201602011 xnews

THursday, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

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film board now threatens to sue tv stations chief executive ezekiel mutua says media houses that do not conform to regulations on commercials risk being penalised

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NEWS

Kenya to vote for sheikh salman as next fifa president, says mwendwa

drink giant nestle joins adidas in mass walk-out from iaaf

IEBC gets half a billion EU boost for 2017 polls

T

he Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) today got a half a billion boost in to prepare for next year’s General

Election.

The European Union (EU) gave the commission Sh560 million, part of which is to be used for the voter registration exercise that begins next

week.

The money, EU said, will also help strengthen the electoral processes programme.

Ambassador of the European Union

Painful memories of past injustices

Ms Jackline Matere speaks at a forum to commemorate the Wagalla Massacre victims at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi today. She broke down as she narrated her ordeal during the 2007/08 post-election violence in Mathare where she was raped. She says her son, now aged seven, is a constant reminder to what she went through. Most victims of past injustices who attended the ceremony called on the government to disburse to them the Sh10 billion pledged by President Uhuru Kenyatta as compensation.

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to Kenya Stefano Dejak said the fund will help in ensuring the vote of every Kenyan counts in the next elections.

Continued on page 2

MPs petitioned to merge popular vote initiatives

A private citizen has petitioned the National Assembly to come up with a Bill which will merge all the constitutional amendment proposals raised by different referendum drives such as Okoa Kenya, Pesa Mashinani and Boresha Kenya among others.

House Speaker Justin Muturi said Major (Rtd) Joel Kiprono Rop wants MPs to amend the Constitution through a Parliamentary Initiative instead of subjecting Kenyans to a potentially divisive referendum.

“The petitioner prays that the National Assembly undertakes to amend the Constitution while taking in considerations draft proposals from himself, Okoa Kenya, Pesa Mashinani, Tunza Katiba Boresha Kenya and Punguza Mzigo initiatives,” Muturi told the House.

In his petition, Rop who is a resident of Kericho County, is proposing amendments to Articles in the Constitution which deal with the establishment of the 47 counties – Article 6(3) – composition of the National Assembly and Senate (Articles 97 and 98).

He also wants the House to look into ownership of public and Community lands (Articles 62(3) and 63), electoral systems and process (Article 81) and basic requirements for political parties (Article 91).

Continued on page 2

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NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

IEBC gets Sh560m for 2017 elections

From Page 1 “The growth and prosperity of every Kenyan depends on ensuring political stability and the full respect of the will of each and every citizen especially on polling day. Kenya is fast progressing as one of the leading democratic economies in Africa. The European Union stands firmly as a reliable friend to every Kenyan citizen to make sure their dreams come true,” Dejak said.

The money will mainly be used in institutional framework on elections, the planned mass voter registrations set to begin next week and civic education, election operations and security on and after Election Day. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative to Kenya Michael Balima said the support will strengthen the institutional policy and legislative framework in readiness of for the 2017 elections.

“Electoral processes are a true foundation for broader progression of a country such as Kenya. When you examine economic, social and political trends in Kenya and beyond, you will notice how correlated electoral processes are with these three dimensions,” he said.

Balima said electoral assistance to the IEBC is crucial in delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful electoral processes in Kenya.

IEBC chairman Issack Hassan while thanking the European Union for their continual support said the fund will complement the governments’

IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan shakes hands with former EU head of election observer mission in 2013 Aloyz Peterle as UNDP Resident representative Michel Balima looks on at the Norfolk Hotel today. the EU has given IEBC Sh560 million to prepare for 2017 elections.

funding.

“The support we have received today will help us in bridge any deficit we have to ensure all our activities as far as the next General Election is concerned continue smoothly,” said Hassan.

Hassan also urged the National Treasury to disburse funds to the commission in good time to enable it

do its work effectively.

“I want to repeat this that IEBC request timely funding from the Treasury to enable it do its work effectively,” he said.

Former Head of the European Union Election Observation Mission in 2013 Alojz Peterle said electoral processes require efficient management,

thorough preparations as well as adequate and timely funding to ensure smooth operations.

“In order to be ready for 2017 polls, several steps need to be taken such as timely legislative amendments, inclusive registration of voters and full participation of political parties and other stakeholder,” said Peterle.

He said inclusivity and transparency are key elements to ensure all citizens accept the outcome of the process. He is in the country to exchange views early on preparations for the 2017 elections drawing on recommendations he made in 2013. sam_x254

Man petitions MPs to merge Governors optimistic of budget referendum quests into Bill deal as Sagana talks set to end

From Page 1 “The prayers sought by the petitioner require thoughtful consideration as they propose to ultimately alter the architecture of our Constitution,” the House Speaker said as he directed the House Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee to scrutinise the document and also invite Rop. House Majority leader Aden Duale

(Garissa Township) and Boresha Kenya Initiative convener Asman Kamama (Tiaty MP) welcomed the idea, saying it is economical and will help unite the country.

“We can deal with the small amendments through the Parliamentary Initiative then whatever remains then we decide on the referendum. I think this petitioner is also uniting all of us from different political views. Mr Speaker, through your office this petition should be given priority,” Duale said.

Kamama added: “We are going to save this country Sh30 million Mr Speaker.

We all know what happened in 2005 (National referendum on the proposed Constitution also known as Wako Draft) that momentum that prevailed led to what was experienced in 2008.”

Suba MP and ODM Chairman John Mbadi whose party is pushing the Okoa Kenya drive dismissed the petition, saying it had been overtaken by events.

“For Okoa Kenya initiative the train has already left the station, I don’t think whatever the committee will do is going to help harmonise Okoa Kenya with other initiatives that have not even finished collection of signatures. Mr Speaker, our Constitution is very clear on how to amend the Constitution through Popular Initiative,” Mbadi stated.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

Governors have expressed optimism that a stalemate between the National and county government over budget allocation will be hammered today.

Speaking at the Sagana State Logde in Nyeri during a two-day meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta, the county Heads led

by Coucil of Governors chairman Peter Munya, said the stalemate could be resolved and a deal clinched at the close of business today when the Summit ends.

“We are hopeful that after the long stalemate we shall clinch to amicable solutions on the itchy matters including finances, conditional grants such as funding for free maternity, as well as sharing of road construction and rehabilitation,” stated Munya after the eight-hour meeting with President Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto.

Nyeri Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai said the talks between the two levels of government were cordial and thus could culminate in solving several contentious issues.

“Allocations to the counties featured promptly in our fifth summit but we are optimistic we will have a deal tomorrow (today),” said Wamathai.

Nyandarua Governor Waithaka Mwangi said although they are yet to conclude the talks, there was hope since the two sides did not have rigid differences.

The governors have been demanding increment of funds allocated to counties to 42 per cent of GDP which translate to Sh492 billion annually.

However the National government side has been adamant that the funds are not available due to harsh economic times. Among other demands the governors have put on the table is completion of devolution and the abolition of Translation Authority which they say has outlived its usefulness.

President Uhuru acknowledged challenges facing the devolution process and urged the governors to have patience for devolution to succeed.

“The system has its challenges, but which healthy young child

does not have some bruises to show? We want to bring up devolution, that healthy young child, to a mature and prosperous adulthood. We all know it requires patience and wisdom,” said Uhuru.

On the agenda of the high-level talks is the thorny question of managing public finance including grants for counties, the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), which governors have opposed over inefficiency, and the achievements made under devolution, which was introduced in the country after the 2013 General Election.

In the past, the county bosses have complained that IFMIS, the system used to transfer money from the National Treasury, has led to rampant delay in cash transfer to the counties.

The theme of the talks is to celebrate the successes and challenges of devolution and it is constitutionally required that the Summit convenes at least once a year. wilson_x254

NEWS 3 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Film board now threatens to sue TV stations Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has warned media stations that they risk being penalised if they do not conform to their TV commercials regulations. The board said despite their interventions, some media houses continue to violate the law by airing inappropriate content.

Speaking during a Stakeholders Forum dubbed, “Safer Internet Day-Opportunities Versus Moral Values” at a Nairobi hotel yesterday, the board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezekiel Mutua told media stations to air the content that promotes national values and is suitable for family consumption.

“We appeal to such stations to comply with the law to avoid legal action”, said Mutua.

He told broadcasters to observe regulations for TV commercials, noting that those that promote alcoholic drinks, irresponsible sexual behaviour as well as condoms during the watershed period WARNING: Kenya Film and Classification Board chief executive Ezekiel Mutua during a media briefing will not be approved by the board. last month. He has threatened penealties against TV stations that do not conform to regulations for “Our position on beer and condom comcommercials. mercials with classifiable elements such Such content remain banned and the board Mutua said KFCB was working closely with as nudity, obscene language or adverts that glorify drug abuse and encourage irre- will prosecute any media house that acts in the Communication Authority to ensure that breach of the law”, he added. media houses that do not conform to the law sponsible sexual behaviour still remains.

