201503024 xnews

TUESday, MARCH 24, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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unexciting kenyans hate the taste of coffee, says study

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steady climb Family Bank profit book grows by 49pc to Sh2.2b

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Fashion scoop Lewis Wanyoike’s ‘Monochrome’ collection inspires new trends

NEWS

Midfielder regrets axe from Gor, AC Leopards return clash

Gerrard apologises to Reds fans, colleagues over red card

Kenya to erect security wall on Somalia border

K

enya is planning a ‘security wall’ along the Somalia border to prevent increasing attacks from the Al-Shabaab terror group.

Mwenda Njoka, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry has told Capital FM

News the new measure is part of the Government’s long-term measures to secure the border with Somalia.

“We are going to have designated entry and exit points, which will be manned by security forces, unlike currently when we have people coming in and out across the border,”

Njoka said on the phone in response to queries for clarification on Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaiserry’s remarks at a local TV station over the weekend.

“We will also have access roads along the 700-kilometre border, which will be patrolled by security forces,”

he said in reference to the minister’s revelation that Kenya will erect a ‘security wall’.

In addtion to the road, he said, “we are also going to create a buffer zone on designated areas where people will be declared hostile if they go past a given area.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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mombasa marooned after downpour Promoting art

Techie Charles Murito sets up free shows for artists after frustrating search for painter

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MAROONED, STRANDED: Sections of Mombasa City have been flooded after a downpour on Monday night. Several families in Likoni area have been dispaced by flood waters as the Kenya Meteorological Department confirmed that many parts of the country will receive adequate rainfall until May.

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Sitting on fire

Top comedian Churchill on the receiving end after ill-informed tweet on mp rape allegation

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NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Kenya to erect Somalia border security wall From Page 1 Asked when the project is expected to start, Njoka said: “All these have been factored in the budget and will start during this financial year.”

Nkaissery had told Citizen TV on Saturday night that “the security of the country is very important and that is

why we want to erect the security wall.”

“The wall will be at Bulahawa area in Mandera to help our forces to manage security and people crossing from the other side,” Nkaissery said. The revelation comes days after militants or their sympathisers launched attacks in Mandera, killing at least seven people in separate incidents. The attacks included

one that targeted area Governor Ali Roba’s convoy.

Kenya has been worst hit by Al Shabaab militants who often launch attacks in Mandera, Garissa and parts of Wajir.

Nairobi has also been on target with the worst attack witnessed in September 2013 when an upmarket shopping mall was hit by the criminals, killing

67 people. One of the masterminds of the attack, Adan Dheq alias Garar, was killed in a US Drone attack at Bardhere in Somalia a fortnight ago.

The strike dealt a major blow to the militia group.

A profile released by Kenya Police and the National Intelligence Service says Garar was a key facilitator in the 2013

Westgate attack that killed more than 60 people.

He was specifically charged with shipping in weapons for use in the attack.

Security reports indicated that Garar, a Somali national, had bought a Mitsubishi salon car that was recovered outside the mall after the attack.

Lawyers to discuss AGM chaos at Saturday meeting The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has convened a council meeting to discuss the wrangles that dominated its Annual General Meeting on Saturday. Chaos erupted at the meeting before the AGM was called off.

Terming the incident as unfortunate, LSK president Eric Mutua said a meeting set for Thursday will discuss the conduct of some members at the aborted AGM. In a statement, Mutua said the council will also discuss best ways of implementing decisions of general meetings at the LSK International Arbitration Centre and accommodate dissenting voices.

“I wish to assure all our members and the general public that the council shall continue to execute its mandate under Section 4 of the LSK Act without fear or favour,” he said.

He urged members to always conduct themselves in a dignified manner so as to uphold the high standards of the union.

“History has taught us that opposition to projects does not necessarily mean a project is bad. When the construction of the Eiffel Tower was about to start in 1887, big names in the world of engineers, art and literature viciously opposed the construction terming it a useless and monstrous skeleton in the heart of the capital city of Paris. Today Paris attracts the highest number of

voxpop....

tourists due to the tower,” he said.

He said during the botched meeting, members became disorderly and could not allow the council to proceed with conducting the meeting in line with Section 32 of the LSK Act 2014.

“When council member Jennifer Shamalla proceeded to the podium to read the council report, some members violently charged towards her and grabbed the microphone. At the same time, some members and non-members approached the high table chanting political slogans,” he said.

A lobby group branded Okoa LSK cited various clauses of the Law Society of Kenya Act to convince hundreds of colleagues to vote for an interim chairman and proceeded with the meeting after Mutua and his entire council vacated the venue at Hilton Hotel.

Police were shortly called to help restore order after members failed to agree on whether to suspend or continue with the meeting.

The genesis of the chaos was a project involving the construction of the International Arbitration Centre for which members are supposed to contribute mandatory fees ranging from Sh39,000 to Sh50,000.

The lawyers have accused LSK leadership

EASY: LSK chairman Eric Mutua calms members during Saturday’s meeting at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi. of failure to reveal all financial details of the South C project. They said the leadership only did so after a court order, raising questions on transparency revolving the project.

Lawyer Edwin Sifuna, who proposed a motion to have the project abandoned and five firms invited to conduct a forensic audit into the affairs of the council and the secretariat for the last four years, told journalists they are only

demanding for accountability.

An assessment by the National Environment Management Authority internal quantity surveyor, he said, indicated the four-storey building will cost Sh283 million yet the council submitted a Sh608 million approximate cost.

He says conflicting figures have been issued and members will continue demanding for accountability in the

Sh1.2 billion quantification for the project.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

How much do you think is a reasonable amount to spend on a wedding?

Kiptoo Kosgey Mark

Everlyne Savala I cannot approximate because I have not been in one.

But I would spend Sh2million to make my day memorable. Men do not generally care much about weddings but ladies do and enjoy it.

Ian Mwema Sh200,000 is enough.

People use a lot of money yet it’s a one day occasion. Don’t use a lot of money you cannot afford. What about those who do not have money? They still celebrate their day and are happy. You can use the money to do something else that will bring in profit for you.

Kevin Babangila Sh300, 000 is a reasonable amount for all the expenses that will be incurred.

A wedding is a one day affair. It does not make sense to me to spend Sh1million for only a few hours and not get returns.

The least possible amount should be used.

It is about the occasion not the money. The AG’s office can suffice. I hate wedding committees because they are evil and should be banned the same way harambees were. If she wants an extravagant wedding I cannot afford, I will find someone else to marry.

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Generally speaking, Kenyans do not like the taste of coffee Kenyans appear to hate coffee or tend to drink ridiculously low amounts of the stimulant, studies have shown.

In fact, Kenya is the 4th-fromlast country in a list of nations that love coffee.

According to a study published in The Atlantic, Kenyans are some of the world’s least enthusiastic people when it comes to coffee.

While the drink has gained a tremendous following among the country’s hip and urban and mostly middle-class drinkers, tea has still managed to reign supreme.

The study has revealed that,

Requirement to reveal HIV status to partner illegal Partners will no longer be forced to reveal their HIV status to one another before a sexual contact after the High Court ruled that particular provision as contained in the HIV and AIDS Prevention Act as unconstitutional.

A three judge bench consisting of judges Isaac Lenaola, George Odunga and Mumbi Ngugi ruled that the requirement to reveal one’s status violates the provisions of privacy in the constitution.

