201601014 xnews

THursday, JANUARY 14, 2016 | www.x254.co

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reckless pedestrians blamed for rise in road deaths the national transport and safety authority says rogue driving schools are also contributing to the fatalities by churning out half-backed drivers who cause accidents on the roads

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NEWS

Top federations locked out of soya awards over graft and wrangles

Barcelona eases to copa del rey quarters with win over espanyol

IEBC unveils grand plans for 2017 polls

T

he Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) today moved to assure Kenyans of a credible and fair elections next year as they unveiled their operations plans for

the polls.

Both IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan and the Commission’s

chief Executive Ezra Chiloba both said they have been working on the challenges experience in 2013 General Election to help weed out any incidences that may injure the credibility of the elections.

They said the commission has spent a considerable amount of time to evaluate the flaws that befell it and is

now well prepared to deliver a credible elections.

“The management of elections is difficult not only in Kenya but in Africa, however, as a commission we want to assure the public that we are prepared and ready to deliver a credible elections,” Hassan said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Civil servants to quit by Feb 9 for 2017 elections

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Isaac Hassan (right) and his vice Lillian Mahiri-Zaja display a booklet of the commission’s roadmap to 2017 General Election during its unveiling at the InterContinental Hotel in Nairobi today.

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Civil Servants eying elective posts in the 2017 General Election must resign by February 9 next year, Independent and Boundaries Commission chairman Issac Hassan has said.

Hassan made the remarks this morning at a Nairobi Hotel during the unveiling of the commissions’ Elections Operations Plan.

Politicians have in the past complained that public officers take advantage of their influential State offices to entice voters with money and appointments, to the chagrin of serving political leaders.

Hassan said IEBC is currently engaging Parliament to pass the new regulation on public finance to curb the amount of money a political party nor a candidate can spend in campaigns.

“We are working with Parliament on these new regulations and we will publicise them once they have been passed by the National Assembly,” he said.

According to Section 43(5) of the Elections Act, 2011 which states that a public officer must resign seven months before a by-election date if he or she wishes to contest, has always been a hindrance.

Some of the former civil servants that resigned from the Executive to join politics in the last General Election include Mutahi Kagwe Information minister who was chairman of the Multimedia University College of Kenya Council.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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NEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

IEBC unveils grand plans for 2017 general election From Page 1

Hassan said out elections are very important to be left to the commission alone and called on all Kenyans to participate in the process.

IEBC in its plan is set to publish all voter registration centres and the clerks that will carry out the function by the end of this month.

According to the plan, voter registration is set to begin on February 15, an exercise that will run till March 15.IEBC will also register diaspora voters in March.

Voter registration will be suspended on March 10, 2017 and immediately commence on the verification of the voters register.

Civil servants who wish to contest in any elective post in the next polls are supposed to resign from their current positions by February 9, 2017.

Candidates who wish to vie for any elective position in the next poll but are currently in a political party are also supposed to resign

by May 10, 2017.

Printing papers to be used in the pols are expected in the country between June 28 and July 9, 2017.

The country will then go polls on August 8, with announcement of results expected a week later. The electoral commission will publish final results in October 15 2017.

Hassan said the timelines are based on current law and may be reviewed when and if the law changes.

The strategic plan is anchored on three pillars; managing elections, institutional transformation and public trust.

Speaking during the launch, Chiloba said the electoral body has been strategising on the next elections and assured the country that the next election is in credible hands.

“Stay assured the polls will be transparent and credible,” Chiloba said “I want to assure the country that IEBC is ready for next elections and we are only asking if other stakeholder are also read.”

From Page 1

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chief executive Ezra Chiloba during today’s unveiling of the electoral body’s roadmap for 2017 general elections at the InterContinental Hotel in Nairobi.

Chiloba said the Election Operation plan 2015-2017 is guided by the principal of inclusivity, transparency and collaboration with other stakeholders.

“We are aware that trust is a continuous process and we want people to trust us in the management of elections in this country, we are committed to make people believe in

the electoral process,” Chiloba said.

Both Hassan and Chiloba emphasized that the commission is still ready to consult with political parties and other stakeholders on how best to improve the operation plan.

“This is not a closed chapter, it’s an open document that can be opened anytime,” Hassan said. sam_x254

8 magistrates axed by vetting board The Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board has dismissed eight judges after they were found unsuitable to continue serving in the Judiciary.

The board said the dismissed magistrates we found to be unfit and incompetent to hold office after the vetting exercise revealed massive collision in judgements.

Addressing the press in Nairobi, the Vetting and Magistrates Board chair Rashid Rao, said the board inquiries revealed massive corruption and serious inconsistencies in their work.

“In the powers vetted to the board, section 23(1) of the Sixth Schedule

Civil servants eying political seats told to quit

by Feb 9, 2017

to the Constitution and sections 13, 18, and 21 of the Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Act No. 2 of 2011, the Board unanimously dismisses the said magistrates after they were found unsuitable to continue serving as a Magistrates” said Rao. The board further said majority of the magistrates could not satisfactorily convince the board on their financial transactions and had given the panel a general response without adequate substantiation.

The disqualified magistrates include Kisumu-based Lady Justice Abida Ali Haroni, Samuel Muigai, Hillary Oduol, Rose Otieno, Karimi

Mwangi, Peter Mulwa, Judith Wanjala , Peter Gesora among others.

The board chairperson said that their examination during the vetting process revealed that the magistrates were allegedly involved in corruption, bribery allegations and had lacked sufficient knowledge and skills to continue serving Kenyans.

While releasing the determination, the board cleared 29 magistrates whom the board found suitable and capable to continue serving the bench.

Those found suitable include Teresa Muthika, Lucy Kathuri Mutahi, Timothy Okelo, William

Kipkemoi, Samuel Mogaka, Roselynn Akinyi and Joash Nyagah.

However, senior magistrate Nicholas Ombija case was put on hold awaiting the appeal he filed to challenge his dismissal from office last year.

The sacking of the eight magistrates brings the number of judges and magistrates relieved of their duties since the commencement of the vetting exercise three years ago to 40. The chairperson was accompanied by Board vice-chairperson Roseline Odede , Prof Ngotho Wa Kariuki and Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Barnabas Albert Samatta. hillary_x254

Peter Ndwiga, the former Cooperatives minister, Phillip Okundi (Communications Commission of Kenya), Martin Nyaga Wambora (Kenya Airports Authority), Francis Nyenze (Water Resources Management Authority) and Peris Pesi Tobiko (Tana Water Services Board).

Others include the current Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who was the (Higher Education Loans Board CEO), Rashid Kassim Amin (Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority) and David Pkosing Losiakou (Kenya Film Commission).

Others included former Permanent Secretaries Dr James Nyikal who is now MP for Seme, Kenneth Lusaka who is currently the Governor for Bungoma, Mohammed Wamwachai and Prof John Lonyangapuo, now senator West Pokot.

James Ole Kiyiapi also left his teaching job at the University to run for presidency in the last elections.

No civil servant has currently declared his interest in any elective position but are expected to do so as politics takes centre stage in the country and resignation time clocks closer and.

Hassan also said that candidates eying any elective position as private candidates and currently belong to a political party must also resign by May 10, 2017.

“These candidates must resign by May and immediately forward their names to the commission for necessary arrangements and preparations to be made,” Hassan said.

Sam_x254

Nairobi county officer quits over city garbage

The Nairobi County Government Environment Chief Officer Leah Oyake has resigned following the garbage collection scandal at City Hall.

Oyake was forced out of office as a result of what was seen as a laxity in cleaning up the Kenyan capital with Governor Evans Kidero citing corruption as the major challenge.

“I am resigning as a result of frustrations in my department. There have been individuals plotting for my downfall and I have opted to step aside,” she stated.

City Hall has now contracted the National Youth Service to assist with garbage collection within the city.

Governor Kidero was expected to tour the Dandora dumpsite on Thursday morning accompanied by the NYS boss. Earlier last week, Kidero visited various parts of the city to inspect and assess the extent of the garbage situation that has caused uproar among Nairobi residents.

He visited Luthuli Avenue, Lenana Road, Ojijo Road, Ronald Ngala, Racecourse Road, Ngara as well the Globe Interchange where the clean-up work has commenced.

He also vowed to reconstruct Dandora roads leading to the dumpsite to the tune of Sh220 million and work with lobby group to remedy the situation.

NEWS 3 THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Rogue drivers, reckless pedestrians targeted in bid to reduce road carnage The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is now targeting rogue driving schools and reckless pedestrians in its latest bid to stem the rising number of road fatalities.

NTSA Director General Francis Meja today said the two are to blame for the increasing number of fatalities on the roads.

While releasing a road safety performance status report for 2015 at Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, Meja said that 3,057 people died as a result of road accidents in 2015, a 5.2 per cent increase from 2,907 fatalities recorded in 2014.

Out of the 3057 fatalities, 44 per cent were pedestrian related while 35 per cent were as a result of rogue private vehicle drivers. Motorcycles commonly referred as ‘boda boda’ contributed 20.8 per cent of the deaths.

While launching the report, Meja said disregard of road signs and poor road engineering systems were also major causes of the fatalities, citing the notorious Salgaa black sport along the Nakuru- Eldoret highway.

National Transport and Safety Authority director general Francis Meja at a past function. He said the authority will now target rogue drivers and reckless pedestrians in a new bid to curb the increasing number of road fatalities.

“There is an increasing culture of drivers ignoring road signs on our highways especially those indicating speed limits,” said Meja.

To curb the fatalities, the Authority has planned to crack down on rogue driving schools coupled with the introduction of a new driving and road

safety curriculum by March this year.

