201503020 xnews

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

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the city wallet research shows that most kenyan youth are in debt

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strategic move Longhorn rebrands ahead of East Africa cross-listing

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can you feel her? one of the voices in hit track dawa ya moto, Renee, is a fast-rising sensation

NEWS

Fans query legality, quality of Kiambu ring race track

Kabras, harleQuin booked for Enterprise Cup opener clash

Nairobi, Aga Khan take up KNH cancer patients

T

he Government is in talks with private hospitals for affordable treatment rates to cancer patients after the collapse of radiotherapy equipment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia says the

ministry has approached Nairobi and Aga Khan hospitals for intervention.

The hospitals have offered free treatment to at least 50 patients a week since majority of the sufferers cannot afford Sh10, 000 required for a single radiotherapy session at private hospitals.

“That’s the only option we have… we cannot let people die just because of failure of the machines.

We are negotiating favorable charges so that they can go as low as possible for our patients,” he said.

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kenya’s just a band rocks the world

Shaffiqua’s here Radio presenter Shaffie Weru took co-host Kalekye’s dare to dress like Adelle and he sure looks ‘pretty’

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Closet raid WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD: Bill “Blinky” Sellanga (left) and Dan Muli, two of the three members of house, funk and disco band Just-a-Band, share a light moment as they prepare to perform at the South by Southwest (SXSW), a set of film, interactive, and music festivals and conferences that take place early each year in Austin, Texas, United States.

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

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

King Kaka shows us how he selects the attire for his stage performances.

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NEWS FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

Nairobi, Aga Khan take up KNH cancer patients From Page 1 The Kenyatta National Hospital administration says the broken down machines may take up to next month before normal operations resume. The hospital says spare parts to repair the machine will be imported from Canada and will take time.

The machines broke down on Monday

due to what authorities said was overload, leaving the hope of patients on treatment in despair.

The national referral facility has the only two machines available for the entire public health system. The crisis has put lives of thousands of cancer sufferers on the brink.

“With only two radiotherapy machines, the hospital has been overstretched and

patients were being booked in June 2015. Between 150 -180 patients receive radiotherapy daily, and more than 120 chemotherapy and 120 new cases are attended daily,” a statement from the hospital said.

“This challenge is compounded by the fact that a patient once started radiotherapy treatment must undergo 25 sessions continuously,” the statement

says.

More than 1,000 people are reported to be on the waiting list at the region’s biggest referral hospital. Reports indicate that some bookings stretch up to 2017.

Meanwhile, at least 3000 new cancer cases are recorded in the country every year. First Lady Margaret Kenyatta says more than 50 per cent of the cases

lead to deaths. She says cervical cancer records the highest number and the highest mortality rate in the country.

She spoke during the launch of the 9th Stop Breast, Cervical and Prostrate Cancer in Africa Conference (SCCA) set for Nairobi between July 19-20 this year.

She also launched the official website for the initiative.

MPs to debate censure motion against muturi National Assembly Speaker Justin Bedan Muturi is on the spotlight after a motion seeking to censure him was cleared for debate on Tuesday.

Kibwezi West MP Patrick Mweu Musimba, who moved the motion, accuses Muturi of failing to protect the dignity, integrity and honour of the House by using disrespectful language against members.

“Noting with concern that the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon Justin Bedan Muturi, has and continues to degrade the character and the ability of honourable members of this August House through making of contemptuous, malicious and unfounded allegations against them, aware that the said allegations have eroded the collective dignity, esteem and honour of members of Parliament in and out of the House,

this House expresses its displeasure and disappointment in the conduct of the Speaker and censures him,” the motion states.

After the motion was tabled, Muturi ruled that Tuesday would be set aside for the debate. Standing Orders of the House stipulate that a motion discussing the conduct of a Speaker can be debated three days after it is tabled.

“Hon Musimba has today complied with the provisions of Standing Order 87, and as I promised yesterday, I direct that in keeping with practice, this motion will be the only business to be transacted by the House for a period of not less than three hours on Tuesday 24th of March 2015,” ruled Muturi.

Tiaty’s Asman Kamama had wanted the House to immediately debate the Motion on Thursday to allow other business to be conducted on Tuesday.

But he was shot down and jeered by other members as Muturi intervened to give directions on the matter.

“Were it not for the fact that our Standing Orders demand that the mover be permitted time, I personally would be comfortable to have the motion debated today,” said Muturi.

Majority Leader Aden Duale said members can take advantage of the three days to ‘nose around’ and find out if there is malice in Musimba’s motion.

He said Musimba could have been persuaded by other forces to subject the Speaker’s character to scrutiny.

“That will even give some of us the reasons and the people behind everything. On Tuesday we can debate from our conscience, so we need to give time to all the 349 members to look at this issue,” said Duale.

accused: Kibwezi MP Patrick Mweu has accused Muturi of failure to protect the dignity of the House by allegedly using disrespectful language to members.

IEBC hires deputy CEO, ICT finance directors The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appointed Marjan Hussein Marjan (pictured) as new Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of support services.

James Muhati Buyekane has also been appointed ICT Director and Osman Hussein Ibrahim Finance Director. This follows the January 12 appointment of Ezra Chiloba as the CEO at the expiry of James Oswago’s term.

Marjan replaces Wilson Shollei, Buyekane takes up Dismas Ong’ondi’s office and Hussein replaces Edward Karisa.

Shollei, Ong’ondi and Karisa were sacked following what IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan told Capital FM was “a review of the commission’s conduct of

voxpop....

the 2013 General Election” and not corruption charges Shollei and Karisa are facing along with Oswago.

He said when the positions of the officials were advertised, they remained innocent until proven guilty. He said IEBC sought Oswago’s replacement because his term had come to an end.

“We had the option to either renew his appointment for a second term or seek a replacement. We chose the latter,” he told Capital FM News.

IEBC advertised for the positions of CEO, the Deputy CEO Support Services, ICT and Finance Directors in August of 2014 and contracted the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to shortlist the applicants.

Marjan has been working as Head of Internal Audit, Investigation and Quality at Telkom Kenya Ltd. “In the last 20 years, he has grown through the ranks in Telekom Kenya assuming different roles at management level even as the company underwent transformation. He has vast knowledge and experience in leadership, finance and audit functions, information security systems audit and strategic management,” Chiloba said.

He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration in Strategic Management, a Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Nairobi and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Buyekane has been the Head of

Information Systems at Kenya Airways and holds a Master of Science degree in Information Systems. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi and Bachelors of Science in Statistics and Computer Science from Kenyatta University.

“And has wide experience working with multinational companies including Caltex Oil Kenya Ltd, Chevron and CIC Insurance,” Chiloba said.

Ibrahim has been the Finance and Administration Director (Deputy CEO) at the Kenya School Government and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi.

Do you think underage drinking is a problem in Kenya? How can it be controlled?

Peter Odit

Michelle Nguriathi It is a very big problem.