As such, they dismissed section 24 of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act in a case that was filed by an NGO that had challenged the constitutionality of the Act. “The law does not say what exactly is comprised in “sexual contact” and whether it includes kissing, holding hands, exploratory contact or penetrative intercourse thus leaving the issue to the subjective views of the trial court,” the judges ruled.

The NGO, AIDS Law Project, had argued that the provisions are unconstitutional and do not offer any confiden-

tiality which is a right of every Kenyan.

“Human rights are inherent to all human beings, whatever their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status,” they argued.

The Section of the Act requires a person infected with HIV to reveal his or her status to their sexual partner and if the person fails, a medical practitioner can disclose such information to the said sexual contact.

Parliament enacted the Act, No.14 of 2006 over two years after the it was passed and assented to by the president and after a litigation commenced by the AIDS Law Project (ALP) to compel the minister to perform her duty as required by the law. The purpose of the simplification of this act is to make it easily readable, understandable and palatable to people who do not profess to any legal training. In brief the act provide for measures for prevention, management and control of HIV and AIDS, protection and promotion of public health.

NEWS BRIEFS

China executes 3 for railway knife attack

on average, Kenyans drink 0.007 cups of coffee a day.

This means that for every one thousand Kenyans, only seven will have a cup of coffee within the course of an entire day.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has emerged as the world’s leading coffee-drinking country, where its people can drink an average of 2 and a half cups of the brew every single day.

The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany round up the top 5 coffee drinkers while Pakistan, Kenya Azerbaijan, China and Nigeria make up the bottom 5.

China has executed three men convicted of plotting a knife attack that killed 31 people at a railway station in the southwestern city of Kunming last year.

The Kunming City Intermediate People’s Court said that Iskandar Ehet, Turgun Tohtunyaz and Hasayn Muhammad were put to death Tuesday. The names of those executed suggested they were Uyghur, a mainly Muslim ethnic group from Xinjiang, northwest China. The train station attack shook the country and state media labeled it “China’s 9/11.” Dressed in black several assailants stormed the station on March 1, 2014 seemingly hacking at anyone in sight.

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...

Gideon, Isaac join forces against Ruto: The battle for political control of the Rift Valley intensified yesterday, as Senator Gideon Moi teamed up with Governor Isaac Ruto to wrest the region’s vote bloc from Deputy President William Ruto.

For a start, the two have scheduled a meeting tomottow where they will discuss their plans, especially a visit by Moi to Bomet on Saturday. The Senator for Baring and the Governor of Bomet are understood to have spoken several times in the last few days about the need for them to work together...

Police quiz MP in rape scandal amid public fury: A member of Parliament at the centre of rape allegations by a married woman was yesterday questioned by police for nearly six hours before being driven away to an unknown destination. His doctor, Mwangi Muchiri, who is alleged to have administered an HIV test by force, has also been summoned by the medical board.

Mr Gideon Mwiti, the Imenti Central MP, was summoned to Gigiri Police Station. He was questioned by the Gigiri Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Daniel Kandie...

Isaac Ruto: DP a roaming dictator who cannot rule: Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, who is grappling with rebellion in his county, has branded Deputy President William Ruto a roaming dictator who ought not to be trusted with the country’s leadership over what he called ‘obvious’ reasons, with no elaboration whatsover. In a bare-knucle attack that high lighted the rapid deterioriation of relations between the two, the Council of Governors chairman took issue with the DP’s remarks in Kericho County at the weekend when he urged local leaders to shun Bomet governor...

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NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Extremists infiltrate prisons in heightened radicalisation Radicalisation of Kenyan youth has gone a notch higher after reports revealed that the vice has now been taking place in prisons at the coast.

Shimo la Tewa prison is reported to have foreign inmates conducting the radicalization within the facility. Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has said that the government is investigating the matter confirming that the foreign inmates are behind the radicalization.

“We are aware that there has been radicalization. This is one facility that has foreign criminals who are very dangerous to our country and beyond and that are why we plan to increase security and improve the perimeter wall in the facility,” said Nkaissery.

Nkaissery said that the government has set out other plans to increase security in the facility following the vulnerability caused by the high number of foreign inmates. The facility is currently holding more than 2,600 inmates both Kenyans and foreigners but Nkaissery says there are plans to expand the facility.

“We are aware of the activities that are taking place at the

mosque. It is under 24-hour surveillance. We are putting the Imam on notice because we are aware of what is happening in that mosque,” he said.

The revelation comes just a few months after Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri), released a report showing the radicalization was taking place in prisons.

According to a report early this year, radical Muslim preachers from both Kenya and Tanzania were said to be infiltrating Kenyan prisons from where they conduct their teachings.

The report showed that the preachers would commit minor offences in public places so that they are arrested, taken to court and although courts of law offer them the option of paying a fine or jail sentence, they resort to go to jail for up to a year.

“That would give them an easy way to get into direct contact with Kenyan youth in prisons and radicalization continues,” the report stated.

Mombasa County CID commander Henry Ondiek promised to launch a probe into a report of alleged radicalization of inmates by extremist preachers at main prisons in the coastal region.

MS Betty Tett shortly after she was questioned at the Kabete Police Station in December last year.

You can say anything online: This is India

HACKED? The US Pentagon in Washington DC. A group claiming to be affiliated with ISIS released a “hit list” of U.S. military personnel, including names and addresses over the weekend. The Pentagon has reached out to the families.

ISIS ‘HACkINg DIvISIoN’ RElEASES HIT lIST of 100 U.S. MIlITARY SERvICE MEMbERS A previously unknown group calling itself the Islamic State Hacking Division posted the names, photos and addresses of about 100 U.S. troops online, calling for attacks against them.

Whoever created the file, posted online Saturday before being removed, claimed to have hacked military databases and said it was leaking 100 names “so that our brothers residing in America can deal with you.”

The possibility of lone-wolf attacks in the United States, the type that this message calls for, is a threat officials take seriously.

Attorney General Eric Holder said last month that the threat of a lone-wolf attack inside the United States is one thing that

keeps him awake at night.

But there was nothing to immediately validate the claims made by this unknown group.

A Defense Department official told CNN that it cannot confirm the validity of the online posting, but is looking into the claim. The FBI is also looking into it, a law enforcement official told CNN, adding there are questions about the credibility of those behind it.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service notified the Marines named in the file about this “presently unverified threat,” a Marine Corps spokesman said.

The Navy reminded service members to make sure to limit the amount of personal infor-

mation available online about themselves. The Army said in a statement Sunday that it was working with the Defense Department to “determine the validity of any potential threats,” and it echoed the Navy in advising soldiers “to take prudent measures to limit the sharing of personal information online.”

A U.S. law enforcement official said that all 100 or so troops named in the file are being contacted. It is believed that ISIS members and sympathisers have been scouring social media sites trying to glean as much information as possible about service members, and have even threatened the spouses of military personnel online.

The file appeared to include information that is already available publicly, through social media accounts, online phone directories and other accessible public records.

In late November, the FBI issued a warning to U.S. military members that ISIS was calling for attacks against them, a law enforcement source told CNN. The source said that “overseas based individuals are looking for like-minded individuals in the U.S. to carry out these attacks.” The warning asked members of the military to “review their online social media presence for any information that might attract the attention of violent extremists.”