Kenya has no policy yet on Internet regulation, says CS Joe Mucheru The government does not have a substantive stand on the Internet neutrality issue that has left key players on the loose, ICT cabinet secretary Joe Mucheru has said.

Mucheru (pictured below), a former Google executive, said that the government is yet to take a position on the matter, dismissing rumors that the government is blocking free access to social sites such as Facebook and twitter.

He however acknowledged that the government is currently reviewing the ICT 2006 policy to take into account issues of convergence, over-the-top businesses such as Netflix and Internet neutrality which could help iron out problems attributed to lack of regulations.

“Other small businesses and start-ups should instead find out how these other ones are doing to offer their services. Policy is different from stopping people with no access to get access to such services,” said Mr Mucheru in a state-

ment. The neutrality implies that Internet service providers should not create different pricing policies to favor those who can afford or discriminate against those who cannot. Controversy around internet regulation has locked the ICT industry with regulatory bodies including the Kenya Films and Classification Board (KFCB), the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), Communication Authority (CA) and the ministry having different stances on the matter. The CS encouraged the private sector to partner with government in deepening Internet penetration, laying

ground for the government’s Sh17 billion Digital Literacy Programme.

“It is our wish to continue seeking for partnerships with the private sector for ICT infrastructure development and for content dissemination. We want to tap into commercial opportunities these partnerships have for digitising the community,” read part of the statement.

The call comes at a time when government’s Digital Literacy Programme is nearing official launch. The government is seeking content developers whose material will be vetted by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) before being shared on a universal cloud platform for use in schools.

The new net neutrality rules come barely two months after long consultations that saw Facebook (FB.O) launch an advertising campaign in support of its Free Basics program currently running in more than 35 developing countries, including Kenya.

are penalised.

However, KFCB boss said because of neglecting regulation and embracing technology without putting in place an attendant regulatory framework, many countries are now trapped in challenges that range from breakdown in moral values to insecurity.

He revealed that his board had embarked on programs that promote awareness on film and broadcast content.

“KFCB is working on a framework that will regulate internet content to avoid the openmarket-like dumping of content into the country without any regard to the law”, he said even as he raised concern that countries which have advocated for absolute liberalization of the internet were today facing more challenges than benefits.

This comes even as the board accused American base Netflix Company of streaming online content that pose a threat to the moral well-being of the youth and the children.

The ministry of ICT and KFCB have been on the opposing sides with the former maintaining that the content distributed by Netflix does not meet the threshold dictated by the country’s moral standards. @hillary_x254

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NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

US worried over Rwanda’s Burundi role US Secretary of State John Kerry and Assistant Secretary of African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield (left) when they visited Mogadishu last year. The US has expressed worry of reports that Rwanda could be involved in destabilising activities in Burndi. INSET: Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurinziza and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame.

PHOTO/EPA

NEWS BRIEF

North Korean Army leader executed A senior North Korean military leader has been executed for “factionalism, misuse of authority and corruption,” a South Korean government official with knowledge of North Korean affairs told CNN Thursday.

The official, who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity, declined to give further details on how or when General Ri Yong-gil, chief of the North Korean Army’s general staff, was executed.

Ri was appointed to the position in 2013, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.

One source told Yonhap that Ri was executed last week.

David Kang, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California, told CNN the move appeared to be a show of strength by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Ri’s execution is the latest in a string of high-profile officials that have been purged in a dramatic fashion.

“It is another way for Kim Jong Un to show he is in power. He is still young, and still learning who is on his side and who is not,” said Kang.

“The people who are on the wrong side become disposable.”

The US has raised concerns with Rwandan officials over reports suggesting it is involved in “destabilising activities” in neighbouring Burundi, officials have said.

Rwanda is reported to have armed and trained refugees to fight on behalf of the Burundian opposition.

The Rwandan government has denied the allegations.

Burundi has been hit by civil conflict since President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to stand for a third term.

In a hearing in the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, two top diplomats cited reports from colleagues in the field that they said pointed to Rwandan involvement in the Burundi crisis.

Thomas Perriello, US envoy for the Great Lakes region of Africa, said the reports suggested that Burundian refugees, including children, were being recruited from camps in Rwanda to participate in armed attacks against the

Burundian government.

Turmoil erupted in Burundi after Nkurunziza announced plans last April to run for a third term, which he went on to win.

More than 400 people have died in the violence and at least 240,000 have fled the country.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US assistant secretary of African affairs, said that US officials had encouraged Rwandan authorities “to play a productive role and not to do anything that might further destabilise Burundi”.

The governments of Rwanda and Burundi are from rival ethnic groups and there is growing international concern that another ethnic conflict could take root in the region.

Last week, a UN panel reported that Burundian refugees had been recruited at a refugee camp in eastern Rwanda in May and June 2015, and given two months of military training.

Uganda’s Mbabazi pledges to repatriate Idi Amin’s body A candidate in Uganda’s presidential elections has promised to repatriate the remains of the former dictator, Idi Amin, and build a museum in his honour. Amama Mbabazi, a former prime minister, is quoted as saying that the move would help reconcile Ugandans divided over the legacy of Amin and other leaders. Mbabazi is running against President Yoweri Museveni in next week’s polls. Amin’s rule was notorious for its brutality. He was overthrown in 1979 and died in exile in 2003.

An armed forces chief under President Milton Obote, Amin seized power in a coup in 1971. He ordered the expulsion of Uganda’s Asian community a year later.

He became infamous for his capricious behaviour and for his punishment of political opponents. Some 400,000 people are estimated to have been killed

while he was in power. Amin fled Uganda in 1979, seeking refuge in Libya, Iraq and eventually Saudi Arabia, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Mr Mbabazi made his promise to repatriate Amin’s remains on a visit to the former dictator’s ancestral home in north-west Uganda. His spokeswoman said his party was campaigning for reconciliation and for the “forgiveness for any real or perceived wrongs in the past”. “The issue of Idi Amin is one of them,” she told the AFP news agency. Mbabazi meanwhile told the state-owned New Vision newspaper that he wanted to end “the labelling of Ugandans” as Amin’s people, Obote’s people and Museveni’s people.

Museveni has been in power for 30 years and is seeking a fifth term as president.

Mbabazi is one of seven candidates hoping to unseat him.

Amama Mbabazi at the ancestral home of former Ugandan President Idi Amin in Koboko Noth, in western Uganda. He has promised to repatriate the remains of the ex-strongman if elected president in next week’s polls.

At least 56 killed in suicide bombing at a Nigeria camp At least 56 people have been killed in a double suicide bombing at a camp sheltering people displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in north-east Nigeria. The bombers, both female, detonated their explosives while the camp’s residents were queuing for rations.

The victims, at the Dikwa camp in Borno state, were mostly women and children. Islamist

Boko Haram militants have been attacking civilian targets as the Nigerian military seeks to wrest territory from their control.

The group’s six-year insurgency has killed some 20,000 people and driven more than two million people from their homes.

The camp at Dikwa is reportedly home to about 50,000 people displaced by the violence.

The attack took place on Tuesday morning, but details of it are only just emerging. At least 67 people had been injured, many of them severely, a local official told the BBC. Three women equipped with bombs had entered the camp early, the chairman of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, Satomi Ahmed, told the AFP news agency. He said the third woman

had surrendered to the authorities, refusing to detonate her explosives “when she realised her parents and siblings were in the camp”.

Last year, a military operation involving troops from several countries - including Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad - began to weaken Boko Haram’s control over areas in north-eastern Nigeria where it had declared a caliphate.

NEWS 5 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries My business is clean, Cash for counties top Governors, confront Double taxation for says Joho: Mombasa Governor agenda as Uhuru meets Uhuru, Ruto in talks: motorists as road toll Hassan Joho has said he is a law-abiding yesterday pressed President governors: President Uhuru Governors looms on key highways: citizen who has never cut corners to Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to earn his wealth.Joho, who declined to declare his wealth, dismissed as political propaganda claims that he engages in the illicit drug trade, saying “those behind the dirty politics aimed at mudslinging my name will never succeed”.

The governor, who has been on the spot over his criticism of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Coast month-long visit, spoke for the first time about his family business.

Kenyatta on Wednesday started a twoday meeting with 31 of the 47 governors at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri with a promise to keep the fruits of devolution flowing to the grassroots.

On the agenda of the high-level talks is the thorny question of managing public finance including grants for counties and the Integrated Financial Management Information System (Ifmis).

demonstrate commitment to devolution.

The frosty relations between the central and county governments was discussed at length at the meeting attended by Deputy William Ruto and including 31 governors, Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and senior advisers.

