201506026 xnews

NEWS

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

WORD FROM THE GOVERNOR H.E. PETER MUNYA, CHAIRMAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS

THE MERU INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE 2015

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UNLIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN MERU

t gives me great pleasure to welcome you all the Meru County Investment Conference 2015. We are humbled by your friendship and excited at the prospects of the commercial and business discussions we will be having. Karibuni Sana.

I also wish to recognize and thank the many partners and sponsors that have worked with us as we prepared and organized this investment conference. Your counsel, encouragement and material support was invaluable in making this conference a success.

STRATEGIC LOCATION Meru County has important strategic and locational economies that potentially make it the future business hub for Kenya. We are located at the centre of Kenya and within the Lamu - South Sudan Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) that is under construction. This project will indeed transform the economic architecture of the Country moving forward and Meru County sits right at the centre. Meru County

is also in close proximity to other economically influential Vision 2030 infrastructure projects that are at various stages of implementation by the National Government.

These projects include the Isiolo International Airport that is nearing completion, Meru-Isiolo-Moyale Road, the Isiolo Resort City, the planned inland oil refinery and petrol chemical plant. These infrastructure projects will significantly transform and commercialize all the economic sectors in Meru County.

THE JOURNEY The journey towards this investment conference started two years ago when in 2013 we convened the Meru Rising Conference. The Meru Rising Conference was borne out of the need by the Meru Professionals Community and Friends of Meru to meet and chart the development destiny of Meru County. The conference generated a development road map for the County that was articulated in the report of the conference proceedings and finally the County Integrated Development Plan. The Meru Rising Conference

was followed by a stakeholders’ forum dubbed the Safari Park Meeting that established sector working groups to drill down further on the development agenda for the County and define specific projects for implementation.

This conference is therefore the culmination of this elaborate process where specific projects have now been packaged in readiness for development by the private sector.

PREPAREDNESS FOR INVESTMENTS We have invested heavily in improving infrastructure such as water, road network and public works services in the County. I commissioned the 10KM KianjaiMiathene-Mikinduri road that has been developed using the cost effective probase technology at a cost of Ksh.300Million that go a long way to demonstrate our resolve and commitment to improving investment climate in the County.

My Government also completed the Meru County Resource Map that will guide investors on the natural

and other resource endowments in the County.

In an effort to further improve the investor experience in Meru, My Government has established the Meru County Investment and Development Corporation to specifically promote investments in Meru County. The Corporation is set up vide the Meru County Investment and Development Corporation Act, 2014 with a statutory mandate to package investment opportunities in the county, profile those opportunities to investors and invest in commercial ventures on behalf of the County Government. The Corporation will be your partner and facilitator as you establish your investments in Meru County.

The law establishing the Corporation is deliberately designed to give comfort to the private sector in Meru by underwriting political risks and providing certainty to commercial establishments in Meru.

A key mandate of the Corporation is also to advise and lobby the County Government on the policy and

legislative frameworks that advance the space of the private sector in Meru County.

These interventions by my Government go a long way in profiling Meru as serious contender for investment capital moving forward. As a direct result of these interventions, Meru County has already attracted big companies that have pitched their investments in Meru County. The energy sector has in particular been attractive to the private investors, with the Kenya Electricity generating Company (KenGen) planning to develop an 400 Mega Watt wind firm, while another private developer- BlueSea Energy- is in the process of developing another 40 Mega Watt of wind power generation in Buuri sub-county. Meru County is also endowed with significant investment opportunities in exploitation of small hydropower and solar power resources that will be presented in the course of this Conference.

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WORD FROM THE GOVERNOR H.E. PETER MUNYA, CHAIRMAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES In an effort to advance the level of engagement with investors, my Government has developed project packages on investments opportunities in all economic sectors of the County, where commercial ventures can thrive. We will be presenting a compelling business case for investments in Agriculture and livestock value addition. In particular, the County is reaching out for investments in processing of macadamia, ground nuts, oil crops, bananas, potatoes, grapes, leather and fruits and vegetables with a view of having factories established in this County to process and package these products for export to other counties and outside the country.

In addition, Meru County has pristine tourism and hospitality resources ready for commercialization by the private sector. During the course of this conference, delegates will be presented with attractive business propositions for development of hotels, eco-lodges and tented camps in Mount Kenya Forest, Meru National Park and the Meru Conservancy. In order to demonstrate our commitment as a County to the promotion of Meru County as a serious tourist and hospitality destination, my Government will sponsor an elaborate game drive for all the delegates on 27th June 2015 to the Meru National Park to sample the rich diversity of tourism and

hospitality resources in Meru.

My Government is also particularly keen to change the face of Meru County by development of premium investment projects in the County.

These investments include a multiuse fifteen storey commercial block in the middle of Meru Town that will be built using a hybrid debtequity financing model. Moreover, the County Government is planning to commercialize various assets namely Angaine and Tuntu Estates; Maua property next to uchumi supermarket, Gakaromone Market, Nkubu and Liki next to Nanyuki Town that could be developed using Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer. These investment projects

are available for investments and my Government, through the Investment Corporation is ready for concrete engagements with the private sector.

