201508027 xnews by X News

THURSday, AUGUST 27, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

WAr against corruption AG Githu muigai calls for concerted efforts

salif keita is all set for saturday’s international

NEWS

to fight graft in the country

jazz maestro ready for show jazz festival backed by gogosimo band

U-19 RUGBY SIDE CHIPU GO DOWN TO HOSTS YOUNG SABLES OF ZIMBABWE

How Uhuru forced Kiir to pen deal

x-news.co.ke

BEIJING TURNING OUT TO BE A CITY OF FIRSTS FOR KENYAN ATHLETES

outh Sudan’s President Salva Kiir finally signed a peace deal with rebels yesterday to end a 20-month civil war that has left thousands of people dead in Africa’s youngest nation. Kiir who had initially declined to append his signatures to the peace agreement last week in Ethiopia maintained that he still had ‘reservations’ about how the mediation was conducted and some of the clauses in the compromise deal. And details have begun to emerge on the role of regional leaders in ensuring President Kiir heeded UN warning and agreed to the peace pact. While Kiir had signaled his own intention to sign, regional leaders were engaged in last minute talks for hours as the South Sudan leader again appeared reluctant to sign. As time passed and the temperature rose

in the big, celebratory tent in Juba, the buzz of optimism started to wane. And it was becoming more of a reality that President Salva Kiir would leave regional heads of state at the altar for the second time in just 10 days. Kiir complained about “intimidation” and the fact South Sudan was given two options; an imposed peace, or continued fighting. “The deal is not a Bible, it is not a Koran, Why should it not be revisited?” he posed to Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desaglem. He also cited reports of fighting in the oilproducing Unity State, arguing that this showed there was much work that still needed to be done to achieve peace. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

SIGN THE DEAL: President Uhuru Kenyatta explains a point to South Sudan leader Salva Kiir after he refused to sign the peace agreement in Ethiopia last week. Mr Kenyatta is reported to have pressured Kiir to sign the pact in Juba yesterday.

NEWS THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

How Uhuru ‘rage’ forced Kiir to sign peace deal with rebels All this time, the talking had been tough and the language of the leaders, strong. Then President Kenyatta said there was “no such thing as a perfect agreement”, and demanded that Kiir shouldn’t see “obstacles, but opportunity and hope”. Mr Kenyatta was backed by Museveni who called South Sudan’s struggle for independence a just war, but that this was “the wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time”. Kiir immediately sensed he was losing his two close allies in this negotiation and quickly made up his mind. What followed was a long, slow speech, in which he paused regularly to remove his glasses and wipe his face, without any signs that he would sign. In the end he did, but any moment of statesmanship was lost in a piece of theatre. He finally said he would sign only if the heads of state initialed a long list of reservations - which he then proceeded to do while photocopies of the list were handed out to the audience. But Mr Kenyatta and his colleagues declined that request and the signing went ahead. Afterwards, Kiir addressed the delegates, speaking at length of his unease about the deal and saying he wanted these reservations to be on record. During his speech, he mentioned areas such as the ambiguous structure and command of the South Sudan forces once the transitional government takes office in 90 days. He also had issues about the power-

PEACE AT LAST: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir (seated) appends his signature to a peace agreement to end hostilities in the country in Juba yesterday as President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (second left) and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni witness.

sharing arrangements which will see rebel leader Riek Machar return as first vice president, a position he occupied before he was sacked by Kiir in 2013. Riek Machar had signed the deal last week at a meeting in Ethiopia. The United States has welcomed the agreement but said that it did not “recognise any reservations” that President Kiir had highlighted at the signing ceremony. In a statement, the US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said that reaching a lasting peace would “require commitment and resolve from all parties to the conflict”.

And with renegade generals not signing up to the deal and much picking still to be done over the detail, there’s little here that would make the 1.6 million displaced people in South Sudan rush home. One of the two generals who defected earlier this month from the rebel side has condemned the peace deal, saying it is “not for the whole of South Sudan”. “If they don’t listen to us, they’ll listen to the bullets,” General Gathoth Gatkuoth said referring to both the government and the rebels. Earlier in a Security Council briefing, the UN’s humanitarian

chief Stephen O’Brien warned that conditions in South Sudan were deteriorating, saying he had heard multiple accounts of atrocities, including people being burned in their homes. “The scope and level of cruelty that has characterised the attacks against civilians suggests a depth of antipathy that goes beyond political differences,” he said. A US-drafted resolution would have imposed an arms embargo and targeted sanctions unless Mr Kiir signed.

What the agreement states l Fighting to stop immediately.

Soldiers to be confined to barracks in 30 days, foreign forces to leave within 45 days, and child soldiers and prisoners of war freed l All military forces to leave the capital, Juba, to be replaced by unspecified “guard forces” and Joint Integrated Police l Rebels get post of “first vicepresident” l Transitional government of national unity to take office in 90 days and govern for 30 months l Elections to be held 60 days before end of transitional government’s mandate l Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing to investigate human rights violations

TNA acquits Kuria on incitement charges

ACQUITTED: Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria leaves the Milimani Law Court in Nairobi. His party TNA has cleared him of any wrongdoing in incitement allegations.

The National Alliance (TNA) disciplinary committee has acquitted Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria from incitement to violence charges he was facing internally within the party. The judgment concluded that the offensive video recording broadcast on local and social media showing Kuria making the alleged inflammatory statements were edited and therefore, unreliable. “We are convinced that the media only published a small part of a longer speech which the charged member made on the 10th June, 2015 and as such, the context may have been lost,” read part of the judgment. The report goes on to state that, “an analysis of the said part of the speech reveals gaps and as such there is an

incoherent flow in the speech. We are there for convinced that the evidence before us is insufficient to sustain the charge.” His acquittal will give the first-term controversial legislator a new lease of life after he faced a massive backlash from members of the public forcing him to literally take a ‘chill pill’. Kuria was represented by his lawyer, former Garsen MP, Danson Mungatana who submitted that since the speech by Kuria had been largely in the local ‘Kikuyu ‘ dialect, the complainant in the matter (TNA Chairman Johnson Sakaja) had not procured the services of an expert witness to translate the speech to English. He claimed the material circulated on social media had been edited to portray Kuria in bad light and thereby dent his

image saying a close look at the speech revealed definite gaps. In the 10-page document, the disciplinary committee advised the Gatundu South legislator to conduct himself in a manner that would restore public confidence in him as a leader and one that would uphold the honour and dignity of the office of Member of Parliament. Kuria, who initially intended to hold a meeting in his backyard to clarify what he meant by the statements he made on the fateful day but cancelled, was ordered to organise a similar gathering within a fortnight by his party’s disciplinary organ.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2015

Kenyans care more about movies and music than they do about politics According to a set of surveys that spanned more than 30 countries across the globe, entertainment trumps political affairs. The study data, sourced from the Pew Research Centre, indicates that Kenyans are more likely to revolt if the government shuts down all video and audio forms of entertainment than if it misappropriates public funds. The research found that close to 8 out of 10 Kenyans regularly share content related to their favourite music and preferred movies on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. On the other hand, only 6 out of 10 Kenyans share their opinions about politics on the same networks. While that number seems high, those interested in movies and music trump it by roughly 20 per cent. It has also emerged that Ugandans care even less about politics and more about entertainment given that only 3 out of 10 citizens bother to comment about their government on social networks. Meanwhile, South Africans are more or less the same since only 30 per cent of the population will bother to weigh in on the country’s political state of affairs.

Agencies alone cannot fight graft: AG Prof Githu Law enforcing agencies are not able to fight corruption in the country without the support of all stakeholders, Attorney General Githu Muigai has said. In an appeal to all Kenyans to do their part in ensuring the war on corruption is won, Prof Muigai said concerted efforts and needed to get rid of the vice. “Corruption affects all of us and by extension all sectors of the economy and therefore the fight can’t be left to the law enforcing agencies alone,” he said today at a breakfast meeting for the validation of the Kenya Integrity Leadership Plan at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi. “The fight against corruption is not only for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission or even office of the Attorney General, it required concerted effort,” he added. Prof Muigai said that the validation and adoption of the plan is not enough and must be followed by action in order to curb the vice. “I believe the launch of this

Attorney General Githu Muigai.

plan today will solidify the fight against corruption but launching and adopting it is only a ceremony which must now be accompanied by action,” Muigai said. Speaking at the same event, head of public service Joseph Kinyua said the government remains committed in the fight against corruption. Kinyua urged the public to ignore

the negative media reports on government’s commitment in fighting the vice. “Despite the negative report and stories we see from the media on issues related to corruption and the government commitment in stemming it out, I can assure you that the government is still committed to eliminate

corruption especially in the public sector,” Kinyua said. The leadership and Integrity forum is a multi-sectoral platform bringing together all sectors of the Kenyan society to fight corruption in all public and private institutions. The development of the plan to fight corruption comes at a time when the national focus is on the promotion of ethics and Integrity in the society. The plan stipulates the interest and focus of all stakeholders in the fight against corruption and unethical conduct. Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission Deputy CEO Michael Mubea also echoed similar sentiments saying fighting corruption is not only a preserve of the Anti-graft body. “We must adopt collective approach to enhance the fight against corruption as the function is not a preserve of EACC,” Mubea said. Mubea said the plan seeks to promote integrity in all sectors and enhance service delivery to the public.

