201505027 xnews

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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terror attack officer wounded in yumbis succumbs to injuries

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trade matters cs amina says all is set for december wto meet

NEWS julius yego shatters national javelin record

Kenya remains afloat as world drowns in debt

T

he world is drowning in debt and Kenya is stuck somewhere in the middle, a report from US-based investment firm, Goldman Sachs Asset Management says.

Kenya, however, appears to be doing relatively well when checked against the world’s other countries.

Kenya’s external debt stood at Sh1.3 trillion in early 2015 says a report by market analysts, Trading Economics.

This may be lower than

the debt of countries like Zimbabwe, which owe external lenders about Sh980 billion, but Kenya is still better off than many of its African neighbours.

Based on the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, Kenya is doing relatively well at 53.5 percent.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is the ratio between a country’s government debt and its gross domestic product (GDP).

A low debt-to-GDP ratio shows that a country’s economy can produce and

sell enough goods and services to pay back its debts without incurring further arrears. A high ratio means otherwise.

In which case, Kenya has a ratio of 53.5 per cent compared to Zimbabwe’s dismal 202.4 per cent.

Greenland appears to be free of debt, sporting a ratio of less than 10 per cent.

External debt is responsible for rising interest rates, higher taxes and a weak job market both in Kenya and across the world.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

PRESIDENTIAL POSE: President Uhuru Kenyatta poses for a photo at the Voi River Super Bridge for the Standard Gauge Railway at the Tsavo National Park in Voi yesterday. It is such projects that are said to sink countries into debt.

FIFA chiefs busted in corruption charges Acting on an indictment by the U.S. Justice Department, Swiss police have arrested six top FIFA officials, including its vice president, during an overnight raid to day on charges of corruption.

In all, up to 14 FIFA officials are expected to be named in the indictment when it is unsealed in a federal court in New York later today. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS World drowning in debt, economists have warned WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

From Page 1 High national debt leads to slow economic growth, which in turn, leads to fewer jobs created through government-funded projects such as road construction.

Kenya has been struggling to create employment for its growing population, which stands at roughly 45 million people. Its trillion-shilling debt means that, on average, each individual Kenyan citizen owes external lenders about Sh29, 000.

The government has borrowed

billions of shillings from China, Japan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) among others.

Just as Kenya is looking to finance new development-based initiatives, the government is borrowing at rates that have never been seen before.

The government and the IMF recently agreed on a $700 million (about Sh69 billion) loan deal to support the country’s economic reforms and give it a cushion against external shocks.

Adrien Klasa, a market analyst for This is Africa says that Kenya’s “ambitious borrowing programme” comes at a time when the country is also seeking to finance major infrastructure upgrades.

This includes the ongoing upgrade of the country’s railway system and the construction of a second port in Lamu. Though Kenya is knee-deep in debt, the country has what the IMF describes as a strong record of stability.

“Kenya has consolidated

macroeconomic stability in recent years,” says a report from the IMF. The Fund says that the country’s growth has been robust and its debt has remained sustainable.

“Kenya has implemented reforms in a market-friendly environment, attracting strong interest from foreign investors operating across East Africa,” adds the Fund.

But the country is not alone. The ageing global population means that countries may see their debt piles spiral out of control, Andrew Wilson,

the European chief executive of Goldman Sachs Asset Management has warned. In a report compiled by the Telegraph, Wilson said growing debt piles around the world pose “one of the biggest threats to the global economy.” “There is too much debt and this represents a risk to economies,” he explained.

“Consequently, there is a clear need to generate growth to work that debt off but, as demographics change, new ways of thinking at a policy level are required to do this,” he said.

Madagascar MPs impeach president

CONTRACT TALKS: President Uhuru Kenyatta (extreme right) chairing a ameeting with government officials and China Road Company officials at the CRCB camp in Voi yesterday.

Government in talks to extend SGR to Naivasha The government has started negotiations with the company building the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), in a bid to extend the line to Naivasha once the company completes construction of the main Mombasa to Nairobi line.

This came to light yesterday during a meeting led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, with officials of China Road and Bridge Corporation in Voi. The extension of or the railway on the 120 kilometres stretch will link special industrial zones to be established in Naivasha - which is

home to the Olkaria geothermal power plants, to Nairobi and Mombasa.

To attract investors to set up industrial complexes at the specially designated zones near Olkaria, the government will offer them subsidised power tariffs.

Firms will also have their power connected directly from Olkaria to ensure uninterrupted supplies, and in some cases, companies -such as those dealing in apparel manufacturing – will be allowed access to steam The government also plans to set up many industrial parks along

the route of the SGR. Already, the Ministry of Industrialisation has identified land for setting up industrial parks in Mariakani, Voi, Athi River Emali and Naivasha.

Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed said his ministry is already in talks with the owners of the lands near the train stations and expects that acquisition will be completed within the next financial year.

At the meeting, which is held quarterly between the government and the Chinese company, President Kenyatta directed all

ministries and agencies to ensure they play their role in ensuring that the construction of the SGR is not impeded.

“We must to everything in our power to ensure that the SGR is delivered on time and on budget,” President Kenyatta said. “There must be no laxity in terms of delivering what is one of our most transformational projects.”

President Kenyatta directed Cabinet Secretaries to take charge of resolving any issue that might delay the construction of the railway.

Parliamentarians in Madagascar have voted to impeach President Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

The country’s constitutional court will now decide whether he has violated the constitution to warrant his dismissal.

Earlier, the US embassy in Antananarivo had pledged support for the president and called on parliament to put the stability of the country first, but the plea fell on deaf ears.

The motion was backed by 121 of the 125 lawmakers who voted, easily clearing the two-thirds majority required.

The parliamentary speaker, Jean Max Rakotomamonjy, said after the votes were counted: “It is officially declared that everyone accepts that the request of dismissal can be submitted to the constitutional court.”

The result was greeted with applause from many lawmakers, but some alleged the vote had been ridden with irregularities.

Mr Rajaonarimampianina has been in office for 16 months after winning a presidential run off in December 2013. It was hoped his election would end years of political unrest on the island nation.

Madagascar suffered five years of political turmoil beginning in 2009 when Andry Rajoelina ousted Marc Ravalomanana from power. The coup left the country isolated in the international community and deprived of foreign aid.

President Rajaonarimampianina when he cast his vote in a run off in December 2013.

City Hall begins clampdown on land rates defaulters The county government of Nairobi has begun a crackdown on defaulters of land rates, in which it is attaching properties to compensate for unpaid dues.

The crackdown was launched in Kilimani estate where most residential houses were raided. It is

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expected to continue tomorrow in Muthaiga, Westlands and Parklands.

The Rates Steering Committee which is overseeing the crackdown says it will seek court orders to auction the properties if the owners fail to pay for the rates.

The defaulters had been served with notices about the crackdown in which they were asked to pay in good time and avoid inconveniences.

“If they don’t, we will alert our legal team to take action, which will be getting court orders to auction these properties. It is a long

legal process but we are ready to go that path if these defaulters do not want to pay,” committee chairman John Ntoiti warned.

The County government is using geographic information system in locating the residential properties as well as verification.

The amount of money owed to the county government inform of unpaid rates is Sh 60 billion some of which dates back to the era of the City Council of Nairobi.