“We shall institute a new curriculum as an Authority to enhance proper training for our drivers by the end of March this year,” added Meja.

The curriculum will target the driving tutors who will be vetted by the NTSA board after which they will be

Cohesion commission moves to end Kisumu-Nandi border clashes The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has finally moved in to restore peace and seek a lasting solution to the perennial clashes between communities living in Kibigori on the border of Kisumu and Nandi counties. NCIC chairman Francis ole Kaparo today led area political leaders, peace committees and security chiefs from the two counties in conducting peace and reconciliation forums where they deliberated the concerns of the locals. “First we are meeting residents of Muhoroni, on Thursday the Commission will meet the people of Nandi on their side then on Friday we will have a joint meeting to thrash out these issues,” he said.

Kaparo said communities must live in peace and harmony and should reject cattle rustlers from dividing them. “You must live in peace; you must cultivate your crops without fearing that they are going to be destroyed. We are in a country that is governed by law and not governed by marauding hooligans,” he said.

Holding the first meeting at Kibigori, the epicenter of the recent clashes in Muhoroni Constituency, locals said the skirmishes that had left several people dead was not about cattle rustling. Kibigori Residents Association secretary Sylvester Omondi read a memorandum that gave a chronology of events since 1963 and the number of locals who have since been forced to flee their homes as a result of clashes. Omondi said the conflict was about land, but cattle rustling was used as an entry point to cause mayhem in the area and force people to abandon their homes.

“The Nandis say that where we live is their land and they want us to go beyond the railway line which is almost three kilometers from here. Time immemorial (sic), our

ancestors lived here and we will not vacate this place,” he said. Kaparo said that issues of boundaries are constitutional and told the locals that they will not be intimidated to vacate their land by anybody.

The area MP Onyango Koyoo said those who are agitating for the extension of Rift Valley boundary into Nyanza region are criminals.

Koyoo urged the government to take action on people who cause chaos as a result of the boundary issue.

“Those people from Rift Valley who want to extend the boundary of Rift Valley by unconstitutional means are criminals and the law should catch up with them,” he said.

Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma urged the Commission to look into the matter of boundary critically to stem the never-ending clashes. Ranguma said most residents of Kisumu who are sugarcane farmers at the border have occasionally been driven out of their farms by the Nandis who are also laying claim to Chemelil Sugar Company claiming it is within their land and with the pending privatization it will get worse. “You hear people saying Chemelil is their property, we cannot ignore such statements because where there is smoke there is bound to be fire,” he said.

As a stop-gap measure, the Kisumu County Security team has set up an anti-stock theft unit at Kibigori centre to address the issue of cattle rustling as political leaders deal with the underlying factors. Kisumu County Commissioner John Elungata, who is the chairman of the security committee, says they have put in place elaborate plans to deal with cattle rustling.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

given permits to train their students.

In the recent past, NTSA has blamed the rising cases of road accidents on rogue driving schools, adding that only 20 per cent new drivers in Kenya are competent.

“Some driving schools issues licenses after only ten classes. Every driv-

er should complete the required 22 classes before they are issued with a license. These are the poor schools we are targeting,” said NTSA board chairman Lee Kinyajui.

The Authority will also introduce a new set of driving licenses, Smart Driving Licenses (SDL) that will have the capability of keeping a tracking record for the driver on instances they have been caught violating the law.

Together with the Zusha campaign launched last year, NTSA will further increase public education and awareness campaigns to improve road user behaviors and encourage public and private stakeholders’ engagement in road safety initiatives.

Kinyajui said they are also engaging with the National Police Service to enhance the famous ‘Michuki’ laws and also initiate County Transport and Safety Committee Platforms so as to fully engage the county governments. @wilson_x254

Now everyone can drive Now you can pay by mpesa securely Hotline: 0704773300 www.rockyschool.co.ke

Hospital cellings are boring.

Drive Safely!

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NEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

NEWS BRIEF Zimbabwe VP’s office broken into Intruders have broken into the office of Zimbabwe’s vice president - considered President Robert Mugabe’s heir apparent - through the ceiling. Debris from Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office ceiling was shown on state TV along with tears to his leather sofa. There was no sign of damage to the door. The police are investigating, State Security Minister Kembo Mohadi said.

Factions in the governing Zanu PF party disagree over who should succeed the president who turns 92 in February.

Celebrations for Mr Mugabe’s birthday are to be held in the southeastern Masvingo province for the first time.

Liberia to be declared Ebola-free Liberia is to be declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), effectively putting an end to the world’s worst outbreak of the disease. The “end of active transmission” will be declared, after 42 days without a new case in Liberia. It joins Guinea and Sierra Leone, which earned the status last year. However, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has warned that West Africa may see flareups of the virus which has killed more than 11,000 people since December 2013.

Ethiopia scraps Addis plan after clashes Ethiopia’s government is set to abandon plans to expand the boundaries of the capital, Addis Ababa, which have caused months of deadly protests.

Demonstrations by people from the Oromo ethnic group have been sparked by fears that Oromo farmers could be displaced. Human rights groups have estimated that at least 140 people were killed by security forces during the protests. The ruling party in the Oromia region said it was dropping the plan following discussions with local people.

Anti-poaching boost as Hong Kong bans ivory sale

The war against poaching and sale of animal parts has received a major boost with Hong Kong which is one of the bastions of the trade announcing a total ban to ivory sale.

Speaking during his annual policy address Wednesday, Hong Kong’s leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, said the government will “take steps to ban totally the sale of ivory in Hong Kong,” adding that it would “impose heavier penalties on smuggling and illegal trading of endangered species.”

“We’re absolutely delighted, this is fantastic news,” said Alex Hofford of WildAid Hong Kong, which has long campaigned against the trade in the city.

Activists have already hailed the announcement which is likely to help reduce the appetite for poaching in Kenya and Africa as a whole.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat, who has long pushed for a complete ban, said she urged the government “to execute this commitment without delay.”

“I’m also calling on all Hong Kong people to strongly support this... policy and see it through to the end.”

At present, the import and export of ivory is banned in the city, but around 400 licensed sellers are permitted to trade in ivory material dating before a 1989 international treaty banning the trade.

Activists say this legal veneer hides an illegal trade that encourages and coordinates the poaching of elephants. “Hong Kong has always been the dark heart of the ivory trade,” said Hofford.

“This is where you place an order for poaching in Africa.” An under-

President Uhuru Kenyatta sets fire to 15 tonnes of elephant ivory in March last year as part of the East African nation’s efforts to curb poaching.

cover investigation by WildAid last year showed ivory traders boasting about how easy it is to break the current rules.

“I can buy smuggled ivory any time, but do you dare to receive them?” said one trader caught on camera.

“If you dare, then I will send them. I will send them to you from Africa.”

Africa is struggling with an epidemic of illegal ivory poaching. Hunters kill tens of thousands of wild elephants every year for their tusks.

Activists warn that at the current rate of killing, the wild African elephant could be extinct within a generation. Much of the demand

sion. In a summit in the U.S. last year, President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping announced plans to stop the import of ivory as hunting trophies. They also pledged to take “significant and timely steps” to halt the domestic commercial trade of ivory.

“China has got better enforcement and better laws (than Hong Kong),” said Hofford. This has seen smuggling groups thrive in the city until now, he added. “Wildife kingpins have been using Hong Kong as a soft touch for a long time.” @sam_x254

Fierce bomb, gun fire rock Indonesian capital A series of bomb blasts have rocked the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, with gun battles on the streets.

The blasts were centred around Thamrin Street, a major shopping and business district close to foreign embassies and the United Nations offices.

Police say the situation is now

under control, with five suspected attackers among at least seven people killed.

It is not yet clear what group was behind the assault, which President Joko Widodo called an “act of terror”.

“We all are grieving for the fallen victims of this incident, but we also

Four killed in Indonesia bomb attacks At least four people, including a policeman, are dead after militants carried out a series of apparently coordinated gun and bomb attacks in the heart of the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.

Authorities feared the toll could rise. There have so far been no claims of responsibility, but one analyst likened the timed attacks to the Paris massacre.

is coming from mainland China, where ivory is still seen by some consumers as a luxury item that connotes wealth.

In recent years however, Chinese authorities have cracked down on the trade, alongside a high-profile publicity campaign encouraging people not to buy wildlife goods.

“Let us not tell our children the sad tale of how we watched as the last elephants, rhinos and tigers died out, but the inspiring story of how we turned the tide and preserved them for all humanity,” Britain’s Prince William said in a speech broadcast on Chinese state televi-

A security officer keeps vigil at the scene of a bomb attack in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. Police say the situation is under control.

condemn the act that has disturbed the security and peace and spread terror among our people,” he said.

Images from Jakarta have showed several bodies lying on the road outside a cafe, as well as seriously injured people being carried away.

Details remain unclear, but at least one of the blasts hit a Starbucks cafe outside the Sarinah shopping centre and next to a police security post.

Eyewitnesses say several attackers entered the cafe and detonated explosives.

Armed police, snipers and armoured vehicles were deployed on the streets of the capital.

Gunfire broke out after police arrived at the cafe - there were several further explosions and reports of police chasing suspects.

Sporadic gunfire was reported for several hours afterwards.

BBC Indonesian reporter, Jerome Wirawan said police cordoned

off the area around the shopping centre. A UN official, Jeremy Douglas, told the BBC he was about 150m (450ft) away from one of the first blasts near the UN’s building.

“Then we ran into the building.

We heard a third explosion. We got up to our office on the tenth floor and we heard a fourth, a fifth and a sixth.”

