TUESday, JaNUaRy 26, 2016 | www.x254.co
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NLC aNNouNCes amNesty for grabbers
Commission viCe Chairperson abigael mukolwe says those who irregularly aCquired publiC land would be forgiven if they surrender it
NEWS
serenA williAms sees oFF mAriA shArApovA in AustrAliAn open
AFC leopArd’s jACkson sAleh joins ArCh rivAls gor mAhiA
L Reveal report on
bribery claims, lawyers tell CJ
awyers have asked Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to immediately make public the findings of a report into current allegations of corruption involving a Supreme Court Judge. Law Society of Kenya Chief Executive Apollo Mboya says the recent claims of corruption involving judiciary officials no longer inspires confidence among the public in the institution and that the CJ must make a move to restore it. Claims that Supreme Court Judge Philip Tunoi received a Sh200 million bribe to influence an election petition outcome has put the judiciary in a new low with Mr Mboya urging the Chief Justice to announce publicly the findings of their report into the allegations before it is presented to the Judicial Service Commission. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
pRivate sChools extoRting pooR kenyan paRents
Mps to probe somalia attack on kDF camp Knut chairman Mudzo Nzili speaks during a stakeholders meeting at the Sarova Stanely Hotel in Nairobi today as Secretary general Wilson Sossion looks on. The Union has accused owners of private schools whom they say are extorting money from Kenyan parents.
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The National Assembly’s Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations will carry out an independent inquiry into the attack on Kenya Defence Forces troops in El Adde, Somalia. Committee chairman Ndungu Gethinji said they will be looking into any possible lapses in the attack that left several soldiers killed. The official number of those who died in the attack are yet to be released by the government. “We want a debate brought in parliament and MPs to come up with a position regarding Kenya taking a leading role in liberating Somalia,” Gethenji said. “The European Union, United Nations and the rest of the world must give proper assets to cover the mission in terms of air support and naval CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 component,” he added.
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NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
Private schools are extortion centres, say teachers unions Private schools are minting millions of money from unsuspecting Kenyan parents with the disguise of providing quality education, teachers have said. Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has accused owners of private schools of charging exorbitant fees in exchange of what it said is substandard quality of education. According to Knut Secretary general Wilson Sossion, proprietors of private schools are taking advantage of a legislative gap in education sector to mint millions from unsuspecting and poor Kenyans. He said parents are being lured and exploited by enrolling their children in the many mushrooming private institution in the name of ‘low cost education’. “The rapid growth of private schools offering low cost education is compromising the efficiency and quality of our education,” he said. “Why should a school pretend to operate in the most disadvantaged area like the slums , but unsuspectingly spread its learning centres across the country for profit making purpose,” he posed when he spoke during a stakeholders meeting in Nairobi today. He said the increase of the private schools offering low cost education has been thriving because of failure of the Ministry of Education to assert its oversight role. “Why should a school continue being operational despite the different violations of our education laws and regulations,” he said in reference to a city school he accused of extortion. “They are promoting impunity in the education sector by exploiting our trained teachers who they don’t even pay and further diluting the very
essence of free basic education,” he lamented. Sossion asked the ministry to stop dragging its feet and move with speed to restore sanity in the sector by making sure that inclusive, quality and equitable education is available to all learners. On his part, Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) chairman Ambuko Milemba urged the ministry to contain the fast spread of the private entities as it was posing
a threat to access of quality education. “The ministry should stop the spread of these low cost education centers which are just but profit making “kiosks,” he charged. “We need to have quality education in all our private and public institutions; and the government has the duty to ensure that all our school meet the education threshold,” Bomet County Women representative Cecilia Ng’etich who attended the function said. hillary_x254
ANGRY: Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion speaks during a stakeholders meeting at the Sarova Stanely Hotel in Nairobi earlier today. Looking on is Knut chairman Mudzop Nzili. Teachers Unions have today accused private school owners of extortion and erosion of quality education across the country.
MPs to probe al-Shabaab attack on KDF camp From Page 1 Last week, Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe announced that he had formed a team that was already in El Adde to investigate the circumstances under which the attack happened. Mwathethe said the exact number of soldiers killed, those who survived, and those missing in action will be established once the investigating team which is probing among other things whether or not the camp commander had prior intelligence before the attack has completed its work. He said al-shabaab militants had used Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive devices with a single VBIED having the potential to cause damage similar to the one seen during the 1998 US Embassy bombing, to attack the
camp. Questions still abound on how the militants were able to carry out such a daring attack without prior intelligence. But Gethenji has defended the military in the way it’s communicating the information of the attack saying it’s the relatives who are important and should be informed first. “The next of kin of the fallen heroes are more important than the media so the media should be patient on the answers they are seeking,” Gethenji said. He also reiterated that Kenya will continue to be in Somalia as it wants a strong and stable partner that it can do business with. “We will stay there until Somali Government is serious enough to take its own responsibilities,” he said. sam_x254
President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside First lady Margaret, Former Premier Raila Odinga and deputy president William Ruto when they visited injured soldiers in Nairobi last week. MPs want to probe the circumstances of the attack.
Lawyers want CJ Mutunga to reveal report on claims on top judge
From Page 1 He says doing so would inspire some belief among the public into the process. “For the public to believe that justice will be done, let the Chief Justice make public the report before presenting it to the JSC because presenting it before the public knows what it contains will not add any value on the decision JSC will make,” Mboya said. Mboya said there is need for more vigilance in the Judiciary with the current graft claims. While addressing the press yesterday at the Supreme Court after he launched the Sentencing Policy Guidelines, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said according to the Judiciary traditions, he will present the investigation report to a special sitting of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) that he has convened tomorrow to peruse for further action. He however refused to take questions from journalists saying it’s the norm of the Judiciary not to field questions and that JSC should be allowed to conduct its duty. Mutunga confirmed that he had received a complaint against the Supreme Court Judge by way of a sworn affidavit in November, last year. The affidavit claimed that Justice Tunoi had been bribed with Sh200 million to rule in favour of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in an election petition lodged by politician Ferdinand Waititu. “I ordered that thorough investigations be carried out according to our internal protocols. I also authorised that this should include cross-checking the contents of the sworn affidavit with other government agencies to verify the information contained therein,” Dr Mutunga said in the statement. “That process is now complete and a report has been concluded. And as required by the Constitution and other relevant statutes, I will forward the report to the Judicial Service Commission. I will also forward the report to other government agencies, including the EACC and the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he added. On Sunday evening, NTV revealed that the affidavit was made by one Geoffrey Kiplagat who alleged that Justice Tunoi received $2 million (Sh200 million) from Kidero to rule in his favour in an election petition filed by now Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu who had lost the race for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2013 General election. In the exposé, Kiplagat says he was involved in the deal that was meant to influence the judgment of an appeal filled by Waititu, who came second in the race for the governor’s seat, which was to be made on August 30, 2014. “I think it was about $2 million,” Kiplagat says in the interview. Sam_x254
NE WS 3 NEWS tuESday, JaNuaRy 26, 2016
NLC gives amnesty to land grabbers People who irregularly acquired public land have been told to surrender the property and avoid legal actions in a new olive branch given by the National Lands Commission (NLC). NLC Vice Chairperson Abigail Mukolwe says those who will willingly surrender such irregularly acquired pieces of land will be given amnesty. “If you know you acquired public land illegally then why subject the commission to all these sittings and research, come forward and surrender it to us and no action will be taken against you,” she said while briefing reporters on the sidelines of the first day of the review of grants and disposition of parcels of land in Nairobi County at NLC offices. Mukolwe told lawyers to advice their clients accordingly on matters of public land and utility. “I urge lawyers to advice their clients correctly accordingly with the law. People should keep off places such as schools, hospitals, roads and other public utilities,” Mukolwe warned. “Sometimes you don’t have to waste time of the commission on certain
Part of the Langata Primary School playground which had been grabbed by a private developer before being returned to the school. National Land Commission has asked those who irregularly acquired public land to surrender their parcels.
