201504010 xnews

FRIday, APRIL 10, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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STRATEGIC PLAN KCB woos Muslim clients with Shariah compliant products

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digital success Farmers, fast food joints find fortunes in new app

Security docket poorly handled, claims Kimemia

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P.10

find out how sosuun juggles family and her music career

NEWS

Kenya inches to position 117 in the latest Fifa rankings

uspended Cabinet Secretary Francis Kimemia is unhappy over the way the Government has handled security issues.

And Kimemia has offered to lend a hand in preventing more bloodshed from terrorists through a more efficient management of the internal security docket.

The former PS for internal security said the Garissa attack

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celebrity chat

would have been prevented had he been at the helm of the docket.

“Having been in charge of security, I think we need to do something more than we are doing to secure this country,” he said as he offered his condolences to victims of the Garissa University College attack.

A total of 148 people were killed in the attack, majority of them students.

“I would like to later on talk to my brothers in the Interior

Ronaldo scores 300th goal for madrid in Vallecano thrashing

‘mashemeji’ meet again in derby

Ministry and see how we can work together…we still have institutional memories of how the matter needs to be sorted out whether we are in or out,” Kimemia said.

“We have come from far…we managed the transition together and it was a peaceful one. We did not lose any life in this country. I don’t think we need to continue losing our young people.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Fashion scoop

Anita Gaitho is a fashion blogger.

She allowed us into her closet and we loved every second we spent sampling her fabulous collection

MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN: Gor Mahia’s Musa Mohammed (right) and AFC Leopards’ Noah Wafula vie for the ball during the most recent derby. The teams meet on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Tweet pictures of yourself in team colours with hashtag #X254 to feature in Monday’s X News.

The match will be broadcast on SuperSport 5A (HD), SuperSport East and GOtv Select 1/GO1.

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NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Security docket poorly handled, claims Kimemia From Page 1 He said security can only be achieved if Kenyans are directly involved in the plans the Government is implementing.

Kimemia was speaking at Integrity Centre in Nairobi after he was questioned over allegations that he was involved in a Sh1.1 billion tender award at Internal Security ministry when he served as PS. “This thing (the tendering process) was done in 2014. By then, I was not in the Ministry of Interior but in the Cabinet Office,” he said. “I don’t know anything about it.”

He denied the Ethics and Anti-

Corruption claims, saying he does not own a house belonging to Kenya Railways as alleged by the anti-graft body.

Kimemia is furious that unnamed individuals, who have accused him of corruption, are driven by malice over his long service in Government.

“Someone wrote to EACC and said I was in the Interior Ministry but they even don’t remember the dates…it’s all falsehood, it’s all lies,” he said.

“This is a country where there is a lot of creative propaganda, creative rumours and pure jealousy…. why is this person in government?”

“We should not worry about those

things. We are looking for fairness and objectivity from EACC.” He posed: “Is there a problem even if you serve 10 governments and you are delivering well to Kenyans?”

Kimemia termed the allegations facing him as baseless and urged EACC to expedite the investigations.

But he said he has forgiven his accusers over the corruption claims, saying “we will still be in this country. You will continue seeing us.”

Suspended Transport CS Michael Kamau and his Energy Ministry counterpart Davis Chirchir were also questioned by EACC. Chirchir’s accusations include plans

to defraud Kenyans of Sh1.4 billion by attempting to influence the award of a Kenya Pipeline tender along with Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko.

The charge is in addition to the ‘chicken gate’ investigation when he was a member of the defunct Interim Independent Electoral Commission.

IIEC officials have been accused of having received bribes from UK printing firm, Smith and Ouzman, whose two top executives have since been jailed over the crime.

The Southwark Crown Court jailed two officials of S&O printing firm found guilty of bribing IIEC officials.

Nicholas Smith and his father

Christopher will serve a three-year jail term for involvement in corruption scandal involving top managers of the former IIEC. Kamau is accused in the EACC report of illegally contracting a Chinese firm to undertake 80 per cent of clearing and forwarding of imported cargo at Mombasa port over a 14-year period.

Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Lucy Mbugua was also grilled by the EACC interrogators over corruption allegations involving construction projects at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Somalia’s Sh23m bounty on 11 Al Shabaab commanders The Somalia Government has placed a Sh23 million bounty on each of the 11 top al-Shabab leaders.

Top of the list is the militant group’s chief Ahmed Diriye with Sh23 million offered for information leading to his capture.

A list of their names, nicknames and origins was issued after a cabinet meeting in Mogadishu yesterday.

Mahad Warsame Qaley, who is the group’s commander for intelligence, has a Sh13m bounty hung on his neck.

Ali Mohamed Raage, who commands the communication wing and doubles up as the terrorist’s spokesman, has Sh9 million offered for information that may lead to his arrest.

Others who have a Sh9m bounty on their heads include Abdullahi Abdi Jumaale, Mohamed Mohamoud

Nor, Ali Mahamed Huseen, Hasan Mahaed Ali, Abdullahi Ismaan, Mahamed Abdi Musa, Mahamed Mahamuud and Yasin Ismman.

The announcement came a week after the militants stormed Garissa University College and killed 148 people, majority of them students.

The Kenya Government has identified Mohamed Kuno, who bears three aliases; Sheikh Mahamad, Dulyadin and Gamadhere, as the mastermind of the attack.

Kuno, who formerly taught at Garissa University, has been on the run since December last year, when he was identified as the militant group’s commander. He is alleged to have overseen the killing of 58 Kenyans in Mandera. “He commands the militia along the border and is responsible for cross-border incursions in the

country. In recent past, he has intensified attacks in northern Kenya and Coast region, especially Garissa, Mandera and Lamu,” the Government said in a statement released last week.

He is believed to have crossed into Somalia at the time of the Islamic Courts Union, which later metamorphosed into Al-Shabaab.

The Government statement said Kuno uses his family members to carry out terrorist acts in northern Kenya.

Another Kenyan who had a hand in the Garissa attack was a 24-yearold former University of Nairobi Law student, Mohamed Abdirahim Abdullahi. The suspect led the alShabaab killer squad that slaughtered 148 people at the college last week.

He was killed alongside three other attackers.

SH23m on his head: Ahmed Diriye is among top Al Shabaab commanders wanted by the Mogadishu government for planning terror strikes in Kenya.

Senators gang up to splash Sh7.7b pay hike to county staff The Senate has amended the Division of Revenue Bill, and allocated additional Sh7.7 billion to counties. The amendment followed a six-hour debate in a special sitting where the Senate Finance and Economic Affairs Committee proposed extra funding to votes they classified as ‘underfunded.’

If the National Assembly concurs with the Senate, counties will receive Sh291.4 billion in the next financial year.

