20150303 xnews

TUESday, MARCH 3, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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caffeine power coffee drinkers have cleaner arteries, says new research

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design kitty budding designers to get Sh100m from equity bank

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2015 bake awards matheka’s blog is once again on the bake awards choice list

NEWS

sammy Kitwara braves windy field to win Puerto Rico race

Nadal roars to 46th career clay court title in Argentina

Boys floor girls in 2014 KCSE results

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esults for 483, 620 candidates who sat last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination show how boys outsmarted their sisters in the paper.

A total of 149, 717 candidates scored the minimum university entry mean

grade of C+ and above, which is an equivalent of 30.8 pc of all the candidates. This is a three per cent jump compared with last year.

Out of the number, 88, 299 were boys, an equivalent 59 pc of those who qualify for admission to universities.

A total of 3, 073 candidates scored a

mean grade A (plain), an increase by 0.06 pc over the previous year. Up to 69 pc of the candidates were boys as girls made up the 31 pc balance.

But Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi, who released the results today in Nairobi, said 3, 812 candidates were involved in

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irregularities, meaning their results have been cancelled.

Of the figure, 2,410 were found to have colluded during the examinations, while another 197 were found with mobile phones they used to exchange messages in exam halls.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Art World

A well-organised portfolio could help an artist attract interest in his work. Learn how to create the best art portfolio.

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Fashion scoop The world’s RICHEST: Microsoft Corporation founder Bill Gates has been declared the world’s richest man for the 16th time in Forbes Magazine’s annual ranking of global billionaires. Story P2

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

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

All the bright colours came out on Saturday for the Ndovu Festival , proving that although it is hard to wear bold prints, it can be tastefullly done.

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NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Boys floor girls in 2014 KCSE results From Page 1

County and sub-county schools were found to be the most notorious in committing the irregularities. Five national schools were also involved in cheating, Prof Kaimenyi said.

Only Lamu and Taita Taveta counties did not record cases of cheating. Siaya, Nyamira, Marsabit, Nyandarua and Tana River recorded less than five cases each.

Prof Kaimenyi said cheating declined by 22 pc over the previous year.

Among the 1090 candidates with special needs, 180 scored C+ and above, with five scoring plain A as 14 registered results of

A (minus) mean grades.

“This is highly commendable. It underscores disability is not inability. We must give everyone a chance,” Kaimenyi said. While there were improvements in gender parity, boys still outshone girls, with the latter only performing better in languages, Christian Religious Education, Home Science and Art and Design. There was a general performance fall in 10 subjects, including Maths, Physics, Business Studies and Aviation Technology.

Kaimenyi attributed the decline to teacher

related factors and unfriendly school environment. Other issues included student/parent related factors, disconnect in teacher training methodologies and actual teaching challenges. The ratio of boys to girls in the exam was 54 to 46 pc.

Only eight counties of Taita Taveta, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga Muranga Kiambu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi had more girls candidates than boys.

Garissa and Mandera emerged as the worst in gender disparity with the ratio of boys to girls standing at 72 to 28 pc and 71 to 29 pc respectively.

Kaimenyi decried the high drop-out rate witnessed since last year’s cohort was admitted to Form One in 2011 but noted a general rise in the number of candidates sitting the paper.

Out of the 521, 601 admitted to Form One in 2011, only 483, 630 sat the examination in 2014, representing a 7.85 pc drop-out rate.

“This is a great concern when you consider the huge sums of resources invested in these children’s education,” Prof Kaimenyi said.

He reiterated the ministry’s decision to

abolish ranking of candidates and schools and warned that it will not be possible since performance indices normally used to achieve rankings had not been computed for last year’s exam.

“That decision was informed by the demerits which far outweigh the merits as evident in the reports of various committees and taskforces findings. We urge the media to respect this decision,” he said. Candidates are advised to check results by sending short text messages bearing index numbers to 22252 or log on to http://www.knec.ac.ke.

Seize assets of Anglo Leasing key suspects, lobby urges graft body

DIRECTIVE: DPP Keriako Tobiko recommended for the prosecution of 13 individuals and three companies implicated in the multi-billion shillings Anglo Leasing scandal.

A lobby group wants assets of those to be charged over the Anglo Leasing scandal to be seized to add fresh impetus to the war against graft.

And Transparency International Kenya lauded the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission efforts in investigating the scandal. The NGO says punishment and recovery of all proceeds from the scam will boost public confidence in the country’s legal system.

In a statement, TI Kenya Executive Director Samuel Kimeu urged the Mumo Matemu-led commission to expedite investigations into scandals whose perpetrators have plundered public resources.

“Punishment of those responsible for the scandal and recovery of proceeds from the scam is critical in establishing Kenya as serious in the fight against corruption and to boost the confidence of the public in our legal system,” he said.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has recommended

for the prosecution of 13 individuals and three companies implicated in the multi-billion shillings scandal.

Those to be charged include former Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, top businessmen and a senior official at the Treasury.

Tobiko said in a statement there was sufficient evidence to sustain the charges in court after perusing files re-submitted to his office by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) last week.

“I have today directed all the 13 individuals and three corporate entities recommended by EACC to be charged, be taken to court forthwith to face various criminal charges.”

One of the three files received by the DPP last Friday relates to ECOPS which dealt with the computerisation of the Kenya Police Service. The contract price was Euros 59,688,200.

In the second file which relates to supply of equipment and services to the Postal Corporation of Kenya,

Tobiko recommended charges against a former finance minister, former permanent secretary for transport and communication, former managing director of a parastatal and a former director at the Treasury.

The contract referred to as VISAT was awarded at a cost of US dollars 11,787,000.

The last file is on modernisation of police equipment and accessories and was valued at Euros 40,000,000.

The 13 individuals and companies will be charged with seven offences.

The offences are conspiracy to commit economic crimes, fraudulent acquisition of property and engaging in a project without planning.They further face charges of abuse of office, breach of trust and willful failure to comply with procurement laws and regulations.

They will also answer to charges of “disobedience of statutory duty contrary to section 130 of the Penal Code.” MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

Gates is world’s richest man-again!

Bill Gates has been named the world’s richest man for the 16th time by Forbes magazine’s annual rankings of global billionaires.

Gates, the founder of leading tech company, Microsoft, again beat Mexican businessman Carlos Slim to the top spot.

Gates’ net worth rose by more than $3 billion (Sh274 billion) since last year to stand at $79 billion (Sh7.2 trillion). Slim’s

voxpop....

net worth stands at $75.5 billion (Sh6.9 trillion) Net worth, sometimes referred to as net or wealth, is a unit of measurement used when talking about an individual’s economic position. Simply put, net worth is calculated by taking the monetary value of what a person owns minus the monetary value of what they owe.

Twenty-nine (29) African billionaires

made it to the list this year, the same number as in 2014.

But Kenyans were nowhere near the list.

South African mining tycoon, Desmond Sacco, and Moroccan real estate mogul, Anas Sefrioui, fell off the billionaire rankings this year.

Meanwhile, Tanzania is represented by billionaire Mohammed Dewji whose fortune is worth an estimated at $1.3

billion (Sh119 billion). Dewji, 39, is the youngest billionaire in Africa and owns METL Group manufactures, a textiles and consumer goods company.

Nigeria is represented by Femi Otedola, 50, who owns a controlling stake in Forte Oil, a publicly-listed energy distribution company in his country. He is worth $1 billion (Sh91 billion).

Folorunsho Alakija ($1.9 billion/ Sh174

billion) of Nigeria and Isabel dos Santos ($3.3 billion/ Sh302 billion) of Angola are the only two female billionaires on the continent. There are a record 1,826 billionaires in the world, Forbes said, an increase by 181 in the past 12 months.

Gates has topped the list for 16 of the last 21 years, Forbes said.

Do you consider miraa an important cash crop for Kenya?

Gordon Ochieng

Nellius Mwangi Not really. It has no national importance like other major cash crops as it is only grown in one region. It cannot be listed in the list of the top five cash crops. Consumption of the twig is also listed as drug abuse which is not good for those who take it or the country’s economy.

