NEWS
WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
CLASSIFIED
WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
Due to the relocation of our warehouse, our company is selling cargos with a surprising price. Time is limited, first come first served.
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180 litre
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Name Duvet
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10
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Parties oppose law for MPs to have degrees
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Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi during a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi yesterday. Mr Mudavadi opposed the Bill requiring MPs to have degrees. PHOTO: G. IKUNDA
pposition parties have rejected a proposed law seeking to make it mandatory for aspiring MPs to have a university degree as minimum qualification. Amani National Congress (ANC) and Wiper Democratic Party have termed the legislation unconstitutional and discriminatory saying it amounts to suppression of democracy. The two parties now want the recommended law dropped because “it defeats the rules of natural justice and democracy.” They held that it was untenable and should not be used as a measure of
one’s leadership skills as uneducated politicians have in the past proven their ability to lead. “Wiper is opposed to the law barring political aspirants from vying for various posts in 2017 due to their educational qualifications,” Wiper Chairman David Musila told a press conference in Nairobi this week. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has proposed amendments to the Elections Act to raise the bar for academic qualifications required for candidates seeking parliamentary seats starting from the next General Election. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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NEWS
Parties oppose law for MPS to have degrees in 2017 election WEEKEND EDITION, DECEEMBER 9-11, 2016
From Page 1 According to the proposed regulations, those vying as Members of Parliament must be holders of at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Those seeking County Assembly seats are required to have diploma certificates. But ANC says the law must be put on hold to allow political parties and Kenyans to agree on the extent of the leaders they want to elect. “This debate has been prolonged and if I remember there was an amplitude test that was carried by the Defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) and a total of over 16, 000 aspirants came for the same test. ECK did not succeed,” Musalia Mudavadi said during an interview at his Amani offices. “We must not underestimate the kind of leaders we had before and going forward we need to have ideal legislation,” he added. Mudavadi said that high qualifications proposed in the law should not be the only necessity for leadership. Currently, only the President, Deputy President, Governors and Deputy Governors are required to hold a degree from a recognised university as
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per the Elections Act. Senator Musila told IEBC not to rush to make decision which even the constitution and county government Act do not specify, citing the academic qualifications for MCAs. “I believe leadership is a calling someone receives and so the idea of academic qualification do not determine a person’s ability to be a leader. This law is retrogressive and discriminatory,” said the Kitui senator. Parties interested in becoming MCAs will need a post-secondary diploma, at least, to contest in the next election, and a degree for the 2022 poll. The move aims to improve the quality of leadership for leaders who have been accused of passing substandard laws and not grasping basic principles of devolution, economics and finance. On his part, The Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka told parliament to act in good faith and not to pass the law. Mr Musyoka said as much as education is not the only factor for good leadership, it would be ironical to place so much value on it. “Leadership has many qualities and if you put these qualities in terms of education, you will miss other things
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because as a leader, it is about the willingness to serve,” the Wiper Party leader said. Last week, MPs voted to pass the Bill, but it appears members lack the courage to pass such a law as MPs were absent for the next stage that would make the Bill become law. Insider sources say the legislators are looking at the Bill as shooting
themselves in the foot. But Majority Leader Aden Duale has asked politicians not to panic saying the law will take effect in 2022 and not apply for the 2017 polls. A similar law was passed prior to last elections in 2013 but MPs later amended it to remove the degree requirement ahead of the elections. @ hillary_x254
MPs warn Kuria against Bill seeking to slash CDF fund
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Wiper Party leader kalonzo Musyoka and Chairman David Musila during a press conference at the party offices in nairobi on Wednesday. PHOTO: COURTESY
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A section of Members of Parliament have strongly opposed Gatundu South lawmaker Moses Kuria Bill which seeks to reduce the allocation to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) by half. Kuria has proposed that the fund be slashed by 50 percent and the money channeled to the Free Day Secondary Education kitty. But his Rarieda counterpart Nicholas Gumbo has opposed his Bill and warned him saying that it miserably on the floor of the house. Gumbo defended the kitty saying its positive impacts can be felt across all constituencies. He instead asked the government to first contain the current wastage of the free education funds before asking for more. “Let the government look for other ways of funding the secondary education, besides we have witnessed a lot of wastage of the free primary and secondary education that we cannot add more to the kitty,” Gumbo said. He was backed by Mbalambala’s Abdikadir Aden who said CDF has revolutionized most constituencies as schools, dispensaries and police houses have been built using the funds.
“We can make funds available for the education sector. We cannot continue to move money meant for development to education while we all know that the same money has been misused,” Aden said. Nyamira County women representative Alice Chai said there is need to clean up the education sector before any money is added to it. “The government has enough money to fund both the primary education and secondary education. It is not the responsibility of Kuria to tell them where to get money,” Chai said. Seme’s James Nyikal said the move is populist and is not accompanied by any policy on prudent management. “We need to clearly know what the money is going to do. We are not interested in populist moves by MPs,” Dr Nyikal said. Kuria’s Bill has already been approved by the speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi and will be discussed when MPs resume from recess. Should the Basic Amendment Bill go through then all students in day secondary schools will get 100 percent free education while their boarding counterparts will get 10,000 subsidy in their fees.