City Hall has in the past claimed that land rate defaults are the major reason for poor revenue collection by county governments, whose budget continues to trail expenditure.

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

Kenyans don’t trust the police, research confirms

MP’s building faces demolition

Kenyans do not have faith in the Police Force’s ability to handle crimes. In fact, a UN-Habitat study has found that few people bother to report crimes since victims do not believe that the police can assist them in dealing with the matter.

This, says the report, is either because “there seems to be no chance of them resolving the crime, or because they do not believe that the police are competent enough to help them.”

In the course of the last decade, about close to 40 per cent of Nairobi residents have been victims of robbery.

More than 20 per cent say they have been victims of theft while another 20 per cent have been physically assaulted in the past. Corruption, it seems, is part of the reason few people have faith in the police. Surveys conducted by Transparency International have Kenya Police Force is the most corrupt agency in the government. One of their previous studies found that the average Kenyan pays an average of close to Sh1,300 in bribes to police officers every month. A more recent survey shows that the Police in Kenya “had the lion’s share of bribes reported” in the country.

They account for accounting for almost half of all the bribes paid in Kenya.

Bobasi MP Stephen Manoti is likely to lose millions of shillings if the County of Nairobi implements its plan to bring down his five-storey building near the T-Mall roundabout in Langa’ta. According to Executive Committee Member in Charge of Urban Development and Planning Tom Odongo the building is constructed less than two metres from a nearby river in contravention to the six-metre stipulation. Another building belonging to the MP in Embakasi is also said to have been constructed just two metres away from a nearby river. The MP however says he had approval from the county government to construct his building.

Officer wounded in Yumbis attack dies

AFTERMATH: An officer walks past a burnt police patrol mini-truck in Yumbis, Garissa where al-shabaab militias launched an ambush attack on policemen on patrol.

One of the four police officers wounded in Monday evening’s attack at Yumbis in Garissa County has succumbed to his injuries.

Administration Police spokesman Masoud Mwinyi said the officer and his injured colleagues had been flown to Nairobi where they were undergoing treatment.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet earlier confirmed that five police vehicles were burnt during the attack that came barely four days after another raid by the same militants was thwarted in the same area.

He said a combined security operation by police officers and the Kenya Defence Forces was launched yesterday in a bid to contain the situation.

“An operation to subdue the attackers is on course and as we

establish more information, we shall inform the public accordingly,” he said.

The government yesterday denied that any of the 59 officers who were ambushed when responding to distress calls from their colleagues in Yumbis has been killed.

Trouble began when a police land cruiser that was on patrol in the area hit a landmine allegedly planted by Al-Shabaab militants injuring three officers in the resultant explosion.

“Arising from the attack, a contingent of officers responded for reinforcement and on arrival engaged the attackers in heavy gunfight.

In the ensuing tactical mission, two officers were critically injured and five police vehicles burnt down,” Inspector General Joseph Boinnett said.

Man electrocuted in Mukuru slums A man was last night electrocuted in Mukuru slums, becoming the fourth victim of similar deaths in in Nairobi within the last four days alone. All cases have been linked to illegal power connections with police saying the latest victim was connecting power in his house when he was electrocuted. Police have found out that the man had illegally tapped power into his house.

Other incidences were reported in Kiambiu and Mowlem areas.

Robbery suspect lynched in Karen A robbery suspect was last night lynched to death in Karen. Police say a gang of four had raided a home in the area and robbed the occupant of valuables and cash worth Sh75, 000.

An alarm was raised as the suspects attempted to escape when members of the public responded and cornered one of the thugs and set him on fire. Karen is one of the city suburbs where such robberies remain common despite pleas by residents to police to curb crime.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Ida speaks for first time about Fidel death: Ida Odinga, wife of Cord leader Raila Odinga, has spoken for the first time about the loss of her firstborn son Fidel, who died on January 4. “There is nothing as bad and as painful as watching your child die,” said Ida in an exclusive interview with KTN. Appearing on KTN’s Morning Express show yesterday, both Raila and Ida brought all the pain and loneliness of receiving the news of their son’s plight powerfully home to viewers. Their ordeal unfolded on the worst day and time of the week to try and contact any one in Kenya...

Gunmen kill officers in new border raids: At least one police officer was killed and another is feared dead after a rescue party was ambushed

by Al-Shabaab in Garissa County on Monday.

The officers, 59 in total, were responding to a distress call by a police patrol team, whose vehicle had run over a landmine. Independent sources said two officers, one from the Administration Police and the other from the regular police, were killed. In a statement yesterday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Joseph Boinnet, said four officers were injured and airlifted...

New scheme to weed out ghost teachers on TSC pay: The new Sh5.9 billion medical scheme for teachers will be a double victory for the State. Not only will the scheme afford teachers better medical cover, but it will also help smoke out ghost workers in the profession. The 288,000 teachers under the cover will undergo a mandatory biometric registration process with the details kept by the Teachers Service Commission ( TSC). Biometric registration will capture active teachers and weed out ‘ghost teachers’ and ineligible dependents. This will help TSC eliminatre...

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FUSION FINANCED PROPERTIES FOR SALE

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TH Ngong Towers

15,500 psq ft

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the prestigious office block

Nairobi Nakuru “If you are looking for a house to buy or rent, whether it is your own or it is for commercial purposes, your first stop should be the Lamudi portal. This is because we have listed thousands of houses from different locations countrywide. We also provide photos and the contact details of the sellers,” he explains.

Property owners are also given an opportunity to list their property on Lamudi. This makes the portal a comprehensive one-stop shop for everyone’s property needs.

The company earns its keep from listing fees from house owners, commissions made after sale of property and advertisements posted on the website among others.

But the company, like any other startup, has not been immune to challenges. According to Karua, the company’s biggest challenge was getting people to get accustomed to the idea of buying or selling property online.

Karua admits that the company had to first and foremost ensure that property listed on the website was indeed genuine. To do this, Lamudi sends its staff to verify the property and check whether the property’s documents are in order.

The model has, thus far, proved to be efficient.

Salient Features • 24h security with CCTV security surveillance • Computerised access control via security access cards • High speed internet access, efficient and economic telephone system • Ample and secure parking spaces • High speed elevators with emergency control • Ample water storage • Full time power back-up generator

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Creekside Luxury Apartments Mombasa

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• High quality finishes • The units are spacious stylish and built to highest standards • Solar water heating provision • DSTV Centralised

Tenant purchase scheme available

Graceland Athi River Athi River

10.9 Million

Salient Features Salient Features All Bedroom ensuite Spacious lounge with open Plan Kitchen Gym Sauna Manicured gardens Swimming pool Borehole water Elevators

Ample Parking Free access to the creek 3 minute walk to public beach Cabro roads Street lighting Electric fence Individual Courts

Majestic river frontage.

Well drained Cabro paved roads.

Shopping amenities.

Swimming pool with club house.

Generous garden areas.

Well lit and walled secure compound.

Situated on the dual carriage Mombasa Highway for easy access to JKIA, Nairobi city and all social, recreational and educational amenities.

Each house is situated in a small court of not more than 12 houses for enhanced privacy.

Reliable water supply with a borehole to supplement the same.

Ecologically friendly disposal of waste water.

Common security.