Survival hopeS aS blood teSt ‘detect cancer relapSe’ A blood test may be able to save lives by finding cancer tissues that have started to grow again after treatment, a study suggests. Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London found traces of breast cancer eight months before doctors would normally have noticed. In the trial, the test found 12 cancers out of the 15 women who relapsed. Experts said there was still some way to go before there was a test that could

be used in hospitals. Surgery to remove a tumour is one of the core treatments for cancer. However, a tumour starts from a single cancerous cell. If parts of the tumour have already spread to another part of the body or the surgeon did not remove it all then the cancer can return Fifty-five patients who were at high risk of relapse because of the size of the tumour were followed in the study published in Science

Translational Medicine. The scientists analysed the mutated DNA of the tumour and then continued to search the blood for those mutations. Fifteen patients relapsed and the blood test gave advanced warning of 12 of them. The other three patients all had cancers that had spread to the brain where the protective bloodbrain barrier could have stopped the fragments of the cancer entering the bloodstream.

The test detected cancerous DNA in one patient who has not relapsed. None of the women in the study were told that cancerous material had been detected as it would have been unethical to base decisions on such an unproven prototype. But the hope is that detecting cancer earlier means treatments including chemotherapy can start sooner and improve the odds of survival.

NEWS BRIEFS

Police recover explosives from terror suspect

A terror suspect was last evening arrested and a cache of firearms and explosives recovered from him. The weapons recovered from the suspect included three AK-47 riffles, 227 rounds of ammunition, seven rocket-propelled grenades, four magazines and four hand grenades. Police also recovered a metallic improvised explosive device (IED) carrier, soldering wire and several mobile phones, which they say were to be used in attacks. The arrest brought to more than 12, the number of suspects arrested in ongoing operation in Garissa Town targeting terrorists. Eight of them are Tanzanian nationals.

Three gunned down in Karen

Three suspected thugs were last night shot dead by police and guns recovered from them in Karen. Authorities say the three were part of a gang that had earlier attacked and robbed a woman of her bag near St Francis Church in the area. The victim raised an alarm and Aps on patrol responded leading to a dramatic chase which was also joined by Kenya Forest Security guards, Ultimate Security Group and regular police officers through Lenana Forest. The slain thugs were eventually gunned down. Police say they recovered two guns from them.

AP, GSU officers arrested with stolen money, valuables An Administration Police and a GSU officer were yesterday arrested and more than Sh3 million, several kilos of gold and other stolen goods recovered from them. They had apparently raided a mall in Eastleigh and robbed the goods and valuables. Police say the two are among six suspects who have so far been arrested over the incident. Locals had complained of persistent break-ins in which they lost property and cash. The six were expected to be arraigned in court today to face charges of robbery.

Two found dead in possible suicide Two men were found dead in apparent suicide incidents in Nairobi. The first incident happened in Huruma where a middle aged man was found dead in his house. The motive of the incident is yet to be known. The second case was reported in Muthaiga Evergreen area where another man was found dead on a tree. Police say they are investigating the incidents.

NEWS THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

Somali authors defy militants Somali authors defy militants Acclaimed Somali authors and singers are attending the first International Literature festival to be held in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The festival offers a packed three days of book launches, poetry readings, films and art and photo exhibitions. There will also be song and traditional Somali dance. Organizing the festival has taken a great deal of courage, and security will be crucial. Al-Shabaab, which used to control most of Mogadishu, banned many forms of culture.

No more UN food for Congo rebels The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo says it’s going to stop feeding 7,000 former rebels next month. It could no longer afford to do so, and it was the government’s responsibility to provide them with food, the mission added. The ex-fighters are based in camps in eastern DR Congo, which has been affected by numerous rebellions over the past 20 years. Conditions are so poor in some of the camps that some people have reportedly left and have taken up arms again.

Guide killed by lion in Zimbabwe Park

A safari guide was mauled to death by a lion in the same Zimbabwean National Park where Cecil the lion lived. Quinn Swales was taking a group of tourists on a walking safari in Hwange National Park on Monday morning when a lion suddenly charged, the company he was working for said. “Quinn did everything he could to successfully protect his guests and ensure their safety,” the company, Camp Hwange, said on its Facebook page, adding that no other members of the group were hurt. Swales, 40, died the morning of the attack from the injuries he suffered, it said.

Bodies found in migrant boat About 50 people have been found dead in the hold of a boat carrying migrants intercepted off the coast of Libya, the Italian coastguard says. Italian media reports say the deaths were probably caused by asphyxiation. About 430 people were rescued alive from the boat by a Swedish coastguard ship, the Poseidon, working with the EU’s Frontex border agency. Wednesday’s rescue operation was one of 10 such missions currently taking place in the waters off Libya, the Italian coastguard said.

Kidero employs 226 nurses to improve city healthcare

Nairobi County government has employed 226 health workers in a bid to improve quality of health care provided in the county. Those employed yesterday now join 211 others recently appointed under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) bringing the total to 437 appointments in less than six months by the County government. Nairobi County has now recruited 437 staff members in the health sector making history by becoming the first county in the country to recruit a high number of staff members in one sector. While handing over appointment letters to the health workers, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said the appointment reflects the face of the country and believes the quality of service provided will be increased. “As a County government we take health matters seriously that is why we have set aside Sh 8billion representing 27 per-

CONGRATULATIONS: Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero looks on as one of the newly hired 226 health workers is given his appointment letter. Kidero said the new health workers will increase the quality of health services in the city.

cent of our annual budget of sh31billion and allocated to the health sector. We will continue to ensure Nairobi residents have a wide choice in as far as our health facil ities are concerned.” Kidero said. “All the young men and women represent the face of this country. We have recruited from as far as Isebania and North Eastern

Kenya.” Kidero added. The Chairman of the County Public Service Board,Philip Kung’u said adequate budgets had been set aside to pay the new recruits salaries. Kungu also said that the Board had automated most of its core services by installing an Integrated Human Resource Management System and a Document Man-

agement System in order to shorten the time within the recruitment and selection processes for better efficiency. “Aside from the 226 health sector staff members who received their appointment letters, the County Public service board had also in the course of this year interviewed and appointed 211 health workers under

the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) who consisted of Nurses, Assistant occupational therapists, Health education officers, Community oral health officers, pharmaceutical technologists, Laboratory Technicians and Technologists, Nutrition and Dietetic technologists and health records & information management officers

TV gunman in Virginia shooting Flanagan ‘a human powder keg’ A man who shot dead two journalists on live TV in the US state of Virginia apparently sent a rambling fax to ABC News describing himself as a “human powder keg” shortly after the attack. Vester Flanagan (pictured here), who had been dismissed by the same station, WDBJ7, killed himself after a police chase. In the fax, a man said to be Flanagan describes suffering discrimination and bullying for being gay and black. The White House said Wednesday’s attack showed the need for better gun control. The two people killed were WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward. Station manager Jeff Marks said: “I cannot tell you how much they were loved.” He said Flanagan was an “unhappy man” who had to be escorted from the WDBJ7 building after being dismissed in 2013. Ms Parker was conducting a live interview with a guest on tourism

early on Wednesday in the town of Moneta when the incident occurred. Suddenly, shots rang out, and

viewers saw the camera fall to the ground. Screams could be heard and the footage captured a brief glimpse of the gunman. The station cut back to the studio, journalists would later have to continue broadcasting on the deaths of two of their colleagues. Hours later, the gunman posted footage online of himself opening fire at close range, although this was later removed. The interviewee, Vicki Gardner of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, is in a stable condition in hospital following surgery. ABC News said it received a 23-page fax, apparently sent by Flanagan under his professional name Bryce Williams later on Wednesday, in which he said his anger had been “building steadily” and that he had become “human powder keg” that was “waiting to go BOOM!!!!” The writer says he suffered racism and homophobia at work, and expresses admiration for the teenagers who killed 13 people

at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999. He said the attack in Charleston, South Carolina, in which nine black churchgoers were killed in June this year, was what “sent me over the top”. Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton said the ABC fax was being used by investigators, adding: “It’s obvious... this gentleman was disturbed in some way.” Late on Wednesday, a representative for Flanagan’s family issued a statement expressing their “deepest condolences to the families of Alison Parker and Adam Ward”. “Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the victim’s families and with WDBJ television station family,” the statement added. President Barack Obama repeated his call for tougher gun laws after the attack. “We’re willing to spend trillions of dollars to prevent terrorist activities, but we haven’t been willing so far at least to impose some common sense gun safety measures,” he said.