Parents should control the menace as drinking starts at home. When children see parents drinking, they learn from them. Parents should be more responsible in their drinking habits.

Kelvin Kimani Yes. Parents should monitor the types of drinks students bring to secondary schools especially during outings and functions.

People do not know the actual effects of alcohol and more sensitisation should be carried out to ensure minors understand dangers of drinking.

Suzanne Kamau Of course it is a problem. The only way to control underage drinking is through regulating vendors.

They should be licensed and demand valid national IDs from those they sell the drinks to.

It is a problem that can only be controlled by restricting access to drinks. Parents and the Government should actively guide the youth against engaging in underage drinking that puts them at risk of immorality.

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

Of bomb-sniffing elephants that can identify explosives Elephants are quite skilled at identifying explosives using their sense of smell. This new discovery has given rise to speculation about whether their extraordinary ability could save lives.

Research conducted in South Africa, involving the US military found that the animals were able to find TNT among buckets filled with distracting smells. The elephants were initially trained to detect explosives by “sniffing buckets”, some of which were filled with substances found in the famous explosive known as TNT. They were rewarded with a treat of marula, a tasty fruit, when they showed that they recognised samples of TNT by raising a front leg. “They work it out very, very quickly,” says Stephen Lee, head scientist at the US Army Research Office, which backed the study financially.

And just like the age-old saying, the elephant never forgets. Lee says that elephants remember their training lon-

City to have dedicated lanes for buses and trucks to ease traffic

ger than dogs. The ability of elephants to detect explosives was first noticed in Angola, a country that many elephants had returned to after a 2002 peace deal ended a protracted war. While there was peace, the land remained clustered with mine fields. Some elephants seemed to intentionally avoid them.

Researchers decided to investigate and in Bela-Bela, a town north of the South African capital of Pretoria, elephants named Shan, Mussina and Chishuru were given “smelling tests.”

The elephants detected TNT samples 73 out of the 74 times that they encountered in a line of buckets, according to Ashadee Kay Miller, a zoology student at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

Research last year revealed that elephants have the best sense of smell in the animal kingdom, partially because they have 2,000 genes that are dedicated to scent.

Sudanese ‘rapist’ to remain in custody after bail denied A South Sudanese man accused of defiling a five year-old Kenyan girl at Nyayo Estate in Embakasi has been denied bail by the High Court. Justice Luka Kimaru said Makoy Madhak Deer is a flight risk since he has no known abode. Justice Kimaru further ruled that Kenya and South Sudan have no extradition treaty in case the suspect runs away to his country of origin. The judge said the offence facing the accused is a serious one and he must remain behind bars until the case is heard and determined.

On Tuesday, Madhak appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Timothy Okello where he was freed on a bond of Sh1 million with two Kenyan sureties.

The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions however rushed to the High Court seeking intervention that resulted in suspension of the bail terms.

In seeking for reversal of the magistrate court’s decision, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Jacinta Nyamosi told the court that the trial magistrate failed to consider material facts when he granted the accused bond.

During her application at the High Court

she submitted that the character, antecedents, association and community ties of the accused person were unknown.

She further told the judge that the accused was facing a serious charge likely to earn him a maximum sentence upon conviction hence releasing him on bail he was likely to abscond trial.

“Given the background that the accused is a foreign national with no known place of abode makes him a flight risk,” Nyamosi had said explaining that the office of the DPP was disgruntled by the order given by the Makadara court earlier.

The lower court had explained that although Madhak was a foreigner, the Constitution has a provision for all accused persons to be released on bond.

He explained that Madhak was not a flight risk as he had given details of his residence in Kenya and that he would as well surrender his travel documents to ensure he does not travel out of Kenya.

The case will be heard on March 31.

For more on this story www.capitalfm.co.ke

The Government is working on a policy that will give dedicated lanes for buses and high capacity vehicles in the city to address the traffic menace. This is according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau who says this is among the measures taken by the government to address the issue.

“We are working on how to reduce traffic jams in Nairobi. We are also putting up dedicated lanes for buses and high capacity vehicles. We are also going to ensure that small-capacity vehicles do not interrupt traffic in the city,” he said.

Kamau has appealed to Matatu Sacco’s to buy the high capacity vehicles in order to help ease congestion.

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.

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WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Uhuru angry over Kajiado election loss: President Uhuru Kenyatta is furious with JAP officials for the loss his new party suffered in the Kajiado Central by-election on Monday. Kenyatta, who jetted into the country on Wednesday night from a state visit to Japan, is understood to have expressed his displeasure with the manner in which JAP officials conducted its affairs from the word go. “The President does not understand why JAP lost the seat when he had been assured that all was well and JAP was going to get its first MP” said a JAP official.

Please save our lives patients cry for help: Ms Nancy Mary Wanjiku, 47, needs a miracle. She has cancer — aggressive ovarian cancer which has spread to her stomach and uterus — and desperately needs treatment. But with the equipment at Kenyatta National Hospital — the only radiotherapy centre in public hospitals — broken down from overuse for five days now, her life is in danger. Of course treatment is available in three private hospitals, but it costs Sh10,000 a session, which she cannot afford. Ms Wanjiku, of Gikambura village, Kiambu County, is a casual worker...

MPs act quickly to cool fury of ex-wives, lovers: Men and women will be shilded from domestic violence claims by their former wives, husbands and jilted lovers if a bill passed yesterday by the National Assembly becomes law. But foulmouthed spouses who fight and insult each other in front of their children could be jailed. The Protection Against Violence Bill 2013 was amended by MPs to remove a clause that would have allowed divorcees to seek the protection of the courts against their former lovers. MPs excluded any relationship outside...

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

Main STORY

BUSINESS

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

MEAN BUY SELL 91.8122 91.9594 91.8858 136.8228 137.1494 136.9861 98.9167 99.1050 99.0108 7.5609 7.5780 7.5695 31.4051 31.5644 31.4848 20.1719 20.3132 20.2426

Revenue boom tweaks Britam profits to Sh3.7b Financial services group, British-American Investments Company Limited (Britam), has reported a 19.5 per cent pre-tax profit in the 2014 full year results.

The performance results which were released earlier today show the group recorded Sh3.7b in profits before tax, up from Sh3.1b in 2013.

Revenue for insurance business grew to Sh14.0b compared with Sh8.8b in the previous year.

The growth comes at a time when middle-class and even lower income Kenyans have gained more access to insurance services.

The company had previously launched a new lowcost insurance service that provides medical cover to low income Kenyans.

The service, dubbed ‘Linda Jamii’ was unveiled as a product of Britam and Safaricom in conjunction with Changamka Micro Insurance.

The scheme allows users to access the policy via mobile phone. It lets users pay for the service through M-Pesa, and access health care in more than 600 relatively affordable private hospitals across the country.

Speaking during an investors’ briefing, Britam Group Managing Director Benson Wairegi said: “Key drivers for Britam’s growth hinge on new business opportunities in regional growth and expansion, strategic partnerships, new product offerings, real estate investment, and opportunities in the county governments.”