A few hours later, police said four attackers had been killed, then shortly after revised the number to five, including a foreigner.

National Police Deputy Chief Commander Gen Budi Gunawan said two had been killed in a shootout outside a theatre and two others blew themselves up at the police post in front of Starbucks.

Police spokesman Col Muhammad Iqbal said the situation was “under control”, with no suspects hiding inside the shopping centre.

Police had initially said there could be up to 14 assailants.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries Activists ask court to Poll body’s roadmap Sang’s defence tested as Low crude prices, dissolve Cabinet: A group for general election: The Ruto takes stage: Joshua arap stable shilling raise of activists have moved to court seeking electoral commission will today issue an Sang took the floor at the ICC yesterday to have President Uhuru’s Kenyatta’s elaborate Sh45 billion plan for the 2017 and reiterated his 2011-self introduction expectation for cheaper Cabinet, as currently constituted, polls, whose focus is the improvement as an “innocent journalist” dragged into petroleum: The energy sector declared unconstitutional. The petitioners argue that the five women in a Cabinet of 23 members violate the constitution’s two-thirds gender requirement. The petitioners, Marilyn Kamuru, Daisy Jerop and the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness, have sued the Attorney General and the National Assembly.

of vote tallying and results relaying technology. A plan seen by the Nation incorporates a massive budget — with an equally massive procurement plan to go with it — by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chaired

by Ahmed Isaack Hassan. The budget is likely to send shockwaves through the government financial system.

the dock by a clueless prosecutor. The journalist sat next to lawyer Kimutai Bosek as the lead advocate, Katwa Kigen, tore into the prosecution’s evidence presented so far. Kigen braved tough questioning by the presiding judge, Chile Eboe-Osuji, to argue that the prosecution was still clutching at straws as far as Sang’s case is concerned.

regulator is this morning expected to announce the monthly petroleum prices amid expectation that they will “reflect falling crude prices and stable shilling” in the past 30 days and offer relief to consumers at the pump. Kenya purchased the petroleum consignment when market conditions were favourable.

I am not in Mombasa to Woman seized for killing Musician’s husband Equity brokerage arm campaign, says Uhuru: man over TV remote: seized in his Nakuru gains most in 2015 President Uhuru Kenyatta has come Police have arrested a woman who hideout: Police have arrested the from partnership: Equity out in defence of his long tour of the allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death Investment Bank’s partnership with Coast, stating that he is not campaigning but is in the region for development purposes. Outlining his six-point focus on development in the region, Uhuru said he is in Coast to fulfill pledges made by the Jubilee administration. He said he is focusing on infrastructure, water, jobs, and security.

in Huruma, Nairobi, after a quarrel over which television programmes to watch.

Nairobi County Police Commander Japhet Koome said 27-year-old woman identified as Caroline stabbed her 25-year-old boyfriend on Tuesday night.

“The two were in their house when a quarrel ensued over remote control.

victims’ relatives, the seven were taken to an undisclosed location on Tuesday evening after they left the Longisa County Referral Hospital, where they had sought treatment. All the victims are believed to hail from Tumoiyot village in Narok South sub-county, Narok County. Elijah Bore, a relative of the one of victims, told the Star his niece called and informed him about the kidnap moments after they boarded a Toyota Probox.

tenders in a move aimed at streamlining its procurement procedures to weed out corruption. The move, the Daily Nation learnt, was informed by a decision to split the Devolution and Planning ministry into two, which saw NYS transferred to the new ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender. The tenders for the provision of various goods and services were first advertised by the Planning Ministry.

estranged husband of Kalenjin songbird Diana Chemutai Chelele over her shocking murder. Detectives said Eric Musila, who is facing separate murder charge, is the main suspect in the killing of Ms Chelele. Her body was found dumped outside her house on Saturday morning in Kapwen, Bomet County.

UK’s Exotix Partners helped push it up the ladder in 2015, leaving it among market leaders with strong foreign trading desks. EIB ended 2015 with a 13.84 per cent share of the Nairobi Securities Exchange’s Sh418.76 billion worth of trades –reported as a turnover of Sh209.38 billion in actual cash.

Seven adults kidnapped in Narok: Seven people have been NYS cancels tenders in Should employers snoop Kenya cuts sugar kidnapped by a gang at the Longisa trading new war on graft: The scandal- on office ‘Facebookers’?: imports as production centre in Bomet County. According to the ridden National Youth Service (NYS) Many Kenyan workers who like to work improves: Kenya has cut sugar has cancelled 11 multi-million shilling and “Facebook” at the same time would be in a lot of trouble if what has happened in Europe happens here. A court has ruled in favour of bosses who snoop on their employees’ emails, including their private messages on social sites while at work. This might arm employers with the arsenal to take disciplinary action against employees who squander crucial manhours sending emails and chatting with friends and relatives on social media.

imports by a fifth in its bid protect local millers as domestic production improves. The country has revised its orders downwards to 8,000 tonnes of sugar from the 10,000 tonnes imported every month to bridge the deficit, Alfred Busolo, director- general of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority, said.

Top stories from X News global partners Three dead in French Obama’s Call to Fix Egypt, Sudan and Asian stocks hit as oil Politics Has Parties Alps avalanche after Ethiopia struggling to sinks Wall Street: Asian President Looking Inward: were sent reeling after oil price children engulfed on Barack Obama’s urgent call in his final share the Nile: When Egyptian markets volatility drove Wall Street to its biggest discussed sabotaging the Grand closed piste: At least three State of the Union address to “fix our politicians drop in three months. Japan’s Nikkei Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2013, people have been killed and three others seriously injured after an avalanche in the French Alps hit a group of children on a school ski trip. Two children were killed – including a 14-year-old – among a group of 10 experienced young skiers on a high school outing from Lyon with their teacher. A Ukrainian skier who was not linked to the group was also found dead.

At least two other members of the school group were found in a state of cardiac arrest and the teacher was found with multiple injuries. They were transferred to a hospital in Grenoble.

www.theguardian.com

politics” posed a fundamental question: Who broke them in the first place?

The answer is that both sides did. A steady erosion underway for years has accelerated during Mr. Obama’s time in the White House and now shows itself in congressional dysfunction and campaign vitriol. The restoration project could take some time. “I think there’s probably a lot of us to blame,” Denis McDonough, the White House chief of staff, told reporters Wednesday. “It’s the structure of our campaigns, the structure of our districts, what’s happening in terms of news media

www.nytimes.com

they naturally assumed it was a private meeting. But amid all the scheming, and with a big chuckle, Muhammad Morsi, then president, informed his colleagues that their discussion was being broadcast live on a state-owned television channel.

Embarrassment apart, it was already no secret that Egypt wanted to stop the largest hydroelectric project in Africa.

When Ethiopia completes construction of the dam in 2017, it will stand 170 metres tall (550 feet) and 1.8km (1.1 miles) wide.

Its reservoir will be able to hold more than the volume of the entire. www.economist.com

was down 3.7 per cent after opening losses exceeding 4 per cent. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.7 per cent led by energy stocks, while in Hong Kong the Hang Seng slid 1.7 per cent. On the mainland, China’s Shanghai Composite fell as much as 2.8 per cent — beneath the closing low reached during last summer’s bear market — but recovered to be down 0.6 per cent. The techfocused Shenzhen Composite was off 0.3 per cent, having fallen 3.4 per cent in earlier trading. The CSI 300 was down 0.3 per cent. www.ft.com

To enquire about digital advertising with these international brands, email julian@x254.co

xnews | THURsday, JANUARY 14, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

Sugar imports down in wake of improved local production Kenya has reduced sugar imports by up to 20 per cent in a move aimed to protect local millers as domestic production improves.

The country will now import 8,000 tonnes of sugar down from the usual 10,000 tonnes imported every month in order to meet market demand.

Alfred Busolo, Director- General of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority, says the country has scaled down the import volumes after factory stocks rose above the optimum levels.

“We have cut the imports by 20 per cent because of an increase in stocks at our local factories.

The move is aimed at curbing the flooding of the market,” said Busolo.

Mr Busolo said daily stocks should not be allowed to go beyond 12,000 tonnes as that would hurt the millers and cause delay in payments to farmers as a result of slow sales by the factories.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate that cane deliveries to factories increased from 585,000 tonnes in August 2015 to 593,000 tonnes in September.

The sugar directorate has issued 40 permits to importers who bring in the commodity mainly from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) as well as from neighbouring countries

Alfred Busolo, Director- General of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority, says the country has scaled down sugar import volumes. such as Uganda.

The price of sugar has stabilised in the last four months, with a kilogramme of local non-branded sugar retailing at Sh100 while the branded one costs Sh125.

Kenya’s ailing sugar industry received a further safeguard

extension of one year from Comesa to regulate the entry of cheap sucrose into the country.

The decision to grant the extension was reached during the 35th Comesa Council of Ministers meeting in Zambia late last year.

Kenya invoked the infantry clause

Article 61 of the Comesa Treaty that calls for the protection of the emerging factories, limiting competition from other States until that time when they will be considered to have matured and in a position to compete. wilson_x254

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

MEAN 102.3583 147.4131 111.0233 6.1751 33.6564 21.2490

BUY SELL 102.2594 102.4571 147.2528 147.5733 110.9011 111.1456 6.1682 6.1820 33.5750 33.7377 21.1796 21.3183

Firms launch Sh20b ‘built-for you’ unique park in Lusaka

South African warehousing and industrial developer Improvon and the growth market private equity investor Actis have partnered to launch Zambia’s first A-grade light industrial park.