Contact us on: Tel: +254 (20) 2710149 /53 /55 / 0712131273 / 0721576697 / 0722747965 Email: ckirima@fusiongroupafrica.com, www.fusioncapitalafrica.com

Mortgage Arrangements with

xnews | Wednesday, May 27, 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 97.7972 97.9941 97.8957 151.0828 151.4206 151.2517 106.9411 107.1900 107.0656 8.1657 8.1884 8.1770 30.6447 30.8086 30.7267 21.0013 21.1458 21.0735

Lamudi reports steady growth in online property market Lamudi, one of Kenya’s leading online property portals is making a splash in the country’s real estate market.

The company has listed over 50,000 properties since its launch in 2013. It sold at least 5,000 during the year in which it was launched.

It has also gone on to work with giant realtors such as Hass Consult, Pam Golding and Purple Hills.

Lamudi also saw an opportunity in the rise of the country’s middle class as it has disposable income and is tech-savvy.

“Our business model is thriving in Kenya because more and more people are online and they understand how things work,” Managing Director of Lamudi Kenya, Dan Karua says.

“The fact that we also provide a lot of information is also reason enough for

them to appreciate what we do,” Karua said.

Lamudi, a start-up project from Berlinbased digital company, Rocket Internet, has a presence in 32 countries. It is especially popular in emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

The company has invested over US$250,000 (Sh24.6 million) in its Kenyan outfit in an attempt to make it

king in a rapidly growing business.

Rental houses, Karua says, are some of Lamudi’s hottest deals.

“People are always on the move hence rental houses are our fast movers.

Apartments are also always on demand especially in Nairobi and its environs,” he adds stating that there is a huge gap in the apartments market as they are undersupplied.

Consumer rights UK pledges to bring clean grean energy to Kenyans

SOLD OFF: A customer leaves a Time Warner Cable store in Palm Springs, California USA on January 29, 2014.

Charter Communications agrees to buy off Time Warner Cable American media giant Charter Communications Inc has agreed on a deal worth $78.7billion (Sh7.75 trillion) on the acquisition of Time Warner Cable.

Time Warner Cable has been highly sought after by many firms given that it is the second largest broadcasting and cable company in the world and has over 11 million subscribers with key markets like New York and Los Angeles.

The deal, which is a cash and shares deal, will see a three-way merger with another

cable and broadband provider, Bright House Networks.

Charter values Time Warner Cable shares at $195.71(Sh19,219). On Friday, Time Warner shares closed at $171.18 up 11 per cent.

“With today’s announcement, we have delivered on our commitment to maximizing shareholder value,” Time Warner Cable CEO Rob Marcus said in a statement.

If the deal is approved by the US

JOB MARKET Kenyatta University (KU) is recruiting part-time Lecturers, Tutorial Fellows, Librarians, Secretaries, Typists and Clerks.

Qualified candidates are advised to apply by June 19, 2015.

The institution said in a recent statement that it is looking for “competent and dedicated

government regulators, the combined company will create a new national player in the rapidly changing telecommunications industry.

Charter currently has about 4.1 million TV subscribers and 4.9 million broadband subscribers. With the merger, it will have 17 million residential TV subscribers and 18.8 million on the broadband side, making it a counterweight to Comcast, the number the largest broadcasting and Cable Company in the world.

The United Kingdom has pledged to support a new programme that will provide clean, safe energy access to one million people in Kenya and Tanzania.

Dubbed Green Mini-Grids in Africa, the programme is part of a movement known as the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Initiative.

SE4All held its second annual Forum in the UN General Assembly Hall less than a week ago.

During the Forum, it emerged that Germany, the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) have made a commitment to help developing countries by providing nearly one billion people with access to energy by 2030.

SE4All, a consortium of governments, businesses, banks, and other international institutions plans to ensure universal access to modern energy services while doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy market.

Clean Technica, a leading advocate of renewable energy in the US, reports that the SE4All initiative also plans to “double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency worldwide.”

These developments come at a time when the government plans to connect over 70 per cent of the country to the national power grid within the next two years.

GREEN POWER: An artist’s illustration for a green energy mini-grid system.

KU hiring lecturers, librarians, secretaries, typists and clerks

applicants.”

“Part-time Lecturers who were Visited or Cleared and are in our Database need not to Apply,” KU officials have said.

Those vying for the position of Part Time Lecturer must have a Masters Degree from a recognized university in their relevant area of

specialization.

They must possess at least two years’ teaching experience in a university The University has part-time teaching opportunities in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Engineering

and Technology, the School of Environmental Studies, the School of Applied Human Sciences, the School of Medicine the School of Applied Science and the School of Pure and Applied Sciences.

Opportunities are also available in the School of Business, the School of Economics, the School

of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, the School of Law and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management The institution plans to hire a Deputy University Librarian, a Secretary, a Clerk Typist, Data Entry Clerks, and a Cleaner/ Messenger.

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BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

farm biz

Meru County leads in cultivation of horned melon fruit

PRICKLY MELON: The horned melon fruit. Farmers in Meru County are supplementing their incomes with the fruit.

Meru County farmers are getting rich picking from the prickly horned melon fruit. The fruit is one of the most nutritious in boosting the immune system and slowing down ageing.

Hated for its spiky feel, the fruit is making a comeback despite traditionally being distasted for being ugly and tasteless.

The thorny melon fruit takes between 28 and 45 days to re-produce and then takes about two weeks to mature and then about two more days to ripen.

Mr. Fred Mutura one of the pioneer thorn melon fruit farmers has allocated one acre of his farm to the cultivation of the fruit.

“I was introduced to the fruit almost two years ago by a friend who had bought it at

the Meru open air market at Gakoromone,” Mutura says. The small-scale horticultural farmer, who is in his late 20s says that on seeing the fruit at his friend’s house, he got curious and wanted to know more about the fruit .

“My friend gave me a piece of the strange looking fruit to taste,” he says. Mutura did not like the taste of the fruit, and informed his friend that he had been duped into wasting his money to buy such a ‘tasteless and ugly looking’ fruit.

This pricked his interest, and he sought how he could acquire some seeds for his horticultural farm located about 30 kilometres from Meru town.

The first sale was discouraging as he had to

Amina: All set for December WTO conference The cabinet secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amina Mohamed has assured members that the 10th World Trade Organisation conference to be held in Nairobi come December will not be for the country but for the whole African continent.

“I want to assure all secretariats that preparation for the forthcoming WTO conference are underway and we expect to receive more visitors from across the continent,’’ Amina said.

Kenya won the bid to host the 10th conference after member countries of the WTO unanimously made the decision following intense lobbying by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade led by the Cabinet Secretary.

According to Amina, Continental Task Force will meet on June for negotiations for the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) which aims at creating a single continent market for goods and services, with free movement of business men.

She hopes the conference will agree to conclude the Doha Round of trade talks that have stalled over a divide on major issues like agriculture, industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers, services, and trade remedies.

Amina said, for our trade to grow, we have to increase our continent’s

beg residents to try the fruit. “Today, I sell at Sh20 to Sh30 a kilo, and I hope to one day sell at Sh100.

Vendors at the local markets sell one fruit at Sh10 and Sh20 depending on the size,” he says.

The yellowish-green coloured pigment found in the seeds and pulps of the spiky skin fruit contains Vitamin A which helps in strengthening of the body’s immune system and also helps in re-pairing and protecting DNA, hence slowing the ageing process.