ENABLING INVESTMENTS ENVIRONMENT We have lined up a package of incentives to the private sector that want to set base in Meru County.

My Government is ready to provide land to the private sector on long term lease arrangements that are sensitive to capital recovery. In addition, investors willing to invest in value addition in Agriculture and Livestock processing worth at least Ksh.50Million will be provided with targeted incentives that include free land, connection to water supply

mains, grading and maintenance of access roads to motorable state where technically feasible, connection to sewerage system in Meru, waiver of plant approval fees and waiver of rates approved by the County Assembly.

CONCLUSION These highlights only serve to indicate to you the investment opportunities in Meru County and our preparedness for uptake of investments, including our promise for an enabling business environment. I look forward to an exciting, fruitful engagement with you.

Thank You.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MERU

Governor Peter Munya hosting The First Lady of Kenya, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta as she unveiled the 28th mobile clinic of The Beyond Zero Campaign in Meru.

Hon. Governor Peter Munya receiving a fire and rescue engine fitted with state of the art equipment to assist the Meru fire unit during emergency incidents from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Hon. Governor Peter Munya at Kariene and Nkubu market while issuing Youth, Women and General Traders SACCOs funding he pledged in my election manifesto.

He also promised to sponsor secondary school education for two (2) needy but bright students per ward.

The Governor with the Water Services Trust Fund C.E.O Mr.Ismail Fahmy and his team. They discussed areas of collaboration on up-scaling of water and sanitation in Meru County.

WEEKEND EDITION JUNE 26-28, 2015 | WWW.x-NEWs.cO.KE

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UhUrU gets invitation to investment forUm in the Us United states trade minister formally asks the president to attend the global event in september to lUre investors to kenya

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NEWS mEru couNty makiNg Effort to attract SportiNg pEdigrEE

SpriNtEr NkaNata happy to mENtor kENyaN athlEtES

Plans to cut ieBC bosses gathers pace

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he debate about reducing the number of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners from the current nine to three received a big boost yesterday after the commission nodded to it.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi made the proposal last month and IEBC chief executive Ezra Chiloba now says the debate is healthy.

“For us where we sit, we feel that it is a good debate to have and whatever Parliament then decides, that is what will be because at that time, they thought it was fit to have nine so if the prevailing circumstances mean that we need to have a different number, that is good. However, for us we encourage the debate to go on. We are public servants and we serve under the legal framework,” he said while presenting the IEBC’s five-year strategy.

Commission Vice chairperson Lillian Mahiri-Zaja welcomed the proposal saying that it would ensure there is continuity within the IEBC.“Remember that even in 2011, when the IEBC Act was being passed, the initial draft had those recommendations that we have commissioners who were elected even part time because those were some of the proposals, that the chair and vice chair are elected and probably four commissioners part-time,” she stated.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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the mC is BaCK IEBC Commissioners at a past even. The Commission has welcome plans to reduce the numbers of its officers.

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NEWS

Bensouda puts up fight as Ruto ICC case hangs in the balance WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

The International Criminal Court Prosecution on Thursday said it had recorded conversations of intermediaries who were interfering with witnesses on behalf of Deputy President William Ruto.

Senior Trial Attorney Anton Steynberg told the court that because of bribery and intimidation, six of the prosecution’s witnesses recanted their evidence or refused to testify at the trial stage.

“We have evidence from certain witnesses relating to attempts to bribe them and in the analogy of attempts to bribe other witnesses but we don’t have the complete picture,” he explained. The court further heard that the prosecution had gathered evidence from witnesses who disclosed that attempts had been made to bribe them.

“We have put up a number of recorded conversations which demonstrate the pattern of interference and also we demonstrate the link between the interference and persons who at least claim to be acting on behalf of Mr Ruto.”

The prosecution which was tasked

LEGAL FACE-OFF: Deputy President William Ruto (L) and ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda (R). ICC prosecution on Thursday said it had recorded conversations of intermediaries who were interfering with witnesses on behalf of Deputy President William Ruto.

by Presiding Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji to give strong reasons why original statements of the six witnesses should be admitted, explained that it had evidence to back its claims and warranted the request.

According to Steynberg, it was such interference that led to the withdrawal of one of its witnesses and five others to recant their original statements.

Steynberg explained that the prosecution had submitted adequate evidence to illustrate that there was a well calculated motive to interfere

with witnesses which deprived the prosecution key evidence.

“The prosecution submits that the evidence we provided demonstrates a tapestry of intermeshing pieces of evidence establishing the existence of a scheme of witness interference relating to several witnesses,” he defended the lengthy application challenged by the judge.

Osuji however said the prosecution had a heavy task of defending its application by supporting it with quality evidence and arguments.

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that there was witness interference and link it to the accused persons but at the same time establish that it led to the withdrawal or change of witnesses’ statements.

“We are looking at evidence of nexus to the accused directly or indirectly or evidence of concessions – the interference resulted in witnesses disappearing or dying maybe not even dying but concession in the sense that the witness has shown up but does not want to testify fully.”

In their oral submissions during the status conference held on Thursday

Ruto and Sang’s lawyers challenged the prosecution’s allegations that the accused had interfered with witnesses.

