FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke
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the hunt is on more than 200 witches arrested in albino killings crackdown
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high value app ALIBABA INVESTMENT PUSHES Snapchat value to Sh1.4 Tr
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amani is back Queen of pop has reinvented herself
NEWS
Fifa official denies asking FKF to drop suit agains KPL
Ghana players in trouble for betting their teams to lose
Westgate raid planner shot dead in Somalia
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n al-Shabaab militant believed to have participated in the organisation of the Westgate attack in 2013 is among three people killed by US forces in Somalia,
officials say. Adan Garaar, who is a top official of al-Shabaab’s spy
service, the Amniyat, was killed alongside two other militants in a US drone attack at Bardhere, near Baidoa in Southern Somalia. The attack was staged yesterday evening at the village of Abaq Xaluul. The three were driving in a car when the drone struck.
Security officials in Nairobi, who have been briefed of the developments, said the attack specifically targeted the car belonging to Adan Garaar. He is believed to have links with gunmen who raided Westgate Mall in 2013, killing more than 70 people.
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president tours tokyo’s yurikamome firm
#mzeeojwang
Eric Omondi writes to President Kenyatta to #okoamzeeojwang and second-in-command, Ruto, responds
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Closet raid FAMILIARISATION TOUR: President Uhuru Kenyatta accompanied by Yurikamome Inc CEO Akira Miyagawa after receiving him on arrival at the company in Tokyo. Miyagawa later took the President and his entourage on a tour of Yurikamome Station and the Port of Tokyo.
The voting phase of the 2015 Kenyan Blog Awards is now open. Visit: http://www.blogawards.co.ke/vote/
Popular fashion blogger Joy Kendi has new pieces in her closet and we were first to see them
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NEWS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
US kills Westgate raid mastermind From Page 1 “We have been informed that among those who died in the strike was Garaar. He organised the Westgate attack in Nairobi,” said a senior security official who asked not to be named. The official said Garaar had planned other attacks in Kampala and Mombasa in 2014 before they were foiled. He said the militant had dispatched a vehicle loaded with explosives to Mombasa but security officers
intercepted it before it reached the destination. Other victims of the attack were not immediately identified but the vehicle is said to have been extensively damaged. Only last week, Somalian authorities captured Liban Haji, a SomaliAmerican who has been on FBI’s most wanted terrorists’ list. He too was arrested in the same area as he travelled in a car. Yesterday’s drone attack is a major boost for African Union troops who have put
pressure on the terror group as they seek to flush them out of the region. The attack was staged barely hours after suspected Al Shabaab militants attacked a fortified government compound in the town of Baidoa killing at least eight people. The attackers, who are said to have been wearing military uniforms, shot their way into the compound after setting off explosives at the gates. All five of the gunmen are believed to have been killed.
The militants, who are allied to AlQaeda, controlled Baidoa for three years before they were flushed out by Ethiopian troops in 2012. The compound in Baidoa houses UN offices, an airport and the headquarters of the regional administration for the newly created South West state. The offices of the head of the administration, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, were targets of the attack, a security official said. The attackers failed to reach his office,
the official told AFP news agency. Sharif Hassan is a close ally of Somalia’s government, headquartered in Mogadishu, which is backed by more than 22,000 troops in an African Union contingent drawn from Kenya and other countries. Neighbouring Ethiopia, which sees the Islamists as a major threat to her security, has also deployed troops to the country. Some of the soldiers are part of the AU force, while others operate independently.
seven charged with kabete MP’s murder
facing murder charge: Simon Wambugu, 20, one of the suspects charged with the murder of Kabete MP George Muchai.
Seven suspects were today charged with the murder of Kabete MP George Muchai. Simon Wambugu Gichamba, Raphael Kimani, Stephen Asitiva Lipapo, Jane Wanjiru Kimani, Margaret Njeri, Erick Muyera Isabwa and Mustafa Kimani were charged with the offence at the High Court, in Nairobi. They did not, however, take plea as they were not represented by a lawyer. Justice Jessie Lessit directed the Deputy Registrar to appoint a lawyer for the accused before they can plead to the charges on Thursday next week. The suspects were later taken to a magistrate’s court where they were charged with robbery with violence. The seven denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Enock Cherono who will rule on their bail application on March 23. The seven were arrested days after the MP’s murder on February 7.
They were charged with killing the MP, his two bodyguards Samuel Kimathi Kairikia, Samuel Lekakey Matanta and driver Stephen Ituu Wambugu on the night of February 7 on Kenyatta Avenue, in Nairobi. The charges come barely a day after the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko ordered that the suspects be charged with murder. Police had initially recommended the suspects be charged with robbery with violence. They had appeared in court when Cherono ordered they appear again in court today. It has emerged that three of the suspects are ex-convicts. Police and prison records show Steven Astiva Lipopo, alias Chokore, Raphael Kimani Gachie, alias Kim Butcher, and Eric Isabwa Munyeria, alias Chairman, were in October 2010 sentenced to four years in jail over a robbery incident in Kabete area.
Sweden’s U-turn on Wikileaks boss suit Swedish prosecutors have offered to travel to London to question Wikileaks founder Julian Assange over sex assault allegations. Sweden filed for Assange’s arrest in 2010. Prosecutors have previously insisted on questioning him in Sweden. Assange denies the assault claims and has been living at the Ecuadorean embassy in London since 2012. He fears that if he is deported to Sweden, he may be extradited to US to face charges over leaking material. Assange’s lawyer Per Samuelson welcomed the move. “This is something we’ve demanded for over four years,” he told the Associated Press news agency. A Swedish prosecutor said the change of strategy was occasioned by the fact that potential charges against Assange would
voxpop....
expire under the statute of limitations in August. “My view has always been that to perform an interview with him at the Ecuadorean embassy in London would lower the quality of the interview, and that he would need to be present in Sweden in any case should there be a trial in the future,” lead prosecutor Marianne Ny said in a statement. “Now that time is of the essence, I have viewed it therefore necessary to accept such deficiencies in the investigation and likewise take the risk that the interview does not move the case forward.” Wikileaks has published thousands of secret documents, which have caused intense embarrassment to US authorities after they lifted the lid on diplomatic relations between Washington and its allies.
sexual assault suspect: Swedish prosecutors have offered to travel to London to question Wikileaks founder Julian Assange over a sexual assault case he is facing.
Should exam results ranking of schools resume?
Alpha Githai
Mercy Njeri Ranking is baseless. There are other ways to determine successes of a school other than academics which has over the years has been used as standard measure for the successes/failure. We should broaden the scope of ranking.
Arianda Aladin No. Ranking generates unnecessary competition. The trend has contributed to students doing anything to get better grades. They use every trick to acquire the grades, including cheating and cramming. This compromises the quality of education.
King’ori Muturi Ranking creates unhealthy competition among students who are always under pressure to perform well academically. The learners neglect other areas of life such as arts and sports which are key for holistic growth.
Ranking should resume but not necessarily ranking of students. If we resume ranking of schools, we will know existing gaps in the quality of education provided. This will help us know which institutions are performing poorly checked against wellestablished ones.
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CARTOONSPEAK
FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2015
NEWS BRIEFS
Twitter users can easily become ruthless, cruel and inconsiderate
At least 62 perish in Angolan floods At least 35 children are among more than 62 people killed by flooding and torrential rains in the Angolan city of Lobito, the authorities say. The Angop state news agency says the flood water has reached 3m (9.8ft) in some areas of the city since Wednesday. Scores of homes have been destroyed and rescue teams are still searching for missing people. President Jose Eduardo Santos has ordered local authorities to provide assistance to the victims. Large parts of Angola have been hit by heavy rains since January. In the capital Luanda, at least one person died this week and hundreds of people were left homeless after 137 houses were destroyed by the rains.
