirts of different colours. Wan Fam were inspired to be different and diverted from the standard of fashion, that is usually clean cut, hence the collection’s name (rebel) and what better photographers to illustrate that concept than Bouart.

They used fabrics such as pure cotton and fleece to bring their collection to life. Here is a look at their new collection that remind us of the 90s hip hop era.

Bonnie and Clyde.

TOP

food blogs

G

leo tunapika?

atuiri Mwangi who is a newly-wed started this blog because of her love for cooking.

She is no trained chef but she does justice in the kitchen! She creates recipes and decided to share them with people out there.

R

The ultimate bad girl, Rihanna got nothing on her.

healthy living kenya

ajan Solanki, who passed away in the 2013 Westgate Mall attack, launched this blog on May 9, 2011 with the aim of improving skills in the kitchen. “Pika Chakula” is a Swahili word that directly translates to “cook food”. The blog showcases various types of recipes from around the world.

A pika chakula

nthony Kahonge Mwangi is a self-taught chef who focuses on healthy cuisine, raw vegan superfoods and seasonal produce as well as wild organic ingredients hence this blog. Since 2010 he has been selling healthy food to busy neighbours and now does a myriad of products and services that revolve around health.

PLAY 11 THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Some rather bizarre news could come to you today about metaphysical or paranormal matters, Capricorn. This isn’t anything that affects you directly, but more likely concerns discoveries of anomalies. You and others could find it fascinating and discuss it for hours.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You will probably try to go too many places and do too many things at once. Friends might want to get together, but you may have a lot of errands to take care of. It might be a good idea to assess what needs to be done and take care of it in order of urgency.

THURSday 12/03/2015

sunny

29

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You might hear some rather bizarre rumors today, Pisces. Someone has misinterpreted a piece of information and blown it into something far different from reality. You will need to check this out for yourself before jumping to any conclusions.

27ºC 32%

FRIday 13/03/2015

28 6:39 am 6:46 pm

27ºC 32%

SATURday

More sun than clouds

6:39 am 6:46 pm

28

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 Today you might plan a quick trip by air, Aries. This could be business related. Someone else may have been meant to go but couldn’t, so you may be taking his or her place. This could be disruptive for you, but if you make an effort, you can turn it into an adventure.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Your friend might not give a reason, and you might wonder if this means he or she doesn’t really want to see you. That probably isn’t the case. All signs are that your friend has received some bad news and didn’t want to upset you. Hang in there.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 This probably doesn’t relate to difficulties with your housemates. It’s more likely to involve problems with wiring, appliances, or phone lines. It could be annoying to deal with repairmen in and out of your house, but you will have to bear with it.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Too many communications may prove distracting today, Cancer. The phone could be ringing off the hook and your email inbox overflowing. Everyone around you seems to be talking at once. If you don’t bring some order to this chaos, it could give you a headache!

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Perhaps some repairs need to be made around the house or to the car. Maybe someone needs an unexpected trip to the dentist. This could throw you off balance, but you can manage it by cutting some corners. So what if you have to eat pasta for a week or two?

MUSTREAD

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Generally you’re pretty emotionally stable, Virgo. Today’s events might seem to conspire to create erratic moods that you aren’t used to feeling. No major concerns should arise, but little irritations like dropping things, misplacing keys, or missing calls could get on your nerves.

A Squatter’s Tale — by Ike Oguine

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 If you’ve been studying astrology, numerology, or any other occult science, Libra, today you might find some of the concepts you’re studying a bit confusing. You may have glossed over some of the ideas that are prerequisites to what you’re looking at now.

Obi is a young man who is leading a good life in Nigeria. But life changes when the finance company he works for suddenly collapses. As he looks for greener pastures, Obi travels to the land of plenty, US. America has been his dream since he was a young boy. When he was just 10, Happiness, his mother’s younger brother, paid them a visit from US. Happiness displaced immense wealth and opulence which stuck with Obi. No wonder he chooses America as the place to start all over again as he seeks to build a new life. But is America the real land of endless opportunities?