York Commercial Park will be an ultramodern logistics, warehousing and distribution park bringing a unique ‘builtfor-you’ concept to Lusaka in response to the demand for modern, flexible warehouse space with good access, circulation and loading facilities.

“There is a shortage of A-grade, modern industrial and logistics space in Lusaka so York Commercial Park could not be better timed,’’ Louis Deppe, Partner at Actis said. ‘’We are delighted to partner with Improvon to deliver world class infrastructure and services to Zambia, combining Improvon’s warehousing and industrial development expertise with Actis’ track record of delivering top quality real estate in subSaharan Africa,” he added.

York Commercial Park is targeting both local and multinational companies with a unique business model of selling or leasing warehousing and light industrial units designed and constructed to clients’ own specifications.

The park will offer space for every size of business by introducing them in-unit format which will allow smaller companies to lock into modern and bespoke storage and warehousing facilities while larger businesses can consolidate multiple mini-units.

“Our ‘building-for-you’ model virtually eliminates the construction work for wouldbe buyers and tenants in adapting premises to their needs, as well as cutting maintenance costs, and delivering bespoke facilities. For leasing tenants, it also removes the need for heavy capital outlays,” Stefano. enock_x254

Clients expectations our driving force, Cytonn says Cytonn Investment has said it will utilise the current Sh49 billion under their mandate to run projects as the firm seeks to meet its clients’ expectations.

In an interview with journalists, Cytonn Real Estate Service Manager Johnson Denge revealed that meeting clients and investors needs is the driving force behind the fast growing company.

“With the increasing demand of better housing among middle income earners, the residential property investors need to focus on meeting clients’ needs and these puts you ahead of others” Denge said.

He said their real estate product portfolio offers the most superior, intelligent and irresistible real estate design solutions in the market today and that’s why we are standing out as the best real estate developer company in the country and East Africa.

“For sure our vision is to be the Africa’s leading investment manager by consistently exceeding client expectations and currently

we are doing well because we have already reached most of the East Africa countries,” he said.

Currently, Cytonn has three projects under way, the Alma, SITU Village and the Amara Ridge with three others in advanced design stage.

The Alma, strategically located in the heart of the fast growing Ruaka, a 20-minute drive from the CBD, is secure, comprehensive gated residential development, designed with the young professional and growing families in mind, who desire style, convenience and accessibility to the central and upcoming business districts.

“With a retail centre that houses a coffee shop, a minimart, a beauty spa, a pharmacy, and other convenience stores, the Alma is just the right place for professionals and growing families looking for a stylish accommodation with all the convenience that add to their quality of life,” he said. enock_x254

VW says fix for ‘cheat’ devices won’t hit fuel consumption The UK boss of VW said the fix devised to clean up some 1.2 million vehicles in Britain would not affect fuel consumption.

Paul Willis also told MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee that there would be no difference in driveability.

He said there was no evidence that the emissions scandal would hit the resale value of affected cars.

Because there was no loss, UK owners would not need compensating, he said.

“When there is no loss then there is no need for compensation,” Mr Willis said.

That stance was in sharp contrast with the US, where

drivers of affected cars are being offered vouchers worth Sh 102, 300 ($1,000) for their trouble.

VW’s use of computer software in diesel cars which gave a false emissions reading when they were being tested by regulators, was exposed in the US last year.

VW plans to start fixing cars in the UK from March, with customers being told it should take less than an hour.

Mr Willis also told MPs that it will take another six months before the report by US law firm Jones Day into the emissions scandal was completed.

However, an update will be issued at the end of March.

The German company is

finding the going more difficult in the US, where the scandal first erupted.

The California Air Resources Board said the proposals did “not adequately address overall impacts on vehicle performance, emissions and safety”. The board also said the proposed fix was not fast enough.

Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller was due to meet with the head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday to discuss a remedy plan acceptable to regulators.

He is in the US for the first time since the scandal erupted in September last year to attend the Detroit motor show.

BUSINESS 7

Tourism ministry launches BIZ BRIEFS Startups invited to for World Cup strategy targeting counties apply Tech Challenge THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

The Ministry of Tourism has launched a Sh30 million Short Message Service (SMS) campaign to woo domestic travelers as part of its recovery strategy. The government will be unveiling a collaborative strategy on tourism promotion with county governments to enhance tourism product diversity in the country.

Speaking during the SMS campaign launch in Mombasa, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said marketing of the country’s products has to be holistic with collaboration from the private sector and the County governments. Balala said counties under North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) and JumuiayaPwani have tourism promotion opportunities and will be the first entry to ministry’s engagement with the county governments.

He said the SMS campaign will have a direct impact on domestic tourist numbers as it supports the ongoing efforts to position the country’s tourist attractions to the local audience.Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said the eightweek campaign will see couples and individuals win prizes during the campaign which will include two nights and three days to various attractions.

He said there will be a grand prize

for two people for five nights with a flying package either to Maasai Mara or Samburu. To register for the competition, one will be required to send his or her name to 21888.The CS said the campaign will add impetus to the ongoing Tembea Kenya Campaign seeking to encourage more Kenyans to tour their country and sample its diverse tourism attractions.

He said already, a tender on further promotional campaigns to targeting the domestic market floated out for the bidders to send through their concepts.Domestic

tourism, he pointed out, has been on a steady growth with bed nights occupancy recording about 47 per cent up from 41 per cent in the past years.

“This is indicative of the fact that the sub-sector has the potential for further growth and therefore a cushion to the industry especially during hard times” he noted.

He called on the hotels to offer affordable packages to the local market as a cushion during low season.At the same time, Balala thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for his directive on visa fee waiver for children below 16

years and the capping of park fee at 60 USD (Sh600) “These, including the Sh1.2 billion charter incentive are major boost to the tourism sector and that is why I have called on the private sector to give full support to the implementation of the process,” said the Cabinet Secretary.He said he has already initiated discussion with Narok county government for the review of their park fee in the light of the upcoming review

by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) owned parks.

Kevin_x254

African startups have been invited to apply for the World Cup Tech Challenge, a global competition that will see 24 startups selected to compete for the World Championship title in Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley is a nickname for the southern portion of the US-based San Francisco Bay Area, famous for hosting startups and innovation hubs. The World Cup Tech Challenge announcement comes ahead of a report by Disrupt Africa, which stated that African startups managed to raise Sh19 billion in 2015. This year’s Challenge represents the third installment of the event since its launch in 2014.

This year’s edition is set to take place at the Microsoft Campus in Silicon Valley.

The aim of the challenge is to uncover the next generation of emerging technology companies from around the world. Startups accepted into the World Cup Tech Challenge will be in a pre-global stage, meaning they have launched their products in their respective local markets and are now ready for a global launch.

Lego changes bulk purchase policy after backlash

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said marketing of the country’s products has to be holistic with collaboration from the private sector and the County governments.

LG introduces flagship 4K HDR-enabled OLED TVs LG Electronics exhibited its newest flagship 4K HDR-enabled OLED TVs at the 2016 CES led by the flagship 77/65-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED TV G6 and 65/55-inch E6 models. The entire OLED TV lineup for 2016 consists of eight products with the topof-the-line 77-inch G6 receivinga 2016 CES Best of Innovations Award.

The G6 and E6 are the first TVs from LG to implement the company’s unique Pictureon-Glass design language, featuring ultrathin 2.57mm OLED panels with translucent glass backs and forward-facing sound bar speaker system. The unique form factor can be realized by OLED technology. By focusing on TV technologies directly related to picture and sound quality, both the G6 and E6 represent a whole new level of home entertainment innovation.

All 2016 OLED TV models from LG feature the Ultra HD Premium seal of recognition from the UHD Alliance for meeting the demanding standards set by the industry organization for resolution, high dynamic range, peak luminance, black levels, wide color gamut and audio quality, among other criteria. The new TV lineup supports the industry-standard HDR formats established by the world’s leading broadcasters, film studios and consumer electronics manufacturers such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision™.

On OLED TVs, HDR becomes something else to behold, its capabilities enriched by

OLED’s Pixel Dimming technology. Unlike LCD displays where the LED backlightlocally dims entire sections of the screen, each pixel on an OLED panel can switch on and off independently. As a result, OLED TVs render crisp, vibrant colors and shadow details, even when bright objects are directly next to deep, dark areas. This ability ensures that images are displayed in perfect black as well as in vibrant colors, making OLED TVs the ideal medium for HDR content.

With 10-bit panel and 10-bit processing power, LG’s OLED TVs have access to more than a billion possible color options and ColorPrime Pro technology gives these TVs the ability to display the finest details of color and gradation, covering 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color space. With a higher color reproduction rate, LG OLED TVs allow users to fully and accurately experience the

content creator’s artistic vision.And with support for BT.2020, the next-generation standard for broadcast and distribution, the G6 and E6 are future-proof.

The 2016 OLED TV lineup come with the newest iteration of LG’s webOS content management platform. LG webOS 3.0 provides an exceptional user experience to help LG SMART TV users more intuitively navigate the TV’s many features. Since its commercial introduction in 2015, webOS has been praised as one of the most versatile smart TV platforms by major media titles.

With enhanced mobile connectivity, remote features and more content options, LG webOS 3.0 is expected to appeal to even more discerning customers than its predecessor.

Kevin_x254

Lego, one of the world’s leading toymakers and the manufacturer of the famous Lego bricks, has said it is reversing its policy on bulk purchases and will no longer ask customers what they want to use the bricks for. The U-turn follows a recent controversy involving Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. In October last year, Ai accused Lego of censorship when it refused to sell its bricks directly to him. The company said its policy was to reject requests if it believed the bricks would be used to make a political statement. Ai is known for his criticism of the Chinese government as well as for being one of the world’s leading contemporary artists. He wanted the bricks for an artwork on political dissidents, the BBC reports.