Twitter users are easily offended and can sometimes exhibit ruthless, cruel and inconsiderate behaviour. Tweet that. A new survey has revealed that when using social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Pinterest, people are less likely to feel empathy, patience or compassion towards others. One expert claims that they are “significantly quicker to judge and more dangerously reactive in their anger.” The survey, led by Dr Richard Sherry, the Clinical Director of Psychological Systems in central London, questioned hundreds of users who frequent social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and Pinterest. They were asked about whether their personality changes while reading and posting messages. Some 84 per cent admitted they become more easily frustrated and enraged at others online than they ever would in person. Young people are particularly prone to internet rage, with one out of three 18 to 24 year olds surveyed saying they are “always” furious when using social media. This is compared with one out of five 35 to 44 year olds and just one out of ten of those over the age of 55.
We will only allow PhD lecturers, says DP Ruto Private universities have been directed to adhere to the set guidelines on higher education to ensure quality education in the country. Deputy President has issued the directive following the release of new guidelines by the Commission for University Education (CUE) to be implemented over five years. “I want to make it clear that we are not going to interfere with the management of private institutions so long as they provide quality education and competencies needed for the development of this country,” said Ruto. He said the Government would not entertain a situation where institutions were established while none of their teaching staff where in payroll or were managed on the basis of moonlighting. “We have to call a spade a spade. We need to have certain minimum qualifications to guarantee quality education. We have to strike a fair balance for the sake of our children,” he added. He has added that institutions should strive to give quality education as we move to
eradicate those masquerading in what they do calling on the institutions to align their programmes to the needs of the society. “The people we train in our institutions must speak to the needs of the country. Universities must come forward in addressing expectations of the country which require skills, competencies and knowledge to achieve its development targets,” he added. “Universities must persistently work to improve the quality of education saying for the economy to stay competitive, there was no choice but to work hard in enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s higher education,” he said. The Commission for Higher Education recently released new guidelines that require one to be a holder of a doctorate degree before becoming a lecturer of any institution of higher education. The guidelines have further required a professor to supervise five postgraduate students with two of them at doctoral level. In the current system one can become a professor without having supervised PhD students.
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
WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...
Ababu plays tape, tables documents: Embattled Parliamentary Accounts chairman Ababu Namwamba has presented his case against his accusers in an explosive letter that exposes the rot within Parliament’s most powerful oversight panel. The details emerged even as the infamous tape involving Namwamba and Cord chief raila Odinga was played in Parliament. A voice on the tape, believed to be that of Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, named Majority Leader Aden Duale as the mastermind of the concerted effort to remove Namwamba from office...
Ababu tape exposes graft crisis in House: The recording in which an MP confessed to Cord leader Raila Odinga, Public Accounts Committee chairman Ababu Namwamba and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed that Defence Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo had allegedly bribed him was for the first time played in public yesterday. Mr Namwamba handed over the 15-minute recording to the Powers and Privileges Committee during yesterday’s meeting which was also attended by more than 15 MPs from western Kenya...
Ababu names Speaker, wants more MPs probed What started as corruption claims against Public Accounts Committee ( PAC) Chairman Ababu Namwamba and his members has grown wings and is now threatening the integrity of the entire National Assembly and its leadership. The integrity of Parliament was called into question again Thursday when Namwamba, whose secret recording of an MP dropping names of colleagues who reportedly picked bribes from a senior State official has caused an uproar, accused Speaker Justin Muturi of meddling in investigations...
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NEWS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
Court case to stop new NHIF rates to be heard on Monday The case challenging the implementation of the new National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) rates will commence on Monday at the High Court. The case has been filed at the court by the Trade Union Congress of Kenya. The new rates were supposed to be implemented effective April 1, this year according to a gazette notice published last month. In the notice, the government instructed employers to deduct the new rates without fail. However, the union through Rachier and Amolo Company Advocates is seeking to have the court declare the unilateral act by the NHIF to increase rates a violation of the constitution and quash the gazette notice dated February 6, 2015. Union Chairman Tom Odege has maintained that they will remain opposed to the new rates until the court case is heard. The Union also wants the February gazette notice withdrawn and the NHIF blocked from violating fundamental rights and freedoms as guaranteed in the constitution. “The duty to provide the highest attainable levels of health is not on the citizens
themselves but the government’s as well. The existing public infrastructure including hospitals, clinics and health centers are not properly equipped and have no capacity to absorb the immediate implementation of these rates,” Odege said. The union is accusing the NHIF of disregarding the current rates and despite the ongoing talks on the matter, in which the union has claimed that the body has walked out of the talks. “The new regulations were gazed just days after our talks with the NHIF and the Federation of Kenya employers and they had agreed to continue with talks in order to negotiate a consensus on the dispute,” he added. Under the new rates, the lowest income earner with Sh5, 999 monthly salary will pay Sh150 while those earning over Sh100,000 will pay Sh1,700. Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) withdrew a lawsuit challenging the review. Salaried workers’ contributions to the NHIF currently range between Sh30 to Sh320 based on the gross monthly salary, and Sh160 for pensioners and those in self-employment.
COURT BATTLE: NHIF headquarters in Nairobi. The case challenging the implementation of the new NHIF rates will commence on Monday at the High Court.
Over 200 witchdoctors arrested in Albino killings crackdown
KHAT SMUGGLERS: Danish nationals (from left) Tsomidis Sarina Turkoglu, Jepsen Jessika Lilje and Halberg Isabel De Rosas who were arrested at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, ferrying miraa. On March 12, 2015, they admitted breaking Kenyan customs laws by attempting to smuggle suitcases stuffed with khat out of the country.
More than 200 witchdoctors and traditional healers have been arrested in Tanzania in a crackdown on the murder of albino people. The killings have been driven by the belief - advanced by some witchdoctors - that the body parts have properties that confer wealth and good luck. President Jakaya Kikwete has described the murder of albino people as an “evil” that has shamed Tanzania. Nearly 80 albino Tanzanians have been killed since 2000, the UN says. The latest victims include a oneyear-old albino boy, killed in north-western Tanzania a few weeks ago. The government banned witch-
doctors in January as part of its efforts to prevent further attacks and kidnappings targeting people with albinism. Last week, 32 witchdoctors were detained. According to the Red Cross, witchdoctors are prepared to pay $75,000 (about Sh6.8 million) for a complete set of albino body parts. Tanzanian police arrested 225 unlicensed traditional healers and soothsayers across the country, the AFP news agency reports. “Some of those arrested were found in possession of items like lizard skin, warthog teeth, ostrich eggs, monkey tails, bird claws, mule tails and lion skin,” police spokesperson Advera Bulimba told the agency.
THREE DANISH WoMEN CHARgED WITH SMugglINg MIRAA VAluED AT SH20M Police on Thursday arrested three Danish women at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa while trafficking 61 kilos of miraa to the United Kingdom via Denmark. The miraa is estimated at Sh20 million in the UK market. The khat was seized concealed in four suitcases destined for the European market through Denmark. Airport police boss Richard Okweya said the three were boarding a commercial flight to Jomo Kenyatta interna-
tional Airport JKIA in Nairobi and later connect to Denmark. Police said Tsomodis Sarina, Jepsen Jesica and Halberg Isabel had arrived in Kenya a week ago. “Our officers discovered the miraa wrapped and hidden in the suitcases as they three waited to board a flight. They are being interrogated before they are charged in court,” said Okweye. They were charged for exporting concealed goods namely khat weighing 61 kilograms at
the Moi International Airport, contrary the East Africa community customs management act 2004. They pleaded guilty to the charges before Mombasa chief magistrate Stephen Riech and fined Sh50,000 each or to serve six months imprisonment in the alternative. The UK banned miraa on June 24, 2014 after the British Parliament approved the government’s decision to reclassify miraa as a Class C drug. British High Commissioner to
Kenya Christian Turner said the proposal to ban miraa in the UK was not targeted at Kenya, but was a consideration that has been ongoing for a long period. Turner said Kenya was among several other countries that would be affected by the ban. “The UK Government has had a long-standing intention to review the legal status of miraa aimed at ensuring that to ensure that the UK does not become a hub for international khat smuggling,” said Turner.