Rollince Oketch I don’t think so. I think the crop has done more harm than good.

For instance it has led to children dropping out of school. Some venture into the business for cash instead of attending classes. This is wrong.

Roline Wanjau Miraa plays a key role in contributing to national development.

It especially benefits those who plant it in the Meru region and those who sell it for income. They wholly depend on it economically.

Miraa is not an important cash crop for the country. I think it is a health hazard and discolours teeth. It contributes to idleness among the youth who waste a lot of time chewing it instead of engaging in constructive activities.

NEWS 3 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

CARTOONSPEAK

Coffee drinkers have cleaner arteries - study

Bullies tend to get stronger and tougher with time, research shows Bullies tend to get tougher and stronger as time goes by. In fact, aggressive boys tend to develop into physically stronger teens, says a recent study.

Psychologists have found that muscular strength and aggressive, antisocial traits are both controlled by changing hormone levels from childhood through adolescence They say it could also be that more aggressive boys engage in activities that help them increase their level of strength.

It is believed the change in strength happens in a person’s teenage years and stems from the evolutionary behaviour of males having to compete for mates.

US-based psychological scientist, Joshua Isen, who led the study, explains: “The physiques of children increasingly change during adolescence, leading to a difference in physical strength.”

“Our study is unique because examine whether typical male behaviour is related to pubertal change in physical strength.”

The new research was published in ‘Psychological Science’, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

The researchers believe it is possible that muscular strength and aggressive behaviour are both determined by changing hormone levels from childhood through to adolescence.

Uhuru to set ablaze 15 tonnes of tusks in war against poaching President Uhuru Kenyatta was today afternoon scheduled to set on fire 15 tonnes of elephant tusks in what will be a government move to fight poaching in Kenya.

The event, hosted by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) at the Nairobi National Park, was set to coincide with the World Wildlife Day. In July 1989, former President Daniel Arap Moi ignited 12 tonnes of ivory in Nairobi.

In July 2011, immediate former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki also set on fire a mound of more than five tonnes of elephant ivory numbering 335 tusks and 41,000 trinkets which had been confiscated in Singapore.

The 2011 burning, though hosted by Kenya, was carried out by the Lusaka Agreement Task Force, a group of seven African countries that work to protect flora and fauna.

The ivory was confiscated by officials in Singapore in 2002 and then sent to Kenya where DNA analysis determined that

the tusks originated in Zambia and Malawi.

“We cannot quantify in monetary terms the value of the consignment, because Kenya does not trade in ivory,” KWS Corporate Communications Manager Paul Udoto said at the site where preparations for the torching of the ivory were taking place.

The inferno will burn for five days under 24-hour guard, which will see the tusks reduced to charcoal according to Udoto. Africa has about 500,000 elephants, down from 1.3 million in the 1970s. Kenya has 37,000 elephants, up from the 16,000 it had at the height of the crisis in 1989 but far below the country’s peak.

The World Wildlife Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on December 20, 2013 to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.

The 2015 theme is “Wildlife Crime is serious; let’s get serious about wildlife crime”.

More on this story at

www.capitalfm.co.ke

TUSK TASK Former president Mwai Kibaki sets ablaze an illegal ivory stockpile on July 20, 2011 at the Tsavo National Park.

Drinking a few cups of coffee a day may help people avoid clogged arteries - a known risk factor for heart disease - Korean researchers believe. They studied more than 25,000 male and female employees who underwent routine health checks at their workplace. Employees who drank a moderate amount of coffee - three to five cups a day - were less likely to have early signs of heart disease on their medical scans. The findings reopen the debate about whether coffee is good for the heart. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the effect of coffee on heart health.

Some studies have linked consumption to heart risk factors, such as raised cholesterol or blood pressure, while others suggest the beverage may offer some heart protection. But there is no conclusive evidence either way, and the latest research from South Korea, which is published in the journal Heart, only adds to the discussion.

Gang shoots 5 in South B home attack Police are investigating an incident in which five members of a family have this morning been shot and seriously wounded in a robbery in their house in South B estate, Nairobi. The victims who are of Asian origin were in their house when a gang of four armed with pistols struck.

Police say the gang grabbed jewellery and cash from the victims before escaping. It is not clear what motivated the shooting. Police say the victims are admitted at the Mater Hospital with multiple injuries in their stomachs and legs. And in another related incident, a guard was shot and seriously wounded in a robbery in Karen. The guard is said to have responded to a robbery incident at a home when he was shot in the stomach and hands.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Kanu plan for Gideon to run for president: Baringo Senator Gideon Moi will challenge President Uhuru Kenyatta for the Presidency at the next election. Moi is the latest to join the long list of politicians who want to stand for President. They include Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula. Uhuru has already started preparing to defend his seat by launching a new vehicle, the Jubilee Alliance Party, which he hopes to use alongside Deputy William Ruto in 2017. The decision to have Moi go for the top seat was arrived at by the delegates...

Mwiraria quizzed as 13 face Anglo Leasing charges: Former Finance minister David Mwiraria is among former high ranking government officials questioned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday in connection with the Anglo Leasing scandal. Officials at EACC said they expect to charge Mr Mwiraria on Wednesday in connection with security contracts entered into by the government 10 years ago. Also likely to be questioned, according to the officials, was Mr Dave Mwangi, a former Internal Security permanent secretary...

Big names on Anglo Leasing charges list: Kisii Senator Chris Obure and Kuresoi South MP Zakayo Cheruiyot are among 13 individuals and three campanies expected to face criminal charges any time over the multi-billion shillings Anglo Leasing scandal. Also targeted for prosecution are Kenya Wildlife Service Chairman David Mwiraria and former permanent secretaries.

Mr Obure and Mr Mwiraria face prosecution for their roles as former Finance ministers while Cheruiyot served as Internal Security PS...

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NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Issuance of new generation number plates set for June The use of new vehicle number plates fitted with enhanced security features will begin in June this year, Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau announced yesterday.

The new-look number plates engraved with microchips containing the security features of the vehicles will include personal details of the car and its owners and is expected to reduce cases of hijackings and car theft.

Engines form part of the security details to be contained in the microchip and motorists who would want to change their car engines will have to make the same alterations with the registrar of vehicles who will in turn adjust the security features of the number plates to reflect the same.

This, the minister said, will help in tracking the vehicles. “It will be difficult for somebody to just interchange the number plates because police officers will be able to easily detect it,” he added.He also warned rogue vehicle owners against using their vehicles as collateral when borrowing loans only to change regis-

tration and dodge repayment.

“It has been happening in the past but those are some of the things the security features will bring to an end,” he said.

He was speaking at the National Transport and Safety Authority headquarters where he launched 20 speed cameras donated to agency by the World Bank bringing to a total of 110 speed cameras in the country.

NTSA, he said, has already impounded over 50 number plates including some from senior government officials that were fake. “It does not matter who you are…we shall not allow people to use illegal number plates so that they can do their own things,” he warned.

“The use of un-prescribed number plates compromises the national security since the ownership of such motor vehicles is not in NTSA’s data base; and therefore cannot be authenticated. This also applies to government vehicles,” he stated.

As a result, police will be having a gadget that will be able to detect all the information required about a specific vehicle.

NEW GENERATION STUFF: Transport Cabinet secretary Michael Kamau with samples of the new number plates that were made at Kamiti Maximum prisons when he toured the institution on February 24, 2014.

Safaricom opens ultramodern data centre in Kapsoya, Eldoret

CHEERLESS: Former UK Prime Minister John Major upon his arrival in Moscow early today to mourn slain opposition leader Nemtov who was killed last Friday.

He descibed his trip as the saddest ever to Moscow.

RUSSiA bARS foREigN MoURNERS fRoM SlAiN oppoSSiTioN lEADER fUNERAl Several EU politicians and Russia’s opposition leader have been barred from attending the funeral of murdered Russian politician Boris Nemtsov.

A Polish politician was denied a visa under existing Russian sanctions while a Latvian MEP was turned back after arriving at a Moscow airport.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was denied permission to leave jail, where he is serving a 15-day sentence.

