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WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

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WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016 | WWW.x254.cO

Obama warns Of a ‘meaner wOrld’ US leader caUtionS of an impending Shift in the global order which SayS coUld lead to a harSher world for the next generation if not Stopped

NEWS

starlets coach ouma confident as tream prepares for debut afcon tie

Dadaab camp: Majority of Kenyans want shelter closed

A majority of Kenyans support the government’s plans to repatriate Somali refugees in Dadaab and have the camp closed, a new survey by research firm IPSOS indicates. The pollster said that 69 per cent of Kenyans want the government to be firm on the matter and repatriate the more than 400,000 refugees living in the camp. “The Kenyans concerns for the government support to repatriate the Somali refugees is mainly because of the security misfortunes that have bedeviled the country in the past,” the pollster said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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How prisoners drain Kenya millions daily

Prisoners during a past event. Kenya spends over Sh10 million daily to take care of her over 49,000 inmates in various prisons and remand stations across the country.

he government is spending more than Sh10 million daily to feed prisoners and those in remand, X-News has established. There are 46, 000 prisoners serving various jail terms across the country with each inmate being fed at a cost of Sh175 daily, on food alone. That means the government spends Sh8,050,000 to feed inmates daily. According to the Prisons department, more money is also used on medicals bills, entertainment and training on various skills that are undertaken in the correctional facilities. Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons David Macharia revealed that there more than 46,000 convicted prisoners, with another 3000 in remand and an unconfirmed number in police cells. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Parties row over funding for primaries Disagreements over how to fund political party primaries is the latest exchange between Cord and Jubilee as the two fight over a provision in the law that requires the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct nominations upon request. While the Jubilee Party wants

the electoral body to conduct its nominations, Cord coalition says each party should fund their nomination exercise arguing that tasking IEBC with the process will be a heavy burden on the taxpayer. ODM party says taxpayers could fork out not less than Sh4.4 billion for each political party’s primaries

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if they are to be conducted by the electoral agency. ODM Director of Finance Joshua Kawino said in an interview that conducting competitive primaries in a ward for an MCA, MP, woman representative and governor is estimated to cost Sh3 million. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

NEWS

Parties row over funding for primaries WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

From Page 1

“This brings the total cost of conducting nominations in the 1,450 wards across the country to Sh4.35 billion,” he said. “However, the actual cost for one party could be lower because a party is unlikely to hold competitive nominations in all the 1,450 wards, as in some areas contests are unlikely with candidates being handed direct tickets or failing to attract aspirants at all if the party is not popular in the region,” he argued. Jubilee Party which has been in the forefront to enlist the services of the electoral body says it will be prudent for the polls team to handle its party primaries as it will help avert fallout rising from disgruntled members. National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale hold the view that the leading political parties ODM, Jubilee, Wiper and Ford Kenya have no capacity to hold fair, free and transparent party nominations. Duale says his coalition will use its numerical numbers to approve the National Treasury’s release of funds to IEBC to conduct the party nominations once the matter is dispensed with by the Legal Affairs committee. “From all the democracies, a party primary in any particular elections

Jubilee party members at a press conference at their campaign secretariat where they announced their intentions to have the exchequer release fund for their nominations to be conducted by IEBC.

are funded from the exchequer,” Duale said. President Uhuru Kenyatta and deputy William Ruto’s Jubilee Party has already indicated taxpayers would foot the bill for their primaries and are already engaging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the August 2017 general election. However, a united opposition has

promised to oppose Jubilee move to enlist the services of the electoral body using public funds. In a separate interviews, Wiper Vice Chairman and Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Amani National Congress Secretary General Godfrey Osotsi say it will be malicious for jubilee to push IEBC to conduct its primaries since it is irregular and would

make the next polls very expensive. The two vowed to thwart efforts by Jubilee to have IEBC conduct their nominations, saying such a move will affect the credibility of the polls and probably divert the attention of IEBC from planning for the 2017 contest. “Treasury cannot fund party primaries on the basis that parties are funded by the exchequer. If the intention was

to create a fund, the select committee would have clearly provided that funds be provided for under Article 206,” senator Mutula said. But a defiant Duale dismissed opposition saying that democracy is very ‘very expensive’ and it must be funded by the tax payer. Duale held that party primaries are the most critical part in an election. “Political parties under the new constitution are funded by the citizens, there is nothing wrong with the National Treasury funding primaries,” said the Garissa Township MP in an interview in his office. “We have asked our secretariat to engage the commission and if possible IEBC to give a budget to the National Treasury and the Committee of Budget and Appropriation so that either in the supplementary budget that we expect in the next two weeks or in the budget proposal for 2017-18 financial the National Treasury can factor it in,” he explained. The electoral commission through its secretariat has told political parties that it have first to comply with some strict guidelines before the electoral body can agree to conduct their nominations. @hillary_x254

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From Page 1 Out of the 46,000 prisoners, 7,024 are convicted to life imprisonment, 41 are facing the hang man, an estimated 1,000 serving jail terms of more than 40 years with rest convicted of different prison terms. He said the expenses are expected to increase as more wrong doers are getting convicted to serve life jail terms and more continue to be held in remand as their cases drag in courts. He says that a lot of resources are being wasted on training inmates serving life sentences as the law does not provide a clear prescription of what is meant by life imprisonment. “The amount we are spending now is likely to grow higher as courts are convicting more law breakers to serve life jail terms and more spending unspecified time in remand due the now infamous backlog of cases in our courts,” Macharia told X-News. But he insists the Prisons Service will continue to offer primary and secondary education to inmates as well as tertiary education to ensure prisoners obtain certificates on various courses at the correctional centers while serving their jail terms. “Our core mandate is to correct the person

and give them back to the society when they are changed and ready to build the economy. Despite the challenges we face we must continue to offer both basic and tertiary education to them as well as other life skills,” he added. Some of the courses offered include carpentry and joinery, building and construction, dressmaking and embroidery, metal work and welding among others. The KPS also offers academic courses including farming and livestock keeping, counseling, accounting, veterinary medicine