SOUND SLEEP AND INNOCENCE: Women carrying their albino children on May 5, 2014, in Dar es Salaam. More than 200 witchdoctors and traditional healers have been arrested in Tanzania in a crackdown on the murder of albino people.
xnews | FRIday, MARCH 13, 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 91.6571 91.7850 91.7183 136.9339 137.1644 137.0492 96.6822 96.8644 96.7733 7.4744 7.4914 7.4829 33.3606 33.5182 33.4394 19.9379 20.0760 20.0070
Airtel’s toilets gift to Murang’a School for Deaf Students at Muranga School for the Deaf have benefited from new toilet facilities commissioned by Airtel Kenya. The project seeks to improve the students’ learning environment. The new facility for boys and girls is also expected to improve hygienic conditions and promote pursuit of academic excellence among the learners. Headmistress Charity Ngugi hailed Airtel for the donation
and said the toilets would go a long way towards promoting proper sanitation practices. The facilities will save time lost as students share two toilets. “We are grateful to Airtel for stepping in and addressing our sanitation need in this school. This is a huge boost that now creates a conducive learning environment for children in the community, enabling them to succeed in life. I urge students to ensure the toilets
are maintained,” she said. Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said he was grateful to be part of the project that will enhance the learning environment for students. The facilities will also improve on sanitation and health conditions of the students. “We believe the toilets will improve well-being of students by allowing them to learn better and impact positive change in the community,” Youssefi said.
PRICELESS DONATION: Airtel Zonal Business Manager (Central region) Justus Kasivu commisions a new toilet block at Murang’a School for the Deaf. Looking on is student Jacinta Gatiri, school chairman Simon Gichuru and headmistress, Mrs Charity Ngugi.
ALIBABA INVESTMENT PUSHES Snapchat value to Sh1.4 Tr The value of photo-messaging application, Snapchat, has been propelled to $15billion (Sh1.4 trillion) due to the investment by Alibaba in the firm. The Chinese online giant, which handles more online commerce than Amazon and eBay combined, has invested approximately $200million (Sh18.3 billion). This has prompted the value of the application to rise by $5bn (458.6 billion) in a matter of months. This puts the fouryear-old company into the top ranks of privately held start-ups in the world. Snapchat says users send more than 700 million snaps daily. It allows users to send messages and picture messages which disappear in 10 seconds. It has recently started generating revenue from advertising. Alibaba has unsuccessfully been trying to create a messaging app over the years coming up against arch-rival Tencent’s, which owns the WeChat service, China’s biggest social networking and entertainment company. This puts it in a league with taxi service Uber, which is valued to $40bn (Sh3.7trillion) and Xiaomi, the largest Chinese smartphone maker. There were concerns over the impact it would bring to Alibaba China given that it is blocked in the country. But analysts assume Alibaba will use Snapchat as a payment service as it seeks to hook consumers and merchants in China and US.
x-news.co.ke
Loans that empower average Kenyans secure solar panels Even as the cost of power is expected to fall by about 30 per cent this year, some consumers still face frequent outages. In the face of the blackouts, it has emerged that 14 per cent of the population (about 1 in 10 Kenyans) uses solar power as the primary source of electricity. Kenya Power, the country’s energy provider, estimates that about one in every 3 Kenyans is connected to the national power grid. A recent study by M-KOPA Solar and InterMedia says the figure leaves more than half of the population relying on kerosene, batteries and candles for power. This forces them to spend about Sh25,000 a year on the products. Since these alternatives tend to become more expensive with time, solar service providers like M-Kopa have developed loans to allow borrowers purchase panels and solar-powered devices. Because a majority of the population cannot afford large panels that cost up to Sh200,000, M-Kopa offers panels for less than Sh3,500. One of the basic packages includes solar-powered LED bulbs, a rechargeable radio, a solar-powered torch and a phone charging system.
700M MESSAGES: Snapchat users send more than 700 million snaps daily and allows users to send messages and messages which disappear in 10 seconds.
GLOBE WATCH A former CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, a Floridabased company, has sued British billionaire Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Group for $315 million (Sh28 billion). Colin Veitch, who retired as chief executive of his company in 2008, is claiming Virgin, the famous British multinational firm, stole his plans to enter
city wallet
Borrowers can purchase the items with a deposit of Sh2,999 and 12 monthly instalments of Sh40. M-Kopa has so far provided solar-powered products to more than 140,000 households.
Sir Branson sued for Sh28b over cruise ship idea
the luxury cruise industry years ago. He is accusing Virgin of having built a pair of state-of-the-art “ultra ships” capable of carrying 4,200 passengers each. The claims come just as Virgin revealed plans to build the first two ships for the company. After his retirement in 2008, Veitch launched work on developing a new product in the cruise industry
which has high entry barriers. He stumbled on the idea of a new company consisting only of “ultra ships.” The large water vessels have luxurious features with potential to generate supper profits. Veitch says he brought the business plan for a new cruise line to Virgin’s attention in 2011. After the
two sides started to disagree on how to split profits, Virgin stole his intellectual property and shut him out of a deal that could have made him hundreds of millions of dollars. In a statement, Virgin acknowledged it had worked with Veitch, but denied the stealing allegations. Implications If Veitch wins the case, he stands to make the upwards of Sh27.5 billion. The agreement between Virgin and Veitch, which took place in May 2011, estimated that Virgin could make between $483 million (Sh 44.3 billion) in profits over 10 years if the venture had been performed as planned. Under the deal, Veitch would get nothing if the ships were not profitable but stood to make $315 million (Sh28 billion) if his projections were met.
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BUSINESS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
Kenya Power to establish regional energy school
KNOWLEDGE AND POWER: Kenya Power Managing Director Ben Chumo said the revamped institution, to be known as Institute of Energy Studies and Research (IESR), will provide training solutions for the power sector that will benefit partner states in the Northern Corridor.
Kenya Power has obtained a license from the government to transform its training school in Ruaraka to a regional institute for energy studies. Kenya Power Managing Director Ben Chumo said the revamped institution, to be known as Institute of Energy Studies and Research (IESR), will provide training solutions for the power sector that will benefit partner states in the Northern Corridor. “A recent Northern Corridor Integration Projects Summit held in Kigali Rwanda recommended that the Kenya Power Training School be elevated as the regional hub for power generation, transmission, distribution and interconnectivity. This decision as arrived at in recognition of the institution’s key role in human resource development in the region,” Chumo said. Chumo said IESR will support the company’s operations as well as meet research and training needs for the energy sector and industry in line with
Engineering student makes fortunes from bamboo umbrellas An innovative mechanical engineering student has designed a unique bamboo umbrella, whose demand by corporates and individuals is rising and earning him more than triple what he would earn selling the raw bamboo. In a classic case of extra gains from value addition, Samson Koros is making a small fortune. His idea was first conceptualised when his school, the Rift Valley Institute for Science and Technology (RVIST), decided to give him seed capital of Sh300,000 for his project upon learning about his exceptional skills. He invested the money in machinery, which splits bamboo into manageable pieces. This helped in the whole manufacturing process. But it is the price difference in a raw bamboo plants and a value added one that has sparked his
interest to remain in the trade. The cost of one 20-foot bamboo stalk is Sh200, but the same bamboo can produce over 20 umbrellas and each umbrella retails at between Sh700 and Sh1000. This implies that one 20 feet bamboo can register returns of over Sh20,000, he said during a previous exchange. Initially, he used to source his bamboo from the Mau Forest through an existing agreement between his institution and the forest authorities. He now prefers getting it from local farmers as he encourages them to grow the plant. After harvesting, Koros cuts bamboo trees into 60-centimetre pieces using a panga. He hopes to get a cutting machine to ease the process when he gets more funding. The cut pieces are then rolled into round shapes using what is known as a router machine.
