20160104 xnews

MONday, JANUARY 4, 2016 | www.x254.co

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Cord vows to challenge law change in court Opposition’s musyoka accuses the executive of trying to take control of the judiciary through an amendment which allows the president to appoint the chief justice

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NEWS

Gary Neville’s Valencia dents real madrid title hopes with a draw

teenager dele alli shines for spurs in draw with everton

PS demands list of schools charging parents extra fees

Story On Page 2

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang when he spoke at Mtihani House last year. He has ordered county directors of education to furnish his office with the list of schools which have increased their levies beyond the guidelines issued by the ministry. He warned that action will be taken against them.

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Kenyans list corruption, insecurity as top concerns Kenyans have listed corruption and insecurity as the top issues they want the government to tackle in 2016. The ailing health sector is also another problem Kenyans want the government to address this year.

Members of the public who spoke to Capital FM News said they want government officials accused of corruption to be prosecuted and their illegally acquired wealth repossessed.

“The corrupt people should be arrested if the government is serious,” Ronald Ombisi, a resident of Nairobi said.

Another attributed the ailing economy to corruption. “We want the money reclaimed; NYS and Eurobond money should be reclaimed and channelled to better use.” They urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to do more in the war against graft and ensure all those found guilty don’t serve in the public sector again to deter the vice.

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NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

State demands list of schools amid protests of extra levies on parents The government has directed that it be supplied with the list of schools that have imposed extra levies on parents as it steps up efforts to take action against schools heads who have increased school fees in disregard of guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education last year.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has directed all County Directors to submit lists of all public secondary schools that have flouted the fees guidelines.

In a circular dated January 3, 2016, Kipsang asked the officials to furnish his office with the list by 4pm today.

He emphasized that the gazetted fees ceilings took effect from January last year and schools are expected to spread the payments over three school terms.

Kipsang further instructed the directors to ensure that no public secondary school under their jurisdiction violated the gazetted fees.

“Reference is made to Gazette Notice No. 1555 dated March 10, 2015 and a circular to all county directors of education dated February 20, 2015 on school fees payable in public secondary schools with details of vote heads, Government subsidy, and fees payable by parents,” reads the circular.

He said appropriate action should also be taken on schools charging beyond the recommended amounts and without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary.

“These fees ceilings took effect from

BURDENED: A parent carries a mattress in the streets of Nairobi as she escorts her son back to school. Parents countrywide are grappling with high schools fees even as the Education Ministry steps up efforts to rein in school heads who have imposed extra levies.

January 5, 2015 and schools were expected to spread these fees over the three school terms at the ratio of 50:30:20. It has come to the notice of the ministry that some schools have disregarded the fees guidelines

and set their own structures hence continuing to burden parents with extra levies.”

The Kenya National Association of Parents was today expected to present a petition to Education

Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, demanding the arrest of a number of County Education Directors over inflated secondary school fees.

The association’s Secretary General Musau Ndunda had accused the

Garissa University College reopens A police officers inspects staff upon their arrival at the Garissa University College when it reopened on Monday, January 4, 2016, some nine months after the killing of 147 people in April 2015. The attack was carried out by al-Shabaab forcing its closure.

A police post has been established on the campus to guarantee the safety of students and staff.

Staff reported to work today while students are due to return to classes anytime from Monday next week.

directors of incompetence, saying secondary schools continue to increase fees under their watch, contrary to a government directive.

He urged the government to take charge of the education sector since ‘mercenaries’ have taken over.

Some of the added costs will cater for tea, hot water, extra-curricular activities and an education motivation fund among others.

The said schools have doubled their school fees while ignoring the gazetted fee structure and government capping.

For instance, in Busia County, he said the students have been required to contribute money to an account called Kenya Secondary School Heads Association.

He said that some of the schools are charging as high as Sh100,000 per term in fees.

The gazetted school fees structure requires children attending boarding schools to pay Sh26,750 in first term, Sh16,050 in second term and Sh10,700 during third term.

For those attending day schools, they are supposed to pay Sh4,600 in first term Sh2,500 second term and Sh800 in the third term.

He urged Parliament to empower the Education Cabinet Secretary to take charge of the Teachers Service Commission which he says has encouraged impunity in the education sector.

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Corruption tops list of concerns for Kenyans From Page 1 “The president has already started the war, the push should continue until we are free from the vice,” another city resident who sought anonymity said.

Roselyn Wambui said she wants the government to improve the status of the Kenyatta National Hospital more so, “the accident and emergency department. The situation there is appalling.”

The County Government of Nairobi was also put on spot “because of garbage and poor infrastructure. The main roads are okay but when you go far off let’s say to Nairobi West the state of roads is appalling and it’s dirty. ” Although there has been a significant improvement in the security sector, Kenyans want more measures put in

place to seal all loopholes while investing more on intelligence gathering.

The government should invest largely on intelligence and ensure information is acted on every time is received,” another said.

In his New Year message, President Kenyatta said Kenya is a stronger nation despite the challenges faced in 2015, where he appealed to all Kenyans to help restore the country’s national pride.

“Together, we have worked hard towards the promise of a truly free, peaceful and prosperous Kenya. Together, we have continued to entrench the value of patriotism, integrity and hard work and to strengthen our commitment to a just, transparent, accountable and inclusive society.”

NEWS 3

We’ll challenge ‘unconstitutional amendments’ in court, vows Cord MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) has vowed to move to court to challenge the constitutionality of changes in the law that require the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to give the President three nominees for the post of Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.

Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed that President Uhuru Kenyatta wants to turn Judiciary into a parastatal where he can have free hand in the appointment of the Chief Justice.

Kalonzo said the Executive plans to interfere with the independence of the Judiciary through the recently passed Miscellaneous Amendment Act on section 30 of the Judicial Service Commission Act regarding the appointment of the Chief Justice.

“What we are seeing is total interference of the independence of the Judiciary by the Executive, it is a situation that will make the Judiciary appear like a parastatal where the President chooses who should lead it,” Kalonzo said. In the recently passed Miscellaneous Amendments Act, the Judicial Service Act Section 30 has been amended in the CJ’s appointment requiring three names be forwarded to the President, who then appoints the CJ. Further, the President now has control over

GUNS BLAZING: Cord coprincipal and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed President Uhuru Kenyatta wants to turn the Judiciary into a parastatal.

the two deputy inspectors-general of police and Director of Criminal Investigations.

The Act repeals the National Police Service Act 2011 at Section 13 by removing Parliament’s role. “The independence of the Judiciary can never be compromised by anybody including the President,” Kalonzo said.

Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’ admitted that there was no proper scrutiny of the by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee before the Bill was passed by Parliament.

Kajwang’, who is also a member of the com-

New changes to law target 2017 elections, says lobby A lobby group has warned that the country risks plunging into chaos should the 2017 presidential election be disputed.

This is after the National Assembly made changes to the National Police Service Act, 2011 and Judiciary Service Act to give the president express authority to appoint the Inspector General of Police, his two deputies and the next Chief Justice.

The Coalition for Constitution Implementation Kenya (CCI-Kenya) said both the police and the Judiciary were key players in the electoral process and should not be compromised; as no one will have faith to turn to the two critical organs if one contender has an upper hand in constituting them ahead of 2017 general elections polls.

In a strong-worded press statement sent to newsrooms, CCI Kenya Convener, Cidi Otieno termed the changes “unconstitutional” and cautioned that if implemented, they may have far-reaching consequences on the credibility of the outcome of the 2017 polls.

“CCI Kenya wishes to bring to the attention of the president and the National Assembly to Article 160 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 that states that the Judiciary is independent and shall be subject only to the Constitution and the law and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority,” read the press statement.

“Furthermore, the Judicial Authority is derived from the people as per article 159 of the Constitution” it added.

They argue that if the president is allowed to interfere with independence of the constitutional offices, then Kenyans risks losing the constitutional gains they have made so far.

“CCI Kenya is, therefore, asking the Civil Society, Social Movements, Opposition Parties and Kenyans to defend the integrity of the Constitution,” noted Otieno.