and law. Mr Macharia spoke on the sidelines of a forum on public opinion on death penalty where chief executive of the Power of Mercy Committee Micheal Kagika stated that more convicts would be pardoned by the president in the near future to decongest prisons and release them to build the economy. “There is a recommendation we are making to the president to release more petty offenders and those who have reformed,” said Mr Kagika. He added: “The recommendation will be also telling the potential employers that this is a person we would vouch for to be hired to help them hasten integration back into the society after pardon.” The committee vice-chairman Regina Boisabi said they had initiated a discussion with stakeholders to have ex-convicts assisted to start their lives afresh. “We have crafted a new policy of approaching potential employers who can accept the reformed persons,” she said. Macharia supported the proposal to have the reformed ex-prisoners given clearance certificates to help them get gainful employment after leaving jail. @wilson_x254

@wilson_x254

NEWS 5 WEEKEND EDITION NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

Electoral agency CEO expresses fears with slow recruitment of new bosses The slow recruitment of the next commissioners and chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is hampering effective preparation of the general elections. The electoral commission’s Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba said the country is nine months to the next general elections yet there are new commissioners in place. “We are also still waiting for the new commissioners to come and start preparation as things stands currently the delay is hampering our work on election preparation,” Chiloba said. Chiloba claimed that the current commissioners are ready to leave office anytime “I have actually spoken to a number of them and they are also just waiting for the day they will leave office,” he added. The selection panel has listed five candidates for the position of chairperson while it is yet to shortlist candidates to fill commissioner slots. Those listed for chairperson’s position are David Mukii Mereka, Ms Roseline Odhiambo-Odede, Dr John Kangu Mutakha, Ms Margaret Wambui Ngugi Shava and Mr David Malakwen Kiprop who are all lawyers. They will be interviewed on November 28 and 29. The panel received 13 applications for the post of IEBC chairman and more than 800 for the six commissioners’ slots. Out of the five shortlisted to succeed Issac Hassan, only two names will be submitted to the President for one to be nominated as chairman while another nine names will be submitted to State House for the President to nominate six as commissioners. Chiloba said the commissioners need to get down to work as time is limited even as he maintained that IEBC is ready to conduct next year’s general elections. “We are however ready but these recruitment is taking long and that’s where my frustration and fears comes in,” he said. He also said the constant political bickering over the election affairs and on matters of the commission is not good for the country especially at a time when heading to a general election. “When you hear political leaders saying the commission should not do this or should do this, it’s not really good, we know the law and do our work strictly according to what is stipulated.” In August this year, electoral commissioners formally agreed to leave office after a negotiated deal with the Joint select committee on electoral reforms which was led by Siaya senator James Orengo and his Meru counterpart Kiraitu Murungi. “If there is a political settlement to be raised, the commissioners will not be a stumbling block,” Hassan said immediately voluntarily agreeing to vacate office. “We have served the country with honour and we appreciate the good work of this committee,” said Commissioner Lillian Mahiri-Zaja. The commissioners were however to serve till the new commissioners are sworn in office. @sam_x254

IEBC spells out conditions for conducting party nominations The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said it will not agree to conduct party nominations if parties don’t adhere to the highest election standards. IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba said that parties will be required to adhere to a nomination checklist that IEBC will submit to them by December. “We are going to provide a checklist of the things that they have to comply with before the request is fully processed,” Chiloba explained. The amended 2006 Elections Law allows IEBC to conduct party nominations when requested to do so. But according to Chiloba (pictured), the law failed to address pertinent issues that have to be considered to ensure nominations are democratically and professionally conducted. “Some of the things that the law has not provided for but we will require are for example, who are the members of those political parties that are going to participate. It assumes that political parties have a complete list or their own register that is complete, that is national before they come to the commission to say, look conduct party primaries for us,” he explained. He said the commission was developing a checklist that will help parties decide if they want it to conduct the nominations or if they will conduct it themselves. The guideline, Chiloba explained will also offer parties with important things to be considered to ensure their nominations adhere to high standards. The checklist will include party constitutions,

dispute resolution mechanisms, mode of nominations, details of party members, number of polling stations, number of seats to be subjected to the nominations and among others budget projections. Whereas parties have the leeway to invite IEBC to conduct their party primaries, there was no decision on how it would be funded. “The law failed to provide financing of political party primaries in the event that the commission is requested to do that.” But was it possible for IEBC to get funding to conduct party nominations at this stage? The election is only eight months away. For a budget to be approved, it has to go through the normal lengthy procedures including approval by Parliament.

“It is not as easy as people think just saying that it will happen. We must know the quantum.” At the moment, Chiloba explained it was already difficult even for IEBC to estimate how much would be required for party nominations without the parties themselves putting their details in order. “For example if a party comes and says we have eight million voters across the country, it should give us the list. And it should not be duplicated elsewhere, where are they? Then it helps us to map out the polling centres,” he explained. Chiloba also asked parties to ensure they meet the set deadlines on time. According to the election law, parties should conduct their party primaries and nominations 60 days before the General Election. “But we now have a problem. We could be having two events happening together. What we are suggesting is if parties want to have their primaries they should have them early, 90 days before or 120 days to allow other process including dispute resolution to take place,” he opined. He appealed to parties intending to request IEBC to conduct their nominations to do so by latest January. Despite the minor hurdles that Chiloba believed could still be worked on, he said IEBC was prepared to conduct the General Election on August 8, 2017. Attachments area MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