Retail-based businesses are sometimes more profitable than service-based enterprises Institute of Management implies that a small-scale retailer who is new to the market is more likely to get customers than a person providing a service for the first time. A person selling groundnuts for the first time, for instance, will seem more trustworthy than a first-time taxi driver who has never had a passenger before. And while some local app developers can make a cool half a million shillings by providing a service through the Nokia OVI store, retailers can make
BUSINESS NEWS Devastating drought hampers tea production Kenya is facing a devastating drought that could likely affect the cost of local and imported tea. The drought, which has been plaguing the country over the past few weeks, is driving down tea production among half a million farmers and factories are receiving fewer deliveries from fields each week. The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), which is the country’s leading teaproducing group said earlier this week that all their growing areas had experienced belowaverage rains between January and February. “Our projection is that if the adverse weather conditions continue, there will be a major shortage of tea in the coming months,” Alfred Njagi, KTDA’s general manager for operations, said in a
BUSINESS WISE As Kenya gives rise to an ever-growing crop of young entrepreneurs, it has emerged that retail services are possibly the most lucrative form of business that anyone can venture into. Retail, in this particular case, refers to selling goods in exchange for money. Services, on the other hand, come second. They include enterprises like those that offer carpet or furniture cleaning, transportation and tutoring, among others. A study from the Kenya
development plans of the country and the region as a whole. He was speaking during a partnership signing ceremony between the company and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) that will see the two entities build collaboration in research, training, and technological innovations. “This partnership is inspired by our mutual objectives in promoting and accelerating the training of skilled labour in the country. It is our shared hope that through the partnership we will create the best enabling environment for advances in meeting the demands for the labour market,” he added. JKUAT Vice Chancellor Mabel Imbuga, said the partnership signing marks an important period in the life of the institution as it endeavours to strengthen linkages with corporate organisations. Story By Capital FM
twice as much, given time and resources. While customers may not be able to tell who is doing what for the first time, they are more likely to pay for something they can see, feel and touch, rather than pay for a ride from a stranger. The survey studied 120 enterprises within Nairobi and discovered that more than half the business owners were offering retail services. These services included, but were not limited to, selling foodstuffs, selling electronic equipment and clothes.
statement, although he gave no forecasts. The KTDA represents about 500,000 small-scale farmers who produce about 60 per cent of the country’s output, Reuters reports that in the 2013/14 financial year, the KTDA produced 1.1 billion kg of the green leaf tea variety, roughly the same level as the year before. Kenya is the leading global exporter of black tea, and exports of the commodity raked in about Sh119 billion in 2013 from the sale of 432.45 million kg of tea, Reuters says. Njagi added that “during favourable weather, factories receive crops daily. However, with the onset of the drought, factories are scheduling tea plucking and receiving leaf between three to four days per week,” he said.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
ACCESS CELEBCHAT Who is Amani? I am a singer,songwriter,entertainer and daughter of the most high God. I love to dance, swim and read books. Where have you been for the past three years? After the One 8 project in 2010, I toured for two years and decided to take a short break. I initially wanted to take a break of six months to finish my album and reconnect with myself but I ended up taking a break for a year. So I did not release any new material for three years. Then I released Kiboko Changu with Radio amd Weasel in 2013 and Unanitosha a gospel track in 2014. Now I am back with Kizunguzungu which is my latest release. Speaking of Kizunguzungu, what inspired it? The song was actually written by an amazing songwriter called Shamir while recording it in the studio I was inspired by those early moments when you meet an amazing guy and he just confuses you,totally. You are among some of the pioneer female musicians in Kenyan industry, how does it feel when you see so many female musicians coming up right now? It feels fantastic. There should be more coming out so we can outnumber the men. The cake is big enough to share. Where do you get inspiration for your music? I get inspiration from personal experiences and those of friends. What is happening in society also plays a big role in influencing my music Are you still signed to Rockstar 4000? No I am not. The deal was only for distribution for my last album. When the contract expired I chose not to renew it. Any collabos that your fans can look forward to? Yes. I am collaborating with unlikely artistes that my fans will not expect. I want to diversify my sound and experience new things. They just need to keep up with me!
HOT TOPICS
fashion scoop
You can not talk about Kenyan pop queens and leave out Amani. After a three-year hiatus, she is back and she is sizzling hot.
Who do you look up to in the music industry? Yvonne Chaka Chaka. I like how she has had longevity in her career and numerous hits.She is the pioneer of the ‘female pop sound’ in Africa.I used to listen to her when I was young and still do listen to her music a lot as there is always something new to learn. She is also fantastic on stage. This lady is still getting endorsement deals even at this stage in her music journey, she is just awesome. Comparing the Kenyan music industry when you started out and now, what would you say has led to its growth? I joined the industry in the early 2000s. Then there were a lot of artistes sprouting from all corners and very few established artistes.
We basically just had to figure out our way through the jungle.There were fewer radio stations that played Kenyan music then so we mostly relied on airplay and exposure on other avenues. One of the things that has contributed to the growth is there are more avenues of exposure and the industry is more structured now than it was then. What is next for Amani? The next phase of my musical journey is exciting. After the hit songs, touring the world, awards and endorsements, my focus now is on remaining relevant. I hope to contribute to the growth of the industry in as many aspects as possible and go beyond what is expected of me. I love singing, writing and performing those will always remain constant in my journey.
Frasha, Lady Bee vying for MCSK office
T
10
he MCSK elections for the governing council 2015 have been announced. Frasha presented his bid for Director on his Instagram page urging fellow artistes to vote for him as it was time for change and fresh ideas. Lady Bee is also in the run for the same postl and has already dropped off her nomination papers at the MCSK offices. The elections are slated for April 21, 2015.
factfile Real name: Cecilia Wairimu Age: Forever 21 Relationship Status: Dating Best Food: Chicken stew and mukimo made by my mum Best Book: The Bible Best Quote: As a man thinketh, so is he
THE RETURN OF
Amani Comical brocode:
Eric Omondi asks the President to save Mzee Ojwang and Ruto responds After the sad situation with Vitimbi star Ojwang’, funny man Eric Omondi took to Instagram to send a message to the President. The comedian was saddened by the recent news of veteran Mzee Ojwang’s illness. In the letter, Omondi urged Uhuru to not let
Kenyans set up an Mpesa help line as it would be a shame considering Mzee Ojwang is a hero who has entertained three presidents. Today morning, DP Ruto tweeted that the GOK will pay all costs, despite the fact that a pay bill number for the cause is already up.
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ACCESS
WEDNESDAY 26th 2014 FRIDAY, MARCH 13,NOVEMBER 2015
SHOPPING
Sarit Centre haS the traditional definition of a food Court.
Sarit Centre is a City within a City
T
here was a time when if you wanted a real shopping experience, the only place to go would be Sarit Centre. But that was years ago and more shopping malls, with bigger and arguably better offerings, have come up. Sarit is a large shopping mall that can be accessed by two roads; Parklands Road from the City Centre and Lower Kabete Road. With nearly 200 stores and other extras, Sarit Centre has all the trappings of a great place to spend the weekend. The mall has three entrances all fashioned with security checks to ensure safety comes first.