IEBC extend deadline for funding rules
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has extended the deadline for aspirants to submit forms for Election Campaign Financing. Communications Manager Andrew Limo stated that the commission opted to extend the deadline by a day owing to the overwhelming number of applicants. “Owing to the high turnout witnessed today by those submitting forms, the Commission advises those still waiting to submit the forms to do so tomorrow,(Friday) at any IEBC office countrywide,” he stated in a statement. He noted that concerns had been raised regarding compliance with the law and said they would be addressed by other institutions. “Political parties and candidates to register their respective authorized persons and submit details of the campaign financing account as per Section 6 of the Act pending approval of the regulations by the National Assembly,” he said. Earlier, the commission had asked aspirants to download forms on their website and file returns by the end of Friday at their officers. www.capitalfm.co.ke
Taib among five shortlisted for IEBC top job
Former Mombasa Mayor Taib Ali Taib and ex Judicial Service Commissioner Florence Muoti Mwangangi are among the five more candidates shortlisted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel to replace Issack Hassan at the helm of the polls agency. Others include advocates Wanyonyi Wafula Chebukati, Tukero Ole Kina and Lucas Leperes Ole Naikuni. According to a notice published in the newspapers on Friday, the candidates are slated to be interviewed by the Bernadette Musundi led Selection Panel on December 19. Subsequently, the Panel has urged members of the public to submit the views on the suitability of the five to hold the office by next Friday. Apart from serving as the mayor of the Coastal city, Taib also runs his private law firm and recently was in the 6-member Commission of Inquiry set up by President Uhuru Kenyatta to inquire into claims for dissolution of Makueni County Government. Mwangangi on the other hand was the former LSK representative at the JSC. www.capitalfm.co.ke
@wilson_x254
NEWS 5 WEEKEND EDITION DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
New law to weed out fake varsity degrees All graduates seeking formal employment will have their academic transcripts vetted and qualified before they can secure any job. A proposal by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority wants employers to authenticate academic qualifications from the authority before they can offer employment to fresh graduates. The authority will also have the sole responsibility of verifying the authenticity of allacademic transcripts, away from tradition where institutions of higher learning had the mandate to ascertain their legitimacy. In an interview with X News, acting KNQA Chief Executive revealed that the Kenya education system had for decades suffered from qualifications and skills mismatch, which necessitated the creation of the authority. “We are mandated to carry out various duties but more fundamentally is to maintain a national database of national qualifications, advice and support any person, body or institution which is responsible for the award of national qualifications,” Mr Nainjakululu told X News. Citing the example of the quack medical superintendent of Meteitei Sub-County Hospital in Nandi who was nabbed last month, Nainjakululu maintained that his team would help eradicate quacks in the various professions that have been continuously intruded the job
market from institutions that produce halfbaked graduates. He said that his office will work closely with varsity senates and the commission of University Education (CUE) to ensure that all accredited institutions comply with the new standards. “If we had this team for the last few years we would not have witnessed the likes of Melly (quack) in our country,” observed the CEO. Mr Nainjakululu warned that the Government is obligated to ensure the credibility of university education standards are not compromised by controlling haphazard creation of new universities. “Universities should ensure they engaged qualified staff and provided basic facilities such as laboratories, library system in line the CUE Regulations which we shall ensure it happens,” he said. Institutions of higher learning including middle level colleges have been blamed for offering substandard education that due to poor learning facilities and using inconsistent curriculum. Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Mating’I has in the past directed the closure of search campuses and ordered CUE not to approve the registration of new ones. The CS has also called for the dissolution and reconstitution of university senate and councils through a competitive process to allow for the inclusion of senior ministry officials who will guide the
Graduands during Nairobi University’s 56th graduation ceremony last week. A new law has been proposed to verify the authenticity of all university degrees in Kenya. PHOTO: COURTESY
varsities in approving of the right curriculum. Section 76 (3) of the Universities Act says: “All Councils of public universities in existence immediately before the commencement of this Act shall remain in office for a period not exceeding six months after which new councils shall be appointed under this Act.” The Universities Act came to force in 2012. This means most current councils should have been
reconstituted two years ago. The council ought to consist of nine members; five of them shall be competitively appointed by the Cabinet secretary, according to Section 36 of the Universities Act. Other members are PSs in the ministry of education and Finance, a chairperson and the Vice Chancellor as an ex officio member. @wilson_x254
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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
This is how to end doctors’ strike for good
Kenya needs to form a Health Service Commission to do a proper costing of health services at the counties and establish capacity and infrastructure of health services in order to contain perennial strikes by heath care workers. A former director of medical services says the commission will be able to address the three keys issues that has seen doctors and nurses take to the streets to demand fair treatment since 1971. Seme MP James Nyikal who was the country’s director of medical services between 2003 and 2008 said devolution of health services was rushed even before capacity assessment was done. In an interview with X News, Dr Nyikal there is no proper infrastructure and management of health services at the county level. As such, he said the formation of a health service commission to centralize the management and structure of health services is key in addressing the current problems facing the crucial sector. The legislator said just like other sectors who have their own commission, issues are addressed with ease and the government honours most of the agreements. In his reign at the ministry of Medical services, Nyikal said they placed the health service commission in the 2005 constitution which was defeated in the referendum and the
health workers failed to anchor it in the 2010 constitution. He however said the commission can still be formed through an act of parliament. “Health Service Commission will help in setting up standards on recruitment, remuneration, terms and conditions of work for health workers across the country. When this is done the country will not witness any strike again,” Dr Nyikal said. At the moment, Nyikal said what plagues the health sector most is lack of harmonization of terms of services as different counties pay different rates to health workers hence causing the disquiet among the workers. “At the moment one county pays a nurse Sh16,000 and another Sh36,000 this variance will definitely cause unease among the health workers. We need a uniform structure where whether one serves in Meru, Kiambu or Nyeri the terms of service is the same,” he argued. On the 2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that has led to the current strike which entered its fifth day today, the lawmaker said the issue is complicated since health is a devolved function yet the union officials signed the agreement with the national government. He said at the moment its only health workers at Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Mathari Mental Hospital
Doctors demonstrate on the streets of Nairobi on Monday at the start of their strike early this week. Creation of a health service commission has been proposed as one way of addressing their concerns. PHOTO:G. IKUNDA/X NEWS
that are under the national government. “With sincere and pragmatic approach on the basis of constitutional provisions and legal framework in place as well as due regard for human life, these issues can be resolved quickly. It appears politics, grandstanding and struggle for control of resources are the main obstacles,”
Why talks to resolve current crisis have not yield fruits so far Negotiations to end the ongoing nationwide strike by doctors failed to take place yesterday as parties involved in the dispute took hardline positions. Doctors are unhappy with the ministry for sending “junior” staff to the negotiation saying those negotiating on behalf of the government are not the decision makers. KMPDU Secretary General Ouma Ouluga, told X News that the health ministry brought to the negotiating table officials who were not decision makers prompting them to walk out as the meeting would be a ‘waste of time.’ He expressed concerns that the ministry is planning to challenge the 2013 CBA in court which they claim is against the provisions of the Labor Regulations Act. At the same time, ministry officials led by Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu are not willing to abide to the 2013 CBA claiming it was signed under ‘pressuring circumstances’ and without the involvement of the Council of Governors who are key to its implementation. They want to the doctors to sign a return to work formulae and start fresh negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. “We shall not go back to any meeting with junior officers who cannot make decisions. Any question that arises they must make phone call to their bosses before responding,” Dr Oluga told Xnews. According to Health PS Dr Nicholas Muraguri, the then Health CS James Macharia signed the CBA before doctors were transferred to the counties. A spot check by X-News at the Kenyatta National Hospital revealed a grave picture of dying patients left unattended for the fifth day running while others were only receiving nursing services from The Kenya Medical Training College students. And as the strike entered day five, specialist doctors and consultants who have been offering emergency services at the Kenyatta National Hospital, and University of Nairobi Medical School lecturers, also joined the strike. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) also threatened to force the shutting down of private and mission hospitals next week.