India’s Supreme Court has struck down a controversial law which allowed police to arrest people for comments on social networks and other internet sites.

The court ruled that the controversial Section 66A of the Information Technology Act was unconstitutional.

In recent years, several people have been arrested for their comments on Facebook or Twitter, sparking outrage.

The government had defended the law, saying it was meant to deter people from uploading offensive material.

Tuesday’s order was delivered by a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court on petitions filed by civil rights groups and a law student who argued that Section 66A violated people’s fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

“Section 66A is unconstitutional and we have no hesitation in striking it down,” news agency AFP quoted Justice RF Nariman as saying in court.

“The public’s right to know is directly affected by section 66A,” he added.

Section 66A was sweeping in its powers - it could send a person to jail for three years for sending an email or other electronic message that “causes annoy-

ance or inconvenience”.

The law was first challenged by a law student after two young women were arrested in November 2012 in Mumbai for comments on Facebook following the death of politician Bal Thackeray.

Shaheen Dhada was held for criticising Mumbai’s shutdown after Thackeray’s death. Renu Srinivasan, who “liked” the comment, was also arrested.

The two were later released on bail.

The arrests led to outrage in India with many calling for the law to be scrapped.

Since then there have been several other arrests under the law, leading to charges of abuse.

Within minutes of Tuesday’s court order, #Sec66A was trending on Twitter with many Indians applauding the ruling.

FREEDOM FIGHTING: A protest in support of internet freedom in Mumbai in June 2012.

xnews | Tuesday, MARCH 24, 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 91.9472 137.3344 99.4561 7.6439 31.8065 20.1152

BUY SELL 92.1194 92.0333 137.6100 137.4722 99.6511 99.5536 7.6631 7.6535 32.0836 31.9451 20.2616 20.1884

Family Bank profit book grows by 49pc to Sh2.2b Family Bank has registered a 49 per cent rise in pretax profits from Sh1.78 billion in 2013 to Sh2.62 billion last year.

The chairman, Mr Wilfred Kiboro, said sustainable growth in loan book, aggressive deposit mobilisation and branch expansion were key drivers of the remarkable performance in the year under review.

With the performance, the directors have recommended a dividend payment of Sh0.50 per share which totals to sh622.6 million, up from Sh222.8 million in 2013.

UPWARD MOMENTUM: Family Bank staff at work in one of the branches. The bank has reported a 49 per cent rise in pretax profits from Sh1.78 billion in 2013 to Sh2.62 billion last year.

“The robust performance culture embraced by staff has also made the accomplishment possible. We have significantly increased product and services utilisation per customer through cross selling and enhanced customer experience.

The bank Managing Director Peter Munyiri has attributed the performance to ongoing transformational changes and implementation of a new business operating model.

The model is positioning the bank as a one-stop shop that provides products

and services for all profitable market segments.

“We remain confident of realising premium returns to shareholders in future. We are also creating capacity for investment in areas of high growth potential with focus on retail mass market, SME and local corporates to give us a strong competitive position in all sectors of the economy,” he said.

The bank is set to open 10 branches by the end of the year and has opened two in Migori and Embakasi.

Water for food competition offers NGOs Sh1b funding The Securing Water for Food Competition has offered NGOs, forprofit organisations and academic institutions chance to win $12.5 million (Sh1.2 billion) funding.

The competition is designed to enable the production of more food with less water. It also targets to ensure more water is available for food production, processing, and distribution at risk

PicMonkey turns website bland photos into outstanding features As more small business owners realise the benefits of posting services online, they are recognising the power of well-designed websites to draw more customers than generic rivals.

Software developers have also realised the importance of presentation. A group of them have created, PicMonkey, an imageediting tool that makes bland pictures look bold and outstanding.

The free-to-use tool is available from “picmonkey.com”.

Like many picture-editing tools, PicMonkey allows users to brighten, darken, touch up and edit pictures that

can either be printed or posted online.

The tool is ideal for making posters and improving images that would otherwise look plain or unappealing.

A basic package from PicMonkey gives users access to a variety of tools though a paid subscription that offers more features.

The tool also offers the ‘Royale’ package which gives access to twice as many editing tools and a variety of other features.

PicMonkey’s Royal package costs about Sh450 a month or Sh3,040 a year.

CITY PLANS Leleshwa Homes, a local property developer, plans to build 500 houses, leisure park and a club house.

The facilities are set to be erected on a 100-acre plot in Naivasha.

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water hunt: Villagers construct a well, the most common method of obtaining water from groundwater sources in many rural areas of Africa.

An NGO, Securing Water for Food Competition, has offered organisations chance to win Sh1.2 billion funding for the production of more food with less water.

areas across the world.

The current round of competition is open to a number of countries, including Kenya.

“The United States Agency for International Development (USAid), the government of Sweden, and The Netherlands have invite eligible organisations to respond to the call,” Gamala Luitel, a spokesperson for the group says.

Officially known as Securing Water for Food: A Grand Challenge for Development, the fund will allocate $100,000 (Sh9.2 million) and $3,000,000 (Sh276 million) per project, depending on the type of funding requested for projects that will run for up to three years.

Luitel says through Securing Water for Food project, organisers hope to increase demand for and availability of innovative water technologies and approaches.

The group hopes to increase adoption of innovations at multiple levels, from small scale farms to large corporations.

Areas applying organisations should focus on include “water efficiency and re-use, water capture and storage and salinity and salt water intrusion,” Luitel says.

About 15 to 30 grant awards will be made to organisations that meet basic criteria.

Leleshwa to build 500 middle-income homes Dubbed Leleshwa Golf Resort, the property will be located in Naivasha, about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Nairobi.

The resort targets middle-income Kenyans as a

response to a recent boom in real estate market that has prompted more to buy homes.

“We are targeting first-time and second-time home buyers who fancy owning a holiday house or may

want to commercialize the property,” Leleshwa Homes Chief Executive Mungai Njoroge said in a statement.

The property will house bungalows that will cost between Sh8.2 million and Sh9.2 million, depending on size. The bungalows will comprise two, three or four bedrooms.

The first phase of the project is set for completion by June 2016. By then, Leleshwa Homes hopes to have built 144 units.

The announcement coincides with the fast turning of Naivasha into a preferred destination for developers looking to set up luxury properties.

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BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Egypt to send economic experts to explore trade opportunities in Kenya The Egyptian Government will send a team of experts to Kenya to explore opportunities for strengthening economic ties in order to champion intraAfrica trade and South-South cooperation.

This was agreed during bilateral talks held in Cairo between Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei and Egyptian Foreign Trade and Industry Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour.

The meeting comes on the backdrop of the visit to Kenya in January by Egypt’s Foreign Trade and Industry Minister where both countries undertook to cement the long ties, which started immediately after independence when Egypt opened its mission in Kenya.

Noting that Egypt imports 93 percent of its tea requirements from Kenya, the two ministers agreed to facilitate Kenya’s plans to acquire a warehouse in Cairo for trading and promotion of Kenyan products.

The talks further agreed to organise a Kenyan trade fair in Cairo in the coming months to specifically promote various Kenyan products and further deepen trade ties between the

two countries.

Koskei who is on a five-day visit to Egypt to promote governmentto-government cooperation in agriculture also attended the official opening of the 48th Cairo International Trade Fair by Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab.