matters, nobody can give you land where there is a school, road or even a hospital, kindly advice your clients appropriately,” she added. “There is no land commissioner
who can allocate an individual such places so be careful enough and check with NLC if you have legal papers about the land you claim to own. If you are in doubt, always
walk into our offices and seek help,” she said. Mukolwe said the commission is determined to reclaim all grabbed public land in the country. “We must retain all the public land
in the country that’s the law and there is no two ways about it,” she said. After the four days exercise of the review of grants and disposition of parcels of land in Nairobi County, the Vice Chairperson said the commission will sit down and make a determination based on the evidence and information received from parties concerned. “We are still collecting and collating information and will make determination after that. Issues of fraud in land matters in this country do really exist and we must strive to address the situation,” Mukolwe said. She said the commission has received many complaints from people who claim that they were duped to buy land that belonged to the government or parcels which do not exist at all. “We are dealing with many cases at the moment but the commission will be able to give a true picture on Thursday after completing the hearing process,” Mukolwe said. @sam_x254
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Kidero sacks Ondieki as his environment minister
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has sacked his county Environment minister and staunch ally Evans Ondieki. In a letter signed by County Secretary Robert Ayisi, the dismissal from position of County Executive Committee Member in charge of Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Resources takes effect immediately. The Governor has now appointed the Urban Renewals and Housing CEC Tom Odongo in an acting capacity to the post. Ondieki had in July last year been put on the spot after allegations emerged that he was cavorting with Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru who is rumoured to be eyeing the governor’s seat in the next elections. The CEC vehemently denied those allegations, pledging loyalty to his boss while at the same time blaming cartels at City Hall for undermining him because of his hard work. Ondieki was appointed to the Environment docket in October 2014 after the exit of John Gakuo who fell out with Kidero. Prior to this, Ondieki had served as the county minister in charge of transport. While in the transport docket, the lawyer by profession had numerous run-ins with different stakeholders, culminating in an impeachment motion in the
County Assembly. Kidero had however defended his CEC, decrying a vendetta against his worker. Ondieki (pictured above with the Governor) had publicly stated that he would not be intimidated by cartels in the matatu industry which were out to undermine plans to introduce a mass transit bus system in the city. Ondieki’s sacking also comes days after Kidero made far reaching changes at City Hall in a move aimed at rooting out widespread corruption. The Governor had further stated that the changes made will ensure efficient service delivery to Nairobi residents. He pointed out that this will make sure there is transparency and accountability of City Hall staff in the discharge of their duties. He also abolished the payment and dispatch of cheques to suppliers manually, stating that the process will now be fully automated to curb graft. He stated that the changes within the finance sector will ensure proper management of scarce resources. Kidero pointed out that in the last two and half years, the County Government has made positive gains “but more can be done to improve services.” MORE ON THIS www.capitalfm.co.ke
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NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
Democrats highlight big differences Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders drew sharp contrasts with each other at a CNN Democratic town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday -- exactly one week before voters there attend the first in the nation caucuses. Clinton said she was “really touched” by President Barack Obama’s praise for her in a recent interview as she tried to portray herself as the most effective potential guardian of his legacy. She pushed back against questions that asked why some younger voters are less enthusiastic about her candidacy than that of Sanders. And pressed on whether she was late in addressing income inequality, she said she has spent decades combating inequality of all kinds. “Don’t get discouraged,” Clinton said. “It’s hard. If it were easy, hey, there wouldn’t be any contest. But it’s not easy. There are very different visions, different values, different forces at work, and you have to have somebody who is a proven fighter -somebody who has taken them on and won, and kept going, and will do that as president.” Sanders, meanwhile, hit Clinton hard over Iraq, trade, the Keystone
DEBATE: Democratic ticket fron runners Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton during last night’s debate in Iowa. The two have shwon striking different opinions on many issues.
Pipeline and Wall Street regulation as he drove home a passionate final argument to Iowa voters. He sought to portray himself as the true personification of change in the Democratic race for the White House. He argued that though
Suicide bombers strike northern Cameroon town
Clinton has wide experience, she was wrong on key issues. “We need a political revolution,” he said. “We are touching a nerve with the American people who understand that establishment politics is just not good enough.”
At least 25 people are reported to have been killed after suicide bombers struck a town in northern Cameroon near the border with Nigeria. A local official said many of those who died had been in the market in Bodo. At least three suicide bombers were said to be involved. The Nigeria-based militant
Sanders dismissed Clinton’s political record, seeking to prove he was closer to the Democratic Party base and just as prepared to be president as Clinton. “I voted against the war in Iraq ... Hillary Clinton voted for the war in
group Boko Haram is suspected of carrying out the attack. Last month, two female suicide bombers blew themselves up in Bodo. Cameroon is part of a regional coalition fighting Boko Haram, along with Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Benin. Although the militants have been driven from most of the areas they controlled in north-eastern
Iraq,” Sanders said. “I led the effort against Wall Street deregulation. See where Hillary Clinton was on this issue.” “On day one, I said the Keystone Pipeline was a dumb idea. Why did it take Hillary Clinton a long time before she came into opposition to the Keystone Pipeline? I didn’t have to think hard about opposing the Trans Pacific Partnership. It took Hillary Clinton a long time to come on board that.” He also warned unapologetically that taxes would rise if he is elected President, especially to pay for his Medicare-for-all health care plan. “We will raise taxes. Yes we will,” Sanders said. Sanders argued, however, that the taxes are worth it, given what American families will save in premiums. And, living up to his image as a self-declared Democratic socialist, he warned corporations and the richest Americans that they would pay more. “Yes, you are going to start paying for your fair share of taxes,” Sanders said. “I demand that Wall Street start paying its fair share of taxes.
Nigeria, they have continued to carry out suicide bombings and raids into neighbouring countries. One witness in Bodo told the BBC that at least two of the attackers were teenage girls who had hidden their explosives in sacks of grain. Another witness said two blasts had hit the market and another
had targeted a roadblock. “We were in the market [at] around 10 in the morning when we heard a blast. The second one went off not more than two minutes after and we took to our heels,” the witness said. “There is a vigilante roadblock just outside town where another bomb went off and killed six people.”
Top stories from X News global partners Sea level rise from ocean Climate Deals First Big Americas banks are not Johnson $20bn Tyco warming underestimated, Hurdle: The Draw of Cheap Oil: yet out of the woods: For deal revives tax storm: scientists say: The amount Barely a month after world leaders signed a spell last year American banks seemed Johnson Controls revived a vexed of sea level rise that comes from the oceans warming and expanding has been underestimated, and could be about twice as much as previously calculated, German researchers have said. The findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that increasingly severe storm surges could be anticipated as a result. Sea level can mount due to two factors – melting ice and the thermal expansion of water as it warms. Until now, researchers have believed the oceans rose between 0.7 to 1mm per year due to thermal expansion. But a fresh look at the latest satellite data shows a double increase. www.theguardian.com
a sweeping agreement to reduce carbon emissions, the global commitment to renewable energy sources faces its first big test as the price of oil collapses. Buoyed by low gas prices, Americans are largely eschewing electric cars in favor of lowermileage trucks and sport utility vehicles. Yet the Obama administration has shown no signs of backing off its requirement that automakers nearly double the fuel economy of their vehicles by 2025. In China, government officials are also taking steps to ensure that the recent plunge in oil prices to under $30 a barrel does not undermine its programs to improve energy efficiency. www.nytimes.com
poised to reattain the sort of double-digit returns that have largely eluded them since the financial crisis. A robust market for takeovers and public offerings was producing a flurry of fees. Credit quality, which had collapsed in the crisis, was “pristine”, according to Jamie Dimon, the boss of JPMorgan Chase, America’s biggest bank by assets—something that was allowing banks to reduce the provisions they had made to cover soured loans. The rash of swingeing fines that had been disfiguring profits had largely dissipated although Goldman Sachs recently agreed to pay $5 billion to settle charges that it peddled. www.economist.com
political debate about tax-cutting “inversion” deals on Monday, agreeing a $20bn combination with Tyco International which would move the US manufacturer’s domicile to Ireland. The industrial tie-up highlights Washington’s failure to stop large companies from fleeing the country’s high corporate taxes, and suggests that inversion deals remain highly attractive to companies struggling to find topline growth. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, currently leading the Democratic and Republican primary election races, have both promised action to turn the tide. www.ft.com
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NEWS 5
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
Why you must cancel any travel plans to the Americas and the Caribbean The World Health Organization anticipates that the Zika virus will spread to all but two countries in South, Central and North America. The mosquito-borne disease has raged in South America and other regions for several months. Twenty-one countries and territories of the Americas have reported cases of the virus since Brazil reported the first cases of local transmission in May 2015, WHO’s regional office for the Americas said in a statement. “Aedes mosquitoes -- the main vector for Zika transmission -- are present in all the region’s countries except Canada and continental Chile,” the statement said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged pregnant women to postpone travel to Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Martin, Suriname, Samoa, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The CDC also recommended that women who have recently traveled to these places during their pregnancy be screened and monitored for the virus. That’s because the virus has been linked to an uptick in babies born with a neurological condition called microcephaly, which can cause abnormally small heads and serious, sometimes deadly, developmental delays. The WHO attributed the virus’ rapid spread to the fact that people in the Americas lack immunity because they haven’t been exposed to it before. There is no prevention or treatment for the disease. Travelers to hazardous areas are urged to prevent mosquito
bites by using repellent and covering exposed skin. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the disease, bites all day long, so people need to reapply repellent and not let their guard down, officials warn. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are found throughout the United States and are known for transmitting dengue fever and chikungunya, may also transmit the virus, the CDC said. Symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, and can last from a few days to about a week. But 80% of infected people have no symptoms. Three British travelers have been infected with the virus, health officials said over the weekend. “As of January 2016, three cases associated with travel to Colombia, Suriname and Guyana have been diagnosed in UK travelers,” Public Health England said on its website. The government agency did not provide further details about the cases but added that the virus “does not occur naturally in the UK.” In the United States, there are confirmed cases of the virus among individuals who have traveled to infected countries, including in Illinois, Florida and Texas, among others. However, there are no known cases of locally transmitted illness. “These imported cases might result in local human-tomosquito-to-human spread of the virus in limited areas of the continental Unites States that have the appropriate mosquito vectors,” according to a new report on the spread of the virus issued by the CDC Friday. There is at least one known case of a baby born with
Libya’s unity government rejected Libya’s internationally recognised parliament has rejected a unity government named last week under a UN-brokered deal aimed at uniting the country’s warring factions. The vote is seen as a major blow to UN efforts to unify the country’s two rival parliaments. Of 104 members attending the session in the eastern city of Tobruk, 89 voted against backing the government,
Reuters news agency reports. The Tunis-based Presidential Council now has 10 days to put forward a new, shorter list of ministers, Reuters adds. Western nations hope the formation of the new government will help bring stability and tackle the growing threat of the socalled Islamic State group (IS). IS militants have taken advantage of the political vacuum to expand their presence in the country.