The move is intended to exert more pressure on the government to give in to the doctors’ demands. “The ministry does not want to address the issue at hand, which is the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A court ruling in October said that we address ourselves to the matters of the CBA. They (Ministry of Health) was given 30 days to address this issue, but they didn’t,” explained KMPDU chairman Dr Samuel Oroko. “The Salaries and Remuneration Commission was given 45 days but they, too did not respond. The strike notice was our bargaining chip, we gave them 21 days,” he added. @wilson_x254
KMPDU Secretary General Ouma Oluga during the strike protests on Monday. PHOTO: G. IKUNDA/X NEWS
he observed. He cautioned the government not to threaten health workers with either a court order or sack sacking saying they are educated people who have many options open to them. “Health workers should not be treated like other people because they deal with instant human life,” he said. @sam_x254
Governors blame state for medics work boycott Governors have heap blame for the ongoing strike by doctors on the Ministry of Health accusing it of deliberately orchestrating the current work boycott. Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and Kisumu’s Jack Ranguma accused former Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia of signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) without consulting them. The Contentious CBA was signed between the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in 2013 just before doctors were transferred to the counties. And now, the governors say they are grappling with matters pushed to them by the national government. “We blame Macharia for the strike that has paralysed medical services in health facilities across the country. He should not have signed the CBA because he knew the health sector is a devolved function. Macharia should have left it to the governors to deal with it,” Rutto said claiming that governors only saw the CBA last week. He said the ministry of health should handl the matter as they had committed themselves to it. Rutto, a former Chair of the Council of Governors told his colleagues to take responsibility and talk to striking nurses and doctors to end the stalemate, which entered its fifth day today. “Let the national government leave
this (strike) to us, but it should give us money to pay them so we address the issue,” he reiterated. But Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma who chairs the Health Committee of the Council of Governors, alleged that the strike was a scheme to by some dark forces to paint the county government as unable to handle health care so that the service is returned to the national government. “It is evident that health care has improved since we took over, but there is a narrative doing rounds that we are unable to manage the sector which is not the case,” he said. Yesterday, Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, area Woman Representative Rose Mitaru and Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire all drawn from Embu County recommended that the health services be reverted to the national government to restore normalcy in hospitals. The three legislators held that perennial industrial action by health workers and lack of essential drugs in public hospitals show that county governments had failed to manage the sector. Religious leaders have also called on the striking health workers to return to work and save lives as they seek dialogue with the government. The leaders said the health workers should consider calling off the strike to relieve pain and stop deaths of poor Kenyans. @hillary_x254
NEWS 7 WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER9-11, 2016
WEEKEnD EDITIOn, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016 | WWW.x254.CO
BUSINESS
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Kenya Airways to increase Europe flight frequency for 2017 Kenya Airways will increase its flights between its hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Amsterdam, in the Netherlands as well as Paris, France during the 2017 summer schedule. The airline is set to increase the weekly flights to both European destinations from 7 per week to 9 as from July 13, 2017. The additional flights will be on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays out of Nairobi with returns on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Kenya Airways Chief Executive and Managing Director Mbuvi Ngunze noted the increased flights were to accommodate an increasing demand from Europe and North America, especially during the summer peak season. “Our schedule enhancement to Europe during the Summer peak will help meet customer demand that is usually more during this period and will also provide our passengers with more flight choices hence more flexibility and convenience connecting to other destinations in Africa and Europe,” said Mbuvi. The additional flights arrive and depart in Amsterdam in the early morning, providing strong connectivity from Europe and North America. The Paris route will see a new morning departure out of Nairobi, with return flights from Paris in the evening, arriving in Nairobi in the morning. The airline has been aligning its flight schedule to offer seamless connections
Passengers disembark a Kenya Airways plane at the Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi. through its hub in Nairobi. The additional flights will offer passengers better connections to the airline’s African network. The carrier’s latest move comes just four months after KQ began a drive to let its subsidiary Jambojet operate all its scheduled flights to Malindi, Ukunda, Lamu and Eldoret.