The fair, which runs from March 18 to 27, 2015, brings together local and foreign companies

everyday use commodities and products.

The Egyptian Premier was impressed by the high level of displays at the Kenya stand and appreciated the opportunities available for horticultural, coffee, tea and fibre products exhibited at the fair. He said the exhibition sets a platform for increased trade collaboration between the two countries.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Authority (AFFA), Chai Trading Company, Gold Crown Limited, APP Commodities and the Kenya Tourist Board.

The Cabinet Secretary also made a strong case for meat exports to Egypt noting that Kenya has adequate livestock that can provide quality meat and meat products for the Egyptian market.

Story by Capital FM

TRADE 101: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Trade, Industry and Investment Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour. He held bilateral talks in Cairo with Kenya’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei where the Egyptian government agreed to send a team of experts to Kenya to explore opportunities for tostrengthening showcase a economic wide range ties.of Leading exhibitors included the

SOLD: Chinese state firm agreed to buy just over a quarter of Italian tyre maker Pirelli, renowned for its Formula One equipment and racy calendars.

Chinese firm to take wheel of Italian tyre maker Pirelli Italian tyre maker Pirelli is to be bought by China National Chemical (ChemChina) which values the firm at €7.1billion (Sh711.9 billion) excluding net debt of almost €1bn (Sh100.3 billion).

The Chinese state-owned firm will buy the 26.2 per cent stake in Pirelli owned by Italian investment firm Camfin.

It will then launch an offer for the remaining shares. Pirelli supplies tyres to the Formula 1 World Championship.

Camfin said the bid would be launched by a partnership controlled by ChemChina but who are also part-owned by Camfin investors, who include Pirelli boss Marco Tronchetti Provera, Italian banks UniCredit

and Intesa Sanpaolo, and Russia’s Rosneft.

The takeover will give Pirelli access to technology to make premium tyres and greater access to the Chinese market.

Following the announcement of the deal on Friday, shares in Milan-listed Pirelli hit a 25-year high, closing at €15.23 (Sh1529) and were 2.56 per cent higher at €15.62 (Sh1567) on Monday.

The offer by ChemChina will be launched at €15 (Sh 1504) per share.

This is the latest in a string of takeovers in Italy by cash-rich Chinese buyers.

Others include stakes in power grid firms Terna and Snam, turbine maker Ansaldo and luxury yacht maker Ferretti.

PRICE DRIVER prices of veggies up 20 pc as biting drought exacts high toll on crops Consumers are beginning to feel the pinch as the cost of fresh produce has gone up by at least 20 per cent following a recent drought in parts of the country.

The prices of vegetables, including cabbages, sukuma wiki and tomatoes, have increased in the past weeks, forcing buyers to make sacrifices that many were not prepared to make.

Experts say that the cost is directly related to a recent shortage in production since many of the country’s growers rely on rain-fed agriculture.

The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier predicted that the March rains would begin during the second week of the month. However, recent reports have found that a little rainfall was

EXPORT OPP

received later this month in parts of the country.

The cost of Sukuma wiki has jumped by as much as Sh10 since earlier reports say it was trading at Sh50 but rose to Sh60 following the drought.

The cost of tomatoes has also been in a state of flux with some Nairobi residents buoying a single fruit for Sh10 when the same amount gave them 3 tomatoes a few weeks ago.

Flower exports fetched Sh4 billion in profits despite harsh conditions in 2014 Despite harsh conditions towards the end of 2014, Kenya’s flower exporters were able to make Sh4 billion more in 2014 than they did the previous year.

The sector has faced threats from the European Union (EU), Kenya’s biggest buyer of cut flowers, due to the use of chemicals to kill pests, which the EU had not approved.

More than 2 million flower farmers risked losing billions had previous agreements not been made.

Since Kenya failed to sign a new

Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU by a September 30 deadline, the Union imposed a new set of taxes on the country’s flower exports.

Fresh produce exporters estimate that the losses they made from the new taxes amounted to Sh670 million a month during the period.

They are negotiating with the government for refunds.

The flower exporting sector is set for a major recovery following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s return to Nairobi last

week after his maiden visit to Japan.

The President has since secured commitments from the Japanese government with promises that the country will invest in Kenya.

In a statement issued in Nairobi late last week, Kenyatta said Japan should increase its imports of Kenyan flowers by dealing directly with Kenyan investors as opposed to going through European auctions, which leads to delays in getting the flowers to their market.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

ACCESS topstory

fashion

scoop

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Where are our local productions?

cAn RivERwooD sAvE locAl Tv AnD Film?

T

he second edition of the Riverwood awards laid down the red carpet on March 14 at Alliance Francaise. All was glamorous and fancy as nominated old and new comers in the local film industry graced the event.

The Riverwood Awards aims at appreciating and embracing the local film industry. It pays tribute to low budget content executed in native languages and told in ways that common mwananchi can relate to.

Riverwood is derived from River Road, a hub known as a hot bed for production of local films. It recognizes script writers, actors, actresses, producers, directors and films which are deemed to be best.

Comparing local film to other countries like South Africa and Nigeria’s Nollywood undeniably shows how backward Kenyan film is.

Local content has stalled for a while but it is with brainwork such as Riverwood awards from film industry’s key players that exhibits a glimmer of hope.

Speaking to X Access, Kenya Film Commission’s Director of Marketing, Alex Mulwa said he has great faith in Riverwood.

He said he see its potential in injecting life into the local film.

“Riverwood has a role to play and that is building film industry in Kenya. This will be done by creating more distribution channels for local content,” he said.

“Sure it is a humble beginning but in due time, Riverwood in

collaboration with other film players will revive the film market,” said Mulwa.

Mulwa also believes that with the digital crossover, film demand across Kenya, East Africa and Africa will sky rocket. He is definite Riverwood is here to stay, build Kenya’s film industry and push it to thrive.

Mshamba, who acts in the satirical comedy drama Mshamba, which airs on KTN, applauds Riverwoods ability to reach the masses. He sees Riverwoods capacity selling phenomenally compared to mainstream films.

“Riverwood delivers local support and sells more than mainstream films because they have devised better distribution networks,” the comedian echoed Alex Mulwa’s words. Mshamba is certain once we polish the quality of production and further film distribution then Kenya will be revered in film and TV production.

“Nollywood also had to start from the lowest point and here it is as we see it today. So Kenya has what it takes to get there and we will if we work at it.

Riverwood Awards is the brain child of Mwaniki Mageria.

Local actors, however, are playing a wait and see game with some not even sure if the move will benefit them.

The current digital migration could just be the nudge the industry needed to better local productions and as some would say the awards are right on time.

HoT DATE Do not miss rapper GKon and other artistes tonight at Tribeka with Mseto EA crew supported by X News. The landscape is not the same…see you there.

“Nollywood a lso had to start from the lowest point and here it is as we see it today. S o Kenya has what it ta kes to get there and we will if we work at it.

mshamba

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY, MARCH 26th 24 NOVEMBER 2015 2014

ARTWORLD

art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.