Mourners are filing past Nemtsov’s coffin at Moscow’s Sakharov centre.

His funeral was to be held in the

afternoon at a Moscow cemetery, Troyekurovskoye, where murdered journalist Anna Politkovskayta was buried in 2006.

Nemtsov, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, was killed on a bridge near the Kremlin wall on Friday night.

No arrests have been made and no clear motive has been established for the crime.

Former UK Prime Minister John Major, who was in Moscow to pay his respects, called for a full, transparent investigation into Nemtsov’s murder, saying his voice would not be

silenced. It was, he added, his “saddest ever visit to Moscow”.

Latvian MEP Sandra Kalniete told the BBC she had been refused entry into Russia at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow without a proper explanation.

Ms Kalniete said she had been made to wait two hours at the airport before being denied entry.

“I was not coming to Russia to make political declarations and standing on the corner to offend the people,” she said.

“I was going to Russia to pay tribute to Boris Nemtsov, who

I consider one of the brightest and most admirable political personalities in Russia.

“What I endured during these last hours is nothing in comparison [to] what they endure day from day, fighting for Russia’s future and for Russia’s freedom.”

Bogdan Borusewicz, the Polish senate speaker who was to have led a delegation from his country, was denied a visa.

Russia said he was on a list of Polish officials barred from travelling to Russia, drawn up after the EU imposed sanctions on Russia over its involvement in Ukraine.

Safaricom has opened a state-ofthe-art data Centre in Eldoret, a move that is aimed at enhancing network quality in the North Rift region.

The hub, known as MGW site, has been set up at Kapsoya in the outskirts of Eldoret Town at a cost of Sh20 million. It will improve efficiency of data organisation, installation and maintenance of network equipment in the North Rift region.

“This is an important milestone for Safaricom’s network expansion plan, especially in this region. The construction of this facility has been driven by the demand from our customers for data services.

This site is well equipped and has been designed in a way that will enable any future expansions that we may need to do,” Safaricom’s

Director of Technology Thiboud Rerolle said, while commissioning the facility. He added: “The centre will help improve data speeds and address network failure challenges and this is part of the plan to make Safaricom the go-to network for all Kenyans”.

The Kapsoya facility will provide space to house equipment for the increasing expanding Safaricom enterprise customer base in the region and will also improve the quality of service and help reduce network outages Safaricom has 11 key data hubs in Kenya with Kapsoya being the first to be fully equipped in the North Rift region.

Safaricom has the widest network coverage in the country, with over 3,200 base stations, nearly half of which are 3G-enabled.

MODERNISTIC: Safaricom Director Technology, Thibaud Rerolle (second left) tours the newly opened data centre in Kapsoya

xnews | Tuesday, MARCH 3, 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 91.3444 140.7061 102.1361 7.8166 31.5358 19.9490

BUY SELL 91.4833 91.4139 140.9311 140.8186 102.3050 102.2206 7.8352 7.8259 31.6932 31.6145 20.0888 20.0189

Budding designers to access Equity Bank’s Sh100m kitty From left Chairlady, Association of Fashion Designers Kenya and Vijana na Equity Campaign winner Sally Karago, Arnold Muriithi, Equity Group Foundation Chairman, Dr James Mwangi, fashion designer Katungulu Mwendwa and Bag Managing Director Linda Muriithi during the graduation ceremony of top 40 budding designers.

Up to 40 budding fashion designers will benefit from a Sh100 million Equity Bank kitty after they graduated from a financial literacy course organised by the institution.

The 40 were finalists in the bank’s Vijana Na Equity; Design Your Destiny fashion design draw. The group underwent a 30-hour comprehensive training

programme organised by the bank.

Addressing the graduation ceremony, bank CEO James Mwangi said the clothing and textile sector has enormous potential and value for Kenyans in generating jobs and support tourism. He said the bank will provide tailor made financial solutions for local designers among other players in the creative arts

scene. “We believe fashion designers equipped with financial literacy skills will be better placed to exercise prudence and harness available financial resources, including credit products,” said Mwangi.

Association of Fashion Designers of Kenya Chairperson Sally Karago said the designers will launch careers in the lucrative fashion field.

LastPass tool UN women fund floats Sh45m for gender equality projects makes many passwords unnecessary Given that nearly every large online platform insists on giving users accounts, remembering different passwords has become a hassle for a majority with social media pages.

From Facebook to Twitter, LinkedIn, Skype and Google Plus, social media platforms tend to have different requirements for passwords one can use.

This generates confusion for anyone using different accounts.

In light of the challenges, software developers have created LastPass, a tool that removes the need for numerous passwords.

“How many hours have you wasted, trying to remember your password for that hardly ever used site that contains the one message you need to access?” asks tech expert Tanya Prive.

The Forbes alum says by removing the need for numerous passwords, LastPass creates a stress-

free Internet experience, “while ensuring total password security.”

By accessing the tool on ‘lastpass. com’, users can create a free LastPass username and password.

They can later connect all commonly used websites, email accounts, or social media pages.

The linked accounts will later become available through the singular LastPass login information.

A statement from the tool’s makers says: “LastPass remembers your passwords so that you can focus on the more important things in life.”

CITY PLANS The Government’s move to improve railway lines, roads and power plants will boost economic growth to 6.9 per cent in 2015 and 7 pc in the future, Finance Minister Henry Rotich has said.

Major benefits of economic growth include higher incomes that empowers consumers to buy more

x-news.co.ke

CALLED TO ACTION: Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (L) delivers a speech as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon (C) listens during the closing ceremony of the forum “The Women in Power and Decision Making, Building a Different World”, in Santiago, Chile.

The UN Women Fund for Gender Equality has asked women-led Civil Service Organisations (CSOs) to apply for $200,000 (Sh18.3 million) and $500,000 (Sh45.7 million) grants.

Applicants can visit ‘unwomen.org’ and check the ‘Fund for Gender Equality’ section for details.

Deadline for applications is April 5, 2015 but online applications open on March 9, 2015.

Successful applicants will also benefit from technical assistance from the Fund.

The cash is meant for programmes which support women’s economic and political empowerment. The main focus is to promote structural changes that cater for power relations, social norms and legal and policy frameworks.

Applicants can be women-led organisations, including but not limited to, NonGovernmental Organisations, communitybased organizations, trade unions or labour associations, agricultural collectives or associations, advocacy networks, national or regional funds, Gamala Luitel, a spokesperson for the fund says.

The Fund’s thematic priorities include women’s economic empowerment and women’s political empowerment.

Addressing in a recent meeting, Luitel said priority will go to proposals demonstrating commitment to monitoring project implementation using innovation. Others include ICT for gender equality, sustainability and engagement of men and boys in their initiatives.

Ministry says roads, rail lines boon for consumers goods and services and enjoy better standards of living.

It also results in lower jobless numbers since companies sell larger amounts of goods and services that facilitates employment of more workers.

Addressing the 2015 Reuters Africa Investment

Summit, Rotich said the government will invest in global markets.

The Government is working on the improvement of transport networks and build power plants to boost growth after what Reuters describes as “decades of under-investment.”

In light of the ongoing developments, China is bankrolling a new Sh327 billion railway from Mombasa port to the Ugandan border to boost links with the region’s trade partners.

The new transport links will likely see a rise in imported goods, Rotich said.

Reuters reports that Kenya’s economy will also benefit from a recent drop in global oil prices.

The fall is expected to spur the manufacturing sector and promote consumer spending.

Despite the country’s potential for economic improvement, Rotich warned of security concerns.

A number of militant attacks over the past two years has “dented earnings from the country’s tourism sector, a key source of foreign exchange,” he said.

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BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Tea farmers to brave hard times as dry spell persists The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has warned tea farmers to expect slight changes in tea earnings if the current dry spell across tea growing areas continues.

According to an official statement sent to newsrooms, the Agency said the dry spell is accompanied by drastic reduction in crop volumes which will affect the prices in the new financial year

starting July 2015.