microcephaly believed to be linked to Zika in Hawaii. Because of this outbreak, Brazil’s Olympic and Paralympic venues will be inspected daily during the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Games spokesman Phil Wilkinson said Sunday.
The Rio 2016 organizing committee is in regular contact with the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Municipal Health Department, which issue guidance on health issues in Brazil and Rio, according to Wilkinson.
The organizing committee will follow virus prevention and control measures provided by authorities and provide guidance to all who attend the Games, the spokesman said. He noted that the Rio Games will take place during the
winter months of August and September when the drier, cooler climate significantly reduces the presence of mosquitoes. Zika fever was first discovered in Uganda in the 1940s and has since become endemic in parts of Africa.
xnews | Tuesday, JanuaRy 25, 2016 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
KRA announces reforms to enhance national security The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a variety of reform measures geared at enhancing national security and efficiency in Customs management. The new measures will involve the stringent vetting of all Container Freight Station (CFS) operators, to ensure they meet national security and related requirements. Clearing and Forwarding agents are expected to adhere to as soon to be formulated professional code, guiding their training and certification. The reforms were announced by KRA, Commissioner General, Mr. John Njiraini, when he addressed members of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA). To spearhead the envisaged reforms, KRA disclosed that soon it will appoint the Authority’s first Head of Enforcement & Border Control within the Customs & Border Control Department who has extensive security experience. The Customs reforms message, comes hot on the heels of the recent destruction of commodities imported into the country in contravention of Customs regulations. KRA has issued a stern warning to persons perpetrating fraud in Customs processes and those that collaborate with them in the commission of such crimes. As part of the reform agenda, Njiraini, disclosed to the members of the umbrella clearing, Forwarding and warehousing companies in Kenya, that the registration of new Container Freight Station (CFS) operators and that of new clearing and Forwarding agents has been suspended till further notice. The suspension, Njiraini said, is geared at facilitating key reforms touching
KRA Commissioner General Mr. John Njiraini. on the trade logistics supply chain sector, with a view to weeding out unscrupulous CFS operators and clearing agents. “A re-vetting process has commenced that involves a cross section of Government agencies, with the aim of determining the suitability of the CFSs in existence,” he added. Underlining the seriousness attached to the ongoing vetting process, Njiraini pointed out that CFSs who fail to meet the prescribed requirements within the time frame provided shall be struck off the register and become ineligible to receive un-Costumed cargo. Plans to professionalize the Clearing and Forwarding sector, Njiraini said have already commenced as part of efforts to weed out rogue clearing
and Forwarding agents. The KRA has already moved to upgrade its Simba Customs Management platform integrated with National Electronic Single Window System dubbed the Kenya TradeNet. KRA has also commenced the implementation of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking Platform agreed between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Ongoing Customs management reforms, will also focus on the elimination of intermediaries, who currently handle tasks such as Shippers Manifest Submission. The Authority, Njiraini, assured, is confident that the ongoing reform measures shall greatly enhance revenue mobilization besides helping tackle integrity challenges. enock_x254
Kenya seeks to revolutionize Islamic banking The National Treasury and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) have said that the government of Kenya has identified the laws that need to be amended to float the Islamic bond (Sukuk). Speaking to journalists during the First International Islamic Conference of Africa (IIFCA) in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury Henry Rotich promised for the expansion of Islamic finance to ensure such products receive a fanatical uptake and similar tax with their conservative counterparts. “We estimate in the next one year we will have completed all the legal and documentation processes needed to float the Sukuk bond and
once we enter into the market then we will indicate the amount of bond,” the CS said. According to him, the Islamic bond would help tap into country’s Muslim population that has limited access to formal sharia-compliant banking. The issuance of Sukuk would see Kenya joining the league of countries outside the organization of Islamic Co-operation. Rotich noted that the perceived sustainability and attractiveness of Islamic finance as an alternative financing model in a post global finance crisis world continues to be recognized by new regions and countries despite challenges it has been facing.
Rotich cited that Kenya has been slow to attract Islamic finance at the same scale as the Gulf region but he expressed his optimism that the growth of Islamic finance will trigger strong interest even from beyond Islamic nations. Speaking at the same occasion, the acting chief executive officer CMA Paul Muthaura said Kenya has licensed two fully fledged Islamic banks whereas five other conventional lenders are offering Shariah compliant services and products through Islamic windows. Other countries where Sukuk has made entered include Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan and the United Kingdom.
CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH
MEAN 102.3145 145.9481 110.6011 6.2270 33.9153 21.4047
BUY SELL 102.2067 102.4118 145.8000 146.0961 110.4711 110.7311 6.2193 6.2347 33.7852 34.0453 21.3354 21.4740
Kenyan entrepreneurs to apply for Sh10 billion facility The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), the flagship entrepreneurship programme of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has announced TEEP 2016, the second annual round of the group’s $100 million (Sh10.2 billion) facility aimed at supporting emerging entrepreneurs across Africa over a ten year period. Kenyan entrepreneurs, who were wellrepresented during the previous drive last year, are encouraged to apply. The initiative was founded by entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu. It aims to generate $10 billion (Sh1 trillion) in revenue for the continent and create one million jobs, TEEP, CEO, Parminder Vir has said. The pan-African programme is inspired by the Founder’s inclusive economic philosophy of “Africapitalism”, based on the belief that a vibrant African-led private sector is the key to unlocking Africa’s economic and social potential, “Our vision is to establish the pre-eminent pan-African entrepreneurship programme and create 10,000 startups across Africa within the next 10 years that generate significant employment and wealth,” the group said in a statement. The Foundation has seen a number of successful entrepreneurs across the continent who have banked on its facility to drive development in parts of the African region. Last year, more than 20,000 African entrepreneurs from 52 countries applied to the programme, representing the creativity and potential on display across the continent. One thousand entrepreneurs, including many from Kenya, were selected to participate in the programme’s empowerment initiative. “The selection of these 1000 entrepreneurs brings us closer to our ultimate goal – to drive Africa’s economic and social transformation,” Elumelu said.