Clothes shops are many and they are a diverse bunch. Some fashion stores could seem regular; Mocca, Angelo and Tulip all sell women’s clothes, accessories and shoes but nothing necessarily draws you towards them. Secrets retails women’s lingerie while Sandstorm Kenya is a moodily lit shop that stocks ‘safari-grade’ bags. Lavi’s International offers authentic Asian clothing and urges you to try something new. Children’s clothes at the mall are offered by Manix Kidzz, which stocks everything to keep your child looking on trend, Babyshop for toddlers clothing and nursery furniture and Haria Uniforms, which makes back-to-school
shopping convenient. Gentlemen are not left out of the equation with perennially fashionable Pierre Cardin selling men’s suits, dress shoes and formal wear. American brand name Levi’s has a branch at Sarit, and it stocks their popular denim staples. In addition to all these, there are also a couple of shops that sell sporting goods and sports wear. Adidas has enough products on its shelves to keep any sports enthusiast satisfied, while Craig’s mainly deals in golf, tennis and squash equipment. Life Fitness enables anyone looking to start a gym at home properly equip it. It offers all gym equipment, from elliptical and curling machines to treadmills.
Accessories and jewellery deserve their own entry simply because of the sheer number of stores at the mall. Accessorize with Style is edgy and fashion forward, and it stocks jewellery, sunglasses and foot wear. Kibic Watches offers designer time pieces, clocks and watch repair services. Hair and spa treatments are provided by Hair Boma Narccisse Salon, which deals in all hair types and offer airbrushing and temporary tattoos in addition to salon packages. Beauty Quest Klinik & Spa will pamper and treat your skin to laser treatments, hair removal, application of semipermanent make up and other body treatments. Sarit Centre has the traditional definition of a food court. Seats and tables are arranged on one side of the floor with the eateries lined up on the opposite side. The variety of the places to eat at the mall are one of its strong points and the prices are the average going rate for any mall food court. Cake City indulges a shopper’s sweet tooth by its cakes, ice cream and other sweet treats. Tastes of Lebanon serves traditional Lebanese dishes and their shawarma wraps are quite popular for their full flavour and taste. In addition, there is the new Snack Attack kiosk which redefines the way potato chips are made. Speciality stores get their chance to shine at Sarit Centre. Right off the bat, the beautiful Noor Lampshades, sells chandeliers, lampshades and lighting fixtures, while demonstrating just how lighting design is of benefit to your home. International brand Bose
provides a total home theatre package, selling sound systems and electronics geared toward making your home entertainment options exciting. Text Book Centre, a household name in Kenya is located on the first floor of the building. Financial services at the mall are provided by I&M Bank, NIC, CFC Stanbic, Bank of Baroda and KCB. Shah’s Chemist and Healthy U promote healthy living by offering pharmaceutical services. They both stock prescription medicines and off-the-shelf supplements. Acculaser Weight Loss Institute helps any customer looking to lose weight achieve their goals in a natural and healthy way. From the top of the mall, the view down is something to be marvelled at and the skylight opens up the boxy design of the building. Fox Drive-in Cinema has a screen at the center showing the most recent films. However, the cinema’s look could do with an upgrade. All floors of the mall are wheelchair accessible and it also has a baby-changing station. It is easy to get lost in the mall due to its size and winding design and there are no visible emergency exits despite there being numerous emergency exit signs. The parking lot is large but not sufficient for the number of visitors the Sarit Centre attracts. But all said and done, Sarit Centre has shown its immense staying power in light of all the shopping malls that are constantly coming up and Kenya’s growing ‘going-out’ culture. The mall has stood the test of time.
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ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
WEEKENDPLANNER
yOur COmpreHeNSive gig guide.
sunday
sunday
Kenya Kite Festival IV
WHERE:: Nairobi Polo Club WHEN: 12-5pm HOW MUCH: adults Sh600, children Sh350
tHe
Koroga FestIVal
saturday
HaIr expo
saturday
WHERE: Prestige Plaza WHEN: 6pm HOW MUCH: Sh300
saturday
Swedish House Night
Country Festival WHERE: Ngong Racecourse WHEN: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. WHO: Rocking Horse, Elvis Otieno HOW MUCH: kids sh500; adults sh1, 500
Idd Aziz
WHERE: Nairobi Arboretum WHEN: 2pm WHO: Yvonne Chaka Chaka HOW MUCH: Sh1, 500 advance Sh2, 000 gate
WHERE: The Tree House WHEN: 8pm WHO: DJ Astroh HOW MUCH: Sh500, Sh800 after midnight
Kenya Cup Final 2015
WHERE: RFUEA Grounds WHEN: 9 am HOW MUCH: Sh300
Out&About
HOT
saturday
TOPICS
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JuaCali is the face of Lari marathon JuaCali was yesterday unveiled as the face of the Lari Marathon. The ‘King of Genge’ is the brand ambassador of the race, which aims at conserving the environment and protecting the country’s forest. The artiste’s new role was announced at a ceremony yesterday in Limuru.
Octopizzo to drop new song Octopizzo will drop a new track in six days. The rapper had previously raised concern over not being able to release his music any time he wanted because of label constraints. But that seems to have been resolved and Put Your Drinks Up is set to come out on March 18. The video was apparently shot In Paris. Octopizzo could not hide his joy as he shared the news on social media.
Daniel
Knowing Kenya by
county county C
ounty-411.com, the winner aof the Best County Blog category in the 2014 BAKE awards have been nominated in the same category for this year’s event. The blog was created by two young men, Solomon Komen, an electrical engineer and Daniel Kibet, who is in the IT field. The duo wanted to feed people in the society with information from all parts of the country by county. The blog intends to cover all the 47 counties in one domain but at
the moment Baringo acts as the beta test for the idea. In 2011, most of the youth in Baringo became internet conscious hence forming a lot of social and political groups where information was shared. But many are the times the information was not authentic. Because of the lack of a proper source of information and the fact that people were hungry for knowledge, Samson thought of starting a news blog that will keep people informed.
Two years later they bought a domain, opened a Facebook page (Baringo County-News) and a twitter handle (@Baringo411) to keep Baringo residents aware. The journey has been good so far as they have really grown and earned followers and supporters all over the country because of their good work. Since the traffic on their online platform has been terrific, they have also been able to attract advertisers, researchers, and event organizers.
Solomon
County-411.com Solomon is confident that they will win this year’s BAKE awards due to their huge number of followers and supporters on social media. He says that the blogging culture in Kenya is fun but the government should not be too hard on the bloggers. People are often hungry for information that at times does not go into mainstream media. Solomon and Daniel who also work with a team of journalists, mainly draw their data and information from the ground.
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ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
FASHIONScoop
Joy kENdi iS a faShioN bloggEr (ourStylEkENya.com), Who haS bEEN NomiNatEd for thE kENyaN blog aWardS for thE third timE uNdEr thE catEgory bESt faShioN blog. ShE lEt uS iNto hEr SophiSticatEd cloSEt.
CLOSET RAID
5
W
What is the fashion advice that you live by? Dress for you- you can look up to someone’s style but instead of coping it, figure out what you like about their style.
Fawwie
joy kendi
hose fashion style do you admire locally and internationally? Locally, Fawwie and internationally, fashion bloggers Karla Deras and Folake Huntoon. I also love Solange and Rihanna’s styles. What is the fashion item that you cannot leave the house without? It is not a fashion item but a beauty routine. Before I leave the house I have to fill in my eyebrows -they always need to be onpoint. What is the one fashion trend you have sworn never to try? Birkenstocksthey are ugly! J u s t
because they were showcased during the fashion week 2013 does not mean that they need to be back ... Dear God, no! I am okay if you are wearing them for a quick errand but as a style choice…hell no! What is your favourite fashion colour? I do not have one, as long as it is a cute outfit, I can make it work. Which one do you prefer, wedges or platform heels? Wedges, as long as they are super high and have no platform. Who is your favourite fashion designer internationally and locally? Locally, I love John Kaveke and Ann Mccreath. Internationally, Pucci, DVF, Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo, Micheal Kors, the list is endless…. Head on to the bAKE website (blog awards. co.ke) and vote for her.