KTDA said tea production dropped by 9.21 percent from 117 million kilograms to 106 million kilograms compared to the previous year. The decline in volumes was attributed to low rainfall.

KTDA said the coming months will experience even lower tea production levels and low auction prices because of the dry spell.

Low auction prices in the first half of the financial year resulted from overproduction of made tea which depressed industry earnings.

As a result earnings across the industry declined by more than 30 per cent compared to the previous year.

“Tea prices at the Mombasa Tea Auction have not stabilized as they fluctuate between lows of

USD 2.0 to highs of USD 2.5. We are, however, witnessing a rise in prices averaging at USD 2.5 which is likely to rise further in the coming weeks if the current weather patterns persist,” read the statement.

KTDA however assured farmers that the main pillars of the tea industry were strong and that the tea business remains viable.

WILTING HOPE: Scorched tea bushes on a farm in Kericho County. Adverse weather is likely to affect tea production in some parts of the country.

EXPORT OPP

Kenyan flowers find export home in China Kenyan flower farmers are making waves in some of the farthest corners of the globe.

While the country is still the leading exporter of cut flowers to the European Union (EU), there is a large market that is yet to be exploited in China.

Experts say that China has become a new attractive market for Kenyan flowers. Kenya controls nearly 40 per cent of the EU flower market, reports the Kenya Flower Council.

“But as many investors continue to take interest in flower farming, exploiting new markets with huge potential for a sustainable supply is becoming an inevitable aspect in the industry,” say experts from the International Trade Centre.

Eliud Njenga, Managing Director of Pigeon Blooms, a farm that exports roses to China said “We are focusing

more on Asia and China in particular because the EU market has so many players and the rate of expansion in Kenya is higher than the growth of the EU market.”

Speaking to the local media, he added: “Penetrating into the Chinese market would neutralize monopolization of prices thus benefiting flower farmers in the country in the long-term.”

Creating an enabling environment for direct flights between the two countries largely boosts exportation of flowers from Kenya to China as Njenga argues.

About two years ago, Kenya Airways, the country’s flagship carrier, launched direct flights to China. This move could improve trade between the two countries while giving local farmers a chance to capitalize on the investment.

PRICE DRIVER Low fuel prices drive down demand for charcoal The recent drop in fuel prices has dealt a major blow to charcoal sellers in parts of Nairobi.

Since the price of cooking gas and kerosene has fallen, many consumers are relying less on charcoal, which is a major source of fuel for about 1 in every 5 homes in the country.

Gas traders are currently

selling a 13 kg cooking cylinder at roughly Sh2400, down from an average of Sh3,100 late last year.

On the other hand, a 6 kg cylinder is selling at roughly Sh1,100 while a 3 kg cylinder at Sh640.

The cost of charcoal from local dealers is likely to fall if the trend continues.

Coupled with the fall in kerosene prices, charcoal traders are facing stiffer competition.

A litre of kerosene has been selling at roughly Sh53, after going down by about Sh7 during the Energy Regulator Authority’s (ERC’s) previous review in mid-February.

BAD TIMES: A charcoal vendor opens a fresh sack of the commodity. The recent drop in fuel prices has brought down the demand for charcoal.

Royal Mint unveils new portrait of the Queen to be used in UK coins

EVEN SMARTER: LG has announced the launch of appliances with revolutionary HomeChat messaging service.

A new coinage portrait of the Queen has been unveiled by the Royal Mint The Royal Mint makes and distributes United Kingdom coins medals.

The portrait will show a side profile of the Queen monarch wearing a crown and drop earrings.

It is the fifth definitive coin portrait to have been created during her 63-year reign. Four official portraits of the Queen have already appeared on coins in 1953,

1968, 1985 and 1998.

It was designed by Royal Mint engraver, Jody Clark. He said that he hoped the design was a fitting representation of the 88-year-old monarch.

The coins will go into production from Monday but will only appear in circulation later this year.

“The news that my design had been chosen was quite overwhelming, and I still can’t quite believe that my royal

portrait will be featured on millions of coins,” said Clark. The design was selected in a competition organised by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee.

The chief executive of the Royal Mint, said the change of royal portrait made 2015 a vintage year for UK coins.

“Capturing a portrait on the surface of a coin demands the utmost skill, and is one of the most challenging disciplines of the coin designer’s art,” said Adam Lawrence.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

ACCESS topstory

fashion

scoop

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The theme this year is ‘Content is King’ and the awards aim to bring various content creators together, and to help the blogosphere grow.

BAKE Nominations, the road to the awards

2015 T

he BAKE Awards nomination list is out and yes, it is different.

This year there have been more entries than ever before and everyone is waiting to see who takes home an award at the ceremony set for May 2.

The theme this year is ‘Content is King’ and the awards aim to bring together various content creators, and to help the blogosphere grow.

This year’s edition is already proving to be quite the contes. So who got left behind and who maintained the honour of being called a nominee this year, let’s see, shall we?

Techmoran.com is still going strong, being nominated for a third time. The blog has won the award twice before and will be defending its title as the goto site for tech and innovation news in the continent. Techtrendske.wordpress. com has been nominated again after showing up on the nominations list last year. Droid254.com is a new entrant that has all the news and updates on mobile devices and tech but the site seems to be a newbie on the scene against Techmoran’s staying power.

mutua matheka

sylvia njoki

ben kiruthi

Emmanuelchenze.com and kvrop.com got left behind in the flurry of new blogs in this year’s Best Technology Blog nominations.

Photography seems to be a trending in Kenya. In the Best Photography Blog category two entrants preserved their nominations. These are the the incredibly-talented Ben Kiruthi and the visual master Mutua Matheka.

New entries include high fashion photographer Victor Peace of victorpeace.com, versatile, smart modern buoart.com and the classic simplicity of mwarv.click.co.ke.

Stevekitots.wordpress.com, allangichigi. com and gallerymichaelkhateli. blogspot.com are notably absent.

Writing has always been and will always be a competitive category. This is why this year’s BAKE nominations have carried forward two blogs to compete in the Best Creative Writing Blog category. Jackson Biko’s Bikozulu.com delivers a journey of intimate thoughts and a visual feast while Ian Arunga’s mydeardoris.com is humorous as it is intuitiv,e offering posts through a series of letters to

various people who may or may not be important to the writer.

Some fresh faces include crazynairobian.com and wordedveil. wordpress.com, whose writer is funny and vulnerable, and the devastatingly coolMagunda.com by Williams Magunga.

Mkatenusu.wordpress.com, donotfeedthebloggers.wordpress.com and michaelngigi.com were excluded from this round of nominations.

Information is considered an asset in the business world and so the Best Business Blog category must come with a fair amount of pressure.

Only bankele.co.ke has come out of the fray and maintained its nomination spot to defend the title that it currently holds. Newcomers include www.sunworlds.com, kenyabusinessideas.com, liliankaivilu. com and moneyacademy.co.ke, which not only informs but also educates.

Sokodirectory.com, kenyamanual.co.ke and simplytakeaction.com did not receive any nominations this year.

In the Best Food Blog group, pikacahkula.com, run by Chandni

Solanki taking over from Rajan Solanki, defends its crown against leotunapika.wordpress.com and healthyliving.wordpress.com, which have been nominated once again. A new entrant in this category is the thewineandfoodreview.com, which seems to be making waves of its own on the cyber space with restaurant and event reviews and food education.

One of the most anticipated awards will probably be the Best Fashion/ Beauty/Hair/Style Blog especially since most of group has gone through a complete overhaul. Two big names here will battle it out Sharon Mundia’s thisisess.com and Sylvia Njoki’s sylvianjoki.com.

Thisisess.com is the only contestant to be nominated again in group, where competing with Caroline Kibati’s mskibati.com, Anita Gaitho’s stylesketches.com and Joy Kendi’s ourstylekenya.com, all run by beautiful women.