“None of these interferences come from the defence. A lot of these interferences are schemes by individuals, they are often intermediaries and prosecution witnesses to make money,” Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan said.

More on this story at www.capitalfm.co.ke

IEBC welcomes plan to reduce number of bosses From Page 1 She observed that there was a provision in the constitution that guided the principals of appointing commissioners to commissions.

“This debate is not new.

It has always been there and the fact that the Constitution is very clear that constitutional commissions will have a minimum of three commissioners and a maximum of nine, then it is

a debate which is out there and Kenyans can discuss it,” she stated.

She underscored the importance of that approach saying it would ensure continuity.

“At the time when the negotiations were on in Naivasha, some of those proposals fell by the wayside and I think because of the political considerations then, the IEBC was constituted as it is today but the debate is healthy and we welcome it as IEBC,” she said.

Muturi had said that the Constitution requires independent commissions to have a minimum of three commissioners, making the additional six serving at the IEBC unnecessary.

He stated that the current structure of most constitutional commissions still took after the previous structure of provinces stating that the additional commissioners were not performing any unique roles.

He says six out of the nine IEBC commissioners are only meant to serve regional interests and therefore form a burden on the tax payer.

NEWS 5

Uhuru invited to US investment summit President Uhuru Kenyatta was yesterday verbally invited to attend a major investment summit in New York.

A global investment conference that will bring together all the major world investors is set to be held in the US city in September.

An American trade delegation which is currently in Kenya has asked President Kenyatta to attend the meeting.

The request was made by US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx when the delegation met the President at State House yesterday.

The delegation is in the country to develop trade ties with Kenya.

“There are a lot of opportunities for American enterprises and skills in Kenya,” President Kenyatta said.

Uhuru encouraged US companies to develop closer links with Kenya so that they can participate in mutually beneficial ventures.

Mr Foxx said the US government is also interested in the LAPSSET project and wants to get a share of the business. “We are very excited about LAPSSET and we want the American package to be considered,” said the US Secretary.

On the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama, Mr Foxx said the American leader is looking forward to the visit. President Kenyatta said Kenyans are also eager to see Obama on Kenyan soil. The President added that the visit will be an opportunity for Kenya and the US to take their friendship forward.“Kenya’s relationship

with the US is at good place,” said the President.

He said Kenya should not be looked at as a single market because it is a gateway to wider Eastern Africa market.

“Kenya will play a role in encouraging other countries in the region to partner with investors with good deals,” he

said. President Kenyatta and Mr Foxx also spoke on the process to clear direct flights between the US and Kenya.

Mr Foxx said he hopes that the process will be concluded very soon. The meeting was attended by CSs Amina Mohamed, James Macharia and Adan Mohamed.

KenYa MetHodiSt uniVerSitY P O Box 267-60200, MERU, Kenya Fax: 064-30162 Tel: 254-064-30301, 31229, 31171 E-mail info@kemu.ac.ke

Kenya Methodist University wishes to congratulate the Meru County Government for hosting the Meru International Investment Conference.

We are proud to be associated with your achievements.

Karibuni Sana KeMu

WEEKEND EDITION JUNE 26-28, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS Suspects arrested, 4 guns recovered

YOU’RE INVITED: President Uhuru Kenyatta shakes hands with US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx when the delegation met him at State House yesterday.

Four robbery suspects were arrested and four guns recovered from them in a police operation in Ngei Estate, Nairobi. Police say they were pursuing suspects who had two weeks ago stolen a firearm from a civilian gun holder when they stumbled on the four. They had only three bullets and police believe more bullets are hidden somewhere else. The officers have taken the weapons to experts to establish if they had been used to commit crimes within the metropolis. The weapons recovered in the operation include two ceskas and two beretta pistols. The four suspects are expected in court to face various charges. Police say the recovery is a major victory in the war on crime in the city. Ngei is one of the notorious crime hot spots within the city. Elsewhere in Kayole, a suspected thug was last night shot dead and a pistol found on him in a botched robbery in the area.

State HouSe defendS Waiguru on nYS Saga

State House has come to the defence of Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru over the National Youth Service (NYS) scandal. State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu says the current woes facing the minister are politically motivated since no money was lost. Esipisu says according to the probe carried out by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation on the Sh800 million scandal, illegal payments had been authorised to six companies after the NYS Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) was hacked using stolen identity, but the hackers were caught on time and the payments stopped. Among the companies listed for the fraudulent

payments include: Form and Homes Builders, Draco Capital, Roof and All Trading, Reinforced Concrete Technologies, Grumum Engineering and Tegmen Trading.

“A progress report from the CID indicates that six computers have been seized from employees of NYS for forensic analysis by Department of Criminal Investigations and Cyber Crime Unit to establish the person who did the fraudulent entries. Sixteen statements have been recorded to date from staff at NYS and the Ministry of Devolution and Planning,” he added.

He also clarified that the Central Bank of Kenya is not carrying out any investigations on NYS.

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION JUNE 26-28, 2015

Primary school drop-out wants to succeed Kikwete A record 30 people from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Tanzania have declared interests to succeed President Jakaya Kikwete when the East African nation goes to the polls in October.