The artist ended up using bricks donated to him by the public for an exhibition in Melbourne, Australia. Ai appeared to react to Lego’s decision on Wednesday by posting a picture on Instagram of a young boy sticking bricks onto his face, accompanied by a grinning emoji caption.

Fastjet CEO to quit after Kenya entry

Fastjet, one of Africa’s leading budget airlines, has said its Chief Executive Ed Winter will step down. The announcement comes barely a week after Winter said that the company’s new Kenya service had ended the long-running monopoly held by Kenya Airways (KQ). The low-cost Africa-focused airline had announced this week that planes are now flying from Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to Nairobi, sparking competition within a sector that was one dominated by the likes of KQ. Winter will remain at its helm until a new chief executive is appointed and after that he will continue in an advisory role for an agreed period of time, the London-listed company said. Fastjet added that headhunters will be appointed to start the search for a new CEO.

8

BUSINESS

African exports to China fall as currencies waver THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

African economies are suffering the effects of China’s financial crisis, according to a recent report based on the continent’s ties with Asia’s powerhouse.

China’s customs office has said that African exports to China fell by almost 40 per cent in 2015. Recent statistics show that the country’s demand for African commodities has fuelled the continent’s recent economic growth. The decline in exports reflects the recent slowdown in China’s economy.

This has, in turn, put African economies under pressure and in part accounts for the falling value of many African currencies. The Kenya shilling, for one, has suffered under similar circumstances owing to the fact that the East African nation considers China to be a major trade partner.

Kenya imports a host of products, including electronics from Asian nation while China mainly imports leather, black tea and coffee from Kenya.

Recent reports show that the yuan, China’s currency, has been making inroads on the continent. Kenya and South Africa both host clearing houses that enable investors and traders to make transactions between

local currencies and the yuan without going through the US dollar first.

On Wednesday, the Kenya shilling was steady against the dollar buoyed by inflows of dollars from charities that helped match corporate demand for foreign exchange.

As of this morning, the yuan was trading at Sh15.53 against the shilling, up from Sh14 a year ago. The US dollar was trading at Sh102.25 against the shilling.

China’s volatile market has had a ripple effect across the continent due in part to its trade ties with Africa. The Chinese government

National Bank, Airtel in major agreement to improve services National Bank of Kenya and Airtel Kenya have announced the opening of their distribution networks to offer services in a major partnership agreement.

Dubbed ‘NatMobile’ the deal will allow account holders to access National Bank Accounts via the Airtel Money platform as they transact money from their respective accounts to Airtel money and vice versa free of charge.

The partnership will further make all Airtel Kenya agents become National Bank agents as National Bank will offer Airtel money at its branches, ATM and agents countrywide.

Speaking during the official signing of the deal, NBK Managing Director Munir Sheik Ahmed hailed the deal as an important nexus in telco and banking services in Kenya.

He said the development is expected to further deepen the bank and telco’s services and optimising the opportunities from existing channels for the benefit of both institutions. ‘’Our partnership with Airtel Kenya sets a significant

new precedence in the way telecommunications and banking sector cooperates with each other,” he said.

Opening our distribution networks to each other is set to see us both deepen strategic partnership in an area where collaboration is already paying off,’’ he added.

Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said getting access to financial services via the mobile phone can make a massive deference to people’s lives. ‘’As technology and financial services continue to merge, we have no doubt that this partnership will be a great step towards improving the lives of our customers,’’ he said.

National Bank reported its performance in its 48-year history and has continued to return excellent performance year by year.

The bank has kept on leveraging on technology and a strategic partnership opportunities to scale up its non-interest revenue segment as part of its strategy for rapid growth. enock_x254

has, over the past decade, provided billions of shillings in grants to Kenya and is currently spearheading a number of infrastructure projects in the region.

Bilateral relations between the two nations date as far back as December 14, 1963, two days after the formal establishment of Kenyan independence, when China became the fourth country to open an embassy in Nairobi. Presenting China’s trade figures for last year, the country’s customs spokesman Huang Songping told journalists that African exports to China

totalled $67 billion (Sh6.8 trillion), which was 38 per cent down on the figure for 2014.

And as China’s economy heads for what many analysts say will be a hard landing, its need for African oil, metals and minerals has fallen rapidly, taking commodity prices lower, the BBC reports.

There is also less money coming from China to Africa, with direct investment from China into the continent falling by 40 per cent in the first six months of 2015, adds the report. On the other hand, Africa’s demand for Chinese goods is rising.

African start-ups raise Sh19 billion, Kenya in top three

More than 100 African tech startups received combined funding in excess of Sh19 billion ($185.7bn) in 2015, according to a report compiled by innovation hub Disrupt Africa.

South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya were cited as favoured destinations for investors in 2015 with 36 per cent of the startups that raised funding based in South Africa, 24 per cent in Nigeria, and 4.4 per cent in Kenya.

The top three highest amounts of funding also went to these three locations.

South African startups raised in excess of Sh5.7B throughout the year as Nigerian startups received over Sh5.1B as Kenyan startups brought home over Sh4.9B. Kenya’s solar power start-up M-Kopa accounted for over 90 percent of financing that flowed towards Kenyan start-ups last year.

Other startups that secured significant financing include BRCK (which announced additional funding last week), Kopo Kopo, Angaza, BitPesa and Asoko Insight. Of the 10 sectors monitored in the report, the solar sector saw the most investor activity, accounting for 32.9 per cent of total funds raised.

The fintech sector proved a close second, securing 29.6 per cent of the total funds.

“2015 was an exciting year for African tech startups. Our data shows the increasing vibrancy of our ecosystem, with more quality tech startups, and more investor activity than ever before,” said Gabriella Mulligan, co-founder of Disrupt Africa. “These are impressive numbers, showing real growth in the amount of funding available to African tech startups, ” said Tom Jackson, co-founder of Disrupt Africa.

Kenya-based Internet firm gets Sh300 million in investor funding A Kenyan-based hardware and connectivity startup- BRCK, has raised US$3 million (Sh300 million) in funding from investors including Jean and Steve Case, Jim Sorenson, TED, MKS Alternative Investments and Synergy Energy in order to help it expand its operations, according to a report from Disrupt Africa. BRCK is run by a team of software developers, engineers and technologists who are from Africa.

BRCK chief executive officer (CEO) Erik Hersman (pictured) said as a fairly young company based in Kenya, it was “incredible” to have such a range of “powerhouse investors” backing the startup.

The startup, which was founded in 2013 is the team behind a device of the same name, “the BRCK”, a router designed for harsh environments with limited connectivity and power.

The startup raised US$1.2 million (Sh12 million) in seed funding in 2014, and has also moved into the education space with the launch of the BRCK-Kio for schools.

“The investor interest we have received throughout the year has marked how far we’ve come from our Kick starter and seed funding days. This new capital will catapult

our efforts of improving the way information flows in the world,” the CEO said.

“As early investors in BRCK, we’ve had the benefit of observing firsthand the success the company has had in managing rapid yet sustainable growth as it fulfils its mission to keep Africans connected and drive the global digital revolution,” said Jean

Case, CEO of the Case Foundation.

“We are excited to support BRCK as it enters its next phase of expansion, both improving and enhancing its product offerings uniquely suited to emerging market internet subscribers, and growing the company’s global footprint.”

Since its initial funding, BRCK has evolved to sell its product in 54 countries across five continents. The new capital will help expand the company’s operations, its ability to manufacture additional inventory, new designs of the devices and distribution across the continent and globally.

Jessica Dick, investment manager for Synergy Energy said: “We are delighted to be participating in this round and to be supporting BRCK with the disruptive and inspiring work they are doing in technology and education.”

Laurent Haug, partner at MKS Alternative Investments, said that at a time when education and information have never been so critical to the future of the world, connecting the four billion people not yet on the internet was a top priority.

BRCK seeks to bring the benefits of information technologies to millions of people.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

ACCESS

FASHION scoop

11

topstory

WHERE IS OUR MONEY? ELANI CALLS OUT MCSK

N

ovember 30th 2015 was a dark day for the Music Copy right Society of Kenya. On this day top directors were arraigned in court and charged with mishandling of Artistes funds.

Song bird Achieng’ Abura known for her stand on social justice took to social media to show support and urge artistes to ‘open their eyes’.

She said in part ’Today I thank the Government through the Office of the DPP for the bold move taken against the MCSK leadership, the bane of musicians that has left artistes suffering as a few enrich themselves to a level that is truly despicable.

They are truly slippery fellas, so I hope the DPP will ensure artistes get justice. The Government has finally done its part and taken to task those who collect money ‘on behalf of music artistes’.

Achieng’ noted that musicians cannot win battles shouting on the streets but could make stride if they followed the law and played by the law. Fast forward to yesterday 3 pm and Elani, the celebrated trio shocked the world when they openly called out MCSK in a 7 minute you tube video titled Elani speak.

The trio started by thanking their fans and attempting to explain their recent lull.

When they started lamenting about royalties it was apparent that a lot of thought and soul searching had gone into the post.

The post has since gone viral, the hashtag is trending and many artistes and industry players are baying for MCSK blood.

The question still begs; where did the rain start beating the musicians?

Was Abura right in questioning MCSK too, some two months prior?

She had posed’ If MCSK is a ‘Society’ with ‘members’ then why is it registered as a Company Limited by guarantee. Does that make us ‘shareholders’? If so, why have they not been publicly posting annual returns?