Mutura is now mobilising farmers to plant the melon and to form a farmers’ interest group so that they can access credit from government funds.

Hustlers sector

MORE THAN JUST CYCLING: Boda boda operators waiting for passngers at a station. New figures show that the boda boda sector generates Sh400 million a day.

Boda boda industry shows promise, generating Sh400m daily

WE’RE READY: Amb. Mohamed said all logistics have been completed and there are ongoing meetings to see the event become a success.

competitiveness through Intra African Trade, to pave way for continent’s business.

“Africa now stands at a monumental place and the vision of trade in Africa is now,” she said. She called upon all stake holders to seek multipartnership because we live in a globalised world.

The move comes as global trade in goods and services is projected to grow at 3.8 percent in 2015 against an earlier projection of 4.9 percent according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

WTO which revised the projections to 3.1 percent from the previous 4.7 percent, is the first ever to be held in Africa.

The boda boda sector generates Sh400 million a day, providing employment for thousands of people, states the Motorcycle Assembly Association of Kenya.

Isaac Kalua, the Association’s Chairman, says that on average about 14.4 million people are riding motorcycles every day, signifying the importance of the sector in growing the economy.

Kalua says the industry has contributed over Sh2.2 billion in the form of direct taxes with over 500,000 motorcycles on Kenyan roads.

“Above 99 per cent are boda boda, earning about Sh1,000 per day with 80 per cent of the riders under

the age of 35 years,” Kalua explains.

“Due to uncertain policies, the volume of motor cycle registration decreased in 2014 from 125, 058 to 111,124. These policies include an uncertain duty remission scheme and imposition of VAT on motorcycle sales,” Kalua says. The industry is also facing challenges of rising accidents involving motorcycles owing to untrained riders that has created bad publicity for the industry.

The association intends to work closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other government agencies to increase safety awareness.

CREDIT POINTER Equity Bank’s Micro Business Loan At a time when the youth are fast becoming integral contributors to the country’s economic growth, Equity Bank is offering a credit facility geared towards meeting their needs.

Through the lender’s Micro Business Loan, borrowers between the ages of 18 and 35 can access a variety of

financial services.

“This is a new product targeting the youth, who form the bulk of the population,” the bank said in a statement.

Its aim is to provide the youth with a “savings vehicle through which they can access a variety of financial services.”

The Micro Business Loan targets entrepreneurs who are looking to spend the money on investments like business premise improvement.

It also targets young entrepreneurs branching into the field of Agriculture, which includes both dairy and horticultural investments.

The lender says that the service is

“available to all youth who are Equity Bank account holders.”

The facility comes at a time when Equity Group Holdings Limited (EGHL) has entered into an agreement with financial service providers, ProCredit Holding and Stichting DOEN, among others, to acquire 79 per cent of the issued

share capital of ProCredit, a DRCbased lender.

Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ProCredit is the leading bank within the DRC’s SME sector.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

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WORK OUT

ThE CANNEs sTriCT shOE CODE DiD NOT gO DOWN WELL WiTh sOmE CELEbriTiEs, ArE ThEY gOiNg OvErbOArD WiTh ThE hEELs ONLY mEmO?

Cate BlanChett at the premiere of the movie Carol.

Actress Karlie Kloss, wearing sandals at the red carpet opening ceremony of the Cannes Film festival last year.

ONLY

U

nless you have been living under a rock then you know that the Cannes Film Festival has been all the buzz for the past one week.

This is an invite only annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres from around the world and the best ones are awarded. It is also the only film festival that has successfully fused fashion and music. Actually, the red carpet sightings is one of the best part of the festival, the film and music stars take it upon themselves to show off their best designer gowns and shoes. And as you would expect from a 12 day event, there is bound to be some controversy.

This year it is all about shoes.

One of the most controversial red carpet happenings was at the launch of Cate Blanchet’s film, Carol. Women wearing flat shoes were turned away from the screenings and stopped on the red carpet by security guards.

Their footwear was deemed unacceptable for the film festival’s formal dress code. It did not matter

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S L E HE ED!

H OW L G L I A H which designer they were wearing or how much their flats cost!

The festival’s website has stipulated black tie /evening dress as a requirement for gala screenings but with no specification on the type of shoe.

The festival’s director, Thierry Fremaux issued an apology saying, “there was perhaps a small amount of overzealousness,” but the damage was already done.

People took to twitter to condemn the actions giving birth to the hashtag, #Showmeyourflats, where women posted pictures of themselves wearing flats with stars lighting the way.

Actress Emily Blunt said during a press conference, “We should not wear high heels anymore. That is just my point of view I prefer to wear Converse sneakers. That is very disappointing.”

Despite her strong words, she did not follow through on the red carpet the next day at the premiere of her movie Sicario, where she wore silver six inch heels!

W’s fashion magazine contributing editor, Giovanna Battaglia, took it upon herself to silently protest at the red carpet of an event

hosted by fashion designer Valentino. She showed up dressed in a high slit red guipure lace gown paired with flat Azzedine Alaia sandals. “I thought they were the best shoes with the dress,” she said, “had I been blocked from the red carpet at Cannes in the same outfit, there would have been a major fashion drama moment.”

Beatrice Sigei, a high heels lover and Fashion expert believes high heels maketh the woman. “No woman should wear flats outside her home.

High heels give a woman a feminine look that is elegant, accentuates her figure and adds a little zing to your walking style. You will never catch me dead in flats unless I am going to the gym.”

Locallys singer Suzzanna Owiyo swears by high heels as does Avril and Amani. Fashion guru Diana Opoti also supports the heels on red carpet debate.

Giovanna BattaGlia rocking flats at the red carpet in silent protest at the “no flats” rule at the film festival.

emily Blunt in six inch heels a day after speaking out against the no flats rule at the festival.

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WEDNESDAY 26th WEDNESDAY, MAY NOVEMBER 27, 2015 2014

HOME& LIVING

in many homEs, thE bEdroom is only occupiEd by a bEd and a mEdium sizE wardrobE, lEaving a lot of spacE to wastE.

THE

DIY

Pebble stone D

id you know there is a way to preserve the memories of your upcountry adventures?

By using pebbles that are widely available on river beds and river banks, you can create a unique and classy floor mat for your home in sixty minutes!

The process only requires a premade plastic floor mat available at any household goods outlet, a bag or two of pebbles and super glue.

Before you start, ensure that you wash off any dirt on the pebbles and then dry them with a soft towel.

Lay the mat on a flat surface and smear the adhesive paste all over

the plastic surface.

Pick your pebbles and place them on the now sticky surface. You can arrange the pebbles in patterns, but you can also choose to arrange them asymmetrically.

In fact you can get super creative during the process and arrange the pebbles to spell out words for example ‘welcome’ if you intend to use the end product as a door mat or spell out people’s names if you want to use it as a bedroom mat. Remember to give the mat some time to dry up properly so that the pebbles do not start falling off.

HOME IMPROVEMENT The advantages of walk in closets are innumerable.

First, these closets are multipurpose in the sense that they can be used as storage space for clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, scarfs and even miscellaneous items such as musical instruments.

M

any home owners in Kenya struggle with storage space in their houses because of poor planning. The bedrooms especially is where you find shoes and bags stuffed under the bed and clothes hung on nails hammered into the bedroom walls…. Untidy!