“We are leading this House in disagreeing

with the National Assembly figures…. we would like the House to support our amendment which is that it should move to Sh259 billion,” said Kakamega’s Khalwale, who seconded the motion by committee chairman Billow Kerrow.

“Results are in: abstentions 1, no-0, ayes31 –ayes have it,” said Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura.

Among the amendments to the Bill is a Sh4 billion grant to counties to deal with emergencies and raise allocations to

Level Five hospitals for lease of medical equipment. An additional expenditure will go towards proposed higher salaries to county executives.

“It has been the intention of the Senate to provide for adequate funding to county governments so that we get improvement in service delivery, we get improvements in maintenance of institutions and so that there is adequate money for development,” said Kerrow.

While moving the Motion, Kerrow said

Senate had resolved to increase allocations because they had noted challenges some counties were experiencing. He claimed some counties have been forced to use funds set aside for development to pay salaries and carry out operations.

While Senators noted the importance of funding county governments, they also expressed concern over the misuse of the resources and demanded proper audit to ensure prudent use of the resources.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Will Uhuru let Karangi retire?: Chief of Defence Forces General Julius Karangi is likely to stop working this month as President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to shake up the military. Karangi is due to retire by April 28 when he will be 64 years old, or in July 2015 when his four-year term as CDF officially comes to an end. This week the National Defence Council was set to make its recomendations to the President on changes to the military but the process was reportedly interrupted by the Garissa attack on April 2 and the announcement that President Obama will visit Kenya...

Heartbreak of girl’s 7-hour wait for death: At 6.54am on Thursday last week, Mrs Christine Obondi received an SMS from her daughter, a second year student at Garissa University College. “The message said gunmen had attacked the institution and started shooting people,” Mrs Obondi, a teacher in Kisumu, told the Nation yesterday at her home in Otonglo as she recalled the seven-hour agony she endured before her 21-year-old daughter, Lydia Akoth, was shot dead by terrorists the day before Good Friday...

Pillars of Uhuru, Ruto pet projects face anti-graft team: Three Cabinet appointees of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto spent hours with anti-graft detectives yesterday to answer to allegations of corruption that have rocked the Government. Cabinet secretaries Davis Chirchir (Energy) and Michael Kamau (Transport), and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia were questioned by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives at Intergrity Centre after their naming on a graft list that the President submitted to Parliament...

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NEWS FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Maximum age for imported cars set to reduce from eight years to five The Government will soon reduce the year limit for cars imported into the country from eight to five. This is in a bid to cut down on the number of vehicles in the country.

The move is seen as a further measure to curb the high number of cars being imported as the government explores all ways to reduce traffic congestion in Nairobi. Data from the Kenya national Bureau of Statistics shows that 7,667 vehicles were imported into the country last year with a majority of them being used in Nairobi alone.

Energy PS Joseph Njoroge said that plans are underway to put strict measures to reduce the limit. He says the move is also aimed at reducing carbon emission in the country. Njoroge says the number of vehicles imported in the country annually exceeds the road construction

and expansion rate in the country by 12 per cent. A recent report indicated that the global vehicle fleet is set to grow to at least double its present size, and almost all growth will be in low and middle income countries.

This, the report says, will result in major increases in climate and air pollution emissions.

To stabilize, the report by the Global Fuel Economy Initiative indicated that emissions the global fleet’s fuel efficiency needs to double.

Njoroge has also pointed out use of modern technology such as use of Eco Friendly fuels as one way that would also reduce fuel consumption in the country by more than half the current consumption. “We need to come up with measures such as hybrid vehicles, I am sure this will help in controlling the situation,” he said. UNEP has brought

together the Energy Regulatory Commission, the National Transport and Safety Authority, Petroleum Institute of East Africa and other stakeholders in a move aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Eng. Njoroge also said that the reduction would lead to national savings as more money spent on fuel would be directed to other uses and reduced incidence of respiratory infections brought about by pollution from transport. ”This way we can also achieve a doubling of the fuel economy of the global fleet with technologies commercially available today,” he said.

The WHO estimates that air pollution prematurely kills 7 million people per year, more than any other pollutant, and global vehicle emissions are a major contributor.

NEW RULES: Imported cars on transit from the Mombasa Port.

The Government will reduce the year limit for cars imported into the country from the current eight to five.

Appeal for support as 2015 edition of Mater Heart Run is launched The 15th edition of Mater Heart Run was launched yesterday with a clarion call to the public to support the rising number of children living with heart conditions.

The run organised by The Mater Hospital targets to raise Sh70 million and operate up to 250 children aged between 5 and 15 and screen 25,000 others from unprivileged backgrounds, drawn from different parts of the country to undergo open heart surgery.

Mater Hospital CEO Dr. Agnes Chege said, “For the last 19 years, The Mater Cardiac Program has strived to ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds have ac-

cess to much needed cardiac surgery that would otherwise be financially out of reach for them”.

“Through various partnerships we have been able to screen over 81,000 children across the country, during our free cardiac screening camps which started in 2008, and operate on 2,808 others who had no recourse to cardiac Medicare,” she added.

This year’s run will be held on May 23 at four different venues across the country. They are Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi from 7am, Mombasa Sports Club in Mombasa from 9am, Booker Academy in Mumias from 8.30am and at the Ken-

yatta Stadium in Machakos from 8am A pay bill number has been set up for Individuals and corporate organizations wishing to support the run can make a donation in cash or M-Pesa through the pay bill number 526300, Account number-Heart Run. Safaricom’s manager in charge of sponsorships Angeline Sonia who donated Sh5 million to the cause called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and participate in saving lives.

Last year, the run raised Sh62 million up from Sh54 million raised in 2013. It was used to operate on 229 children while another 18,000 were screened.

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xnews | FRIday, APRIL 10, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

Main STORY

BUSINESS

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

MEAN BUY SELL 92.6167 92.7528 92.6847 137.6778 137.8961 137.7869 99.6500 99.8189 99.7344 7.8152 7.8329 7.8241 31.9667 32.1216 32.0442 19.8916 20.0288 19.9602

KCB woos Muslim clients with Shariah compliant products Kenya Commercial Bank Muslim and nonMuslim customers can now use Shariah compliant banking products after the official launch of an Islamic Banking Unit.

The KCB Sahl Banking seeks to tap into the growing demand for Islamic financial products across the East African region.

Sahl Banking bans giving and receiving of interest, equal sharing of profit and loss. It also ensures ethical investments in line with the Islamic faith.

Group Chairman Ngeny Biwott said the launch is part of a long-term vision to diversify products on offer and reach out to customers who felt left out by conventional banking system.

“This chapter is a milestone for our financial

inclusion and deepening agenda for the banking and financial services sector to be accessed by everyone in the region,” said Biwott.

Group CEO Joshua Oigara said the bank is ready to transform Kenya’s Islamic banking space.