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You like this person and understand what he or she’s going through, so you want to help. But it could be a while before your friend is solvent again. If you make the loan, remember the adage about never lending anything to a friend that you aren’t willing to consider a gift.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Some equipment that you use a lot, perhaps an appliance, computer, or TV, might go on the blink today, Sagittarius. Don’t try to fix it yourself even if you think you know how. Call a professional, and hang the expense. This is definitely a day to exercise caution. Be patient!

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

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

yesterday’s winning photo

YOURSAY

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

Securing all Kenyans should be new IG’s top priority Our police force is either under-staffed or incompetent.

Following the recent crime sprees in areas such as Kibera and Dagoretti (X News Paper: Wednesday, March 11), the need for stronger security

measures is obvious.

It is not fair for taxpayers to be forced to always watch their backs as they walk in the streets at the fall of darkness.

Security is a right we because we pay tax to employ police

and other officers.

I hope new Inspector General Joseph Kipchirchir will make this a priority.

-Tom, Nairobi

winning captions

1. Blowing money away, literally-Salome Masawe, Nairobi 2. Drug money, right...no...ok-Pauline Masika, Nairobi 3. She could be having a past with the face on the money-IH, Nairobi

12

PLAY

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Linguist-activist Chomsky 5. Aberdeen breed 10. Hic-hoc link 14. European tongue 15. “Light My Fire” group (with “The “) 16. Approximating words 17. Prohibition home-brew 19. Come close to 20. Hot, scoring-wise 21. Exasperated 22. Forks and spoons 26. Cab fare calculator 30. Punishable by law 34. Carol’s start 35. Via, briefly 36. “___ rabbi walks into...”

37. Murky 39. Kind of torpedo in “Star Trek” 42. Pillbox or porkpie 43. Zeno’s town 47. Took ___ (went out on a limb) 48. Sports 51. Pops in the microwave, say 52. Addis Ababa’s country 54. Edges 57. Designer of Djoser’s tomb in Saqqara 62. ____ guy (right-hand man) 63. Comes nearer to 66. Cart-pulling beasts 67. Gandhi’s nation 68. X’s 69. Big Apple ltrs.

70. C&W singer Rimes 71. Malt dryer

Down 1. Biblical mountain 2. Algerian port 3. The Charles’ dog 4. More, in Munich 5. Like some movies 6. Most high-minded 7. Magog go-with 8. Swiss canton 9. Govt. ID 10. Trustworthy 11. “That run-down jalopy is not worth ____ cent!”

12. Twin in Genesis 13. Business org.

18. Played across the country 21. More than a cold 23. Highest 24. D.A.R. counterpart 25. “Pump ___” (Elvis Costello song) 26. Coffee variety 27. Super success 28. Comb projection 29. Ostrich kin 31. Old port on the Tiber 32. High perch 33. Quick tugs 38. Affirmative, to Joey in “Dennis the Menace” 40. “Very funny” 41. Miner’s find 44. IV x XIII 45. Italian writer Umberto 46. Bayer product 49. Like a citrus scent 50. Non-earthlings 53. “... why on earth should ___” (Beatles lyric) 54. Weed-___ (lawn spray brand) 55. Show place of the Big Apple 56. Southernmost coast-to-coast rte.

58. Prefix with -genarian 59. Train of song 60. Dusks, to Donne 61. Sibilant attention-getter 63. Feel lousy 64. Start of a pulmonary problem?

65. Palm Pilot, e.g.

DAILY WISDOM “Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.”

— George Washington Carver “Most people don’t have that willingness to break bad habits. They have a lot of excuses and they talk like victims.”

— Carlos Santana “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”

— Benjamin Franklin “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.”

— Don Wilder

“If you are committed to failure, one excuse is as good as another.”

— Yiddish Proverb “No excuses and no sob stories. Life is full of excuses if you’re looking. I have no time to gripe over misfortune. I don’t waste time looking back.”

— Junior Seau “If you really want to do it, you do it. There are no excuses.”

— Bruce Nauman “The biggest barrier to commercial success isn’t ideas, funding or experience. It’s excuses.”

— Sarah Lacy “Don’t give in to excuses that can keep you from really living the best life God has for you.”