Big names, including two former prime ministers, several cabinet ministers and other senior government officials are among those who have picked up forms to vie for the party nomination.

They have all parted with a non-refundable fee of Sh60, 000. But it is 43 year-old Eldoforce Bilohe, a farmer a primary class seven level of education, who has caught the nation’s attention.

President Kikwete is set to leave office after two five-year terms to continue Tanzania’s shining example in Africa, of a country where leadership actually changes hands and former presidents find new hobbies. CCM too has maintained its record as one of the few remaining independence-era parties still in

power in Africa, others being Swapo in Namibia and the ANC in South Africa. And the election season has truly kicked off.

Candidates are campaigning everywhere; on the farms, in hospitals, by the roadside and at market places selling their policies. But many are keenly watching Eldoforce Bilohe

and whether CCM will nominate him to succeed Kikwete.

Supporters of the CCM argue that the fact that an ordinary party member of humble means is able to vie for the party presidential nomination is evidence of true and inclusive democracy within the party. But critics see it simply as a staged event to prove the

party is still in touch with the humble roots of its founding leader and former President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. A modern-day Tanzanian presidential campaign requires a big name, very deep pockets and a laser-guided vision towards state house. By mid-July we will know who the CCM flag-bearer will be.

DARING TO DREAM: Eldoforce Bilohe, 43, a farmer a primary class seven drop-out wants to succeed Kikwete ahead of Tanzania polls.

Computer hitch mars Westgate suspects’ case The trial of four suspects held over the September 22 2013 Westgate shopping mall terror attack in which 67 people were killed hit a snag yesterday after a computer system the prosecution wanted to use failed to deliver.

A network error marred the proceedings forcing an adjournment after the trial court had sat and a witness sworn to give his evidence.

The prosecution had sought to stream “live downloads” of graphic pictures allegedly found in a laptop belonging to one of the suspects who was arrested shortly after the raid.

Mr Joseph Olum, a cyber-crime expert at the Anti-Terrorism Police unit said the laptop was an exhibit connected to the case at hand and described its details as a “forensic exploitation of the gadget” He said he was require to analyse the contents in the 250GB machine and find out if it was related to the Westgate terror case. “I removed the hard-drive from the laptop and connected it analysis using using an encrypting agent which protects “contamination” and helps in cracking the password, allowing access to its registry,” the witness told the court before he was stood down.

He said he retried eight files from the laptop web history. “There were also some folders titled CD, Desktop, Documents, downloads and recycle bin,” the witness said.

DHABITI SACCO-Our Sacco, Our Growth WHO WE ARE Dhabiti Sacco is a main stream financial institution that has been offering financial services to its members since 1991. The Sacco started its business with one branch located in Maua town in a building that harbors the head office. The building is fully owned by the members During that time the sacco mainly dealt with farmers' needs and it tailored its products to address their needs.

As the economy in the area of its operation became infiltrated with other financial providers, the Sacco opened its common board and allowed players in other sectors to join in the membership.

This is how the business community, the salaried people, the groups popularly known as micro credit, corporate customers and institutions became members of this mighty Sacco.

BRANCHES Currently the Sacco has five branches, strategically located in Nyambene region ie Maua town, Mikinduri Mikinduri town, Muthara (in Muthara/Muriri market at the cross roads of Maua Meru road and Isiolo Michimikuru roads), Laare branch (at Laare market), Kianjai branch at (Kianjai market) and Athi satellite branch at Athi market.

MEMBERSHIP Becoming a member requires one to open a savings account with just Sh500,

pay an entrance fees of Sh500 and minimum membership shares of Sh1000.

Thereafter, the newly incorporated member pays 300 per month towards building his/ her membership shares.

The return on this investment is the annual lucrative dividends paid after the approval by the annual general meeting The same membership shares are the basis for approval for those seeking elective positions like a Delegate or a board member in the Sacco and eventually as an executive board member in the position of either a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer or Hon Secretary.

DEPOSITS As at December 2014 the Sacco had a deposit base of Sh113,584,706 with an active membership of 25,800 and the same has an impressive growth to date.

To develop oneself financially, the members require to build on their deposits that guarantee them of securing a loan. These deposits are beneficial to the members in two fold - they pave an easy way of securing a loan and they earn dividends at the end of the year.

Of interest is that these deposits can be refunded to the member once the loan is fully paid and free from any guarantorship but at the will of the member.

The audited accounts for 2014 had a loan portfolio of Sh256,675,907 and we

Headquarters/Maua Branch

Mikinduri Branch are witnessing a steady growth as a result of the growth of membership REGISTRATION The Sacco is indeed a lisenced Sacco by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority popularly known as SASRA and an arm of the government that

Kianjai Branch regulates deposit taking Saccos just the same way the Central Bank of Kenya regulates commercial banks.

FUTURE PLANS We plan to expand to other economically viable areas with a purpose of growing our membership.