Speaking for National Treasury CS Henry Rotich, Economic Secretary Geoffery Mwau said the Government will continually review banking laws and address Islamic banking issues.

KCB will roll out the new product in six branches which will serve as an operating model to help the bank enhance growth. The six include branches in Eastleigh, Kimanthi, Mombasa, Garissa, Wajir and Lamu.

MUSLIM FRIENDLY: From left KCB CEO Joshua Oigara, Geoffrey Mwau, National Treasury Economic Secretary, KCB Group Chairman Ngeny Biwott, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario during the launch of the KCB SAHL Banking in Nairobi.

Ex-Indian tech giant CEO fined Sh74m, jailed seven years for fraud A former Indian tech CEO will pay Sh74 million and spend 7 years in jail for fraud.

An Indian court has sentenced B Ramalinga Raju, the former head of Satyam Computers and nine others, to seven years in prison in one of India’s biggest ever corporate scandals.

Raju, who founded software services

giant, Satyam Computers, denied charges of conspiracy, cheating and forgery but admitted to accounting malpractices, BBC reports. Raju was also fined $800,000 (Sh74 million).

The scandals first emerged in 2009 when Raju quit after admitting Satyam had been overstating its profits for years.

He confessed to manipulating company accounts and inflating profits over many years amounting to more than Sh93 billion.

The collapse of Satyam Computers in 2009 cost shareholders billions of US dollars in losses and sent shockwaves across India’s IT industry. At the time,

Satyam was one of the biggest players in the booming Indian software market.

BBC says jobs of 50,000 Satyam workers were only saved after the government intervened. Another Indian firm, Tech Mahindra, bought a controlling stake in the company in April the same year.

BBC’s Simon Atkinson in Mumbai has

described the case as the biggest fraud for a listed company in India.

The convicted men are expected to appeal. Raju faced a maximum sentence of life in jail.

“All accused have been convicted of almost all charges,” prosecutor K Surender told reporters outside court.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015, 2015

Fanisi Capital invests Sh195m in food firm Fanisi Venture Capital has invested USD 2.1 million (Sh195 million) in the European Foods Africa Limited (EFAL) aimed at expanding the private equity firm’s investment across East Africa.

Fanisi said in a statement it had invested the cash in EFAL through debt and equity.

According to the Managing Partner at Fanisi Capital, Tony Wainaina the deal is an affirmation of the increasing number of well-run local smallto-medium enterprises who are tapping into the region’s growing population and the rising economic prospects to create investment value.

“We are supporting a strong entrepreneur who has developed a good understanding of the evolving local consumer preferences over several years, and has identified a niche product whose demand continues to grow,” he said.

EFAL intends to increase its product by offering and widening its regional customer base so as to fit the 240 million people expected to rise by 2019 across the East African Community.

Stephan Belzer Chief Executive Officer, European Foods Africa Limited said: “Fanisi support and resources will drive the business to differentiate its brand through quality frozen product offering a stable and reliable cold chain system.”

The private equity firm has invested in Ngare Narok Meat Industries Limited a meat processing and distribution/retail business in Kenya, and ProDev Group Holdings in Rwanda, a grain handling business (sourcing, drying, storing, and trading, purchasing, milling and animal feed production) in Rwanda.

CHEESY YUM: The Dr Oetker line of frozen pizzas marketed and distributed across Kenyan supermarkets by European Foods Africa Limited.

Farmers and fast food joints find fortunes in Soko Shambani mobile app Close to 2,000 potatoes farmers in Narok and 17 hotels in Nairobi are a happy lot even though they have never met thanks to a mobile platform that has helped them both to reap new fortunes.

This platform, dubbed ‘Soko Shambani’, ensures timely delivery of high quality potatoes to hoteliers in Nairobi, while paying the farmers more than double the farm-gate price.

The weather in Narok is favourable all year round, allowing individual farmers to harvest up to 45 sacks per acre.

Farmer James Radama started planting potatoes almost 15 years ago. Since the ‘Soko Shambani’ initiative became active, he has almost tripled his income.

“We used to sell a sack of potatoes for Sh1,500 but now we sell Sh4,700 directly to the buyer and don’t have to wait for days to receive payment,” said Soko Shambani helps small-scale potato farmers access intelligence on market prices, access micro-finance institutions, order quality seeds and other inputs, access training materials and, communicate directly with buyers from fast food restaurants.

The tool’s strength is in its utilization of the use of the mobile communication platform in the country.

There are 1,953 potato farmers from Narok

and 17 hotels in Nairobi using the mobilebased platform, linking the tradesmen who happen to be more than 150 kilometers apart.

To enable small-scale farmers to access highyield seeds and their required inputs, Soko Shambani, with support from the Financial Inclusion for Rural Microenterprises (FIRM) project, deploys the use of micro-finance institutions and banks to fund farmers.

The U.S. Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative, known as Feed the Future, is also helping to scale up innovations that help connect farmers to markets and to the information they need to grow more nutritious food.

Narok’s potato farmers now boast of improved livelihoods through innovative market-driven solutions.

BUSINESS NEWS New mobile phone service gives Kenyans up to 4 pc extra airtime A team consisting of innovative entrepreneurscum-software developers has unveiled a tool that gives mobile service subscribers up to 4 per cent worth of extra airtime.

The tool, which is compatible with Safaricom’s ‘Lipa na M-Pesa’ service, gives users an extra Sh40 for every Sh1,000 worth of airtime they buy.

Created by Louis Sajero and Wycliff Mutisa, the service lets users buy Safaricom airtime at a discounted rate.

Anyone can access the service by simply using the ‘LIPA NA M-PESA’ menu on their Safaricom SIM card, selecting the ‘BUY GOODS’ option and entering the till/ business number: 917172.

Using their latest innovation, customers can buy almost

any amount between Sh19 and Sh10,000. Those paying for Sh19 to Sh40 worth of airtime get a free bonus of Sh1. Any amount bought between Sh41 and 96 gives customers a free bonus of Sh2.

Those buying airtime worth between Sh300 and Sh324 get an extra Sh12 and those purchasing amounts above Sh499 get a free bonus of at least Sh20.

A list of the available rates and services can be accessed by sending the words “CREDO” or “DISCOUNT” to 0723 911 910.

Speaking to X News during an exclusive interview, Sajero revealed that the duo is gearing up to unveil a similar platform for other service providers, including Orange, Yu Mobile and Airtel.

“Get Daily News Alerts on News That is Hot!” Send the word XNEWS to 21313 To opt out of this subscription sms, send Stop XNEWS to 21313. Each Message costs kshs 10

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

ACCESS CELEBCHAT

10

fashion scoop

She killed her verse in Dawa ya Moto and has been on everyone’s tongue since.