Lifelike sculptures

artshock

J

ohnson Tsang is a Hong Kong based artist who specializes in ceramic and steel sculptures. He creates awe inspiring sculptures by painstakingly moulding the ceramic into any shape he would want. His recent installation, breaking the rules features children who are showing various

emotions on their faces. His sculptures are very realistic and can be easily mistaken for photographs. His works have earned him global recognition having exhibited in Taiwan, Korea, Spain and Switzerland. His amazing sculptures are currently works being displayed at the Hong Kong Museum of art.

finally, free

OUR

exhibitions A

fter years of looking for one particular painter, Charles Murito, the Country Manager at Google and a local art enthusiast had had enough. His search did not seem to bear fruit or show any signs of materializing.

He had browsed the internet to no avail. Not even mother Google could help him out. Besides how could it? If he was conducting his search blindly? How do you even start looking for someone who you do not know their name?

After much persistence and digging around, he finally got one name and the search continued.

It proved daunting but he was determined to get his mysterious painter at all costs. The local art scene being a small village where everyone knows the other, worked in his favor. Armed with his artist’s first name, Charles tried his luck with Google and finally got to know the painter’s real name. The next task was to actually set up a meeting with his painter. To cut a long story

R00TS

fOR aRTiSTS

short, he was able to meet with his mysterious painter, Patrick Kinuthia and the two have kept in touch ever since.

It was this frustration in trying to locate Patrick that an idea hit him. He set it upon himself to start organizing free art exhibitions so as to create a platform where artists can connect with art enthusiasts directly.

“I had looked for Patrick Kinuthia for years and I would not want anyone to go through that experience. That is how the idea of organizing free exhibitions was birthed. It was based on my personal experience,”says Charles.

So far he has been privileged to organize three exhibitions and has noted growth in terms of the number of artists exhibiting and also art enthusiasts attending the events.

“I held my first exhibition in December last year, one in January and most recently last weekend. I do not get any monetary value from the

exhibitions. My payment comes when I organize an event and it adds value to both the art enthusiasts and artists,” beams Charles.

He hopes that through his exhibitions, artists can network and also have a direct relationship with collectors.

“Local artists should take this as an opportunity to network and also mentor others so that the industry grows,” advises Charles.

Charles has big plans for the project and hopes that it will take off and be embraced by many.

“In the future I would like to organize monthly exhibitions and eventually a mega art festival,” he says. The local art scene has seen immense growth and is bubbling with opportunities for artists. Gone are the days artists would have to be well connected to curators so as to exhibit their works, one Charles Murito has surpassed this barrier and set a positive precedent to build the industry. It is now up to the artists to heed this call.

The legend of Lwanda Magere

L

‘I had looked for Patrick Kinuthia for years and I would not want anyone to go through that experience’.

Kinuthia

wanda Magere was a mighty warrior among the Sidho clan of Kano, the low land Luos. He was the modern day Super Man. It was believed nothing could hurt him.

The Luo traditional enemies at the time were the Nandi as they were always fighting, but the Luo always won thanks to Magere. The Nandi were tired of always being defeated and sought for a permanent solution.

The Nandi decided to give Magere their most beautiful girl to marry, claiming that it was a truce.

However, secretly, the girl’s role was to find out how to defeat him.

As is the tradition among the luo, whenever Magere was sick, his first wife would care for him. One day he fell ill when his first wife was away.

He therefore called his Nandi wife to bring him some medicine. Magere instructed her to cut his shadow with a knife and administer the medicine. She was surprised when she saw his shadow bleed, she had discovered his weakness!

She hurriedly informed her people and they attacked the Luos unexpectedly. The Luos seemed to be winning until one Nandi remembered his weakness and threw a spear at Magere’s shadow.

Magere fell down and died; his body turned to stone, hence Lwanda Magere.

9

ACCESS TUESDAY, MARCH 17 2015

A SituAtion where An individuAl cAn’t own up to their miStAKeS And mAKe AmendS iS worrying.

aboutLove HOT TOPICS

Happy Birthday Xavier

X

avier Jerry Nato who is an actor on Wash and Set and play director is celebrating his 33rd birthday today.

The actor has over the years made people laugh with his acting and done productions for schools that have gone on to win awards at drama festivals.

X Access wishes the actor a Happy Birthday.

churchill backlash

WHY

priDe IS HARMFUL TO A RELATIONSHIP

A

relationship is a partnership that revolves around two individuals. While a little sense of pride can go a long way, unhealthy egos can destroy any relationship.

Healthy pride plays a vital role in how couples relate. Having self-respect and personal limits to how your partner treats you has a significant effect on how smoothly your relationship sails.

When you truly value each other, words like ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you’ should not be a problem. In times of fall outs, do not sit back and wait for the other person to apologize. Being the first to say “I’m sorry” does not portray you as weak or needy. It shows how much importance you place in your relationship and that draws you closer to each other.

But it is alarming when only one party in a relationship keeps on being the bigger person. One can only play nice for so long.

A situation where an individual can’t own up to their mistakes and make amends is worrying.

More agitating is when you can’t appreciate the little things done for you yet they so much cultivate your relationship. Love and relationships

ASK dr X Dear Dr X,

call for compromises and that is only a matter of choice since everybody has the ability to stifle their pride.

Without humility, you are bound to be disrespectful and you cannot listen because you always switch on the defense mode instead of paying attention to your partners’ concerns. Farah, a cashier at a restaurant on Ngong Road, says a man cannot trample down on her in any way. “I may be in love with you, but at the end of the day, I’m still about my business. Love is too overrated,” she argues. “What happens when we end things and I gave the man my all? My pride would be shattered. I wouldn’t be able to look at any man knowing that one man knows my weaknesses all too well.”

It is because of foolish pride that people take others for granted. In doing so, they spark deep emotions with no intentions of sufficiently giving back.

Francis Oburu, a PR guru claims no matter how stunning a woman is, he would never make the first move after the courting stage. “I know I’m good- looking and can get any girl.

So why pursue one with so much

intensity if I do not see a future with her? Courting lays the foundation, so whoever cares more will speak out first.”

After almost ruining a good thing with his family, Joseph Gichuki came to learn that to be able to totally love someone, you must disengage yourself from your ego.

“As a married couple, you need to understand the dynamics of marriage. There is no bigger issue at hand than the matrimony,” he explained. Joseph and his spouse went into financial trouble thanks to their pride. Joseph was on the verge of settling a mortgage when he and his wife got into a big fall out. What followed was deafening silence and consequently they forgot about the mortgage that was due. “We both overlooked it and assumed that the other would address the issue. In the end, we almost lost our house” Joseph tells X Access.

Separating yourself from unnecessary pride opens you to happy possibilities. It is only when we are soft and vulnerable at heart that we are able to fully experience the profound magic of love. Do not let pride bog you down, surrender to love and see what happens.

Yesterday, Churchill got himself in a fix. Just like other Kenyans, Churchill took to social media to air his views on the current randy Mpigs sex saga. However his opinion was not received lightly. In a tweet that he sent out, the comedian said, “#Just asking. So, why would a married woman agree to meet an honourable MP at 10.30PM alone?” This led to backlash from Kenyans online that forced him to apologise for his lack of tact in the matter saying he only wanted to start a discussion not hurt others by his words.

Will fans boycott his show?

Daddy Owen’s new video is all that and a bag of chips!

Foundation song by Papa Dennis and Daddy Owen has been dominating the airwaves. The video which was shot in London was released yesterday and it is well worth the hype. The video was directed by Moe Musa and features great quality and marries well with the message of the song. There is over 10,000 views on YouTube in the few hours it has been put up.