The airlines signed a code sharing agreement that took effect on August 1, 2016 to ensure that passengers booked by KQ fly with them from Nairobi to the coastal resort town and vice versa while having their tickets and bookings accepted. The deal coincided with a capacity optimization drive within the Kenya
Cost of power to fall as US agency unveils Sh100 million energy deal with Kenya The cost of power connections is projected to fall further, a move that would see almost every household connected to the national grid. This is after the United States yesterday announced six partnerships with Kenya, which will see an additional of 361 Megawatts added to the national grid. The cost of power was previously estimated to fall by as much as 60 per cent this year based on government data and a 2015 announcement by the President. US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) East and Central Africa Country Manager, Brandon Megorden says support for six projects will identify solutions that can help increase access to affordable, reliable electricity across Kenya and help diversify the country’s energy mix. “USTDA funding is open to
private, public and PPP types of beneficiaries. While there is no prescribed minimum or maximum, funding generally ranges between Sh50 million and Sh100 million and is on a 100 per cent grant basis,” he said. The move follows a recent pledge by the African Development Bank (AfDB), which promised to invest Sh1.2 trillion to accelerate electricity supply across the continent. Over the last three years, Kenya has made remarkable progress in improving electricity access over the last three years. It is reported that over this period, the access rate grew to 56 per cent from a low of 27 per cent in 2013. “The number of people connected to power has doubled over the last three years, with school connectivity standing at close to
90 per cent,” said President Uhuru Kenyatta. USTDA supports important joint initiatives such as Power Africa, Trade Africa and other priority infrastructure projects in Kenya. Its program helps to create high quality infrastructure that is built to last so that its partner countries can realize the full value of their investments. The agency supports key infrastructure development projects in Africa, and around the world, by helping those projects move from concept to implementation, utilizing the expertise and resources of the US private sector. For more than 30 years, USTDA has played an important role in building rail lines, power plants, airports and undersea fibre optic cables across Africa. @enock_x254
Airways group that will see Jambojet grow its presence in Malindi. “This agreement will contribute to our growth as a low-cost carrier and with the increased number of flights, we will further improve our service offering to our customers travelling to Malindi,” Jambojet CEO, Willem Hondius said in a past statement. @kevin_x254
MEAN 101.9731 128.6494 109.4300 7.5118 35.4997 21.3685
BUY SELL 101.8772 102.0689 128.5044 128.7944 109.3056 109.5544 7.5020 7.5217 35.4173 35.5820 21.2993 21.4376
KQ customers to purchase air tickets on Equitel EazyPay platform
Equitel users can now buy Kenya Airways (KQ) air tickets through the platform’s EazzyPay service. Equity Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi said that the bank is actively signing up utility companies, distributors and other service providers for its Equitel platform that enables safe and secure mobile money payments. “Essentially, we are connecting your (companies) systems to our infrastructure and our infrastructure then becomes your infrastructure,” said Dr. Mwangi while releasing the Group’s third quarter results earlier last month. Kenya Airways tickets can also be bought at the bank’s countrywide branch and ATM network. Additionally, Equitel is going to be used to channel Eazzy Loan products for the bank’s corporate as well as small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers. Equitel will be able to process Eazzy loans to corporate customers for as up to Sh12.5 billion through its digital platforms. Equitel more than doubled the number of transactions the mobile platform processed in the third quarter of 2016 when compared with a similar period a year before. Equitel processed 150.8 million transactions in the third quarter of 2016 up from 62.2 million a year earlier, representing a 142 per cent increase. The value of transactions over the same period increased by 476 per cent to stand at sh250.8 billion up from sh43.6 billion. Customers can purchase their tickets using the Paybill Number 777887. @kevin_x254
Total introduces new range of fuels as oil consumption jumps 20 per cent International fuel distributor, Total Kenya has introduced a new range of automobile fuels into the Kenyan market; the Total Excellium Petrol and Total Excellium Diesel. The move follows a 20 per cent increase in fuel consumption over the past year as the country’s top three oil dealers battle it out for a larger share of the market. The Petroleum Institute of East Africa revealed earlier this month that low global oil prices, an increase in infrastructure projects and a growing middle-class have driven up the demand for fuel. Total’s latest move comes at a time when the top three marketers have lost a combined 2.8 per cent of their market share to other smaller distributors. Total, the country’s top oil marketer, now controls 16.7 per cent of the market, while Vivo (Shell) controls 16.6 per cent and KenolKobil controls 15.2 per cent, giving the three companies a combined market share of 48.5 per cent. Speaking during the product launch at the New Mombasa Road Total Service Station, Total Kenya Managing Director AnneSolange Renouard said Total Excellium fuels
have already been introduced in Europe and other leading markets in Africa including Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Mali, South Africa, Ghana and Uganda. In comparison with fuels with no specific additives, Total Excellium cleans vehicle engines, eliminates deposits and enables engines to maintain their performance. “By improving running of your engine, Total Excellium contributes to a reduction in polluting emissions (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons). The reduction in consumption directly results in a reduction in CO2 emissions, which goes to protect our environment. Additionally, Total Excellium additive results to reduced foaming of Diesel and especially during filling,” the fuel distributor said in a statement. Ms. Renouard said the new ranges of fuels are enhanced with proprietary Total additives to bring the indicated benefits to consumers and the environment at no extra cost. The new Total Excellium fuels will be available at all 184 Total Stations countrywide. @kevin_x254
BUSINESS 9
Public procurement rules slowing growth for smaller private firms WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
Public procurement rules and practices remain inefficient in developing countries, including Kenya, despite government efforts towards efficiency in delivering better services to their citizens. This is according to the latest edition of the World Bank Group’s Benchmarking Public Procurement (BPP) report. The report comes barely a month after it emerged that Kenya moved up 21 places in the World Bank’s ease of doing business index. Kenya moved to position 92, having put in place regulations that made it easier for small investors in Nairobi to start business, get electricity, register property, protect minority investors and resolve insolvency. However, the analysis states that accessibility and transparency of public procurement rules and practices remain limited, depriving many small and medium (SME) firms of the opportunity to bid for service contracts for government and other public sector institutions. “The worldwide public procurement market is estimated at approximately $9.5 trillion (Sh969 trillion) each year. Of this, developing countries spend an estimated $820 billion (Sh86.7 trillion) a year worth of citizens funds, about 50 per cent or more of their total government expenditure, on procuring goods and services that range
Trade and Markets East Africa (TMEA) Kenya Country Director, Dr. Chris Kiptoo and Kenya Private Sector Alliance Chief Executive Carole Kariuki signing a grant agreement at a past event. The private sector has been described as an engine of economic growth and contributes about 70 per to Kenya’s GDP. from food for welfare programs, to wiring for electrical grids that power homes and businesses,” reads the report in part. Augusto Lopez-Claros, Director of the World Bank’s Global Indicators Group, which produces the report said that large