The governors citted arrears in the subsidy for the free maternity programme.

Kenyan motorists are headed for tough times as the government prepares to introduce a new tax on four major roads to raise extra cash for road maintenance. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has erected billboards on key roads, notifying motorists of the intention to introduce user fees commonly known as tolls.

Nick Mwendwa elected Cord leader Raila calls IEBC not prepared KQ planes order raises new FKF president: Nick for more voter listing for voter listing, imports from US to Mwendwa is the new Football Kenya devices: Cord leader Raila Odinga CORD leaders tell EU Sh49.5bn: Kenya Airways’ Federation president, following a has called for more electronic voter of two Dreamliner planes last delegation: Opposition leaders acquisition landslide win in yesterday’s elections held registration kits for use during the listing November propelled the value of Kenya’s at the Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani, Nairobi.Mwendwa garnered 50 votes to beat his closest challenger, Kenyan Premier League and Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, who registered 27 of the 77 votes cast. Incumbent Sam Nyamweya had withdrawn from the race just moments before the exercise.

that starts on Monday. The opposition leader said the electoral commission has 15,000 Biometric Voter Registration kits procured in 2012 and another 1,600 from the August 2010 referendum.

He said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should release the kits.

anonymous letter threatening him with “a bullet into his dirty mind”. The letter, purportedly authored by police officers and addressed to President Uhuru Kenyatta, said they are “in solidarity” with officers “unfairly removed” from the service through the ongoing vetting.“We appeal for your intervention before we take the law into our owns hands...,” the letter reads.

be replaced because they are earning double salaries. In a circular dated February 3, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua directed Cabinet secretaries not to appoint any public servant to boards of parastatals.

The Constitution provides that a full-time State officer shall not participate in any other gainful employment.

have raised concerns about inadequate preparations for voter registration and alleged attempts to weaken independent institutions. CORD leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula cited financial constraints facing the IEBC and distribution of biometric voter registration (BVR) kits among concerns.

monthly imports from the United States to a record Sh49.5 billion, the latest trade data between the two countries shows.

The national carrier added to its fleet two B787-8 planes worth Sh22.4 billion each, marking the last of a batch of nine orders from American manufacturer Boeing.

Bullet threat for NPSC’s Upto 80 parastatal chiefs Panic as unmanned I n f r a s t r u c t u r e , Kavuludi: National Police in public service to go: train engine speeds off education take priority Service Commission chairman Johnston Parastatal chiefs who are still holding railway before stalling: Kavuludi yesterday said he received an in Budget: The Cabinet has on to their jobs in the public service will There was panic along the NairobiRuiru railway line when an unmanned engine sped off on the network on Wednesday evening. Officials said the engine’s braking system had failed at the Makadara station forcing the driver and an engineer to jump off as it sped towards Githurai. Railway commandant Kirimi Ringera said the engine went and stalled near Githurai in Mwiki area.

picked four expenditure areas as the Treasury prepares to roll out a 2016 austerity budget amid persistent shortfalls in revenue collection.

Infrastructure, education, health and social safety net will be given a priority in the 2016 Budget as well as preparations for next year’s General Elections.

Top stories from X News global partners Report on Syria Russian Intervention in Heading south: after Tusk fears ‘populist’ conflict finds 11.5% of Syrian war has sharply New Hampshire: And so wave of EU votes: Other to South Carolina, which votes on EU leaders are ready to copy David population killed or reduced US options: For on February 20th.

Donald Trump is about Cameron’s referendum tactics for their now the United States has insisted injured: Syria’s national wealth, months as far ahead in the polls there as he was own “egotistic goals”, the European there can be no military solution to the

infrastructure and institutions have been “almost obliterated” by the “catastrophic impact” of nearly five years of conflict, a new report has found. Fatalities caused by war, directly and indirectly, amount to 470,000, according to the Syrian Centre for Policy Research (SCPR) – a far higher total than the figure of 250,000 used by the United Nations until it stopped collecting statistics 18 months ago. In all, 11.5% of the country’s population have been killed or injured since the crisis erupted in March 2011, the report estimates. The number of wounded is put at 1.9 million.

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Syrian civil war, only a political accord between President Bashar al-Assad and the fractured, divided opposition groups that have been trying to topple him. But after days of intense bombing that could soon put the critical city of Aleppo back into the hands of Mr. Assad’s forces, the Russians may be proving the United States wrong. There may be a military solution, one senior American official conceded Wednesday, “just not our solution,” but that of President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

That is what Secretary of State John Kerry faces as he enters a critical negotiation

www.nytimes.com

in New Hampshire. The Palmetto State has a near-perfect record of picking the eventual Republican nominee: win there, and Mr Trump’s odds of sealing the deal will shorten once more. Ted Cruz lies second, which would leave John Kasich, Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio scrapping for third place—again. (Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina suspended their campaigns.) For the Democrats the state could be even more important. It is supposed to be where Hillary Clinton’s advantage with non-white Democrats propels her to overall victory.

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Council president has said, as he sounded the alarm over populist politics bringing the bloc to the brink of “suicide”. Donald Tusk’s forthright warning on Wednesday came as he announced he was clearing his diary next week to concentrate on the “very fragile” talks on a “new settlement” for Britain. While promising to do “everything” to keep Britain in the EU, Mr Tusk said he was “really afraid” the referendum path being pursued by the UK would be a “very attractive model for some politicians in Europe to achieve some internal, very egotistic goals”.

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xnews | THURsday, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

BUSINESS

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

MEAN 101.9284 146.7811 114.9919 6.3676 33.9945 21.4367

BUY SELL 101.8333 102.0235 146.6267 146.9356 114.8706 115.1133 6.3604 6.3748 33.9137 34.0753 21.3676 21.5057

Jamii Bora, firm in MoU to woo clients Jamii Bora Bank Limited (JBBL), one of Kenya’s fastest growing banks, and African Vending Systems Company, Solo Payment Systems, have launched an agency relationship to enable JBBL to reach more of its customers across the country.

Jamii Bora Bank clients are now set to enjoy easy and cheaper banking services after the bank signed a partnership deal with the firm in rolling out automated kiosks, also known as mini ATMs to offer its banking services.

The two-tier lender bank, which has a customer base of more than 360,000 customers, said that the deal will enable it reach more of its customers across the country with a near nil fee charge on their transactions.

Speaking at the launch, JBB Chief Executive, Samuel Kimani, said the launch marked an important milestone in the bank’s quest to expand its reach and grow its business through the agencies automated kiosks which will be located in strategic places such as malls, retails stores, entertainment joints and ATM lobbies.

“This agency relationship will enable

our customers to make deposits at any one Point of Sale machine with us, through Solo Payment’s machine network,” said Kimani.

He said the partnership will also see the plan to transform the banks sales outlets and invest in new strategically located outlets mature without needing to expand its own infrastructure hence cutting down on the cost of operations.

“This new partnership will help us leverage on our vast network to reach our clientele without needing to expand the infrastructure hence cutting down on the cost of operations,” added Kimani.

Solo Payments Managing Director Vasily Rakou said that the company has a large agency network of over 3,000 kiosks located countrywide with the major concentration being

within Nairobi that will be very convenient for the clients.

“The POS Terminals are very efficient and would be very convenient for Jamii Bora’s clientele as they will have 24/7 access to the Solo kiosks; including weekends and public holidays,” stated Rakou.

He said 196 kiosks are already operational in Nairobi with a rating of more than 5000 transactions daily.

Jamii Bora Bank Chief Executive, Samuel Kimani shakes hands with Solo Payments Managing Director Vasily Rakou during the launch of the automated kiosks.

Local sector blooms ahead of Valentine’s The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has said that the horticulture sector is set for another boom ahead of the forthcoming Valentine’s Day this coming weekend.

KFC chief executive Jane Ngige says things looks upbeat and the sector is confident of making 30 per cent of its sales this year, on Valentine’s Day alone.

She expressed her optimism that locally, the council expects higher volumes despite the Valentines date coming on a Sunday.

According to her, the sector output would be majorly driven by both local and international markets.

“Three out of 10 flowers stems to be sold in Europe this Valentine’s Day will be from Kenya,’’ she said.

“Though there are no local statistics, the domestic flower business is doing extremely well as the campaign to promote a local culture for flowers continues to be amplified leading to a rise in local consumption of flowers,” she added.

She says currently, the nation is imposing a market share of 38 per cent in the EU a move that would make the country third largest exporter of cut flowers globally.

Data reveals that approximately 50 percent of exported flowers are sold through the Dutch auctions especially in Holland, although direct sales are growing. However in the United Kingdom, supermarkets are the main retail outlets.

Ngige says that Kenyan flowers are grown under good sunny climate yielding high-

quality blossoms growing through the year thus making the flowers a preference to many others.