CELEBRATING GROWTH: Britam Group MD. Benson I Wairegi (l), acting CEO Britam Asset Managers Jude Anyiko (second l), Shalini Popat MD Southern Cross Safaris (c), and Nduva Muli, the chairman of the Britam Asset Managers Board cut a 10th anniversary cake. The group registered profit before tax of Sh3.7 billion, up from Sh3.1 billion in 2013.

Yahoo to shut down China office city wallet

Over-confident Kenyan youth survive on borrowed budgets

Yahoo will close its research centre in Beijing, China.

The internet giant says the move is part of a worldwide consolidation exercise aimed at cutting costs. “We are constantly making changes to align resources, and to foster better collaboration and innovation across our business,” the firm said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the firm said about 350 jobs will be lost in the process.

Competition from other online search portals like google has left it struggling for profit growth.

The US firm has been trying to adapt to consumers increasingly using mobile devices, which attracts less advertising revenue.

This has led Marissa Mayer, the Yahoo Chief Executive, to make acquisitions in a bid to diversify business and add new revenue streams.

Earlier this year, Yahoo announced plans to spin off stake in Alibaba, China’s largest e-commerce company and Yahoo’s remaining physical presence in China, which is valued at more than $30billion (Sh2.8 trillion).

Yahoo is not the first tech giant to withdraw from China, Google partially withdrew in 2010 after clashing with Chinese authorities over censorship.

Zynga, a game maker firm, closed its office this year, cutting over 70 jobs after failing to making an impact in the Chinese market with their products.

Kenyan youth of the average age of between 18 and 35 years spend more than they have.

A Deloitte report confirms that despite their relatively low purchasing power, Kenyan youth have an affinity to finer things in life compared with richer colleagues in South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.

The study shows a Kenyan youth will spend and borrow as much as Sh15,000 on a night out although they lack stable sources of income. Meanwhile, a South African youth is more likely to save the amount for a rainy day.

The report, dubbed the Deloitte Consumer Survey, collected data from thousands of young people in the four countries.

It concluded that young people from richer nations like South Africa and Egypt are more cautious in their spending and financial management.

The report indicates that the youth in Kenya and Nigeria are confident of future earnings, prompting them to live extravagant lifestyles while running on ‘shoe-string budgets’.

Meanwhile, their SA and Egypt rivals are more sceptical of improving standards “More than one in three young consumers in Kenya and Nigeria think the economic situation of their country is better today than it was five years ago.

However, only one in five share the view in Egypt,” says the report.

GLOBE WATCH Customers of Target Corp, the popular global retail company, will receive $10 million (Sh920 million) in settlement of a case.

Earlier this week, Target agreed to pay the cash in a proposed settlement of a court case relating to a

x-news.co.ke

Target Corp to pay Sh920m court settlement

2013 data breach that consumers say put personal financial data at risk, court papers show.

History On December 19, 2013, Target said at least 40 million credit cards were compromised in a breach

during US holiday shopping season.

The breach may have resulted in the theft of up to 110 million people’s personal data, including email addresses and phone numbers.

In the same month, a US judge cleared the way for

consumers to sue the retailer over the breach after rejecting Target’s argument that the consumers lacked standing to sue because they could not establish any injury.

Implications Under the proposed new deal, which requires federal court approval, Target will deposit the settlement amount in a bank account to pay individual victims up to $10,000 (Sh920,000) each in damages. The proposal also requires Target to adopt and implement data security measures such as appointing a chief information security officer.

“We are pleased to see the process moving forward and look forward to its resolution,” said Target spokeswoman, Molly Snyder after the announcement.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

Longhorn rebrands ahead of East Africa cross-listing Longhorn Kenya Limited, one of the leading publishers in East Africa, has rebranded to Longhorn Publishers Limited as it aims at crosslisting on all the regional stock exchanges.

The company’s Managing Director, Musyoki Muli,

said the change is expected to make the brand regionally acceptable, support its expansion strategy and depict its growth momentum.

Muli said the company wants to cross list in the East African region as part of its expansion plans.

DARING TO GROW: Longhorn Kenya, Managing Director Mr Musyoki Muli (Centre) during the Company’s ISO Certification 9001:2008 breakfast celebration event.

He revealed plans to invest Sh150 million in the Tanzanian subsidiary and Sh80 million in the Ugandan subsidiary.

“The listing is however not in the short term, we are looking at listing in Uganda and Tanzania in the next one and a half years we are planning to invest heavily in those markets by creating new products and increasing capital base in these markets,” he said.

Muli said the company has so far acquired two

properties in Uganda and Rwanda in a bid to localize its presence saying the two properties will act as the permanent residence for Longhorn Publishers regional offices.

“The planned cross-listing of the firm in other stock markets in Africa will enhance its liquidity, spread the value realization and give it the ability to raise capital to access other markets within the continent,” he said.

Eco Pulper machine to help coffee farmers BUSINESS NEWS speed up processing and boost earnings Power bills will not go up despite heavy drought affecting hydropower dams Coffee farmers in the country can now speed up their production process and boost their profits thanks to a new machine that will now assist them in pulping their crop, a practice that is usually labour-intensive.

Pulping is the process of crushing a plant into a soft, shapeless mass.

Dubbed the Eco Pulper, the machine cuts out the fermentation stage that is vital in coffee processing. It also reduces use of water and days involved in the processing by a week.

“The cost of pulping coffee can be significantly reduced with low water use, especially in small co-operative societies,” explains Steven Wainaina, a sales executive with Msumbi Africa, a Nairobi based firm that specialises in farm machines.

According to Mr. Bhattacharya of Indian company, Marshal-Fowler Group, prices for the pulpers range from Sh30,000 to Sh50,000 for low-cost drum-like machines used by small scale farmers.

Meanwhile, larger-scale motorised pulpers cost Sh100,000. The motorised pulper can pulp 400 to 500 kilograms of coffee per hour, unlike the traditional pulping method, which took 3 days to pulp the same amount.

However, the cost, although heavily subsidised, is still beyond the means of

many local coffee farmers.

The uptake has therefore been predominantly by the coffee co-operatives on behalf of their farmers. “We have already purchased three eco pulpers for our farmers. Since it is their property we agree how much each farmer will be deducted during payment for the coffee supplied to the factory,” says Haniel Kinyua, a factory manager at Kahuro Coffee factory in Murang’a County. Traditionally, coffee

farmers would queue in coffee factories for their coffee to be pulped. With the factory resources limited, there were often only a handful of people to do assist in the pulping and the fermentation. Farmers who supply more than 1500 kilos of coffee to the factories, however, are now being encouraged to apply for a loan from the factories so the factory can buy the eco pulper for them, with the deductions made on their coffee payment.

BUSINESS WISE

Best time to look for a job: January, February, September and October The best time to look for a job is between the months of January and February and later, between September and October.