On the amendment of the National Police Service Act 2011, the lobby group said that the National Assembly had politicised the service, saying that the amendment will compromise its ability to act in a no-partisan manner as required by law.

“CCI Kenya further contends that if the president is allowed to interfere with the security organs then it will go against Article 239 of the Constitution which states that on performing their functions and exercising their powers, the national security organs and every member of the national security organs shall not act in a partisan manner.”

“The powers to appoint any officer within the National Police Service is a preserve of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) pursuant to Article 246,” he said.

mittee shared the blame among all the committee members, saying they shouldn’t have left the amendments to pass.

“I don’t want to engage in blame game at the moment because it has already happened, it’s true we did not do proper scrutiny of the Bill as required,” Kajwang’ said. The legislator, however, said all is not lost and the decision can be challenged in court if it’s deemed unconstitutional. “As Cord, we challenged the Security Amendment Bill and the justice was done, the same can be done with this one too,”

Kajwang said. He said when the independence of the Judiciary is taken, the country risks plunging into unnecessary chaos due to the bias judgment that will be delivered by judges.

“We must treat this matter seriously because one of the important arms of the government is the Judiciary, thousands of people seek justice in courts and if the independence cannot be guaranteed then we’re staring at a crisis,” Kajwang said.

Already the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Cord have said they will move to court to challenge the constitutionality of the amendments.

“Cord is going to go to court to challenge the constitutionality of every unconstitutional bill that has been passed and assented to by the President,” said Cord co-principal and Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula.

“In fact, the first we are taking to court is the one on the Auditor General because we believe that the intention of weakening the office of the Auditor General and to create parallel centres of authority within that office is to whitewash and sweep under the carpet the many national accountability scandals that are rocking the country, including National Youth Service, Eurobond, Standard Gauge Railway, laptops, the road sector, devolution money, name it,” said Wetang’ula.

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NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

NEWS BRIEFS

Police launch probe into death of Burundian

Police are investigating the killing of a Burundian national whose body was found on an open field with stab wounds in Nairobi. Jean de Dieu Kabura who lived along Wanyee Road in Nairobi’s Dagoretti area was found unconscious on New Year along Kinyanjui Road. It is not clear who attacked him, said Dagoretti Division head of DCI Joseph Ondoro. Ondoro said Dieu was found at the scene by pedestrians and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. “We don’t know who attacked him but a probe has been opened to get the attackers and establish their motive,” he said. Activists in Burundi have been posting information on social media claiming that Dieu was killed over the ongoing unrest in his country. But Ondoro said they do not know if Dieu belonged to any political parties engaged in power struggles in Burundi. Police are also seeking to establish if the victim was a refugee.

Former PM Touadera leads CAR vote count Results from the Central African Republic presidential election show former Prime Minister Faustin Touadera has a surprise lead with a quarter of votes counted.

Thirty candidates contested the poll, which is likely to go to a run-off on 31 January.

He was prime minister in the government of ex-President Francois Bozize, ousted in 2013 by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels. The country has since been wracked by conflict alogn religious lines.

More than a quarter of the population has been forced from their homes. Voting took place on 30 December, with UN troops guarding polling stations. Touadera has more than 23 per cent of votes counted so far with his nearest rival, Anicet Georges Dologuele, another former prime minister, on around 13 per cent, according to electoral officials quoted by the AFP news agency.

Saudi Arabia breaks off ties with Iran over execution row Saudi Arabia says it has broken off diplomatic ties with Iran, amid a row over the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir was speaking after demonstrators had stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and 46 others were executed on Saturday after being convicted of terror-related offences.

Mr Jubeir said that all Iranian diplomats must leave Saudi Arabia within 48 hours.

Saudi Arabia was recalling its diplomats from Tehran, he said.

Mr Jubeir said Saudi Arabia would not let Iran undermine its security, accusing it of having “distributed weapons and planted terrorist cells in the region”.

“Iran’s history is full of negative interference and hostility in Arab issues, and it is always accompanied by destruction,” he told a news conference.

US state department spokesman John Kirby said: “We will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions”. “We believe that diplomatic engagement and direct conversations remain essential,” he said.

Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that the Sunni Muslim kingdom would face “divine revenge” for the execution - an act which also angered Shia Muslims elsewhere in the Middle East.

Ayatollah Khamenei called Sheikh Nimr a “martyr” who had acted peacefully. Protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran late on Saturday, setting fire to the building before being driven back by police.

The Saudi foreign ministry said none of its diplomats had been harmed in the incident. Iran is Saudi Arabia’s main regional rival - they back opposing sides in the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Relations between the countries have been strained over various issues in recent

CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY: Burundian police descend on a boy on the streets on Bujumbura. US has advised its citizens to leave the country as killings escalate.

EXECUTION PROTESTS: Angry demonstrators carrying the placards with portraits of the executed cleric Nimr alNimr chant anti-Iran slogans. The demonstrators yesterday stormed Saudi embassy in Tehran demanding action.

decades, including Iran’s nuclear programme and deaths of Iranians at the Hajj pilgrimage in 1987 and again in 2015. Most of the 47 people executed by Saudi Arabia were Sunnis convicted of involvement in al-Qaeda-linked terror attacks over the last decade.

Sheikh Nimr was involved in antigovernment protests that erupted in Saudi Arabia in the wake of the Arab

Spring, up to his arrest in 2012.

The execution sparked new demonstrations in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, where Shia Muslims complain of marginalisation, as well as in Iraq, Bahrain and several other countries.

The top Shia cleric in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani denounced the execution as an “unjust aggression”.

The leader of Lebanon’s Shia

Hezbollah movement, Hassan Nasrallah, launched his sharpest attack yet on the Saudi ruling family on Sunday, accusing them of seeking to ignite a Shia-Sunni civil war across the world. He said the blood of Sheikh Nimr would “plague the Al Saud (family) until the Day of Resurrection”, prompting cries of “Death to the Al Saud!” among an audience watching his address.

Trump defends Muslim ban call after al-Shabaab film Leading Republican candidate Donald Trump has again defended his call for a ban on Muslims entering the US after it was used in a propaganda video by Somali militant group al-Shabaab.

The Republican presidential hopeful said people had praised his courage in truthfully highlighting a “problem” that others preferred to ignore.

“Now people are getting involved” in the issue, he told CBS News.

Trump’s call, after a shooting in the US, has been widely condemned.

Other Republicans, the White House, and the British Prime Minister David Cameron were highly critical of the comments, which followed the San Bernardino massacre, in which 14 people died.

Democratic presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Mr Trump’s rhetoric was turning him into the “best recruiter” for the Islamic State militant group.

A propaganda video by Al-Shabaab, used a clip of Trump repeating his

call at a campaign rally last month.

During an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation programme, to be shown on Sunday, Trump was questioned over how his comments had been framed by al-Shabaab as an incentive for Muslims to join holy war.

“Look, there’s a problem,” he said. “I bring it up.

Other people have called and say you have guts to bring it up because frankly it’s true and nobody wants to get involved.

“People that are on different persuasions than me right now are saying, you know, maybe Trump isn’t wrong. We want to examine it.”

The video, released by al-Shabaab’s media wing, also urges AfricanAmericans to convert to Islam and take part in holy war.

It says racism, police brutality and anti-Muslim sentiment are rife in the US. In recent years, several Somali-Americans from Minnesota have gone to fight for al-Shabaab in Somalia.

NEWS 5 MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries Why 2016 is a make or School heads warned Sh130 million seized at Real estate, bond break year for Uhuru: on charging high fees: NYS suspects’ homes investors earn highest With less than two years to the August Public schools re-open from Monday vanishes: A suspect in the Sh791 gains in 2015: Real estate 2017 elections, President Uhuru Kenyatta for the first term as the Government sets is under pressure to fulfil most of the Jubilee Coalition promises this year. The promises made ahead of the 2013 elections will be a key campaign issue for 2017, with heightened political activity expected this year. Uhuru will be under pressure to show Kenyans the multi-billion-shilling projects the government is involved in have any benefit for the mwananchi.

the stage for a review of the curriculum.