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Wrigley partners with EatOut for Nairobi Restaurant Week The world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of gum, Wrigley is set to sponsor this year’s Nairobi Restaurant Week. The Nairobi culinary scene has been put in the spotlight once again as this year’s edition of the Nairobi Restaurant week is set to take place between 28th January and 07th February 2016. The Wrigley Company - through its
East Africa subsidiary - has partnered with the organizers to enlighten participants about oral care practices on-the-go, just as some of Nairobi’s finest food connoisseurs will meet to offer diners what the organisers are calling an exemplary dining experience. “We are glad to be part of it and hope that our partnership with EatOut will go a long way in enlightening
participants about oral care practices on-the-go,” said Wrigley East Africa Corporate Affairs Head Wanja Mwangi. Nairobi Restaurant Week is a celebration of the city’s colourful culinary scene. It brings together over 50 sitdown restaurants across the city offering dazzling food and sparkling service for a one-week period. In
major cities around the world, Restaurant Week has been a proven tradition and has registered success in the country as well. Wrigley has been championing the oral health agenda in Kenya notably the recent commissioning and release of the first ever national oral health survey through the Ministry of Health and The University of Nairobi last year.
The resultant findings will be useful in planning oral health care delivery in Kenya. The company partners with dental professionals, supports scientific research and collaborates with governments, organizations and corporate partners to make a difference to oral health worldwide. Kevin_x254
Property prices rise 3 pc as cost of rent falls marginally Property prices in Kenya have increased by 3.6 per cent as rent for all properties fell by 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2015, a recent report by leading real estate advisory firm Hass Consult has confirmed. According to the company’s statement, apartments recorded the highest drop in prices, indicating a 2.3 per cent fall. Hass Consult’s report comes just as a new study has ranked Nairobi among the top 20 cities in the world renowned for their
innovation, livability and capacity to re-invent themselves. The City Momentum Index (CMI) ranked Nairobi 11th, the only one in Africa to make it to the list due to its lifestyle and location which, it said, is unmatched anywhere in the continent. Regardless of the study’s upbeat indicators, new data from Hass Consult has shown that investors are moving further away from the capital due to restrictive prices and the rising cost of owning property in Nairobi.
The real estate firm has cited Ruaka as one of the country’s fastgrowing regions on the outskirts of Nairobi. Its growth has been attributed to the construction of the Northern Bypass, which links Kiambu residents to the capital. Despite Nairobi’s appeal, prohibitive costs and relativel expensive rent prices are pushing people who work in the city to seek housing in less-restrictive environments. “Alongside great cities such as London, Nairobi has made it
to the top 20 most successful cities for its innovation, livability and capacity to reinvent itself. The top scoring cities offer an environment that “nurtures talent and an innovation-orientated economy,” the CMI study states. The 120 cities shortlisted by the CMI were chosen for their population, GDP, corporate presence, air connectivity, real estate investment activity and commercial real estate stock. Dennis_x254
BUSINESS 7 TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
BIZ BRIEFS FINCAD offers Finance scholarship of up to Sh 1 million FINCAD is currently inviting women from Kenya and around the world to apply for the FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship 2016 Program, an annual scholarship program supporting outstanding women in the field of finance. FINCAD, previously known as FinancialCAD, stands for Computer Aided Design for Finance. Up to $10,000 (Sh 1 million) will be awarded to applicants to support their graduate-level studies. The scholarship is open to women of any age and citizenship who are studying Finance in a graduate-level program. Interested applicants are required to submit an application form along with two signed letters of recommendation Resume or CV an official transcript from each University they have attended, as well as Research papers (if applicable). Applications must be submitted online through FINCAD’s website, fincad.com before February 26, 2016.
Kenya tourism sector recovers as WA beefs up hotel security
A residential apartment building in Ruaka. Apartments recorded a 2.3 per cent fall in prices in the last quarter of 2015.
EA makes strides in merging region’s securities exchanges despite delays East Africa has made some makes strides in harmonising its variesd securities exchanges According to Celestin Rwabukumba, the CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, East Africa moved closer to harmonization of its securities exchanges at the regional Securities Exchanges Association meeting. Experts have warned that ongoing delays in the implementation of the East Africa Community (EAC) stock markets integration project are costing the region
development capital. Market analysts from Kenya, Rwanda and the rest of te region have called policy-makers to fast track the initiative or risk losing much more in terms of development. A number of experts, including regional capital markets officials under the East Africa Stock Exchanges Association (EASEA) agreed that delaying the process was costing the region more foreign capital investments needed to finance the major infrastructure projects.
The team has called on regional governments to push harder in order to implement the initiative. Representatives from the five East Africa Community member states agreed on a roadmap harmonisation of the stock markets during the 26th consultative meeting of EASEA in Kigali last week. The process has been held back for close to half a decade now. Rwabukumba said it was imperative that the project be implemented this year. She added that the move would
Kenya’s tourism industry is showing signs of recovery as the country’s West African counterparts tackle the same terror threats that have troubled the sector. The Ministry of Tourism this month launched a Sh30 million SMS campaign to support the sector as part of its recovery strategy to reinstate the tourism industry. It is expected that the SMS initiative will have a boost on domestic tourist numbers, as it supports the ongoing efforts by government to position the country’s tourist attractions to the local audience. The previous fall in international tourist numbers was caused by travel advisories driven by a spa of terrorist attacks in the region. Meanwhile, hotels across West Africa are boosting security as the threat of attacks by militant groups increases. The BBC reports that Al-Qaeda-linked militants killed 30 people last week at a top hotel in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, while in November, 20 people were killed in a similar attack in neighbouring Mali.
CBK to pump Sh4 billion into market to aid local lenders
create sustainable markets that are relevant enough to support growth of the regional economy. The Chief Executive noted that member states have agreed to consult on how to establish a strong legal framework that will guide the implementation of the regional stock markets integration process by the end of this year. “The technical working group will report back within one month if we are to meet the deadline,” Rwabukumba said after the consultative meeting just days ago. Dennis_x254
The Central Bank of Kenya moved to inject Sh4 billion into the market on Monday in a bid to help banks that are struggling amidst a tough economic environment. The CBK stated that liquidity was not evenly spread among lenders. The bank uses reverse repurchase agreements (reverse repos) to offer liquidity to banks struggling with funding on the interbank market, Reuters reports. The announcement comes just days after Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge told a news conference that high commercial bank lending rates were troubling He stated last week that liquidity was evenly distributed among banks after getting skewed following the collapse of Imperial Bank.
8
BUSINESS TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
Billionaire partners with Britain in Sh436bn pledge to eradicate malaria Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and British Chancellor George Osborne have announced Sh436 billion (£3bn) in funding over the next five years to tackle malaria. Britain will give £500m a year from its overseas aid budget whereas The Gates Foundation will donate Sh 20 billion ($200m) this year, with other donations of at least £110m to follow in the next five years. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, about 3.2 billion people, nearly half of the world’s population are at risk of malaria. In 2015, there were roughly 214 million malaria cases and an estimated 438 000 malaria deaths. Increased prevention and control measures have led to a 60 per cent reduction in malaria mortality rates globally since 2000. The Organisation has discovered that Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. Last year, the region was home to 89 per cent of malaria cases and 91 per cent of malaria deaths. The number of people dying from malaria is falling, but a child still dies from the disease every minute in Africa.
Drugs can treat malaria, and bed nets, insecticides and repellents can help stop mosquitoes, which transmit malaria, biting. However, a quarter of children in sub-Saharan Africa still live in a household with no insecticide-
of Tropical Medicine, where scientists have identified new active ingredients that could form the basis of new insecticides, Mr Osborne said: “Tackling malaria at source, working with people like Bill Gates using Great Britain’s
science to do it helps Britain’s national security as well as being the right thing to do to save lives in our world and that’s exactly the combination that I would want to see our aid budget being used to deliver.”
A child is given a vaccine trial at a clinic.