NEWS WEEKEND EDITION NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

NEWSBRIEFS

MP seeks instant compensation for officers injured while on duty

Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir now wants police officers who have sustained permanent injuries while on duty to get instant compensation from the government. Nassir has sponsored a bill seeking to have all officers enrolled in an insurance scheme serviced by the government to ensure that they receive free medical care when they are injured while on duty. The MP expressed concerns that despite police officers risking their lives to protect the public, they have nothing to turn to in terms of compensation whenever they get injured while on duty. “Some officers become mentally unstable due to harsh working conditions while some are brutally injured. I have been in the forefront in the castigating officers when they make mistakes but I also mind their welfare because they sacrifice their lives to protect us,” Nassir said. Nassir said the morale of the officers will be boosted through the provision of such a comprehensive cover. “We must mind the welfare of our officers because they are part of our community, they are our sons and daughters and therefore deserve the best,” Nassir said. Many police officers have been killed in the line of duty in the recent past.In 2014, 21 police officers were killed by bandits in Kapedo in Turkana County, two years after 40 other officers were massacred in Suguta Valley, Baragoi in Samburu. A task force chaired by Justice (Rtd) Philip Ransley recommended introduction of the comprehensive medical insurance cover to take care of the health of the police officers on account of their high-risk exposure.

Dadaab camp: Majority of Kenyans want shelter closed A majority of Kenyans support the government’s plans to repatriate Somali refugees in Dadaab and have the camp closed, a new survey by research firm IPSOS indicates. The pollster said that 69 per cent of Kenyans want the government to be firm on the matter and repatriate the more than 400,000 refugees living in the camp. “The Kenyans concerns for the government support to repatriate the Somali refugees is mainly because of the security misfortunes that have bedeviled the country in the past,” the pollster said. They state that the presence of KDF soldiers in Somalia has adversely effected Kenya’s safety and exposed them to various acts of terrorism by alShabaab militants. Although the feeling among Kenyans in opposition aligned regions is different, the pollster says they both agree that they should be repatriation back to Somali but in a dignified and humane manner. “About 38 per cent of Kenyans want KDF soldiers withdrawn from Somalia to guard the Kenyan borders, while 29 per cent want them to stay in Somalia,” the pollsters noted. The survey views from 2,067 Kenyans aged 18 years and above, living in urban, rural areas and spread across 41 counties in the month of September. The report, released yesterday, comes barely a day after the government announced the extension by six months the repatriation process. It had initially planned to have the camp closed by end of November 2016. While addressing a press briefing early this week at his Harambee House office, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said the government’s resolution to extend the planned repatriation by six months was informed by ta request from human rights groups’ due to the ‘delicate’ situation in Somalia.

A photo of the Dadaab refugee camp. A new survey shows a majority of Kenyans support plans to have it closed.

“The government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for completion of repatriation of Somali refugees and eventual closure of Dadaab Refugee complex by six months,” said Nkaissery after a meeting with officials from the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, and Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jamal Mohamed Hassan. He cited volatile security situation in Somalia and ongoing elections as some of the reasons that had made it difficult for Kenya and other partners to meet the deadline. Nkaissery noted the extension will also give the international community time to ensure peace and security is restored in Somalia. He also revealed an elaborate six-month repatriation programme set to begin in December, insisting it will be carried out in a

humane and safe manner. Meanwhile, the United Nations yesterday welcomed Kenya’s extension to close Dadaab refugee camp urging the government to show flexibility regarding the repatriation plan. “Rigid time’s frames will be difficult to meet, Tobe genuinely voluntary people must be properly informed and able to make their individual decisions free from pressure and in full awareness of the facts “United Nations High Commissioner for refugees said in statement. Humans rights group have also expressed relief on extension deadline, however, they have said the refugees must remain in Kenya until it’s safe for them to return to their homeland Somalia. @hillary_x254

World’s largest cancer hospital reaches out to First Lady Egyptian ambassador to Kenya Mr Madmoud Ali Talaat speaks when he led a team his team alongside Ambassador Hazem Fahmy, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) in a meeting with First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi today. They delivered to her a message from Prof. Sherif Abouelnaga, the Chhief Executive Officer of the Children’s Cancer Hospital (Egypt), the world’s largest cancer hospital in which they are seeking collaboration with Mrs Kenyatta over the cancer burden affecting children in Kenya.

NEWS 7 WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

Scores killed in Mozambique truck blast1 At least 73 people have been killed in a fuel truck explosion in Mozambique, officials say. A government statement said people had been trying to take petrol from the truck when it exploded in the village of Caphiridzange in Tete province, near the border with Malawi. More than 100 others were injured, some of them critically, it said. One report said that the truck had crashed and people had been trying to siphon off fuel. Announcing an investigation, information ministry director Joao Manasses said it was also possible that the vehicle had been ambushed by residents. Government ministers are due to arrive in the area on Friday to oversee the rescue work and the inquiry. The tanker had been carrying fuel to Malawi from the port city of Beira. Mozambique is one of the world’s poorest countries, with more than half the 24 million population living below the poverty line. It gained independence from Portugal in 1975 but is still suffering from the effects of a 16-year civil war that ended in 1992.

Tanzania man ‘too tall’ for surgery A Tanzanian man has said that a hospital has been unable to treat him because he is too tall. Baraka Elias, who is 7ft 4in (2.20m), said he needed hip replacement surgery after hurting himself in a fall. However, doctors at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, told him that his height meant he would not fit properly in a hospital bed, Mr Elias said. They also told him their X-ray equipment was unsuitable for someone of his height, he added. Local media quote doctors at the specialist Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, the hospital where President Magufuli’s wife was admitted a week ago, in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, confirming Mr Elias’ story. Tanzania has poor health services, compared with countries in the west. Mr Elias, said to be the tallest man in Tanzania, told BBC Swahili that doctors were now trying to see if he could be treated abroad. Mr Elias said many people were amazed by his height, but he regarded it as “normal”. His parents told him it was hereditary, he added.