Yesterday, Deputy President William Ruto asked secondary school heads to stop charging extra fees outside those specified and approved by the Ministry of Ed ucation. He also warned that disciplinary action will be taken against school heads who will defy the directive.

million National Youth Service scandal has claimed that millions seized by police at the homes of her colleagues were not declared. Speaking on the basis of being knowledgeable on what transpired during the raid, the suspect Jane Wangeci Gichuki, who is also among those already arraigned in court, questioned the circumstances under which the cash seized ‘disappeared’.

Jubilee eyes Coast votes: Plan to give governors Uncertainty grips The ruling Jubilee Coalition has its education sector as eyes firmly on the Coast, a region that Sh11 billion for schools: voted overwhelmingly for Cord at the Counties will receive an additional Sh16 schools open: Five emerging billion in the next financial year to pay last general election. Over the weekend, Deputy President William Ruto pitched tent in the region, where it emerged that Jubilee is slowly but steadily gaining popularity. During a meeting of opinion leaders presided over by the DP at Pwani University on Saturday, several elected politicians threw their support behind the Jubilee government and expressed interest in joining it to form the next government.

salaries, rehabilitate schools within their jurisdictions and improve village polytechnics. The recommendation by the Commission on Revenue Allocation could give governors more say in the education sector beyond nursery schools as they can now influence how schools will be rehabilitated.

issues in the education sector may impact negatively on performance of the public education system as schools reopen today unless they are thrashed out well.

These are exorbitant fees charged by public secondary schools in violation of government guidelines, increase in cost of text books, stalled pay talks with teachers and disputes over Form One selection formula.

investors and buyers of Treasury and corporate bonds emerged the biggest gainers in a year of unpredictable economic outcomes that saw commodity prices and stock market take a nose dive. Real estate investors were however the biggest beneficiaries of the fickle markets, taking home double-gift returns by some estimates.

Schools take advantage of Kaimenyi loophole to raise fees: Secondary schools are

taking advantage of a loophole in the fees guidelines issued by former Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi to raise charges above the recommended ceilings, piling financial burden on parents who also have to pay higher prices for books and uniforms. The fees guidelines, however, allowed schools to charge Form2, 3 and 4 students extra fees for ongoing infrastructure projects.

New bill to clip Knec Ruto case to resume We are pursuing leads Kerosene, cooking gas exam powers: The Kenya as ICC recess ends: The on teenagers’ New and travel to cost more National Examinations Council will no International Criminal Court return Year road accident, say in VAT regime: Motorists, longer have sweeping powers to cancel, from winter recess today, 10 days before and airlines are set to feel police: Police and NTSA have said households nullify or withhold national examinations the oral hearings in the no-case to answer the pinch from September when the results if Parliament enacts a proposed law. The Kenya National Examinations Amendment Bill 2015 seeks to establish a Tribunal to review Knec’s decisions in the administration of national examinations.

The Bill has been published and is due for its Second Reading in the Senate. The Tribunal will give candidates dissatisfied with Knec a window to appeal.

motion filed by Deputy President William Ruto. Last year, the Court rescheduled oral hearings from November 24 and 25 to January 14 and 15 in The Hague. “The Chamber hereby … moves the hearing dates to 14 ND 15 January 2016, being the earliest possible dates following the courts’ move to the permanent premises,” the judges said.

they are investigating how a vehicle owned by a police officer ended up in the hands of teenagers, who perished in a road accident on the eve of New Year. The five teenagers died at Salgaa in Nakuru County after the vehicle rammed into a bus at the notorious black spot. Police yesterday said no action has been taken against the Njoro based AP officer.

government starts levying value added tax (VAT) on fuel, kerosene, cooking gas and jet fuel. The prices of these items will go up by 16 per cent following the expiry of a three-year period when they were exempted from the tax in what look set to deny Kenyans the benefits of rock bottom crude oil costs.

Top stories from X News global partners Suspected UK extremist Battleground Shifts as Global inflation; a tale Saudis sever diplomatic and English-Speaking Obama Is Set to Act on of two worlds: Ever since the ties with Iran: Saudi Arabia boy warn of attacks in Gun Control: With President financial crisis of 2008, forecasters have on Sunday severed ties with Iran the horizon for the next big in the escalating dispute over the Isis clip: An extremist suspected to Obama poised to act on his own authority scanned disruption. There are plenty of candidates execution of a Shia cleric by Riyadh

be British and a young English-speaking boy have appeared in a new Islamic State propaganda video that appears to show the murder of five hostages accused of being UK spies. The 11-minute footage, which was released by the Isis media wing, includes a “message for David Cameron”, read by a masked man with a British-sounding accent who threatens attacks in the UK. Standing behind five kneeling hostages in orange jumpsuits, the unknown extremist repeatedly points a gun at the camera while claiming to be preparing an invasion of Isis fighters in Europe. www.theguardian.com

to try to stem gun violence, his gun control allies are using big-money donors and shifting tactics to try to remake the political landscape in the national gun debate, challenging and sometimes even besting the powerful National Rifle Association in state-by-state battles.

The newfound momentum reflects a strategy to steer clear of a Republican-led Congress that has proved unwilling to touch existing federal gun laws after years of intense lobbying on both sides of the debate. Gun control groups have secured tens of millions of dollars to spend www.nytimes.com

for 2016. China’s economy, whose might acted as a counterweight to the slump in the rich world in the years after the crisis, is now itself a worry. Other emerging markets, notably Brazil, remain in a deep funk. The sell-off in the high-yielddebt market in December has prompted fears of a broader re-pricing of corporate credit this year. Yet one worry is absent: financial markets are priced for continued low inflation or “lowflation”. A synthetic measure puts expected consumer-price inflation in America in five years’ time at around 1.8%.

and the consequent storming of the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Saudi Arabia executed 47 people on Saturday for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, including Al-Nimr, triggering riots at Riyadh’s embassy in Tehran.

As the diplomatic crisis between the regional rivals escalated, Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference that Iran’s diplomatic mission and related entities in Saudi Arabia had been given 48 hours to leave.

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BUSINESS

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

Negawatt Challenge to provide energy solutions in continent African countries have been encouraged to provide energy solutions through an international competition dubbed The Negawatt Challenge.

The latest installment of the event convened winners from local challenge competitions in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania to compete at the Smart City Expo World Congress, an event that seeks to highlight innovations within the tech sector.

A majority of the teams from the aforementioned countries sought to tackle electricity consumption demand issues faced by their respective cities. Tanzania-based STIC Labs emerged the Negawatt global winner at the recentlyconcluded Smart City Expo World Congress 2015. The group was lauded for developing a water efficiency system that monitors consumption and revenue making, as well as providing data on consumption.

The Negawatt Challenge, which is organised by the World Bank’s Transport and ICT global practice, aims to empower tech and IT

Negawatt teams enjoying their study tour training at Startupbootcamp Barcelona which was held before the pitch competition.

communities to be creative and innovate around urban resource efficiency issues, such as lack of sustainable supply of electricity and water, thus fostering greener growth in their cities.

“Negawatt provides a platform to engage budding entrepreneurs, together with policymakers and other stakeholders in identifying

the most pressing city-level resource efficiency challenges; and to build capacity of the high-potential entrepreneurs to develop technically feasible and commercially viable software and hardware solutions in response to the challenges identified,” reads a statement from the Bank.

The Negawatt Challenge also

fosters peer-to-peer learning, use of open government data, and cross-fertilisation of knowledge across all the cities involved. Since its start in 2015, the Negawatt Challenge has supported a number of digital innovations, which actively leverage data analytics, sensors, cloud computing, mobile platforms, and location services.

BuSINESS DIARY Suits & Tech networking event at the Urban Eatery The Fifth Edition of Suits and Tech, a networking event for entrepreneurs, will be held at the Urban Eatery along Waiyaki Way on Wednesday, January 15, 2016.

The affair serves as a networking platform for designers, developers, investors, entrepreneurs and those who aspire to interact

with like-minded peers as well as those who seek to pursue a tech start-up idea and grow their existing businesses.

Those attending will get the chance to meet experienced professionals, investors, successful entrepreneurs and experts who will share their wisdom and advice. The event kicks off at 6pm.