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY, MARCH 26th 3NOVEMBER 2015 2014

ARTWORLD

A

professional portfolio is to any artist a strong CV that could land them that dream job. It is the tool used for communicating their best works to potential curators and buyers. It is a personal and essential tool for any artist with a potential to make or break one’s art career. As an artist, you must, therefore, not only take time to perfect your artwork but also your portfolio. Always remember curators or buyers judge you as an artist based on your portfolio so it is of importance to ensure you make a good first impression which speaks professionalism and seriousness. We give you tips to ensure your portfolio speaks volumes for you and attract the all-important reviewers.

Put your best artwork

A good portfolio should go ahead of you as an artist and be

I DON’T WANT LIFE TO IMITATE ART, I WANT LIFE TO BE ART.

able to speak volumes on its own without you necessarily speaking about it. Ensure you put your best works on the first pages so as to woo curators or buyers into flipping the pages to view more of your works.

Well organized

When coming up with your portfolio, ensure it is neatly designed and that the artwork is arranged thematically. Let the works flow rather than filing them haphazardly which will confuse the reviewer. Also ensure the packaging is well designed.

Have a back up

Always be prepared for the worst scenario by having your portfolio in soft copy. Save it on email or on a flash disk where you can access it incase anything happens to your hardcopy. You can also have extra slides or

pages ready to showcase them when requested to do so by the reviewers.

Have others critic your works

Be open to constructive criticism from others. Although you may be the best artist in your field, you might not necessarily be the best to judge your own artwork. Let others tell you what they think of your works before you put them onto your portfolio

portfolio.

Remember, less is more; you want to keep them interested and curious about what you have to offer.

If you really cannot come up with a good portfolio for your artworks, do not hesitate to consult the services of a professional to do it for you. It is better to spend a few shillings on getting a good portfolio than losing out on key buyers.

OUR R00TS

Limit the number

Do not put your entire collection on the portfolio. Choose the best 10 or maximum 15 artworks to be displayed on the

Henna parties for the Swahili bride

Let your portfolio do the

talking

Be open to constructive criticism from others. Although you may be the best artist in your field, you might not necessarily be the best to judge your own artwork.

The night of Henna -or Bridal henna- is undoubtedly one of the most widespread traditions among the Muslims. It is a women’s party that usually takes place the night before a wedding.

A Swahili wedding is filled with rituals designed to beautify the bride and heighten the senses.

The Henna ceremony usually takes place three days before the actual wedding and is attended by the bride’s closest friends and female relatives who gather to eat, dance and have the bride’s hands painted with intricate henna patterns. This ritual symbolizes the passing off of the bride from her parents care and leaving from paternal authority to her husband.

Henna is extracted from the homonym plant by crushing its fresh leaves and is mostly preferred for its dying properties which are natural.

However, nowadays some henna artists unfortunately use some form of “henna” called Piko which is not the natural henna but a mixture of hair dye and chemicals to make it darker and quick during properties. Real henna painting takes time, with Zanzibari patterns combining elements from Arabic, Indian and African styles. The henna powder is mixed with black tea and lime juice to retrieve a darker colour and must be applied at least twice to get good results.

artshock

Lip art

L

aura Jenkinson is a 25-year-old London based make-up artist. She uses her lips as a canvas. She creates cartoon characters around her mouth, teeth and lips. Painting around her features to make the characters look more lifelike. Using theatrical

makeup techniques, she manages to create the miniature paintings to precision.

Jenkinson finds it easier to draw on herself rather than on someone else. She finds a picture of a character she would like to draw, holds it up to the mirror and off she goes.

9

ACCESS TUESDAY, MARCH 32015

IdentIfyIng And AcceptIng thAt ‘SoMethIng went wrong’ IS the fIrSt Step to heALIng.

aboutLove Hot

I

nevitably, if you give your heart to someone, a heartbreak is a an expected possibility.

A heartbreak goes a long way in determining the success we have in future relationships.

Our past is by no means an indication of our future but what we do about our pasts does indicate what we might do about our future.

Friends and relatives offering immediate ‘get over it’ advice do not help the victim of a heartbreak—it’s unsupportive and unhealthy.

It is, however, important to note that making an effort in moving forward from past trauma or heartbreak not only helps your personal point of view but is a good first step.

Identifying and accepting that ‘something went wrong somewhere’ is tough but in accepting the problem you find peace in living with it and eventually getting over it.

Acting on the realization that you have made could come in a variety of forms. It might even involve cutting ties with those we consider close to us, which is usually one of the hardest things to do.

But remember that although you might be tied to this person in one way or another your connection should always be one that makes you a better person not one that brings you down or is detrimental to your self-esteem.

Determine the reactions you have towards certain situations. If your significant other is running late for something you had arranged, what is your first thought, do you think something bad has happened, is it no big deal or do you immediately jump to cheating?

Ascertaining your responses will help determine what is real from what is not; that is, is the cause of your reaction from the immediate action that occurred or is it because of something someone else did before? If there is no real

toPICs

dashy Krew dancer passes on

T

he entertainment industry is mourning yet again. This time it is the passing on of a dancer, Zawadi, affiliated to Dashy Krew. The dancer featured on the Sakata dance show on Citizen TV. Zawadi has been eulogised as a dancer who blew everyone away with her passion for dance. Judge Joan of Sakata said in a post, “My heart healed while watching you dance through your pain and I was the judge. In those times it felt like I was blessed to be nourished through this amazing performance when recording days can be draining.”

X Access sends out condolences to her family and the Dashy Krew members.

Getting over emotional

baggage

Kalekye Mumo’s new single

Aspire to grow more and be more and be more than the bounds of emotional baggage basis for your reaction then realize it and move on from there.

They say everybody has baggage but are you seeing what is actually there or are you seeing simply what you want to see?

If all subsequent attempts at seeing other people and building other bridges all present as an exercise in picking out the faults in others then it might be a time for a break.

A big mistake is doing the

ASK dr X

same mistake over and over again expecting different results. Going for the same type of person expecting a different outcome is unwise.

Most of the time we know when someone is bad for us right form the get go and trusting our instinct gets thrown out of the window along with proper sense for the sake of the thrill of the chase. And when we predictably get trapped, we sometimes act like victims, when we already saw it coming. Do not put yourself

in this position knowingly. It is adopting a defeatist attitude and will only lead to further disappointments.

Make decisions soberly with a focus on what you want and do not compromise.

Actively participate and make changes in your life by the guidelines that you have given yourself.

Most importantly be the person you want to be. Aspire to grow more and be more than the bounds of emotional baggage.

Bubbly radio presenter, actress and now singer Kalekye Mumo is set to release a new song today.

The song features Electrique DJs and is dubbed Ngito. Kalekye has previously released songs like My Baby and I’m Okay which have gone on to do well on the chats. Will it hit or miss?

How do I tell Her tHat sHe Is my sIster?

Dear Dr X,

Dear Suzanne,

I recently bumped into my long lost sister on Facebook.

We share the same father but I doubt if she has any idea of my existence. She is younger than me. I have been waiting for this day for so long but now that I found her, I am afraid of spoiling it. My fear is she may not react well if I tell her the truth. She could even hate me for getting our father’s love while she missed out on it. I really want to know her and share a lot with her but I do not know how to break it to her. Because I’m 25 years old, I feel like we have already lost too much time apart. Will I scare her off if I reveal my identity right away?

— Suzanne

Your excitement as well as fears are understandable. But because she does not know your identity yet, do not just ambush her with it. It is true no one can bet on how she will respond to the fact that you two are siblings. Since you do not know her story, give it time while you get to know her.

According to how you two interact, you will be able to find a way to approach her with the truth. Like you said, she has missed out a lot but that does not necessarily mean she will resent you for enjoying your father’s company. It is not your fault things are the way they are. And the fact that you want her to be part of your life shows you have a golden heart. Not many readily accept and welcome step siblings. She will see you for who you are and eventually understand. All the best.

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

Dr X.

10

ACCESS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

FASHIONScoop

GIRLS SHINING BRIGHT @ NDOVU AND SAMANTHA BRIDAL.

Helen

Crop top and Print skirt nailed it!