If you are guilty as charged, it is time to renovate your bedroom. In many homes, the bedroom is only

buIlD a walk

In closet

occupied by a bed and a medium size wardrobe, leaving a lot of space to waste. This space can be salvaged by building a walk in closet inside your bedroom, a fairly new design in the Kenyan real estate scene.

We only see walk in closets on ‘Keeping up With the Kardashians’ and other cool shows, but incorporating one into your bedroom

is as easy as hiring a skilled carpenter.

The advantages of walk in closets are innumerable. First, these closets are multi-purpose in the sense that they can be used as storage space for clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, scarfs and even miscellaneous items such as musical instruments.

Walk in closets also allow for proper organization of items. Normally

there is a rack for shoes, hangers for clothes such as shirts, skirts, dresses and coats, hooks for belts, bags, hats and scarfs as well as drawers for inner wear. The closet can also serve as your make up and dressing room. All you need is a dressing table and a mirror.

A walk in closet also improves the aesthetic value of your bedroom by giving it a sophisticated touch.

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 2015

EvEry liftEr must includE squats, dEadlifts.

9

HEALTH &FITNESS

benefits of grapefruit Increased consumption of grapefruit can decreases the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease while increasing energy and promoting a healthy complexion.

g

rapefruits vary in hue from white, yellow to pink and red and can range in taste too from very acidic to bitter or sweet and sugary.

Here is why you need to fall in love with the grapefruit.

Asthma prevention Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C .This helps in decreasing the risk of developing asthma.

Hydration It is one of the hydrating fruit in the world just below water melon and contains important electrolytes which helps prevent dehydration.

Blood pressure and heart health Grapefruit has powerful nutrient combination of fiber,

potassium, lycopene, vitamin C and choline which help to maintain a healthy heart.

The high potassium content in fresh red grapes lowers blood pressure because of its powerful vasodilation effects.

Fight cold Vitamin C is known as a cold fighter a nutrient found in grapefruit. Vitamin C supports the immune system which helps reduce cold or severity of cold symptoms Weight loss Grapefruit is low in calories and rich in fiber which helps keep us full for longer as it takes time to digest. This fruit also has a fat-burning enzyme which helps the

body absorb and reduce starch and sugar.

Lower kidney stone risk Drinking up to a litre of grapefruit juice daily helps to block the formation of kidney cysts. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects do not only help prevent the formation of cysts, but also reduce swelling in the kidneys that is caused by fluid retention.

Fight gum disease Eating two grapefruits a day can help prevent and even reverse the damage caused by gum disease.

WORKOUT When you’re cycling carbs it is very important to ensure you are getting your daily protein requirements

How to

fat

& gaIn Muscle

I

t has often been said that you can’t lose fat and gain muscle simultaneously. That statement is actually incorrect.

Beginners and intermediate bodybuilders can do so as most of them have not reached their genetic limits.

However, when it comes to getting in shape, most people opt for a singular goal by either diet mass gaining, or a calorie-restricted plan that saps their strength, size, and energy in an effort to lose fat.

Here is how to actually build muscle and burn fat.

Focus on heavy, compound weight lifting Every lifter must include squats, deadlifts, and bench presses

exercises as they produce efficient results. Manipulate your workout just enough so that these big moves fall on other days in your training schedule.

Stimulate, then maximize protein synthesis When you’re cycling carbs it is very important to ensure you are getting your daily protein requirements, especially when your daily calories are already running low.

Make your lifestyle fit your goals You have no doubt heard that success doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from following a discipline approach. That means timing your meals, timing

your sleep and planning your work out sessions.

Get enough sleep Insufficient sleep decreases growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor levels, which play important roles in maintaining muscle mass, it also decreases fat loss.

Do HIIT cardio If you trying to build muscles while losing fat you should invest on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) HIIT burns more calories per minute and preserves more muscle than steady-state cardio.

This means the shorter your cardio sessions are, the more muscle you preserve.

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 7th WEDNESDAY, MAYJANUARY 27, 2015 2015

FASHIONparade

Pull off the crop top in style.

EAST AFRI CA

c0-be inc collection.

The Co-Be Inc signature snood.

ION week

FASH T

RETURNS

he East Africa Fashion Week is arguably one of the biggest fashion events in the region. The second edition is slated for this Friday and will see designers from Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya showcase their latest collections. Co-Be Inc is one of the Kenyan designer we are looking forward to seeing.

Known for their elegant-chic designs, they have hinted to XAccess that, ‘Game On’, will be taking on the growing trend of sporty wear. The head designer, Bevern Oguk, says he was inspired to by the ‘keep fit’ theme hence the use of comfortable fabrics such as cotton. Here is a preview of what to expect.

Keeping it casually chic.

A little bit of African print for an official look.

Their jewellery is also something to look forward to.

This is one of those dresses for any ocassion

NICKI MINAJ IS NOT ENGAGED Early April Nicki Minaj showed off a massive yellow diamond ring on her left finger in a picture on Instagram. People thought that she was engaged to rapper boyfriend Meek Mill with whom they had been going out for three months. But the ring did not signify an engagement that is according to her boyfriend Meek Mill. In an interview with Fader magazine, the rapper said they are not engaged and that they are not getting married soon because they are still learning about teach other. The rapper also insisted that what he had with Nicki Minaj was real. The ring was a gift to his lady love Nicki Minaj to show her he appreciates her.

HOT TOPICS

This is the plan; Afro Beat Wednesdays Former TPF contestant, Daisy Ejang and Papa Dennis are the attraction tonight at K1. The videos are directed by The Godfather.

Afrobeat Wednesdays is powered by Mseto East Africa and X News.

Meek and Nicki

WEMA GUSHES ABOUT EX DIAMOND’S TALENT BUT FLOUNTS ALI KIBA Former Miss Tanzania and Diamond Platinumz ex-girlfriend Wema Sepetu made headlines after she posted pictures showing support for Ali Kiba on his Kili Music Awards nominations. In an interview, the Tanzanian beauty said that she was showing support for Ali Kiba because they have been friends for a long time. Then she changed gears and poured praises on Diamonds’ music saying he is the best musician Bongo has ever seen.

Can you make up your mind woman?

nae wema

PLAY 11 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Strong intuition concerning ways to generate extra income might pop into your head all day.

Some of them may seem off the wall, but don’t let that stop you. This is definitely a day to move your interests forward, Capricorn. You have the energy and motivation to do wonders.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Your enthusiasm is high, Aquarius, as is your energy, so you’re likely to want to channel your personal power into whatever goals you have. Today you have the courage to focus on matters that others wouldn’t even attempt. Move forward with caution, but go to it!

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 A surge of inner power and intuition could have you thinking about embracing an unusual profession. Your desire for independence is strong now, Pisces, so you might be thinking about working on your own, perhaps in an artistic field or a service profession.

WEATHERFORECAST WEDESday 27/05/2015

sunny

24

THURday 27/05/2015

More sun than clouds

24

25ºC 61%

6:28 am 6:31pm

25ºC 57%

6:28 am 6:32pm

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Some in-depth research might be required. Your need for independence in career matters is high, as well as the courage to go for what you want. Use caution and discretion, but move ahead anyway. Don’t let the day’s advantages pass you by!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Projects involving partnerships could get a strong push forward because you’re feeling especially motivated to get things done. Your partners could be inspired to get the ball rolling, and all of you may feel courageous enough to try the impossible.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You may have been working on projects that make you feel good over the past few weeks, Cancer, particularly projects that relate to attaining more independence in your career. In the process, you’ve probably developed some new skills and now feel confident enough to use them.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Minor ailments may awaken a new determination to improve your health. You feel especially energetic today, Virgo, so you might go to the gym. Just don’t overdo it. You might also be considering several changes you’d like to make in your home or workplace.