Sosuun has now released a new song Sura Ya Kazi and she is proving that she is here to stay and nothing or nobody will push her out of the way.

factfile Real Name: Frediana Nafula RelatioNship: Married Best Food: Dry Fried Fish, Kachumbari and Ugali Best Book: The Note Book by Nicholas Sparks Best Quote: You are who you believe you are

e t u n i m a It is not

r e p p a r s i for th

How would you describe yourself?

I am a rapper who is determined to achieve the best in the entertainment industry. I am focused, in the sense that I plan my work and make sure it all goes according to plan. I am aggressive, hardworking and I don’t give up even though our industry is a tough nut to crack, and is male-dominated.

When and how did you start out?

Music has been my love and passion since childhood. I used to lead choirs and traditional dance groups as a soloist. I got into music professionally in 2012 when I released Hot Deejay and I was signed to Pacho Entertainment and I have not slowed down since.

How would you describe your sound?

I am versatile. I am not defined by one type of sound or genre so I consider my sound to be Ghipuka. Ghipuka is a fusion of Genge, Hip-hop and Kapuka.

Tell us about your new song Sura ya Kazi Sura Ya Kazi was inspired by my journey of wanting to be the best and taking my music to a more professional level.

Your verse on Dawa ya Moto has been described as iconic...

That makes me feel appreciated. Now I want to do bigger and better things.

Where do you draw inspiration for your music from?

I get my inspiration from the normal day to day life, things I see around me, read and watch. Because art

is better when it is about life.

Which artistes have you worked with and would like to work with?

I have worked with an iconic female artiste from Tanzania. I won’t mention her name now but we have made good music together. I would probably like to work with Jaguar here at home and beyond the boundaries, Phyno from Nigeria would be the best.

How do you juggle between being a wife, a mother and your music?

It is hard to explain but I am a woman and it comes naturally to me. I have a passion for what I do and so it is not hard balancing.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Since I was young, Nazizi has always been my idol because she has done so well in East and central Africa as a top female rapper. She loves what she does and she has never looked back.

Have you faced any challenges when getting into music?

There will always be challenges because our industry does not believe in female artistes. They do not take the work of female artistes seriously but all one has to do is keep pressing on till it happens.

What is next for you?

Work and more work, from releasing new music to amazing videos, I just want to make the name Sosuun big.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2014 FRIDAY, APRIL26th 10, 2015

SHOPPING

The mall has one of Those familiar looks, which lead shoppers To believe They know exacTly whaT lies inside

The Incomparable Thika Road Mall I Artcaffé lends its chic touch to Thika Road Mall and Java House’s reach in Nairobi malls is unrelenting.

t goes without saying that the retail industry in the country is a very competitive market. With more shopping malls coming out of the woodwork with incredible speed and ease it becomes difficult to convince a shopper that what you have to offer is a much richer experience than what any other chain is offering. Which then means that any new mall must be exceptional .

And so we come to Thika Road Mall, a shopping centre that stands apart from the melee and demands attention. Sitting in the a humdrum location, Thika Road Mall, or TRM as it is popularly known, is that exception.

The mall has one of those looks that from the outside could lead any shopper could to believe they know exactly what is in store. But on entry, it surprises with its apparent size and beautiful design.

Because when you enter TRM you get the feeling that you are entering somewhere grand. The lack of a sign board directing motorists to the mall seems to be compensated with the big spread of logos and labels at the entrance. The main entryway leads into an atrium with shops on the fringes of the space and a skylight raising the tone of the mall. TRM has an impressive offering of fashion stores.

Only leading brands that do not skimp on quality are located at the mall and is one of the few malls with more clothes’ shops dedicated to menswear as opposed to ladies’ garments in the entire city. For the gentlemen there is the impeccable Avilas , the timeless Sir Henry’s and the trendy Italian Men’s Wear, which all stock men’s suits, dress shoes and shirts an even skinny suits for the young at heart.

Ladies can get their fashion fix at Craydon Fashions which could revamp a shopper’s wardrobe with their shoes, bags and stylish clothing. Honour My Curves is a specialist stockist that provides attractive clothing for plus size women and ensures there’s something for every kind of lady at TRM. N3Miles has savoir-faire and superlative quality in their deliver. The store deals in names such as Dana Kay, Coldwater Creek and Tahari just to mention a few.

The number of jewellery and accessory shops at TRM require their own entry only because variety is all but the spice of life. Accessorize with Style keeps it edgy and innovative stocking one of a kind jewellery, eyewear and leather goods to spruce up your outfit. Nagin Pattni is by and large the premier jewellery store at the mall. The shop provides exquisite designer pieces at discounted prices while Rianna Collection offers accessible and affordable accessories for both men and women. Hair and beauty services at the mall are provided by Queen’s Hair and Beauty Centre and Executive Barber and Beauty Zone Salon and Barber, which both give shoppers only the best in hair and beauty treatments for both men and women. Touch of Beauty will even treat shoppers to spa treatments all at the comfort of the mall.

TRM’s food court is something to marvel at. Located on the first floor of the mall with a view that overlooks the hustle and bustle of the traffic and giving off the air of an airy trattoria in the afternoon sun it truly is a sight for sore eyes. New sensation Subway will satiate all those sandwich cravings and Beirut capitalises

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on the sudden popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine in the country. Cake City will give shoppers a sugar rush with their desserts and sweet treats and good old Chicken Inn, Galitos and Pizza Inn for those who prefer the tried and tested.

Artcaffé lends its chic touch to Thika Road Mall and Java House’s reach in Nairobi malls is unrelenting.

Electronics shops have a similar theme at TRM; TVs, Blu Ray players, sound systems and mobile phones are predominant. The Samsung shop, Elite Digital and Sony concentrate their efforts to achieving this while E-Zone takes care of home appliances. Health and medical facilities at the mall are provided

by Healthy U, Medimart Pharmacy and LynPha Beauty. The Mater Hospital also has a home at the mall while the entire top floor of the mall houses bank branches of quite a wide variety. Standard Chartered, Barclays, Co-operative Bank, Ecobank, KCB and Oriental Commercial Bank all have branches at TRM. The crowning glory of the mall is undoubtedly the game arcade that children can play at. Funscapes is a colourful, wild and wonderful world at the third floor of the mall that any child would love to get lost in.

The arcade has an amusement park feel while still being indoors with bumper cars, a drop tower and even an activity studio where dance and pottery classes are offered. Parking is not much of a problem because the mall has both ground and roof-top lots.

The TRM has clearly ushered in a new era in the shopping experience and it will not be long until other malls follow suit.

9

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WEEKEND PLANNER

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Out&About

HOT TOPICS

tHe serenity oF

rabbit sells 5000 copies of album in two weeks

Masai Lodge

He had a great album launch that was supported by the who is who in the industry. In 14 days the artiste has sold 5000 copies of his fourth album, Legend of Kaka. King Kaka was happy that his album was doing well and urged his fans to continue buying it. This comes after there have been calls for the media and DJs to play more Kenyan music to promote the industry. King Kaka himself has been at the forefront of advocating for more Kenyan music to be put on rotation.