Obama warns of ‘meaner world’ US President Barack Obama is officially greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel outside the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. Obama is on a three-day visit to the German capital. PHOTO: BERND Von JUTRCZENKA/ EPA/

resident Barack Obama, returning to Berlin Thursday, intended to reassure his most stalwart global ally, Chancellor Angela Merkel, about her prospects under Donald Trump. Instead, Obama found himself warning of an impending shift in the global order, one he advised could lead to a “meaner, harsher, more troubled world” if not stopped. “Whoever is president and whoever is the chancellor of Germany and whoever is the leader of other European nations and other democracies around the world, they need to recognize that,” Obama said. “There are going to be forces that argue for cynicism. For looking the other way with somebody else’s problems. That are not going to champion people who are vulnerable because sometimes that’s politically convenient.” “If we don’t have a strong transatlantic alliance that’s standing up for those things, we will be giving to our children a worst world,” he said. “We will go backwards instead of forwards. So whoever the US president is, whoever the chancellor of Germany is, we need to remember that. And our citizenry who decide who our presidents and chancellors are need to remember that.” It was a dire prediction that barely matched the upbeat attitude Obama has attempted to put forward as he works to facilitate a peaceful transition to Trump’s presidency. In his appearances in Europe, Obama has made a point of hailing the NATO alliance, insisting that Trump remains committed to upholding the group’s commitment to mutual defense. And he expressed cautious optimism Thursday that Trump would moderate his tone once he assumes office. But as his final foreign swing wears on, Obama’s alerts about the wave of nationalist politics spreading in the US and Europe have grown more dire. He bemoaned the way information flows in a digital age, and decried an echo-chamber of falsities masquerading as facts. “In an age of social media where so many people are getting their information in sound bites and

snippets off their phones, if we can’t discriminate between serious arguments and propaganda, then we have problems,” he said. “If people, whether they’re conservative, liberal, left or right, are unwilling to compromise and engage in the democratic process and are taking absolutist views and demonizing opponents, then democracy will break down.” He issued a warning to Trump in his dealings with Russia, cautioning that on issues like Ukraine and Syria, Moscow must be confronted head-on. “I don’t expect the President-elect will follow exactly our blueprint or our approach, but my hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest we cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable,” he said. And he said he advised Trump to tone down

his campaign rhetoric during their Oval Office meeting last week. “He ran an extraordinarily unconventional campaign and it resulted in the biggest political upset in perhaps modern political history,” Obama said. “What I said to him was that what may work in generating enthusiasm or passion during elections may be different than what will work in terms of unifying the country and gaining the trust even of those who didn’t support him,” the outgoing US president (pictured below) said. It was Obama’s final visit as President to Berlin, the city where he introduced himself to the world in 2008 but where he now faces persistent questions about the future of transatlantic ties and liberal progress. Obama spent most of his time huddling with Merkel, his closest counterpart who is now Europe’s most powerful leader as the continent prepares for Trump’s presidency. She expressed guarded optimism about Trump Thursday, her controlled demeanor barely reflecting an iota of worry about the man who lambasted her as a candidate. She praised Obama for facilitating a smooth transition, and said she was approaching Trump with an “open mind.” As her European counterparts face political challenges at home, Merkel has assumed a critical role in transatlantic ties, voicing strong support for Obama’s priorities on climate change, Russian sanctions and economic reform. The personal chemistry between the leaders was on display Thursday, Obama winking as he sat for talks in Merkel’s chancellery, and Merkel grinning as she anticipated a visit from Obama in his postpresidency. “I’m game!” she said. The German leader has not yet said whether she’ll run for a fourth term next year, though her political allies have signaled she will. Like leaders in France, Britain, the US and elsewhere, she’ll face challenges from far-right politicians who are running on an agenda of populist nationalism. Obama declined to push her to run Thursday, but suggested he would vote for her if he was German.

WEEKEnD EDITIOn, nOVEMBER 18-20, 2016 | WWW.x254.cO

BUSINESS

Kenya Power injects Sh6bn into manufacturing sector Kenya Power spent Sh6.2 billion in the purchase of locally-manufactured goods in the first quarter of 2016/17 in line with the Buy Kenyan Build Kenya Initiative meant to promote the manufacturing sector. During the period under review, the company purchased pre-paid meters worth Sh4.7 billion in the year to June 30from the local market. For the first time, Kenya Power has also budgeted to spend Sh424 million on locally-assembled transformers during the current financial year. “Out of Kenya Power’s capital expenditure budget of Sh184 billion for the last four years, the Company spent Sh120 billion in purchase of locally manufactured electricity distribution equipment,” the firm said in a statement. In July, Kenya Power published new procurement guidelines, which stated that 80 per cent of all electricity distribution equipment will be sourced from the country, giving preference to local investors. Industries account for more than 60 per cent of Kenya Power’s electricity sales revenue. Supporting the manufacturing sector will in turn boost the Company’s core business. The new procurement guidelines have already attracted three international companies; Pan African Transformers, Yocean Group Limited and Continental Transformers, involved in manufacturing transformers to set up plants in the country, creating jobs for Kenyan citizens.

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Industries account for more than 60 per cent of Kenya Power’s electricity sales revenue. Supporting the manufacturing sector will in turn boost the Company’s core business. “Kenya Power has taken a deliberate step to prioritise purchase of equipment and materials from the local market to encourage manufacturers to set up plants in Kenya. The aim is to retain at least 80 per cent of the Company’s annual procurement budget, which stands at Sh54 billion, in the country,” said Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr Ben Chumo. Speaking at the Manufacturers Expo 2016 held at the KICC yesterday, Dr Chumo also disclosed that Kenya Power is no longer importing wooden poles from international markets such as Chile and

Brazil as was the case in the past. “We have 54 Kenyan companies currently supplying us with both concrete and wooden poles, eliminating the need to import these materials. This has created about 540 direct jobs for Kenyans and several other indirect employment opportunities,” he said. The electricity sector has grown tremendously in the period between 2013 and 2016, from an installed capacity of about 1,700 MW to the current 2,341MW. The peak demand stands at 1,620 MW with a reserve margin of 33 per cent, above the international standard which is 30 per