Elani also asked that they need to interrogate MCSK sources of income.

They questioned the authenticity of the MCSK logs with regards to airplay for both radio and TV adding that they received Sh 3,000 but after complaining were awarded Sh 300,000.

Could MCSK be rewarding and awarding loyalists? Are there ghost musicians?

Elani.

How can a big song like Pitson’s Lingala ya Yesu not receive millions?

Then there is the small matter of license collections.MCSK collects money from motor vehicles, clubs, restaurants, events, performance centers etc. Where is this money?

Sometime last year there was some Sh 5000 paid to artistes who lined up at Nyayo stadium, Sh 5000!!!

MCSK has since released an official statement admitting that indeed there are royalties collected, through airplay.

MCSK says, “The money is distributed annually, and artistes get 100% of their royalties. None the less, media houses that give airplay to musicians pay little which reflects on the royalties.”

The statements goes on to explain thus, “a bare minimum of 24,000 per month for National TV and 72,000 for a National radio station is submitted. This can add up to a figure close to 30 Million, but when shared among 10,000 members, each would get just under Sh 3000.

Putting airplay royalties aside, the mobile platform has seen the recent war of words between those in support of CMOs and those looking for the corporate big wigs to pay directly.

The digital platform is also in on the pie. The artiste it would appear, is never left with anything after all the blood and sweat.

Musicians need to come together and chart the way forward.Achieng’ and Elani led the way, the coming days will see who else is bold enough to join in the march towards creative freedom. @duncan_x254 Achieng’ Abura

HOT TOPICS

Citizen TV journalist Willis Raburu is seeking your prayers after an office accident left him half crippled. Wills took to his social pages to inform his viewers and fans that he dislocated his knee cap and will be out of the screen for a while. He is currently walking with the help of crutches and will be undergoing physiotherapy.

Raburu

Willis Raburu needs your prayers

Size 8’s shares first pictures of daughter Ladasha After the successful delivery of baby Ladasha, Size 8 has finally given her fans access to her newborn by posting exclusive, never seen before pictures on her social pages. She captioned the shots with inspirational messages.

Itumbi says Maribe is his best friend not girlfriend

Apparently, Dennis Itumbi is not in love with journalist, Jacky Maribe. Itumbi is wishing to let everyone know that the two are just very close friend even though they have been rumored to be too close for comfort. But Itumbi denies the rumours.Last month Dennis moved Maribe to tears when he stormed Citizen live at 1 pm with a surprise birthday cake. You know what they say? It isn’t true until it is denied!

Jacky Maribe

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, JANUARY 26th NOVEMBER 14, 2016 2014

CAMPUSVIBE

all round news and updates from universities

AIESEC Elections at UoN African Nazarene planning a social forum

University of Nairobi is ready for the 2016/17 leadership elections to be held later this month. The elections have attracted top notch students interested in leadership. The contestants include; Andrew Awadey, Sue Gachiku and Archibong Olasubomi. The three are expecting to take up the presidential seat of the organization and help in steering the organization to greater heights.

A social entrepreneurship forum to aid students in closing the gap from vision to viability will take place on 18th from 8 am at the college.

Participants will gain an insight on different social best practice from leading industry players.

USIU to face Equity Bank

@duncan_x254

CUEA student is Mr Kenya World Ken Owiti

Ken Owiti, Mr CUEA 2014, crossed the year as Mr. World after clinching the title in Malindi two weeks ago.

The competition had 75 participants drawn from 47 counties. The event was organized by Ashley’s supported by the Kilifi County government.

USIU Flames the women basketball team, is set to face Equity Bank in the semi-finals of the women’s National Classic Basketball League.

The semifinals will be held over the weekend starting tomorrow (Friday).

Moi University is Sh 600m richer

M

oi University received some Sh 600 Million from the World Bank to develop a Phytochemical, textile and Renewable energy center. The center is expected to be used by other universities in Africa, given that it is the only institution of higher learning with a textile facility for research, product development, extension and production.

hot date

yolo

The Panasonic transparent Remember Panasonic, the electronics brand that ruled the 90s backwards before other brands such as Samsung and LG? You may not have heard much from them but with their latest attempt to stay relevant, you will probably be talking nonstop about them.

During the recently concluded CES show, Panasonic wowed the tech audience with their transparent TV prototype that is in simple terms, a TV that can disappear on prompt.

This is how this technology works: Using gesture motion or

the remote control unit, you are able to control the visibility of the TV most ideally on a glass stand; when the TV is not in use, what you see is either an empty space or the items behind the glass stand and when you want to do some watching, you activate the screen mode with a wave of your hand and voila, the TV appears!

The technical components that make all this magic happen are hidden away behind a glass cover that comes with the TV stand. Sounds like tech from the future, but isn’t that where we are headed?

urban afro @goethe

Penya Africa presents a Graduation concert coming up tomorrow Friday 15th January 2016 with the amazing Jovy Yabann an inspired passionate young lady who aspires to be a role model in the music industry plus a host of other Sauti Academy and Penya Africa artistes including Alison Nyawira Kariuki, Sy Matias, Navalayo Lioncourt, Joshua Ondari Omari, Phylis Kimani, ShantyL254, Aizak Mariga, Neema Wa Kamau . Tickets are only sh 500 and can be bought in advance from any of the performers or at the gate. Goethe-Institut Nairobi.

ACCESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

@The 60Th Biennual uniceF Ball

FASHIONscoop

micHelle RodRiGuez: She was pretty and seductive.

Selena Gomez: She was gothic in leather.

maRiaH caRey: As beautiful as ever.

Heidi Klum: Sleek and smooth.

sweeT

colour me T

JenifeR connelly: Representing punk fashion.

uesday saw some 700 dignitaries and charitable celebrities gather for the sixth biennial UNICEF Ball.

The event is hosted annually to support the organization’s efforts to better the lives of underprivileged children.

David Beckham was this year’s honoree and despite the level of formality you would expect at a UN event, there was a lot of ‘play’ going round from live performances by stars such as Mariah Carey to red carpet moments where the color red dominated.

miRanda KeRR: Her dress brought out her long legs.

@mercy_x254

TOP

Jenna dewan and channin TaTum

TV co-sTars who goT hiTched

Jenna and Channin met on the set of ‘Step Up’ in 2006 and the two danced their way to real life romance, eventually tying the knot in 2009. Their romance was kindled from their roles in ‘Step Up’ as dance partners who develop an emotional bond gradually.

If you have never watched the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, you need to travel back in time to 2005 when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s romance sparked as the two assumed the role of the troubled Smith couple in the film. So true was their love that Brad even dumped his then wife Jenifer Aniston and married Angelina in 2014.

Brad PiTT and angelina Jolie

These two are SnowWhite and Prince Charming, literally.

Having met on the set of Once Upon a Time, Ginnifer and Josh took their respective roles as Snow-White and Prince Charming a tad too seriously, ended up falling in love and tying the knot in 2014. Fairy tales do exist after all.

ginniFer goodwin and Josh dallas

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12

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Your mind is not as focused as it usually is, and it might temporarily be difficult for you to grasp new concepts that you’ve never encountered before. This is no reflection on your intelligence, just one of those vague days we all have. By tomorrow, all should be normal again.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 If they’re said about you, you might be very upset because it isn’t fair or justified! Sometimes it’s hard to forgive these things, but make the effort. Your friend is going through some rough times that you may not know about. Try to put yourself in the other’s shoes. Forgive and forget.

THURSday 14/1/2016

sunny

25

25ºC 61%

FRIday 15/1/2016

More sun than clouds

24 6:36 am 6:47 pm

24ºC 71%

6:36 am 6:48 pm

SATURday

22

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 If so, you might temporarily be confused as to what you’re going to pursue in the future. You may be toying with a number of options but not be sure which one is right for you. Perhaps it’s none of them. Maybe your perfect goal is still over the horizon. Be patient and have faith.

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 This could be a warning signal or it could simply mean that this person is absolutely terrified and therefore acting defensive. Don’t jump to any conclusions about this person until you get to know him or her better. Remember, always give others the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Your friend is having some very draining hassles with family and on the job and won’t be in the best of moods. If the two of you get together, you might find your partner in a surly and uncommunicative mood, and you might be the recipient of some unkind words.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 If one of your family members keeps you from working on this project, explain just how important this is for you. Usually you work very hard, so you deserve to do whatever you want to do in your off time. Just try to be tactful! They will understand!

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You may feel really silly, crying over a fairy tale your grandmother read to you when you were five years old, but as embarrassing as this can be, it’s actually a positive form of release. Old pain from the past, even as inane as this, can actually limit you in your current situation.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Don’t panic. It’s probably somewhere in the house, although it may have slipped behind something or had a pile of other stuff put on top of it. At any rate, it’s among other objects. Searching too much, however, could make it more elusive than it should be.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Something or someone, perhaps a pet, has gone missing in your neighborhood and you’ll be out there leading the charge. The object of your search could prove elusive, but will probably turn up none the worse for wear. Stay close to home and all should be well.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Worries about money that plague you today could well be misplaced, Libra. To all appearances, the financial road might temporarily get a little rough, but probably all is not as dire as it seems. Let go of your panic for a moment and sit down and actually go over your figures. You can do it.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Everyone wants your advice, lots of people need favors, and those in authority have new tasks for you. Stay calm and don’t react by getting short with people. Play triage officer and help those in the most need first. Warn the others you might not get to them. Hang in there!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 It might, however, sound important and therefore could bother you throughout the afternoon. How can you return a call when you don’t know who the person is? Don’t make yourself crazy. This isn’t worth agonizing over. If it’s important, the person will call back.