Hub East Africa launches entrepreneurs’ programme The Hub East Africa has launched its latest edition of ‘Hubcubation’ an intensive 6-month programme that seeks to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and gain a competitive edge by building a strong and stable customer base.

Hubcubation is set up as a program for starting entrepreneurs whose business has been in operation for less than 2 years.

The group’s methodology guides entrepreneurs through the commercialisation of their enterprise. The programme will run from Friday, January 15, to Sunday, July 31.

Applicants are advised to visit ‘thehubeastafrica.com’ for details. Applications must be made through a sign-up form available from the site before 15 January, 2016. The programme starts on 1 February.

Somalia housing boom as city emerges from war ashes Somalia’s new housing estates are on high demand following the return of Diaspora Somalis as wealthy business owners capitalise on the relative peace in the city.

Builders have confirmed that new homes are springing up just some seven kilometres outside Mogadishu in a formerly rural area.

Mohamed Abdullahi Ali, from Salaam Somali Bank, said it was a “great honour”

to back the estimated Sh2 billion ($20 million) project.

The construction of the houses began in early last year and the project was touted as offering commercial returns and helping rebuild the nation.

“It is a new neighbourhood for all Somalis to buy affordable homes, by leaving the densely populated neighbourhoods of Mogadishu, and to come and stay with families here,”

Ali said.

“According to our plan, we are going to build 500 homes that can cover the residential needs for 500 families in the first stage, and then will construct more houses.”

Somalia’s sophisticated colonial villas were left in ruins by two decades of street fighting among warlords, and the seaside capital Mogadishu was dubbed the most dangerous city in the world.

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Equity Group scholarships up for grabs as application period draws to a close The Equity Group Foundation has announced that 2,000 comprehensive scholarships will be available for needy but bright students this year.

The comprehensive secondary school scholarships under the Equity Group Foundation’s Wings To Fly Programme will provide financial and related relief to academic achievers from financially-constrained backgrounds who would otherwise not afford to join Form 1 without financial support.

The Group made the announcement ahead of the release of the 2015 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education results last month.

Beyond school fees settlements, the unique Wings To Fly programme scholarships caters for transport, pocket money, shopping, books and uniform costs for students countrywide, through their fouryear secondary school education.

Speaking when she confirmed the Wings To Fly 2016 Class, the Foundation’s Managing Director, Ms Hellen Gichohi said the release of the KCPE results automatically opened the application period for the programme running from December 30 till January 6.

This year, the eligibility cut off points for students wishing to be considered for the Wings To Fly Comprehensive scholarship has been set at 350 marks.

“We encourage the potential applicants, as soon as the results are announced, to present themselves to the nearest Equity Bank Branch or Equity Agent with their KCPE result slips and a letter of introduction from their respective head teachers confirming their results to be issued with the Scholarships Application forms,” Ms Gichohi said.

She said shortlisted students will be invited for interviews which will be conducted by the Equity Group Foundation Regional Scholarship Selection Board (RSSB).

The RSSB comprises of at least 12 local community stakeholders, two of who must be women, including chiefs, educationists, civil society leaders, Equity Agent representatives and religious leaders.

BUSINESS 7

Eliminate gender inequality: World Bank MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

The World Bank’s Kenya branch has reiterated the need for eliminating gender inequality as a means to fight poverty and drive development.

The group has recently highlighted the bank’s ongoing moves to bolster development in Kenya and across the globe.

Closing persistent gender gaps is vital to boosting sustainable growth and ending poverty by 2030, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has said.

In a statement released in early 2015, Jim Yong Kim called for scaled-up efforts to expand

M-Pesa cross border transactions hit Sh17 billion in four years Safaricom’s M-Pesa cross border transactions have hit Sh17 billion four years since the service was introduced, signalling the potential for mobile money transfers in facilitating international remittances and business transactions.

Safaricom Director for Financial Services Betty Mwangi said the uptake of M-Pesa cross border transfers has been growing, and the firm anticipates more customers will sign up as they appreciate the speed, safety and security that the service offers.

“As a firm we are anticipating more clients as they appreciate the safety and security of the service that we are offering both in inbound and outbound transactions,” said Mwangi.

She linked the growth to the issuance of new money remittance license by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) that opened doors for M-pesa to facilitate outward cash transfers services which was previously restricted to cash inflows only.

Safaricom signed its first international mobile money transfer agreement with the Western Union in 2011 which was followed by another agreement with Money Gram in 2014, allowing the firm to it to tap a chunk of transaction commissions from international remittances.

Regionally, the telco launched M-Pesa cross border services in Tanzania in February after acquiring a cash remittance operating licence from Central Bank of Kenya in 2014, followed by a similar launch in Rwanda in May and another one in Uganda last month.

The availability of the M-Pesa services in neighbouring countries was signed by Vodacom (Tanzania) and MTN (Uganda and Rwanda).

women’s access to good jobs, assets, and infrastructure.

The President has since urged governments across the continent to hasten such initiatives through sustainable reforms.

“Economic growth is the most powerful tool we have for realizing a world free of poverty. The world economy needs to grow faster and more sustainably,” he told a panel alongside the Third International Conference on Financing for Development.

“It needs inclusive growth that promotes

opportunity for all, and that requires the full participation men and women,” he added.

Aid targeting gender equality has risen in recent years, contributing to significant gains in health and education in many countries. But aid aimed at leveling the playing field for women remains low in what the OECD calls the “economic and productive sectors” of transport and storage, communications, energy, banking and business, industry, mining, construction, and trade.

Women’s jobs in these sectors are lower-paying and less secure. Globally, they still earn less,

own less, run smaller businesses, employ fewer people, and create fewer jobs than men, and they remain vastly more vulnerable to poverty. They are also far less likely than men to have access to a bank account, mobile money provider, or other financial service, according to a recent Global Findex report. IFC, the Bank Group’s private sector arm, meanwhile estimates the annual financing and capacity gap facing women-owned small and medium enterprises in emerging markets at $260 billion (Sh26.6 trillion) to $320 billion (Sh32.7 trillion).

8

BUSINESS

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

Construction equipment manufacturer opens centre One of the world’s top heavy construction equipment manufacturers Doosan Infracore, in collaboration with Car and General, its distributor in East Africa, has opened a new equipment and parts distribution Centre in Nairobi.

Located at the Car & General Headquarters on Lusaka Road, the new centre ushers in a generation of advanced equipment in Kenya to benefit its customers and dealers.

The modern industrial facility comprises of technical premises as well as repair and service workshops.

The new workshop will help the company to efficiently and conveniently deliver equipment such as excavators that come with mining buckets and reinforced fronts as standard. The workshop, which was opened in late December, is expected to have a positive impact on Doosan’s business in the country.

“As the construction equipment market in Kenya continues to grow, Doosan intends to use this new workshop to drive sales and improve customer support. This will ensure that we are equipped to help our customers meet these future challenges”, said Doosan Infracore vice President Jae Jong Jin. The new workshop forms part of Car & General’s vision of giving better aftermarket services.

Nakumatt’s Sh200m Smart Points school fees scheme Regional retailer, Nakumatt Holdings is set to draw out more than 4,000 cheques, valued at more than Sh200 million as part of its Smart Points redemption for school fees initiative.

The cheques will be drawn out to loyal Nakumatt shoppers wishing to redeem their accumulated Smart Points at a rate of Sh2 per point.

The retailer says the move is aimed at providing significant school fees relief in the New Year.

As part of the retailer’s commitment to support education development,

Nakumatt will also provide a 10 per cent added bonus for each redemption pushing the total redemption value to Sh2.20 per point.

Speaking when he confirmed the launch of the programme to run through to early next month, Nakumatt Holdings Regional Director, Operations and Strategy, Thiagarajan Ramamurthy said the redemption programme allows Nakumatt shoppers to redeem their accumulated Smart points for School fees cheques drawn in

favour of their School of choice.

Based on the programmes performance last year, which saw cheques valued at more than Sh160 million drawn out, Ramamurthy, said the unique redemption programme has gained popularity as an avenue to underline the African spirit of sharing.

“In the true African spirit of sharing, we continue to note that most shoppers, including those who may not necessarily have School going children, redeem their points for the benefit of their family and

friends, domestic workers including drivers, house helps, gardeners,” he said.