Stakeholders push for the inclusion of oral health ahead of school curriculum reforms A cross-section of key stakeholders in Kenya’s health and education sectors have pledged their support for the curriculum review process that will include oral health content. Their support for the curriculum review was pledged at a multi-stakeholder forum organized and sponsored by Wrigley, at a Nairobi hotel. The forum drew the attendance of highlevel representatives from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the University of Nairobi, the Kenya Dental Association, and Ministry of Health, who were all in consensus on the importance of integrating oral health into the school curriculum. Speaking at the forum, Olive Mbuthia, Senior Assistant Director at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development cited that thematic areas in health education would be included in the reformed curriculum, including oral health. This follows recommendations in the first ever Kenya National Oral

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Health Survey Report after the findings highlighted the correlation between the poor status of oral health in children (and adults) and unhealthy dental practices due to lack of information and access to treatment. Key findings showed that three out of four children, between the ages of five and fifteen in Kenya, suffer from gum bleeding due to poor oral hygiene practices. Similarly, prevalence of gum bleeding among adults was equally high at 98.1 percent. The survey was conducted to ascertain the burden of select oral diseases as well as implications of oral health related quality of life. “We have been working separately with the Kenya Dental Association, the Ministry of Health and the University of Nairobi and saw it fit to bring these stakeholders together to drive the agenda of oral health in the school curriculum,” said Wanja Mwangi, Head of Corporate Affairs at Wrigley East Africa.

Citing the 2016 World Health Organization report on “Promoting Oral Health in Africa”, Ms. Mwangi emphasised on the critical intervention needed in addressing the lack of policy which acts as an obstacle to the successful implementation of oral health programmes in schools. The Ministry of Health was optimistic that the Wrigley-led multi-stakeholder forum would help shape policy formulation in oral health. “We propose incorporating oral health in the existing Health Clubs in schools to get children familiar with healthy oral health practices early,” said Dr. Regina Mutave, a public health specialist from the University of Nairobi. The forum was undertaken as part of the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, which has been running globally as part of the gum maker’s social investment pillar for 30 years. @kevin_x254

cent. As such, there are deliberate efforts to create demand for the additional generation capacity, which calls for investment in the manufacturing sector. Demand for locally manufactured electrical equipment is set to rise with the implementation of various projects by the government that are meant to increase the country’s access to electricity. The Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) is one of such undertakings that targets to achieve massive power connections to households at a subsidized rate of Sh15, 000. @enock _x254

MEAN 101.8533 126.8172 109.0700 7.1170 35.2665 21.4230

BUY SELL 101.7533 101.9533 126.6739 126.9606 108.9456 109.1944 7.1075 7.1265 35.1828 35.3502 21.3529 21.4932

Safaricom bags African mobile operator of the year award Leading telecommunications firm, Safaricom has been named the ‘African Mobile Operator of the Year’ in the annual CommsMEA Awards for 2016. The award is distributed by CommsMEA, a leading Middle Eastern publication that focuses on the telecoms sector. It recognises one mobile operator in Africa that has continued to develop, improve and innovate its mobile services while growing its penetration rate and improving customer experience. The award, which was given during the 11th edition of the annual event, seeks to acknowledge operators who have taken a leadership role in the region’s fast growing and rapidly changing telecoms sector. The awards also honour companies that have continually invested in technology, and implemented winning strategies. Over the last six months, Safaricom has progressed its vision to transform lives by redefining its emphasis on putting the customer first, providing relevant products, and enhancing operational efficiencies. Increasing competitive pressures have ensured that the company continues to invest heavily in building a network that is fit for future challenges. This year, Safaricom was up against other African operators including Ooredoo Algeria, Vodacom South Africa, Sudatel and Vodafone Egypt for the award. This year’s judging panel consisted of a mix of industry analysts and commentators, including representatives from IDC Middle East, Turkey & Africa; A.T. Kearney; Deloitte Middle East; the Boston Consulting Group; Ovum; and Booz Allen Hamilton. @enock _x254

NIC Bank signs deal with Delights to ease importation of vehicles NIC Bank has partnered with Delights Kenya Limited, a leading second hand vehicle importer and dealer, to offer customers financing for importation of vehicles directly from the Japan car auctions. NIC Bank’s Executive Director, Alan Dodd noted that most financing of second hand vehicles by commercial banks is for vehicles currently already in the market. Local banks do not finance importation of vehicles directly from the auctions overseas. This has seen the emergence of middlemen who fund the purchase and substantially mark up the cost of the vehicles to make a profit. With this partnership between NIC Bank and Delight Kenya Limited, customers will enjoy between 10-20 per cent savings on purchase of their chosen vehicle. NIC Bank will finance up to 80 per cent of the vehicle landed cost, with customers depositing the 20 per cent once they identify their preferred vehicle from Delight Kenya Ltd and receive their offer letter from the Bank.

Mr Dodd added that NIC Bank would be the first Bank to offer this innovative financing solution for second hand car imports in this market. Vehicles financed under the scheme will have a maximum age limit of 8 years from the year of manufacture and insured under NIC Bank Insurance Agents. The Import logistics, Custom Clearance, Terminal Handling and Vehicle Registration will be handled by Mitchell Cotts giving customers a one stop solution for the vehicle imports. Kenya is Africa’s largest importer of used Japanese cars and is ranked the fourth largest market globally for Japan’s lucrative second-hand car industry, according to data from Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association. Delights Kenya is the local subsidiary of Delights Company Ltd, which is based in Japan and is present in over six markets across the world. The local arm is one of Kenya’s leading suppliers of second hand vehicles with three offices in Nairobi, Meru and Maua @kevin_x254 town.