Nigerian entertainment firm closes Sh 1.9 Bn deal with French media giant Nigeria-based online entertainment start-up iROKO has closed multiple deals amounting to Sh 1.9 billion ($19 million) to beef up the company’s operations and expand across the continent. iROKO was launched in 2010 and is one of the largest online distributors of African content in the world. French media giant CANAL+, together with existing investor Kinnevik AB, are investing in addition to iROKO’s own cash flow to give the leading African tech and entertainment company the platform to scale its operations and expand aggressively across the continent. The announcement comes just as media streaming entertainment giant Netflix embarks on its expansion into the African Market. The service provider has faced some opposition in Kenya but aims to spread its reach across the globe despite these recent hurdles. iROKO will channel the investment into local content financing and production, as well as its product and engineering teams in Lagos and New York. The ambition is to produce at least
treated mosquito nets and no indoor spraying with safe, longlasting insecticides. The malaria parasite has also begun to develop resistance to currently available insecticides and drugs. Speaking at the Liverpool School
300 hours of original content in 2016, with the expectation of doubling that by 2018. This will enable the company to build on its already extensive catalogue, making it arguably one of the largest libraries of local African content. The announcement also sees Jacques du Puy, President of Canal+ Overseas, join the iROKO board. “With millions more Africans poised to come online via mobile in the coming years, our mission is to lead viewers to content they’ll love. This is something the vast majority of the continent struggles with today. Mobile phone subscriptions in Africa are almost at 1 billion and by 2019, it is predicted that smartphone handsets, with which viewers can watch content, will make up 73 per cent of the continent’s devices. Fabrice Faux, CFO of Canal+ Overseas iROKO said; “We congratulate Jason and all the iROKO team and investors for their outstanding achievement so far and we are proud to partner for the scaleup in French-Speaking Africa, with clear ambitions and the means to reach them.”
Obesity cases in Africa have doubled since 1990, says WHO Commission The number of obese children in Africa has nearly doubled since 1990, a World Health Organization (WHO) commission said in a new report. The number of overweight children in the continent has surged from 5.4 million to 10.3 million between 1990 and 2014. Child obesity “is an exploding nightmare in the developing world,” World Health organisation (WHO) commission co-chair Peter Gluckman said. Progress in tackling childhood obesity has been slow and inconsistent globally, he added. The report notes that in wealthier countries, poorer children are more likely to be obese, partly due to the relative affordability and
abundance of fatty fast foods and high-sugar snacks. However, in poorer countries the children of wealthier families are more likely to be obese, including in cultures where “an overweight child is often considered to be healthy.” If not reversed, “the obesity epidemic has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have contributed to the increased longevity observed in the world,” added the report, commissioned by the UN’s World Health Organization. Gluckman conceded that the commissions’ policy recommendations ranging from promoting healthy lifestyles to higher taxes on sugary drinks may
seem like common sense. But, the commission noted, common sense strategies have not been adequately implemented anywhere in the world, with the number of obese and overweight children under five growing from 31 million to 41 million between 1990 and 2014. The rate of increase in Asia was difficult to quantify, Gluckman said, but Asia currently accounts for nearly half of young children categorised as overweight. The report outlines biological pathways that can expose children to an elevated risk of obesity once they are born. The first, called the “mismatch” pathway, results from even subtle malnutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, which can impact gene function and make a child far more likely to excessively gain weight. WHO Director General Margaret Chan told the agency’s executive committee on Monday that “implementing the report’s recommendations will take political will and courage, as some go against the interests of powerful economic operators.”
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
ACCESS topstory
fashionscoop
11
Netflix iNsists that there are pareNtal coNtrols that will stop explicit coNteNt from spilliNg over to childreN
broadcaster. Apparently, Netflix’s content is a NO. According to KFCB, “It is explicit, vulgar and poses terror like activities,” KFCB head Ezekiel Mutua has explained that they are in discussions with Netflix to come up with the best way possible for content regulation. But Netflix insists that there are parental controls that will stop explicit content from spilling over to children. However, there seems to be more than meets the eye, given that pay television is now big business in Kenya with players like DSTV and ZUKU in mind there might be hidden hands at play.
If Netflix was to proceed and stream new and fresh content, the subscription rate for the two rival pay TV providers will at best dwindle. Nonetheless, the consumer stands to benefit given that, there will be more and new content, and due to the fact of having an additional player the cost of pay television might reduce. As boardrooms get busy with Netflix related meetings the big questions are; Is Netflix is going to ruin the good morals that we have, what measure are in place regulate it? If there are regulations to do so how feasibly are they? If they are, are they going to have
Rose Muhando attacked HOTy by deadly snake TOPICS
i
t seems the devil is hunting for singer Rose Muhando. The Tanzanian song bird was attacked by a snake at her home in Dodoma. News from Tanzania reported that Muhando was bitten by the serpent at her gate. She is currently recovering at a local hospital in Dodoma.
RIHANA
Get ready for Riri
a ROSE MUHANDO
fter a lot of teasing on the internet Rihanna has finally finished her album ANTI. Fans have been waiting for months for the R&B superstar to drop her eighth LP. And finally the wait was over after Rihanna uploaded the photo on Instagram donned with gold laced headphone saying that she is listening to ANTI.
proper effect given that the internet is full of dirt? In addition, what options of profit making are there if Netflix is to operate? And are there people afraid of losing clients hence the option not to play by the rules? Here is what KCFB chief operating officer Ezekiel Mutua said recently about regulating Netflix ““Is a sign of commitment to national values and nothing personal.” It is probably going to be a while before those whose love affair with series and flicks can chill with Netflix…the jury is still out. @duncan_x254
Do you want to record with Keri hilson ?
n
ext month one lucky Kenyan musician w i l l have a chance to record a song with Keri Hilson. The lucky musician must emerge the winner of the pan African contest courtesy of the Airtel Trace Music Awards. This s the second season of the talent search that will see numerous African countries including Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Tanzania, and Zambia all compete for the final prize.
KERI HIlSON
T WEALS AND WOES Of
wo agencies of the government are at logger heads on whether to allow Netflix to operate without restriction. Kenya Films and Communication board lead by Ezekiel Mutua is fighting to have content regulate while Communications authority thinks otherwise. What the Kenya Films and communication board KFCB is saying is simple Netflix will be selling content in Kenya and that content ought to be supervised. On the other hand Communication Authority of Kenya is saying that there is no need to regulate Netflix because it’s an online platform and not a convectional
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ART&CULTURE
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 222015 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER JANUARY 26, 2016 2014
aboutLove
Don’t unDerestimate the fun you can have just hanging out at your house
Mijikeda is among the nine tribes at the Coast Province. Child Naming is not usually a very big ceremony however a small ceremony witnessed by a few relatives and children from the neighbourhood. The naming of the baby is done during the third day the new born baby’s birth. Sweets and biscuits are distributed to the children as “Sadaka”. The Baby “ana zunguliwa” to wish him/her wellbeing and to be protected from evil. Naming of the child in Mijikenda is done in two, three ways; A child is given a name while still in the womb by a relative; for example the auntie would want the baby to be named after her if it would be a female, and if it turns out to be a male he should be called after her husband. (Kutunikiwa) if no objection from other members of the family then the naming would be through. If it turns out that some of the family members objected and proposed other names; then pieces of papers would be written all the names proposed by the relatives present during the naming ceremony, and then children would be called up on to pick each a piece of paper, the exercise is repeated three times, and the name that would be picked three times would be the name given to the new born child. The exercise is practiced to avoid gossip, favours’, etc. That can harm the baby. Another way of naming is if a relative happens to pop up in the house before the 3rd day and name the new born baby it’s accepted.