NEWS 5 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

Morning newspaper summaries Uhuru file still open, Strong vote of confidence Conspiracy against new NHIF excludes diabetes says Bensouda: ICC Prosecutor for constitution: Kenyans laws builds up: Today marked and cancer from Fatou Bensouda has given the clearest indication yet today mark five years since the Constitution exactly the fifth year, when a wave of optimism that President Uhuru Kenyatta is not off the hook of was promulgated in 2010, with 50 per cent of swept across the country as the culmination of what outpatient cover: Contribution crimes against humanity prosecutions. In a 20-page response to victims’ lawyer Fergal Gaynor, Bensouda said that she has only temporarily suspended investigations in Kenya and fresh requests for warrants of arrest could still be made. Bensouda said the Prosecution’s letter to the Legal Representative of Victims (LRV) does not state that the Prosecution has permanently terminated investigations in the Kenya situation, or that it has concluded ‘not to proceed’ with a prosecution against Mr Kenyatta. But lawyers close to the President dismissed the latest move.

respondents in a new poll saying they would not want the supreme law changed or that they were not sure whether it should be changed. Findings of the poll conducted by Ipsos reveals that 24 per cent of the Kenyans interviewed said they would not want the Constitution changed in any way. The survey was designed to measure Kenyans’ attitude towards the supreme law. It also found that one in 10 respondents suggested changes that do not apply to the Constitution at all, an indication that a significant number of people lack sufficient knowledge about the supreme law.

pro-reform leaders termed the Second Liberation, symbolically came to fruition at a ceremony witnessed by Kenyans and world dignitaries at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. Over the five-year period, the country has witnessed a transformation, especially the radical shake-up of the governance structure after the 2013 General Election that ushered in devolution, which espouses the equitable sharingout of the national cake among the 47 counties. But it has not all been rosy, given the teething challenges such as turf wars between institutions jostling for power, incessant wrangling over the amount ...

to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) will not get outpatient treatment for chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and hypertension at private hospitals, calling into questions the promises the public health insurer made as it promoted its enhanced medical scheme. Instead, the contributors will only receive basic care for ailments like malaria. The private hospitals, which had yet to sign up for the state-backed scheme that came into force on July 1, said they had agreed to provide minor care after accepting the NHIF’s Sh1,200 offer as annual capitation per beneficiary.

Juja MP Waititu in Techers give TSC five Ruto, Sang to appeal Nairobi cuts building another sex scandal: Juja days to pay up: Teachers have given against ICC decision: The permits fees: Real estate investors

legislator Francis Munyua Waititu, popularly known as Wakapee, has been linked to a fresh sex scandal, barely six months after he quietly settled another one. A 25-year-old Mpesa attendant on Tuesday night reported to the Kasarani police station that she had received death threats after she declined a proposal by the MP that she procures an abortion. Martha Wanjiru Wahome told the police she had received the threats on July 29, just hours after she rejected a proposal by the MP to terminate her now four months’ pregnancy. Wanjiru said she had received calls and text messages warning her that the Mungiki would attack her if she failed to do “as agreed with mheshimiwa”.

their employer five days to increase their basic pay by 50-60 per cent ordered by the Supreme Court. Their unions on Wednesday said they would call a nationwide strike unless the money is paid by the end of the month. The threat comes less than a week to the start on Monday of the third term. However, the TSC asked the unions to let their members report to work as talks with Government continue. The National Treasury has warned that increasing the pay for teachers will slow down economic growth, which had been forecast to grow at seven per cent this financial year.

defence teams of Deputy President William Ruto and Joshua Sang are seeking to appeal a decision in which ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda was allowed to use prior statements of five witnesses who recanted their evidence. In separate applications filed yesterday, the two legal teams, led by Karim Khan for Ruto and Katwa Kigen for Sang, argued that Trial Chamber V (a) judges erred in interpreting the amendment to Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The Appeal judges last week issued the majority decision in which they said that Rule 68 of the court’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence was the correct provision to use...

will pay less to acquire building permits in Nairobi after City Hall proposed a lower rate to ease the cost of construction. A permit will cost 0.5 per cent of the total construction cost, down from the current rate of between one and 1.5 per cent, if the 2015 Finance Bill is passed. The proposal will save developers and home builders thousands of shillings as they contend with a number of regulatory fees including those paid to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Mining ministry. Building homes valued at Sh5 million will pay Sh25, 000 to secure a permit, down from the current Sh75, 000.

Bigwigs to attend Karisa Bill to gag media wins Strike looms as TSC, Safaricom hits banks unions talks fail: Public schools with new M-Pesa Maitha memorial: Former MPs backing: A Bill that seeks to might not reopen next week following the collapse pare down the media from reporting Parliamentary President Mwai Kibaki, four Coast governors and a of talks between the Teachers Service Commission transfer fees: Safaricom has proceedings got support from most MPs yesterday. host of MPs are expected to attend a grand ceremony today to commemorate Karisa Maitha’s 11th death anniversary. The event has been skipped by Coast politicians over the years. In his heyday, Maitha, who died in Germany in 2004 while on official Cabinet business, was the Coast’s political kingpin. It makes for an interesting scenario how this year’s event will be attended, given the questionable unity of Mombasa politicians. The ceremony will be held in the one-time Cabinet minister’s Mtwapa home from 10am to around 2pm in Mombasa.

Offending clauses seen as a setback to media freedom and the right to information includes the one seeking fines of Sh500,000 or a two-year jail term or both, for anyone “who publishes false or scandalous libel on Parliament, its committees or proceedings”. The Bill also bars journalists from “speaking words defamatory of Parliament, its committees or its proceedings”. According to the Bill, media freedom would be limited for purposes of “facilitating the immunity of the Houses and committees...”

(TSC) and unions yesterday. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) insisted their members must be paid the 50-60 per cent salary increment by August 31 failure to which they would strike. KNUT officials yesterday rejected TSC’s plea that teachers do not boycott classes to allow schools to reopen next week. KUPPET officials snubbed the meeting. KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion said the strike is not negotiable as all avenues had been exhausted.

introduced charges for the transfer of funds from customers’ bank accounts to third-party M-Pesa wallets, sealing a loophole that lenders have been using to by-pass the mobile phone company when sending money. The telco yesterday said the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) had approved the charges, effective on December 1. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a social media war between Safaricom and Equity Bank over fees charged on subscribers to Equitel, its telecommunications subsidiary.

Top stories from X News global partners Virginia TV journalists China Falters, and shot dead on air in the Global Economy attack staged by former Is Forced to Adapt: The giant BHP Billiton spent heavily for colleague: Two local TV reporters commodities years, mining iron ore across Australia, digging

were shot dead in the midst of a live broadcast in Virginia on Wednesday, the victims of an attack perpetrated by a disgruntled former colleague. The shooting occurred around 6.45am local time, in Moneta, near Roanoke, and appeared to have been carefully orchestrated to construct a horrific spectacle that would play out live on TV. Reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were broadcasting a live interview with an official from the local chamber of commerce when there was the sudden sound of gunfire and screams. The camera tumbled to the ground, and producers at the local WDBJ7 news station cut off the broadcast, switching to a shocked-looking anchor in the studio. It later emerged that both Parker and Ward died at the scene. The gunman also shot their interviewee, Vicki Gardner, the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake regional chamber of commerce. www.theguardian.com

for copper in Chile, and pumping oil off the coast of Trinidad. The company could be confident in its direction as commodities orders surged from its biggest and best customer, China. Now, BHP is pulling back, faced with a slowing Chinese economy that will no longer be the same dominant force in commodities. Profit is falling and the company is cutting its investment spending budget by more than two-thirds. China’s rapid growth over the last decade reshaped the world economy, creating a powerful driver of corporate strategies, financial markets and geopolitical decisions. China seemed to have a one-way trajectory, momentum that would provide a steady source of profit and capital. But deepening economic fears about China, which culminated this week in a global market rout, are now forcing a broad rethinking of the conventional wisdom. www.nytimes.com

No more Mr Nice Total to sell $900 of Guy, Malaysia’s prime North Sea assets: French oil Total has stepped up the sale of its North Sea minister cracks down on major assets following the collapse in oil prices, with the of a Scottish gas terminal and interests in dissent: Down a quiet lane in Kuala Lumpur, disposal two pipelines in a $900m deal. The energy group Malaysia’s capital, anti-government campaigners at trestle tables are doing a roaring trade in yellow T-shirts. The volunteers have already flogged more than 30,000 of the garments, which are becoming de rigueur for Malaysians planning to attend protests on August 29th and 30th to demand the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister, Najib Razak. The protests are being organised by Bersih (meaning clean in Malay), a loose union of non-government groups calling for electoral reform. In 2012 police dispersed thousands of Bersih protesters with tear gas and water cannons and arrested about 500. This weekend’s rally in Kuala Lumpur, which authorities say is illegal, could yet go the same way. Maria Chin Abdullah of Bersih hopes that at least 200,000 Malaysians will protest in three cities. Malaysia’s political system, she says, “has really become quite rotten”. www.economist.com

said on Thursday that it had signed an agreement to sell all of its interests in the FUKA and SIRGE pipelines and the St Fergus terminal to North Sea Midstream Partners — formed in 2012 to invest in North Sea infrastructure — for £585m. The deal follows the sale by Total, announced in July, of a stake in one of the UK’s most promising natural gasfields to SSE, the power generator, which will take a 20 per cent share in Laggan-Tormore, a deepwater project 125km west of the Shetlands. It could be followed by more disposals after Patrick Pouyanné, chief executive, said in February that the group would accelerate and deepen a cost-cutting programme initiated by his predecessor, the late Christophe de Margerie.

To enquire about advertising on these international websites, email julian@x254.co

www.ft.com

xnews | THURsday, AUGUST 27, 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 103.8061 162.9244 119.0797 7.9196 34.1503 20.6154

BUY SELL 103.7117 103.9006 162.7639 163.0850 118.9622 119.1972 7.9109 7.9283 34.0710 34.2295 20.5485 20.6823

Best managed company in Kenya named Market analysts Euromoney has named Safaricom the ‘Best Managed Company in Kenya’. Euromoney awards its Best Managed Companies ranking based on a survey of market analysts from leading banks, consultancy firms and research institutes around the world. The organisation is known for its role in the coverage of macro-economics, global banking, equity and debt since 1969. For this year’s awards, polling took place between February 26 and July 3. The annual survey rewards companies with the most convincing and coherent business strategies, ranking them by region, by industry and country. Respondents are asked to nominate the top five listed companies in each of the main survey

categories, bearing in mind market strength, profitability, growth potential, quality of management and earnings. For the award in which Safaricom emerged the winner, respondents were asked to nominate the top three listed companies in a number of categories including “Best system of corporate governance”, “Most transparent financial accounts” and “Best for shareholder value” among others. The announcement comes just as Safaricom has announced that it will increase charges for banks using its M-Pesa platform to transfer funds from customer bank accounts to third party mobile money wallets. The telco said in a statement on Wednesday that the new charges would take effect on December 1, 2015.

TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN- A Safaricom Customer service outlet in Nairobi’s Westlands. (Photo: Courtesy)

CfC Stanbic unveils a 24-hr digitized banking system

MICROFINANCE BANK

Asset Financing Advantages: Fast loan processing Competitive interest rates Flexible financing for various assets Flexible repayment term tailored to suit your cash flow Low deposits for newer vehicles Available also to non customers Full ownership of the asset throughout the loan term

Minimum Requirements: Bank statement for the past six months Proforma invoice from the dealer Evidence of business performance and projections REMU Microfinance Bank Account

Complementary: Insurance Premium Finance (IPF) Keziah Ndirangu | Marketing & Product Innovation REMU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED|14th Floor, Finance House| Loita Street P.O. BOX 20833 00100, NAIROBI Tel. 020-2214483/2215387-8, 0733554555 | Email: info@remultd.co.ke, www.remultd.co.ke

MICROFINANCE BANK

The branch which is its first full service branch on a digital platform, will operate 24 hours and is expected to enhance customer experience and convenience on the backdrop of growing popularity and adoption of Digital Banking in Kenya and around the world. Speaking at the opening of the Branch, CfC Stanbic Bank, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Philip Odera said that the bank’s focus is hinged on transforming how it engages with both new and existing

customers and enhancing customer experience. The new digital banking concept seeks to eliminate a big chunk of the manual operations through deployment of services to the mobile and web platforms. Among the services that will be offered digitally include; the origination of new accounts and instructions for customers, mobile and online registration and a cashless transaction capability. “This new technology is set to replace the manual processes thus enabling our staff to

serve more customers in less time. Through this paperless transaction capability, we will be facilitating KRA (tax) payments, council collections, online share trading, Automated Cash Deposit machines and internet banking transaction ability,” said Mr. Odera. The bank is also planning to open three additional fully digital branches at The Hub-Karen and Two Rivers both in Nairobi County and Changamwe in Mombasa County by the end of this year.

NIC Bank turns to social media for better services The NIC Bank Group has teamed up with some three social media companies to launch an innovative banking platform to allow users access their banking through the platform. IN partnership with Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter, the ‘NIC Konnect’ will allow customers possess a security pin to access mini statements, balance inquiry, airtime purchase, funds transfer and utility payments. According to NIC Group Managing Director John Gachora, the innovation is aimed at providing customers with easier point of interface with their bank. Gachora noted that this innovation was as a result of extensive market research which

showed that Kenyans, especially the youth, are spending so much time on social media platforms. There was thus need to interact with customers at their convenience, ‘where they are’. Other services to be available in the near future include merchant payments, mobile money, and cheque book and card ordering. According to Craft Silicon CEO Kamal Budhabhatti who partnered with NIC to deliver the product, the move is an exciting venture as the new digital banking seeks to eliminate a big chunk of the manual operations through deployment of services to the mobile and web platforms.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

ACCESS

FASHION scoop

topstory bett

yego

enya’s online community is (in)famous for its rage and brutal reactions to political debates, where supremacy battles pitting rival political pacts take centre stage. But in good times, when the tweet swords have been withdrawn and rage subsided, Kenyans peel off their virtual combat masks and unite for useful good causes. The past few days for instance have seen the tweetosphere break with patriotic cheers as Kenyans get behind their own athletes representing the country in the 2015 IAAF World Championship in Beijing China. This show of solidarity and patriotism is outstanding. The often ferocious and highly opinionated KOT (Kenyans On Twitter) though started off in ridicule of the Kenyan team that went to Beijing after a false start in the championships. Now, there has been a change of tune. Ezekiel Kemboi with his trademark dance now holds the record for the most podium finishes (men) in the history of the world athletics championships. He has a total of 7 medals, one better than Ukrainian Sergey Bubka. At the age of 33, Kemboi holds the record for the oldest gold medalist (men) in a track event in the history of the world athletics championships and gave Kenya a gold medal in the 3000M steeple chase race. Kenya’s clean sweep of medals in the 3,000m Steeplechase is the third in the history of clean sweeps in the event at a world championship. In 1995 in Athens, Wilson Boit Kipketer led Moses Kiptanui and Bernard Bermasai to a 1-2-3 finish. In 1997, Brimin Kipruto led Ezekiel Kemboi and Richard Maatelong to a 1-2-3 finish. Despite the fact that Kenya is not known for thriving in the 400m hurdles race, Nicholas Bett against all odds is the second African to win a gold medal in the 400m hurdles in the world athletics championships. Zambian Samwel Matete took the first ever African win in Tokyo in 1991. Seeking to fit in the shoes of the first Kenyan woman to win a gold medal in the world athletics championships Sally Barsosio, Vivian Cheruiyot was back from a maternity hiatus and is now the second woman to win 2 gold medals in the 10,000m after Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba in the world athletics championships. In the excitement of the moment, President Uhuru Kenyatta suffered a backlash shortly after Vivian Cheruiyot emerged first place in the 10,000m race when he took to Twitter to send

Before

rudisha

#TEAM KENYA#RUDISHA #KEMBOI#VIVIAN #YEGO

WE FINALLY HAVE

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE

vivian a congratulatory tweet message to Cheruiyot for bagging Kenya its first gold medal in the race and ended up using the word marathon in his message, not being cognizant of the fact that that the word (marathon) is only used when referring to long-distance race events of 42 Kilometers for full or 21 kilometers for half marathon. This did not however dampen the Kenyan spirit. Hail King David… World record holder of the 800m men title David Rudisha though not in the best of forms due to injuries, shocked Kenyans with a magnificent comeback that saw him clinch the gold medal. David Rudisha is the second Kenyan to win two gold medals in the 800M event, after Billy Konchella. He had shown a lot of laxity in the event hits and had been ruled out as a potential winner of the gold medal. He however trudged on and emerged victorious amidst praises from fans back home. Popularly known as the ‘Youtube man’ Julius Yego was the man to watch yesterday in the javelin throw. He has broken the National record for the 4th time this year by throwing 92.72M. It’s the longest throw in 14 years and the 3rd longest ever in history. His endurance and determination has earned him praise and admiration that make him a unique iconic figure. The IAAF championships continue to bring Kenyans together as medals trickle in bringing with it a sense of national pride and a celebration of the Kenyan spirit of unity in diversity. It is all systems go #TeamKenya!

kemboi

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, AUGUST 26th NOVEMBER 27, 2015 2014

YOLO

The inTerneT world is acTually aT a consensus ThaT k sTands for killer

HOT

Mercy Masika

TOPICS

Mercy Masika no Show at Jaguar launch

aving been listed as one of the performers of the night at the Jaguar Youth Empowerment Foundation launch, guests and the host expected gospel artiste Mercy Masika to be at venue on time for her three minutes of fame but that did not materialize. Just after Kidum’s performance of a lovely rendition of his hit track Haturudi nyuma the gospel singer was called on but was nowhere to be seen prompting the MCs of the night to skip her part and continue with the program.

MASTEr THESE oNLiNE

coNvErSATioN kiLLErS

Similarly annoying are the mushrooming emoji especially because different people interpret them differently.

ocial media is fast replacing face to face conversations. This means that social media users have to find ways to reconcile characteristics of traditional conversations with new media, including the negative characteristics like when a conversation gets boring or one party is just not into the conversation. Under normal circumstances, one would make up an excuse like saying they are running late, faking an incoming call or for the ones with minimal chills, telling the other person outright that they are boring them and walking out. In online chatting, the virtual space makes it easier to snub a conversation by passing the subtle messages that you are not ‘feeling’ the conversation anymore. Here, typing out k, lol, yeah or simply inserting an emoji should be enough to indirectly tell the other person that you are dying for them to stop messaging you. Just like walking out on a person speaking to you, using these conversation killers is obviously rude and extremely annoying. Imagine chatting with someone online telling them how much you like them and all they can gather for a response is a simple k, after you have spent ten minutes composing the message! The internet world is actually at a consensus that k stands for killer, as in conversation killer by the virtue that it says so little yet so much indirectly.