MUSTREAD The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears — by Dinaw Mengestu

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 The desire to bring important personal projects to a close might have you focusing a lot of energy on them, Libra. You might need to run several errands before you can finish. Your energy is high, so consider playing some sports or getting a good workout at the gym.

Sepha Stephanos fled his country Ethiopia, seventeen years ago. At the time, the country was experiencing upheaval and he ran to seek refuge in America. Now he finds himself falling apart. A grocery store he started in a poor African American area in Washington, D.C is crumbling. He begins to question his move to America and wonders what would have happened if he had stayed home. He has two African- American friends who sympathise with him and understand his longing for home. Things start changing when he meets and forms a friendship with two women. Judith is white and lives with her bi-racial daughter Naomi. Life starts picking up. Soon however, things get a bit ugly when a series of racial incidents rock the neighbourhood they live in. Sepha stands to lose everything all over again.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 The desire for independence may have some family members thinking about breaking out on their own. Others could desire to make some extra money for their own projects. Don’t be surprised if everyone spends most of the day somewhere else.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your mind is especially acute today, Sagittarius. You may come up with ideas for new projects.

You’re feeling especially motivated and courageous. Don’t be surprised if you try to achieve the impossible. Friends or groups could play a strong role in whatever you try.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

24

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 Today you might channel one final, powerful burst of energy into completing a goal that means a great deal to you. Your courage and determination are high, and you have the ability to accomplish a lot at this time, Aries. Move forward with caution, but go for the gold!

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Take care to notice what your partner wants! Enterprises that you may have been pursuing with business colleagues could take a giant step forward, as both you and your partners are feeling especially strong and motivated. Move forward with caution, Leo, but move forward.

THURsday

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

Yesterday’s winning photo

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.

winning captions

1. Our MPs, making decisions on behalf of the country - Evelyn W. 2. When the squad has your back. #RideOrDie - Hakim Jamal Wabuga 3. “I’ll call you back, bae. I’m at the ‘bank‘ making a small deposit“ - M. Kim

12

PLAY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Ladies’ hoops gp.

5. Inc., e.g.

9. Like some scary alleys 14. Movie holder 15. Medal recipient, maybe 16. Wee 17. Lacking flexibility 19. “Robinson Crusoe” author 20. “Paper Moon” Oscar winner O’Neal 21. Love in Lyon 23. Brief swim 25. Punjabi beverage 30. 1985 John Cusack film 33. Big brute 35. Ivy League school 36. Oncle’s wife 37. Actor Paul 39. Economize excessively 42. Collection pit 43. Caribbean features 45. Pigeon murmurs 47. Collecting a pension (abbr.)

48. Pete Rose’s nickname 52. Church songbooks 53. Groundbreaking tool 54. Glider on the ice 57. “Amerika” novelist 61. Sundance’s partner 65. Turned to water, say 67. “Steady ___ goes!”

68. Former French coins 69. Stricken

70. Interior Secretary under FDR 71. Fishtail 72. Bears’ lairs Down 1. Judicial order 2. “99 Red Balloons” singer 3. Epitome of redness 4. Refer 5. Sigh sounds 6. Software test version 7. Spilling point 8. Florid in style 9. Blowing gust 10. Nevada’s largest county 11. Lions Gate Entertainment, on the NYSE 12. “As I see it,” in text-speak 13. Ship rope 18. Harmony 22. TV dial letters 24. H.S. support groups 26. Wells and Lupino 27. Professor’s security 28. Alice’s cake instruction 29. Proficient person 30. Mass hysteria 31. Lodge member 32. German state 33. “If I Were ___ Man” 34. Overbearing 38. Actress Laura 40. Soft, in France 41. Luxuriously fashionable

44. Cuts prices like crazy 46. Feed, as a fire 49. Variety 50. Online commerce events 51. Flipped (through) 55. Tock lead-in 56. Lateral opening 58. Prix ____ menu 59. Avid 60. Totals 61. Actress ___ Ling of “The Crow” 62. Neil Armstrong’s alma mater 63. Shaming syllable 64. “Evita” narrator 66. Exchange rate abbr.

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY

Free the city of human traffic too Nairobi is fats forwarding to becoming a choked habitation. Every day in the throngs of people walking the streets, someone is mugged, another one pilfered, another hawker ducks council askaris, another beggar at the corner – its complete chaos.

This begs the question, does the county have any expansion plans?

Since Muthurwa hawkers market and bus terminus was an elaborate flop, Kenyans would love to know if Dr. Evans Kidero has any plans to free the city from human traffic.

I understand there are plans to decongest the roads which sadly seem to have been shelved already, but if the county could also regulate the crowds, that’d be great!

Parents, don’t just take your kids to any school Parents need to think of their children’s welfare when enrolling them in schools. They should ensure that their kids’ school is at a reasonable distance, so that the child gets enough time to sleep at night.

It’s depressing to see school-going kids dozing off in matatus in the morning since they had to wake up

very early in order to beat the morning traffi and get to school on time.

I’m sure that there are many primary schools in most residential areas. You don’t have to send your kid to school at Muthaiga all the way from Juja or do you?

— Yvonne Ndumia, Kenyatta University

Let’s give the police some credit Policemen and women in this country toil every day to ensure we are safe. Though some of them are always asking for Kitu Kidogo, majority of them put their lives on the line to protect our country. Take for example what happened at Yumbis.

Many service men have lost their lives protecting Kenyans. Do their lives matter? What about their families how are they? As Kenyans we must strive to thank Police men and women who are selflessly giving themselves wholeheartedly to protect our country. We should begin to encourage and appreciate them more. The government should give them better allowances and housing. They walk out of home every day leaving their family behind, they are not sure if they will come back home alive or dead. Let’s appreciate our uniformed officers.

— Edith Mmbone, Kenyatta University

— Esther Karera, Komarock

Not too late: The spirit of devil worshiping can be defeated The issue of devil worshipping and illuminati has become part and parcel of the urban areas especially in learning institutions and worshiping places.

What has contributed to this? And the question remains the same everywhere.

I think the level of poverty and life challenges have greatly contributed

to the rise of devil worshiping.

My humble request goes to the parents to work with lectures to ensure our youth keep off from this because they are the future seniors of

this country.

Youths again to be keen with friends they make. According to my observation most gay youths practice devil worship and it’s our

own responsibility as youths to keep off from them for our own benefit. Devil worshiping is real.

— Steve Mbai, Nairobi

NGO registration the right move More traffic officers needed The registration of NGOs is vital because most of them use the term “a good cause” to exploit money from unsuspecting philanthropists.

I have been a victim of NGO exploitation, one which advertised itself as an organisation that drills boreholes in different counties in a bid to provide water for all in Kenya.

They were clever enough and really convincing, showing me all their certificates and evidence of their work, they went as far as asking me to tag along to one of their mission so as to convince me to donate and I fell for it. After I donated, I never heard from them again.