BUSINESS

Uber inks deal with BRANCH to provide exclusive loan package for drivers WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

Uber and Branch have announced a partnership that will enable existing drivers who use the Uber app to access an exclusive loan package from the leading mobile lender. The partnership’s objective is to help existing drivers working with Uber to become driverpartners and own and grow their businesses. Speaking during the launch ceremony, Kagure Wamunyu, Uber’s Operations Lead in Kenya said the partnership, which is part of Uber’s vehicle solutions programme, follows similar ones that the techn firm signed this year with Sidian Bank in Kenya and WesBank in South Africa. Under the partnership, high performing drivers using Uber will be able to leverage their data on the ride-hailing app to gain access to the new loan product on the Branch app. Drivers who plan to access the loan will need to complete 500 trips and have a 4.6 star rating on the Uber App. Qualifying drivers will have access to Sh30,000 as a starter loan, payable within 6 months at a fee of Sh2,172, which is equivalent to a 1.2 per cent monthly interest rate. “Uber is focused on increasing economic opportunities. We are excited about this partnership which will enable existing drivers that are leasing their cars from partners to become driver-partners and owners of their businesses. We are excited that through Branch, driver-partners will have access to convenient and affordable credit to advance their businesses in just a few

Director of Branch in Africa Mr. Daniel S. Zlapak with Uber Operations Lead in Kenya Kagure Wamuyu during a partnership meeting yesterday that will provide an exclusive loan package for drivers. Photo:GITOBU/X-News taps,” said Wamunyu. The new loan product actively addresses the credit shortage experienced by Kenyan entrepreneurs. “Here in Kenya, formal financial data is not widespread, and therefore many lenders find it difficult to assess risk and

extend enough credit to meet demand.” commented Daniel Szlapak, Director of Africa for Branch. “At Branch, we are using alternative data sources and proprietary machine learning technology to overcome this hurdle and make accurate lending

Two Rivers Mall attracts 50 investors as project moves to create thousands of jobs

Thousands of Kenyans are set to secure employment opportunities once the Two Rivers mall is officially opened, its Board Chairman and Centum Director Dr. Chris Kirubi has said. To be opened on February 2017, the multibillion-shilling mega real estate development project will see a majority of unskilled labour secure the lion’s share in the thousands of jobs that would be created. Recent statistics indicate that over five

The Two Rivers Mall.

million pupils are enrolled in schools every year but only one million reach Form Four whereas a mere 100,000 graduate leaving a whopping 9 million untapped into workforce bracket. “This is a game changer. Unlike other entities, we will be focusing on the untapped and unskilled labour force,’’ said Dr. Chris Kirubi. The two Rivers mall, the largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle centre in the region with 67,000 square metres

Photo:GITOBU/X-News

has currently created over 4,000 direct jobs ranging from technical aspect to unskilled man power. “Already we have created over 4,000 direct jobs from all sectors of the economy, supplementing governments efforts in creation of employment, a move that is in line with government’s 2030 vision,” Kirubi said. He confirmed that they have invested close to $10 million (Sh1 billion) in security on the premise, a move that has already lured over 50 international investors. “We invest in Kenya because we believe in it. We urge other private firms and investors to follow the same route so that we can walk the journey of transformation together,” the Chairman said. Centum CEO, James Mworia said the mall will be producing over 1.2 MW of power, reducing reliance on the national grid. He explained that the group has intensively invested in ICT and security “The mega-project proves that we Kenyans have the capacity to tackle our own challenges such as unemployment and rapid urbanisation,” he said. @enock_x254

decisions. We are delighted to be working with Uber to be able to offer this new loan product at unprecedented low interest rates and support entrepreneurs in growing their businesses,” Szlapak added. Under the agreement, Uber and Branch

will enable drivers to increase their earning capacity by providing them with the necessary capital to register their businesses and onboard their own vehicles onto the Uber app. It is anticipated that several thousand existing drivers using the Uber App will take up the offer by the end of the year. “I’m very excited about this news”, said Peter Kamau, an existing driver using the Uber app who was invited to apply, “With this loan I can get a business permit and manage my expenses so I can work towards buying my own car and increase my profits”, said Kamau. The partnership comes as both Uber and Branch celebrate recent growth milestones. In May this year, Uber reached 1 million rides taken in Kenya since launching operations at the beginning of 2015. To date, Branch has extended credit to over 130,000 customers in Kenya and Tanzania. In October this year, the financial services company announced that it had reached the 500,000 loans milestone. Existing drivers using the Uber app will be able to apply for the loan on Uber’s driver-partner website ‘kenya. ubermovement.com’. Once a driver has qualified for the loan, they can access the new loan option on the Branch Android application, which can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. @kevin_x254

Jumia Travel highlights tourism sector recovery at 3rd anniversary

Jumia Travel has celebrated its third anniversary, marking the second edition of Jumia Hotel Awards ceremony. With five categories each respectively covering a topical highlight in the hotel business, the Jumia Hotel Awards celebrate greatest achievements and relationships that not only set the awardees apart, but also strive to create better service and experience for the guests. “Creating unforgettable experience through guest engagement, protecting the environment through adhering to sustainable policies and providing the right work environment for the staff is fundamental to the growth and reputation of any hotel”, commented Estelle Verdier, Managing Director for Jumia Travel, East and Southern Africa Region. She emphasized on the objective of the Jumia Hotel Awards to appreciate outstanding performers while creating a dynamic platform for players to meet and interact. Within the last three years, Jumia Travel has provided an online platform for local hotels, ensuring that both small boutique properties as well as privately owned residences can now enjoy fair display and online presence as with global chains and renowned

brands. Paving and supporting the digitization process of hotels and the adoption of eCommerce has also been at the forefront of objectives set by the company, with 50 per cent of its hotel partners making their online debut via the platform. The 2016 Jumia Hotel Awards Winners included Amani Tiwi Beach Resort, which bagged the Customer Choice Award. The Best Hotel Partner award went to Lotos Inn & Suites, the Booking Award went to Reef Hotel, Mombasa (Kenya Continental Hotel, Severin Sea Lodge), while the Business Partner 2016 award went to Fairmont The Norfolk. Tune Hotel bagged the Rising Star Award. Upon presenting the awards, Cyrus Onyiego, Country Manager for Jumia Travel Kenya, cited that the local hotel sector forms a vital component of the tourism industry supply chain and therefore reiterated on the need for players to be at the forefront in implementing positively impacting policies. “It is truly rewarding to have been part of this journey, we have achieved what we set to do when we set camp in Nairobi,” said Onyiego during his address to the guests. @kevin_x254