Other replies such as LOL are both annoying and confusing, with the potential of having devastating effects on a person’s self-esteem. Imagine a scenario similar to the one above where you are chatting with a person you really like and after expressing your feelings, the person replies ‘lol’. Since lol is a form of e-laughter, it would be correct to assume that the person is laughing at you for having feelings for them, most likely because they consider you to be way out of their league. Just like ‘k’, lol then becomes a conversation killer since one is not likely to message back after such an embarrassment, ever. Similarly annoying are the mushrooming emoji especially because different people interpret them differently. Misuse of emoji is rampant in online networks and when someone wants to cut off a conversation, they simply insert the first emoji that pops up on their keyboard. It is then up to the recipient to get a clue and back off and if they don’t, more emoji follow to express utter disinterest. In extreme cases, ellipses (…) may be used to emphasize that the conversation is already more than over. Unlike face to face conversations, online conversation etiquette dictates that it is better to completely ignore a conversation because by using k, lol and tasteless emoji in the name of reply courtesy, you are committing the greatest online communication offence.

hot date

ALL THAT JAZZ AND A LEGEND…

Sleepy roasts Frasha, Mututho and Waititu

omedian Sleepy David was on fire last night as he entertained guests at the Jaguar Youth Empowerment Foundation launch. Sleepy’s sitcom skills were evident when he literally took to picking on the guests. The star studded launch was graced by politicians Ferdinand Waititu, Moses Kuria and NACADA Chairman John Mututho. ‘I do not know what artistes are teaching their children, imagine Frasha’s daughter singing along to his father’s hits song Weka Weka, sleepy joked. Meanwhile, it was a show of solidarity when almost all major celebs came out to support Jaguar;Churchil, MajiMaji,JuaCali, Daddy Owen,GrandPa records best led by Refiggah,Size 8,DJ Wesley, DnG, Nameless, Frasha, Arthur K, Mongolo Ha_rt The Band, Elani, Nick Mutuma among others. Sleepy David

DP asks Size8 to take advantage of free maternity services, promises to pay for her delivery in any hospital

Salif Keita

Gogo Simo Band

his Saturday 29th August, treat yourself to some Jazz tunes at the Safaricom International Jazz Festival 2015. James Gogo and the Gogo Simo Band will be the curtain raisers while the legendary Salif Keita will be the main act. This is a perfect treat for family and friends. Advance tickets are Sh 1500.You will part with Sh 2000 at the gate and Sh 500 for students. The gates of the Bomas of Kenya open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 8 pm.

eputy President William Ruto has asked gospel music artiste and wife to gospel DJ Mo to take advantage of the free maternity services offered by the government in its health institutions as she welcomes her baby. ‘When I asked my friend Jaguar to kindly ask Size 8 to perform for me Mateke I was not aware that she was representing the ‘majority’, but now that I know, I want to urge her to t a k e advantage of the free maternity services offered by the government’, Mr. Ruto said after sharing the stage with the singer. Size 8

ACCESS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

all round news and updates from universities

CAMPUSVIBE

BaBu OwinO’s BrOther is sufficiently philanthrOpic

itting the headlines clearly lies in this lineage. At least this time, it was for a worthy cause. Sammy Owino, brother to famous SONU honcho Babu Owino and a student at the Kenyatta University cleared a hospital bill for a comrade’s ailing mother. Grace Wairimu, a second year student at the same institution was in dire need and it would appear Sammy came to the rescue. We have reliably learnt that Sammy just like his notorious brother Babu, owns several businesses and houses and plans to get into main stream politics. In the past he has helped some students clear their fees in order to do exams.

Henry Thairu

Sammy Owino.

KISII UNIVERSITY WOES T

his week, the long arm of the law caught up with two top officials of the Kisii University. John Akama the Vice Chancellor and Sebastian Mwarania the university council chairman were supposed to reinstate Deputy Principal for academic Affairs Sailas Mwaniki Ngari but have been playing hide and seek. The court ordered the duo to either pay Sh 100,000 or face a two week jail term.

CAREERCHAT

call mE

TEacHER …

EGERTON STILL TOPS TECH WORLD Samson Amenia of Egerton University, emerged the winner in the just concluded Mobile App challenge that was held at the Kenya Teachers Training College. The challenge involved the development of an application that provides a platform for young Kenyans with innovations to upload them where they would be seen by potential investors. The other students who scooped the second and third position were Dismus Kiplagat from Mount Kenya University and Mary Wangechi of the University of Eldoret respectively. Egerton have in the recent past been known to scoop almost all academic related awards.

John Akama

29 year old Emmanuel Machimbo is a proud teacher not just because their salaries are set to increase, but because he views his career as a calling.

Samson Amenia

hat does your job entail? My work as a teacher entails nurturing, overseeing discipline and making sure that Kenyan children entrusted to us achieve their dreams to become productive members of the society. How many hours do you work in a day? I am a teacher in Nairobi. I work for a minimum of 9 hours but sometimes it is longer. What qualifications do you need for your job? Despite the fact that teaching is a calling and a talent, basically someone must be professionally trained. A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a Diploma in early education will suffice. Depending on which system you would like to take, there are also special courses for International curriculums. Was this your dream career? Unfortunately no! I wanted to be a journalist, a news anchor in fact. Outside this, I have yearned to be a soldier not to fight but for the love of their music. I would join the band because I studied music but I haven’t done much with it. Since we know what we are but know not what we may be, I couldn’t change the direction of the wind for my career. I adjusted my sails to always reach my destination and here I am. How did you start out? When I was done with my ‘’O’’ level, I wanted to join my dream course but surprisingly my late Cousin came with an admission letter dully signed and fee already paid. I first taught in Mombasa where I realized that the road to success is always under construction. Later I moved to Mt. Laverna School in Nairobi where respect for human dignity as a teacher is highly

valued. What achievements have you had so far? I have nurtured award winning students some who have graduated from Mt. Kenya University and recently Kenyatta University with admirable grades. Any challenges you have experienced so far? This is personal; I almost gave up when my cousin died drastically. He had paid my fees and steered me towards this noble profession, I felt empty. Does your job interfere with your social life? No! Once I start my job, I meet friends’ right from learners to colleagues. I also meet more friends over the weekends through our music band “Nalung’unyo”. What is the best part of your job? When I deliver my content and learners participate, understand and pass examinations. What is the worst part of your job? Sometimes I feel like quitting the job when learners fail to pass yet I have done everything I could. Then the daily strikes of teacher year in year out. Their cries fall on deaf ears of the very people that passed through their hands be it the president. Any advice for aspiring teachers? If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother and hope your guardian genius. You know everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die... let’s go for what we want even if it means taking risks .Teaching is a calling, always remember that.

ACCESS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

FASHIONscoop

@ HOUSE Of DISHOL

The crop top just got better.

Immaculate design.

Clever twist to the college jacket. The hat is a nice touch.

Loving the detail.

EXCLUSIVE StyLE

Sassy and classy.

ouse of Dishol is an authentic Kenyan fashion brand, founded with the view of reinventing African fashion, culture and style with the use of locally available materials while still maintaining a modern feel. “Our vision is to build an authentic genuine and excellent local brand with eventual establishment in the regional and continental marketplace. Alongside

TOP N

tHE ISLaND Of DOLLS IN mEXICO

SPOOky PLaCES ON EartH

ormally, dolls are supposed to be children’s companions but most people will agree that an island solely occupied by dolls is quite creepy. In Mexico City, a tourist once discovered the body of a small girl floating in a canal alongside her play doll. Later on, he began hearing screams that were supposedly of the girl after he picked the doll and hung in on one of the trees in the woods. In order to appease her spirit, he developed a ritual of hanging additional dolls every now and then for over fifty years and when he died, his family continued the ritual to date. Today, visitors to the island also participate in the ritual and several claim to have heard the dolls whispering to each other in the woods!

our exclusive collections, we also offer production services within our scope of expertise for individual customers, retailers and other commercial entities,” says the director of the fashion brand that was crowned the winner in the category of Upcoming Designer of the Year 2015 at the Kenya Fashion Awards. Here is an exclusive peak at their latest collection.

tHE CataCOmbS Of ParIS

hese are underground caves in France which hold the remains of around six million people who died in the 18th century. The caves were built after a major cemetery in Paris caved under pressure and the Paris administration had nowhere else to bury the remains that had been rested in this cemetery. In response, they decided to modify old tunnels and quarries that stretched hundreds of miles to store the remainder skulls and bones from the fallen cemetery. The Catacombs are now a major tourist attraction in Paris.

St GEOrGE’S CHUrCH IN CzECH rEPUbLIC

riginally, this was a normal church until it was abandoned in 1968 after its roof collapsed during a funeral ceremony. Naturally, the locals considered this a bad omen and they abandoned the church. Four decades later, an artist was hired to renovate the church and his idea of renovation included creation of hooded ghosts lining the aisles and pews of the church. Surprisingly, tourists constantly flock the hair raising church which also turned out to be quite the fundsraiser, pun intended.

BUSINESS 11

Matatu routes now available on Google maps The Digital Matatu team has partnered with Google to launch the Official Nairobi Matatu Map that will aid commuters in Nairobi travel with ease. The Program Manager at Google Evans Arabu has ascertained that the Transit mapping aims to organize the Worlds public transportation and information to a universally accessible and useful. “Making sense of the transport structure in Nairobi needs to take cognizance of the culture. For example, most people give directions based on landmarks and buildings compared to roads,” he said. Using mobile devices, Matatu Digital team spent almost a

year collecting and collating data due to complexity of public system and lack of reliable and structured data where 134 matatu routes and over 3,000 stops in Nairobi County were mapped. The mapping of Nairobi’s semi-structured public transport system will inform the development of Transit maps in similar cities with similar public transport structure like Manila, Dhaka, Mexico City or Dar es Salaam. The team comprise of a consortium of University of Nairobi’s C4DLab, Columbia and MIT that made Matatu map available on Google maps showing multiple routes, main bus terminal, stages and approximate time taken to transit.