— Martin Nzwili, Fedha

I feel that there should be more traffic officers on our roads to ensure that matatus don’t drop passengers along busy highways thus obstructing traffic flow.

Sometimes matatu operators ignorantly drop passengers on the busy highways instead of the designated spots and laybys. This puts the

passengers’ lives in danger of being hit and run over by speeding motorists.

Some more traffic officer will help us restore some order in highways. Many lives will also be saved.

Send your letters to news@x-news.co.ke | Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

— Tom mwavali, Nairobi

SPORT 13 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Loga claims unforeseen forces were behind Ingwe defeat

AFC Leopards coach, Zradvko Logarusic says his side’s 2-0 defeat in hands of Western Stima last Saturday may have been necessitated by other factors.

Logarusic claimed they were denied access to the stadium ahead of the match for fear they “would leave Juju” on the pitch a day before Gor Mahia took on Muhoroni Youth at the same Moi Stadium venue.

Victor Ochieng’ came off the bench to fire a quick double, to silence Ingwe and halt their three-game winning run as Gor laboured to a 1-0 win over Muhoroni 24 hours later.

The Croat claimed a groundsman loyal to K’Ogalo locked them out of pre-match training leaving his boys with no time to get a feel of the AstroTurf pitch.

“The management of the stadium refused to give us even 30 minutes of training. As a visiting team we should be allowed to feel the pitch before the match but it was not the case, instead they laughed at us. The grounds man refused to take our money; he said we will put some ‘juju’ on the pitch because he is a Gor supporter,” Logarusic lamented following the dispiriting loss.

“KPL should do something, if we are playing in Kisumu we should be allowed to train there a day before the match,” he argued. The two giants are yet to sweat it out in the second leg of the ‘Mashemeji Derby’ or might even meet in the GOtv Shield, but despite their hot and cold form, Leopards boast of the bragging rights having come a goal down to pick a point in the first-leg in a 1-1 draw at Nyayo.

Leopards, who take on Mathare United on Madaraka Day are facing financial challenges, making it difficult for the players to travel for away matches outside Nairobi unless they are given money to cater for their families.

IMPOSSIBLE: AFC Leopards coach, Zradvko Logarusic. The Croat says his side’s 2-0 defeat in the hands of Western Stima last Saturday may have been necessitated by otherunseen factors.

Norwich promoted to EPL, boss Alex Neil adamant they will endure season Manager Alex Neil is confident his Norwich team will be competitive in the Premier League after securing promotion with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in Monday’s championship play-off final.

“I’m not silly, I know it is going to be a huge task for us,” said the 33-year-old Scot. “We will be one of the smallest clubs in the Premier League.

“But there are other clubs of a similar size who have done well.

“There is no reason why we cannot do that.”

Neil added: “I am hoping that we will be able to give a good account of ourselves.”

Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond scored inside the first 15 minutes as the Canaries sealed an instant return to the top flight.

It also ensured promotions in successive

seasons for Neil, who led Hamilton to the Scottish Premiership last term before he was appointed by Norwich in January.

“I will need to learn fast, I’m fully aware of that,” added Neil. “I think my biggest challenge is going to be managing expectations.

“I have had back-to-back promotions so I think people will expect us to do really well in the Premier League, but that is extremely difficult. “There will be an incredible amount of hard work to make sure we can compete at that level because the gulf between the Premier League and the Championship is vast. However, teams manage to go up and do well.

“We will need to add a few quality signings but I will stick with the hardcore group of the squad and make sure they get an opportunity.”

PROMOTED: Norwich City players celebrating after earning their promotion to top flight football. Manager Alex Neil is confident that his team be competitive in the Premier League.

Wenger not happy with Fifa’s summer schedule Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has criticised Fifa for not considering the health of players in setting their international summer schedule.

The Gunners’ season ends with Saturday’s FA Cup final, before Colombia keeper David Ospina and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez depart for the Copa America, which begins on 11 June.

After the World Cup last year, Wenger says the tournament is “too much”.

“I am really surprised Fifa authorised that,” said the Frenchman.

“I’ll watch [the Copa America], but with a little bit of fear.

“Sanchez has played 50 games for us and goes there again, having already played in the World Cup last summer.”

As well losing two players to the Copa America, which runs until 4 July, Wenger says several of his European internationals will join up with their respective national teams after playing Aston Villa at Wembley to take part in pre-season friendlies until 14 June.

The 2015-16 Premier League season also

starts earlier than usual, with the first games taking place on 8 August, It is a move Wenger says is “the wrong decision” and the Gunners boss is concerned his players will not have enough time recuperate before preseason starts.

He added: “It is disappointing that Fifa speak a lot about the health of the players, but when you look at the competition that is organised, this Copa America, and look at the date of the start of the Premier League, it is not reasonable.”

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Kimetto, Kipsang lined up in strong squad for Beijing THE HARD WAY: The Kenya Sevens rugby team in action against Canada in a past IRB series encounter. Coach Felix Ochieng says the team will qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics the hard way.

MAIN MAN: Dennis Kimmetto after he won the Berlin Marathon in 2014.

He has been included in the men provisional squad for the IAAF Beijing World Championships alongside Wilson Kipsang.

AK includes big names in provisional line up for Beijing meet Athletics Kenya AK plans to line up a strong Kenyan team in this year’s World Championships set for August in Beijing, China.

Speaking on Tuesday AK senior vice-president David Okeyo said the inclusion of World marathon record-holder Dennis Kimetto and 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Wilson Kipsang in the

men provisional squad is statement enough on how strong the team will be.

“We have witnessed before marathoners preferring to run in road races at the expense of representing the country. We are going to witness something different this year,” he said.

“Kimetto and Kipsang have both

shown desire to be included in the team which is a very good thing.

Now we want to make sure they are in good shape ahead of their residential camp,” he said.

Okeyo, who said men will be looking forward to recapture the title they lost to Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich in 2013, did not comment on the absence of London Marathon

champion Eliud Kipchoge, who had expressed his desire to make a return to the World Championships where he won the 5,000m title in 2003.

The rest of the men’s team comprises of reigning Paris Marathon champion Mark Korir, Hamburg champion Lucas Kimeli Rotich, Felix Kipchirchir Kiprotich, who finished second in Seoul Marathon and

No action to follow F1 test driver Maria de Villota crash No action is to be taken against a former Formula 1 team after test driver Maria de Villota suffered a severe crash in Cambridgeshire in 2012, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.

De Villota lost her right eye at Duxford Airfield while testing for Marussia and died a year later aged 33.

The HSE said the driver’s family had been informed of its decision.

Manor Grand Prix Racing, which operated Marussia and now runs the Manor team, has yet to comment.

De Villota, the daughter of 1980s F1 driver Emilio de Villota, was injured when the MR-01 race car she was driving hit a support truck on 3 July 2012.

She had been driving at up to 200mph (322km/h), but was travelling considerably slower at the time of the crash.

It was the first time the Spaniard had driven the car for Oxfordshire-based Marussia, which folded in 2014.

TRAGIC: Maria de Villota suffered a severe crash in Cambridgeshire in 2012. De Villota lost her right eye at Duxford Airfield while testing for Marussia and died a year later aged 33.