— Joyce Meyer “Don’t make excuses and Don’t talk about it. Do it.” — Melvyn Douglas “A champion doesn’t make excuses.”

— Roberto Alomar

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport THURSday, MARCH 12, 2015

Kenya men win Africa Games qualification tie The national handball men’s team launched their Zone Five all African Games qualification quest on a winning note after beating neighbours Uganda 25-18 in a pool A clash in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

Kenya is drawn in pool A that also

comprises Uganda and Rwanda.

In a Pool B action played on Tuesday, hosts Ethiopia started on a losing note, going down to Burundi 23-25 in a closely fought match. Pool B consists of hosts Ethiopia, Burundi and Djibouti.

Only Kenya, Uganda and host

Ethiopia are competing in the women’s category.

Handball: 1st day’s results Kenya 25-18 Uganda (Men) Ethiopia 23-25 Burundi (Men) Uganda 28-23 Ethiopia (Women)

FLYING START: The Kenya national handball men’s team clash with Somalia in a past All African Games zone 5 qualifying tournament at Nyayo stadium. The team made a winning start to this year’s Zone five qualification quest by beating Uganda 25-18 in a pool A tie.

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.

Nanena KENYAN HITS! Adonai KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A KEN4 Dumbala Remix Zawadi GLORIA MULIRO Msaidizi GM4 Sitalia Tena Fundamentals KT4 KEN WAMARIA Bongo Lala RUFFTONE & GSU RUFF4 Sitalia Tena Mungu Baba Uwepo Wako LIN4 MERCYLINAH Hatarudi Nyuma Milele SHA4 MARION SHAKO Mapenzi GERALDINE ODUOR GER4 Dongo Dongo Solo Ulibeba EN4 EUNICE NJERI Penzi Langu Sobei Cheiso KOS4 EMMY KOSGEI Matokeo Worship You BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI BMF4 Sambaza KAM4 Born Again ALICE KAMANDE Defender DAD4 Lingala Ya Yesu DADDY OWEN MOG4 Fanya Kitendo MOG Tosheka Muziki Ni Dawa Kereka DK4 DK KWENYE BEAT Ningwendete VAN4 Makeke JOAN WAIRIMU Kitanzi LK4 LOISE KIM Queen Ahuirania N.D GITHUKA GAK4 Miss Hizo Ti Mundu BETTY BAYO & MR SEED BET4 Naona Mbali Ndirakurekie SIMON SIM4 Nime Wasamehe JOAN WAIRIMU Kinyukia Kahora VAN4 Hakuna Silaha

Ex: HC4 to 22333

BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUKUBWA SARAH KIARIE

TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies.

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 will 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.

14

SPORT THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

LeBron stars as Cavs manhandle Mavs in record win LeBron James had game highs of 27 points and eight assists powering the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-94 victory over Dallas, their largest-ever win over the Mavericks on Wednesday morning.

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player also grabbed seven rebounds as the Cavaliers improved to 41-25, second in the Eastern Conference and one game ahead of Chicago for the Central division lead.

Dallas had won five meetings in a row with the Cavaliers and eight of their past nine games against Cleveland.

Kyrie Irving scored 22 points for the Cavaliers while Kevin Love added 21 points and a game-

high 14 rebounds. J.R. Smith contributed 21 points and Russian big man Timofey Mozgov netted 17 points for Cleveland.

Chandler Parsons led the Mavericks with 18 points while Monta Ellis had 17 and German star Dirk Nowitzki had 13 points.

The Mavericks fell to 41-25, just ahead of defending champion San Antonio in the fight for sixth in the Western Conference.

The Cavaliers next visit San Antonio on Thursday, the first time James will visit the Spurs since last year’s NBA Finals, when he and his then-teammates at Miami lost to the Texas club.

REAL MVP: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

Perera replaces Chandimal in Sri Lankan World Cup squad Injury-hit Sri Lanka have added Kusal Perera to their World Cup squad as an injury replacement for fellow wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal.

Chandimal, 25, retired hurt after he pulled a hamstring while batting during Sunday’s defeat by Australia in Sydney.