“All Nakumatt Smart Card holders, are encouraged to routinely redeem their accumulated points at every start of a School term as part of their value added benefits for shopping at Nakumatt,” he added.

More than 1.3million Nakumatt Smart Card holders will enjoy numerous benefits, including discounts, earning extra points on purchase of specific products and higher redemption value for products during offer periods.

Following the 2013 launch of a new generation Nakumatt Global Prepaid MasterCard loyalty card, in partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank and Diamond Trust Bank, the retailer has been actively replacing its old generation smart cards with a new EMV compliant loyalty card.

The new generation multicurrency Nakumatt Global Prepaid MasterCard loyalty card provides a range of enhanced benefits and security features. Nakumatt Global Prepaid MasterCard cardholders also earn smart points for purchases made with the card at any of the over 35.9 million acceptance points, including 2.1 million ATMs, where MasterCard is accepted worldwide.

AfDB, American Barclays fined Sh1.4 billion bank to optimise by US regulators over deal balance sheets

The African Development Bank (AfDB), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) have approved an innovative framework agreement for an exchange of sovereign exposures that will collectively optimize their balance sheets for greater development effectiveness.

The sovereign exposure exchange agreement is a risk management tool collaboratively developed by the major Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

Unlike commercial financial institutions, which diversify their loan portfolio across thousands, and sometimes millions of borrowers, the MDBs lend to their sovereign shareholders. The resulting asset concentration reflects the strength of the relationship between MDBs and their borrowers, but it also requires MDBs to hold additional capital.

Exchanging exposures between

MDBs greatly enhances their flexibility and efficiency in capital management. In the past, MDBs have managed their capital concentration risks mainly through reducing or limiting exposure in countries where lending volumes were especially high.

“This innovative agreement improves our collective financial capacity and our development effectiveness,” said Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group. “The initiative also shows how the multilateral development banks will go to great lengths to be flexible in order to reduce risks.”

“The MDB exposure exchange shows the ability to innovate that regional development banks bring to the table,” said Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. “At the IDB, we are focused on maximizing the resources that we have available to meet the development needs of our dynamic region.”

Barclays investment bank is to pay more than Sh 1.4 billion ($13.75m) over accusations it let US customers make unsuitable mutual fund deals over five years.

According to the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra), of the total Sh 1.4 billion (13.75m) Barclay’s capital will have to pay, there

will be a Sh 384 million ($3.75m)fine whereas the remaining amount will compensate the affected customers.

However, Barclays has not admitted wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement, which includes a censure.

Finra said that between January and June 2010, the bank failed to adequately supervise procedures that

Headache: Barclays boss Bob Diamond has given up his bonus after the bank was hit by a £290m fine.

saw many customers swap one mutual fund for another.

The regulator added that in many instances, the benefits of switching funds may have been undermined by the transaction costs where more than 6,100 fund switches took place during the five-year period Finra added that from March to August 2014, Barclays processed 1,723 fund transactions representing 39 per cent of those it reviewed that were inconsistent with its customers’ investment aims, risk appetite or other investments.

The fine comes two months after Barclays appointed former JP Morgan senior executive James “Jes” Staley to the role of chief executive and signalled its renewed focus on investment banking.

In November, Barclays was fined $106 m in the UK for failing to conduct proper checks on very rich clients because it did not want to inconvenience them.

The City regulator said Barclays arranged a deal worth £1.88bn for wealthy clients in 2011 and 2012, which it kept quiet.

It did not conduct the proper checks on clients who should have been considered politically high risk.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

ACCESS new acT

I am a traIned and certIfIed travels and tours agent but kow I am concentratIng on musIc

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I am a young and ambitious lady, a singer and very chilled out.

Why Jacky James?

I decided to take James which is my father’s name and combine it with Jacky the short form of Jackeline, it sounds catchy don’t you think?

What is your genre of Music?

If you listen to my album, Murata, you will notice that I have a bit of RnB, some Soul and Reggae. I have not settled on one genre yet, I am still exploring.

When did you start your music career?

I used to work as a travel agent, but at the end of last year, I decided to take on music seriously. I grew up listening and singing along to soft ballads. But at the start of last year I just wanted to sing professionally.

What is the name of your first song and what is it all about??

It’s called Everyone Falls In Love.

10

Jackeline Wanjiku believes 2016 is her year, musically speaking. She talks about taking over and staying on top of the game.

factfile Age: Just above my first quarter in life Favorite quote: If you don’t follow your dreams, someone else will hire you to do theirs.

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For 15% off* subscriptions It talks more about love and the happenings around love.

So do you believe in love at first sight?

No…no…no..Love is not about seeing it’s about character.

Apart from music what else do you do?

I am a trained and certified travels and tours agent but now I am concentrating on music alone.

What’s your view of the music industry?

He.he… this industry of ours…I am very new and its tough…you need to know people…proving yourself need a lot of courage and determination.

What do you plan to do differently?

I hope to penetrate the industry and have an audience for my music and I am not prepared to turn back. I will soldier on very professionally.

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ACCESS

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 26th NOVEMBER 4, 2016 2014

FASHIONparade

@Palm SPringS international Film FeStival awardS gala

HappY fasHion YEar 2016!

T he 7th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala Marked a glitzy start to the New Year for the film industry. The event was set aside for the finely dressed, well to do and outstanding actors featured in popular 2015 films. The main agenda being to recognize and award their talent as well as to set the red carpet bar for the award season.

We sampled the best looks of the night.

alicia vikander: She looked simple in a ruffled peplum piece.

kate winSlet: She stepped out in a flowing black dress.

rooney mara: The lace detail perfected her look.

kearran giovanni: She brought her best dress and smile.

Helen mirren: Blue is her perfect hue.

obinna

lyriclab Rabbit is back with yet another hit in which he has collaborated with song birds Femi one and Avril. This song just goes to show that King Kaka is still quite the story teller.

nDio KUsEMa

YaMoTo banD

ZEna

KinG KaKa, fEMi onE anD aVriL

Brie larSon: She left all green with envy.

Dogo Aslay, Maromboso, Enock Bella, Beka 1 collectively known as Yamoto band need no introduction. They are just releasing that good quality music time and time again.

boLinGo na nGai

Most of us thought he was only good at cracking our ribs, but we were wrong! Oga Obinna has produced yet another single dubbed Bolingo na Ngai�, a gospel song.

The lyrics are in English, some really catchy fast beats in Lingala genre. The funny man turned musician is not leaving anything to chance this year, this is one to have on your play list rotation.

ACCESS

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

CENTRESTAGE

review of top weekend gigs

It was a pretty groovy new year’s bash

DENNO AND BAHATI

Koroga festival sets pace for 2016 events

After the riveting festivities over the Christmas and the New Year, the 10th edition of Koroga festival provided the perfect Sunday afternoon experience.

Apart from stage acts the festival proved to be quite something given that it had

a barbecue area, assorted merchandise which included crafty cultural antiques and several beer points.

Then there was the crowd, featuring top celebs like Classic 105 presenter Maina Kageni and DJ CK, the Capital FM’s magnate who

International reggae artistes Kristine Alicia and Omari led a line-up of over 50 performers.

Omari elated with his God a Guide track, while Alicia satisfied the souls of the revelers with her hit song Rescue.

After their star performance gospel wonder kid Bahati and Denno, who performed immediately after midnight, brought the stadium to its knees with their late December release, Stori Yangu. The Kenyan and

HOT topics

Caribbean artiste were joined on stage by DJ Sadic, DJ Mo and DJ Krowbar alongside 2015 Groove Award winners Pitson, Evelyn Wanjiu and Eunice Njeri.

Loise Kim, renowned musicians Mercy Masika, Sarah K., Gloria Muliro, Ben Githae, Ruth Matete and Amos and Josh also performed to usher in the New Year. We can safely predict that God indeed blessed 2016 at the party. Happy New Year!

allowed fans to take selfies and chat. He mix in the act was also splendid with benga taking centre stage featuring Tonny Nyadundo, JB Maina, Ken Wa Maria and Uganda’s finest Jose Chameleon, of the Valu Valu fame as the main act.