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13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Some ship positions 5. Pooch, to a tot 10. Little Jack Horner’s find 14. When doubled, an island in the South Pacific 15. “A guy walks ____ bar...”

16. Ravish 17. “Michael Collins” star 19. Old gold coins of France 20. “I think we should” 21. Shape of a letter 22. Mental awareness (var.)

26. Tied, as shoes 30. Needing employment 34. Flew into ___ (got furious) 35. Mexican moolah 36. Big vehicle 37. Crack, in a way 39. Tossed salad addition, perhaps 42. Tennis call 43. Concert gear 47. Batting champ Rod 48. Deleted 51. “Emperors Quartet” composer 52. Pause indecisively 54. Petty thief 57. Frighten 62. Part of BYO 63. Internet league 66. Pirouette 67. Give it ___ (try)

68. World soccer org.

69. Julia’s role in “Ocean’s Eleven” 70. Sham 71. “The check ____ the mail” Down 1. With proficiency 2. ____ gras 3. They often precede las 4. One of two Bible bks.

5. Tries to lose 6. Like shopping in megamarts 7. Some Mustangs 8. Viscous substance 9. Chinese chef Martin 10. College program 11. Diaphanous 12. Start of a song about a balloon 13. Fit together 18. Not an option 21. TIFF alternative 23. Particular shade of a given color 24. U.F.O. users 25. Santa soiler 26. Vichyssoise server 27. Slender as ___ 28. Desert plants 29. Kind of trip 31. Flower seed bearer 32. Gave stars to, perhaps 33. Public, as information 38. St. Louis bridge designer 40. Fall shades

41. Lamb’s cry 44. Miss Piggy, to Miss Piggy 45. Place 46. Gas ____ 49. Stickers 50. “It’s a mouse!”

53. Ready to snap 54. Fluid-filled mass 55. Hitchcock’s first color film 56. French affirmatives 58. New mtge., e.g.

59. Pupil controller 60. Common poodle handle 61. Bring forth young 63. Eminem’s music 64. Second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan 65. Despite, for short

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY Parallel courses could result into unequal society The commercialisation of courses at university level with the inclusion of the parallel programme will soon make luxurious courses such as medicine, law and engineering a preserve of the affluent in the society.

Gone are the days when education brought uniformity amongst members of a society irrespective of their social status. Nowadays the bourgeoisies are in control of the education system building private primary schools which drill children through their cram to pass technique which has been crafted to help children of the haves in the society pass with flying colours and join the limited national high schools and best county schools in their numbers.

Those who will not have the opportunity to join national schools and county schools as a result of their below par performance will head to private high schools for advanced drilling to justify the capital investment of their parents.

Whereas their colleagues from poor

backgrounds suffer as low teacher student ratio, low morale due to low remuneration of teachers and low class attendance bite.

The only thing, which is high, is the student population which leads to ‘mediocre’ mean scores that depicts teachers as jokers who just come to school for the sake of their salaries.

The number of parallel students in competitive courses such as medicine, law and engineering has either doubled or tripled the number of their government sponsored counterparts, since universities claim they do not have the ‘capacity’ to train them, but they always have capacity to train the privately sponsored students!

Learners from poor background are enrolled in courses such as education and other art courses some of the courses being ‘irrelevant’ to the current job market, this is a case of generational poverty where the poor are to remain poor until the Lord return.

—Mageka, Huruma

CUE new charges on v students outrageous President Uhuru Kenyatta should consider disbanding the Commission for University Education (CUE) since it has completely neglected the spirit and letter of Universities Act 2012.

While the Act envisions a high level of professionalism in higher education, CUE has demonstrated the exact opposite.

Higher education in Kenya has deteriorated since 2012 to the extent that having a degree in Kenya has become like taking a soda in a roadside kiosk.

Quality has been neglected by CUE and instead, they have introduced unwarranted and

unconstitutional financial laws and policies that have hurt universities.

CUE failure to rein in erratic propagation of university programmes in Kenya is a clear evidence of its ineptitude.

How can CUE Chairman Henry Thairu justify the over 400 per cent increase of accreditation cost? The Kenya Association of Private Universities has questioned CUE’s ability to effect unwarranted provisions without its being consulted.

CUE has also introduced a fee for every student in the disguise of quality assurance.

Every student will be charged between Sh1,000 and Sh2,000 for being a member of an institution. These monies will be paid directly by respective universities to the commission. This is unfair and retrogressive.

CUE has blatantly refused to consult private and public universities vice chancellors and proprietors in major decisions that will definitely affect quality of higher education.

Experts in higher education in Kenya have warned that the new charges will lead to hiked fees.

— Anonymous

Kariuki’s directive on marginalised groups timely

The new Public Service, Youth and Gender affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki is upbeat by creating a special programme for purposes of empowering of groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged in the equitable access to resources.

Her directive to all government accounting officers to ensure 30 per cent of all the businesses and tenders they transact in both levels of government are awarded to the youth,

women, and people living with disabilities is timely.

If emphasis are put coupled with political goodwill, the directive will make a significant contribution to the empowerment of the marginalised groups.

According to Kariuki, in the last financial year alone, these groups had tenders worth Sh3 billion set aside for them.

Though this is a tidy sum, a lot more needs to be done so that the real beneficiaries are, indeed, members of the

groups and not a few men and women pulling the strings from behind the scenes. More funds should be channelled to the same for a wider catch to benefit. Corruption through cartels must be strongly condemned.

The ministry also needs to clearly outline successful individuals and enterprises that shall benefit from the scheme as a way of creating public confidence to the public. _ Kamotho, Kasarani

CJ‘bandit economy’ label drawback to graft war

It is irritable and unfortunate for Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to sensationally claim that Kenya is a ‘bandit’ economy run by cartels and mafias.

It is more saddening for the Chief Justice to compare leaders of our country to the Al Capones mob in the 1920s in America, noting the position he holds at the Judiciary.

Further, admitting that he cannot fight cartels in fear of being devoured easily translates him to a man not dedicated to tame corruption and lead the so much anticipated legal reforms.

He undermined the efforts of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission (EACC) to tame graft by terming it ‘a corrupt anti-corruption system.’

The CJ ought to understand that he is part of the ‘bandit’ government and should be a true statesman rather being an activist. He should be in the front line pulling all efforts together to eliminate the cartels.

He should show respect for other institutions and arms of the government as well as the citizenry.

— Nderitu, Starehe

Laws regulating churches unconstitutional Efforts by the government to regulate churches are meaningless and clearly indicate that the government has gone overboard. Religion and churches play a vital role in peace making and uniting people therefore any attempt to regulate them will not auger well with Kenyans. The laws are a kick in the teeth to those churches and religious leaders who have been with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto in prayers since the beginning of cases against them at the ICC in

The Hague. The President was acquitted and with their prayers, even Ruto was destined to be set free. Churches are not a department in the Attorney General’s office, therefore any attempt to regulate them will be unlawful.

The government would only save Kenyans by targeting individual rogue pastors not the entire religion. Freedom of worship is a constitutional right which must be respected at all cost.

— Gitobu, Kayole

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

14

SPORT THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Maldonado could lose Reanult seat over late payment

Pastor Maldonado is in danger of losing his drive at Renault this year as a result of late payment of funds. The Venezuelan’s sponsor - national oil company PDVSA pays the team a reputed Sh350 millionbut the money is several weeks overdue, sources say. Maldonado, 30, will be replaced by former McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen if the payment is not made soon. Renault have taken over the Lotus team and need confirmed drivers in time for a major media launch in early February. British novice Jolyon Palmer is Renault’s other driver for the 2016 season, which starts in Australia on 20 March. A Renault spokesman said: “It’s speculation at the moment. We have a contract with Pastor. That is the current situation. Maldonado has won one race - the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix for Williams - in an F1 career that has been notable for its volatility.

Kenya can do better, insist former Stars coach Mulwa

The longest serving Harambee Stars head coach Marshall Mulwa believe Kenya can still conquer continental football if the right structures are put in place.

Mulwa returned to the country after close to 15 years abroad having guided Stars to a historic CECAFA Senor Challenge Cup double in 1982/84, a feat which no local or foreign coach has ever achieved. That outstanding performance saw him guide Stars for six years, making him the longest serving national team head coach in Kenyan history-guiding the team between1980-1986.

“I’m happy with football progress in the country and if the right structures are put in place, we will go far,” said Mulwa.

He is remembered for winning the Prestigious Kenyatta Cup in 1970 with Coast Select side which beat the star studded Nairobi outfit of Joe Kadenge, James Siang’a, Livingstone Madegwa and Chege Ouma.

MP wants England to drop current national anthem A Labour MP thinks there should be an English-only anthem and raised the subject in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Olympian Roger Black says God Save the Queen is one of the best anthems in the world. However, the former world 400m champion thinks athletes from Scotland and Wales show more passion when singing their respective anthems, Flower of Scotland and Land of my Fathers. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Black said: “It has to stir passion. It has to make you well up with pride.” England cricket captain Alastair Cook was asked about the issue by Test Match Special’s Jonathan Agnew, but he pointed out his team play under the banner of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

New England head coach Eddie Jones - an Australian - was also asked his opinion at a news conference to announce his first squad and replied: “I’ve been learning the words, so I hope they don’t change it!”

Top federations locked out of Soya over graft, wrangles There is silent trepidation in the corridors of some of Kenya’s big brother Sporting Federations ahead of Friday’s Safaricom Sports Personality of the year –SOYA Awards.