Career experts, Human Resource Managers and Recruiters have discovered that major hiring initiatives take place after the December holidays or towards the end of the year. A recent report from CFC Stanbic implies that January and February are some of the best months for people looking for jobs in the Private sector. Their research shows that

between 2014 and 2015, Kenyan private sector output increased at a faster rate in February, while “mirroring the overall improvement in business conditions.”

“Amid reports of solid demand conditions, incoming new work also rose more quickly,” says one of their market analysts. During the same period, companies continued to hire staff in response to an increase in their production requirements in February.

CFC says that “the rate of job creation

accelerated in line with output and new orders at the start of 2015.” In fact Glenn Smith, president of search firm Precise Strategies in Illinois (the US state where US President Barack Obama’s Senate career took off), agrees. He says that strong hiring periods like the first quarter of the year, when demand for talent may outweigh the supply of qualified candidates, may be a good time to go for a job with more responsibility or higher pay.

The government has moved in to shield consumers from possible power price hikes, despite a biting drought that is affecting water levels in Kenya’s hydropower dams.

This is uncommon since the country has, in the past, hiked power prices whenever its dams are ravaged by water shortages.

However, since the state is generating more power from geothermal steam, an increasingly popular and cheaper form of power, prices are set to remain stable.

Davis Chirchir, the country’s Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, said earlier

this week that despite the dry weather, water levels in the hydroelectric dams were still adequate because more geothermal power was being used, meaning even less reliance on hydro power.

Kenya was also not using expensive diesel-powered electricity, he said, a practice commonly used in the past during dry spells leading to higher tariffs.

Speaking during a news conference, Chirchir added: “The hydros are performing very well. We are not overdrawing the water because we have significant amount of geothermal.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

ACCESS CELEBCHAT

She has confessed unrivalled obsession with her music. One of the female voices in Grandpa’s latest banger Dawa ya Moto, Renee is now out to conquer the world.

Renee,

CAN YOU FEEL HER?

Who is Renee?

Renee is a musical soul, who finds art in the simplest of things in life. My music tells stories that most people go through, whether I am singing more about love, expressing distress, or even about a night out. I try to plainly and simply tell people’s stories through the art of music.

When did you start out?

I was interested in music from Primary school. I was in our school band where I got to learn to play instruments like the piano, xylophone and drum set.

I carried on with my love for music when I joined high school and joined the school choir.

But I only started doing music professionally last year when I got signed to Melodia Talent Developers who are the team currently managing my career.

Tell us about being featured on Dawa ya Moto, how was the experience for you working with all those artistes?

Dawa ya moto is a major breakthrough for me, especially because I got to work hand in hand with some of the biggest names in the game; Sauti Sol, Wyre, Visita and Kenrazy.

I got to learn so much about being an artiste by getting a bit of advice from them; the discipline involved in being successful and the sacrifices one has to go through. What

I admired most was how they have maintained their passion for music all these years and are still growing stronger.I feel that we have that in common as I have major plans lined up for my career.

Let’s talk about Never Let you go…

This was a song straight from the heart. My sound is more RnB and a bit soulful, so this to me was an expression of a story between two people who want to be together forever. I am sure the song speaks to many people out there.

Where do you get inspiration for your music?

Honestly, I listen to various genres of music, from our very own Kenyan songs, to RnB, Neo soul, Roc even Reggae.

This way, I learn a lot about how different cultures express their life stories and gain my inspiration from them. I find it very beautiful that the world encompasses so many cultures where music is expressed differently and uniquely.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I take note from very many singers both in our country and beyond. Artistes like Mercy Myra, Amani, Habida, Amileena, Nhlanhla of Mafikizolo, Tiwa Savage, Kelly Rowland, Keri Hilson just to mention a few really inspire me

with what they have managed to achieve in music. I take note of everything they do, from the career achievements they make, how they interact with their fan base, their performances, their style of music, their personal style and their singing styles.

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

The biggest challenge was working out funds to support studio time, and then translating that into projects with videos. A lot of effort and money goes into production of these two, so it is good to appreciate the artiste’s efforts here and support our own music.

Which artistes would like to work with?

I think it would be epic to work with the likes of Madtraxx. He has an interesting, comical and lively way of telling his stories through music. Other people would include Eddy Kenzo, J martins and A.K.A. Are you dating?

Aren’t we all?

What is next for Renee?

I have a major solo project dropping right around June this year. I am also finishing up my album whose details I will release soon. Stay tuned for that.

factfile Real Name: Renee. P. RelatioNship: Ambiguous age: 26 Best Food: Pilau Best Book: Any book

by Stephen King Best Quote: Rather fail with honour than succeed by fraud

Dawa ya moto is a major breakthrough for me, especially because I got to work hand in hand with some of the biggest names in the game; Sauti Sol, Wyre, Visita and Kenrazy.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th 2014 FRIDAY, MARCH 20,NOVEMBER 2015

SHOPPING

The POINT mall seeks TO INfOrm shOPPers ON hOw TO gO abOuT IT aNd whaT TO buy.

Point

SHOPWISE @ The Hair and beauty shops are numerous and all offer something that most shoppers would appreciate. Norma’s Touch Hair and Beauty Salon is located on the first floor of the mall where the view of Jogoo Road and its environs can be taken in to full effect.

T

hey say variety is the spice of life and so and that is what you get at the Point. The Point is an up and coming mall located off Jogoo Road in the immense Buruburu suburb. The promise to deliver something rare gives The Point its purpose and substance.

The mall seeks to impart on a shopper a new understanding of how to shop, what to shop for and even who to shop for. It does not really matter the reason might step in there-could be the need for retail therapy or just a cool spot to chill out- The Point just might be your ideal place.

Fashion stores are a staple in any mall and must be put to the test. Kenzden Fashions is a men’s clothing store that promises the coolest, hottest quality designs at the finest price. It is a wellstocked shop that offers men’s casual shirts, shoes, ties and jeans including formal wear.

Top Sauce Collections offers the cream of the crop with regard to women’s wear. The boutique provides women with shoes, shirts, bags and purses that would be perfect in the office and for a night out with their quick change options. When it comes to jewellery and accessories look no further than Shital Golden Ornaments.

The shop provides affordable products such as watches, women’s jewellery, belts and scents, stocking something for everyone.

Hair and beauty shops are numerous and all offer something that most shoppers would appreciate.

Norma’s Touch Hair and Beauty Salon is located at the first floor of the mall where the view of Jogoo Road and its environs can be taken in to full effect.

The salon deals in nail care including gel polish, pedicures and foot care.

When it comes to hair treatments they offer braiding, weaving and hair styling. Loreema Beauty Shop sells women’s hair and beauty products such as creams, lotions and hair oils.

The I’m a Diva salon speaks for itself.

The staff will treat you like the queen you are by offering hair treatments and relaxers plus weaving and plaiting.

The salon also provides manicures and pedicures that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated to continue your day of shopping.

The Point has a unique food court.