Morgan Heritage family is still in love with Kenya If you thought you’d had enough of them then you thought wrong.

The Morgan Heritage family is in the country, again! Having performed late last year in Kenya, the reggae music group extended their stay in the country and now it seems we will be seeing more of them. Making an appearance at yesterday’s Koroga festival, the legendary Morgan Heritage family exclusively told X-Access that they have fallen in love with Kenya and will tour the country more often.

Top comedian turned singer Obinna is born again?

East Africa’s multi-talented comedian, musician TV and Radio host Obinna Ike Igwee is rumored to have seen the light after he released a new single dubbed Bolingo na Ngai (Lingua Franca for My Love), the biggest gospel track dropped today. The audio track is produced by Saint P and features Obinna’s legendary groovy tune. Kevin Bosco Jr directed the energetic tune. Reached for comment Obinna simply said, ‘I have every reason to thank God, BolingoNa Ngai is my way of expressing that love”.

Benga in the city The 10th edition of the Koroga festival hosted at the Nairobi arboretum gardens yesterday saw Nairobi residents receive a rare treat with a lineup of legendary music bigwigs from the Luo, Kamba and Kikuyu communities. Ohangla maestro Tony Nyadundo, king of Mugithi JB Maina and Ken wa Maria graced the Koroga festival stage giving electrifying performances that kept revelers on their feet late into the night before the main act Dr. Jose Chameleon’s performance that literally brought down the house.

MORGAN HERITAGE

the BIGKNOT

TOP FIVE 254 WEDDINGS OF 2015 Fashionista Annabel Onyango and Sauti Sol manager Marek After eight years of dating, Fashion Watch panelist Annabel Onyango married Sauti Sol’s manager, Marek Fuchs in September at the lush Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha where all 200 invited guests were clad in black.

Citizen Tv sports anchor Waihiga Mwaura and Gospel Singer Joyce Omondi This lovely couple tied the knot on the 18th of December at the Lush Sawela lodge in Naivasha.

Janet Mbugua and Eddie Ndichu Citizen TV’s Monday Special news anchor, Janet

JANET MBUGUA AND EDDIE NDICHU

Mbugua, tied the knot to her fiancé Eddie Ndichu.

The glam wedding was held at Chaka Ranch in Nyeri County. The stunning Janet was in an elegant gown, Eddie in a grey suit while the brides maids rocked in their green attires.

Abel Mutua and Judy Nyawira Former Citizen Television Tahidi High actor, turned producer, and camera man Abel Mutua, better known as Freddie tied the knot with the love of his life and baby mama, Judy Nyawira in November.

Dennis Okari and Betty Kyalo Television sweethearts, Dennis Okari and Betty Kyallo, tied the knot at an

exclusive invite only wedding. The ceremony, which was attended by top cream of the society, among them media personalities, business people and celebrities in the public sphere at the Marula Manor in Karen, Nairobi.

ANNABEL ONYANGO AND MAREK

TONNY NYADUNDO

It clocked midnight and Kasarani Stadium echoed unanimously with cheers to usher in the New Year at the Groove Party.

Before the skies were lit by brightly luminous and blinding fireworks, young and dynamic troops of revelers thronged the stadium to usher in the year in gospel glory.

The groove party was themed Come As You Are and had three different platforms showcasing magnificent performances.

11

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Wednesday

25

Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number.

Sunday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Since it’s likely that you will have some visitors this evening, why not spend the day reorganizing and sprucing up your home. Add homey touches with groupings of framed family photographs on one table and a favorite collection on another.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 The time is ripe for you to reap some benefits from all your efforts. The good news is that all signs indicate that a big career leap is just around the corner for you. Continue to work hard and be patient and soon it will all prove worthwhile.

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TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 But there is probably no need to take such a drastic step. It’s possible that your boss has been considering giving you a raise - you may soon be pleasantly surprised. If your money concerns are only short-term, consider asking a family member for a loan at a low interest rate.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Someone in a position of power and authority may ask you to join him or her for dinner, or perhaps you’ll be invited to “perform” at a party. These are ideal opportunities to showcase your talents, so embrace them rather than shy away from them.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 This is a day when you could greatly benefit from spending some time outdoors in quiet reflection, Cancer. Even a half-hour’s walk through a city park will help you feel more rested and grounded.

You have been working especially hard lately, and need some time to refill the well of your soul.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 You’re a hard and conscientious worker, Leo, and sometimes you work so hard that you neglect to take any time for yourself. This is admirable in the short run, but not so wise in the long run. You do no one any good if you burn out from sheer exhaustion.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Do what you can to brighten up your home environment. Even buying a few flowering plants and some colorful scatter rugs and artwork will make a world of difference. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to brighten your home and lift your spirits.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Today you may discover that you have more in common with your neighbors than you thought, Libra. It’s likely that some sort of local event has brought all your neighbors together under one roof.

You go as an obligation, but stay out of interest and a genuine willingness to participate.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You may receive some kind of windfall today, Scorpio. It may be that a rich old relative dies and leaves you some unexpected cash. Or perhaps an investment is paying off better than you dared hope. This is just what you need to perk up your spirits! Be smart about how you handle this money.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Romance is very much highlighted today, Sagittarius. All the planetary energies indicate that you and your partner are operating on precisely the same wavelength. It’s no wonder that the two of you have been getting along so well lately. Perhaps it’s time to take the next important step in your relationship.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Indian garment 5. Coins with Lincoln’s likeness 10. Hebrew consonants 14. Poetic black 15. Express a thought 16. Util. bill item 17. Not wasteful 19. Columnist Barrett 20. Sops up 21. Foul-smelling 22. Blows away 26. Sailboat’s must-have 30. Far from stingily 34. Baseball’s Joe 35. Brickell with the album “Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars” 36. Add-on for “pay” or “gran” 37. Mold in relief 39. Squash type 42. Latin lover’s verb 43. Comical Conried 47. Actress Hannah 48. ___ magnets 51. Certain newspaper pages 52. Little folklore hero 54. Formal promises 57. Sewing kit items 62. Noodle, in Nagasaki 63. Largest part 66. Casserole pasta 67. Some orchestra members

68. Step ___ 69. Oil grp.

70. Dance named after an aviator 71. Bathe Down 1. “I ____ bad moon rising...”

2. Common rhyme scheme 3. Aussie hoppers 4. ___ time (ASAP) 5. Salon supplies 6. Letter from St. Paul 7. Actor Cage, casually 8. After “E,” a famed volcano 9. Partner of poivre 10. Nun with a Nobel 11. Scads 12. Latin 101 word 13. A whole lot 18. Speaks 21. HST’s predecessor 23. Meteor ending 24. Where, to Caesar 25. East Indian evergreen 26. “Don’t shed ___” 27. Mell Lazarus strip 28. Shady alcove 29. “Full,” at a theater (abbr.)

31. “The Maltese Falcon” actor 32. Former Sen. Bentsen 33. Two-masted ships 38. Pillow cover 40. Clay bricks

41. Urban music 44. Museum display 45. Degree in math?

46. Like outcasts 49. Mexican or Spanish 50. Dawn goddess 53. Untidy 54. Colorless Greek liqueur 55. Went for ____ (swam) 56. Shopping bag 58. Arab boat 59. Old-time actress Turner 60. Sister of Ares 61. Rogen of “Knocked Up” 63. Internet guffaw 64. There, in Latin 65. Ending for pont or bass

Sunday’s answers

YOURSAY School heads must respect new fees guidelines It is indeed shameful for the government even after coming up with secondary school fees guidelines to complain with Kenyans as if it is short of actions to deal with rogue school heads. Kenyans want action against the schools like yesterday not constant warnings from the Education ministry and the government. One is left wondering why the government took all these time to streamline the guidelines long before the schools were opened. The warnings directed at these rogue school heads are unfortunate because already most parents have paid fees and dreaming of a refund even if the government ordered so will be like expecting blood from a guava. Let the ministry make good its threat and punish

the offenders to confirm to Kenyans that the government is not colluding with schools to fleece poor Kenyans and curb mass school dropout. The Jubilee administration pledged to transform the education sector, but has failed to live up to its promise with the fees fiasco the latest among some of the challenges in the sector since they took power. If the government was genuine, it would not only rely on fees, but also other levies charged items such as uniforms, textbook among other bills that schools heads are using to reap big from the parents. Let Deputy President William Ruto and Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i reign in errant schools to save the poor parents.