The Google’s Transit has brought to increased number of smartphones in hands of nearly half of Nairobi’s residence as the city joins other 2,800 cities including Lagos and Johannesburg that possess a similar transit option. The data, maps and apps are free and available to the public, transforming the way city residents navigate using public transport checking directions from South B to Roysambu, for instance, gives different matatu routes, complete with expected time of departure, walking distance to a bus stop, main terminals, matatu number board, stages along the way and expected time of arrival.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NEWS JOB OPPORTUNITIES X News, Kenya’s first and largest circulation free newspaper and Kenya’s only Cannes award winner needs brilliant, passionate, young staff to help us win more awards and achieve new firsts.

1. Advertising Business Executives:

Reporting to the Advertising Manager, the ideal candidates will be charged with the responsibility of initiating and executing sales while promoting and delivering effective advertising solutions to Clients. Key responsibilities • To sell advertising space for X News. • To generate and develop new sales ideas. • To meet and surpass agreed monthly and annual sales targets. • To contribute towards team objectives and working within the company’s performance culture. Knowledge, Skills and Competency required. • A diploma or a business related degree from a recognized institution (why not start with the degree) • 2-3 years sales experience preferably from media, advertising agencies, PR firms, banking and insurance. • Strong understanding of the fundamentals of advertising, including research and analysis. • A keen eye for identification and development of business opportunities. • Strong presence coupled with outstanding communication and presentation skills. • Demonstrated ability to work within a team and deliver results on deadlines. • Hunger for results and ability to cultivate long standing client relationships. A superior training and mentorship, great management support as well as a sales management system that highly rewards performance and commitment awaits you. If you fit this description and you want to be part of the most innovative media house in the region, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject SALES

2. News/Business/Features/Sports/Entertainment Journalists

X News is the news breaking newspaper of Kenya, covering today’s news today. Reporting to the various desk editors, the ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for news and unbiased approach to its reportage. Key responsibilities • To seek out and investigate breaking stories. • To produce concise and accurate copy according to our house style and to strict deadlines. • To create and upload news content to digital platforms. • To online report or real-time blog ‘live’ stories. • To build contacts in order to maintain a flow of news • To attend press conferences and events that generate stories • To work closely with the news team, photographers and editors; NOTE – We are also recruiting intern journalists. If you fit this description and you want to be part of the most innovative media house in the region, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject JOURNALIST

3. Social Media Specialist

Reporting to the Publisher, the social media specialist will be charged with driving brand and revenue growth via existing and emerging social media channels. A strong understanding of where social media buzz and business value intersect is crucial.

TURN RIGHT: An impression of how maps can be used in real time while driving. It is seen as a way to organize the Worlds public transportation and information.

Liquid Telecom cuts internet costs, doubles local content on networks Liquid Telecom, Africa’s leading independent Internet Service Provider, yesterday unveiled a 50 per cent climb in the proportion of local content on its network, from 20 per cent three years ago. The company says the growth was driven by “the deepening of Africa’s internet infrastructure”, and their initiative to save internet users and service providers millions of dollars a year in the costs of fetching data from outside the continent. Presenting the news to the African Peering and Interconnection Conference (AfPIF) in Mozambique

yesterday, Mathew Chigwende, Head of Data Networks at Liquid Telecom, reported that this had been accomplished thanks to the ongoing climb in the number of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) serving the continent; the expansion of CDN Content Delivery Networks in Africa and the interconnection between Telcos and ISPs. “We’re now confident we shall reach the Internet Society’s target of 80 per cent local content on Africa’s Internet infrastructure by 2020,” he said. Liquid Telecom hosts one

of Africa’s largest IXPs, the Kenya Internet Exchange Point, at its East Africa Data Centre in Nairobi. The firm has been actively involved as the supplier of Internet infrastructure to many of the continent’s Telcos and ISPs. “By keeping African data in Africa, we continue to help reduce the costs of Internet access across the continent, and improve the performance of that Internet to African Internet users,” said Ben Roberts, CEO of Liquid Telecom Kenya and Chief Technical Officer of the Liquid Telecom Group.

Key responsibilities • To write brilliant and engaging copy appropriate to social media platforms. • To liaise with the editorial team to source required assets for use on social media. • To produce visual assets (images, gifs etc) that can be used across social media channels. • To manage online communities day-to-day. • To proactively identify on-the-pulse opportunities to take our accounts into real time conversations on social media. • As required, to work out-of-hours shifts (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) to ensure that our social media activity is consistent with audience behaviours and usage. If you fit this description and you want to be part of the most innovative media house in the region, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject SOCIAL MEDIA

4. Sub Editors

Reporting to the Managing Editor, the Sub Editors take total ownership of the quality of the copy and the headlines. Knowledge, Skills and Competency required. • Has at least one year of experience on a subs desk • Has a comprehensive knowledge of InDesign. • Has a methodical and organised approach, a remarkable eye for detail and the ability to work effectively and quickly up against multiple deadlines. • Can write engaging and informative headlines and captions. • Has first class grammar and spelling and can pick up house style and tone quickly. • Can communicate effectively with writers and layout editors. • Is willing to put in overtime as and when required. If you fit this description and you want to be part of the most innovative media house in the region, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject SUB EDITOR Note: If you have worked at one of the old fashioned media houses, you will need to impress us that you have the capacity to shape a new tomorrow rather cling to yesteryear.

X News is an equal opportunity employer and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

PLAY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

Professional Chinese Language Training

CHINESE LANGUAGE Course registration for October Intake is going on… Regular Class Business Class HSK Coach Enterprise Training VIP Programs Junior Chinese Class

The major advantages for joining us: • Native Chinese Instructor • High-tech Courseware System • Multi Media Tutorials • Small Class Arrangement • Friendly Chinese Environment • HSK/HSKK Test Site

China Information & Culture Communication (K) Ltd. Call: 020-8014333, 0722463737, 0732463737 Office: Postbank House, Banda Street, Flr 15 Rm 10

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 It’s better to focus on doing what you have to do to resolve your difficulties than it is to waste time fretting over them. Your business head is operating at a high level today. If you stay focused, you can accomplish wonders. Formulate a plan of action and put it to work. AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You might be distracted and irritated by everyone goofing off. Don’t worry about everyone else. Concentrate on your own work. You will only cause further irritation by getting upset with everyone. You will be done with your tasks when they’re just getting started on theirs!

THURSday 27/08/2015

sunny

25ºC 40%

FRIday 28/08/2015

More sun than clouds

25 6:32 am 6:37pm

25ºC 42%

6:32am 6:36pm

SATURday

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

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 No matter what website or periodical you consult, you’ll probably come across some interesting stuff but not exactly what you’re looking for. If the task isn’t urgent, it might be a good idea to put it off for a bit. Otherwise you’ll spend too much time looking for the impossible. ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 You should pay attention to your dreams, Aries, but tonight your subconscious might send you some garbled information that means next to nothing. If the message is obvious, pay attention to it, but if you have to perform too many mental gymnastics to discern what the symbols mean, they might mean nothing.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 A miscommunication with a business or romantic partner might cause some ruffled feathers today, Taurus. You can divert this by explaining the facts clearly whenever you give information. Make sure your partner understands what you’re saying before they go and act on it! GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 If so, you might find today that some of the papers you need are missing. They might seem to have vanished into a black hole. Look everywhere, of course, but chances are that someone has them and isn’t aware of it. Don’t be too shy to ask people about the papers. CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 A missed communication - or miscommunication - with a romantic partner could find you waiting in the wrong place, Cancer. If you’re planning to get together with someone special tonight, make sure you get the full details of the location, including the exact address, cross street, and driving directions. LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Today you could find that you’ve left something at home, perhaps a book or letter that you need. There’s no way around it, Leo, you’ll have to go back. Stay calm! This is a temporary irritation that will pass. Making yourself crazy over it will only stress you out. VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 You could hit traffic and miss some of the people you need to see. Irritations could quickly turn to anger if you aren’t careful. Park your car and walk to some of the places. This will get you out of the crush of cars and work off your frustration at the same time. LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Paperwork involving money may need doing today, Libra, and this could take you away from what you love most - working on your own projects and spending time with a love partner. Don’t get too crazy over it or you might make mistakes. Correcting those errors would eat up more time. SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 This person has a lot of anger right now and probably won’t make much of a conversationalist. If you can’t make your excuses, put on some music or perhaps a funny movie. You might be surprised at the results! Some soothing chords or a few laughs might accomplish wonders. Be clever! SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Have you been expecting an important letter, Sagittarius? If so, it may not arrive for a while. If it doesn’t appear today, call the person who sent it and ask for a duplicate because the original could be lost in the mail. Better to have two copies than wait for one that will never come.

MUSTREAD Mother to Mother — by Sindiwe Magona

The novel explores the South African dark past of apartheid in the eyes of a woman who reminisces a life marked by discrimination and injustice. The author was inspired to write the novel when she discovered that one of the women involved in championing for the 1993 South African elections had died just a few meters away from her own house. She later learned that one of the boys suspects in the murder case was in fact her neighbor’s son. The author imagined how easily her own son could have been in custody for the same murder. In the novel, the suspected murderer’s mother writes to the victim’s mother not to apologize, but to explain the situations that could have led her son to kill the victim.