The annual Awards which will be graced by former Cameroonian striker and Africa Player of the year (2000), Patrick M’boma is expected to only recognise clean and outstanding individuals, teams and Federations with exemplary performance in 2015.

The event’s founder, Paul Tergat has however maintained that they will only recognise the best and those who did not cheat their way to the podium and this has locked out federations that were embroiled in boardroom wrangles and graft allegations.

“We will not reward mediocrity but the best. No cheats,” hinted Tergat.

It is this pronouncement that has seen some of Kenya’s biggest Sporting Federations such as Athletics Kenya (AK), Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF missed out on nomination. It however remains to be seen whether the organisers will invite them for the Gala night.

Outgoing AK President Isaiah Kiplagat, his first Vice, David Okeyo and former treasurer Joseph Kinywa are all under investigation by IAAF for alleged embezzling of funds and failure to fight doping menace. The doping menace is something Tergat is

not taking lightly.

Director of Public Persecutions (DPP) has recommended the prosecution of outgoing FKF President Sam Nyamweya, his CEO Michael Esekwa and acting Finance officer Samson Cherop over graft. The trio have been accused for embezzling part of Sh17 million given by the government to carter for the much published embarrassing Harambee Stars’ trip to Cape Verde late last year. Boardroom wrangles was the second name of the once vibrant KRU for the major part of last years, which saw the ouster of former chairman M w a n g i Muthee and departure of national seven coach Paul Treu.

It remains to be seen whether the three big brothers w i l l

even get invites to grace the event should SOYA organisers stick to their threat of ‘keeping it clean’ Interestingly though, M’boma, chief guest of the ‘BIG NIGHT’ has been mentioned in fraud before. The former Cameroonian all time goal scorer was in April 2013 arrested in his native country over fraud.

According to reports, the two times Africa Cup of Nations and Olympian was held at the Yaounde International Airport by Police after he was accused by former teammate Pierre Wome of extorting about Sh79 million to help set up a micro-finance business.

The event will reach its climax with the unveiling of a new Overall Sports Person of the Year to take over from Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku.

Those in the run for the new title are Javelin World champions Julius Yego who is also the reigning Athletics Kenya Sports Personality of the year.

Others are Asbel Kiprop whom he beat at the AK annual Awards last December, Gor Mahia’s striker Michael Olunga, the reigning footballer of the year, World Cross country champion Geoffrey Kamworor and National Hockey team rising star Linus Kipkemboi. @elvince_x254

Serena Williams reacts during a past match. She withdrawn from a warm-up tournament after sustaining an injury.

Soya Award founder Paul Tergat addresses the media yesterday at Laico Regency hotel over the Friday event.

SOYA: We will not reward mediocrity, Tergat The 2016 Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards slated on Friday will be like no other, the Awards founder Paul Tergat has said.

The annual Awards to be graced by former Cameroonian striker and Africa Player of the year (2000), Patrick M’boma will be hosted at KICC where the most outstanding athlete performer of 2015 will be crowned to add to the growing list of the awards that was launched 12

years ago.

The awards will see players and coaches fight for prizes in 20 categories.

“We start with only seven categories and these awards have since grown to 20,” said Tergat adding that they will not reward mediocrity but the best.

Mboma, 45, will just add to the ‘who is who’ list of Kenya’s former and current sports persons

even as the country awaits to know who will take the title from Caleb Ndiku Mwangangi. Other past winners are Simon Cherono Kibai (2013), David Rudisha (2010 and 2012).

The battle for the overall title will be among reigning World javelin champion Julius Yego, 1500m kingpin Asbel Kiprop, Geoffrey Kamworor, Gor Mahia’s Michael Olunga rising Hockey goalkeeper Linus Kipsang.

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Barca in Copa de Rey quarters after win over Espanyol

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: Barcelona’s 20-year-old Munir El Haddadi scored a double against Espanyol during last night Copa del Rey in Cornella to record a 6-1 aggregate victory over the two legs.

Munir El Haddadi scored twice as Barcelona beat Espanyol 6-1 on aggregate to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Five time Ballon d’O winner Lionel Messi was not in the scoresheet, but he helped set the 20-year-old up to round the keeper for the opener to help Luis Henrique side extend their 4-1 first leg win.

Munir, who replaced the suspended Luis Suarez, added a second late on from Aleix Vidal’s cross to take his tally for Barca to

five.

He got his chance with Suarez starting a two-game ban for his part in a post-match fracas following a fiery first-leg game where two Espanyol players were sent off.

Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique were all rested for the third Barcelona derby in 12 days.

Barca won last year’s final, beating Athletic Bilbao - who also progressed to the last eight thanks to a 4-2 aggregate win over

Villarreal.

On Tuesday, Mirandes beat Deportivo 3-0, and 4-1 on aggregate, to become the first second-tier side to reach the last eight since they did so in 2012.

The final two games of the last 16 are on today night, with Atletico Madrid taking their 1-1 lead against Rayo Vallecano as Gary Neville’s Valencia 4-0 up over Granada.

Team SKY wants other teams to publish tests results of riders Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford has told other teams to follow their example and release lead riders’ performance data.

Sky’s two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome published physiological test results after being dogged by doping speculation during his 2015 win.

The results suggested he was capable of his performance without cheating.

Brailsford has written to the sport’s governing body to suggest other teams go through the same process. “It should be standardised,” said Brailsford.

“If we all agreed as teams ‘here is the disclosure model that we’re all going to buy into’, that takes away the discretionary decision.”

Brailsford says that he has received cautious encouragement from Brian Cookson, head of governing body the UCI, who thinks it is “worth discussing”.

Other riders, including Giant-Alpecin’s Tom Dumoulin, have also voluntarily released data, but Team Sky have come

under the most scrutiny.

At last year’s Tour, Froome had urine thrown at him by a spectator and was apparently spat at after the legality of his performance was questioned on French television.

Brailsford insists that, while the results can be open to interpretation, independent testing has symbolic value as well.

“Forget the results for a moment: as a general action or thought, the intent to be as transparent as possible is a very good thing. I don’t think anybody can criticise that,” he told BBC Sport.

“The fact that it was independent from the team - so we could not influence the results - was very healthy too and I was fully supportive of that.”

Sky’s two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome published physiological test results after being dogged by doping speculation during his 2015 win.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 | www.254.co

BARCELONA THROUGH TO COPA DEL REY QUARTERS AFTER WIN OVER ESPANYOL

p14

Leicester stun Spurs as big guns are held A

rsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea were all held to draws in last night’s EPL midweek matches.

Arsenal had their advantage at the top of the Premier League cut after Joe Allen’s late equaliser gave Liverpool a deserved point in an Anfield thriller.

The draw was good news to Leicester who needed Robert Huth late strike to secure all important three point against topfour rivals Tottenham to move joint leaders with The Gunners at 43 points each.

Manchester City, third on the table with 40 pints missed the chance to make up ground after they were held to a goalless draw by Everton.

At Stamford Bridge, James McClean’s late equaliser earned West Brom a share of the points as they refused to accept defeat at

Chelsea. The Blues went ahead when Cesar Azpilicueta turned in fellow full-back Branislav Ivanovic’s low cross.

Craig Gardner’s skimming shot levelled, but it seemed Chelsea had done enough when Gareth McAuley prodded Willian’s cross into his own net. But when the home defence failed to clear, McClean made them pay with a pinpoint shot into the bottom corner.

The Republic of Ireland international’s leveller was the final twist in an often ill-tempered game with Chelsea striker Diego Costa at the centre of several flashpoints, including a confrontation with several West Brom players after the final whistle.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side dominated the second half, but were repeatedly denied by away

keeper Tim Howard.

It was a supreme defensive display from the Toffees, who had been the better attacking side in the first half. They also rode their luck, as City were denied a late penalty for a foul on Raheem Sterling by John Stones.

For Everton, it is a point won and a confidence-boosting one, following a run of seven games in which they have won just once.

Leister who have disapproved critics by their surprising consistency this campaign are now level on points with leaders Arsenal. The Foxes looked like they were heading for a fourth league game without a goal until unmarked Huth headed home Christian Fuchs’ corner. Harry Kane had Spurs’ best chance when his effort was touched on to the bar by keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Robert Huth of Leicester City wheels away in celebration after scoring the only goal against Spurs during league match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at White Hart Lane, London last night.

Arsenal had their advantage at the top of the Premier League cut after Joe Allen’s late equaliser gave Liverpool a deserved point at Anfield.

Olivier Giroud’s second-half strike - his second of the night and 18th of the season - looked to have put the Gunners on course for a crucial victory, but substitute Allen rewarded the hosts for a display bursting with energy and spirit with a low 90th-minute finish.

Roberto Firmino twice gave Liverpool the lead in a breathless first half, the second a spectacular 20-yard drive, but Arsenal took advantage of poor defending from Jurgen Klopp’s side to level through Aaron Ramsey and Giroud. Giroud also missed an open goal in the first half, while Firmino glanced a shot off the bar

in a wide open game.

The visitors looked to have finally established supremacy in this topsy-turvy encounter when Giroud put scored 10 minutes after the break, but then failed to press home the advantage and paid a heavy price.

And it will be a matter of concern to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that on nights like this at places like Anfield, they did not show the necessary ruthlessness to close out a game that was within their grasp.

The Reds deserve great credit for the way they responded to the disappointment of going behind after leading twice - but Arsenal showed no assurance or authority when the pressure mounted in the closing stages and there was an inevitability about Allen’s equaliser.

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