Perera, 24, has scored 839 runs in 41 one-day internationals but was dropped after Sri Lanka’s oneday series against England in December.

He joins the squad in time for Sunday’s game against Scotland in Hobart.

Sri Lanka have already qualified for the quarterfinals, while Scotland have been eliminated from contention.

Chandimal is the fourth Sri Lanka player to be ruled out of the tournament by injury since their original squad was announced.

Pace bowler Dhammika Prasad (fractured hand), all-rounder Jeevan Mendis (hamstring) and batsman Dimuth Karunaratne (broken finger) have already been replaced by Dushmantha Chameera, Upul Tharanga and Seekkuge Prasanna respectively.

Spinner Rangana Herath missed the Australia game after suffering a cut to his spinning finger, and will not be risked against Scotland.

REPLACED: Dinesh Chandimal smashed 52 off 24 balls in his first World Cup innings before retiring hurt.

National basketball team set for serious makeover A total of six new players have been included in a new-look men’s basketball team for an invitational tournament in South Africa from March 18-22.

Carey Odhiambo, the head coach has nearly transformed the team by including new and young players. Usual faces like Ulinzi Warriors duo of Ancete Wafula and William Ochieng are missing as focus shifts to the youthful talent. Odhiambo says no player was overlooked during selection but he only changed the approach from the past. Currently, twelve players are in training and will

leave the country on March 17.

Khaemba Situma of United States International University- Africa (USIU-A), Co-op Bank’s duo of James Mwangi and Allan Ouma as well as Philip Ameny who plays for Ugandan side Tigerhead Power are the players with international exposure. Kevin Kigotho, Victor Bosire and Alvin Nyangweso (USIU-A), Valentine Nyakinda, Evans Letting and Ariel Okal (KPA) together with Evans Ochieng (Co-op Bank) are all making their maiden or second appearance for the national team.

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

OFFICIAL LAUNCH: Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed during the unveiling of Sh14 million sponsorship for the 9th edition SportsPesa Super 8 tournament. The ninth edition of the tournament gets underway on Saturday at BP Grounds in Dagoretti, Nairobi.

SportPesa soccer tourney to kick off in City on Saturday The ninth edition of SportPesa Super 8 Soccer Tournament gets underway this Saturday at BP Grounds in Dagoretti with two matches on the cards.

Young Tremors face Mutuini Rangers in an early kick off as A Y O S and Mainstream Sports Academy face each other later in the day.

On Sunday, the battle moves to Westlands

Constituency where RYSA FC face Guza.

Meanwhile, Zion Family take on U o N Cavs. The matches will be played at Kihumbuini Stadium.

The four-month long competition was officially launched by Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario and Extreme Sports boss Hussein Mohammed early in February.

Mohammed says plans are underway to turn the tournament into a league in later editions. He said football lovers are expected to make a living out of the game at the grassroots.

“All we want is take the beautiful and most supported game to the grassroots.

We are not the gainers but some players out there who don’t have means of living.

In future the tournament will grow into a league that will guarantee continued source of income,” said Mohammed. He confirmed that a record 101 teams will take part in this year’s edition.

Mohammed said the competition is open to footballers from Nairobi County who are not contractually attached to professional clubs.

The overall winning team will pocket Sh500,000 prize money, as runnersup and third-placed teams take home Sh250,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

Zonal winners are expected to pocket Sh60,000 that has been realised through a Sh14 million sponsorship kitty set up by tournament organisers and betting firm SportPesa.

Real boss sorry over poor Bernabeu show Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has apologised for his team’s performance against Schalke, admitting they deserve all criticism they have received.

The defending champions were booed off at the Bernabeu after losing the second leg 4-3. The Madrid powerhouse, however, progressed to the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

Fans also waved white handkerchiefs, a symbol of disgust, over the poor show.

“I’m very sorry. We played very badly and that is bad for our image,” said Ancelotti.

“We’re professionals, we don’t make ourselves look ANTI-RACISM WARRIOR: Former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o receives the European Medal of Tolerance from the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR) president Moshe Kantor. The non-governmental organization said Eto’o took a stand in 2005 as a Barcelona player by threatening to walk off the pitch after Zaragoza fans taunted him with monkey chants.