How would you describe your fashion style? I do not have a specific style it all depends on how I feel when I wake up. I can easily go from preppy to bohemian or from chic to street.
What is the last item you wear before leaving the house? My watch- I feel lost and incomplete without it.
TOP 10
TRACKS THIS WEEK
Rihanna
beyonce
NEWS
nicki minaj
Rank
What is your guilty pleasure (fashion wise)? Shoes - I can never have enough shoesespecially heels. I love me a good pair of heels.
TiTle
aRTisTe
1 2
Holy trinity Play on
Rihanna, Beyoncé & Nicki Minaj Nicki Minaj
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Wading
Jhene Aiko Sia Wale ft Jeremih Nicki Minaj ft Skylar Grey Sam Smith Selena Gomez Rihanna ft Sia Ciara ft Usher
Elastic heart Body Bed of lies Like I can The heart wants what it wants All night Go forget it
PLAY 11 FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
WEATHERFORECAST
DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Your workload may be especially heavy and you could be putting in some long hours. Relations with others might also be a bit tense. Ease the stress by playing music and take frequent breaks. Have a good meal at lunchtime and then take a walk. AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You have responsibilities that need meeting, yet you have other projects that interest you a lot more than mundane tasks. As a result, you might find yourself growing a bit impatient with those around you. Remember, “This, too, shall pass.”
FRIday 13/03/2015
sunny
28
PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You can avoid this by being patient and making an effort to communicate. You could be tempted to overspend, probably on items you don’t particularly need now and may not even want. Take care to curb impulse spending.
26ºC 36%
SATURday 14/03/2015
More sun than clouds
28 6:39am 6:46 pm
26ºC 29%
6:39 am 6:46 pm
Sunday
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 Nervous tension among family members is high today, Aries, so don’t be surprised if household members start quarreling. It’s best to keep them apart most of the day if you can. In the evening, encourage them to talk about what’s bothering them.
Sudoku
TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Information gleaned today might not be totally accurate, Taurus. Someone may be repeating gossip or making stories up out of whole cloth. Listen if you want, but don’t pass along anything you hear unless you know for a fact that it’s true. GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Perhaps a desired increase in income hasn’t materialized, or you’ve been hoping to make a particular purchase that you still can’t quite afford. This might be the time to put your ingenuity to work and come up with a contingency plan to earn the money you need. CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You’re likely to feel less self-confident than usual, and you also might be a bit bored. In addition, you might have an exceedingly oppressive and tedious task that needs doing. Try easing the stress by listening to music and taking frequent breaks. LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Your mind may not be quite as quick as it usually is, and you may go through the day in a bit of a fog, possibly reflecting on the past. You might want to jot down your memories and reflections. They could shed light on something that’s going on with you now. VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Frustrating delays in completing a project might cause you to doubt your skills, Virgo. Be careful not to fall into this trap. There’s nothing wrong with your skills. Take a good long look at what you’re doing and try to discern where it got hung up.
MUSTREAD An Unexpected Blessing — by Unoma Nwankwor
LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Even though you’re likely to wake up feeling energetic and enthusiastic, Libra, your mood may sink a little when you think about all you need to do. It may be time to question whether you should make some significant changes. Are the walls closing in on you?
Feranmi Adewunmi’s parents cannot understand why their daughter is still single. They think she should be already married considering that she is a successful banker and has done well for herself in US. Feranmi is not too happy over her parents pushing her to get married. What is wrong with her taking time? They are on a visit from Nigeria in a few days and have a Nigerian man in mind whom they think she should get married to. She is, however, determined to beat them at their own game; all she needs is a man. She conjures up a perfect plan. Alex, an old flame-turned-friend, will pretend to be her committed boyfriend. But before Alex steps in to help, he sets some conditions of his own.
SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You could experience clairvoyant or telepathic abilities you didn’t know you had. As you usually like to be down to Earth and realistic, this may throw you for a loop, but try to flow with it. Reality isn’t necessarily limited to what is perceived by the usual five senses! SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 You might attend a meeting of a group you aren’t yet familiar with, and you could feel like a fifth wheel. Take heart! You will catch on soon, and the people in the group are likely to take to you. Your insights should prove valuable to them, and they will be quick to notice that!
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
winning captions
Friday’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.
1. The villager within always shows even if you try to hide him/her-BF, Nrb 2. In a world where gender roles are balanced- Samson Kilonzo, Nairobi 3. Next, to change his diapers-Vincent Busolo, Nairobi
e-procurement will check corruption in Government I am proud of the Government for pushing for the implementation of the new e-procurement system (X News, March 12, page 5). I’m glad that the President has given Government agencies seven days to adopt the system because it promises to reduce corruption.
A lot of tax payers’ money has in the past been lost and it is high time we put an end to the lethargy. But we all know how people learn to adapt to changes. Some greedy politicians are likely to be busy finding ways round the e-procurement system. It is my hope that
there are systems in place to stop them. To the current administration, I say, “Keep up the good work.” —John Kioko, Nairobi
12
PLAY
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
CROSSWORD Across 1. Slide on ice 5. Smoker’s ailment 10. Blemish 14. Texas’ El ____ 15. Netherlands city, with “The” 16. Courtroom pledge 17. Frauds 19. Harold who discovered heavy hydrogen 20. Living toy 21. Trumpets and tubas, e.g. 22. “Hurry up!” 26. Ponders, with “on” 30. High seas shout 34. Am. mystery writer 35. Like a wet noodle 36. Neighbor of Isr. 37. Nike’s logo 39. One-time New York senator 42. Dog lovers’ org. 43. Swenson of sitcoms 47. Of critical importance 48. Microwaving anew 51. Greek alphabet ender 52. How some property tax money is held 54. Friendship 57. Greek tycoon Aristotle 62. Wire screen 63. Enjoying a leave of absence 66. Dandy 67. Frank Zappa album “Burnt ___Sandwich” 68. ____ cheese (salad topping) 69. “Dial ____ Murder” 70. Certain Scandinavian 71. Completely fill
Down 1. Shelter org. 2. “Young Frankenstein” costar 3. “Peace ____ hand” 4. Tim Conway character 5. Nautical map 6. Hot bowlful 7. Sch. in Athens 8. Hired ___ 9. Guys 10. Summer holiday, with “The” 11. Actress ____ Flynn Boyle 12. Old-time comedian Roscoe 13. Reasons 18. Scottish maids 21. Memory unit 23. Sorority letter 24. The Rivingtons’ “Papa ___ Mow Mow” 25. Big Apple enforcers (abbr.) 26. Actor Romero 27. Actor Ethan 28. Memorable time 29. Try to win over 31. Raise spirits 32. Mark down, maybe 33. Virus of Africa 38. Sexologist Shere 40. Promise 41. Modest or demure 44. City in Serbia 45. Health store chain 46. Stuck, as a ship 49. This or that 50. “___ way you slice it...” 53. Deli choice 54. Kind of radio 55. “Catch ____ You Can” (1989 film) 56. “Ignorance of the law ____ excuse” 58. Cries 59. Toni Morrison novel of 1973 60. “Can ____ a witness?” 61. Actor Andrew of 1990s TV 63. Reactions to shots, perhaps 64. Novel 65. Contingency ___
DAILY WISDOM “Suspicion is the cancer of friendship.”