WEEKEND EDITION, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

ACCESS THE GREAT THING ABOUT MUSIC IS THAT MUSIC IS ONE LANGUAGE. Undisputed queen of Afrobeats, musical phenom and all-round legend, Yemi Alade, was in the country recently working on mash-ups and collaborations on Coke Studio. In between slaying in the booth and being fabulous she had time to catch up with XACCESS. Here’s what she said. @christine_x254

Queen of Afrobeats

HOT TOPICS Marc and J-Lo perform duet at Latin GRAMMYS

ennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony reunited at the Latin GRAMMYs Thursday, where the former couple shared a few sweet moments on stage. After Anthony sang a few numbers by himself, Lopez joined him on stage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to perform a duet of the classic 1984 Spanish tune “Olvidame y Pega la Vuelta.” After their duet, Lopez was tasked with presenting Anthony with the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award, and she had a few kind words about the celebrated singer. “Marc is a living legend,” Lopez said, delivering her entire speech in Spanish. As she turned to congratulate Anthony, she planted a sweet kiss on his lips and the entire crowd went wild.

How does this season compare to the other seasons you’ve been on the show? It’s different because I feel like normally on a reality show the first two or so seasons it’s the same old and ratings start to drop but with Coke Studio it’s different. This season is so reality TV that you’ll think that you are with us, we get to see more content that is not just about music, it’s so mind blowing. The show’s been twisted around a bit but I personally can’t wait to watch it. What do you think of the Kenyan artiste you’ve been partnered up with [Nyashinski]? Nyash is a great guy, he’s a really awesome person and I like the fact that he’s very ‘himself.’ He wouldn’t do anything he does not want to do. He’s a strong willed person and his music is true. Everything he says in his songs is very true. Where did your love for Kenya come from? Because you’ve been here a number of times Well Coke Studio is one of the things that has brought me to

the country but other than that I come here on my own and I have friends here as well, that are artistes. I come here so that we could talk because it’s not enough to just be on the phone. My love for Kenya is one that I sensed and I knew it was very present for me too. You are told to go where you are loved and so that’s what I do. You work with artistes from all over the continent, how do you usually fuse all your individual sounds together? The great thing about music is that music is one language. In as much as I sing in pidgin and my own dialect and Ruby might sing in Swahili and Nyash in Swahili as well, the great part about music is that it is a dialect that is none of our languages. So no matter what we do there is already a bridge that is connecting us. Secondly we have in-house producers that help with the mash-ups and tempos because I’m on a completely different tempo from Nyash and Ruby. They find a way to put us on the same tempo and we choose how to deliver. What is your primary motivation to create? I thank God for the talent and

@kevin_x254

enyans on Twitter have not spared Nairobi Gubernatorial aspirant Miguna Miguna after he claimed on a talk show that fellow aspirant Esther Passaris was nothing without her skin color. The duo lashed at each other causing a social media uproar that has escalated into a lawsuit against Miguna Miguna. On social media Passaris said, “I encourage women not to shy away from leadership for fear of victimisation, character assassination and prejudices of patriarchy.” In his defence, Miguna claimed parts of the video were omitted “The video omits the portion where Passaris accused me of rape... She did not specify whom I allegedly raped,” he said. The online community has condemned the exchange terming it childish and full of hate.

Online outrage over ‘lightskin’ slur

PASSARIS

inspiration and also for a great team. They constantly try to make sure that I am not stale. I am definitely inspired by the people who celebrate and believe in my talent. That for me is what keeps me going. How do you come up with your costumes and looks on the red carpet? Well many people like to call my fashion style ‘eclectic,’ African, colourful; so many things I’ve heard in so many years. But in one sentence I just try to be Yemi Alade and I can’t do it alone. Even though I take centre stage in trying to determine what I wear and how I look, I have a lot of designers and stylists and people who put their heads together to make my vision and ideas come to life. How do you think the Coke studio experience has affected your career? First of all it looks very good on my CV to know that I’ve collaborated with Trey Songz! Every time I’m on Coke Studio I take a lot of things home. I take the experience and it ends up reflecting on my music. It’s always a learning experience for me and there’s always new energy. So I’m always thankful for every year that I’m on Coke Studio.

Entries for 2016 DSTV EUTELSAT star Awards extended for Kenyan students

ue to popular demand, Kenyan students now have more time to submit their entries for the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards and get a once in a lifetime opportunity to win an allexpense paid trip to Paris, France, to see a rocket launch into space. The closing date for entries for the awards has been extended until Wednesday, 30 November 2016. Science and technology fans between 14 and 19 years now have extra time to be inspired to write a creative essay or design a poster based on the following topic: “Take yourself into the future as a scientist, tasked with designing a new-age satellite that will help improve the lives of Africans. Tell us what you would call your satellite and describe the different functions and roles that it would play in the Africa of the future.” The DStv Eutelsat Star Awards are open to all students from secondary (high) or combined schools on the continent where MultiChoice Africa maintains operations. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in February 2017.

ACCESS

WEEKEND WEDNESDAY EDITION, 26th NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2014 18-20, 2016

‘I LIKE MY TRADITIONAL MAASAI BEADED NECKLACE. IT’S SO COLOURFUL AND BEAUTIFUL.

Blue tones in a pleated, one-shoulder cobalt gown.

Winnie Awino

Back to basics; in a black body-con knee-length dress.

The

Withering looks in a black body-con maxi skirt and crossover crop top.