CHiki OnWuke

Looking glam!

anne nduku

The smile brightens up the outfit even more.

miRiam

The way the orange colour blends into the dress is perfection!

BRING OUT THE BRIGHT! B

Cate

Who knew an African print crop top would look so good?

filmlab T

he movie is nothing to write home about. The characters are great but the storyline is a bit flaky.

The movie is based in a musical. A couple struggles to in their love life. A struggling actress and her novel lover each struggle to find where they went wrong in their love life.

Our rating: H H

right colours and bold prints are the in thing at the moment in the fashion world. What with the hot weather.

However easy it may seem, it takes a lot to pull them off or risk looking like a clown. Over the weekend we attended

The 100

BEST...

Rating: PG 13 Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi Cast: Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco and Bob Morley

The last Five Years

Rating: PG 13 Genre: Comedy, Drama, musical Cast: Anna Kendrick, Sam Gilroy and Jeremy Jordan Time:

1hr 34min

his series is an entertaining watch. It will keep you glued to your screen. Mankind has been living in space for nine decades now. A nuclear war destroyed civilization. 100 delinquents are sent to earth to test if it is habitable and to possibly re-populate it.

Our rating: H H H

We are not sure what colour the oufit is but we love it!

Rating: R Genre: Drama Cast: William Levy, Sharon Leal and Boris Kodjoe Time:1hr 45 min

N

T

vanessa mdee

the Ndovu Zetu concert and Samantha Bridal fair and were impressed to note that the girls could mix and match the monochromes just fine.

Here are some of the looks that caught our fashion lens.

ot worth a watch.

The drama is bland and barely there.

Zoe Reynard is a successful business woman who owns her own art gallery. She jeopardizes her family and business when she starts an affair with a talented artist and slowly loses control of her life.

Our rating: H H

Addicted

PLAY 11 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 If everything went according to plan, you gained some insight into your ego. Buddhist wise men say that the path to spiritual fulfillment lies in knowing how to build a healthy ego while developing a part of oneself completely foreign to the ego. Are you working hard at this?

TUESday 3/03/2015

sunny

29

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A small crisis is still a crisis, isn’t it, Aquarius? You can expect one in your personal life today. Since you aren’t the kind of person who lets issues go unresolved, you won’t be able to put off dealing with your problems any longer. Are responsibilities shared equally with your partner?

31ºC 25%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your mirror provides the impetus for important resolutions today. Is it time to begin a diet, commit to exercising more, or strengthen your resolve to quit smoking? Anything you do to improve your appearance will make you feel a lot better about yourself.

WEDNEsday 4/03/2015

More sun than clouds

30 6:41 am 6:49 pm

27ºC 18%

6:41 am 6:48 pm

THURSday

29

Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number.

Friday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 You can’t figure out what it is you want. Rather than drag your loved ones along on the ride, get away from your usual environment. You will be a lot better off alone. And something more important may come out of these moments of solitude!

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Your tendency today will be to stay in the cocoon of your little dream world, deep in your own thoughts. Obsessive thoughts, in particular, will try and drown out some more pressing issues from the past that need resolution once and for all. Ring! It’s time to wake up!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Is it time to change your wardrobe or redecorate your home? If so, today’s the day. If you have a budget, you will find it just as fulfilling (and a lot cheaper) to rid your home of all the things that just aren’t “you” anymore. Surround yourself with things you love.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 There could be some trying times in store, Cancer. If you’re a parent, the children will ask for something every five minutes, and you may feel pressure from all sides. Not even your love life is immune from the doubt that seems to hover over your head.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Today rethink all the social values you take at face value. Established concepts of propriety are especially deserving of consideration. After hearing for years about all those things that “just aren’t done,” isn’t it refreshing to think that maybe they should be done after all?

MUSTREAD

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Sometimes you reject outfits you really like out of fear they’re too suggestive, old fashioned, or something else. Perhaps you should listen to your good judgment for a change instead of being so concerned about what other people might think.

Silent Valley — by Malla Nunn

She was the most beautiful girl in the valley. Amahle was the daughter of a Zulu chief and her bride price was therefore bound to hit the roof. Until she was found murdered. Her body is found covered in wildflowers in the Drakensberg Mountains.

The death devastates her family and the larger community.

She was such an innocent girl so who would want to harm her? Or so her family thinks.

Detective Emmanuel Cooper is assigned to solve the murder.

He enters the guarded world of a Zulu clan to find out what happened to Amahle. No one is willing to talk and even the local police officer has suddenly gone mum.

Cooper’s investigation seems to have hit a wall but can he find Amahle’s killer?

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Did you study the field you really wanted to? Do you feel bad about not having attended suchand-such school or program? If these issues are uppermost on your mind today, remember that your creativity has little to do with the degrees you hold.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 The planetary alignment is favorable, and you’re in the process of reaping the benefits, Scorpio. It was only a matter of becoming aware of and settling certain matters related to your need for social recognition. In fact, it’s your greatest strength.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 You may feel hemmed in by the role models society currently offers. As you struggle to reach your own definition of the truly innovative achiever, other people sometimes criticize your rather liberated attitude. Just because your ideas aren’t in sync with theirs in no way invalidates them.

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. Show off math genius. Every class had them-WA, Nairobi 2. Everyone in an exam is using a calculator & you dont know why 3. You need more than one just to confirm your answer-GB, Nairobi

Pohamba is a role model for all African leaders We must commend the Namibian president for winning the Mo Ibrahim award (Namibia president beats Kibaki to Sh450m award, Monday, March 2, 2014).

During his tenure, Hifikepunye Pohamba has shown that with proper leadership

African countries can grow to be just as stable as those in the developed world. means an easy job but with the establishment of proper systems, it can be a rewarding experiencing.

Kenyan leaders should emulate him and

strive to maintain integrity during their reign.

Leading a country is by no -Patience Masiolo, Nairobi

12

PLAY

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Exchanges 6. V-shaped slits 13. Ten percent levy 14. Most exalted 15. “Last ____ is a rotten egg!”

16. Strengthen 17. Suffix with myth 18. Add zest to 19. Munich’s st.

20. Baptized 22. Ready for plucking 23. Certain appliances 24. Made on a loom 25. Gawked 26. Tasks for Hercules 27. Sorted laundry load 28. Restaurant patrons 29. Cells 30. Cover, in a way 31. Dog-___ (well-worn) 32. Eat 33. Travel options (abbr.)

34. Not proven 38. Aviv lead-in 39. Soviet cooperatives 40. Rice-a-___ 41. Nasty jobs for landlords 43. Forbidding start?

44. Conscious 45. “____ for Amos McGee” (award-winning 2010 children’s book) 46. Bridge part 47. ____ Sketch (toy for budding artists)

Down 1. Emotionless 2. Cranking device 3. “Don’t shed ___” 4. Uneducated ones 5. Sun Yat-___ 6. Library no-nos 7. Land ___ 8. Tigger’s initial goodbye?

9. AFL affiliate 10. Cow or horse, dietarily speaking 11. Ex-inmates, of a sort 12. Former Justice John Paul 14. Showed partiality 16. Keanu or George 18. Puts away for later 21. Said 22. Pulitzer Prize winning poet 24. 1960s dance 25. Coast 26. Light-producing devices 27. “I don’t care” 28. Communist Friedrich 29. Superlatively sassy 30. Think up 32. Speak mechanically 34. An archangel 35. Like some columns 36. Methuselah’s father 37. Former coach of the Bears 39. Busily working 42. Cadillac model 43. 2000 Nobelist Kim ___ Jung

DAILY WISDOM “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

— Muhammad Ali “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour.”

— Aristotle “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

— T. S. Eliot “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

— Dale Carnegie “Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean.”

— Christopher Reeve Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.”

— Benjamin Disraeli

“The eagle has no fear of adversity. We need to be like the eagle and have a fearless spirit of a conqueror!”

— Joyce Meyer “Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that cou nts.”