HOW TO SPEND
QuAliTy TiMe WITH YOUR PARTNER H
aving a boyfriend or girlfriend can be incredibly fun since it involves plenty of opportunities to spend time with someone you like. However, for many couples, it can be hard to find things to do without quickly going broke! Rather than get stuck going out to dinner or lavishing each other with expensive gifts to show your love, consider some of the many interesting ways to spend time with your boyfriend or girlfriend that are inexpensive (or free!), and create quality memories. If it’s early in your relationship, find out what the other person enjoys doing. You should, of course, be getting to know or already know this person fairly well, but they will certainly appreciate you taking the time to learn more about them. If money is an issue for you or your partner, don’t be shy to say so. Let them know you’d like to find things to
do together that aren’t costly. Give suggestions and ask for ideas. You may be surprised to find out that your boyfriend or girlfriend already has hobbies that are inexpensive that you can enjoy with them. Look up local activities online Go to a football, rugby or other local sports game together. Many games are played on the weekend. Or Walk around the mall and window shop. Enjoy the scenery Every community has (or is a short drive away from) walking trails, parks and other forms of beautiful scenery. Taking this in with your boyfriend and girlfriend is an inexpensive and memorable way to spend time together. Go to the park. Most cities are full of beautiful parks that are free to take advantage of. Enjoy the outdoors and don’t be afraid to be a kid again. Go for a walk, ride on the swings or just chill in the grass. You could also make lunch together and bring it to the park for a
Dear Dr X,
Is it bad to tell girlfriend I want to go meet some friends for an hour or two? Once she comes to my house she doesn’t leave till weekend finishes. I can’t get rid of her because she doesn’t see me all week. Sounds bad but I’m a guy I like to do things she doesn’t like like gym or football.
—Tommy.
romantic picnic. Take a bike tour. If you don’t have a bike, there are plenty of bike stores that will let you rent one for the day. Go for a trip. Take a drive and enjoy some of the beautiful highway scenery in the area, or spend the day in a fun city or destination that’s within a two hour distance from home. Spend Time At Home Together. Don’t underestimate the fun you can have just hanging out at your house. Learn to cook something cheap together. Watch a movie at home instead of paying big bucks for seeing one at the theater. Surprise your boyfriend or girlfriend with a romantic dinner. Find out what one of their favorite dishes is, cook it for them, and then put on one of their favorite albums before they come home.
asK Dr X
iS iT BAD TO Tell My giRlFRienD i wAnT TO SpenD TiMe wiTH My FRienDS? Dear Tommy,
The Mijikenda naming ceremony
If you want to ‘get rid of her’ for a couple of hours when you only see her weekends anyway, then this relationships not good. Its natural you want to see your friends, do your stuff and maybe ‘get rid of her’ was a bad choice of phrase. If you don’t want her there all weekend, then
say so, say you need some space, suggest she sees her friends on a Friday night and Saturday day and meet up Saturday night. I don’t know why you are apart in the week? It does sound like it’s time to let go before you resent her even more though - for both your sakes. Or find a compromise that suits you BOTH.
Dr X.
Send your agonising queries to adhyambo@x254.co
ARTSHOCK 3D FACiAl BeAuTy
B
eauty is always mesmerizing. Ancient body painting has evolved over time and currently facial make up is the norm to enhance beauty. Japanese artist Nobumichi Asai has introduced 3D facial beautification and art. His work involves digitally created designs which are projected and painted on the human face through 3D technology. Fascinating is an understatement!
11
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
FASHIONscoop
@Paris Fashion Week
UndEniably VERscE… Paris is the proud pioneer of 2016 fashion weeks. It goes without saying that with all the biggest names in fashion assembled in France for the week long extravaganza, looking anything void of high fashion has been declared an undocumented offence. This week supermodels graced multiple runways, the most outstanding one being the Versace show where their latest collection of dinner dresses blew everyone away. @mercy_x254 Take a peek. the Cut in all s. right place
Engaging the imaginative mind.
Best foot forward.
Blow things up in blue.
Purely sensational.
filmlab
BEST
Meshed up.
KUngfU Panda 3
rating: Unrated Genre: Animated comedy Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson runtime: 1 hr. 40 Min
When Po’s long-lost Panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret Panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new Panda friends. But when the villain Kai beour rating: H H H
rating: R Genre: Drama Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Goslin runtime: 2 hr. 10 Min Four townsmen in the world of high-finance predict the collapse of the credit and housing sector in the mid 2000’s and decide to play the heroes by taking on the big and intimidating banks for their greed and lack of foresight.
thE
big
shoRt
janE got a g U n Four townsmen in the world of high-finance predict the collapse of the credit and housing sector in the mid 2000’s and decide to play the heroes by taking on the big and intimidating banks for their greed and lack of foresight.
gins to sweep across China defeating all the Kung Fu masters, Po must train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas. our rating: H H H
rating: R Genre: Drama Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Goslin Runtime: 2 hr. 10 Min
our rating: H H H
claSSIFIEd TUESday, JaNUaRy 26, 2016
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WEATHERFORECAST
DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Perhaps a check you’ve been expecting hasn’t arrived on time, or maybe the bank has made a computer error regarding your account. It’s nothing that can’t be straightened out, though it’s going to be a pain making all of those phone calls. Basically, all should be going very well for you. AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A temporary setback with regard to your career might have you feeling a bit disoriented right now, Aquarius. Modern equipment of some kind might be involved. Your own determination, efficiency, and practical abilities should have it taken care of in no time.
TUESday 26/1/2016
SUNNy
MoRE SUN THaN cloUdS
25
26
26ºc 48%
WEdNESday 27/1/2016
6:40 aM 6:50pM
25ºc 56%
6:40aM 6:51pM
THURSday
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 Be prepared! Some equipment with which you work might suddenly go out of order and it could take a while to get it fixed. A temporary separation from a romantic partner could also be disappointing. You may have a lot of physical energy for which you have little immediate outlet. Take a long walk. ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Dreams or meditation may have brought up some spiritual insights and revelations for you, and you may have promptly forgotten them upon coming out of your dream or meditative state. This could prove very frustrating for you! Try writing them down even if you only remember snatches.
SuDOku
12
TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 It hasn’t, Taurus; it’s just delayed. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do but wait. Equipment you use on the job could go out of whack today, necessitating calling in a repairman. This could set your work back some and make you a bit antsy. Try to find something else to do! GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Today you’re likely to be feeling especially passionate, sexy, and desirous of a romantic encounter, Gemini. You might even have a hot date scheduled. However, don’t be surprised if it has to be postponed for reasons beyond the control of either you or your partner.
FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333
CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 She could have some other news that could come as a shock to you. A crisis on the job might make it necessary for you or your partner to spend most of the time today away from home and family. This could be frustrating, particularly if you have to cancel your plans. Hang in there!
RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.
LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Overwork and nerve strain could have you feeling a little bit under the weather today, and it might be a good idea for you to take some time alone to rest. If you can’t do that, at least try to take things easy. Some unexpected changes in your community might have your neighbors’ tongues wagging. VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 A creative project of some kind may require a larger expenditure of money, time, or other resources than you originally thought, and this could have you wondering if you’ll be able to continue with it. It might take a little corner cutting on your part, Virgo, but you should be able to complete it as planned. LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 You might have visitors, Libra, or even a hot date scheduled for tonight, but by mid-afternoon you might be feeling too tired to go through with it and wondering if you should cancel. Have coffee and snacks at home instead of going out, and get the snacks from the store! SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Deliveries you may be expecting could be delayed or held up. Today you might learn something shocking about a neighbor or relative, and gossip might spread very rapidly through your community. This could have you reeling even though it might be exaggerated. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Some good but surprising news about a group with which you may be affiliated could come your way today, Sagittarius. Perhaps fundraising activities have been more successful than you thought, or perhaps recognition is coming your way. Contracts or other legal papers might be involved.
KENYAN HITS! Dumbala Remix Msaidizi Fundamentals Mungu Baba Uwepo Wako Milele Dongo Dongo Ulibeba Sobei Cheiso Worship You Sambaza Defender Tosheka Kereka Ningwendete Queen Ahuirania Ti Mundu Ndirakurekie
KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A
GLORIA MULIRO KEN WAMARIA RUFFTONE & GSU MERCYLINAH MARION SHAKO GERALDINE ODUOR EUNICE NJERI EMMY KOSGEI BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI ALICE KAMANDE DADDY OWEN MOG DK KWENYE BEAT JOAN WAIRIMU LOISE KIM N.D GITHUKA BETTY BAYO & MR SEED SIMON
KEN4 GM4 KT4 RUFF4 LIN4 SHA4 GER4 EN4 KOS4 BMF4 KAM4 DAD4 MOG4 DK4 VAN4 LK4 GAK4 BET4 SIM4
Kinyukia Kahora
JOAN WAIRIMU
VAN4
Barua Muganga Nipe Nafasi Glory to Glory Nanena Adonai Zawadi Sitalia Tena Bongo Lala Sitalia Tena Hatarudi Nyuma Mapenzi Solo Penzi Langu Matokeo Born Again Lingala Ya Yesu Fanya Kitendo Muziki Ni Dawa Makeke Kitanzi Miss Hizo Naona Mbali Nime Wasamehe Hakuna Silaha
Ex: HC4 to 22333
BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUKUBWA SARAH KIARIE
TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4
This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies. Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.