Forgive and Forget?

Bahati and Willy Paul have been feuding the whole of this week.

Yesterday Bahati took to social media to try bring Peace. In the post he said Willy Paul is a brother he loves and respects. He went on further to say that he wants his fans to forgive and forget because he had. Not many people were happy about this with some saying Bahati was taking them for a ride as he is the one who started the whole hullabaloo.

Olpul restaurant stands on open terraces adjacent to the Nairobi National Park

Masai Lodge, home of nyama choma in Ongata Rongai, welcomes you to a fusion of elegance yet traditional Maasai culture and ambience. It snuggles deeply in opulent green thickets neighbouring the Nairobi National Park.

The facility boasts of a restaurant, bar, guest rooms, conference and events amenities managed by a team of well-groomed friendly staff.

A blend of fresh air and flower fragrances coupled with chirping birds ushers you to the sanctuary.

Pavements leading to the main lodge are sandwiched by beautifully manicured flower gardens and trees.

Masai Lodge’s menu offers succulent nyama choma, mixed grill that comprises of different types of meat and chicken choma that leave you licking your fingers. All these are

served with pilau, chapati, plain rice or ugali Soup lovers also have butternut, goat and bone soup to choose from.

Fish and chicken are prepared in different types by professional chefs.

Without forgetting, African dishes and fast foods like chips and pizza are also available.

Guests can enjoy their food in the spacious Olpul restaurant, bar or in the open acacia packed field.

Olpul restaurant stands on open terraces adjacent to the Nairobi National Park, bordering Mbagathi River. The restaurant gives way to a breathtaking view of the lower part of the park where giraffes, buffaloes, rock hyraxes, rhinos and more game can be seen roaming freely.

Hugging the glass and rugged stone walled interior are canvas paintings of

wildlife. The floor is lined with glittering level stones and the concrete ceiling painted in red.

The ceiling bears enchanting chandeliers and sisal lampshades. An improvised flower garden and several stone made fireplaces sit in the midst of the restaurant.

Seats of fluffy animal printed cushions, uncarved wood and bamboo give a homely feeling that makes you think twice about getting up, but then again, the magnificent lodge will urge you to explore its surroundings.

Outside, on the steeper side of the restaurant, is a children’s playground and cool swimming pool that beckons you for a dip.

Masai Lodge not only gives you the pleasure to sample their a la carte menu but also shows you wonders of nature.

10

ACCESS FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

FASHIONScoop

AnitA is A fAshion blogger (stylesketches.com), who likes to keep it sexy. we rAided her closet And loved every second.

5

What is the fashion advice that you live by?

Wear what makes you feel good, whether it’s in or out of style.

What is the one fashion item that you cannot leave the house without?

Sunglasses.

ClOseT Raid

aniTa GaiTHO

What is your favourite fashion colour?

White, gold and black.

Whose fashion style do you admire locally and internationally?

Locally, traditionally clothed Maasai men and women. Internationally, suit designer Davidson Frère and blogger Micah Gianneli.

What is your best fashion accessory?

A slim gold choker that I own. I loved it so much I bought 2 of them at a go, then went back and got 6 more that I have kept in storage until the first one is worn out.

What is the last item you wear before leaving the house?

Shoes.

What is the one fashion trend you have sworn never to try and why?

Kitten heels! They give me hives.

What is your guilty pleasure (fashion wise)?

Shoes I cannot afford yet. I have more pictures of shoes than people in my phone! I also love anything gold.

Who is your favourite fashion designer internationally and locally?

Locally, my mom. She’s a retired fashion designer and I love everything she used to create.

Internationally, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Practical, feminine and sometimes sexy.

Which one do you prefer, a high slit skirt or a mini skirt?

A high slit. It is sexy but I still feel covered up, just how I like it.

MiCaH Gianneli

TOP 10

easT afRiCan OffiCial

kinG kaka

Rank

TiTle

Head on to the bake website (blog awards. co.ke) and vote for her.

aRTisTe

1 2

Promised land Baadaye

King Kaka ft Amos & Josh King Kaka ft Amos & Josh

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Woman

Juliana Sanaipei Tande Linah ft Christian Bella Maurice Kirya Atemi Oyungu ft Lady Jaydee Yvonne Darcq ft. Victoria Kimani Chameleone ft Patoranking Zigo

Ankula huu Hello Never Been Loved Moyo Ooh Lala Oui Oui Only You AY

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Your head may be going in a thousand different directions today, Capricorn. You may not have much time to stop and think about your next move. Things will come up suddenly and you will need to be able to react quickly. The faster you move, the less time you will have to react.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You’re apt to feel emotionally brave today, Aquarius, so take advantage of this feeling by extending it to the people around you. Try not to get anxious or jump ahead of yourself. Enjoy where you are at this very moment. Don’t get stressed about things you feel you need to do.

FRIday 10/04/2015

sunny

23

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your biggest dream is in front of you, Pisces, yet there’s a large object standing in your path. When you peer around one way, the goal is only partly visible. Instead of working with obscured vision, get rid of the thing that’s lying directly in your path.

24ºC 69%

SATURday 11/04/2015

24 6:32am 6:37pm

24ºC 63%

Sunday

More sun than clouds

6:31 am 6:36 pm

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 Luck and prosperity lie within your grasp now, Aries. The only problem is that you might not notice because you’re so caught up in some emotional drama that occupies your entire being.

Don’t concern yourself with issues that don’t directly pertain to you.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Be careful about offering so much of yourself that you drain your internal resources. You might think other people will be equally generous about offering themselves to you. Don’t assume this. You’re better off assuming that you will get nothing in return.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 If you don’t start saving your resources and reserving blocks of time for your dreams, they may never come true. Your attitude is likely to be more flexible, and you will find that this way of thinking will bring you to the people and places that can help you the most.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Think of yourself as a great pioneer crossing the frontier for the first time, Cancer. Acknowledge yourself as the important person that you are. Believe in yourself and your rights and opinions.

Indecision could hinder your actions. Don’t let it. Take an active stance at all times.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 People are counting on you whether you realize it or not. You may get the idea that you can sneak out of responsibility if you lay low and not say a word. The fact of the matter is that people are watching you and they will know when you haven’t upheld your promises to the group.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 You may feel tension in your world today without really knowing why, Virgo. This feeling of conflict may have your stomach in knots, making it difficult to deal with anything or anyone in a rational manner. Try not to take everything personally when people disapprove of your actions.

MUSTREAD Gifts — by Nuruddin Farah

Somalia has for years been rocked by war, drought and disease. Duniya leads a stable life as she works at a local hospital.