The plan tonight…

DaDDy Owen

I HAVE CONTRACTED AN STI HOW DO I TELL MY GIRLFRIEND?

Two weeks ago I went to hospital after experiencing a painful discomfort in my groin only to find out I had contracted an STI. My problem is I can’t find the guts to tell my girlfriend because she will confirm her doubts that I have been cheating on her. I have been seeing two other girls and had unprotected sex with both. She is the one I love but I am afraid if I tell her she will leave me.What do I do?

-Maurice.

Dear Maurice,

You have the wrong definition of love.

When you love someone or have even a shred of concern for them, you will not cheat on them. Not only are you playing her with one girl but two who you have been having unprotected sex with.

You have exposed her to sexually transmitted infections that could ruin

her health and worse still you have kept her in the dark.

That shows you are self-centered and Love does not work that way.

It is not too late though. Since she has a right to know, approach her with the last of the respect you have for her and tell her everything. It is time to clean up your mess

Send your agonising queries to drx@x-news.co.ke

Be ready for a storm though because you brought it upon yourself Hopefully, you have learned a lesson from all these. Learn to be faithful and use protection during sex.

Be truthful to your partner and maybe that will redeem you in her eyes. If I was her however, I would leave you!

Dr X.

10

ACCESS

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

FASHIONScoop

lewis wanyoike’s collection.

hanniGtone Gaya Talk of being of a man being fashionable and this is it.

FaDhili Sanya A classic look for the summer .

Mike Saruni This is a look for all occasions.

BRING ON THE

MONOCHROME

L

Monochrome has never looked so good on a man.

Darrel Gee Officially casual, we like!

filmlab Run All Night

BEST...

L

iam Neeson is a great actor who manages to save the grace of a movie which does not bring anything new to the table. A mob hit man, Mike and his son are on the run. They are fleeing a crime boss who was once Mike’s best friend and now wants to take revenge for his son’s death.

and nre: Mystery Rating: R Ge eson, Ne m Lia : st Suspense ca and Ed Harris Joel Kinnaman mins time: 1hr 54

our rating: H H

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

ewis Wanyoike has created a name for himself as one of the few designers who can create a unisex collection.

His latest line, dubbed Monochrome, incorporated the colours black and white showing that it does not take bold colours to look good in an outfit and photographer Radek Janicki clearly brought out this message.

The unique design cuts on the outfits were made with the latest fashion trends in mind. Wanyoike uses different types of fabrics like satin, tweed, cotton, silk among others to show diversity in his collections and never using just one fabric on one outfit! Who would have thought basic colours can leave us drooling?

: DraRating: PG 13 Genre ture, ven Ad and ion Act ma, ne aile Sh st: ca nce Roma es and Woodley, Theo Jam 1 hr Ansel Elgort time: 59mins.

Rating: PG dy Genre: Come cast: Judy ie Dench, Magg Smith and Bill Nighy ins time: 2hrs 2m

S

our rating: H H H

T

his is a riveting comedy that captures your attention to the very end. There is a space predicament at the Marigold hotel. The owners consider expanding it. Meanwhile Sonny is getting married and he finds that the relocation of the hotel is taking up much more time than he intended.

But everyone gets caught up in the wedding preparations.

kanya nDeGwa For that evening dinner party for a business meeting, this outfit will do.

Insurgent

hailene Woodley makes all the difference in Insurgent.

The movie is a tad bland without her input. Tris and Four are on the run. Jeanine the leader of Erudite is after them seeing as they are divergent. Jeanine wants to control the whole society but her methods are wanting. Tris must find out what her parents knew and try to save the society from Jeanine who wants to control them all. our rating: H H

PLAY 11 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 The development of a talent that you’ve neglected could have surprising results, Capricorn. You could find that it’s just what you need in order to expand your horizons and catapult you into whatever situation you want to be in. This could lead to an increased income.

TUESday 24/03/2015

sunny

26

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A period of great inner transformation and powerful upheaval in your outer life is coming upon you now, Aquarius. A part of you wants to welcome it and charge ahead, while another part holds back, possibly out of fear or lack of self-confidence.

26ºC 48%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your intuition should be growing by leaps and bounds. Today you may get psychic messages from everywhere, both personal and universal. This can be a bit overwhelming, Pisces, particularly if you aren’t used to it, but don’t fight it. It’s a symptom of your inner growth.

WEDNEsday 25/03/2015

More sun than clouds

25 6:36 am 6:42 pm

25ºC 54%

6:36 am 6:42 pm

THURSday

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.

Yesterday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 A number of new and exciting relationships could appear in your life now, some of them showing promise of becoming close. This can make you a little sad, Aries, but it’s a process that you can’t stop. As you change inside, so your relationships change.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Rewards from hard work and dedication could finally be in the offing, Taurus. You experience the warm feeling that comes from deep satisfaction and knowing that you deserve everything wonderful that’s happening. You will want to bask in your happiness with your loved ones.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Educational or spiritual growth on your part is likely to attract new friends who could become close companions. This comes from the expansion of your mind, Gemini. The new people should share your interests and turn into companions on your quest for enlightenment.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You might choose to redecorate or purchase new furniture or move to a better place. A household member might move out. Although it seems illogical, Cancer, the changes in your surroundings reflect the transformations taking place within you.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Your relationships could improve because you’re more open and honest without being too blunt. You seem to have a greater understanding of the needs and desires of those closest to you. Unfortunately, this process could also involve leaving some old friends behind.

MUSTREAD

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 You could even decide to change careers in order to devote yourself more fully to doing what you’ve discovered you love the most. Your physical, emotional, and spiritual health should be very good right now. Your quality of life is likely to be improving. Go with the flow.

The Golden Scales — by Parker Bilal

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 If you’re in a committed relationship, expect to feel a new sense of mutual purpose and make some new friends. If you aren’t involved, Libra, love could come into your life today. You may just think it’s about time, but changes in you are attracting interesting people.

Makana, a former police officer has fled Sudan for greener pastures in Cairo. To make ends meet, he turns into a private detective, a move that is not bringing in money. As he desperately looks out for cash, Makana takes up a job from a corrupt wealthy man, Saad Hanafi, the owner of a Cairo football team. The team’s star player, Adil Romario, has vanished. Makana is soon caught up in a mystery that takes him deep into the city where he encounter sRussian gangsters, Muslim extremists and an old enemy he never dreamed of ever finding in Cairo.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Positive emotions like love, enthusiasm, or optimism that have been repressed for years could surface today, bringing a new sense of joy and anticipation for the future, Scorpio. Don’t feel silly if you want to ride a merry-go-round or go to the circus. Have fun.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Group activities like rallies or festivals could take place in your neighborhood today. You may attend, Sagittarius, and you could learn some new concepts that give impetus to your spiritual growth. You may run into some old friends you haven’t seen for a while.

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

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.

YOURSAY

winning captions

Friday’s winning photo

1. Nice TV Stand-Caroline Mekonge, Nairobi 2. My brand new tv stand is voice controlled-Jack Memo, Nairobi 3. Someone’s gotta do the heavy lifting-Warren Mwangi, Nairobi

Street preaching should be regulated In as much as the constitution guarantees for the freedom of religion, liberty and expression, street preaching has often been a nuisance, especially in urban areas.