Online reviews fronted as key driver in customer purchase decisions Invesp, a marketing retail and analytics firm, has found that 90 per cent of consumers read online reviews before placing an order or making a purchase. The survey, carried out to establish shopping trends and habits of customers online, also indicates that 88 per cent of these buyers trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations. Customer reviews, more or less reflect a true picture of any given business as Estelle Verdier, Managing Director of Jumia Travel explains. “Unless where suspicions of malice, hostility or rivalry are present, businesses should be able to learn, respond, recover and restructure where need be, so as to give better services to their customers,” Verdier said in a recent statement. The research indicates that when it comes to trust, the spenders tend to put their faith in institutions and businesses that have at least attained excellent rating from past users, while 32 per cent will only trust brands that have been reviewed positively. For both instances, it’s not difficult to see how humans are capable of relating to others’ experiences, and even use them to forecast their own. Verdier, whose company has launched a “Customer Selection” exclusive list of hotels, argues that the hospitality sector cannot ignore the impact and role of online reviews, since vacationers and visitors “do not only want to buy a good bed, but rather come looking for great
service, insightful engagement and interaction with the staff members as well as promised environment to befit the purpose of their stay.” Her sentiments are reiterated by the Invesp’s findings, which places reliability (27 per cent), expertise (21 per cent), and professionalism (18 per cent) as the main determinants influencing customer review. An excerpt of the survey cites that 86% of customers will refuse to purchase from a business with negative reviews, while indicating that one negative review can cost a business 30 potential customers. Eduard Meyjes, Head of Revenue Management at Jumia Travel explains that the company’s “Jumia Customer Selection” list only contains about 350 hotels of the properties on the site. “Our NPS (Net Promoter Score) score is fairly high at 7.0 and above, but we believe, there is no excuse to attaining excellence, we ensure that hotels have ready access to the reviews coming from their customers - therefore act as guideline on what needs to be done, and what the customer is looking for. Rapid response, and offering restitution where possible is vital where negative feedback is involved,” he said. Khalid Saleh, Co-founder of Invesp, cites admission, correction and consistency on the side of the business as a sure path to recovery after unfavorable comments are made against an organisation’s services, products and the business image at large. @kevin_x254
buyers, governments and the public sector are an important source of business for the private sector, which, in turn, is an important source of jobs for citizens. “A fair and open government procurement process can be a vital stimulant for a
well-functioning economy in which all stakeholders, governments, private enterprise and citizens thrive,” he explained. Public procurement markets, therefore, represent huge opportunities to boost
competition and economic growth, according to the study. An e-procurement system benefits the private sector as well as governments by making procurement more transparent and fair. However, the report finds that in 15 per cent, or 25, of the economies measured by the report, an electronic portal dedicated to procurement does not even exist. However, private sector firms wishing to participate in government contracting also face significant challenges on the financial aspects of the procurement process. Moreover, in the economies that do have such a portal, a wide gap exists between economies that have sophisticated e-procurement platforms offering a range of services and the ones that only use the internet to publish basic information such as procurement laws. Publicizing future procurement opportunities, electronic submission of bids and public announcements of tender awards are other best practices that could be more widely adopted, says the report. Only 74 economies publish procurement plans online. In only 24 of those does the law expressly mandate that such information be made available electronically. @ enock_x254
Road users to benefit from Bamburi campaign as festive season begins Bamburi Cement has launched an initiative that seeks to train over 2,000 boda-boda riders along the Northern corridor from Mombasa to the border town of Malaba as part of its annual road safety campaign. The campaign, which is this year dubbed ‘Drive safe, work safe. Safety for Life’, seeks to reduce the number of road accidents associated with the festive season. The campaign further targets to sensitize over 50,000 other road users, including truck drivers, children and pedestrians on
what constitutes safe behaviour on the country’s roads. It is during the festive season that road incidents and accidents are at their highest. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has found that 304 fatalities on the road were recorded during the holiday season in the month of December 2015 alone. This involved mainly matatus and bodaboda riders. “A while back, matatus were the face of the Kenyan public transport industry.
Bamburi Cement CEO Bruno Pescheux, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) chairman Jackson Ndungu and Joseph Omijah from traffic headquarters during the launch of the annual Road Safety Campaign at the Bamburi plant in Athi River.
This is no longer the case. Today bodabodas are more prevalent, hence the need for our road safety campaign to also target boda-boda riders,” said Bamburi Cement Managing Director, Bruno Pescheux. Bamburi has partnered with its transporters to execute this campaign, which will see a caravan travel from Mombasa and stop at identified locations in Mombasa town before proceeding to Mariakani, Voi, Mtito Andei, Makindu, Sultan, Salama, Masimba, Machakos Junction, Athi River (Mlolongo), Mai Mau, Salgaa, Eldoret-Maili Tisa, Turbo-Kip Karena and the LwandetiKaburengu-Bungoma Junction among other stops. At the end of the caravan, it is expected that it would have travelled along the Northern corridor from Mombasa to the border town of Malaba. These locations have been identified as having a significantly large number of boda-boda riders and being key rest points for short and long haul transporters and as well as the general public. “We target to train at least 100 riders per site and will issue them with certificates and high visibility jackets after training,” Mr. Pescheux said at an event to formally launch the campaign from the Bamburi Plant in Athi River. @kevin_x254
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BUSINESS
WBG urges youth to develop solutions to unemployment WEEKEND EDITION, DECEEMBER 9-11, 2016
The World Bank Group (WBG) has called on Kenya’s youth to develop solutions to the country’s unemployment crisis through the use of agriculture-based initiatives. Offering its support through a competition dubbed the Blog4Dev Contest, the global lender has invited young people between the ages of 18 to 28 to take part in its annual drive to support development in select African countries. Now in its third year, the #Blog4Dev Contest is an ideas-sharing platform for youth in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. As part of the competition, participants have been invited to discuss the topic ‘What opportunities exist for youth to prosper in agriculture and agrobusiness?’ in 500 words or less. “Agriculture is the backbone of the East African regional economy, as it accounts for about 32 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Growth in the agriculture sector helps raise incomes, create employment opportunities, reduces poverty, and accounts for about 70 per cent of employment opportunities in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda,” said the Bank in a recent statement. “Despite being a field vibrant with innovations driven by young people, those engaged in agriculture are typically elderly, and the number of youth with jobs in agriculture continues to drop,” added the lender. With support of the World Bank Group (WBG), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other development partners, Kenya has made significant structural and economic reforms that have contributed to sustained economic
The global lender has invited young people between the ages of 18 and 28 to take part in its annual drive to support development in select African countries. growth in the past decade. Development challenges that the Bank has highlighted include poverty, inequality, and vulnerability of the economy to internal and external shocks. The World Bank’s most recent Kenya Economic Update (KEU) March 2016 projected a 5.9 per cent growth in 2016, rising to 6 per cent in 2017. The report attributed the positive outlook to low oil prices, good agriculture performance,
supportive monetary policy, and ongoing infrastructure investments. The latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) quarterly report has found that Kenya’s economy expanded by 6.2 per cent in the second quarter compared to 5.9 per cent in the same period in 2015. This growth was mainly supported by agriculture, forestry and fishing; transportation and storage; real estate; and wholesale and retail
trade. Manufacturing, construction, financial and insurance sectors slowed down during this quarter while accommodation and food services, mining and quarrying; electricity and water supply; and information and communication sectors recorded improvements. Blog4Dev hopes to encourage Kenya’s youth to be drivers for the country’s economic development.