Her world tumbles when the daughter brings home a mysterious baby. To cap it all, the hospital where Duniya works is threatened by locals. They can’t bear the burden of having to accept help from relief organisations and accumulate debts they will not be able to pay. Why should they be obliged to show gratitude they do not feel?

Duniya has to look at her past choices to make fresh ones.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Things should go quite well if you let them. Don’t clog up the works by thinking that you’re unworthy of the good luck that is sure to come your way. If things don’t work out exactly the way you want them to, take it as a sign that the situation wasn’t right for you anyway.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Take a leap of faith today, Scorpio. Consider taking two or three. Trust that things will follow through perfectly. You will be drawn to those who put a smile on your face. These are the people you need to stick close to now. A positive attitude will lead you in a positive direction.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 When others can’t seem to decide which way to proceed, it will become crucial that you stand up and be the deciding force, Sagittarius. Be as aggressive as you need to be today in order to set things in motion. What’s needed now is a bit of follow-through.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

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

winning captions

Friday’s winning photo

YOURSAY

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

1. This sign is needed in some counties in Kenya-CB, Nairobi.

2. No crawling while someone is killing a snake, right, No, Ok.-ED, Nairobi 3. Whipping people while stepping on them not allowed-Karen M., Nairobi

State should genuinely address workers’ pay issues I remind the Jubilee administration of the dangers of use and dump syndrome. The disease infected Moi and Kibaki administrations, making them indifferent to workers’ plight.

Industrial strikes have become part of the Kenyan society as successive regimes devise ways of neutralising them Threatening to sack

protesting workers and promising protection to those willing to work is a betrayal.

The regimes cut deals with top union officials, forcing them to call off strikes on promises that the government was ready to address their grievances. They also issued ‘return to work ultimatums’ and summoned interns and

other job seekers to fill empty vacancies left by strikers. The tactic has caused untold suffering to workers and rendered unions toothless bulldogs.

Moi used the late Ambrose Adongo, the then Knut Secretary General to end the 1997 teachers’ strike . Kibaki used the divide and rule

weapon by making promises to raise teachers pay but defaulted months later.

The tussle over workers salary is a common denominator across all professional strikes at county and national government level and should be resolved quickly.

— Alfred Mosoti- Baraton

12

PLAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Rating of some shows 5. Took a catnap 10. Sink cleaner 14. Frozen dew 15. Hardly cramped 16. Start of Hamlet’s query 17. Find words for 19. Wedding cake layer 20. Yahoo! competitor 21. Relaxes, as rules 22. Mainstay (variant) 26. Feudal vassal 30. Punxsutawney Phil, e.g.

34. Missed by ___ 35. Big ____ (discontinued Oreo variety) 36. Leave dumbstruck 37. Gets even with 39. To no avail 42. Fed. auditing agcy.

43. “ER” settings 47. Memoranda 48. Portland resident 51. Maliciousness 52. Dentist’s request 54. Hitchcock assailants 57. Sickly 62. Galoots 63. Container 66. ____’shanter 67. Attentive 68. In good shape 69. Small area meas.

70. Surface luster 71. Printed mistake

Down 1. Better late ____ never 2. Suffix meaning “eater” 3. Dillon or Groening 4. Nev. neighbor 5. The Muffin Man’s Lane 6. Certain teas 7. Proto end 8. Ambulance driver, for short 9. Color, as eggs 10. Make an appearance 11. Make one 12. Still sleeping 13. Gen-____ 18. Stalk vegetable 21. Garbage container 23. TV part (abbr.)

24. Baseball’s Astros, on scoreboards 25. Pant 26. One of the Florida Keys 27. “Someone told me...”

28. “The Raven” author, in brief 29. Actress Carides 31. Western Hispaniola 32. Baby hooter 33. Ganders’ mates 38. ____ qua non 40. Overthrow 41. Spinning toy 44. The Bengals, on the scoreboard 45. Motor City labor gp.

46. Concealed shooters 49. Sponsored boy at a baptism 50. Coin-___ 53. Org. divisions 54. Crazy 55. HP PDA 56. Do-fa connection 58. “Boston Public” actor Nicky 59. Ja Rule hit of 2001 60. Woman’s undergarment 61. Globin opener 63. Scott Joplin piece 64. Right-angle bend 65. Corp. V.I.P.

DAILY WISDOM “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”

— Dennis P. Kimbro “There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.”

— Josiah Gilbert Holland “Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”

— William James “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.” — Erma Bombeck “The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.”

— Will Rogers “Nurture your mind with great thoughts. To believe in the heroic makes heroes.”

— Benjamin Disraeli “The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the job.”

— Zig Ziglar “Look at the sparrows; they do not know what they will do in the next moment. Let us literally live from moment to moment.”

— Mahatma Gandhi “And whoever is patient and forgiving, these most surely are actions due to courage.”

—Anonymous, The Quran

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Kenya inches to position 117 in latest Fifa rankings National soccer team Harambee Stars has moved a slot up in latest Fifa rankings.

The team has improved to117th from 118th in the world based on last month’s rankings.

The improvement is a repeat of November 2013. The latest rankings comes even as the senior team was inactive in the just concluded Fifa week.

Harambee stars coach Bobby Williamson is convinced his side will be present at next year’s

Africa Nations Championships in Rwanda and 2017 Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon.

“It is possible to make it to CAN finals because we have a good team with us. Kenyan players are a fine lot and have what it takes to do well in this competition,” said Williamson.

“We also have the players to help us qualify for Gabon… all we need are good preparations and support from the federation,” said Williamson.

SPORT 13 FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015, 2015 inches better: Kenya’s Harambee Stars in training.

The Stars have moved from position 118 to 117 in latest Fifa rankings.

Harambee Stars will get continental campaign running against Ethiopia, with the first leg set for the weekend of June 19. The return fixture is set for the beginning of July.

Kenya has also been placed in a tough pool for 2017’s Africa Cup of Nations set for Gabon. They will come up against 49th ranked Congo, 59th placed Zambia and 131th ranked Guinea Bissau.

Ronaldo’s 300th goal for Real in Vallecano hammer Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 300th competitive Real Madrid goal as they beat Rayo Vallecano to stay four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real had goalkeeper Iker Casillas to thank for being level at the break after being outplayed.

Gareth Bale’s diving header was just wide for the improved visitors before Ronaldo was denied a clear penalty.

The Portuguese’s 300 Real goals have come in 288 games since joining from Manchester United for Sh7.2billion in 2009.

He is the third player after Raul (323) and Alfredo Di Stefano (307) to reach 300 goals for Real.

His rivals needed 741 and 396 matches respectively to hit the mark.

The 30-year-old scored five goals for the first time in Real’s 9-1 hammering

of Granada at the weekend. But things were a lot nervier for the European champions on Wednesday night.