DHABITI SACCO SOCIETY LTD, P.O.BOX 353 - 60600, MAUA. Tel:0721123456 (Maua), 0722123456 (Mikinduri), 0723123456 (Kianjai)

WEEKEND EDITION JUNE 26-28, 2015 | WWW.x-NEWs.cO.KE

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 98.4483 98.3583 98.5382 154.4822 154.3261 154.6383 110.3403 110.2300 110.4506 8.1029 8.0931 8.1128 33.5202 33.4388 33.6016 23.7181 23.6456 23.7906

Meru County is seeking to tap Sh250 billion worth of investments as it holds its latest development forum.

Meru County Governor, Hon Mr Peter Munya, says the County Government is particularly keen on high potential sectors like agriculture, energy, infrastructure and tourism.

The County is currently experiencing a “banana boom” that has the potential to generate millions of shillings annually in both foreign and domestic revenue.

The region is now, disputably, the largest producer of bananas in the country.

“Most people knew that it was Kisii, historically, but if you look at the numbers today, Meru is producing the largest amount of bananas in this country,” said Joel Imitira MD, of the Meru

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County Investment and Development Corporation (MCIDC).

“It is a very versatile product,” Imitira added.

The Corporation is part of an initiative aimed at encouraging local and international investors to bank on the County.

These developments come at a time when an initiative dubbed the Kenya National Banana Development Strategy (20132016) is trying to make the industry “vibrant, innovative, commerciallyoriented and globally-competitive.”

Bananas are third among the five fruits, including pineapples, avocadoes, pawpaws and mangoes, with the highest value of enterprise per unit area.

Banana production has increased over the

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past 15 years due to improved production practices and the introduction of improved banana varieties.

Owing to the country’s growing demand, the government has set up a banana value addition factory in Kisii, now Meru’s competitor, that is processing 270 tons of bananas a day.

Munya, says exporting the product would give the country revenue upwards of Sh9 billion.

Speaking during a recent investment breakfast meeting in Nairobi, Kinyua stressed on the potential of banana flour, a product that has seen a growing market in Nairobi as well as “vast potential” in the export arena.

“We have potential in terms of factors of production and we are sure that

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the investors are going to embrace the initiative and accept to work with the County government of Meru,” Moses Nabea, a Board Member of the Meru County Investment and Development Corporation told X News during a recent exchange.

“Meru is a very agriculturally-rich country,” Nabea added.

The County government has echoed his sentiments, citing export opportunities in Europe as one of the prospects in Meru’s future.

“Meru County is ready for business,” Meru County Governor Munya said during the Nairobi forum.

“Vast opportunities are beckoning,” he added.

Main STORY

Meru seeks Sh250 billion in investments as banana boom lifts prospects for County

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BUSINESS WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

Cash and expansion for Davis & Shirtliff Kenya’s leading supplier of water and energy-related equipment, Davis and Shirtliff, have undertaken its biggest network expansion in over 60 years.

The distributor has been opening new branches every 2 months for the last year in Kiambu, Kakamega, Voi, Garissa, Naivasha and Machakos in a bid to meet the rising demand for their products in the 47 rapidly developing counties.

“The share of business generated from outside Nairobi has grown immensely over the recent past, now accounting for 50 per cent of our total sales in Kenya,” said Edward Davis, the company’s Business Development Manager.

According to him the move is a major driver of their expansion strategy.

He pointed it was because as demand grows in the counties, so does the need to

deliver after-sales services to their customers.

Furthermore, the company has been recruiting between 5 and 10 new employees every month to ensure there is adequate capacity to meet customers’ expectations.

Plans are now underway to further increase their presence in the counties as well as upgrade and enlarge the company’s existing network of 40 branches, they confirmed.

SWEET PROMISE: Packaging at Mumias Sugar factory. President Kenyatta has assured cane farmers thats his government will not sit back and watch the sugar sector collapse.

Mumias Sugar set for sweet recovery The government will not sit back and watch the sugar sector collapse President Kenyatta has assured cane farmers.

He was speaking in Mumias before handing over a 1 billion-shilling cheque to resuscitate the choking sugar giant.

Mr. Kenyatta said he will closely monitor the performance of the company to guard it against mismanagement.

According to him, the government recognizes the importance of cane farming to the economy and is keen on ensuring that farmers benefit from it.

“The money must go towards ensuring that cane farmers are paid their dues to enable them meet their financial obligations.” He said.

Kenyatta, accompanied by his Deputy,

William Ruto, put the new management of the Mumias Sugar Company on notice.

“Mumias Sugar will not be spared if it fails to come up with a solid plan that will accelerate the recovery of the firm.” He commented.

His deputy, William Ruto also said the Government is keen on ensuring that cane farmers benefited like their maize and wheat counterparts.

He added that the government is providing subsidized fertilizer to cane farmers at the cost of Sh1,800 instead of the market price of Sh4,000.

“As we assist maize and wheat farmers, we want to ensure cane farmers also benefit the same way,” he concluded.

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

ACCESS

FASHION SCOOP

celebchat As Taio he was part of the famous group Camp Mulla until he decided to go solo and become Thee Mc Africa. Is he still one of the illest rappers in the industry?

W

ho is Thee MC Africa?

I am unpredictable. I am also a presenter at what’s Good Live, a creative marketer and a budding business man.

Why change your name from Taio Tripper to Thee MC Africa?

I felt like I could take on the challenge to be one of the best MCs in Africa. It was also a way to catch the attention of people and let them know I am here. And I am one of the greatest rappers on the continent.