“Our flowers are known for being long lasting,” she says.

In total, Kenya has over 60 destinations which will be enjoying her quality flowers including Japan, Russia and

USA among others. Over 25percent of exported flowers are delivered directly to these destinations, providing an opportunity for value addition at source through sleeving, labelling and bouquet production. enock_x254

A flower vendor tends to her roses. The KFC says that the country’s flower sector is set to make 30 per cent of its sales on valentine’s Day.

Customers will be able to deposit funds from as low as Kshs. 100 to a maximum of Kshs. 1,000,000.

Solo Systems, African Vending Systems Company has also established its systems in neighbouring Uganda, China, Russia and other Middle East economies.

The self-service kiosks are able to accept payments for various kinds of services and provide convenience to customers as they pay for internet, satellite TV, airtime and other utility payments.

The bank, which is privately owned, says its main focus will be leveraging on technology to enable customers and all stakeholders to have access to a truly robust financial service that will enhance and transform their lifestyles round the clock.

“We expect that this will significantly reduce the cost of access to financial services and enable the Bank to bring its services to Kenyans, East Africans and Africans all over the continent,” stated Kimani.

It has also set to be a middle tier by the end of 2018 and eventually become a Pan-African micro financier, and to grow with our customers towards financial prosperity. wilson_x254

‘Kenya faces difficult time accessing loans’ Kenya may have a difficult time accessing foreign loans and other forms of external financing in the months ahead, according to a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF, which is an international organisation of 188 countries working to secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and reduce poverty around the world, has warned emerging economies of lower capital inflows.

Countries like Kenya are especially vulnerable as the country moves to fasttrack several development initiatives, including the construction of an international oil pipeline and the assembly of the nation’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). Making matters more taxing is the fall in global fuel prices which the IMF has warned may exacerbate Kenya’s plans to begin exporting crude oil.

“There are, of course, winners and losers from the fall in oil and commodity prices in emerging markets, depending on whether countries are net commodity exporters or importers,” explained José Viñals IMF Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department. Speaking in London during a briefing concerning global financial stability, he explained that from a financial stability perspective, about onequarter of outstanding corporate debt in emerging markets is from companies engaged in the oil and mining sectors. Kenya has become a key player in the oil industry and discoveries form the past few years have shown that the country has the potential to be a major player in the mining sector.

The IMF indicates that since June 2014, oil prices have fallen by 70 per cent and commodity prices have fallen by almost 45 per cent.

Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 7

Kenya Power doubles electricity exports to Uganda and Tanzania THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Kenya has nearly doubled its electricity exports to Tanzania and Uganda on the back of increased geothermal power generation even as local consumers await the prices to be revised downwards.

Kenya Power, the country’s major electricity distributor, sold 46.6 million KW units to the two countries last year, up from 26.9 million a year earlier, official data shows.

The country also cut its power imports by almost half following the injection of geothermal power to the national grid.

The additional cheaper geothermal energy, especially the 280MW injected in the second half of 2014, helped to reduce the use of expensive thermal power.

But power bills have remained nearly the same over the period as the expected benefits were wiped out by tariff increases in June 2014.

This comes in the wake of Kenya plans to double the coverage of electricity transmission lines in a three-year plan to be financed jointly with international institutions at a cost of Sh362 billion.

Postbank Ag. MD Anne Karanja (left) and Chase Bank Assistant GM for Branches Beth Thuo (centre) sign documents during the launch, as Chase Assistant GM for Business Partnerships Eunice Kimeria watches.

Chase Bank taps into Postbank networks Chase Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Postbank, a move that will allow Chase Bank’s customers to access Postbank outlets countrywide as it moves to enhance its distribution networks across the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chase Bank Assistant General Manager for Branches Beth Thuo said the partnerships is in tandem with Chase Bank’s growth strategy.

“As a bank, we are expanding our distribution network throughout the country by opening more branches and deploying a full range of nonbranch channels including agent banking, offsite ATMs, mobile banking, electronic banking and other innovative channels as we respond to the needs of our customers,” she said.

“This partnership with Postbank will provide easy and convenient access to unlimited banking services to Chase Bank customers and thereby boost our presence countrywide. This provides our customer with an opportunity to access financial services at a location nearest to them therefore, reducing cost and accessibility,” she added.

Ms Thuo noted that symbiotic relationships was key in the growth of financial sector as the quest to improve financial inclusion grows.

Chase Bank has 54 branches and 1,000 agents across the country. The bank also has 48 ATMs and is also connected to Kenswitch’s 1,400 ATM outlets.

The deal now takes Chase Banks cash access points in the region to 54 branches, 1104 agents, and 1448 ATMS. Postbank’s Ag Managing Director, Ms. Anne Karanja said the dynamism in the banking sector had allowed for innovation and collaborations as banks sought different ways to meet the needs of different market segments.

“This partnership is strategic as it will allow Chase Bank customers’ easy access to banking services in areas where it has not set base but are already served by Postbank, therefore overcoming proximity challenges.”

Chase Bank will be able to make cash deposits and withdrawals, obtain mini statements and make balance inquiries at any of the 104 Postbank branches across enock_x254 Kenya.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) has said that the new lines would boost power supply and cut system loses in power transmission.

The construction is expected to raise coverage of high-voltage lines to 8,300 Kilometres by end of 2018, which could drive down costs.

“We aim to ensure reliable, efficient power supply and provide access to regions of the country that have for long been off-grid,” Ketraco acting managing director Fernandes Barasa said at a media briefing in Nairobi.

Official data shows that power consumption rose to 1,569 megawatts (MW) last October from a peak of 1,512MW the previous year.

Kenya has a direct transmission line connecting it with Uganda, enabling bulk power trade.

Uganda accounted for 93 per cent of the market for power from Kenya.

The country, however, lacks a line connecting it with Tanzania, resulting in limited power exchange at common border towns which are not connected to the Tanzanian grid.

Ketraco is building a 428km power

line that will connect Lake Turkana Wind Power project in northern Kenya to the national grid in October.

Kenya sells power to parts of Tanzania that via Namanga, while Dar es Salaam previously sold power to Nairobi via the coastal local towns of Lunga Lunga and Vanga.

Nairobi last year stopped electricity imports from Dar and significantly cut imports from Kampala while ramping up its power sales.

Tanzania plans a natural gas-fired power plant that could result in a cutback on Kenyan imports. wilson_x254

8

BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

‘Ficha Uchi’ initiative provides clothing to destitute children Ficha Uchi, an initiative aimed at addressing pressing issues in some of the most at risk communities, has embarked on a project to provide aid to Kibori Primary School in the heart of Mathare Slum.

The school is set to receive new sets of School Uniforms at a time when many cannot afford their own.

The move has been spearheaded by Billian Ojiwa, the founder of Ficha Uchi, an organization that has come out to restore the dignity of young children in the growing slum areas all over the country.

“I owe Mathare more that am getting,” Ojiwa says as we settle down for an interview in a poorly lit classroom here.

“It really pains me when I see a kid not going to School,” he affirms.

After losing his parents right about the time he joined Form One, Ojiwa was left with the responsibility of taking care of his younger siblings. Ojiwa says that growing up, he had to go to School in torn uniform; something that affected his self esteem, growing up as a skid around here.

This is how the idea of FICHA UCHI, a Swahili word for ‘hiding nakedness’, came to be. Ficha Uchi is an organization that works with talented kids by securing sponsorships for them to further their education was born.

“Mathare is a School of life. You are supposed to learn within a very short time. You see guns everyday and your parents doesn’t care whether you go to School or not,” he deeply recalls his childhood as he struggle to maintain eye contact while at the same time trying to concentrate on close to 30 tailoring volunteers who are beating time to make 300 pieces of new uniform for kids like Wanjohi and his friends.

Life was a daily struggle for Ojiwa until he won the Young Kenya Service Awards by the Rotary Club in 2012 that his life took a complete direction and the urge to give back to the very society that helped him get out of poverty.

“Somebody (Professor Wanyande) paid for my school fees even without knowing me (personally). I think that I also needed to come back and restore the dignity and self esteem of children here,” noted Ojiwa, himself a student of Project Management and founder of The Billian Foundation.

“I was borne and raised up in Mathre so I went to School in uniform with the ‘torches’ (patches) and there were challenges and I could not even stand up and answer questions in class.

“I wanted to see how I can help and come up with at least something that could bridge that gap and that is how FichaUchi was born,” remembers Ojiwa.

UN drive must focus on climate to support poor farmers: Experts

Last weekend 300 kids benefited from the project to add up to the 700, who were kitted last year.

Ojiwa and his team plans to dress at least 10,000 students before the end of the year as they plan for a nationwide roll-out to reach more deserving pupils.