ZEP-RE appoints new Managing Director following successful Africa expansion ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company) has announced the appointment of Mrs. Hope Murera as the new Managing Director with effect from January 1, 2017. Mrs. Murera (pictured) will replace Mr. Rajni Varia, who has been at the helm of the company since 2008. Confirming the appointment, ZEPRE Board Chairman Mr. William Erio said the decision to have Mrs. Murera succeed Mr. Rajni was approved at the Company’s 25th Annual General Meeting held in Mombasa, Kenya on 27th May 2016. “The Board is very pleased to welcome Mrs. Murera to her new role with her able expertise, knowledge and experience having been with ZEPRE since 2002. The Board equally appreciates what Mr. Rajni has achieved for ZEP-RE for the period he has served the company as Chief Executive,” the Chairman said. Under the leadership of Mr. Rajni and his management team ZEP-RE said the firm has posted tremendous growth, recording a remarkable increase in gross premium income, profitability, shareholder funds, and has expanded
its footprint across Africa and the Indian Sub- Continent, and at the same time setting industry standards. during his eight year tenure, he oversaw the growth of the company’s gross written premium from $38 million (Sh3.9 billion) when he took over to a projected $140 million (Sh14.3 billion) in 2016 and growth in shareholders’ funds by eight fold to a projected USD200m by end of 2016. “Mr. Rajni has also been involved in
supporting clients across Africa and the Indian Sub- continent through risk surveying, structuring and advising reinsurance programmes and training young and seasoned insurance practitioners. Indeed, the industry has benefited immensely from his contributions and we are all indebted to him,” Mr Erio said. The outgoing CEO expressed satisfaction with the role he had played at ZEP-RE and exuded full confidence in his successor. “I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to make my contribution for the period I served the company as the Managing Director. It has been my desire to see the transitions that have happened. “Hope is one of the best managers I know in whose hands I am confident this business will move to another level both in products and geographical expansion,” Mr. Varia said. The chairman disclosed that Mr. Rajni will continue to engage with ZEP-RE on a part time consulting basis. He will among other things be involved in realizing the dreams of our recently
launched ZEP-RE Academy. The incoming CEO has led a number of Company initiatives including capital growth and establishment of the ZEPRE Hub Network. She also spearheads the company’s transformation agenda the “I Believe” strategy focus that intends to build on the company’s success and grow it to a Billion Dollar Company. “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to head ZEP-RE. I am happy to lead an experienced and motivated team to further expand the ZEP-RE brand across Africa and beyond. I look forward to developing and implementing the ZEP-RE strategy and lead the company towards the next phase of its growth. We have a fantastic market place, a superb customer value proposition and a determined and experienced team to realize our goals. It promises to be exciting years ahead of us”, said Mrs. Murera. Mrs. Murera served as Managing Director of Sonarwa Rwanda for 8 years and also sat on the board of ZEP-RE before joining the company 14 years ago.
ActionAid in move to raise Sh14 million in fight against FGM ActionAid Kenya has launched a nationwide campaign seeking to raise Sh14 million in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The month-long campaign is aimed at creating more awareness against FGM and raising funds to build safe houses for rescued girls across the country. The new campaign comes as the long school holidays continue to pose a challenge in the fight against FGM in West Pokot and other areas where girls consider schools safe havens. Speaking during a launch event in Nairobi, ActionAid’s Head of Fundraising, Ms. Susan Otieno said although awareness against the vices has increased in recent years, some communities are crafting new ways of ensuring their daughters are circumcised without the law catching up with them. “We were very disturbed when we found out that in some counties like Taita Taveta, parents are subjecting their infant daughters to the brutal cut, as early as a day old. This is outrageous. When we sought to find out why they are doing this when the daughters are so young, we realized that this could be because it is easier to reduce public scrutiny and also because the children are unable to resist at that age,” said Ms. Otieno. “Areas like Taita Taveta where FGM is at 22 per cent, parents are circumcising their girls when they are just days old,” she added. ActionAid now believes there is need for sustainable solutions to put an end to FGM. “The solutions to ending this vice lie at the heart of empowered Women and Girls in the communities at risk, challenging cultural beliefs and helping each other to speak out,” said Ms. Otieno. “Our target is to raise Sh14million which will go towards the construction of at least one additional rescue centre for the affected girls in the six counties,” she explained. Statistics from the Kenya Demographic and Health Indicator Survey, 2015 indicate that about 1 in every 5 women in the country has undergone the cut. The survey also reveals that 1 in every 10 teenage girls aged between 15 and 19 years in Kenya has undergone FGM, with more than 20 per cent of women over 30 having faced the same. An estimated 9.3 million women and girls in the country have undergone FGM, placing Kenya 17th among the 29 countries in Africa that carry out the practice. @kevin_x254
WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
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ACCESS
Legendary roots reggae and dancehall star Capleton is in the country as part of the Jamhuri Reggae Festival. XACCESS had a chance to catch up with him as he talked about his message and the great show he has lined up for Sunday
HOT TOPICS promises fireworks
Jamaican reggae music songstress Ventrice Morgan popularly known as Queen Ifrica has today landed in Kenya. The artiste known for her work in the community and for writing songs about deeply personal subject matter in songs such as ‘Below the Waist’ and ‘Daddy’ is set to perform at the Jamhuri reggae festival ,Sunday. The artiste speaking exclusively to X Access has promised her fans ‘fireworks’ at the concert. ‘I am glad to be here, the hospitality of the Kenyan people is like no other, I want all my Kenyan fans to come experience the Queen’s fireworks on Sunday,’ she said. The Jamhuri reggae festival will also see local artistes Gravitti band and Wyre the love child perform their reggae and dancehall hit songs.