Despite losing her eye, she was cleared to drive again in early 2013, but died the following October as a consequence of the neurological injuries she suffered.

Soon after the crash, Marussia said an internal investigation excluded the car as a factor in the accident.

2012 Rome Marathon winner Luka Lokobe Kanda.

The women’s team will be led by twotime world champion Edna Kiplagat, Jemimah Sumgong, Tokyo runnerup medalist Helah Kiprop, Visiline Jepkesho, who was placed third at Paris Marathon, and Janet Jelagat who finished fourth at Prague.

Local tennis association hosts ITF Level II coaching course 24 participants’ local and foreign coaches are taking part in the 12-day Level II Tennis Technical coaching course being at the Parklands Sports Club.

The event organised by the Kenya Lawn Tennis Association With the support of Olympic Solidarity and International Tennis Fedération will run from Monday 25th to Friday June 5th. Kenya has majority of the participants 13 in total with the rest coming from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Sudan. Eligibility was based on coaches with an ITF level I certification and working with national performance players.

The 13 Kenyan coaches are among some who passed the ITF level I which the Klta hosted in 2013. Kenya currently has six active ITF Level II coaches and only two Level III’s.

According to KLTA administrator, Susana Adhiambo, the course prepares the coaches to work with players in high level of competition and generally national team players.

“The expectation of the federation is to have more qualified coaches to work in development of performance players to make Kenya regain its position as the top nation in the region in terms of player’s performance,” she said.

The tutors of the course are ITF Development Officer Riaan Kruger and Rosemary Owino - ITF Level III Kenyan coach.

Bamburi rugby series cancelled as sponsors pull out citing graft The Bamburi Rugby Super Series (BRSS) will not be held this year after the cement manufacturing firm severed their links with Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) following claims of financial impropriety at the 2014 edition.

Union boss, Richard Omwela, confirmed Tuesday morning that Bamburi had declined to commit to the 2015 edition adding that a ‘Plan B’ was in progress to

organise it this year.

It is another telling blow to the sport after Safaricom severed their partnership with the annual sevens international invitation flagship, Safari 7s and local Sevens Series on April 7 citing lack of ‘accountability and transparency’ at the Union for the decision, same reasons put forward by Bamburi.

The Series comprised eight teams, five

SMS GAME TO:

79079 SMS CHARGED @2/-

teams from Kenya (Simba, Kifaru, Papa, Cheetahs and Buffaloes) two from Uganda (Rwenzori and Victoria) and one from Tanzania (Twigas).

UAP Kifaru became the first university franchise to lift the BRSS title after beating pre match favourites Nguvu Papa 15-0 in last year’s final.

MATCHES HIGHLIGHTS

“1” is HOME WIN “X” is DRAW “2” is AWAY TEAM WIN The teams in the game are always listed in the order: GAME ID, HOME TEAM and VISITING TEAM PREDICTIONS DATE

TIME

GAME ID

GAME

1

X

2

CANCELLED: SDV transami Cheetahs (red) playing against UAP Lions in the 2012 Bamburi Super series.

Fifa officials arrested in Zurich after dawn raid From Page 1 The raids were conducted in Zurich, where members of soccer’s scandal-plagued governing body were gathering for an election Friday that could give its leader Sepp Blatter a fifth term.

Blatter isn’t among those being charged, the officials say. But he was among those investigated, and officials say that part of the probe continues.

Authorities didn’t release the names of all the officials who were arrested. But one of them is Jeffrey Webb, FIFA’s vice president and head of CONCACAF, the FIFA-affiliated governing body for North America and the Carribean, sources told CNN. The Swiss Federal Office of Justice said the suspects accepted bribes and kickbacks totaling more than $100 million (about Sh9.6 billion), from the early 1990s until now.

In return, they provided media, marketing and sponsorship rights to soccer matches in Latin America, the Swiss Office of Justice said.

The charges are a result of a three-year FBI investigation and are to be announced by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who oversaw the case in Brooklyn before her appointment to lead the Justice Dept in Washington, and James Comey, the FBI director.

The reason why the United States brought charges against the suspects is because the plots were allegedly hatched on American soil.

FACING JUSTICE: Jeffrey Webb of the Cayman Islands, a vice president of the executive committee is one of those set to be charged.

“According to U.S. request, these crimes were agreed and prepared in the U.S., and payments were carried out via U.S. banks,” the Swiss Office of Justice said.

A FIFA spokesman refused to comment on the arrests.

“We are seeking clarity on the situation,” the spokesman told CNN. FIFA has been at the center of corruption investigations for years. But the organization has long dismissed allegations that top officials were on the take.

Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya and his deputy Robert Asembo are among Fifa officials in Zurich after they left the country early this week to attend the Friday elections.

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BIG NAMES LINED UP FOR KENYAN SQUAD FOR BEIJING

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YOUTUBE MAN: Julius Yego in action during the London 2012 Olympics.

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‘YouTube Man’ shatters national javelin record

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ommonwealth and African Javelin champion, Julius Yego shattered the national record on Tuesday night’s 54th Ostrava Golden Spike- an IAAF World Challenge Meeting.

It was not a good evening for 800m world record holder David Rudisha who pulled out of the 600m showdown with suspected hamstring injury.

The record-holder made it only around the first bend of the 600m before pulling up injured, clutching at the front of his thigh.

“It’s very unfortunate that I pulled my muscle just after 100m,” Rudisha said afterwards. “But it’s not a very serious injury.”

The Glasgow and twice African titleholder, Yego, affectionately known as the ‘YouTube Man’ was the toast of the Kenyan challenge, throwing a season’s best of 86.88 to set a new national marker, the eighth time he has achieved the milestone in his illustrious Javelin career.

Yego was languishing down in ninth place after two rounds and needed a good throw in the third round to stay in the competition. But he did more than merely survive; he thrived off the pressure and set a national record to take the lead.

Diamond Race winner Thomas Rohler put together a consistent series but couldn’t catch the Kenyan, throwing a season’s best of 85.36m.

“The weather wasn’t very good to us, but I’m really happy that I produced such a good result,”

said Yego. “It’s an honour to compete in front of the world record-holder, Jan Zelezny. He is my role model.

World leader Tero Pitkamaki was third with 83.96m, while world champion Vitezslav Vesely and Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott finished sixth and seventh respectively.

European indoor champion Marcin Lewandowski won the 1000m in 2:17.25, beating world 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop who ran 2:17.38 to second as Olympics 800m bronze medallist, Timothy Kitum rounded the podium in 2:17.62.

Ethiopia’s Olympics silver medallist, Dejen Gebremeskel topped the men 5000m race in 13:23.72 after a lung bursting sprint in the homestretch with 2013 World Cross champion, Japheth Korir (13:29.01) sliding down to fifth after holding on to the leaders all the way to the bell to be the best placed Kenyan.

Hayle Ibramov of Azerbijan was second in 13:26.77 as Somali runner, Abdi Bashir closed the podium in 13:28.07. Selah Jepleting was the top placed Kenyan in the women 1500m with a performance of 4:09.74 landing her sixth in a race won by Ukraine’s Anna Mishchenko in 4:07.09.

Jamaican sprint icon, Usain Bolt, lined-up for the men 200m finals and had a noticeable lead at half way and continued to edge ahead of Isiah Young down the home stretch, clocking a season’s best of 20.13 to win by more than two metres.

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