“We put on expensive suit every day but we cannot wear the same cloth twice. These kids put on one Uniform for a whole week and so we need to boost their confidence by providing something decent,” he tells me.

“Uniform is the first pride that anybody have when you’re going to School and if you’re not proud of yourself then it means that even your confidence goes down.”

Ficha Uchi Founder Billian Ojiwa poses with students from the school.

The United Nations (UN) must focus on climate change if the organisation’s drive to support poor farmers in developing countries is to succeed.

The UN’s new push to give farmers in developing countries better access to markets, led by the United Nations’ food aid agency, could fall short of its goals if it does not prioritise helping poor farmers adapt to climate change, experts have warned.

According to the Thompson Reuters Foundation, the project plans to help 1.5 million smallscale farmers across Africa, Asia and Latin America over the next three years with contracts to buy their crops, signed before they are planted, worth $750 million (Sh76 billion).

The World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners (including agribusiness giants Bayer and Syngenta), the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, Rabobank and Norwegian fertiliser producer Yara International, will also offer farmers access to agricultural inputs, loans and insurance.

“The platform will enable some of the most marginalised farmers to access reliable markets for the first time,” WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin said in a statement as the programme was launched in Davos, Switzerland, late last month.

The WFP has found that half of the world’s 795 million hungry people are farmers and in some African countries, up to 90 per cent of the population are smallholder farmers.

The U.N. agency said the preagreed purchase contracts with local, regional and international buyers, together with financing and other resources, would enable more than 1 million of the world’s poorest farmers in 25 countries to shift from subsistence farming to marketoriented agriculture. Experts

said that, for the programme to succeed, climate change should be a key factor in deciding which crops to plant.

“Current climate risks which are affecting countries are a big player in the low level of agroproductivity in sub-Saharan Africa,” said John Recha, a specialist with the CGIAR Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS),” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Kenya.

Global warming has led to shifts in rainfall, Recha said, meaning farmers should have the opportunity to grow a range of crops, such as sorghum, cassava or sweet potato, which are more drought-tolerant than the staple maize.

Mack Ramachandran, ‎who leads procurement for the WFP, said participating farmers would have access to climaterelated training, including water management and conservation.

Recha said it made sense to bring the private sector on board to support small-scale farmers and raise their yields by providing them with access to fertilisers, which are under-used in Africa.

However, Teresa Anderson, a researcher with development charity ActionAid, warned of the risk that farmers could end up reliant on chemical inputs.

“Once you start adding fertiliser, it actually kills off the natural fertility, so then you become dependent on it,” Anderson told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Unless you use fertilisers, your yields will go down, so you can’t just use fertilisers and then stop. You get hooked.”

She said the hybrid seeds farmers may be encouraged to buy from the WFP partners needed a lot of fertiliser, as well as reliable rainfall. That could leave farmers facing a disaster when rains and their crops fail, she added.

Twitter posts $90m loss, shares drop on slowing user growth Shares of Twitter fell in after-hours trading as the company’s quarterly results showed user growth faltering.

The social media site reported a net loss of $90m for the last three months of 2015 compared to a loss of $125m a year ago.

Twitter saw its user growth stand, with 320 million average monthly active users, same number as the previous quarter making it the first in history for the numbers to remain constant, BBC reports.

Revenue for the quarter rose by 48 per cent to $710m compared to the

fourth quarter of 2014, matching analysts’ expectations.

Immediately after the results were announced, Twitter shares fell 10 per cent in after-hours trading, before recovering to a 3 per cent loss.

“With no increase in new users, but otherwise good financial performance, Twitter hasn’t yet shown how it can rise from the troubling spot of not being able to grow the business,” said Brian Blau, research director at Gartner.

If you discount SMS-only users,

who don’t really count - Twitter lost two million users in its last quarter making it unprecedented and unacceptable for investors.

Despite new features, advertising campaigns and the constant publicity activity Twitter enjoys, it didn’t grow a jot.

Now, Twitter called it a seasonal lull, and is confident it’s made up lost ground in the current quarter.

Big changes are needed, but the remaining 307 million active users may not like it. Perhaps it’s time to ignore users and just get to work.

Rival social media sites have seen their user bases grow.

Facebook has 1.5 billion users and Instagram has 400 million, despite launching four years after Twitter In its results, Twitter said its user base increased in January.

Investors were also disappointed in Twitter’s revenue forecast for the first quarter of 2016where the company projected revenue for the first quarter ranging between $595m and $610m, well below analysts’ expectation of $627m.

Investors had been anticipating the

announcement of major changes to Twitter’s product offerings to increase the user base.

The company announced earlier on Wednesday that it would be introducing a new feature that shows the best tweets at the top of a user’s feed, rather than showing tweets in reverse chronological order.

The company said it was planning on improving its video offerings, building on the launch of its live video streaming product and Periscope, in March.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

ACCESS topstory

11

It’s no secret that women tend to receIve a majorIty of the attentIon on valentIne’s day

work or lazing around the house. The neighbours will also be thankful about the sudden quiet.

A blazer This item of clothing is should be a staple in every person’s closet. The versatility of a blazer means it can be worn for both work and play. Do it up in dress pants and a tie while pairing it with khakis and a V-neck shirt creates a casual but classic air.

Stick to pastels for laid-back looks and deeper colours, navy blues and jungle greens, for the office.

A set of Shot Glasses Granted there are very few ways to make drinking less fun even when doing it from a plastic up but shot glasses come in handy during parties and get-togethers when a little inspiration is required. Shot glasses are an essential for drinking games or serving up drink combos, they could even be used for decorative purposes in the home. Grab a novelty set to brighten things up.

FOR HER: It’s no secret that women tend to receive a majority of the attention on Valentine’s Day, and it’s with good reason. Treat her like a queen with these gifts.

A watch Everyone has a digital clock on their phones, tablets, PCs

Njugush for Kilimani Mums Uncensored After pulling a Bien look alike stunt a few weeks ago, Njugush of The Real Househelps of Kawangware has now requested to be added to the popular Facebook page Kilimani Mums Uncensored because he possesses enough feminine attributes to mingle with the ladies, attributes which he refers to as ‘umama’.

HOT TOPICS

Diamond

Njugush

For all intents and purposes it is still the season to be jolly, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s time to paint the town red. Apart from dinner and a glass of wine there are other ways you can show your love that are affordable but still unique enough to feel festive.

With this guide figure out a few presents for the day.

FOR HIM: Buying gifts for men can be complex but there are some fail proof possibilities out there when the usual ties and socks just do not cut it.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones During those long jam-packed commutes home listening to tunes on your media player is a good way to pass time, but it’s not always something that’s possible. Buses are of course not the quietest of places. A pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be life-saver whenever a little respite is needed. Use them when you’re having a l i t t l e break a t

FASHION scoop

Valentine’s gifts ideas to make the day special

even on some radios so this gift is definitely more of a fashion statement than anything else. A solid leather watch with a wide face or a timeless metallic watch with all the shiny trappings of a pricy timepiece, you can’t go wrong.

Shoes Not every woman will appreciate just any pair of shoes but every woman appreciates a good pair of shoes. The great thing about this gift is that there is such a large variety to choose from, just ensure that they are ones you could picture the woman in your life wearing. Heels are eternally in style but a cute pair of tennis shoes are indispensible.

Power Bank It’s more functional than romantic but still very important. We are constantly on our smart phones checking social media, emailing or

texting, but not permanently near a source of power. Since it seems the phone’s battery is always low when we need to use the most a power bank can help solve this problem. They come in a variety of colours and designs and can even charge multiple devices at once. She will be infinitely grateful for this gift.

@duncan_x254

Diamond books Kenyan Valentine date If you love Tanzanian star diamond Platinumz, you need to head all the way to Kisumu and then Turkana this Valentines to show him your love.

Diamond, alongside other superstars, will be performing during the launch of a luxury club at the heart of Turkana County just after setting Kisumu ablaze on 13th .

Is Rob Kardashian engaged to Blac Chyna?

Blac Chyna and Rob

The newest couple in town could already be headed for the altar, especially since Blac Chyna started wearing a diamond ring on THAT finger. Because virtually everyone is against their romance, reports have emerged that the two are planning a secret wedding but ‘mama Kardashian’ has vowed to do whatever it takes to stop the madness.

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26th NOVEMBER 11, 20162014

CAMPUSVIBE

all round news and updates from universities

USIU-A Flames bags KBF title again

U

SIU flames blazed their way and scooped the KBF title after silencing Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Monday night at the Nyayo Stadium.

Flames who have bagged the title two times in a row were sizzling hot in a relaxed mentality game.

Flames star Sarah Chan proved she can handle pressure as USIU fans

were placing much of the responsibility for the team’s performance on her. None the less a team effort by the second quarter had the flames leading by 6-0.