— John Wooden “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”

— Vincent Van Gogh

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport TUESday, MARCH 3, 2015

Kitwara braves windy field to win Puerto Rico race Kenya’s Sammy Kitwara cemented himself as the most successful runner ever at the World’s Best 10k race with a fifth win on Sunday at San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In the women’s race, Belaynesh Oljira took Ethiopia’s first victory in four years at the IAAF Gold Label Road Race.

Facing one of the strongest winds in the history of the race, former

fifth crown: Kitwara escaped from the World’s Best 10k race rivals 100 metres from the finish line to secure his fifth crown.

world half-marathon bronze medallist Kitwara completed the distance in 28:51. This was the slowest winning time since the race turned international in 2000. World 10,000m bronze medallist Oljira launched a strong sprint to overcome her Kenyan rivals and take Ethiopia’s first World’s Best 10k victory since 2011.

Racing against strong winds, the lead group of 15 men moved at a slow pace, hitting the third kilometre in 9:07, a minute slower than the course record pace.

The race started in earnest after seven kilometres and a faster pace left four Kenyans, Kitwara, John Mwangangi, Stephen Sambu and Julius Kogo, in front along with Uganda’s three-time Commonwealth champion Moses Kipsiro.

In the final kilometre, Kitwara and Mwangangi ran side by side.

The former fled from rivals 100 metres from finish line to secure his fifth title after missing the 2014 edition. He had previously won in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Mwangangi (28:52) and Sambu (28:56) joined him on the podium. Kogo finished fourth, also with 28:56.

“The competition was tough and I had to push all the way until the finish line. John (Mwangangi) wouldn’t let me go and I gave my best to take this important victory.”

The women’s race featured another battle between Kenyans and Ethiopians. The lead group of 11 at the 3km mark as reduced to four with two kilometres remaining, leaving Cynthia Limo, Betsy Saina of Kenya and Ethiopia’s 2011 winner Sentayehu Ejigu and Oljira.

They later dropped Ejigu to leave the top three to decide order on the podium in the last mile.

Nadal roars to 46th career clay court title in Argentina Spain’s Rafael Nadal won his 46th career clay-court title after a 6-4 6-1 victory over home favourite Juan Monaco in the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.

The world number four moved to the same number of titles as Monaco’s compatriot Guillermo Vilas.

The start of the match was delayed by rain and there was

further hold-up at 1-1 in the opening set.

But once play got started, the 28-year-old swept to easy victory.

“I had the hope of winning here and I prepared very well for this so it’s objective achieved,” the nine-time French Open champion said.

It was his first final since winning at Roland Garros last June,

having been hampered by a wrist injury and appendicitis in the second half of 2014, and was his 65th career title.

Nadal got the first break in the seventh game when the Argentine netted a service return.

He went on to break serve three more times for a comfortable victory in one hour and 26 minutes.

14

SPORT TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Kenyan Tejas Hirani bags double wins in Formula Gulf 1000 STUFF FOR CHAMPIONS: Kenyan teenage super star Tejas Hiran was in awesome shape as he won rounds 9 and 10 of the Middle East Formula Gulf 1000 series staged at the Dubai Autodrome circuit.

Having already taken some impressive scalps in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Formula Gulf 1000, teenage superstar Tejas Hirani has now set his sights on the Middle East Championship trophy.

Tejas was in awesome shape as he won rounds 9 and 10 of the Middle East series staged at the Dubai Autodrome circuit.

Formula Gulf 1000 is a Competition Driving School that crucially equips young drivers with the knowledge

and experience required when they move up to FIA F4, Formula Renault or EuroFormula Open, something that many Formula Gulf 1000 graduates have previously done.

After victory, Tejas had this to say: “I am ecstatic winning in the spare car. It took a while to dial the car in, different to my race car but nonetheless I am thrilled to have won for my beloved country...Kenya Juu!” When the spare car was ready to rev, Tejas was allowed

one lap to shake down only.

“The win is good enough to retain my championship lead, I’m chuffed,” said Tejas.

Tejas has had quite a good start to the 2015 season having already won his 2WD Non Turbo class during the opening round of the National Autocross Championship in Athi River last month.

Having qualified on Pole Position for Round 9 of the UAE’s single seater championship by just 0.168 ahead of

Kuwaiti racer Ahmed Al Ghanim, 16 year old Tejas Hirani lined up for the first of two 50km races this weekend.

But as the red lights went out it was Al Ghanim who made the better start from P2 with Hirani tucking in behind with the huge task of getting past. Saudi’s Mashuur Bal Hejaila also made a good start as did Kuwaiti Yousef Al Bader so they also had a battle for 3rd.

Going into Turn 10 on the second lap Hirani picked up the tow, made

his move, Al Ghanim blocked, Hirani went down the inside and the cars came together with bits of bodywork flying in all directions!

But it was the boy from Nairobi that came out on top and took the checkered flag, with Al Ghanem finishing in second and Bal Hejaila picking up another 3rd place trophy.

Hirani’s fastest lap of 2:01.302 broke the GP Circuit lap record by more than 3 tenths of a second!

Bloggers reclaim title

India cricket board elects new chief Veteran official Jagmohan Dalmiya (pictured) has been elected chief of Indian cricket’s governing body, a decade after his first stint.

He replaces the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief N Srinivasan, who was forced to step down for owning an IPL team.

Mr Dalmiya is a former head of the International Cricket Council.

He was elected unopposed

at Monday’s annual general meeting with support from all BCCI groups.

Over the weekend, Mr Dalmiya held meetings with Mr Srinivasan and Sharad Pawar the two men who head the two rival factions of the BCCI. Last month, India’s Supreme Court barred Mr Srinivasan from standing as a candidate for BCCI chief while he owns Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings, citing a

conflict of interest.

The court, however, said Mr Srinivasan, who is the current International Cricket Council (ICC) chief, could cast his vote.

Mr Dalmiya, 74, has been acting as interim BCCI president since 2013 during the court’s investigation into Mr Srinivasan’s affairs.

The BCCI elections are fiercely fought in India, where cricket is the dominant sport among the 1.2-billion strong population.

Kenya Sports Bloggers reclaimed the Supersport Media Fun Day football title they lost last year after beating Capital Sports 1-0 in an airtight final this past Friday.

Bloggers who had to win their last match against the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), which they did, qualified for the semi-finals after finishing runners-up to would-be co-finalists Capital in Group B. The online scribes, ably captained by Amos Abuga, began their campaign with a barren draw against Capital in what proved to be a dress rehearsal for the final in the 5-aside football tournament. A 1-0 sweet revenge against the often dangerous Standard team soon followed courtesy of a second half penalty from Kevin Otieno.

Bloggers’ chances of advancing past the group stage suffered a dent after they fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nation Media in their third match. However, they pulled themselves out of the rubble with Steve ‘Steifmaster’ Ayoo’s first-half goal securing them a 1-0 win over KBC and a slot in the semis.

Media Max, who’d won all but

one of their Group A matches, were the Bloggers’ semi-final opponents while Capital played Radio Africa in the other semi.

Both matches were decided on penalties after two halves without a goal.

Bloggers edged out Mediamax in sudden death, Ayoo with the winning penalty kick past keeper Paul Mchesi while Capital also prevailed 2-0 against Radio Africa on penalties to set up an enticing finale between Group B topdogs.

The tight final was decided by a sublime second half goal from Kevin Otieno who slotted home with his weaker right foot after an exquisite pass from Jeff Kinyanjui as the Bloggers reclaimed the football title they

lost to Supersport team last year. For Capital, it was a case of lightening striking twice having lost to Supersport in last year’s edition.

Bloggers and Capital again faced off in the 4x100m relay which the latter won in a photofinish. In touch rugby, defending champions Royal Media were a class act once again as they successfully retained the title while Supersport were above the rest in body and size as they easily, easily, won the tug of war contest.

The next edition of the SS Media Fun Day will be in August before the start of the 2015-16 English Premier League according to Supersport Marketing Manager Japheth Akhulia.

SPORT 15 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

BUMP: Manchester United’s Robin van Persie fights his way past Sunderland defender Wes Brown in the first 45 minutes of their Old Trafford tie. The Back Cats face drop zone rivals Hull on Tuesday night.