— Enock Ndayala

Mutua new outfit could knock Kalonzo out of politics Wiper party leader and Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka should be cautious in handling party renegade Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.

Kalonzo, who widely enjoys the Ukambani politics Kingship should not under estimate the impact the Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement launched early this year by Mutua might have on his political future.

He should learn from ODM

mistakes during the 2013 General Election when they undermined the influence of Amani coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi in Western politics.

The Orange party lost more than 250,000 votes to Mudavadi giving room to a 50 plus one win to their Jubilee counterparts. The Wiper leader should be aware that should Mutua leave the party with some members, he will have a double tragedy

of losing both the Ukambani politics kingship and also the bargaining power to be the next Cord flagbearer, bearing in mind the position has garnered the interest of ODM’s Raila Odinga and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula. As the party holds its national executive meeting to decide the fate of the ‘errant’ governor, it should consider the consequences of any decision taken.

—Nderitu, Donholm

Kenyans hope for better 2016 after many challenges As Kenyans usher in the New Year, they are optimistic that 2016 will be a positive year compared to 2015. Kenyans hope that as a country, we will be able to conquer our challenges as a united nation. It Kenyans prayer that the national leaders will unite Kenyans rather than divide them. They hope that as a people, they will inculcate patriotism

and love for the country and strive to unite all regardless of tribe, religion or political inclination. However, as it is the Kenyan culture, we should not forget what happened in the last year as this will be a reminder on where we went wrong and as such make it right this year. May the positive attitude run throughout the year.

— Anne, Kangemi

Kenyans need services not political campaigns In a span of one week alone and three days into the new year, political re-alignments across Jubilee and Coalition For Reforms and Democracy (Cord) have started taking shape in readiness for what will be a do or die battle pitting President Uhuru Kenyatta against his presumed rival Cord leader Raila Odinga come the 2017 General Election.

Jubilee has been busy raiding the Opposition zones of Western Kenya and the Coast region amid bitter protests from Cord. It is now on record that Jubilee which has always faulted the Opposition for too much politicking has set the agenda with rallies, putting the country on an electioneering mood barely a year to the General Election.

The government has barely have delivered on their campaign pledges made in 2013 yet

leaders led by Deputy President William Ruto have been criss-crosing the country.

Soon, the Opposition will take cue and service delivery will take a back seat leaving the highlytaxed Kenyans with a litany of challenges.

Wananchi needs services and their livelihoods uplifted by those in leadership positions instead of the endless empty and rhetoric being spearheaded by the government.

Kenyans must also wake up raise hard questions to those in leadership because what matters at the end of the day is political accountability and transparency and prudent use of resources which are fiddled by the high and mighty.

Jubilee government must wait for 2017 and serve Kenyans for now.

— Hillary, Starehe

Kembi should be last person to criticise Wa Iria Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura should be the last person to criticise Governor Mwangi Wa Iria’s style of leadership because his own record is wanting. Contrary to the senator’s unnecessary noise, Murang’a looks better under Wa Iria and I wonder if the Senator’s performance as the Senate’s Deputy Speaker is anything to go, he will match the governor’s record. If you look at some of the projects initiated under Wa Iria, you will realise the

governor’s own undoing is to misappropriate funds in the right way. What does Kembi want? Should Murang’a residents continue languishing in poverty and alcoholism for Wa Iria to be branded? In Kembi’s wisdom or lack of it, he thought Wa Iria will be easily pocketed and that he would use his position to win some tenders or influence county appointments, I wonder how he landed in the Senate in the first place.

— Nancy Onyango, Githurai

Jubilee single party idea good for our democracy Frantic calls by the Jubilee Alliance bigwigs to dissolve their affiliate parties and form a single party is a good political strategy not only for the forthcoming 2017 polls but also as a tool for national cohesion and integration.

If realised, the move will signals maturity in the way we play our politics as is the case in developed democracies such as United States and the United Kingdom that have at most two political outfits where political front-runners

peg their ideologies. Tribal parties have dominantly shaped the Kenyan politics with several outfits emerging during elections after which they prematurely die since they lack proper structures.

Our politics have since remained ethnically inclined rather than those endeared by ideology and thus the attempts to dissolve the tribal parties could end tribalism and marginalisation.

— Kamotho, Uthiru

Send your letters to news@x254.co | Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

14

SPORT MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Kyrgios warms up for Murray with win Australian Nick Kyrgios warmed up for a meeting with Andy Murray by recording an opening-day win in the Hopman Cup. Kyrgios, fined £16,200 for remarks about Stan Wawrinka’s girlfriend in August, beat German Alexander Zverev in the mixed teams event in Perth. The 20-yearold faces world number two Murray when Australia Green, one of two teams representing the host nation, play Great Britain on Wednesday. “I have been looking forward to that for a long time,” he said. “I’m going to go and do everything I can to physically prepare for that battle.” Kyrgios recovered from losing the first set 6-4 to take the next two 6-1 6-4 as he beat Zverev in just over an hour.

Murray, who teams up with Heather Watson, currently being coached by his mother Judy, knocked Kyrgios out of the Australian, French and US Opens in 2015.

Gary Anderson beats Lewis to retain PDC title

Chelsea secure first win under Hiddink Chelsea secured their first victory in Guus Hiddink’s second spell as boss to move six points clear of relegation with a deserved win at Crystal Palace. Oscar put the Blues ahead against the run of play, tapping home after being put through by Diego Costa. Once they scored Chelsea dominated, deservedly doubling their advantage with a spectacular Willian strike. Costa sealed the win with a tap-in for a goal his performance deserved after Palace failed to clear Willian’s shot.

Interim boss Hiddink, who guided Chelsea to third in the Premier League, a Champions League semifinal and the FA Cup in his first spell at the club, remains unbeaten since taking over from Jose Mourinho last month.

Leicester’s Vardy out for two weeks Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is set to be out for one to two weeks in order to have minor groin surgery, BBC Radio Leicester reports. The England forward has been in superb form this season and his 15 Premier League goals have helped the Foxes to second in the table. The 28-year-old has made 24 appearances for the club this campaign. Vardy was also a member of coach Roy Hodgson’s England squad that qualified for Euro 2016. The former Fleetwood Town striker played the entire 95 minutes of Leicester’s 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Gary Anderson celebrates after beating Adrian Lewis 7-5 to retain his PDC World Championship crown.

Gary Anderson defeated Adrian Lewis 7-5 to retain his PDC World Championship crown at Alexandra Palace.

The 45-year-old Scot, who miscounted on three occasions, fought off a valiant fightback from the Englishman in the latter stages.

The first six sets were shared in the first-toseven encounter, before Anderson took a 5-3 advantage.

Englishman Lewis fought back for 6-5 before Anderson made a superb 170 checkout en route to a £300,000 prize.

Anderson, the world number two, went ahead against the darts in the seventh set

and never relinquished the lead.

But his victory could have been easier had he not made three mathematical errors.

At one stage, he had 50 left but bust his score by hitting a treble 20.

Despite averaging 99.26 to his opponent’s 100.23, Anderson’s greater accuracy on the doubles saw him lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the second year in succession.

He joined Phil Taylor, Lewis and John Part in winning the tournament at least twice.

“I was playing a good friend of mine and it just never happened,” said Anderson, who beat Phil Taylor in a thrilling final last year.

“There were some good darts and some bad

ones.

“The way I played and the way Adie played, it killed the game. I’m getting old now so I’ll take this.

“It would be lovely to come back for a third but the body is hurting. Us older ones are running out, but I’ll plod on.”

Lewis, the 30-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, tasted defeat in the final for the first time after victories in 2011 and 2012, the first of which was against Anderson.

“I thought we were going to a decider until he took out a 170,” said Lewis. “He’s been the best player and deserves it.”

Harlequins hold off Worcester revival Harlequins earned a 15th straight league win over Worcester despite a spirited comeback from Warriors.