PLAY 13

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Common rhyme scheme 5. “Do you have Prince Albert in ___?” 9. Kennel Club rejects 14. Jim ___ (One-time NFL coach) 15. One-time Venetian VIP 16. Mountain road curves 17. Bowlful often covered with cheese 19. Winter Palace residents 20. Bar mitzvah figure 21. TV host Robin 23. In addition 25. Bat first 30. Distasteful 33. Alt. alt. 35. Where some worship from 36. “¿Cómo ___? 37. Specks in the Seine 39. Save alternative 42. Verb with thou 43. Comedienne DeGeneres 45. Seaweed product 47. Cross trigram 48. Seattle denizen 52. Certan tank 53. Egg (pref.) 54. Total again 57. “Would you like to see ___?” (waiter’s query) 61. Kermit’s instrument 65. Spineless ones 67. Mad 68. “____ Peach” (Allman Brothers

album) 69. Amnesty International and the American Red Cross, e.g.: Abbr. 70. Jezebel’s husband, and namesakes 71. Genetic strands 72. Watchdog’s warning Down 1. Cupid’s alias 2. ____ fide 3. Home, on MTV 4. Broad-trunked tree 5. Pop-ups, e.g. 6. Frosty 7. Flulike symptom 8. Gurkha or Sherpa 9. A greenhouse gas 10. Sub letters 11. Luggage inspection org. 12. Three times a day, on an Rx 13. Jeering noise from a crowd 18. Stealthy Japanese agent 22. Corp. top dog 24. Dict. information 26. “The Incredibles” son 27. Get 28. Indoor camera attachment 29. Plural word after gab and song 30. Vague threat 31. Head covering 32. Trick-or-____ 33. Looks at 34. Koran deity 38. Very, to Wolfgang

40. Independent charitable grp. 41. “Book ‘em, ____!” (“Hawaii Five-O” catchphrase) 44. Foolish ones 46. Challenge 49. Highland refusal 50. Bit persistently 51. Sharpshooter’s action 55. Entertainer Martin 56. Computer info 58. Train operator (Abbr.) 59. “The Killing Fields” actor Haing 60. “Back in the ____” 61. Bikini part 62. Relaxed utterance 63. Hoops grp. 64. Foresail 66. Egyptian souls

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY Europe’s myopia on refugees I recently learnt that Europe is taking new actions to stem tide of migrants. This is the main problem: A selfcentered Europe that focuses only on its own numbers and disregards the rest. But to

develop an effective migration policy, we must look beyond the European Union figures and consider the numbers in Turkey, for example, which harbors 2.5 million Syrian refugees. If Europe is to stand

Kenya’s got a great sporting pedigree a chance of coping with this issue, there must be increased international cooperation starting not at Europe’s borders but in neighboring countries, — Greek expatriate, Ngong

World can help S.Sudan back on its feet South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir finally inked the peace deal he had refused to sign earlier. The extensive coverage of South Sudan’s continuing nightmare makes us weep for the starving, the defiled, the slaughtered, the lost children whose future has been stolen. Western coverage of South Sudan often blames both sides of the conflict equally, even if rebels led by Riek Machar are the source. Humanitarian NGOs recently pulled out of Pagak, as the rebels’ capital seeks sovereignty through visa fees, taxing food for the hungry

and confiscation of property in the midst of brutal warfare. But there is hope if shining a light reveals the truth and inspires readers to take action to protect human rights in villages far removed from their comfort and convenience. South Sudan can emerge from this conflict if the international community puts increasing pressure on the rebels, who are more concerned with power than with the citizens’ welfare, giving the South Sudanese a chance to chase their dreams. — Victor M., Nairobi

Govt should save Kenyans stranded abroad The Kenyan government does not do everything it takes to secure the safety of its citizens stranded abroad. While the United States will do everything, including threaten a country with war in exchange for its people’s safe return, Kenyan diplomats appear to be impotent in that regard.

It is a shameful display when our people are stuck in hospitals in Saudi Arabia while others are beaten senseless in Dubai. We need some strong and effective diplomats to take care of Kenyan citizens who are in trouble overseas; not these flaccid chair-warmers we have now. — Jane Watuka, Nairobi

People gagging the media are criminals The proposed bill to silence the media that is being backed by a number of MPs is a sham. Those politicians pushing for its implementation should be arrested and investigated because they obviously have something to hide. It is an open secret that

most of them are criminals and now they are covering their tracks with an unconstitutional proposal. I am calling on the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission and any relevant authorities to crack down on these thugs! — Dennis L., Nairobi

You must remember that when Zan Zelezny set the javelin world record, a throw of 98.48m, in 1996, he was 30 years old. Kenyan Julius Yego set the record for the 3rd best javelin throw in the history of homo sapiens, at the age of 26.

What distance will Yego likely throw when he is 30? Do the math. Meanwhile, Yego is the only human being, alive or dead, in the 21st century as well as in the new millennium, to have made a javelin throw of 92.32.

In other news, it is high time Kenyan ladies went back to playing “bladder”. This would in some sense serve as a motivation to find a formulae to win Kenya a gold medal in women’s high jump. — Amoit, Nairobi

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 Barua Muganga RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY Nipe Nafasi You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this Glory to Glory link using GPRS or WAP & download your content. Nanena KENYAN HITS! Adonai KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A Dumbala Remix KEN4 Zawadi GLORIA MULIRO Msaidizi GM4 Sitalia Tena Fundamentals KT4 KEN WAMARIA Bongo Lala RUFFTONE & GSU RUFF4 Sitalia Tena Mungu Baba Uwepo Wako LIN4 MERCYLINAH Hatarudi Nyuma Milele SHA4 MARION SHAKO Mapenzi GERALDINE ODUOR GER4 Dongo Dongo Solo Ulibeba EN4 EUNICE NJERI Penzi Langu Sobei Cheiso KOS4 EMMY KOSGEI Matokeo Worship You BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI BMF4 Sambaza KAM4 Born Again ALICE KAMANDE Lingala Ya Yesu Defender DAD4 DADDY OWEN MOG4 Fanya Kitendo MOG Tosheka Muziki Ni Dawa Kereka DK4 DK KWENYE BEAT Makeke Ningwendete VAN4 JOAN WAIRIMU Kitanzi LK4 LOISE KIM Queen Miss Hizo Ahuirania N.D GITHUKA GAK4 Naona Mbali Ti Mundu BETTY BAYO & MR SEED BET4 Nime Wasamehe Ndirakurekie SIMON SIM4 Hakuna Silaha JOAN WAIRIMU Kinyukia Kahora VAN4

Ex: HC4 to 22333

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

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies. Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

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

SPORT THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

SPORTS BRIEFS Rugby chair to oversee FKF elections in November Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Richard Omwela will head the electoral board that will oversee the November 13 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections. In compliance with the Sports Dispute Tribunal directive to oversee fresh registrations and elections, FKF announced the forthcoming national elections which are set to begin from the sub-branches on October 29. The FKF National Executive Committee also bestowed entrepreneur Aden Mohammed with the responsibility of chairing the Appeals Board of the elections should any of the contestants decide to challenge the outcome of the November polls. The committee includes a recommendation that Friday’s Annual General Meeting lifts all suspensions and expulsions and approval for publication of the delegates list, which will exclude branch officials whose status is in contention.

Dumoulin leads Vuelta a Espana fifth stage Tom Dumoulin of the Netherlands became the new Vuelta a Espana leader after Wednesday’s fifth stage, won by Australian Caleb Ewan. Ewan claimed his first Grand Tour stage victory by beating John Degenkolb and Peter Sagan in a sprint at the end of the 167.3km Rota-Alcala route. Giant-Alpecin’s Dumoulin finished two seconds later in a pack for a one-second advantage over Esteban Chaves. Britain’s Chris Froome was 12th and is 35 seconds behind overall. The Team Sky rider is aiming to become the third rider to win the Tour de France and the Vuelta in the same year. Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, who started as one of the favourites for the title, dropped to fifth overall, 29 seconds adrift of Dumoulin.

Olympic hurdler to undergo heart Surgery American hurdler Aries Merritt will have a kidney transplant after the World Championships. The Olympic champion and 110m world record holder, 30, has a rare genetic disorder and will receive a kidney from his sister on 1 September. Merritt ran 13.25 seconds to win his heat on Wednesday and qualify for Thursday’s semi-finals in Beijing. The Chicagoborn athlete said he “felt like a weight was lifted” after being able to share his plight with others. “After the Worlds, I’ll focus on it,” he added. “The more I train the worse my kidneys get and that’s why I am getting a transplant.” Merritt was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and was told his athletics career might be over. “When they told me I’d never run again, my whole world ended in my mind,” he said. That I am here again running shows me that I’m a fighter and that I can overcome anything if I stay with a positive mind. Merritt says it has been “difficult” competing with his health issues.