PLAY 13 TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
CROSSWORD Across 1. Start of a Thomas A. Harris, M.D. self-help title 5. Stare rudely 9. Distinguishing feature 14. Start of a child’s request 15. Tiger Woods’ ex 16. Sentry’s stint 17. Self absorbed crazy 19. Fasten 20. Scatter seed anew 21. Get on, as a plane 23. Take-away game 25. Non-PC term for little people 30. It gets you there without a layover 33. 22nd Greek letter 35. Ray who created the McDonald’s empire 36. “Pomp and Circumstance” composer 37. Crater, for one 39. Some golf strokes 42. Concerning 43. Pimiento holder 45. Andy’s partner 47. Sacred snake 48. Money-grubbing 52. What the Kepler spacecraft is tasked to find 53. “Lord of the Rings” creature 54. ____ Mesa 57. Shipmate of Kirk 61. Complete extent 65. Golfer’s choice from 120 yards,
maybe 67. Sink unclogging brand 68. Officials on the court 69. ____ as a pin 70. Happen again 71. Scribe or script opener 72. Exercise establishments Down 1. Cake decorator 2. Ancient sorcerer 3. Yoko and namesakes 4. Japanese robe 5. Sommelier’s prefix 6. Flippant 7. 10th- to 12th-century Chinese dynasty 8. Set up a bivouac 9. Drivel 10. British fliers of WWII 11. Gun control org. 12. French adverb 13. Letters of appreciation, from a texter 18. Quick as ___ 22. Workplace cutback, in short 24. Window sticker abbr. 26. Certain monster 27. Female spider’s receptacle 28. “___ what you think!” 29. Barber’s device 30. Soviet leader Khrushchev 31. With “pee,” a rug 32. Based on the number eight 33. Heavy tread
34. Kosher, in Islam 38. Word after break or get 40. Pa. news-maker of 1979 41. Average 44. ___ set: construction toy 46. Walk pretentiously 49. Simpson trial judge 50. Claim 51. Chinese philosophy book 55. Stratum 56. Belgian imaging company 58. 1934 Nobelist Harold 59. Wander aimlessly 60. Social insects 61. Former Eur. country 62. “___ we there yet?” 63. IBM rival 64. Three-time Burmese leader 66. Sales channel
Sunday’s answers
YOURSAY Bad governance can only be cured during polls How do we promote equality and justice, uphold freedom and human rights and end conflict and corruption in Africa, particularly in Kenya? A few good leaders and the public are concerned with our chronic leadership problems such as abuse of power and corruption, among other ills, but have failed to sustain their efforts. For a long time, the common mwananchi has been cheated by politicians. It is high time we set the job descriptions and specifications, including the pay, for MCAs, MPs, governors and even the President because we are their
employer. Time for asking hard questions is now, not tomorrow. Time to stop laughing and joking about a wheelbarrow worth Sh100,000, a Sh2 million Facebook page, the NYS grand corruption and many other corruption cases is now. It is evident that some sections of the current Constitution were deliberately meant to benefit politicians. This year, we should come up with a mwananchi referendum to save ourselves. We have not heard of MCAs, senators, MPs, governors and other senior State officials threatening to
strike because they have not been paid their salaries! It’s only commoners who face such inconveniences. Why? Because politicians know how to take care of themselves! We need to ensure only servant leaders are elected. And they should never demand anything beyond what has been set by mwananchi. I predict a better future for all Kenyans if voters can stick to this. We need to make more of a heaven here, and have a longrange view of a new social order where justice prevails. — Anonymous
NTSA should do more than irregular crackdowns The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) should focus on real issues affecting the transport industry rather than concentrate on minor issues such as graffiti. NTSA should re-look into the major factors that lead to the escalating number of accidents and indiscipline among motorists and other road users. For instance, the regulator should invest in cameras that will capture offenders in real
time and make it possible for the drivers and owners to be penalised. NTSA ought to check compliance with these regulations frequently, keep a track record of offenders and lock them out of future licensing based on their past record. This would go a long way in making roads safer by increasing the levels of compliance other than waiting for crackdowns which often have to wait until
matters grow into crises. The regulator should invest more in technology-assisted policing to ensure they do not regress. As it is, there are too many public service vehicles on the roads and not enough officers to police them. And besides targeting the drivers, the law should also place sanctions against the owners of such vehicles, including locking them out of future licensing based on their past record. — Nderitu, Donholm
Has voters come of age as 2017 elections nears? Kenyans should use the 2017 General Election to prove that indeed, they have come of age. With the August 8 2017 already set by The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as the election date, Kenyans from all walks of life must decide whom they want to choose to represent them through General Elections, under their Universal rights of suffrage. Known to some or all, it’s also a defining moment, you could say, it’s the day Kenya has a date with destiny. Kenyans must not allow themselves to be sucked into this hopeless vortex of blame games and rigging rumours, for they need to exercise their rights and choose wisely. By now, the electorate should be familiar with the kind of political class that we have in the country. There are those who invoke tribal persuasions while cloaked in the thick fog of nationalism and there will be, men and women of valour whose only enticement to join politics will be to serve Kenyans diligently. Meritocracy, honesty, truthfulness and the yearning to serve Kenyans should be the
guiding planks of how we vote in the next polls. Anything short of that, will continue to suck us into the morass of tribalism, negative ethnicity and the social ills bedevil Kenya as a country. Among the many aspirants that will seek votes, are those, who will promise all sorts of thingsdangling huge promises but will sprint in a huff as soon as they are elected to office. Others will be political deadbeats looking for renewal and they will dish out huge cash and make many rhetorical promises. The peace and tranquility that Kenyans enjoy should be safeguarded at all costs, that’s why I welcome IEBC assertion that anybody who promotes violence, will be barred from contesting. On the Election Day, let Kenyans prove that indeed we have learned from our past and conduct peaceful elections that preclude any form of violence. Politicians from across the political divide should shun violence, tribal bile and any form of divisive politics among Kenyans. — Hillary, Westlands
Troops in Somalia should immediately return home It is now close to four years since Operation Linda Nchi was launched, and Kenyan troops entered Somalia to fight the al-Shabaab who had threatened our security. Our soldiers in African Union Mission to Somalia have done and continue to do a tremendous job and they deserve a pat on the back. However, the recent attack in El Adde camp in Somalia has left many dead and scores injured, and the country
grieving. The government has not helped matters by opting to remain tight-lipped on the whereabouts and the number of fallen soldiers, putting families and relatives in a precarious situation. The government and the entire security team should come up with an exit strategy for our soldiers to return home and secure our borders. The mission is already complete and we need them to secure our country by
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being deployed within our boarders and not in Somalia. The Commander-In-Chief should liaise with various security organs and adopt a plan in which our troops will come home and enjoy the peace in their mother land Kenya. Let us withdraw our soldiers and deploy them along our border with Somalia t guard against the. — Mageka, Kibra
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SPORT
Serena beats Sharapova yet again TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova for the 18th time in a row to reach the Australian Open semifinals. The American defending champion, seeded number one and chasing a 22nd Grand Slam title, saw off fifth seed Sharapova 6-4 6-1 at Melbourne Park. It is 12 years since Williams last lost to the Russian, and the world number one moves on to face fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the last four.
The Pole earlier beat Spanish 10th seed Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1 6-3. In the men’s draw, Roger Federer plays Tomas Berdych later on Tuesday before Novak Djokovic takes on Kei Nishikori. Sharapova made it a real contest for almost an hour b u t eventually
buckled under the American’s power and the second set was a one-sided affair. Williams, 34, appeared to struggle with her ball toss in the morning sunshine on Rod Laver Arena as she fell 2-0 down and was not at her best in the opening stages. The intensity ratcheted up as the set progressed with both players repeatedly yelling “Come on!” as they tried to grab the initiative. Sharapova, 28, held on valiantly in an eight-minute game to claw her way
back to 4-4, but the pressure told in game 10 and Williams clinched the set at the fourth opportunity with a volley. The world number one called for a brief visit from the doctor at the changeover, but powered on stronger than ever in the second set, making it 12 games out of 15 as she sealed victory after one hour and 32 minutes. “It was super intense,” said Williams. “She’s an incredibly intense and focused player who was world number one. “When you’re playing
someone so great you have to come out with a lot of fire and intensity. “I’ve been playing this whole week aggressive and I don’t think I started out playing that way. At the start of the second set I wanted to play the way I have been doing to get to the quarter-finals.” Sharapova said: “It’s motivating because she’s at a different level. She makes you go back to the drawing board, not just for me, but for many other players. “She makes you work. That’s inspiring.”
Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates after winning a point against Maria Sharapova of Russia during the women’s singles quarterfinal at Melbourne Park in the Australian Open. She saw off her opponent to reach the semi-finals.
SPORTS BRIEFS Drivers demand cockpit protection
Formula 1 drivers are pushing for increased cockpit head protection and higher-performance tyres from 2017. Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman Alexander Wurz said drivers unanimously agreed on the “swift implementation” of head protection. The Austrian, 41, added the drivers also concurred on wanting to “help and support Pirelli to construct a tyre fit for maximumattack racing”. Drivers dislike the existing tyres as they can rarely push flat out on them. However, they rarely speak out publicly after being warned to keep their thoughts private. Governing body the FIA has been pursuing ways of protecting drivers’ heads in open cockpits from frontal impacts for some years, but the issue has come into sharper focus following a series of deaths across motorsport.
England face battle to avoid defeat
South Africa need a further seven wickets on the fifth day for a consolation victory in the final Test after reducing England to 52-3. Needing 382 to win, or to survive four sessions to draw, England lost Alex Hales, Alastair Cook and Nick Compton inside 10 overs in Centurion. Kagiso Rabada, who claimed 7-112 in the first innings, took two wickets. Earlier, South Africa declared on 248-5, thanks to Hashim Amla’s 96 and an unbeaten 78 from Temba Bavuma. No side has chased more than 251 to win at SuperSport Park, and, given the uneven bounce on a deteriorating pitch, South Africa will reasonably expect to claim victory for a 2-1 series defeat.
Ramires to leave Chelsea for China Chelsea midfielder Ramires is close to a move to Chinese side Jiangsu Suning. The 28-year-old, signed from Benfica for about £17m in 2010, is expected to join the Super League side for a fee which could reach £25m. Ramires signed a new four-year deal in October 2015 but has only started seven Premier League games in a campaign in which the Blues have struggled. Jiangsu finished ninth in China’s top tier in 2015 and are managed by former Blues defender Dan Petrescu. They also won the Chinese Cup in 2015 - the biggest honour in their history. In his time at Stamford Bridge, Ramires has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Europa League.
AFC Leopard defender Saleh joins Gor Mahia AFC Leopards defender Jackson Saleh has quit the den for archrivals Gor Mahia. Sources at the League Champions said the Ingwe captain has been training with them for a while now and that only a few details are pending before the move is completed. The raid will further fuel the rivalry between the two sides and leave the den further weakened with most of their players having moved to other teams. Both influential midfielder Bernard Mang’oli and right-back Noah Wafule have decamped to coastal side Bandari in the last one month. Saleh’s addition will meanwhile strengthen a Gor mahia defense which already boast of internationals Harun Shakava and Musa Mohamed. Saleh follows
in the footsteps of his former teammate at the den Jacob Keli who joined Kogallo a fortnight ago. Gor has also recently signed David Ochieng to bolster their backline. Ochieng has been unattached since his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Tawoon ended last June. While Gor has also lost players with top marksman Michael Olunga moving to Sweden, they have made valuable additions to the squad. Olunga’s attacking partner at the national team Jacob Keli has replaced him at the Green Army while former Kenyan International Francis Kahata has been brought in to bolster their attacking options from the midfield. Peter_x254
SPORT 15 TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016 Shivam Vinayak holds his trophy during the Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2012. He has announced his return to motocross after a two-year sabbatical.
Rider Shivam to make a return to Motocross Multiple MX1 Motocross Champion Shivam Vinayak will return to the racing track this weekend after a two year sabbatical. Shivam will take part in the opening round of the 2016 Kenya National Motocross Championship season opening race which gets underway at Jamhuri Park on Sunday. Shivam who has been taking part in the Rally Raid and Enduro Championships says the thrill of racing motocross cannot be replaced, hence his return. “It has been over two years since my last race and I haven’t ridden at the track
ever since,” he said. “I will be riding in the MX 1 class using my Kawasaki 450F. Having completed my studies, I would like to announce my return to Motocross,” added the rider who has since completed his Dentistry degree from the University of Nairobi. This year’s championship will also see other riders in various classes move up to higher classes. Outgoing champion Ngugi Waweru is moving up from Mx125 to MX2. Ethan Nyachae who is the outgoing Mx85 champion is moving up to MX125 while Kit Garner will stay in MX50 same as
Jet Takkunen, Dekker Kihara, Mali Nyachae, Nandi Kiplagat and Rafe Garner who will also stay in MX65 rank. Jaiden Takkunen and Neo Wahome will graduate to MX50 to MX65 categories respectively. Notable absentee in MX1 is Apollo Mbuki and Ivan Guya. Guya is away in England for further studies while Apollo who represented Kenya in the regional FIM Africa CAC at Jamhuri is rising professionally in the USA. There will be continuous racing from the early morning practice to the official heats which end at 4pm on Sunday. elvince_x254
Klopp banking on record to reach League Cup finals Manager Jurgen Klopp will be banking on Liverpool’s near-perfect record at Anfield when his side welcome Stoke City for the return leg of the League Cup semi-finals tonight.The Reds lead 1-0 from the first leg and will hope their perfect record against their opponents will help them advance to the final. “I’ve heard about the special atmosphere at Anfield in semi-finals and I am really looking forward to it. Let’s take the whole power of LFC and take it to the final,”
Klopp (pictured below) said ahead of the encounter. “Reaching a final is great, but at the end it is only memorable when you win it and that is what you have to do. You should not waste the opportunity of winning something and I know for the players it is really important - they really want to go to the final.” Defender Jon Flanagan could make his first start since May 2014 as the host could be without right-back Nathaniel Clyne
(knee), while defender Dejan Lovren is not fully fit and centre-back Steven Caulker is cup tied. Stoke will be missing captain Ryan Shawcross (back), but forwards Marko Arnautovic and Bojan Krkic could start. Geoff Cameron (ankle) is still not fit. Jordon Ibe’s goal in the first leg at the Britannia Stadium gives Liverpool the advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield, with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp hoping to reach a major cup final less than four months after taking charge of the club. But his opposite number Mark Hughes insist his team will not let it go easily. “We are going to really push for it. You always remember cup finals and semifinals because of the excitement and the atmosphere and we want to make it a night to remember. “Hopefully come 10pm on Tuesday we will be in the final of this competition for the first time in 40-odd years, and I will be reminding the players of that before kick-off.”
tuesday, JaNuaRy 26, 2016 | www.x254.co
liverpool boss jurgen klopp banking on anfield record to see off stoke
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Cameroon faces Ivory Coast C
Cameroon players celebrate scoring a goal in a previous match. The team yesterday beat DR Congo to set up a quarter final clash with Ivory Coast at CHAN
ameroon yesterday beat DR Congo 3-1 to set a mouth-watering clash with African giants Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championships in Rwanda. The Indomitable Lions advanced to the last eight as Group B winners, with DR Congo going through as runners-up. Yazid Atouba made it 1-0 to Cameroon just before half-time but Jean Makusu equalised straight after the break. Nicolas Moumi restored Cameroon’s lead on 50 minutes and Samuel Nlend sealed the victory with a chipped finish 13 minutes later. It means Cameroon will play Ivory Coast in the next round. The Ivorians were runners-up in Group A after losing to hosts Rwanda who topped the group. DR Congo will face the hosts in another quarter-final game. Both games will be played on Saturday. Angola beat Ethiopia 2-1 in Monday’s other Group B game to record their first points of the tournament as both sides bowed out. Goals by Papel and Manuel Alfonso gave Angola a 2-0 lead and they saw off a threatened comeback from Ethiopia, who pulled a goal back through Tesfaye, to end their tournament on a high note. @peter_x254
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