The main eatery is situated in Naivas Supermarket, which has a branch at the mall with other restaurants scattered around the main square. Tandoori Café and Dodo Prime Delicacy are the main restaurants at the mall which serve up a variety of sumptuous meals for shoppers at reasonable prices. The Point shines when it comes to electronics shops.

Vickma Communications and new brand in the market, Wiko, retail smart phones, tablets, phone accessories, gaming stations and computer games.

X Box One and Play Station 4 receive a nod from the stores where the consoles fly off the shelves with their popularity among eager shoppers.

Shops that deserve a special mention at The Point are The Gift shop, a beautiful little store that offers delicate handmade ceramics and other trinkets and Forties Ventures, an interior décor supplier with a collection of carpets, beddings, curtains and furniture to brighten up and add a unique touch to your home.

Gym services are provided by Lystra Spa and Gym, while medical facilities are provided by Haltons Pharmacy, Translab Pharmacy and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. Gertrude’s’ services are unparalleled, as it offers accident and emergency care, paediatric outpatient services and even a nutritional clinic all under one structure.

Parking at the mall is quite spacious and sufficient and the location is easy to find.

Although The Point is a relatively new mall and still learning to get up on its feet, it is well worth a visit.

9

ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

WEEKENDPLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide.

saturday

saturday

Jameson Party WHERE: Platinum Bistro Lounge WHEN:7 p.m.

WHO: DJ Grauchi

the

tu n u b u E f a C E C a L P firE

WHERE: Cafe Ubuntu WHEN: 6 p.m WHO: Juliani.

HOW MUCH: Sh1, 000

saturday

today

art of Luxury WHERE::SkyLux Lounge & Bar WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHO: Huddah Monroe, Zari the Bosslady, DJ Creme De La Creme, DJ Pierre HOW MUCH: Sh500 advance Sh1, 000 gate

today Polish-danish acclaimed Jazz Group

WHERE: Sirville Brewery and Lounge WHEN: 7pm WHO: Sanaa Mwafrika artists HOW MUCH: Free

Funky Friday

today

WHERE: The Tree House WHEN: 8pm WHO: DJ Eddie, N.kai HOW MUCH: Free

WHERE: The Elephant WHEN: 8pm WHO: Tomasz Licak/ Radek Wosko Quartet HOW MUCH: Sh1,000 Advance, Sh1,500 Gate

Huddah

Out&About

HOT TOPICS

sanaipei tande new music video out and sizzling hot When she released the video for Mfalme wa Mapenzi everybody was impressed. Now she is back with a new song, Ankula Huu. She recently released the video to the song and we must admit it is of good quality. In the song she talks about a cheating husband who when the side dish threw him out came back to beg for forgiveness.

Tande has grown musically and is set to rattle some sections of this industry.

She will launch the jam officially tomorrow, 21st March which is also her 30th birthday.

Shaffie Weru is now cross dressing

Popular radio presenter Shaffie Weru did not get his co-host, Kalekye Mumo a birthday present. He opted instead to dress as their colleague, Adelle Onyango who is the co-host of the midmorning show.

Well Today morning, Shaffie honoured his end of the bargain and dressed up as Adelle.Boy, did he go all out? He had on make-up, hair, wore tiny shorts, heels and tights. He was looking like a girly girl. Hail the drag queen Shaffie!

tHE

oLd & tHE nEw

in the travel blog category.

wHo wiLL takE tHE Grand PrizE? 5

The travel blog category has not been spared either. Each passing day has the potential of making or breaking a blog.

T

his year’s bloggers’ awards slated for May 2 have seen numerous changes.

Big names have been dropped and newbies have replaced them in contention for the ultimate prize.

Bloggers are now busy trying to promote their blogs and are keen on ensuring quality so as to ensure a landslide win over their opponents The travel blog category is one of those that have attracted great competition.

The blogs in the group have quite a task to showcase Kenya as the ultimate travel destination to millions of people locally and internationally.

Rachael’s www.safari254.com has withstood the test of time and has been nominated again. Will

she scoop this year’s award or new entrants live upto the high standards she has managed to set and eventually dethrone her?

New entrants into the best travel category include www.nyatichy.com, www.travelstart.co.ke, www.zuru kenya.com and www.adventure 254… all of which want a piece of the action.

Nyatichy is probably the biggest competitor to Safari254 as both blogs strive to give personalized reviews of restaurants they have visited.

Zurukenya provides relevant information on key destinations although at a less personalized tone.

It has upped the game by posting videos on the blog. Adventure254

takes on a news angle. If you want to know the latest news in the travel industry, dates of top tourism related events… this is your best bet.

At Travelstart, do not expect tales of the exotic coastal beaches, reviews of hidden hotels, restaurants and lodges as is the norm of a travel blog.

When you get on the blog, expect listings of top destinations, neighborhoods, clubs etc.

Unfortunately, the lights went dim for www.kenyatalii.com, www. ecotourismdemystified.com and www.hazelvint.com, which did not make it into this year’s awards.

We wish all the nominated blogs best of luck may the best blog win!

10

ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

FASHIONScoop

KING KAKA, who Is set to lAuNch A New Album oN FrIdAy Next weeK, shows us how he selects hIs perFormANce outFIts.

Looking all handsome and official in a nice fitting suit.

We have to say, we love his urban-hip style

All swagged up at a past concert.

STAGE ACT CLOSET

kinG kaka

Showing off his rosary that he always has on stage.

TOP 10

YG and feRGie

All hail the African King!

HiP HOP

Rank

TiTle

What goes on in selecting the different outfits for every show?

It all depends on the type of event and age group of the audience.

Who designs most of your show outfits or do you buy them from clothing stores? I have my own clothing company, Kaka Klothing, that handles that but if it’s a theme that is different from what I offer, I outsource.

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

My Watch and Rosary.

How often do you change outfits in a day?

I have three sets of clothing in my car in case of anything I am ready to change, I have once changed outfits six times in a single day.

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

I am not perfect but I have a stylist who makes sure I am stage ready, plus I take selfies around two or three friends before getting on stage so just I am sure.

Do you change outfits during a show? If so, how many times?

I have to change before I get on stage, and immediately after I perform.

aRTisTe

1 2

La Love (la la) Only

Fergie ft yg Nicki Minaj ft Drake, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The body

Wale ft Jeremih Big Sean ft Drake, Kanye West The Weeknd ft Ty Dolla $ign & Wiz Khalifa Kid Ink ft Dej Loaf I love Makonnen ft Drake Omarion ft Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko Chris Brown ft Tyga Flo Rida ft Sage the Gemini & Lookas

Blessings Or nahBe real Tuesday Post to be Ayo GDFR

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 This might make you curious to do some research on the subject. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt until you determine the facts for yourself. Things can get garbled in translation when you hear things second or third hand.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Today you might give some thought to career matters, Aquarius. You’re probably trying to brainstorm ingenious ways to advance professionally and increase your income. A number of different options might present themselves, some workable, some not.