— Petrarch
“The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted.” — Mahatma Gandhi “We are always paid for our suspicion by finding what we suspect.” — Henry David Thoreau “Some people think they have discernment when actually they are just suspicious.” — Joyce Meyer “Pure love and suspicion cannot dwell together: at the door where the latter enters, the former makes its exit.” — Alexandre Dumas “Suspicion is a heavy armor and with its weight it impedes more than it protects.” — Robert Burns “Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind.”
— William Shakespeare
“Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society.” — Thomas Paine “Suspicion and doubt lead to animosity and hatred.” — Ralph Steadman
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS
SPORT 13 FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 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
Leicester Vs Hull
Sunderland Vs A. Villa
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015
Leicester City are running out of time in the quest for inclusion in the English Premier League next season. The Foxes have picked just one point from a possible 18 in last six outings. They sit 7 points away from safety heading into Gameweek 29. Hull City are 9 points better off than their hosts and will be hoping to extend the cushion over the bottom three with an away win. The Tigers are without a win in four outings and have scored just once in the process. This gives Leicester chance to close the gap on clubs above them. XSport: 2-1 Leicester Milly: 1-1 Peter: 1-0 Hull Game ID: L7452 Pick 1(Leice X (Draw) 2 (Hull win) win)
Sunderland fans will be hoping their side can secure EPL football without the heroics that marked their flirting with relegation. The Black Cats sit four points clear of bottom three heading into Gameweek 29 and host Aston Villa hoping to extend the gap. The Villains picked up a priceless three points when they hosted West Brom in Gameweek 28. Tim Sherwood will demand his players give 110% between now and the end of the campaign to ensure EPL survival. XSport: 2-1 Sunderland Milly:1-0 Villa Peter: 0-0 Game ID: Q8573 Pick
1(Sunder X (Draw) 2 (A.Villa win) win)
Odd
2.17
3.18
3.50
Bet Amount
Odd
2.25
3.10
3.42
100
100
100
100
100
100
Possible win (KSh)
Bet Amount
217
318
350
Possible win (KSh)
225
310
342
West Brom Vs Stoke
Everton Vs Newcastle
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015
West Bromwich fell 2-0 on their visit to Aston Villa in the last EPL outing. The Baggies seem to have done enough to preserve Premier League football but are yet to reach the 40-point mark which is often regarded as sufficient to ensure survival. Stoke are on an excellent run of form which has seen them win three matches on the trot. They have only conceded one goal in the process. Mark Hughes’ side are firmly in the top half of the log and will look to maintain their impressive form heading into the final ten fixtures. XSport: 2-0 Milly: 2-1 Stoke Peter: 1-1 Game ID: V2356 Pick 1(W.Brom X (Draw) 2 (Stoke win) win) Odd
2.30
Bet Amount
100
Possible win (KSh)
230
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2015
Everton host Newcastle on Sunday hoping to put an end to a miserable run of form. Everton has picked just two points from a possible 15 in their last five league matches. The Toffees have struggled to get anything going this season and will hope they can pick up enough points to stay clear of the Relegation Scrap below them. Newcastle will be hoping to get into the top half of the Premier League table to finish the season on a high. Magpies have lately struggled for goals and will be without suspended Cisse who will miss seven games for spitting at Jonny Evans. XSport: 2-1 Everton Milly: 1-1 Peter: 2-1 Newcastle Game ID: L8675 Pick 1(Evert X (Draw) 2(Newca win) win)
3.37
Odd
1.81
3.56
4.42
100
100
Bet Amount
100
100
100
305
337
Possible win (KSh)
181
356
442
3.05
Atalanta vs Udinese
Genoa vs Chievo
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2015
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2015
Atalanta were unable to break down a stubborn Parma side even with a number of good opportunities. Reja’s men are only four points off the bottom three and fans will be in for a tough couple of months. Udinese recorded just their second win in nine Serie A outings with a crucial win over inform Torino to inch themselves up the table. XSport: 1-0 Atalanta Milly: 2-1 Udinese Peter: 0-0 Game ID: M8587 Pick Odd
1 (Atalan X (Draw) 1 (Udines win) win) 2.35
Bet Amount
100
Possible win (KSh)
235
Genoa’s chances of securing European football next season have all but ended after they were held at Empoli. They are five points off 6th place. Chievo put on a dogged display and earned themselves a priceless point as they held a toothless Roma side at bay. Empoli are six points off the bottom three. The match ended with a horrific injury to young midfielder Federico Mattiello. XSport: 1-0 Genoa Milly: 2-1 Chievo Peter: 1-1 Game ID: Z3484 Pick 1 (Genoa X (Draw) 2 (Chiev win) win)
3.15
Odd
1.97
3.26
4.06
100
100
Bet Amount
100
100
100
315
315
Possible win (KSh)
197
326
406
3.15
14
SPORT FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
AB de Villiers destroys UAE to guide South Africa into quarters
South Africa moved into the World Cup quarter-finals with a routine 146-run victory over United Arab Emirates. Proteas captain AB de Villiers top scored and was dismissed on 99 after useful contributions from Rilee Rossouw (43) and David Miller (49). Farhaan Behardien blasted 64 off 31 balls to take South Africa to 341-6, a total UAE never looked like reaching. Swapnil Patil scored an unbeaten 57 and Shaiman Anwar made 39 but UAE were bowled out for 195 in 47.3 overs. The victory means South Africa, who have never reached a World Cup final, will finish second in Pool B and, barring shock results, will probably face Sri Lanka in the quarter-final in Sydney on 18 March. South Africa dominated against a UAE side that has never beaten a Test-playing nation in a World Cup but surprisingly opted to bowl first after winning the toss. That decision backfired as South Africa made the eighth highest total of the tournament with De Villiers again leading the way. He scored the fastest 150 in one-day cricket off 64 balls on his way to an unbeaten 162 against the West Indies earlier in the World Cup and hit six fours and four sixes in his 82 ball-knock on Thursday. However, he missed out on his 21st ODI century when he sliced the ball to short third man Amjad Javed off Kamran Shazad’s bowling. De Villiers then showed his ability with the ball, taking 2-15 from three overs.
EYE IN: AB de Villiers gets his eye in against the UAE in Wellington.
NOT YET DONE: Former 800m world champion Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei during the 2012 London Olympics. She says that she is not done yet and will be eyeing a Kenyan slot for this year’s world championships Beijing, China.
Lagat to make 10km debut in Great Manchester Run Bernard Lagat, five times a world champion on the track indoors and outdoors, will be aiming for another mark in the record books when he makes his 10km road race debut on 10th May, 2015 at the Morrisons Great Manchester Run, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race. The 40-year-old US distance runner has been rewriting the over-40s masters world record book during the 2015 indoor season and has pledged to have a crack at Haile Gebrselassie’s tough 10km age-group time of 28:00 when he lines up in Europe’s biggest 10km road race. “That is a really quick time but it is good to shoot at something,” said Lagat. “I am going to train hard with my coach in Flagstaff, Arizona and I think I will shoot for that record. “It
is not going to be easy. It is like running two 14-minute 5km races back to back. That is something fast, but I will give it my best shot.” Lagat, the world 1500m and 5000m champion in 2007 and three times winner of the world indoor 3000m title, has competed in two 5km races on the road and in one h a l f
marathon, passing the 10km checkpoint in 29:40. “It is going to be my debut, because I have never run a 10km road race,” said the Kenyan-born runner, the second-fastest man in history at 1500m, behind Moroccan world record-holder Hicham El Guerrouj, with a time of 3:26.34. “The only time I remember running 10km was in cross country at university level, so the time that I run is going to be a personal best.” Despite turning 40 in December, the Kenyan turned USA, Lagat remains one of the world’s leading middle and long distance runners.