Fashionista

here has never been a more apt title for a fashion website than ‘Winnie The Fashionista.’ Winnie Awino blends avant-garde pieces with trendy ﬁnds creating looks that are so effortlessly stylish but altogether subduing. Winnie The Fashionista is a lesson in luxury. Winnie has this to say about her style, ‘I like my traditional Maasai beaded necklace. It’s so colourful and beautiful. I would pair it with a solid colour like a black dress to spice it up or I would wear it with a printed outﬁt for dramatic effect.’

Neutral in a tasseled black bodycon skirt and white shirt accessorized with a Maasai necklace.

WEBSITE: winniethefashionista.com INSTAGRAM: @winniethefashionista FACEBOOK: Winnie The Fashionista PHOTOS by Charles Ngomo of Royal Reel Photography and Murage Masolia of Mindz Eye Kenya.

ADULT CAKE BY THE OCEAN DNCE

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She reigns in a peach lace and tulle knee-length dress and ﬁre orange heels.

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Sitting pretty in an B&W print shirt, white slacks and yellow beaded necklace.

ARTISTE

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Can’t Stop The Feeling! Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

Justin Timberlake Adele

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Heathens

Twenty one pilots Sia Featuring Sean Paul Charlie Puth Shawn Mendes DNCE Justin Bieber Lukas Graham Bon Jovi

Cheap Thrills One Call Away Treat You Better Cake By The Ocean Love Yourself 7 Years This House Is Not For Sale

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SPORTBRIEFS

WEEKEND EDITION NOVEMBER 18-20, 2016

Ingwe ordered to pay ex-coach Sh2.4 million Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards have been ordered to pay former head coach, Ivan Minnaert (pictured below) Sh2.4 million as compensation for wrongful contract termination. Three weeks after his unceremonial dismissal over two months ago, Minnaert filed a complaint against Ingwe through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Arbitration Tribunal with the ruling being made earlier this week by the newly constituted arm’s Chairman, Bernard Murunga. Leopards had earlier agreed to reimburse Minnaert KSh60,000 but the Arbitration Tribunal ruled that the amount be revised to Ksh2.4 million, an equivalent of his six month salary as stated in his contract. The club raised five key issues against Minnaert with the first being the string of underwhelming performances posted by the team during his reign, the second related to the failure to issue a written apology to Team Manager Joseph Milimu for using negative and“bad” words against him in the presence of the Assistant Coaches and the playing unit. He was also accused of disintegrating the team through poor leadership, losing the dressing room and undermining the authority of the national Executive Committee (NEC) by calling officials of the federation with regard to player transfers. In the ruling, further details indicate Minnaert and his technical bench were hardly ever in agreement in view of managing the team, with the then Assistant Coach Ezekiel Akwana accusing the Belgian’s arrogance of tearing down the club’s team spirit. “It is becoming very hard to win in our team because the head coach doesn’t want to apply or accept our views or my view as an assistant coach of AFC. We are losing (sic) because the H. Coach (Minnaert) only listens to what we tell him but what surprise me is that the coach tells us especially me that all my ideas are wrong,” an excerpt from a letter addressed to the club management by Akwana read. Akwana later assumed the role of Interim Coach after Minnaert’s seven-month tenure was brought to an end but he equally found little success at the Den with Englishman Stewart Hall taking over the onus from him. Meanwhile, Ingwe will be out to end their nightmare 2016 campaign when they host Muhoroni Youth in the last match of the season. Rooted 13th in the log with 30 points, Saturday’s results will not affect their standings and are certain to finish four position from the bottom.

Harambee Starlets head coach david Ouma. He says his team is ready for their debut match in the AFCON women edition on Sunday in Cameroon. PHOTOS: CAPITAL FM

arambee Starlets head coach David Ouma says the side is ready for the big kick-off on Sunday night when they face Ghana’s Black Queens in their first match of the 2016 African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroon. The team has been camping in the seaside city of Limbe for the last 10 days and Ouma has switched the training sessions to evening to ensure the girls get used to playing under floodlights before Sunday’s game. “During the COTIF tournament we played our semifinal match under floodlights and I don’t think it will be much of a problem. Just to ensure we are 100 percent okay, we have decided to train at night so that we get fully used to it,” Ouma said Limbe. “The players are adapting well despite the high humidity we are experiencing in Limbe. I have tried to regulate the training sessions to ensure the players have enough energy for our first match,” he added. Starlets will be playing at the AWCON for the first time in their history and Ouma insists they are still pegging their hopes on getting into the semi-finals. “It is such an honor

Ouma conﬁdent as Starlets pump up in Limbe

for me to lead this team into the tournament for the first time ever. We still have our targets which we will work on step by step and taking a match at a time. The mood within the team is that we should put our best foot forward in each and every game and we showcase our talent for the whole continent to see,” Ouma said. He admits he still has a headache over the forward line especially with the last minute withdrawal of striker Neddy Atieno who left to join the Kenya Defence Forces. “It’s something that is still giving me a headache but I have been trying to work out different combinations with Esse (Akida), Corazone (Aquino) and Christine (Nafula). I am sure by Sunday I will have picked the best for the team.” Meanwhile, teams have already started arriving in Limbe and Yaoundé, the two venues for the Nations Cup. Kenya’s opponents Ghana and Nigeria have already touched down in Douala. Black Queens Coach Yussif Basigi speaking to peacefmonline.com has hinted his side, just like Kenya will be gunning for a semifinal slot.

“We are trying to discard all factors that can affect performance and results and aim at our target. I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the players but we are definitely aiming at qualifying to the semi-finals.” Defending champions, Nigeria are also confident of a good show in Cameroon. The team includes Arsenal superstar Asisat Oshoala and United States based attacking midfielder Francesca Ordega who is confident the Falcons will defend their title. “The goal for us is that we want to retain the Cup in Cameroon. Not just to participate, but to win and return the trophy back home. I am impressed with what I have seen since I arrived in camp,” Ordega told News 24 Nigeria. Ordega has represented Nigeria at all levels, featuring at the 2010 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago and with the U20 at 2012 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Japan. At senior level, she played at the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments of 2011 and 2015.