Preachers have exploited the freedom to cause untold suffering to the general public while asking for cash in return.

The inappropriate location of their

meetings not only restricts customers access to business enterprises, but also provide a conducive environment for pick-pocketing and other petty crimes to take place. There is a rapidly fading distinction between genuine ministers and fraudsters.

It is, therefore, high time the Government

stamped out the commercialisation of religion and exploitation of innocent Kenya by banning street preachers.

However, this move should not infringe on existing freedom of worship as stipulated in the constitution.

— Alfred Mosoti- Baraton University

12

PLAY

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Camden Yards birds 8. Hang in the air 13. Volunteer’s boast 14. More silly 16. Mental hospital, in slang 17. Get cozy 18. Church platforms 19. Charms 21. Cancels 22. Hebrew letters 23. What the suspicious may smell?

24. Endangered whale 25. Thinker Descartes 26. Came into being 27. Nemo’s submarine 30. Dime novelist Buntline 31. Company B awakener 33. Pegasus or Bucephalus 35. European eagle 36. Get the news out 40. Sources of Scottish streams 42. Green dip, for short 43. Residence (abbr.)

46. Mother-in-law in the comic strip “Herb and Jamaal” 47. Syrup brand 48. Go out 50. ____ Cat (Disney character voiced by Sterling Holloway) 52. Do business without cash 53. Drapery ornament 54. Longing 56. Critic Gene 57. Stands for knickknacks 58. Make ___ of: botch 59. Used a car-parking service

Down 1. Eye 2. Talk nonsense 3. Eating voraciously 4. Stinky emanations 5. Reed and Costello 6. Frozen wasser 7. Gwen of “No Doubt” 8. Clues 9. “He’s the ____ was telling you about!”

10. Seven Sisters school 11. Make king 12. Let loose 13. Put ____ appearance 15. Took five 20. Daredevil Knievel 22. Vietnamese New Year 25. Sorrowful sort 26. Italian wine center 28. PC keys 29. Mil. initials 31. Kerfuffle 32. Patriotic pointer 34. Type of cable 35. Votes into office 37. Seaweed product 38. 1961 Soviet defector Rudolf 39. Common word on Brazilian maps 41. Give a hard time to 44. “The Daily Show” specialty 45. ___ the score (got revenge) 47. Skirts for men 48. Jacket size 49. Units of work 51. “We have met the enemy and ___ us...”

52. Jezebel’s deity 55. Airport info

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

DAILY WISDOM “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

— Barack Obama

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

— John F. Kennedy

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

— George Bernard Shaw

“Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.”

— Robert Kennedy

“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or — Confucius

wisdom.”

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

— Winston Churchill

“Ignorance is always afraid of change.”

— Jawaharlal Nehru — Heraclitus

“There is nothing permanent except change.”

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”

— Nathaniel Branden

“If you want to make enemies, try to change something.”

— Woodrow Wilson

SPORT 13 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

BLEND: Kenya Commercial Bank Women Volleyball team coach Vernon Kainga has named a blend of experience and young players in his squad that will be captained by Gladys Wairimu for the 2015 edition of Africa Women Club Championships to be held in Cairo, Egypt.

KCB name squad for Cairo championships Kenya Commercial Bank Women’s Volleyball team coach Vernon Kainga has named the final squad that travels to Egypt this evening for the 2015 edition of Africa Women Club Championships.

The competition will start on Thursday in Cairo. Kenya will be represented by champions Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Prisons and KCB. The coach has blended

experience and youth in a squad to be captained by Gladys Wairimu.

“We don’t have injuries and I’m confident we will surprise opponents.

Players have promised to bring the trophy home and I have strong faith in their abilities,” Kainga said.

KCB finished in third place during the national league playoffs in Mombasa late last year. Kenya Pipeline are current

champions after toppling Kenya Prisons in the finals.

Setters: Gladys Wairimu (captain), Tabitha Makunda Liberos: Eunice Maiyo, Lynette Mukambi Left attacker: Naomi Too, Ednah Rotich, Bilhah Chepchirchir Right Attacker: Joan Jepkazi, Esther Simiyu Centre: Jackline Baraza, Pauline Baraza, Valentine Jepkoech

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

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

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

14

SPORT TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 RECORD SMASHER: Mo Farah broke the European record on his way to an impressive victory at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday. The Olympic gold medallist runs clear of field on final bend to win in 59:32.

Farah breaks European half marathon record in Lisbon win Mo Farah broke the European record on his way to an impressive victory at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday.

The double Olympic champion sprinted clear of Kenyan rival Micah Kogo to cross the line in 59 minutes 32 seconds, taking 20 seconds off the mark set by Spain’s Fabian Roncero 14 years ago.

It was the first time a British athlete

had run the 13.1 mile distance in under 60 minutes.

Farah, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on Monday, has now set a world record and a European record in his two races so far this year.

His only race of the indoor campaign, in Birmingham last month, resulted in a new world best time over two miles and this latest success on the road suggests he is in the best

possible shape ahead of a season in which he will aim to retain his 5,000 and 10,000 metres titles at the World Championships in Beijing in August.

“It feels amazing, I got massive support from the crowd,” said Farah.

“It wasn’t easy, the race organisers put in a great field. To win here was hard, but it’s my birthday tomorrow so it’s a good birthday present. I feel so happy to break the British record

and European record.”

Farah finished a second ahead of Kogo after the pair had broken clear from another Kenyan, Stephen Kibet, who had to settle for third in 59:58.

Farah was content to let the Kenyan pair set the pace before reeling them in with a couple of miles to go. Kibet fell back, but Kogo proved tougher to crack before Farah’s superior finishing speed took him clear in the

closing metres. The Briton tumbled to the ground after crossing the line, but reported no lasting damage.

Farah’s previous half marathon best was 60:00 at the Bupa Great North Run last September, but that was set on an overall downhill course rather than a looped route. The Lisbon course is flat and fast and was the setting for Eritrea’s Zersenay Tadese’s world record of 58:23 in 2010.

Fernando Alonso closer to Formula 1 return in Malaysia after concussion tests

R-L: Heineken East Africa General Manager - Uche Unigwe, Director of Tamasha Lounge - Mr. Gitonga Githua and Heineken Country Manager Kenya - Ms. Nina Ndabaneze during a UCL match night in the ongoing Heineken UEFA Champions League consumer campaign Champion The Match. The campaign will be running at selected bars until the final match viewing of the tournament on June 6th.

Thrilling football nights ahead as Heineken launches ‘Champion the Match’ campaign As Europe’s best football teams fight it out for on-pitch glory, Heineken has kicked off its new UEFA Champions League campaign – “Champion the Match” - offering fans the chance to create a great match night for them and their friends, and ensure they don’t just watch the match but instead champion it!

The premium brewer’s new campaign launch also incorporates a digital platform,

#ChampionTheMatch that supports fan behaviour of using social media platforms to talk about the game, which stretches through pre-game build up, the action itself and into the postmatch debate – with highly engaging and shareable content created throughout.

In addition to the digital campaign, consumer activities for the round of 16 knockout phase will run in outlets in

and around the city with the headline promotion giving Kenyan fans the chance to win exclusive Heineken merchandise – including to the Final show down on 6th June 2015.