I am the message and the message is within me
Who is King Shango? King Shango is the prophet. He is of English, Greek and Irish descent. Why do you call yourself a prophet? In the music, I’ve sang and said about things and they’ve happened. But with the message of the music, I am the message and the message is within me. In terms of the music changing people’s lives, connecting people and spirituality, the message is within me. Is it hard to maintain the message in the music considering the current state of reggae music? The message is still within the music because it’s real and it’s natural. I grew up in the ghetto and I saw oppression and suffering, the poverty and all the crime. Then I travelled the world and got to learn about all these different cultures and people but my message has remained the
same. It cannot change, I still talk about inequality and injustice and that will always remain. Do you think roots reggae is still alive? It’s always alive. Roots reggae is soul music, it’s within the people. Although many have tried to undermine it, reggae is within the hearts of the people. Roots reggae talks about the things people are going through and that’s what the music preaches. That’s why it will never die. What do you think of dancehall music? Dancehall music is a part of the culture. It’s there to keep people happy, to make them jump and dance and want to vibe. When I started out I was putting conscious music on a dancehall beat and it still hit, people still gravitate towards it. Why did you make the choice to become a vegan? It was about 1992 or ’93 when I decided
@kevin_x254
WGS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIPS WITH LIFESTYLE PLATFORMS, SPORTPESA dabad What’s Good Studios (WGS) hosted Nairobi’s most exciting 3rd anniversary celebration event with Cosmic Homies, Nu Fvnk of New Wave and Taio Tripper performing. WGS has officially expanded into East Africa to better serve lovers of the platform and brand partners who are constantly seeking more integration within local content, and amplification across lifestyle sectors. What’s Good Networks has acquired one of the pioneer entertainment platforms in Kenya, ‘Niaje. com. Other new partnerships include Yummy TV and the ongoing extension of True Love and Drum magazines into digital formats to create True Love TV and Drum TV by WGS. Kenyan renowned sports fraternity SportPesa and lottery giant Pambazuka, along with top East African lifestyle brands: Bongo 5 (Tanzania) and Chano 8 (Uganda) were also announced as partners.
@christine_x254
to turn vegan. I’ve always admired the natural vibe and so the powers of Rastafari within me brought out that magic in terms of how I eat. I also don’t drink alcohol or take anything cold either. Smoking is part of the thing though. When you say purify, what does that mean? I mean it spiritually. When you take the time to meditate within yourself and communicate with the Almighty, that’s when you are purified. What can your fans look forward to on Sunday? Some good music, some good energy and some good vibes. When they come, they know what to expect. Even if I broke my rib I still do my best. We are coming into Kenya with the message and I know its going to be great. It’s my first time here and the people of Kenya are full of love.
Afrosoul duo to host ‘Afro Loving x Withdrawal symptoms’ Prisca Ojwang and Silas Miami are set to rock Nairobi at the event dubbed Afro Loving x Withdrawal Symptoms, a celebration of African beauty through music, dance, monologues and visual stimulation. As the soulful duo share their artistic journey with the audience, they will be joined by Sage, KIU, Awuor Onyango, Jinku and radio personality/DJ G Money at the Alchemist on 16th December. Ahead of the show, Prisca says, “I’m stoked that Silas is coming back home, that means we can set this place on fire...with our performances! With a growing fanbase in Kenya, Prisca and Silas are working to conquer the African music scene. Prisca just released her new song “Afro Loving” produced by Mausay Media and Silas has also released new single “Hard to Love”.
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ACCESS
WEEKEND WEDNESDAY EDITION, 26th NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014 9-11, 2016
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GIG GUIDE SUNDAY
PRESCRIPTION S NT
SE
E PR
AYUB OGADA TIME
The Alchemist Bar
WHO
ENTRY Sh.1000.
MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES
REGGAE LOUD FESTIVAL
5pm
Ayub Ogada, Tetu Shani, Donnaccia
Alisha
CAPLETON
JAMHURI
AYUB OGADA
LIVE
TODAY
SUNDAY
SAFARICOM STADIUM KASARANI
TIME: 8pm
TREEHOUSE CLUB
WHO: Capleton aka King Shango, Queen Ifrica, Sustane, Wyre TIME: 11am ENTRY: Sh.1000 regular, Sh.4000 VIP
WHO: Alisha Popat, Elvis Who ENTRY: Sh.1000 advance, Sh.1500 at the gate
SATURDAY
BECAUSE YOU SAID SO! TIME: 7pm ENTRY: Sh.1500 advance, Sh.2000 at the gate
SATURDAY
THE CARNIVORE SIMBA SALOON
RAJ
UHURU GARDENS WHO: Raj, Njeri, MDQ, Amina Abdi TIME: 11am ENTRY: Sh.1000 single, Sh.1700 couple GROUP: Sh.4000 VIP SINGLE: Sh. 3000 VIP couple Sh.5000.
PRESENTS
SAHARA WEEKEND
SPORT 13
Pulis buoyant ahead of Chelsea trip
WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
Not many Premier League managers would relish a trip to table topping Chelsea at the moment. The blues have won all their last eight league games with title challengers Manchester City being their last victims. Antonio Conte’s side are roaring with Eden Hazard and Diego Costa scoring freely upfront while David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicuetta have remained solid at the back. But West Brom manager Tony Pulis is not moved by the form of their host when they travel to Stamford Bridge tomorrow. “I always enjoy going to the big grounds,” he says. “I hope the players go to Chelsea and enjoy it. We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said. Pulis also confirmed that midfielder James Morrison and defender Gareth McAuley have not trained ahead of the weekend. “We’ll have a look at them today,” he adds. Liverpool will host West Ham later in the day after another crucial clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs. Southampton will play Middlesbrough. Tomorrow, Arsenal welcome Stoke City to the Emirates. The Potters have three tricky away games to come against beginning with the clash with the Gunners then Liverpool and Chelsea before the end of the month. But manager Mark Hughes is taking confidence from their form. “We had opportunities in those games last season, when people thought we would struggle, and we want the same to happen this season,” he said. Stoke are on a good run of form at the moment
and the Welshman knows his side are going into Saturday’s game in good form and full of confidence. “We are in the best place we could be in,” he said. “We don’t have a great record there and we would love to change that at the weekend. It will be tough but we are in a good place. “Arsenal, as a team, look in good shape and whilst we have a lot of confidence, given their form too, it isn’t a good time to play them. “At times, Arsenal have struggled with consistency, and it has cost them, but you sense this could be their year. It’s important for us to give ourselves an opportunity to get something out of the game, we need to stay in the match and frustrate them.” “We are almost exactly where we thought we would be after 14 games, so we are back on track and now we want a strong festive period. Sunderland travel to Swansea to face the bottom side. A silver lining for Sunderland boss David Moyes however is the “purple patch” that Jermain Defoe is going through of late. The former England striker has found the back of the net in four of his past five games for the Black Cats. “He’s fit, he’s sharp and I hope he keeps scoring goals,” says Moyes. Bournemouth will face off with Burnley and Cherries boss wants on-loan midfielder Jack Wilshere to continue with his game. England midfielder Jack Wilshere is currently on a season-long loan at Bournemouth from Arsenal. “It’s good for Jack Wilshere to get the recognition his form deserves,” says Howe. “He’s had a big impact on games for us and is only improving.”