Until Ronaldo headed home Dani Carvajal’s right-wing cross, Real looked in serious danger of being upset by battling city neighbours as they fell

seven points behind Barca.

Ronaldo earlier had a blatant penalty appeal waved away after a clear foul by Antonio Amaya. But he wasn’t to be denied as he took his league tally for the season to 37 goals.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333

BLUE VS GREEN: Gor Mahia players sandwich an AFC Leopards rival in a past league clash. The fierce arch-enemies clash in a Kenya Premier League match on Sunday in Nairobi.

Fired up Gor rev up for Mashemeji derby Champions Gor Mahia on Wednesday shot back to the KPL summit on 12 points ahead of Sunday’s clash against their archrivals AFC Leopards.

Western Stima, who have an inferior goal difference, have the same points tally but Gor have two games in hand.

Rwanda’s Meddie Kagere struck twice as Gor warmed-up for Sunday’s derby with an emphatic 3-1 win at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium.

Coach Frank Nuttall said Kagere was in a class of his own against the bankers and will be an asset

for the Kenyan champions this season.

“He had a good game and we hope he keeps scoring goals and playing like this especially now that we have a big one (derby) coming up against our rivals. He with Danny Sserunkuma leaving at the end of the season, he will come in handy,” he said.

Meanwhile, confusion continues to dog AFC as reports filtered out on the fate of Croat head coach Zradvko Logarusic.

Should Logarusic be in the dugout on Sunday, he will meet K’Ogalo for the first time since

leaving in 2012.

Ingwe managers insist the former Gor tactician is still in charge.

Other sources claim he has abandoned the team and could have left the country.

Logarusic was missing in the team’s 1-1 draw against Thika United on Sunday. There were reports that the former Simba tactician refused to travel to Mumias until his March and April salary arrears are settled.

Ingwe assistant head coach Yussuf Chippo says his players are focused on the Sunday tie

Barua Muganga RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY Nipe Nafasi You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this Glory to Glory link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

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

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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 FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015, 2015

Foreign athletes expected to grace Kericho marathon A high number of foreigners are expected to grace the sixth edition of the Kericho Tea For Health Marathon to be held on May 9.

In the same time all race winners will not get their prizes until results of their dope tests are revealed.

This were the words of South Rift Athletics Kenya chairman John Wachira who also stressed on the need to follow all rules of competition.

The marathon, which is set around the Kericho tea plantations, will feature three categories 42km, 10km and 5km with winners in both genders. The winners will pocket Sh1.5 million. Wachira said: “We expect athletes from neighbouring countries such as Uganda to take part as the prize money for the full marathon is very attractive.”

AFFA Interim Director General Alfred Busolo said the event has continued to grow, and is one of the key events in the calendar of athletics and specifically marathon events in the country. “This indeed is a great partnership incorporating two products tea and athletics that have defined Kenya’s success over the years. As we celebrate the partnership, I wish to highlight a few of the milestones in the agriculture sector and the tea sub-sector in particular,” said Busolo.

The purpose of the marathon is to build the brand profile of Kenyan tea. Alice Chelang’a Kimeto who beat 2011 Boston winner Caroline Kilel to successfully defend her title, is expected to make it a three consecutive win. Felix Kipchirchir is also expected to defend his title. The former Boston marathon champion Moses Tanui is the marathon’s ambassador.

Athletes can register online (www.teaboard.or.ke), or at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) offices in Nairobi, Kericho, Mombasa and Embu at Sh300.

TEA FOR HEALTH: Athletes during a previous edition of the Kericho run.

Foreigners are expected to grace the sixth edition of the Kericho Tea For Health Marathon to be held on May 9.

Sergey Bubka launches iaaf election manifesto Sergey Bubka has launched his manifesto for election to the International Association of Athletics Federations presidency, pledging to provide the most thorough athletics review ever.

Six-time world champion pole vaulter Bubka, 51, will run against Sebastian Coe to succeed Lamine Diack in August.

The Ukrainian has proposed holding more athletics events in public spaces.

“We have an opportunity to go closer to the public. This can be on squares, in streets, in I’M CONTESTING: Sergey Bubka (pictured) has launched his manifesto for election to the International Association of Athletics Federations presidency, pledging to provide the most thorough athletics review ever.

shopping malls,” he said.

“I remember competing in these types of competitions when I was an athlete and they are very attractive.”

The proposed examination of “every significant element of our sport” would focus mainly on restructuring the global events calendar and the federations’ rules and by-laws.

Bubka also said that he was pleased with how the World Anti-Doping Agency had approached claims of widespread drug use

among Russian athletes.

But he added: “Cheaters will be punished.

And we must protect and highlight clean athletes. We need to study how we can legally strengthen sanctions - it will need a very deep study.”

Lord Coe, 58, who oversaw London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympics, has also made the athletics calendar, youth engagement, anti-doping and public competitions central to his bid for the presidency.

MOICT win East Africa netball title Kenya’s national league champions Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MOICT) won the East Africa Women’s netball title at Amani Stadium in Zanzibar.

MOICT who are Africa Club runners up ended Uganda’s National Insurance Corporation (NIC) nine years uninterrupted win of the regional championship by overwhelming the defending champions 32-29 in the closely contested finals. MOICT under the tutelage of the Kenya Netball Federation (KNF) Fixtures secretary Millicent Busolo daughter to former national football team coach James Siang’a ended Kenya’s 15 year drought for a regional title last won by Kenya Posts and Telecommunications popularly known as Waka Waka.

MOICT who were placed third in the last World Club championships held in South Africa were tyeing 20-

20 with their Ugandan rivals at the breather.

MOICT who have won the national league title three times in a row have never progressed past the semifinals since they started participating in the regional championships three years ago. In the semifinals, MOICT blanked Uganda Prisons 38-34 a NIC breezed past Tanzania’s Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa-Msambweni 35-15 to have a date in the finals.

MOICT were placed in group ‘B’ against Tanzania’s Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa-Msambweni, Uganda’s Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) together Zanzibari clubs Mafunzo and military side KVZ. The Kenyan side emerged at the top of pool ‘B’ with eight points by pipping KCCA 37-35, then beat JKT-Msambweni 42-35 before handing Mafunzo 37-32 defeat and eventually overwhelming KVZ 4636.

Reds boss says losses inspired victory at Blackburn Recent Premier League defeats for Liverpool had a major role in their FA Cup win at Blackburn, manager Brendan Rodgers says.

Philippe Coutinho scored the only goal in the quarterfinal replay to book a last-four showdown with Aston Villa.

It came after defeats by Manchester United and Arsenal that ignited criticism and reports of “crisis talks”.

“A lot has been made of that meeting but the review was important in how we want to work,” said Rodgers.