FRIday 20/03/2015

sunny

27

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your friend will share stories of the trip, which could lead to talk about the relationship’s future.

The discussion is more likely to focus on generalities than specifics. You will gain a stronger understanding of your partner and how things could shape up.

26ºC 23%

SATURday 21/03/2015

More sun than clouds

28 6:37am 6:44pm

27ºC 40%

6:37 am 6:43 pm

Sunday

26

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 may feel a little out of sorts, Aries, but your creative energies are likely to flow freely.

Inspiration could come from deep within you. You’re probably more focused than usual, and therefore can spend considerable time working on a task or project without getting restless.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Conflicting issues may be simmering and need to be aired in a sensitive and caring way. It’s vital to express the affection you feel for your partner and the importance of this partnership to you. The conversation may not be an easy one, but you will feel better for it by day’s end.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 This is important, as it may relate to financial concerns or a creative project that you’ve been working on. The information it contains should motivate you to move ahead and put this matter to rest. Much of your day could be spent dealing with this. Go to it!

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Discussions with close friends could lead to ideas for creative projects of some kind, Cancer.

Although the projects themselves may center on writing, music, drama, graphics, or teaching, today’s brainstorming is likely to center more on business and marketing than artistic matters.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Money matters might require your attention today, Leo. Concerns involving the home are on your mind. You may need to work on the household accounts or balance the records of a home business. You may put in more time than necessary. Don’t assume the worst!

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Deep thought that occupies your time today could lead to some fascinating conversations with a close friend or partner, Virgo. Lots of deas and useful information could be discussed and lead to new projects, perhaps involving writing or teaching.

MUSTREAD Black Orchids — by Gillian Slovo

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Today your imagination is likely to be flying high, Libra, drawing on past images and events that you may have forgotten. You may wonder about the commercial potential of your thoughts. A conversation with a friend who knows this subject could prove enlightening.

Colonial rule is coming to an end and Evelyn has to return home to England. She was born and raised in Ceylon and has to be repatriated to a place she is not familiar with. Before she leaves Ceylon, she meets wealthy Emil, a Sinhalese heir. The two are married against everyone’s wishes. Together with their son Milton, they set out for England for a fresh start. But England in the 1950s is not ready for change. People are not readily open to interracial relationship, and so Everlyne and her family are ridiculed and locked out. Will their family remain intact in the face of racism?

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 A lot of discussion could result, though it’s unlikely that any final decisions will be made now.

More ideas should come over the next few days. Some intense research on your end should shed some light on the workability of the project. Go to it!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Imagination and insights definitely advance a project today, Sagittarius. Discussions, perhaps involving money, spur you and your collaborators on to new innovative projects that might prove to be of great benefit to all. Don’t let your inspiration stop there.

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 chicken has to get home alive, so that I kill it-James Makau, Nairobi 2. There’s no food here, Just my agriculture school project-Pauline M. Nrb. 3. And that bag will later be used to carry books to school by his kid-FR, Nrb

GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENACT ANTI-STIGMATIZATION LEGISLATIONS Following spiraling cases of suicide, most of which are attributed to extreme levels of discrimination and stigmatization, it is high time that the government enacted and enforced anti-stigmatization laws.

At part from dealing with hate speech mongers, the National Cohesion and Integration

Commission’s (NCIC) mandate should be expanded to reign over discriminators and those who stigmatize the less fortunate. It should be remembered that continuous ridiculing of an individual is equivalent gradually killing him or her.

NCIC should open a toll free line where

victims of persistent discrimination not only based on tribe, but also marital status, physical disability and other challenges can report the offences to. NCIC should establish special ‘courts’ where phone video clips and text messages used as evidence.

The death of a woman who terminated her life

on the eve of Valentine day is a clear testimony of our biased, sycophantic and uncivilized society. It is undisputed that persistent ridicule from villagers on her childless state forced her to resort to a loss-loss option-suicide!

— Alfred Mosoti-Baraton University 0722529038

12

PLAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Naps 8. Meas. of the cereal without the box 13. Ready for an engagement 14. Asmara’s republic 16. Wood of “West Side Story” 17. Stately dances 18. Giants or Vikings 19. Anti 20. Where David slew Goliath 21. Mil. landing site 22. Voting day (abbr.)

23. Words before “number” or “breather” 25. ____ the beginning 27. Ipanema’s place, backwards 28. Arnold Schwarzenegger role 31. Some Windows versions 32. Think up 33. Fictional city in Baum’s Oz books 36. Lessens 40. Common power sources 41. One of two in a barbecue tool 42. ____ Potty (movable restroom) 44. ___ Novosti (Russian news agency) 45. Texas school initials 46. Bread unit 47. Homage 49. Tend a toddler 52. Firewood supporter 53. Pollution, to some 54. Begin anew 55. Time between flights 56. Round seat 57. Test requirements

Down 1. It has 14 lines 2. Where a London renter might say he lives 3. “Let them ___” 4. Lay it on thick 5. TV part 6. Opera song 7. Staunch 8. Hagen and Ricci 9. Needle case 10. State capital near Princeton 11. Scuba diver’s need 12. Oenophiles, often 14. Coming forth 15. Ristorante order 24. Encircled by 25. Shortly 26. Herpes zoster 29. Mimic 30. Of a bodily syst.

33. Mongol invaders 34. Cafeteria headwear 35. Parent’s authoritarian explanation 37. “Yikes!”

38. Like rushing water 39. More strait-laced 43. Dessert, to a Brit 45. Sonic 48. ____-Honey (chewy candy since 1924) 49. Lugosi of horror films 50. Open ___ of worms 51. Lads

DAILY WISDOM “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

—Vincent Van Gogh “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”

— Helen Keller

“Just do what must be done. This may not be happiness, but it is greatness.”

— George Bernard Shaw “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

— Albert Einstein “You need a little bit of insanity to do great things.”

— Henry Rollins

“It’s hard to be humble, when you’re as great as I am.” — Muhammad Ali “The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it.

— Epicurus “I have learned to use the word ‘impossible’ with the greatest caution.”

— Wernher von Braun “A man’s worth is no greater than his ambitions.”

— Marcus Aurelius

“A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”

— Walter Bagehot “And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared.”

— Homer

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

SPORT 13 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

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

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

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

Weekend matches predictions

A. Villa Vs Swansea

Newcastle Vs Arsenal

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Villa provided one of the shock results of Gameweek 29 when they won away at Sunderland in a thumping 4-0 scoreline. The Villains have secured back-to-back victories which light up hope of their Premier League survival. Swansea visit The Midlands trying to avoid losing a third straight match in the Premiership. Garry Monk’s side are comfortably in top half of the table but would like to end the Season in positive fashion.

XSport: 2-1 Villa Stella: 1-1 Steve: 2-1 Swansea Game ID: Q4298 Pick 1(A.Villa X (Draw) 2 (Swan win) win)

Newcastle have been sliding down the table since the departure of Alan Pardew who took over at Crystal Palace. The Magpies have lately been in poor form after picking up just three points from a possible 12 in the last four Premier League outings.