Capital One cup glory whets Mourinho thirst for more titles Jose Mourinho (inset) is determined to chase more trophies after victory in the Capital One Cup on Sunday, the first of his second spell with Chelsea.

A John Terry strike and a Kyle Walker own goal secured a 2-0 win for the Blues against Tottenham at Wembley.

The trophy is the 21st of Mourinho’s managerial career.

“I am like a kid winning the first one,” the Portuguese said. “It’s hard for me to live without titles. I need to feed myself with them.”

Mourinho, who first managed Chelsea between 2004 and 2007 before returning in 2013, has won seven trophies with the London club.

His first title was the 2005 League Cup, with Chelsea going on to the win the Premier League title that season and they are in a strong position to replicate that feat this year.

The Blues are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City and have a game in hand over their title rivals who lost 2-1 at Liverpool on Sunday.

Sunderland in tricky ties against relegation rivals It’s all about winning, says manager Gus Poyet as Sunderland prepare to face relegation rivals Hull on Tuesday night.

Despite falling 2-0 at Manchester United on Saturday, Sunderland remain three points clear of the drop zone after fellow strugglers Burnley,

Villa and Hull suffered losses.

After just one Premier League win in 2015, Sunderland, who have failed to find the net in their last four games, face a brace of crucial games to create daylight with the bottom three, starting with tomorrow’s trip to bogey team Hull.

Sunderland boss Poyet is under no illusions on the magnitude of the two games, where the results are allimportant for the Black Cats.

“Tomorrow and in two weeks’ time against Villa it’s not about style, it’s not about passing,” said the Uruguayan.

“It’s about winning and it’s time.

“There’s a moment when you need to take your chances and win football games somehow and for us that time is right now.

“We’re going to play the best team to win the game.

Southampton boss says team lacks wining belief Manager Ronald Koeman admits Southampton must rebuild waning confidence as they seek to cling to a European dream.

The Saints have won just once in their last five Barclays Premier League games and have failed to score in their last three outings after Saturday’s 1-0 fall at West Brom.

Southampton host Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Koeman insists they have to improve.

“The whole team’s form is down on earlier this season. There’s a little less confidence than we had, but the best thing for confidence is to win and next Tuesday is important,” he said.

“I was always realistic. I never thought we’d qualify for the Champions League because a lot of big teams normally fight for that in the table.

“We have to fight for more points than Southampton did last season. We’ll play our way and see what happens.

We have to accept it and keep going. Every game is a difficult one and every team is fighting to win. The problem is going a goal down, it’s more difficult.’

Saido Berahino scored after just 70 seconds to win the game and Koeman was forced to make a tactical change, taking off defender Florin Gardos for winger Eljero Elia after just 25 minutes.

But the boss had no regrets over his line-up, despite the slow start which cost them the game.

“If I had to do the line-up again I’d do same. This season we’ve played two or three times out of this system and won every game,” he said.

The players know the system and we have the players to do it, but at 1-0 down we always had three defenders against one attacker and being 1-0 down made it a different game.’

Berahino scored his 17th goal of the season with a rasping halfvolley from the edge of the box, but limped off in the second half with a foot injury.

He, along with Brown Ideye, is a doubt for Tuesday’s derby at Aston Villa, but, after being injured at Sunderland last week, head coach Tony Pulis praised the match-winner.

CONFIDENCE EVAPORATES: West Brom’s Saido Berahino celebrates his winner in the 1-0 victory over Southampton. Manager Ronald Koeman says Southampton confidence is waning as they hope to cling to a European dream.

Scottish Rangers chairman quits David Somers has quit as Scottish Rangers chairman days before his future in the position was due to be voted on by shareholders.

The move was confirmed in a statement to the Stock Exchange on Monday.

It is unclear if chief executive Derek Llambias and finance director Barry Leach will also go before Friday.

The EGM was called by shareholder Dave King, who has tabled resolutions aimed at ousting the board and appointing himself, Paul Murray and John Gilligan in their place.

Somers, 66, had been chairman since October but has faced numerous calls to step down by fans who have been agitating for change.

He said in a statement: “I have worked in the City of London, the world’s greatest financial centre, for decades and enjoyed considerable success.

“When I was approached about the chairmanship of Rangers, friends warned me that the world of football has different rules and codes of behaviour.

“I now know that is a gross understatement.

“I am a non-confrontational man and have always tried to bring harmony to boardrooms and with stakeholders.

“At the risk of antagonising my army of critics, I would point out that Rangers managed to pay its bills and avoid going under during my tenure.

“I look forward to alternative solutions from whoever is running the club in the future.

“Despite the personal attacks on me from various sources, I genuinely wish the club the very best in the future and I am confident that with such a passionate and vociferous fan base they will be restored to their former glories.”

Director James Easdale last week resigned from the board, giving his reason as a lack of support from the club’s fans.

xnews | tuesday, MaRCH 3, 2015 | www.x-news.Co.ke

murray climbs above nadal to third in tennis rankings P14

dortmund on the rise

DYNAMIC DUO: Pierre-Emerick “Batman” Aubameyang and Marco “Robin” Reus of Borussia Dortmund celebrate after scoring a goal on Saturday.

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How Borussia Dortmund opened floodgates over Schalke and Juve’s Serie A 9-point lead

B

orussia Dortmund blew Schalke 04 out of the Westfalenstadion in the Revierderby on Saturday, a nerve-wrecking encounter that passed unnoticed to most football fans. Jurgen Klopp’s side have now won four league matches on the bounce, and their momentum will only be aided by a resounding derby win. Three-nil was the scoreline, but it should have been 10-0, such was the dominance of Dortmund.

It turned out that an inability to score was anything but super for Borussia Dortmund, who were being sent batty by their failures in front of goal. However, just when hope seemed lost, onto the scene swooped Pierre-Emerick “Batman” Aubameyang and Marco “Robin” Reus to unleash footballing justice on BVB’s pesky rivals Schalke.

Schalke coach Roberto di Matteo is

known for his defense-minded setup, which did win him the Champions League final in 2012 after all. A tough game that would require a lot of patience was to be expected against Di Matteo’s 3-4-2-1 -- and it was, just not as anyone would have imagined.

It took 77 nervous minutes of frenetic, clumsy fumbling to get it in, as well as bit of masked role play and submissive assistance. Borussia’s 3-0 triumph over local rivals Schalke was much more than a win; much more than a derby success. The supporters, team and staff experienced the perfect game said Jürgen Klopp, a performance so forceful, irresistible and convincing it felt like a rebirth. “Play, fun, thrill: that’s Borussia Dortmund,” the manager beamed, as if he’d just found his way home again after a seven-month ambulation through darkness.

no time to rest for gor as they prepare for next match

“I know totally nothing about our next opponents, but we are going to prepare adequately for the match” were the words of Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttal as the team jetted back to the country Monday afternoon.

The Kenyan champions were treated to a warm reception from club faithful’s who turned up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to welcome them.

K’Ogalo lost 3-2 to Madagascar’s CnaPS in Antananarivo on Sunday

Crossing over to Italy and last night, leaders Juventus took a major step towards retaining their Serie A title with a draw against 10-man Roma at Stadio Olimpico.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side keep their nine-point cushion over Roma in second and may feel it should be more, having faced 10 men for nearly half an hour. Vasilios Torosidis picked up a second yellow card and Carlos Tevez stylishly whipped in the resulting freekick. Seydou Keita headed level but Juve are closing in on a fourth straight title. Roma, last champions in 2001, simply struggled to ask questions of a Juve side without key midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba in the Italian capital. The kick-off delayed by 15 minutes in a show of solidarity towards cash-strapped Parma, who are on the brink of collapse. but progress to the next level of the CAF Champions League thanks to the away goal rule having won the first leg 1-0 in Nairobi a fortnight ago.

According to the draw made by CAF, Gor will be playing against AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville in the next round of the continental show case, with the first match slated for between March 13 and 15 in Nairobi and the second leg planned for between April 3 and 5 in Brazzaville.

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