Eto’o calls for harsher punishment for racism Three-time Champions League winner Samuel Eto’o wants stricter punishments to combat racism.

The 34-year-old Cameroonian, now at Sampdoria, said footage of Chelsea fans stopping a black man boarding a Paris metro train last month shocked him.

“We are here to fight against these issues and try to have harsher laws that are applied in a very tough way to fight against this abuse,” he said.

He was speaking at London’s Kensington Palace, where he received an award for his

anti-racism work.

Eto’o received the European Medal of Tolerance from the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation president Dr Moshe Kantor.

Chelsea have suspended five supporters following the incident in Paris. But Eto’o, who spent the 2013-14 season at Stamford Bridge, said: “These five or 10 fans are not representative of all other fans.”

The striker experienced racism in Spain in 2006 as a Barcelona player. At one point, he threatened to walk off the pitch after Real

Zaragoza supporters made monkey noises whenever he touched the ball.

While Eto’o played for Inter Milan in Italy, a referee had to stop a match after Cagliari fans made racist chants.

Eto’o has also played for Real Madrid, Anzhi Makhachkala and Everton.

He played down concerns over racism tarnishing the 2018 World Cup in Russia. “My experience in Russia was the most beautiful of my sporting career. I came away with a very good impression.”

ridiculous.”

The 10-time European champions have qualified for the fifth successive Champions League quarter-final but had to hang on at Bernabeu with a fifth defeat of 2015.

Schalke, who were trailing 2-0 from the first leg, applied heavy pressure late on for the one goal they needed to qualify as Real lost for the first time in 22 home Champions League matches.

Ancelotti ended his first season in charge by winning the Champions League last May, but has lately faced growing criticism from sections of the club’s support.

Inter tactician keen on luring City’s Yaya Toure Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes Yaya Toure wants to leave the club and says he would be keen to take him to Inter Milan.

The 31-year-old Ivorian midfielder has been at City for five years where he won the Premier League under Mancini in 2012.

Mancini, who has been Inter coach since November, said: “He’s played in almost every league except Germany and Italy.

“If, as seems to be the case, he

wants to try Serie A, we’ll look into the possibility but it won’t be easy.”

Toure, who last month helped Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations, started his career with Belgian club Beveren.

He also had spells in Ukraine, Greece and France before joining Barcelona in 2007.

He won the Champions League, World Club Cup, Uefa Super Cup, two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey during his three years at Nou Camp.

xnews | THURsDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 | www.x-news.Co.ke

lebron james sTars as cavs maul mavs To sTay hoT PG14

old boy luiz stars as 10-man PsG stun chelsea C

LUIZ KISMET: David Luiz could not confine his joy after netting against his former employers as PSG knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League.

h e l s e a crashed out of the Champions League on a stormy night at Stamford Bridge as Paris St-Germain reached the last eight on away goals after extra time.

PSG came from behind twice to take revenge for last season’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Chelsea - showing great character to play for the last hour of normal time and then added 30 minutes without talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he had been sent off for a foul on Oscar.

In an ugly eyesore of a match punctuated by fouls and contentious incidents, Gary Cahill’s late goal looked to be sending Chelsea

through until their former defender David Luiz thumped home a header to send this last-16 tie into extra time. Once more Chelsea went ahead through Eden Hazard’s penalty following Thiago Silva’s handball but PSG’s Brazilian defender made amends perfectly with another superb header six minutes from time to give coach Laurent Blanc’s side the progression they deserved. While PSG complained about Ibrahimovic’s red card - and the reaction that saw nine Chelsea players crowd referee Bjorn Kuipers.

As a series of running battles broke out, Costa was fortunate to stay on for a shove on Marquinhos, having been booked earlier for a wild lunge on Silva - the game degenerating into a niggly, fractious affair.

For Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, who sets such store by the Champions League having won it with Porto and Inter Milan, this will be a devastating blow but he can hardly make a case that his side were unlucky after such a flat performance, even with a numerical advantage.

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