Describe your sound?

My sound is a fusion of modern music and soulful classics. I do not really have a distinct sound, because I have different influences and sometimes it may include a bit of funk or soul. So it all depends on how I feel at a particular moment.

Take us through your musical journey I started music in high school when I was around 15 years old. I joined a rap club in our school and from there it all began. I went to the same school as Marcus Kibukosya. Then one day we met with the rest of the Camp Mulla group members when we went for hangouts and events and Camp Mulla was born.

You left Camp Mulla to pursue a Solo Career. How has it been so far?

It has been very liberating because I feel like I have creative control over the type of music I want to pursue.

It gave me the opportunity to do what I wanted to do and when I wanted to do it. I just wanted to grow and explore music. So far I have received great response from people but some of them do not want to let go of the past. I still get people asking me when and if Camp Mulla is getting back together!

You have also ventured into Deejaying. Tell us more about that.

I do not call myself a DJ as such, I think I am more of a selector. It is something different that I started out last year in December. My girlfriend is the one who actually mentioned that I could do it and here I am. I am trying to learn as much as I can and become fluent in the art. So far the response has been incredible, encouraging and motivating.

Who are your music influencers?

I have so many but I will only mention five. I am influenced by Fela Kuti, HHP, Khuli Chana, E Sir and Kendrick Lamar.

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

I have worked with Alex Red, Timmy Timm, BenVic, 28-V, and Kali. I would like to work with Sarabi, Blinky Bill and Fena Highlights of your career?

On my 21st birthday I got to release my first solo EP, Man Made Machine.

What should fans expect from you?

I am part of Cosmic Homies and we are going to revolutionize the music industry. Look out for us.

Thee MC Africa:

Camp Mulla Chronicles

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10

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WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

SHOPPING

When buying baby clothes, ensure that you pick tops With stretchy neck holes.

If you were

shoppIng for a new

baby….

I

f you are an expectant couple, you are probably looking forward to baby stuff shopping day, which usually comes a few months before the baby comes.

As fun as it may sound; shopping for baby clothes is a task more difficult than shopping for moody and unpredictable teenagers.

This is because babies are extremely delicate and need all the comfort possible for them to adapt to their new environment.

Here are some universal baby clothes shopping tips to ensure you only get the best for your bundle of joy.

Cotton, cotton and more cotton When it comes to baby clothes cotton is the best preferred material because it has baby friendly qualities such as softness and zero irritation to the baby’s tender skin as opposed to other materials like silk and fur.

Cotton is also highly absorbent and seeps in liquid that may accidentally come into contact with the baby’s skin like milk, water and baby vomit. Cotton helps to protect the baby from

developing rashes that result from skin dampness.

Keep in mind the dressing and undressing process Getting a baby dressed up is a procedure that if not cautiously handled could lead to serious injuries on the baby. This is mostly because in their first months, babies’ heads and necks are extremely delicate, even their limbs.

When buying baby clothes, ensure that you pick tops with stretchy neck holes and if possible pick tops that do not go through the head at all such as shirts instead of T Shirts and polo necks.

One- piece baby clothes that have snaps at the crotch are a favorite among baby care experts because they make diaper changing extremely easy: you only have to open the buttons at the crotch instead of fully undressing the baby.

Opt for buttons instead of zippers and rivets Tops and bottoms that have zips and rivets can easily injure the baby by ‘biting’ or cutting through

the tender skin since most are made out of metallic material.

Metallic zips and rivets also rust if uncoated and can cause irritation on the baby’s skin.

This leaves plastic buttons as the safest means of fastening babies’ clothes.

Don’t be fooled by decorations Studs and string decorations on babies’ clothes may make them look really nice, but they later turn out to be a big fuss.

Babies are usually very fidgety and can easily hurt themselves with studs sewn into their clothes.

Babies have the habit of putting anything they come across into their mouths and they could even choke on these seemingly innocent decorations.

String decorations and woolen clothes also make the baby uncomfortable because they tend to get in between their fingers or get caught on the baby’s fingernails.

Don’t overdo color and themes Pink may be meant for girls and blue for boys, but you don’t have to buy your baby monotonously colored clothes!

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

friday

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KiJani K. band

WEEKEND PLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide.

SUNday

SatUrday

Maybelline

ProUdLy KENya

fashion

Party WHERE: Sarova Panafric WHO: visually impaired waiters EnTRy: KSh 4500

friday

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11

WHERE: Alliance Francaise WHO: Kijani Kibichi Band TimE: 7 PM EnTRy: from KSH 300

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The sales and letting agents Contacts: Citiscape Valuers & Estate Agents Ltd 1st Floor, OCCIDENTAL Plaza Muthithi Road, II Westlands P.O. Box 16062 – 00100 NAIROBI

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12

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

Which is your favourite fashion colour?

Black, I look good in it.

CLOSET RAID

FASHIONScoop

What is your daily make up routine like?

Very simple. I wear light make up.

Muthoni is a celebrated Make-up artist. she let us raid her delightful closet.

MUTHONI’S DELIGHTFUL TASTE

H

ow would you describe your fashion style?