‘Eldoret Express’ not done yet Former 800m world champion Janeth Jepkosgei says she is not done yet and will be eyeing a Kenyan slot for this year’s world championships Beijing, China. Eldoret express as she is commonly referred to has successfully graced the tracks for 15 years since she broke through with silver at 2001 Africa Juniors. However due to injury, the 31-year old was forced out of the 2013 Moscow World Championships. “Right now I’m trying to be there in Beijing. My first aim is to be in the final and if I get any medal, it will be historical for me and something big,” said the
runner who has 14 career medals. He rose ended Maria Mutola (of Mozambique) dynasty by handing her back-to-back defeats at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Jepkosgei has run in the shadow of new coaches who have denied her the middle step of the podium. “Training is going on well. Going to Beijing gives me different motivation since it was somewhere I competed in a tough race against Pamela, getting that silver. I’m in a different age compared to 2007 and 2008.
BEN SET FOR 10: Bernard Lagat of United States celebrates winning the silver medal in the Men’s 3000m Final during day three of the IAAF World Indoor Championships at Ergo Arena on March 9, 2014 in Sopot, Poland. Lagat will make his 10km race debut in the Great Manchester Run.
SPORT 15 FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015
Fifa denies asking FKF to drop case agains KPL World governing body Fifa has disowned reports that its Zurich office had ordered Football Kenya Federation to withdraw a High Court case against Kenyan Premier League Limited. Fifa said: “We would like to be clear that our offices are not in contact with Kenyan Premier League Limited.’ “Nor have our offices had any exchange
of correspondence with KPL that Football Kenya Federation is unaware of,” Deputy Secretary General Markus Kattner said in a letter to FKF president Sam Nyamweya. “There has been no correspondence from our offices to FKF requesting the withdrawal of pending case in High Court of Kenya,” the statement said.
chief aNTAGONISTS: Football Kenya president Sam Nyamweya (left) and his Kenya Premier League rival Ambrose Rachier. Football governing body Fifa has dismissed reports that its Zurich office had ordered FKF to withdraw a court case against KPL.
Kattner said the Sepp Blatter-led body does not recognise KPL because “it is not possible for leagues, such as KPL, to be members of Fifa.” “In case of Kenya, the only member is FKF,” said Kattner. He confirmed that Fifa had received letters from KPL, the most recent one being on March 4, 2015.
“We confirm that this correspondence has not been answered and, moreover, there are no existing correspondences between our offices and KPL other than those FKF are aware of. “We would like to inform you only associations responsible for organising and supervising football are eligible to be members of Fifa... it is not possible
that KPL can be a “quasi” member of Fifa under Fifa statutes. Earlier this week, local dailies reported that the world body had ordered the federation to withdraw a case against KPL. FKF, KPL court case hearings are set for today (Friday).
Paris St-Germain boss hails players for drowning Chelsea Paris St-Germain produced extraordinary performance to knock Chelsea out of the Champions League, manager Laurent Blanc said. The French champions twice came from behind to draw 2-2 after extra time and reach the quarter-finals on away goals rule. PSG played 90 minutes without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he was sent off for a foul on Oscar. “The players produced an extraordinary match, from start to finish,” said Blanc. “If you analyse both matches, being fair, PSG’s qualification is deserved. “We tried to play more football than Chelsea and we created more dangerous chances. It was a fantastic performance by the whole squad.
“I was surprised how calm my side was despite playing 10 against 11.” PSG goal scorer David Luiz marked his return to Chelsea by scoring against his former club in the 86th minute to force extra time. The Brazil international apologised after the game for celebrating. Luiz made 143 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea and scored 12 goals before moving to Paris for a reported £40m (more than Sh3.6b) last June. He said: “I said before I wouldn’t celebrate but there was so much emotion, I couldn’t control it. I’m sorry I celebrated because of the emotion but I am so happy to qualify.” PSG join Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Porto in the quarter-finals.
Israel coach claims under fire Bale saving energy for Wales tie BETTING STAIN: Ghana Black Stars’ Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng during an international match. Ghana Football Association has reported top-flight players to law enforcers over allegations of betting on their teams to lose.
Ghana players in trouble for betting their teams to lose The Ghana Football Association has reported a number of top-flight players to the authorities over allegations they bet on their team to lose. GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi said the allegations were “a dangerous development in Ghana’s football”. Ghana Premier League team BA United’s coach, Mohammed Gargo, insinuated that players deliberately lost a tie against All Stars. Gargo has reportedly been sacked by the club
for his post-match comments. At a media conference, Nyantakyi said players had been reported but did not name the suspects. “We have taken necessary steps to arrest this canker, which we think if we don’t confront it at this stage it could go beyond our imagination,” he said. “So security agencies have been notified to do the necessary investigations and then will bring all culprits involved to book.
“We must bear in mind that betting is not illegal... but it is not allowed for players to engage in betting. “Players of clubs and club officials are not supposed to get involved in betting - but that is the kind of disturbing phenomenon that has started developing here and we are worried about that. “So I can assure you the FA is taking the necessary steps to contain it.”
Israel coach Eli Guttman says off-form Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is saving his best for Wales’ forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifier. Bale, 25, has not scored or provided assists in his last eight games and has been roundly criticised by fans. Israel host Wales in Haifa on March 28 and Guttman claims Bale cares more about his national side than Real Madrid. “I feel Bale is saving himself for the national team,” he said. “The level of miles he does and the level of his commitment to the national team is nothing like how he plays for Real Madrid. “When they had a player injured (George Williams) Bale was the first to tweet ‘get well soon’. “They are like us, they are one group, but Bale is the one that gives them balance.” Real Madrid lost 4-3 at home to German side Schalke on Tuesday, but progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League 5-4 on aggregate. Fans waved white handkerchiefs - a symbol of disgust at a bad performance - and Bale was once again booed by his own supporters. Former Wales captain Ryan Giggs has previously said the criticism will only help the Real Madrid forward improve. Wales manager Chris Coleman will announce his squad on March 18 for the game against Group B leaders Israel. Second-placed Wales, who are unbeaten after four games, are a point behind Israel, who have won their opening three games.
xnews | friday, march 13, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke
de villiers destroys uae to send s.a into cricket wc quarters Pg: 14
UNFLINCHING: Everton forward Romelu Lukaku battling for the ball with Dynamo Kiev’s Danilo Silva during the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
everton in E box seat to europa last 8
nglish hopes of progress in Europe remain in the balance but, crucially for Everton, deservedly intact. Romelu Lukaku became the club’s leading goalscorer in a European campaign to seal an impressive recovery against Dynamo Kyiv and put the quarter-finals within reach of Roberto Martínez’s polarising team. Lukaku’s late penalty gave Everton a vital lead to take to Dynamo
Kiev after the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. A bad week for English clubs in Europe seemed to be getting worse when Oleg Gusev swept the Ukrainian side ahead. The home side had started slowly but Lukaku’s brilliant run teed Steven Naismith up to level before the break. And the striker converted from the spot after Danilo Silva handled in the area to give the Blues a slender
lead. If they can hold it in Ukraine on 19 March, Everton will set up a first European quarter-final in 30 years, an achievement set against the backdrop of a woeful league campaign. Manager Roberto Martinez has conceded his side - six points above the relegation zone - face the harsh reality of a scrap for league survival but European commitments continue to offer respite. Lukaku - much maligned
for his league form in recent weeks - became the club’s record European goalscorer with seven goals when his penalty squirmed under 40-year-old goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy with eight minutes remaining. The Belgian impressed throughout, completing 86% of his passes and the visitors - who have never won in England - were often stretched by his runs into channels.
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