In the last quarter, KPA’s defense was crushed by brilliant, quick and sharp passes. This resulted in a 74 46 win for the flames.

Congratulations are in order.

JKUAT Student’s Union AGM ends in chaos

JKUAT Students Union’s AGM was turned into a boxing match after a disagreement from affiliate campuses with the main campus leadership.

The bone of contention was respect that was purportedly supposed to be given to Eric Jomo, the president of the Union.

Leaders from satellite campuses dismissed his introduction spewing with disgust adding that, Jomo was not elected but chosen unopposed.

hot date A date with Sauti Sol This Valentine’s Day Eve (Feb 13th 2016), Sauti Sol presents the Live and Die in Afrika Album Launch, Nairobi. Expect a world-class show and a Valentine’s Day to remember.

Kenya’s illest hype man DNG will be the Mcee of the album launch event. From amazing stage set up, DJs, surprises, choreography to electric performances and opening acts; this is the ultimate Valentine’s plot for all lovers, friends and Sauti Sol fans.

TICKET PRICES: ADVANCE: Single: Sh 1,OOO Couple: Sh 1,800 AT THE GATE: Single : Sh1,500 Couples: Sh 2,500 VIP: Single: Sh 3000 Couples: Sh 5,500.

MOI University gets 10M for Keiyo-Tugen Peace Project

M

oi University’s Centre of Public Sector Reforms has been awarded 10 Million Shillings grant to conduct research on the peace pact among the communities of Keiyo and Tugen in Rift Valley.

The grant was given by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to the Centre

Strathmore Entrepreneurs Network today

S

trathmore Alumni Entrepreneurs Network (SAEN) was hosted today morning. The network provided a platform for members to connect with each other. The meet up also offered opportunities for the members who are already in business share the ups and downs and how to get better in business. Other benefits included business referrals, listing and access to online Alumni business directory, mentorship and opportunity to pitch for prospective shareholders. Those in attendance praised the initiative and called for more of such forums.

of Public Sector Reforms (CPRS).

The project which is entitled “Learning from Peace; A case Study of Keiyo and Tugen (KETU) Peace Pact in Kenya; East Africa” will involve the full documentation of the KETU Peace Pact The documentation will

include the narrative of aspects leading to cement of the pact, the norms and values that have been upheld since 1920 to date.

The project is an outcome of constant conflict between some societies while others are permanently at peace.

“We shall be producing

products and ideas that will benefit the whole world regarding peace amongst Keiyo and the Tugen. It was a great achievement and other communities should know and learn from the experience,” said Prof. Richard Mibey, Moi University Vice Chancellor, who officiated the launch.

Chuka University Closed

D

isputed student elections at Chuka University sparked chaos resulting into indefinite closure of the institution.

The administration announced on Monday, that there was need to close the University after students went on the rampage destroying property including torching of the school bus.

The students who were rife with anger barricaded the Meru-Nairobi road, after supporters the losing candidate claimed there was massive rigging.

Police were called in and lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse the angry mob and arrested more than a dozen students.

The verdict is out: Two days ago, the world celebrated the 2016 Safe Internet Day, marked annually to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

This year however, there was not much to celebrate, seeing as technology, especially the internet, continues to erode the moral and social character of children mainly because digital device manufacturers and software programmers do not pay much attention to enhancing children’ security on digital platforms. The concern raised this year is over the vulnerability to

Internet is not safe for kids

both hacking of internet connected toys and devices used by children for play and also the ease of bypassing parental restrictions by smart kids who then get access to anything on the web, from violence to pornography and stalking.

Reports have also emerged of cameras being hidden in toys by manufacturers working with individuals such as scientists and psychologists to observe and collect data on children behavior for materialistic gains. All these alarming trends have been blamed on digital device manufacturers, who social services accuse of being only

profit driven hence ignoring the aspect of customer privacy protection.

The manufacturers of these smart toys have been advised to conduct audience segmentation, where they need to stratify children as a special market whose products need more security fittings to control online activity. Parents are also being urged to make use of parental control features on smart toys to protect their children, or avoid buying smart toys altogether, while monitoring nonage restricted apps such as Facebook, Instagram and SnapChat.

11

ACCESS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

FASHIONscoop

@The Zoolander 2 Premier

models and moVies

i

@mercy_x254

t is only in New York City where a movie premier doubles up as a fashion show, with the actors and actresses hitting the runway and red carpet instead of just sitting and staring at the big screen. This was the case with the premier of the movie The Zoolander 2, which was a celebrity studded affair highlighted by supermodels led by Naomi Campbell and Kendall Jenner who set the pace for the rest during the red carpet play time. Here is how it went down.

Kendall Jenner: Classy, mature and confident.

Penelope Cruz: Latina beauty.

TOP C

andice Accola and Joseph Morgan play these characters that have an animal attraction kind of romance, Caroline being a vampire and Klaus a big bad vamp-wolf. What makes their chemistry appealing is the fact that Klaus is basically the worst person in the world yet Caroline, a blonde control freak, manages to capture and tame his temper.

caroline and Klaus (The VamPire diaries)

Jenifer Aniston: Maroon suits her complexion.

Erin Heatherton: Glowing like neon lights.

Naomi Campbell: She gave a glimpse of her supermodel bod.

TV couPles

A P

layed by Jenifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, Rachel and Ross from the 90s sitcom Friends take the trophy for the best TV show couple. Most fans were secretly hoping they would hook up in real life but Jenny had to fall for Brad Pitt who eventually dumped her for Angelina Jolie.

rachel and ross (friends)

dramatic depiction of the rich boypoor girl affair, Jane (Gina Rodriguez) and Rafael (Justin Baldoni) continue to capture the hearts of many fans with their ‘cute’ romance on this dramatic TV series, which involves innumerable complications from Jane’s evil nemesis, Petra.

Jane and rafael (Jane The Virgin)

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WEATHERFORECAST WEATHERFORECAST

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You’llModern notice that your inner power is might much be higher than Your usualown today, as if you could move and practical mountains.

Goabilities for it! should have it taken care of in no time.

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PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Be prepared!

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ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Dreams or meditation may have brought up someyourself spiritual andand revelations for you, and you You’ve been working very hard in order to advance in insights this regard, you’re likely to continue to may promptly them upon coming out of your dream meditative This could do so have indefinitely.

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PLAY 13

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Handbill, briefly 5. California congressman Darrell 9. Anesthetizes 14. 2002 Winter Olympics locale 15. Kiss, in Kensington 16. Mosaic work 17. Arachnophobe’s fear 19. Procures 20. Space Invaders company 21. Dutch painter Hieronymous 23. Serengeti grazer 25. Louis Armstrong 30. Empathies 33. Gentle touch 35. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” star 36. Put up 37. In ____ (stuck) 39. Battles for satisfaction 42. Head ailment 43. B in chemistry 45. Affaire d’honneur 47. GRF’s vice president 48. Princess’s attendant 52. Epic journey 53. Medical grp.

54. Dawn 57. Clapton and Heiden 61. Gregor Samsa’s creator 65. African menace 67. Texas Hold ‘Em words

68. Ends’ partner 69. Adult cygnet 70. Sport groups 71. Film genre 72. Perfect scores Down 1. ____ rug (dance) 2. “You just don’t get ____ all!”

3. ____ avis (one of a kind) 4. Electrify 5. Humor ending 6. Slight 7. Alone 8. Tennis star with a mullet wig 9. Slumber party wear 10. Merkel of movies 11. 1051, on monuments 12. Nuclear treaty result 13. With “co,” a major food serv. co.

18. Silly goose 22. Cleveland ballplayer, to fans 24. No longer mint 26. Comp. key 27. Going quickly 28. Place of pilgrimage.

29. Blender maker 30. Strongly constructed 31. Payment pledge 32. Courtroom V.I.P. 33. Painter Picasso 34. “We’re on ___ to nowhere...”

38. Stocking stuffers, say

40. Parisian pronoun 41. Clockmaker Thomas 44. Maxima and Sentra 46. Margarita garnishes 49. New in Berlin 50. Jazz musician Marsalis 51. The wicked’s fate 55. “Until Death (____ Part)” (‘92 tune from Front 242) 56. Mani’s go-with 58. “____ Try” (Don McLean tune) 59. Highland group 60. Roget entries, briefly 61. Kit ____ Club 62. Ginger ___ 63. Gulf of Mexico st.

64. Actress Novak 66. Dungeons & Dragons company

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY AU, leaders taking Africa back to dark days The recently-concluded African Union (AU) summit by African Heads of State will go down in history as the most hopeless gathering of persons entrusted with leadership. There is no doubt that the AU is an exclusive club with a sizable membership of despots and hypocrites, who have no regard towards the challenges facing the continent.