Comfortable and figure flattering What is your daily make up routine like?

Very simple. I wear light make up.

What is the most treasured item in your closet?

A crystal necklace my brother got me for my birthday Which jewellery are you often wearing?

A bracelet I got from Pandora Which beauty product can’t you leave the house without wearing?

Mascara, eyeliner and lip moisturiser What is your beauty secret?

My eyebrows are always done.

What is your guilty pleasure (make up wise)?

Nude Maybelline lipstick Which is your favourite fashion colour?

Black, I look good in it What is your fashion lust at the moment?

A classic white Chanel watch Which one do you prefer lipstick or lip gloss and why?

Lip gloss-it is easy to maintain and there is a freshness to it Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Charity Kiarie of Boutique Mahali, she designed my Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2015 gown.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Comfortable and figure flattering.

Which beauty product can’t you leave the house without wearing?

Mascara, eyeliner and lip moisturiser.

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14

PLAY

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. A Hussein 5. Extent 10. Simple rhyme scheme 14. Shine’s partner 15. Mr. Heep 16. Muddy the water 17. Fear response 19. “King ____ Day” (Green Day song) 20. Lee-____ rifle 21. Tamarack 22. Lapland sights 26. Pop diva LaBelle 30. Frightened 34. Kind of orange 35. Water vessel 36. GRF’s vice president 37. Cold and raw 39. Surgical line 42. N.Y. summer setting 43. “To every thing there is a season” Bible book, in short 47. Manicurists’ concerns 48. Beef up 51. Devotional ceremonies 52. C2H4 54. Wets 57. America’s hemisphere 62. 2002 Winter Olympics locale 63. Alamo Plaza site 66. Lion’s tresses 67. Hobbits’ home, with “the” 68. Burl of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

69. Take ____ (react to applause) 70. Clock pointers 71. Julia’s ex Down 1. Press 2. Celine of song 3. From the date 4. “____ Am” (Melissa Etheridge song) 5. Wager in Russian roulette?

6. Well-versed 7. Goal 8. Toy gun noisemaker 9. Donna Shalala’s dept., once 10. Pound sounds 11. Clodhopper 12. Sun. newspaper insert 13. Dull, dull, dull 18. More spooky 21. Island welcome 23. Mint 24. Dr. of hip-hop 25. Slips up 26. Word with cord or chord 27. Remark to the audience 28. Aunt, in Quebec 29. Archer’s goal (abbr.)

31. Arctic inhabitant 32. “Copperhead Road” singer 33. Bride’s wear 38. Michelle of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” 40. Disquietude 41. Mai ____ (rum cocktail) 44. Bawl

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

45. 250 to Caesar 46. On the safe side 49. Huey, Dewey or Louie, to Donald Duck 50. Bragg and Dix (abbr.)

53. Baja babies 54. Russian council 55. Diet soda order 56. Hand, in Honduras 58. Great exertion 59. Green feeling?

60. Cambodian dollar 61. On the ____ (perfect) 63. Secure online protocol 64. “Just as I thought!”

65. Anais the diarist

Yesterday’s answers

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BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUKUBWA SARAH KIARIE

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 wil 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.

Devolve powers to all of Kenya Power must be pushed down as close as possible to the people it affects so they can more easily influence how it is used. This could include giving tenants more power over housing, patients more power over health services, and communities more power over transport, schools and the police. Devolving power away from Sate House just to give it to County Halls or Wards won’t be enough.

There’s ample evidence that giving people a bigger say in the decisions that affect them leads to better decision-making and better value for money as well as making our communities stronger. Kenya must be at the heart of a people-power revolution that will change the way the country is governed.

— Ernest Koigi, Nairobi

Presidents advice is sound, it just needs a little tweaking President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday, urged the youth not to let themselves be used by politicians.

While his sentiments are commendable, the President is asking us to do the impossible.

Every single politician out there is using us. How else will they get our votes? If the President wants us to be autonomous, these politicians need to be depowered. They have too much clout and influence and are not accountable for how they use this power.

I think the people should have the power. That’s what democracy stands for in the first place.

People should not fear their government. The government should fear it’s people.

A great leader once said that when government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.

If the President wants us to be independent, then we need to be empowered. Politicians need us more than we need them. Without us, they have no cars, no money and no one to use and abuse.

So they need to be put on a proverbial chopping board so that they know that they are not invincible.

Every single corrupt and incompetent leader needs to be lifted by their own petards. They should have their accounts frozen and their assets audited. Only then will they be powerless to use the people they should be serving.

— Ken Kairu, Nairobi

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

Sprinter Nkanata happy to mentor upcoming athletes US born Kenyan sprinter Carvin Nkanata says his desire is to mentors upcoming to venture into sprints as opposed o the traditional long distance races.

Nkanata rose to prominence at the IAAF World Relays in 2014 where he ran the third leg in the 4x200m men final for Kenya.

This year, the 24 year old has already broken the Kenyan 200m record with his personal best and a former world leading time this year of 20.14 in Clermont, Florida in the USA. “I believe if Kenya sprinting was nurtured well, we would be far in terms of sprinting.