“I’m a coach who speaks openly to players. If you don’t review and analyse your performance, how can you get better?”

Rodgers said this week’s meeting had been no different to others he held during an impressive 12-match run that yielded 32 points before the recent falls.

“It’s something that we’ve done all year,” said Rodgers.

“It provides us the lever to move forward - how can we be better, how can we improve?

“Our two performances against Arsenal and Manchester United weren’t to the standards we’d set for three months.”

Liverpool will face Aston Villa in the semi-final at Wembley on April 19.

Blatter lacks full African vote in Fifa May 29 poll, claims Figo Fifa presidential candidate Luis Figo believes incumbent Sepp Blatter does not have support from the entire Africa in his bid for re-election.

Figo’s view contradicts a statement on Tuesday by Confederation of Africa Football president Issa Hayatou at his body’s congress in Cairo.

Hayatou said all members would vote for Blatter on May 29.

“I’m positive Hayatou did not speak in the name of the 54 members of the confederation,” said Figo.

“Even when he announced he would support Blatter, we could notice a difference from past congresses when a statement like that is normally followed by a standing ovation.

“This time we heard just a normal applause, which confirms my idea that a lot of African countries understand and agree with the need to change for the better of everyone, especially the national associations.

“In fact there were federation presidents who assured me they would vote for me but they were reluctant to say this out loud because they feared reactions against them, their federations and even their countries,” added the former Portugal international.

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

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

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

Weekend matches predictions

Man United vs Man City

Cesena vs Chievo

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

A 2-1 loss at Palace’s hands has left Manchester City in a spin. They are a point and one place below neighbours and rivals Manchester United as derby day beckons at Old Trafford.

Sunday will see the two pulled apart as the victor looks to draw some breathing space in the hunt for a top-four finish. Pellegrini’s men are in an unfamiliar bother. City might find it hard to contain United.

XSport: 3-0 Sondra: 1-1 Steve: 2-1 City

Cesena showed true fighting spirit to score three in the last 15 minutes to pull off a surprise comeback in Verona. They are only four points from safety and Chievo’s recent form has seen them climb quickly out of the bottom three to go 10 points clear.

XSport: 1-1 Sondra: 2-1 Chievo Steve: 1-0 Casena

Game ID: K9849 Pick 1(Man u X (Draw) 2 (Man c win) win)

Game ID: W5642 Pick

1(Casena X (Draw) 2 (Chievo win) win)

Odd

2.45

3.29

3.61

Bet Amount

Odd

2.58

3.00

2.79

100

100

100

100

100

100

Possible win (KSh)

Bet Amount

245

329

361

Possible win (KSh)

258

300

279

Udinese vs Palermo

Verona vs Inter

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015

Udinese were downed by lowly Parma on Wednesday night as Stramaccioni’s side continue to struggle. Palermo lost the third game at home last weekend when the Rossoneri proved too much for an otherwise determined side. This will be a close game between two sides who have been inconsistent in recent weeks!

XSport: 1-0 Udinese Sondra: 0-0 Steve: 1-0 Palermo

Toni scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season but was let down by his side’s defence that conceded three late goals to throw away two vital points.

Mandorlini’s side have improved in recent weeks.

They are all but safe from the drop. Inter continue to struggle. For the umpteenth time, they failed to make possession count as they were held by a Parma side whose players have not been paid in months.

XSport: 2-2 Sondra: 1-0 Inter Steve: 2-1 Verona

Game ID: M3629 Pick 1(Udine X (Draw) 2 (Paler win) win)

Game ID: A5573 Pick 1(Inter X (Draw) 2(Verona win) win)

Odd

2.30

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

230

3.13

Odd

3.03

3.29

2.24

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

308

313

Possible win (KSh)

303

329

224

3.08

Milan vs Sampdoria

Napoli vs Fiorentina SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2015

Napoli continue to slide down the table after failing to take chances before they were eventually beaten

by Roma at Olimpico. Despite a superb run of form, Fiorentina were torn to shreds by a dominant Juventus who summarily dumped them out of Coppa Italia. This is a critical game for the sides who will still fancy chances of pouncing on slip- ups by Roma or Lazio to snatch a Champions League spot next season.

XSport: 2-1 Napoli Sondra: 1-0 Fiorentina Steve: 1-1

Milan recorded an impressive win over a stubborn Palermo side in Sicily in what is a great morale booster for Inzaghi. Sampdoria were outplayed during their Florence travels but remain in hunt for Europa League soccer next season.

XSport: 3-1 Milan Sondra: 1-1 Steve: 1-0 Sampdoria

Game ID: Z7342

Game ID: Q6863 Pick 1 (Milan X (Draw) 2 (Samp win) win)

Pick Odd Bet Amount Possible win (KSh)

1 (Napoli X (Draw) 1 (Fiore win) win) 1.99 100 199

3.34 100 334

3.61

Odd

1.98

3.28

3.70

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

361

Possible win (KSh)

198

328

370

xnews | friday, aPriL 10, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

‘I have been raIsIng horses for 20 years, buT There was a TIme we ThoughT racIng was goIng To DIsappear’-joe muya

The Derby is here The 2015 Nairobi Derby will take place on Sunday, April 12 at the Ngong Racecourse.

Rising from its humble beginnings as a Kenyan variation of the Kentucky Derby, the Nairobi Derby, which is for the third year in a row sponsored

by Salama Fikira, has become a centerpiece of the region’s racing industry.

But it has not always been smooth sailing for the event, which has survived extinction severally.

Brought to the country when it was a British colony, and a favored pastime for the former white elite here, horse racing had been facing a slow decline from its heyday 30 years ago. But now things are changing down at the Ngong Racecourse, the last track left

in Kenya, set in 310 forest-side acres in the city’s west.

A sweep of new owners, jockeys and trainers, originally from poor Kenyan families, is stepping in to take over as many of the old-guard died or left the country.

“In the past, we Kenyans did not involve ourselves very much in horses because we saw it as a very niche sport only for white people,” said Joe Muya, 52, a director of the Jockey Club of Kenya, to reporter Brendan Bannon. Born on a whiteowned cattle ranch where his father was a plumber, Muya is now a well-heeled hotelier, who owns 45 horses and runs a successful stable in Nakuru.

“I have been raising horses for

20 years, but there was a time we thought racing was going to disappear. For it to survive here in Kenya, it must become truly a cosmopolitan mix-up of all people involved,” said Muya. The Derby, Muya believes, is more than just a horse race—it is an experience enhanced by familiar traditions, icons, and images. Today, the Nairobi Derby continues to attract attention from celebrities, racing fans, and those who simply enjoy smooth cocktails, fabulous hats, and a wager on who will make it to the winner’s circle.

Tickets for this year’s event cost a paltry Sh200 and the gates open at 11:30am.

x-news.co.ke

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