Arsenal put West Ham to bed in clinical fashion in Gameweek 29 and moved to within a point of Manchester City who slipped up at Burnley. The Gunners have won five in a row for a great chance for a Top 4 finish.

XSport: 1-1 Stella: 2-1 Arsenal Steve: 1-0 Newcastle Game ID: Z7753 Pick

1(Newca X (Draw) 2 (Arsen win) win)

Odd

2.44

3.13

3.02

Bet Amount

Odd

4.60

3.70

1.75

100

100

100

100

100

100

Possible win (KSh)

Bet Amount

244

313

302

Possible win (KSh)

460

370

175

Stoke Vs Crystal Palace

W. Ham Vs Sunderland

Stoke City saw their three game winning streak come to an end when they visited West Brom in Gameweek 29. Potters sit 8th in the log and have only lost once in their last six at The Britannia.

Crystal Palace registered three points by defeating relegation candidates QPR on Saturday. The Eagles moved onto 33 points heading into Gameweek 30 and have put an 8-point gap between themselves and the Relegation Zone.

XSport: 2-1 Stoke Stella: 1-1 Steve: 2-0 Palace

West Ham were well beaten during their short trip to Emirates on Saturday afternoon. The Hammers are on a miserable run of form which has seen them lose three on the spin. They have gone without a win in any of their last six EPL outings. Sunderland visit East London short on confidence following a 4-0 drubbing by Aston Villa in front of their supporters at The Stadium of Light. The result was the last straw for Gus Poyet who was sacked as the Sunderland board seek to remain in Premier League football.

XSport: 2-0 WestHam Stella: 1-0 Sunderland Steve: 1-1 Game ID: L3972 Pick 1(W.Ham X (Draw) 2(Sunderl win) win)

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Game ID: T4328 Pick 1(Stoke win) Odd

2.10

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

210

X (Draw) 2 (C.Pala win)

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

3.66

Odd

1.87

3.47

4.22

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

323

366

Possible win (KSh)

187

347

422

3.23

QPR Vs Everton

Liverpool Vs Man United SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Super Sunday kicks off with a cracking clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ side are in terrific form and will be brimming with confidence heading into the derby. Liverpool’s win away at Swansea on Monday Night Football was the fifth consecutive win in EPL. United make the short trip to Anfield following an impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday. Louis Van Gaal has gone three Premier League games without conceding a goal and has Wayne Rooney back in form.

XSport: 2-0 United Stella: 2-2 Steve: 2-1 Liverpool Game ID: D5522 Pick Odd

1 (Liverp X (Draw) 1 (Man U win) win) 2.29

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

229

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

QPR remain in deep trouble after a disappointing 3-1 fal at Crystal Palace in Gameweek 29. The R’s have it all to do if they are to remain a Premier League side next Season after losing four in a row on home soil. Everton finally picked up an impressive win when they dismissed Newcastle 3-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday. The Toffees are only 6 points clear of the Relegation Zone, a remarkable feat considering how well the side performed last Season XSport: 2-1 QPR Stella: 1-1 Steve: 2-1 Everton Game ID: W4393 Pick 1 (QPR win)

X (Draw) 2 (Everto win)

3.08

Odd

3.15

3.26

2.30

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

335

308

Possible win (KSh)

315

326

230

3.35

14

SPORT FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

Pellegrini’s time up after Champions League exit - Savage

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini could be sacked in the summer after their Champions League exit, says football expert Robbie Savage.

City failed to reach the last 16 after they lost 3-1 to Barcelona.

They are also six points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

“I think Pellegrini’s time will be up,” said Savage. “Would Diego Simeone leave Atletico Madrid or Carlo Ancelotti leave Real Madrid? That’s the kind of manager I would look at for City.”

Previous manager Roberto Mancini led City to their first league title in 44 years when they triumphed in the 2011-12 season, but the Italian was sacked at the end of the next season following a trophyless campaign, before Pellegrini’s appointment.

However, goalkeeper Joe Hart defended his boss.

“We back our manager,” said the England international. “He is a great manager and brought us two trophies last year.”

Pellegrini won the Premier League and the League Cup last season, his first in charge at Etihad Stadium.

But after losing to Championship side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and being beaten for a second successive season by Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, Savage thinks the Chilean is under threat.

He also believes the City squad is in need of a shake-up.

The former Premier League midfielder said: “I think City have got to make some drastic changes. Vincent Kompany has been the best defender for the last three years and needs a regular partner.

“Would you get rid of Kompany and have a completely fresh start?

I don’t know. He needs to get his head right. His performances have been so poor by his standards.

“Yaya Toure has been taken off in consecutive games. What’s his future?”

AWAITING MARCHING ORDERS? Football pundit Robbie Savage says that Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini could be sacked in the summer after their Champions League exit.

FKF and Azam TV to sign broadcast deal Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Azam TV are scheduled to sign a broadcast deal on Friday that will see FKF Premier League matches televised live.

This has been made possible after MP&Silva, who bought rights to broadcast the league, signed a two year deal with Azam TV last Thursday to kick-start the live broadcast. A statement from FKF read in part, “Football Kenya Federation Premier League and Azam TV invite

your media house to the official unveiling ceremony of the live broadcasting partnership at Intercontinental Hotel.”

Azam TV will sell the matches to local television, who will in turn broadcast the same live every week. Only last month, Azam television were awarded rights by Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) to broadcast Ugandan Premier League. The Ugandan deal is worth Sh71million.

Azam TV service was created in Tanzania with African vi

NEW DEAL: One of Azam TV’s OB vans covering Tanzania Vodacom League football. FKF and Azam TV are scheduled to sign a broadcast deal on Friday that will see FKF Premier League matches televised live.

Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall. He was sent to the stands but his side beat Bandari 2-1 on Thursday evening.

K’ Ogalo whip Dockers to move 6 points top of table as KPL action resumes Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall was sent to the stands but his side beat Bandari 2-1 in a hotly contested encounter that ushered back Kenyan Premier League action after a three-week layoff on Thursday evening.

Rwandese import, Meddie Kagere, put K’Ogalo ahead in the 20th minute after tapping in a Michael Orunga cross to endear himself instantly to the club’s faithful as the titleholders put allegations of unrest over non-payment of their dues to lay siege on the Docker’s goal in the opening exchanges.

Lawrence Kasadha levelled for the port side nine minutes later before the star of the infant season, midfielder Ali Abondo scored the winner from the spot in the 61st.

The league resumed much to the delight of top flight football lovers since the opening round of fixtures on the weekend of February 21 and 22 after Football Kenya Federation obtained a High Court injunction against KPL which was lifted on

Monday.

In true Gor fashion, centre referee Nasur Ndoka and his team of officials were held hostage for five minutes after the final whistle as the Green Army protested some of the decisions including sending their Scottish coach to the stands.