For example; this shows that Kenyans are determined to take sprints seriously and also think outside the box, that they can only run middle and long distances races,” he said.

Sportpesa brings joy to St. Lucy SportPesa, in collaboration with some of the Kenyan Artists, EFC Basketball Team & Color Kwa Face visited St Lucy School for the Blind in Meru where they donated food stuffs, balls and clothes as well as sun screen for the learners living with albinism.

St. Lucy is an Institution which serves mainly learners with vision Impairment who join from all regions of Kenya. “The pupils that can see help to describe to the blind how the world looks like,” said St. Lucy, an administrator at the school.

The school has an enrolment of 320 learners who fall into one of the following categories. 61 of these pupils live with albinism where 42 are in primary, 13 are in Secondary and 6 are in Vocational section.

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KENYAN SPRINT BOLT: Carvin Nkanata of Kenya competes in the Men’s 200 metres heats at Hampden Park during day seven of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on July 30, 2014 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

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

WE CONGRATULATE THE GOVERNOR AND MERU COUNTY GOVERNMENT ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION OF HOSTING MERU INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS CONFERENCE

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16

SPORT WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015

Meru County in an effort to attract sporting pedigree Meru County Governor Peter Munya has lauded participants and organisers of the just concluded FIM Africa Cross Country of African Nations that was held at Kisima Farm last weekend.

Munya said that such was a sure way of promoting sports in the county while urging other sports federations to take their disciplines to the county.

“We are in the process of promoting sporting activities in the county and put Meru in the global map of sports,” he said.

Munya also says the county is in the process of upgrading stadiums in the area to add to the existing Kinoru Stadium.

He said that the second phase of upgrading the Kinoru Stadium to international standards will be complete in in the coming months paving way for upgrading of the other stadia as well as construction of others in the sub counties without

any such facility.

He further noted that Meru County is the only county in the country that has successfully initiated and developed a talent academy.

“Meru is the only county out of the 47 counties in Kenya, that has successfully initiated and seen an active talent academy. The first group graduated in December last yet and the second has now graduated,” he said.

The County Government of Meru is also in talks with the Kenya Forest Services (KFS) and the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) to construct a jogging trail in the Nkunga Forest.

“We are working on diversifying sports in the area. The move by premier league side Tusker FC to make Kinoru Stadium their home ground their was very welcome.

We are working on a few areas to ensure the team continues to use this ground for many years,” he said.

DEVOLUTION REVOLUTION: An artists impression of Kinoru Stadium once renovations are over. Meru County governor Peter Munya said that his county is in the process of promoting sporting activities in the county and put Meru in the global map of sports.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MERU

Hon. Governor Peter Munya while commissioning the upgrading of the 10kKm Miathene-Mikinduri Road, which was developed using the cost effective probase technology at a cost of Ksh.300Million

The Governor inspecting the ongoing construction of the Kinoru Stadium. The Meru Government is investing heavily in the sports sector because it has proven to have a beneficial impact on youth’s lives.

Governor Munya releasing bursaries worth Ksh.90 million to be administered across the county.

Governor Peter Munya issuing cheques worth 15 Million to Youth, Women & General Traders SACCOs as seed capital for onward lending in Igembe.

The Meru Government launched the NHIF cover for boda boda riders.

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 26-28, 2015 | WWW.x-NEWs.cO.KE

sprinter nkanata happy to mentor upcoming kenyan athletes

p15

Guerrero hat-trick eases peru past Bolivia and into copa américa semis TIGER’S STRUGGLE: Tiger Woods hits out of the bunker on the second hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay on Thursday, June 18, 2015 in University Place, Wash.

header

p

eru striker Paolo Guerrero scored a hat-trick to give his side a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bolivia at the Copa América, setting up a last-four showdown with hosts Chile.

Guerrero scored twice in three minutes midway through the first half to put the Peruvians in the driving seat in their quarter-final clash in the southern Chilean city of Temuco.

His first was a header from a Juan Vargas cross, his second came on the counter-attack after a corner, and his third arrived in the 74th minute when Bolivian midfielder Danny Bejarano gifted him the ball with a misplaced pass and left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Marcelo Moreno scored a late consolation from the penalty spot after Damian Lizio had been tripped in the box but Peru were never in danger of losing and will face Chile in Santiago on Monday in the first of the Copa semi-finals.

“We’re getting better and better,” said Guerrero, who is closing in on Teofilo Cubillas’s all-time scoring record for Peru.

“Not many people had much confidence in us before this tournament but once again we’re showing that we’re a good side.” Peru, who also reached the semi-finals of the 2011 Copa América, dominated from the outset and could have been out of sight by the break. After Guerrero’s early double, his striking partner Jefferson Farfan grazed a post with a low shot and then rattled the crossbar with a curling free-kick.

Bolivia’s best chance came from a Moreno header which Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese did well to parry. The Bolivians rallied slightly in the second half and had a good appeal for a penalty turned down after Gallese appeared to bring down midfielder Pablo Escobar as he headed goalwards.

There was no way back for Bolivia after Guerrero completed his treble, however.

MAIN MAN: Three goals from Paolo Guerrero were enough to down Bolivia at the German Becker Stadium in Temuco, Chile.

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