The campaign aims to drive broader appeal of match nights, by not only having live match views but also adding a firstclass experience for Heineken consumers. In a statement released to news rooms, The

General Manager of Heineken East Africa Uche Unigwe noted that, ‘‘With surprising Heineken twists, fans will have the tools to create a truly memorable match night experience every match week until the Final itself.’’ He further stated, ‘‘Fan match days are important and at Heineken we want to encourage fans to create the ultimate match nights from home and at the sports bars.’

Fernando Alonso will fly to Malaysia for the grand prix on 29 March after having tests to establish whether he has recovered from concussion.

The McLaren driver missed the season’s first race in Australia on 15 March after a crash in preseason testing.

His adviser Luis Garcia Abad refused to confirm reports in Spain that Alonso had got the all-clear after the tests.

“It is private so I cannot confirm or deny it, but I have no doubts he will go to Malaysia as planned,” he said.

The Marca and as newspapers said Alonso had been given short and long-term memory and reflex tests in Cambridge.

Alonso had been keen to do the tests before flying to Malaysia this week, to do everything he

could to ensure there would be no problems with his plans to return to the cockpit.

The tests were conducted by an independent board of three eminent physicians at Cambridge University, set up by Formula 1’s governing body the FIA as an extra medical panel when required.

Spaniard Alonso, a double world champion, will have further tests on his arrival at the Sepang track this week, among them a full assessment of his recovery from concussion and cognitive function, called an Impact test.

Following his apparent all-clear from the doctors at Cambridge, there is now no reason to believe Alonso will not also pass the tests in Malaysia and race next weekend as scheduled.

RECOVERED AND RESTORED: Fernando Alonso aims to make his Formula One racing comeback in Malaysia on 29 March.

SPORT 15 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Midfielder regrets axe from Gor, AC Leopards return clash Gor Mahia midfielder Khalid Aucho is not at peace after his suspension in CAF Champions League tie against Congolese side AC Leopards.

The former Tusker player got his second booking during their first leg tie and will miss the return leg scheduled for this weekend.

“I’m feeling very bad.. missing the crucial match is a blow for me. We are trailing by a solitary goal and being away, it will not be an easy task but how I wish all was well with me,” said Aucho. The striker scored his first goal for Gor as they beat Chemelil

3-1 in a league match on Sunday.

But the Ugandan international is adamant that his side can storm the next round.

“Leopards are not a difficult team to beat.

We just need to be more organised and go for that early goal which will destabilize them.”

“I wish my teammates all the best in the tie, we are riding in good form after the unfortunate defeat. I believe we will get good result away,” he said.

K’ogalo needs a two goal difference to qualify for the next round of the lucrative competition.

out of reckoning: Gor Mahia midfielder Khalid Aucho (left) during the first leg clash against FC Leopards. The player will miss the return clash after picking second yellow card.

Chelsea striker set for hamstring scan Chelsea’s Diego Costa will have scan on Monday to assess a hamstring injury suffered in the 3-2 win at Hull.

The striker, 26, scored his 20th goal of the season but was replaced by Loic Remy with 15 minutes to the clock.

The injury casts doubt on whether Costa plays for Spain in the international break.

Premier League leaders Chelsea, who are six points clear of Manchester City with a game in hand, do not play until April 4 against Stoke.

Spain host Ukraine in a Euro 2016 qualifier on March 27 before travelling to Holland for a friendly four days later.

Costa missed four matches earlier in the season with a hamstring injury combined with a viral infection.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Costa’s injury will not affect their title challenge.

He said: “If he cannot play in the next game against Stoke in 15 days, we have Remy, we have Didier Drogba.

“We know his hamstring is not a strong one. He works hard in the week to compensate for the weakness he has there but the injury can come.

“He tried to play the Champions League final for Atletico Madrid (last season) and was injured again and again and again. He has this fragility.”

Chelsea’s victory over Hull came after Costa and Eden Hazard had established an early 2-0 lead, but the hosts equalised through Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel Hernandez following an error by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

It threatened to extend Chelsea’s uncertain recent form - they had won only two of their previous six games in all competitions.

Gerrard apology to fans, colleagues over red card Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has apologised after being sent off after just 38 seconds in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United.

The 34-year-old came on as a half-time substitute but was dismissed for stamping on Ander Herrera moments after being tackled by the Spaniard.

Gerrard, who joins LA Galaxy at the end of the season, will miss three games.

“I need to accept it; the decision was right,” Gerrard said. “I’ve let down my team-mates and the fans.”

“I take full responsibility. I don’t know what caused it. Probably just a reaction to the initial tackle.

“I shouldn’t say more about it really. I’ve just come out here to apologise to the dressing room and supporters.” After appearing for the second half, the captain put in a robust challenge on goalscorer Juan Mata.

EPL season poorest Moyes has witnessed ‘in a long time’

CRAMPED: Costa limps off against Hull with a suspected hamstring injury. Costa was due for a scan on Monday to assess the extent of the hamstring injury.

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has described this season’s Premier League as the poorest he has seen “in a long time”.

No English clubs have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, compared with three from Spain.

“Maybe we have talked up the Premier League more than we should,” the 51-year-old Scot said.

Moyes, now at Real Sociedad, also questioned the English habit of spending big on players.

“Atletico (Madrid) have had financial difficulties over the years but they have still reached finals.

Valencia, Villarreal, they have have got quite far in the Europa League.

xnews | tuesday, MaRCH 24, 2015 | www.x-news.Co.ke

MO FARAH BREAKS EUROPEAN RECORDS P14

YOU HAVE BEEN BAD SKRTEL: Referee Martin Atkinson separates Manchester United’s David de Gea and Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel after a clash between the players that came after the Liverpool defender stamped on David De Gea during a feisty English classic between the two teams on Sunday.

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel facing threematch ban if found guilty over stamp on David de Gea

Reds’ Skrtel stamped with FA charges

The fallout from Liverpool’s tempestuous game against Manchester United has continued in the shape of a Football Association charge and likely ban for Martin Skrtel for stamping on David de Gea. Skrtel will be suspended for Liverpool’s next three games unless he can persuade the FA’s disciplinary department that what happened in the final moments of United’s 2-1 win was not deliberate on his part and did not

constitute violent conduct.

Brendan Rodgers tried after the game to make a case that it was an accident but the television pictures make a strong case against Skrtel and he is likely to miss Liverpool’s next two league matches against Arsenal and Newcastle as well as their FA Cup sixth-round replay against Blackburn Rovers. Liverpool will already be without Steven Gerrard for those three games because of the stamp on Ander

Herrera that saw the former England captain sent off within a minute of coming on as a halftime substitute.

The referee, Martin Atkinson, informed the FA his view of the Skrtel incident was obstructed and that meant it went to a video panel for a disciplinary review.

The decision was that it was a red-card offence, in breach of FA Rule E3, with the members of the panel rejecting Rodgers’s explanation that it was not as bad

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as it looked on television.

Liverpool are deliberating about whether they should challenge the FA and stick to Rodgers’s explanation. “My reading of it wasn’t that [a stamp],” the manager had said. “The ball has been played through and when it is slowed down it looks like he has caught him with intent. I didn’t see it like that. He is trying to get the ball.

Skrtel has been given until 6pm on Tuesday to respond.