K’Ogalo and KPL chairman, Ambrose Rachier and his captain, Jerim Onyango, stepped in to calm the heated fans and allow the officials to be escorted to the dressing room at the champion’s citadel that is Nairobi’s City Stadium. “We could have gotten something from this game but we lost our chances and gave away a very easy penalty,” Muhiddin who leads his side to Machakos to face Sofapaka on Sunday said.

His opposite number Nuttal was content with how his players performed; “We did very well in my opinion and we totally deserved the win. The boys played very well and we now look up to the weekend and Wednesday fixtures,” he said.

SPORT 15 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

Fans query quality of Kiambu ring race track Rally enthusiasts have questioned the legality of the Kiamburing Racetrack in Kiambu county.

The questions have emerged after the motorsport fraternity early this week laid to rest Amir Mohamed who died in a road accident on Sunday.

The street car race has become popular to rally enthusiasts as it is considered an alternative to the real rally especially because it is cheaper and easier to organise.

It was introduced in 2013 with the aim of attracting the sport lovers who can’t afford to take part in Kenya National Rally Championships that have stringent rules from the world governing body FIA. Sunday morning’s fatal crash that claimed the former race champion Mohammed left his partner Jay Soni in critical condition. Their Nissan Skyline rammed into a Mercedes Benz head-on in an accident that has prompted drivers to call for a ban on the competition.

Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF)

has warned participants against the race, saying it does not meet safety standards.

The union says drivers and spectators are exposed to danger but the warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

Before Sunday’s accident, many fatal crashes involving bikers on the route have also been reported. Race cars have also caused a number of accidents that have forced residents to stage protest demonstrations.

Abdul Sidi, owner of the Abdul Sidi Rally Academy that runs in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, says rally races have specially designed cars. He says not any car can take part in rallies as has been the case in the Kiambu Series which is open to all manner of machines.

“All cars taking part in rally competitions should be FIA sanctioned with several safety measures strictly observed and checked prior to any competition. Any attempt to sweep this pertinent rules and regulations under the carpet endangers the lives of both competitors and fans,” warns Sidi.

FATAL ATTRACTION: Rally enthusiasts have questioned the legality of the Kiamburing Racetrack after the fatal crash of Amir Mohamed on Sunday.

India stroll to ICC World Cup semis India are comfortably through to ICC World Cup semi-finals after a 109-run victory over Bangladesh thanks to Rohit Sharma’s 100.

A slow start to the innings was arrested by Rohit who saw the opener explode in latter overs to finish with 137 from 126 balls before he was dismissed India will play either Australia or Pakistan in the semi-finals in Sydney next week and on current form, they will be hard to beat. Batting first, India compiled a daunting total of 302 for six, built on the back of a magnificent century from Rohit Sharma, who completed his first World Cup hundred with a slice of luck.

SWEAT AND POWER: A previous Kenya Cup clash between Quins and Kabras Sugar. The two sides meet in an Enterprise Cup pre-quarterfinal on Saturday.

Kabras, Quins in Enterprise Cup tie It’s time for knockout rugby. And Kenya’s oldest running rugby competition, the Enterprise Cup, returns in 2015 to run for four weeks from Saturday to April 18.

The Enterprise Cup was first played in 1930.

Four pre-quarter final fixtures will be on the cards.

Kenya Harlequin play Kabras Sugar in what is undoubtedly the pick of the round at RFUEA Grounds.

Homeboyz play Kenyatta University Blak Blad at Catholic University grounds as Pan Africa Strathmore Leos welcome Mean Machine to The Cage in Nairobi’s Madaraka.

The fourth fixture takes place at The Bullring in Kakamega where Western Bulls host Mwamba in what promises another exciting piece of rugby.

Winners of the round will join defending champions Top Fry Nakuru, KCB, Resolution

Impala Saracens and Total Nondies who all won quarterfinal slots set for March 28.

Enterprise Cup Pre Quarter PQF1 Homeboyz v Blak Blad PQF2 Strathmore Leos v Mean Machine PQF3Kenya Harlequin v Kabras Sugar PQF4 Western Bulls v Mwamba

One of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, his return to form could not have come at a better time for India. The team struggled in the lead-up to the World Cup but is rapidly gaining momentum.

Rohit was caught in the deep on 90 but was given a second life when umpires ruled that Rubel Hossain’s delivery was above waist-height. This meant a no-ball but TV replays suggested otherwise.Rohit went on to make 137 off 126 balls highlighted by 14 boundaries and three sixes. Left-handed Suresh Raina chipped in a with a quickfire 65 after India had waddled along to 115-3 and needed a lift.

Botswana athletics star to appeal 2014 doping ban Former world 400 metres women’s champion Amantle Montsho plans to appeal a twoyear ban after failing a 2014 Commonwealth Games dope test in Scotland.

Gaborone media reports said the 31-year-old, accused of using the banned substance methylhexaneamine during the Glasgow Games, will appeal the decision ahead of a March 26 deadline.

Botswana Athletics Association president Moses Bantsi

confirmed the suspension.

Montsho was the athletics queen of Botswana, the diamondrich southern Africa country that rarely creates international sporting headlines.

She won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India and at world championships in South Korea a year later.

The Botswanan missed out on more world championship gold in 2013 when she was beaten by Briton Christine Ohuruogu in a photo-finish in Moscow.

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

GOR WHIP BANDARI TO MOVE 6 POINTS TOP OF TABLE AS KPL ACTION RESUMES PG: 14

…and then there were none

Kiev 5-2 Everton: Last English side in European competition exits

E

ngland’s last remaining team has exited European competition as Everton got a ruthless 5-2 drubbing at Dynamo Kiev. This end to English football’s interest in Europe arrived emphatically and shambolically as Everton were routed in the last 16 of the Europa League by Dynamo Kiev. In a week where Manchester City and Arsenal exited the Champions League, poor defending cost Everton in Ukraine, as they lost 6-4 on aggregate.

Romelu Lukaku’s strike cancelled out Andriy Yarmolenko’s wonderful opener.

But Lukasz Teodorczyk, Miguel Veloso, Oleg Gusev and Antunes scored, before Phil Jagielka’s headed consolation.

Everton’s resounding 5-2 defeat in Kiev ends

a dismal month for English sides in Europe, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham also knocked out. The collective failings mean the country does not have a side in the last eight of the Europa League or Champions League for the first time since 1995. It will pose further questions on the strength of the domestic game and Martinez will likely be quizzed about his team’s defensive generosity as they surrendered a 2-1 firstleg lead in their first European away loss of the season.

Though they can look at two Ross Barkley efforts which hit the post as unfortunate, indecision littered their work at the back as hopes of a first European trophy since 1985 were ended.

SINGING THE BLUES: A dejected Romelu Lukaku of Everton after the team’s 2-5 loss to Dynamo at the Europa League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Dynamo Kyiv and Everton at Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday night.

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