Here was an opportune time to address serious issues such as the volatile situations in Burundi and South Sudan, but a non-issue such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) topped the agenda.

I was particularly ashamed to see President Uhuru Kenyatta, leading in the ever-useless chorus of mass withdrawal from the ICC by African countries. This only served to put the image of Kenya as a country in a rather tight spot. It should be understood that majority of Kenyans and Africans for that matter, do not and will never approve of their countries severing links with the ICC. We know the ICC issues which keep popping up whenever these leaders meet are and will always remain personal issues for some individuals therefore it is only fair for the same to be dealt with at a personal level. The summit was crowned with an anti-climax with the speech by outgoing chairman and Zimbabwean President Robert

Mugabe. President Mugabe is known the world over for his hatred towards the West, and for his use of foul language, sometimes even defying decorum. He talks of Africa being denied greater representation in the UN, while he himself has denied alternative leadership to thrive back in his country.

He wishes Africans to be economically free from the West, while he has deliberately continued to impoverish his own people.

He calls the US and Britain modern day tyrants, while he is one of the longest serving despots we have in Africa. He once tried to trash Nelson Mandela’s idea of moulding South Africa into a one peoples’ nation. He has even side-lined some of his country men and women who took part in the struggle to liberate Zimbabwe. You call Mugabe a liberation hero? I cannot be fooled.

My point is that, Africa will continue sliding back to the past as long we continue to have the crop of leaders the continent is currently having. There is greater need, like never before, for a revolution to sweep through Africa and usher in a generation of leaders who literally hate corruption, uphold human rights, include all persons in their development agenda and do not rely on their tribesmen and sycophants to win elections.

— Muema David

Poor bursary management drawback to students Every year after the release of the Kenya Primary Certificate Education (KCPE) we celebrate the candidates who perform well in the national exams.

Sadly, some of the bright students admitted to join Form One are unable to go to school because they cannot afford to pay school fees, yet there is a lot of money available targeting the needy.

For one, the government allocates about Sh500 million annually for bursaries, which is disbursed through constituencies.

At the same time, part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is used to pay school fees, while counties also operate bursary schemes.

In addition, there are several public and private institutions that provide

bursaries, among them Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, Equity Group Foundation and KCB Foundation. The government must overhaul the bursary kitty so that many students can be benefit. The Ministry should set up a board to coordinate bursary programmes and ensure all the needy students benefit.

— Nderitu, Donholm

Who will compensate Wagalla massacre victims?

Thirty-two years ago today, bout 5,000 Somali men were taken to Wagalla airstrip, prevented from accessing water and food, ordered to strip naked and lie on the ground in the scorching sun for five days before being executed by Kenyan soldiers.

What started as security operation in February, 1984 to disarm members of the ethnic Somali Degodia clan following clan-related conflict in the region populated by Kenyan-Somalis, morphed into what the United Nations termed as one of the worst violations of human rights in the history of Kenya.

The truth about what transpired in that airstrip is still mysterious and inconclusive.

When the issue was first raised in Parliament House back in 1984 by the then Wajir West MP, the late Ahmed Khalif Mohamed, accusing the security forces of inhuman killing of hundreds in Wajir

District, his accusations were met with utmost hostility by the entire Parliament.

MPs Mwai Kibaki, Keneth Matiba, A.Y Boru and Samuel Ng’eny demanded substantiation while Charles Muthura accused Khalif of irrelevance in his contribution to the presidential speech.

What exactly transpired at Wagalla Airstrip between February 10 and 14 in 1984 was partially answered by the then Security Minister the late Justus Ole Tipis in a ministerial statement which he read on the floor of Parliament on the night of 12 April 1984.

The military forcibly removed 381 male members of the Degodia clan from their homes and took them to Wagalla Airstrip, 9 miles West of Wajir Town.

Some of the victims started to escape leading to a stampede.

At least 29 people died of gunshots or were trampled upon, while 28 others were

killed by the army. Which is the usual tongue twisting stories by the government whenever a wrong has been committed.

For years, the government has been accused of downplaying the scale of the atrocities committed and failing to bring anyone to account until the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission was set up to investigate human rights violations and other historical injustices in Kenya. Those mentioned by the TJRC report as having been responsible for the killings remain unpunished.

Victims have not been compensated and are forgotten like grains lost in lagoons. Exactly a quarter of a century since the incident occurred, the victims have refused to stay quiet, the dead are bursting out of their graves and giving clues to those, who wish to resolve the massacre.

— Phabian Jr- nairobi

Will Raila parallel tallying team curb poll rigging?

After complaints of rigged elections and being robbed of his victory, Cord leader Raila Odinga has finally emerged with a so-called plan B. By planning to hire a parallel tallying team, which is expected to curb rigging, many are curious to see how things will turn out.

Hopefully, this will be a step forward for the former Prime minister to counter any corruption that may happen during the voting and tallying process of the 2017 General Election.

However, this step may see yet another eruption of clashes in case results released by the Independent and Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) differs from those in record of the parallel tallying team.

The government should maintain a high level of integrity during the election to prevent any form of rigging.

It should also ensure IEBC is free from any interference and favouritism from any candidate.

— Mzungu Mweupe

Send your letters to news@254.co| Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

14

SPORT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Johnson pleads guilty of sexual charges Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a minor and one charge of grooming. The winger, however denied two charges of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16. The 28-year-old with 12 Cups for England was arrested in March 2015. His case is due to be formally opened on tomorrow. Prosecution said the alleged incidents had taken place in or about the area of Castle Eden and Wingate. Judge Jonathan Rose told the jury of six men and six women: “You may see reference to this in the press but it’s the evidence in court that you will gather.

“This defendant has already pleaded guilty to two offences, you will hear more about them in detail when Miss Blackwell opens the case to you on Friday.” He said they must come to a decision on the remaining two charges. “It will be for you and only you to determine if he is guilty or not guilty.”

Kenya to vote for Sheikh Salman in Fifa elections

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa at a past function. Most football federations under CAF including Football Kenya Federation will back him in the race to succeed embattled Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

‘Mourinho could help United tame Guardiola’

Jose Mourinho is the “perfect man” to help Manchester United compete with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City next season, according to former Porto striker Benni McCarthy. Ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho, 53, could replace Louis van Gall as United manager this summer. McCarthy, 38, played under Mourinho during the Portuguese’s time at Porto. “Mourinho is one of those people who knows how to beat Guardiola’s tactics,” the South African told BBC Sport.

“When he was at Real Madrid, he beat him a couple of times. At Inter Milan, he also had success against him. “At the moment, I can’t see anyone taking on Pep and his tactics at Manchester City. “But Mourinho at United, he would have the resources, the players and the financial backing to beat Guardiola.”

Former Barcelona coach Guardiola, now in charge of Bayern Munich, will succeed Manuel Pelegrini as City manager in the summer. Mourinho’s second spell as Chelsea boss ended in December when he was sacked after losing nine of the season’s first 16 league games.

Impala, Thika games moved Impala Grounds The Kenya Cup match between Resolution Impala Saracens and Thika has been moved from RFUEA Grounds to Impala Grounds. This fixtures was supposed to be part of the triple-header including a clash between KCB versus Nondies and Kenya Harlequins against Strathmore Leos scheduled for KRFUEA Ground this weekend. KCB, third on the table will now take on ninth placed Nondescripts in the first fixtures starting 2pm with a clash between hosts Quins. Fifth placed Strathmore must work hard to squeeze points from Quins who sit second on the log. Other matches on the card pit Menengai Cream Homeboyz against Kenya Sharks as Kabras Sugar travel to Kakamega to face Western Bulls.

A well-oiled Top Fry Nakuru will host Mean Machine as Mwamba clash with Blak Blad at Railway Club.

New FKF boss Mwendwa says he will not go against CAF resolution Kenya will vote for Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa in the forthcoming world football governing body elections set for February 26 in Zurich, Switzerland.

The newly-elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa said the local soccer body will support the candidate with CAF’s blessing. Mwendwa who took over Football leadership from Sam Nyamweya, will have the Kenyan single vote to choose the next Fifa boss to replace suspended Sepp Blatter.

That candidate is Asian Confederation Football President Salman who was endorsed last week by CAF during the continental confederation Annual Congress held last week in Rwanda. Mwendwa who may still need some consultation with regional heads however was not in the CAF congress.

CAF’ endorsement was however opposed

by South Sudan and Liberia, who pledged their support for Gianni Infantino, the UEFA general secretary from Switzerland and former Fifa vice president Prince Ali Al Hussein of Jordan respectively.