West Brom manager Tony Pulis. He will lead his charges against Antonio Conte’s free-flowing Chelsea on Sunday. PHOTO: EPA
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SPORT
Arsenal bigger than Sanchez and Ozil, says Wenger as he confirms Carzola contract WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
Arsenal is bigger that both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, manager Arsene Wenger has said adding that the future of the club does not depend on whether they will remain with the side after the current contract deals expire. The two players have been linked with moves away from the Emirates and speculations have begun flying after reports emerged that the star duo have refused to sign contract extension as they hold out for a massive pay rise, with only 18 months left on their current deals. But the Gunners boss confirmed he will offer Santi Cazorla a new contract. The Spanish midfielder had surgery this week on a foot injury and Wenger had refused to say last week whether the club would exercise their option to extend his contract by another year. The 31-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, but Wenger said today that “we will extend, certainly, with Santi Cazorla.” Asked about the importance of proving they can now keep hold of top talent, Wenger said: “Yes, but Arsenal is a big club. It is not one or two players who will make the difference to the club.
The importance is that we are today in a financial position that is strong, that was not the case before. “That means as well we are in a position where we can plan our future, and do what we want to do. And what is important is always to take care of the values of the club, and the identity of the club, and not to depend too much on one or two players. The history of Arsenal is bigger than that.” He however said the club will do the “maximum” it can to keep key forwards Sanchez and Ozil in north London. Losing them would be a massive blow to a club that have insisted that their selling days are over after a period when a slew of star players exited for more money elsewhere. The pair have been linked with other clubs and, are in talks with the Gunners about new deals. “Eighteen months is quite long in football. These players have 18 months, they will be staying 18 months and, hopefully, much longer,” said Wenger adding “I don’t believe that it is a problem.” He added: “A contract is between
two parties and on my side the best position is to achieve it early. “You have to accept that negotiations are private and secret and we don’t have to explain what we do with negotiations.” Asked if he is willing to break the club’s wage structure to keep the players, Wenger replied: “Like always we will do the maximum of what we can for every single player.” Chile international Sanchez has 11 top flight goals so far this season and is the joint leading goalscorer in the Premier League along with Chelsea striker Diego Costa. Newspaper reports suggest he is a target for the Blues and a Chinese club. “Why should you go to China when you are playing in England?” said Wenger. “We live in a world where the great players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil earn a lot of money and have the privilege to choose where they want to play. “The commitment of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil is absolutely total and I’m very pleased with that.”
Arsenal forwards Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez during a past match.
PHOTO: EPA
SPORT 15
Europa: Mkhitaryan stars as United advance WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 9-11, 2016
Manchester United reached the Europa League knockout stages by beating Zorya Luhansk as Henrikh Mkhitaryan struck a fine first goal for the club. The Red Devils dominated in the Ukrainian city of Odessa, but longrange efforts from Wayne Rooney and Paul Pogba were their best moments despite having 76% of first-half possession. But Mkhitaryan, who has now started three games in a row, dribbled from halfway to apply a cool finish after the break. A key save from Sergio Romero maintained the lead before Zlatan Ibrahimovic raced clear to slot home as United progressed behind Fenerbahce, who won at Feyenoord. Jose Mourinho’s side are now favourites for the competition with most bookmakers but in finishing second in Group A, they go into Monday’s last-32 draw as an unseeded side. United ground out a first win away from home in the Europa League this season on a pitch he described as “difficult” leading up to the fixture. Though their final ball was often slack - leading to some visible Mourinho frustration in the first half - they stuck to the task, none more so than Mkhitaryan, who showed balance and poise to create his goal. His haul of a goal and two assists in his
Man United’s Henrik Mkhitaryan celebrates after scoring against Zorya in Ukrain during their Europa League group A match last night. United won 2-0 to progress to the next round of 32. PHOTO: EPA
run of three starts begs the question as to why Mourinho has not used him regularly since a £26m summer move. But United fans are starting to see the
type of quality which saw him named Bundesliga players’ player of the season ahead of his move to Old Trafford. More positives arrive in the fact
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players such as David De Gea and Anthony Martial were rested - United face Tottenham on Sunday - while Ibrahimovic’s form is gathering
momentum - his late finish was his sixth goal in seven matches. The sight of central defender Eric Bailly completing a fixture for the first time since October will also please Mourinho. The Ivorian - out with a knee injury since October - looked composed, decisive and even shook off a nasty collision to continue late on. The away trip to the rugged surroundings of Zorya Luhansk perhaps sums up the burden this competition can become. But the Thursday-Sunday fixture cycle will continue for Mourinho, notably with a trip to Manchester City three days after the second leg of their last-32 fixture on 23 February. Only on three occasions has an English side finished in the top four of the Premier League when they started the campaign in Europa League competition. United are nine points off the Premier League’s Champions League qualification places. So does Mourinho prioritise the league or a Europa League run and the Champions League berth that comes with the trophy? History shows it is difficult to achieve both. Manchester United, sixth in the Premier League, host fifth-placed Tottenham who they trail by six points - in an early kick off on Sunday.