Beijing ‘a city of firsts’ for Kenyan athletes Inextricably linked to its glorious, notorious past, yet hurtling towards a power-charged future, China’s capital Beijing – one of history’s great cities – is as complex as it is compelling. Traditional yet ever-changing, no other city manages to be so timeless yet so contemporary. From its modern architecture, ancient sites such as the grand Forbidden City complex, the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the Bird’s Nest, host for the 2008 Olympics and the 2015 IAAF world championships, Beijing is infinitely captivating. For the rest of the world, Beijing may be known for its over 21 million inhabitants which makes it the most populous city in the world. However for Kenyans privy with matters athletics, Beijing is turning to be a city of firsts. This is the City where on August 25th, 2015 Ezekiel Kemboi wrote history as the first man first man in the world to have won four world titles in men’s 3,000m Steeplechase in the history of these games. Kemboi also led the third ever Kenya’s 1-2-3-4 finish. It’s in Beijing where Kenya won her first gold in the men’s 400m Hurdles when, at only 22, Nicholas Bett jumped over the last barrier to clock a world leading time of 47.79 despite going to the championship as an underdog. Kenya got her first gold in the men’s Javelin in Beijing, when Julius Yego, a man who horned his skills from watching YouTube videos speared his way to top to the world with a 92.72m thrown in his third attempt despite a shaky start. The last throw for Yego also gave him a new national, continental as well as a world leading throw in 14 years. On a sad core however, Kenyan will remember Beijing as the first city wehere Kenyan athletes were first banned from participation for doping claims. Two of the countries medal prospects, Joyce Zakary and African 400m hurdles silver medallist Francisca Koki tested positive for

BIG KAHUNA: Julius Yego of Kenya competes in the men’s javelin throw final during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China.

doping. Over the years since Beijing 2008 Olympics, the city has seen a proliferation of hosting major sporting events, from its two hometown franchise heroes the Beijing Ducks (basketball) and Guoan (football) to hosting the world athletics championships at the iconic Beijing 2008 venue Bird’s Nest, which will also be a key venue for a Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Earlier this year, Beijing was ranked fifth in the 10

Best International Sports Cities. “Many Chinese people have adopted a sporting lifestyle since Beijing 2008”, which not only helped transform the city into an international cosmopolitan destination, but also solidified a deep sporting culture, former Chinese NBA star Yao Ming said. Seeing as it is, Beijing will continue to be Kenya’s hunting ground for glorious feats and our juggernaut of able athletes promises without saying that they just might never miss out or turn up late for any global party in Beijing.

Chipu go down to hosts Zimbabwe National rugby under-19 hopes of lifting a maiden Africa Championship crown suffered a blow after the team lost 25-17 to hosts Zimbabwe on Wednesday in Harare. Chipu will play neighbours Uganda in the third place play-off on Saturday in a must win clash for them to maintain their place in the Division 1 A

top tier. Champions Namibia who edged out Uganda 4912 will lock horns with the Young Sables in the final, where the winner will qualify to compete in the 2016 Junior World Rugby Championships. Zimbabwe’s speedy winger Brian ensured the hosts got off to a dream start with two brilliant

KICK OFF: Kenya’s U-19 rugby team (left row) and their hosts Zimbabwe enter the pitch at St Georges College in Harare.

tries in the first 10 minutes of the match before Chipu’s Eighth-man Simon Okoth pulled one back. Center, Shingi Katsvere had the sizable home crowd on his feet after cutting through the Kenyan defence before diving under the posts with fly-half Joshua Gando adding the extras to give the hosts a 17-5 lead inside the first 25 minutes. After a slow start to the match, it was Paul Odera charges who went to the break on a high after a try by scrumhalf Charles Kakai to take Kenya within five points of the Young Sables at the break on17-12. Scrumhalf Earnest Mudzengerere, dived over the whitewash early in the second-half, but Kenya refused to give up as they hit back with a try of their own from fly-half Anthony Odhiambo. Gando slotted home a late penalty to give the hosts an eight point cushion which they held onto until the final whistle and earn revenge over Kenya who won 20-29 when the two teams met at the same stage two years ago in Nelspruit, South Africa, before completing a double after another hard-fought 27-20 win in Windhoek last year. Kenya will now have to wait longer before stamping their authority in the continent and just like their seniors who failed to reclaim to title, they will leave to fight for another day. MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015 END OF A SPELL: Wayne Rooney scores his first Manchester United goal in 878 minutes against Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off second leg. He went on to score two more..

Rooney ends goal drought in style as United return to UCL Wayne Rooney ended his goal drought with a hat-trick as Manchester United beat Club Brugge to book their place in the Champions League group stages. United led 3-1 from the first leg and Rooney added to that with a dinked shot for his first goal of the season. The striker had a simple tap-in for his second goal after midfielder Ander Herrera’s unselfish pass. Rooney swept in a shot for his third and Herrera sidefooted in before Javier Hernandez missed a United penalty. Hernandez also wasted a late chance as he skied a shot from four yards out. United will now go into Thursday’s group stage draw following a one-season absence. At last. The England captain opened his goalscoring account for the season at the

fifth attempt and the relief was plain to see. Rooney put his hands to his face before giving a prayer to the sky after his first club goal since an effort against Aston Villa in April. He appeared to have been energised in terms of confidence after his opener, which came from Memphis Depay’s through ball. Herrera and Juan Mata set up Rooney’s other goals as he finally benefited from more midfield support in his role as the main striker. “To be honest, if I didn’t have a strong character that (the criticism) might have affected me,” Rooney told BT Sport. “I wasn’t worried, if it was going on for three, four, five games more then maybe so but it’s early days and I knew when the

chances came I’d take them.” Herrera made his first start of the season as United manager Louis van Gaal rested Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, and the Spaniard pushed his claims for a regular starting berth. The diminutive playmaker started alongside the more defensive Michael Carrick and, despite some early rustiness, his vision and creative instincts benefitted Rooney and United in attack. Van Gaal’s players have been accused of not helping Rooney by failing to run beyond him to help create space. Herrera, though, was keen to push on, scoring a goal of his own as the Belgians capitulated. Schweinsteiger and winger Ashley Young were introduced in the second half, adding to the competition for midfield places at United.

Cherono, Dibaba face off in women’s 5,000m final Four Kenyans, Mercy Cherono, Viola Kibiwot, Irene Cheptai and Janet Kisa will have to come up with a strategy to put to an end Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba’s reign in the IAAF women’s 5000m final on Sunday. Veteran Kibiwott who returns to Beijing seven years since competing at the women 1,500m at the 2008 Olympics. Commonwealth silver medallist, Janet Kisa and 2008 World Cross junior silver medallist and Irene Cheptai add to the list to make it four Kenyans in the final. Cherono and the Ethiopian women 1500m spurred in the opening semi where given her busy schedule at these championships, the gold medallist here could be forgiven for not wanting to expend too much energy. Genzebe sat at the back for much of the race, allowing Japan’s Misaki Onishi to do the early leading. The first kilometre was passed in 3:04.77 and Onishi still

led at 2000m, reached in 6:10.56. Britain’s Steph Twell moved into second place at half way and then took the lead soon after. Cheptai was sitting in third place with compatriot Cherono in sixth. Genzebe was still near the back of the pack, but Cherono then hit the

front with three laps to go and Dibaba followed. Within a matter of seconds, a pack of five had broken clear as Cherono and Genzebe were joined by Cheptai, Susan Kuijken of the Netherlands and Bahrain’s Mimi Belete. MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

EASTERN AFRICA MATCH UP: Irene Cheptai leads Mercy Cherono and Genzebe Dibaba in the first women 5000m semis in Beijing early today.

xnews | THURsDAY, AUGUsT 27, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

BARRED: Kenya’s Triza Atuka and Janet Wanja block against Argentina’s Emilce Sosa during a Day 6 match of the FIVB World Cup in Japan played early morning today.

read p14 Beijing turns out to Be a city of firsts for Kenya

Kenya beaten again All not well in Japan as cracks start to show in Malkia Strikers’ camp

read p15 rooney ends goal drought in style as man united return to ucl

Despite an attempted comeback in the third set, Kenya women’s volleyball team lost her fifth consecutive match going down 3-0 (25-12, 25-17 and 25-20) to Argentina on day six of the FIVB World Cup in Japan. Kenya lost the opening two sets 25-12, 25-17 but pulled a scare to the South Americans in the third set when they lead 8-5 at the first technical time out. A block and a soft touch by Ruth Jepng’getich and an attack by Mercy Moim saw Kenya take a 5-1, 6-4 and 8-5 lead but a block by Emilce Sosa cut their lead to within a point (8-7) before they opened another three point lead (11-8) from Captain Praxcides Agala spike off an

option play. Argentina caught up with the runaway Kenyan side at 108th service to tie things 15 up only to open a three point lead forcing Lung’aho to call for a time out. Despite going head to head on statistics, scoring 32-35 points from spikes for Argentina, 7-9 in blocks and two-two in service, Argentina forced Kenya to commit juvenile mistakes before opening a wide gap 20-16 only to grab the third set 25-20 to the dismay of the nine time African champions. Meanwhile divisions have started to manifest in the team’s camp. Two camps have since emerged from the 12 member squad led by Kenya Prisons head coach David Lung’aho with assistance from

Kenya Pipeline’s Japheth Munala. The two camps are not only from players from two rivals clubs in Kenya, Prisons and Pipeline, but also those who find it hard to earn playing time. When Kenya lost their third straight match to Russia last Monday, a senior player who has since been relegated to the bench raised issues with the technical bench’s decision to play her junior in a match where they need ‘fresh blood’ to turn things around. But in what could only be interpreted as tactic to quell the rising temperature, Lung’aho made a few changes in his starting line-up against Japan dropping Jane Wacu in the match that they lost 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-12).

published By Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road, Nairobi | printed By The Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi. Paul Marshall-CeO, Fred Bunei-Finance Manager, Josiah Musee-advertising Manager, Peter Obuya-editor

ADVERTISING CONTACT DETAILS:

0722980807

020 2716525/6

Email: sales@xnews.co.ke

Mary - 0723060734, Irene - 0721404674, Rose - 0712993803, Boniface - 0721541406, Robert 0718401663, Paul -0720486845, Paul N.-0719708320.