Since last week, many countries have rooted for different candidates ahead of the elections with Egypt backing Prince Ali against CAF resolution. Liberia FA President, Musa Bility, who failed integrity test to vie for Fifa Presidency claiming that 26 of 54 CAF votes have thrown their weight behind Prince Ali. “There are about three-four good candidates there but I’ve only talked with one so far (in Fifa race) but most likely we will follow the direction that CAF will take,” said Mwendwa.

“We will vote where our interest is, for that candidate who will have our best interest as a country and confederation. As you all know,

this is block voting. We’ll most likely line behind CAF,” said Mwendwa who refused to name his preferred candidate.

Interestingly, Africa has the highest number of votes, more than any other confederation, yet they are yet to make a unilateral decision on who to vote for despite the continent fielding a candidate in the race, South African, Tokyo Saxswale.

Though Africa support for Sheikh Salman is a shot in the arm, that support may not necessarily translate into a united block of votes because the election will be via secret ballot.

At the same time Mwendwa has told the outgoing office to ‘carry their own cross’ in the pending bribery case where Nyamweya has been accused of embezzling public funds.

Use the right channel to ask for money, Wario tells KVF Sport Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario has told Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) to use proper channels to source for funds from the ministry.

Wario was not impressed by KVF decision to go to the media to express their dissatisfaction after they failed to get proper funding from the government ahead of the Continental Olympic qualifiers that serves off tomorrow in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

“There is a proper way to do things. If they came to you (the media) then you should help them get the money,” Wario said yesterday in Kasarani.

“If they want something from us, then they must follow the right procedure. There is ways of doing things. They should come to us, early enough and we sit down to discuss the logistics,” added a furious Wario.

Kenya will battle for the single ticket with sis

other countries for a place in Rio de Janeiro Games set for August this year.

The Malkia Strikers, a record nine-time African Champions, host Cameroon, Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Botswana and Egypt will fight for the direct ticket to Rio in the humid condition in Cameroon Capital.

Kenya will be searching her first ticket back to Olympics in 12 years. The last time Kenya made it to the Olympics was way back in Athens 2004 where they finished 11th. A lot has changed since then. Out of Kenya’s delegation of 14 players plus five officials who landed in Yaoundé yesterday evening, only David Lung’aho, the current Team manager was in Athens, but as an assistant coach.

Kenya should be weary of host Cameroon and Algeria who are seeking their third consecutive Olympic ticket. The North Africans whom Kenya beat in the Africa

Nations Championship finals last May has denied the FIVB world Grand Prix, Group Three winner the last two Olympics slots.

They gained the African lone slot at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2012 in London.

Algeria has four senior players, captain Lydia Oulmou, Safia Boukhima, Salima Hammouche and Dalel Marwa Achour, who took part in the last Olympics.

The two side, currently Africa’s top two teams are expected to avoid each other in the draw of lots expected to take place later today.

Winner of the tournament will book a direct ticket to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil while the first and second runners up of this qualifiers will earn another chance for the qualification through the World Olympic qualification tournaments. @elvince_x254

Nestle now joins Adidas in mass ‘divorce’ at IAAF Food and drink giant Nestle became the second sponsors to cut short their relationship with International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Nestle ended its sponsorship with IAAF after the doping scandal engulfing the world athletics governing body that could damage its reputation.

The Swiss company said it had taken the decision with “immediate effect”, joining sportswear giant Adidas which also terminated their contract with IAAF last month.

However, IAAF president Lord Coe said he was “angered” by the decision and would “not accept” it.

“We have decided to end our partnership with the IAAF Kids Athletics programme with immediate effect,” Nestle announced.

“This decision was taken in light of negative publicity associated with allegations of corruption and doping in

sport made against the IAAF. “We believe this could negatively impact our reputation and image and will therefore terminate our existing agreement with the IAAF, established in 2012.

“We have informed the IAAF of our decision and await a formal acknowledgment from them that our partnership has ended.”

Lord Coe responded strongly, simply saying he was “angered and dismayed by today’s kids’ athletics announcement.

“We will not accept it. It’s the kids who will suffer.”

In a wider statement, the IAAF also emphasised t h e number of children t h a t would b e

affected by Nestle’s decision.

“In 2016, IAAF Kids’ Athletics plans to reach a further 15 countries, training 360 lecturers, instructing 8,640 physical education teachers, with three million children participating by the end of the activation,” the governing body said.

The IAAF is reeling in the face of widespread allegations of corruption and bribery. New president Lord Coe was brought in to clean up the organisation, and has been travelling the world trying to ease the concerns of corporate sponsors.

The loss of Nestle, coming so soon after Adidas, is a big blow to the body.

While Nestle was in the final year of its deal, Adidas’ 11-year sponsorship deal, reportedly worth Sh3.3 billion ($33m), was due to run until 2019.

However, sources have told the BBC the figure was much higher and worth up to Sh814 million ($8m) a year.

MORE TROUBLES: IAAF president Sebastian Coe has termed Nestle exit as a blow to the sports and millions of children across the world who benefited from the sponsorship.

Valencia exit Copa del Rey after 1-1 draw against Barca Valencia bade bye to the Copa del Rey despite holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the return leg yesterday.

The draw was still good for Barcelona who reached the final on 8-1 aggregate as they beat Gary Neville’s Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.

Barca had pumped in seven goals in the first leg before extending their aggregate to eight when Alvaro Negredo rolled home the opener in the sixth minute to take their unbeaten record to 29 games, which is s Spanish record.

And Neville was on course to celebrate a rare victory as Valencia coach before Barca substitute Wilfrid Kaptoum side-footed in a late equaliser.

Their opponents in the final

will be either Celta Vigo or Sevilla, the latter of whom lead 4-0 going into today’s second leg.

Neville (pictured) is under pressure at Valencia, with the former Manchester United captain winless in nine league games since taking charge on December 2.

He made it clear that Saturday’s La Liga match with Espanyol was his priority by making sweeping changes, though Barca too named an under-strength team.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all rested

by Luis Enrique, who left 11 first-team regulars out of the squad.

It seems even Valencia fans

have grown tired of the poor record of Englishman going by the attendance last night.

Only 16,200 fans braved the night to support their side at the 55,000-seater Mestalla Stadium.

“I’m thankful for the fans who came to the stadium,”

said Neville. “Some didn’t want to come and that was their right.

“We weren’t playing under the best circumstances after what happened in the first leg last week, but the players played with dignity. We deserved to win.’’

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 | www.254.co

pressure mount on neVILLe As VALenCIA FAILs to BeAt seConD-strInG BArCA sIDe

p15

IN: Mwendwa

OUT: Nyamweya

I once heard a very senior government official in the sports Ministry telling a candidate in these elections that they have him in the net’

Why Nyamweya stepped aside Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya could have been forced out of the national Football elections race, X-News can authoritatively reveal.

According to insiders, Nyamweya was given the option of ‘stepping down’ or face charges of the conspiracy to defraud the government.

Nyamweya’s file had been forwarded to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for prosecution after being accused of planning to defraud the government about Sh2 million released to carter for the embattled Harambee Stars trip to Cape Verde.

According to sources close to the former football chief who stepped

down yesterday, minutes before the national polls won by Nick Mwendwa, the former member of Y-92 youth wing was told to drop his ambitions of running for a second term in office for State pardon.

“I once heard a very senior government official in the Sports ministry telling a candidate in these elections that they have him in the net,” said our source.

“I was in the washroom during the grilling of FKF official by Parliamentary Committee and the Sports ministry official in question walked in with one of the candidates who dropped out of the race before making the pronouncement. I kept my silence and remained there until

they, left but from the tone of the conversation, the government had made a decision that he must go,” added the source who requested not to be named.

Mwendwa, however said they will provide more evidence to the State to go on with the case.

He sent a clear signal that the old office “will carry their own cross” “The individuals under investigation will continue to be investigated.

We’ll look at those matters and pack them for the government to look at, it’s not within our powers to investigate.

“We are inheriting a federation that is punctured. We’ll work with the government,” added Mwendwa.

Nyamweya, however insisted that the decision to step aside was a “personal choice.”

“I took the decision after consulting my family and it’s not something that I just woke up and decided. It’s something that I have been working on, you never saw me campaigning,” said Nyamweya who added that “am going back to be with my family and concentrate on my private businesses.”

“I have made this decision out of love for the game, the passion and appreciation that no good leader should be pushed to give up power,” Nyamweya said in his last speech to the delegates. “Through deep personal reflection, consultation

with my family, friends and stakeholders of the beautiful game I took the bold step. I can serve my country in other capacities, but I will be available to offer my support and advice to those that I will be handing over the mantle,” he said.

“My family needs me now, more than ever, especially my daughter who is bravely battling a medical condition and my businesses demand for my greater attention than before.”

“There comes a time to make critical decisions. That time, dear friends, has come and I have to hand over active leadership of football and oversee a smooth transition.”

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