Charlie Walker danced through to give Quins an early lead at Sixways before Luke Wallace bundled over as the visitors led 17-3 at half-time.

Walker added his second try following Danny Care’s fine kick along the turf.

Worcester earned a bonus point through Marco Mama’s score, a penalty try and Phil Dowson’s try but were unable to overturn a 21-point deficit.

There was little sign of what was to come from Warriors in the final 30 minutes when Walker’s converted try put Harlequins 24-3 in front shortly after the break.

As the visitors started to lose their discipline in the muddy conditions, Warriors’

pack began to dominate and ran in 17 unanswered points.

But with just over 10 minutes left for the hosts to find another try, Quins’ defence held firm to move up to third in the Premiership table.

Worcester have not beaten Harlequins since a 15-9 victory at the Stoop in February 2005 and their task was made even more difficult when wing Walker exchanged passes with Ross Chisholm to score after just three minutes.

George Lowe was sent to the sin-bin for Quins for coming in at the side of the ruck, but Warriors were only able to add a Tom Heathcote penalty with their man advantage.

Flanker Wallace extended the lead following a big drive from the line-out which Nick

Evans converted to take him past 1,500 points in the Premiership.

Harlequins continued their dominance after the break as Walker did well to pick up Care’s clever grubber kick and touch down before Mama was driven over for Warriors.

However, as lack of discipline began to creep into Quins’ game, Jamie Roberts was shown a yellow card, leading to a penalty try which Ryan Mills converted to reduce the arrears to just nine points.

Worcester captain Dowson crossed in the corner to set up a fascinating finale, but it proved to be the final score of a thrilling match.

“I’m really disappointed, I’m sick of being described as plucky losers as we have to change that tag and I’m fed up of being close,” Worcester director Dean Ryan said.

10-man Real Madrid held by Gary’s Valencia Gary Neville’s Valencia battled to a dramatic La Liga draw with Real Madrid, who ended up with 10 men.

The visitors led when Karim Benzema finished off a great move involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale but Dani Parejo equalised with a penalty.

Real had Mateo Kovacic sent off for a lunging tackle, but looked set for a win when Bale headed home.

However, seconds later Valencia earned a third point under Neville when Paco Alcacer headed in from close range.

And they could have won it in injury time when substitute Alvaro Negredo was found in space at the edge of the box - but he shot straight at keeper Keylor Navas.

There is no doubt this is the best result of Neville’s spell as Valencia boss, following a Champions League defeat, two

La Liga points from three games and a Spanish Cup win over lower league Barakaldo.

Los Che did not look impressive in the opening half an hour as they trailed but Parejo deservedly levelled from the spot after Pepe fouled Andre Gomes.

And Neville made attacking changes once Real went down to 10 men - with one of them, Rodrigo, assisting their equaliser as he headed a cross down to Alcacer to equalise. Another - Negredo - should have sealed a famous win when Alcacer found him in space deep into injury time but Navas denied him and Gomes put the rebound wide.

After the game, Neville repeated the fact he wants to remain at Valencia beyond his six-month contract and said his claim he did not see himself in management long term had been misunderstood.

Real boss Rafael Benitez is more popular

among Valencia fans than his own, with the home supporters unfurling a banner thanking him for a spell in charge which included two La Liga titles earlier in the millennium.

He was named Madrid boss in the summer but they sit four points off city rivals Atletico, who have a fraction of Real’s funding, at the top of La Liga and two behind Barcelona, who have a game in hand on them.

His substitution, in contrast to Neville’s, will not have pleased their support, with main striker Benzema looking angry to be replaced by winger Lucas Vazquez two minutes before Kovacic’s red card for hacking down Joao Cancelo.

And, although they looked like they were going to win it when Bale headed home before Alcacer’s quickfire equaliser, they did nowhere near enough to deserve a victory.

Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo vie for the ball during last night’s La Liga encounter between the two sides at the Estadio de Mastalla Stadium in Valencia. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Alli shines in Spurs draw with Everton Tottenham cemented their place in the Premier League’s top four but had to be satisfied with a point after they were held to a draw at Everton.

Aaron Lennon’s angled half-volley against his old club after 22 minutes gave Everton a lead that was completely against the run of play as Spurs dominated the first half.

Harry Kane and Ben Davies both struck the woodwork either side of Lennon’s goal before Dele Alli controlled Toby Alderweireld’s superb long pass to volley low past Everton keeper Tim Howard in first-half stoppage time.

Everton exerted much more pressure after the break as Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris saved superbly from substitute

Muhamed Besic’s 25-yard shot and Romelu Lukaku just failed to turn in Gerard Deulofeu’s cross.

But it was man of the match, Tottenham’s Dele Alli who stared during the encounter.

The 19-year-old, signed by Spurs from MK Dons, has been the source of real excitement this season as Mauricio Pochettino’s side suggest they are genuine contenders for a top-four place and even a serious title challenge.

It was easy to see why at Goodison Park as the tall, athletic midfield man looked the complete package and a player who has a golden future for club and country.

Alli looked a little leggy in the opening stages but showed he was prepared to

mix it in the physical exchanges before growing into the game, showing superb technique to control Alderweireld’s long pass and slide a composed, precise finish past Howard.

“Dele has “fantastic maturity,” remarked Spurs manager Pochettino after his superb first-half equaliser.

And what will prove of real interest to England manager Roy Hodgson, as well as Pochettino of course, is that Alli appears to have forged a natural link with Harry Kane.

The pair looked dangerous when Alli pushed into forward positions - a partnership that should bring rich rewards for Spurs and England in the future.

SPORT 15 MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016 | www.x254.c0

Gary Neville’s valeNcia deNt real madrid’s title hopes with a draw

p15

REST IN PEACE: Former Ivory Coast defender Steve Gohouri whose body was found in the Germnan city of Krefeld after he went missing on December 12, 2015.

Didier Drogba

yaya Toure

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Steve Gohouri.

Very sad news he is no longer with us

So sad about this news, lost one of my soldiers, Cote d’Ivoire lost one of his most loyal sons. My thoughts goes to the family.

R.I.P. Bro (sic),”

Salomon Kalou

Rest in peace my brother,”

Ivory Coast mourns player

M

anchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has led tributes to compatriot and former Ivory Coast defender Steve Gohouri who died at the age of 34.

The ex-Wigan player went missing on 12 December after a Christmas party with his German club TSV Steinbach.

German police confirmed his body had been found in the River Rhine in the western city of Krefeld on Thursday. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Steve Gohouri. Very sad news he is no longer with us,” Toure said.

Police added that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Another current Ivory Coast international, Hertha Berlin’s Salomon Kalou, has paid tribute on social media. “Rest in peace my brother,” he wrote.

Gohouri, a member of the Ivory Coast 2008 African Cup of Nations and 2010 World Cup squads, moved from his native country to France at the age of five, where he was raised in the suburbs of Paris.

Former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, who played alongside the defender for the Elephants, described him as a ‘soldier’.

“So sad about this news, lost one of my soldiers, Cote d’Ivoire lost one of his most loyal sons. My thoughts goes to the family. R.I.P.

Bro (sic),” Drogba wrote. Gohouri began his football career in France but played for clubs in Israel, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Greece and Germany.

He played for German side Borussia Mönchengladbach between 2007 and 2009, helping the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga in 2008.

Gohouri moved from Germany to then-Premier League side Wigan in January 2010 where he made 42 appearances for the club between 2010 and 2012.

His former club Borussia Monchengladbach tweeted “Borussia are mourning the loss of Steve Gohouri. Our thoughts and prayers

are with his friends and family.” “This is terrible news,” Mönchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl said. “I got to know Steve as a person full of the joys of life and that’s how I’ll remember him. Our thoughts and sympathies are now with his family.”

The club’s Guinean international winger Ibrahima Traore wrote: “RIP my brother Steve gohouri. No Word for such a drama.”

Gohouri joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2012 and also had a spell at Skoda Xanthi in the Greek top flight before looking to finish his playing career in the fourth-tier of Germany. He joined TSV Steinbach from Erfurt in 2015.

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