201602019 xnews

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016 | www.x254.co

4

Governors in renewed calls for referendum the county bosses have accused the national government of lack devotion to devolution and now want a popular vote to increase budget allocation to the counties

15

NEWS

Manchester united woes continue with poor show in Europa league

Gambling watchdog links tennis to massive suspicious betting

Provisional results put Museveni in early lead

P

rovisional results released by the Ugandan Electoral Commission show incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni leading the presidential vote count.

Museveni had garnered 1, 362, 961 votes against his closes challenger Kizza Kifefe Besigye’s 738,

628, according to provisional results announced by Electoral Commission chairman Badru Kiggundu early today. Ugandans went to the polls yesterday in what has been billed as a tight contest between Museveni and his one-time personal doctor Kizza Besigye.

But the voting did not kick off as smoothly as had been

anticipated due to delays in arrival of voting materials at various polling stations. The Electoral Commission was forced to extend voting hours from 4pm to 7pm in most of the capital Kampala and Wakiso district due to the delay which has been widely condemned by international CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 observers.

Pollster predicts tight race for City Governor

Dr Kizza Besigye, President Museveni’s main challenger, casts his vote at a polling station in Rukingiri, some 350 kilometers west of the capital Kampala, yesterday. Provisional results have given Museveni an early lead in the presidential vote count which is underway in Uganda.

PHOTO: RONALD KABUUBI/EPA

www.x254.co

The Nairobi gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a two-horse race according to latest opinion poll findings.

A research conducted by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) shows Governor Evans Kidero and Senator Mike Sonko enjoy equal support at 28 percent.

However, the pollster said there is room for a third force given that 24 percent of those interviewed said they have not yet decided on whom they will vote in come 2017.

The survey conducted between January 31 and February 3 2015 also indicates that the support for female aspirants is low with the former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru commanding a seven per cent support base while Margaret Wanjiru enjoys a four per cent.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2

NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

Museveni in early lead over Besigye

From Page 1

“Polls started off with a lot of enthusiasm but have since been distracted by inexcusable delays,” former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who heads the Commonwealth Observer Group noted.

Both Kampala and Wakiso districts are seen as Dr Besigye’s strongholds and voters started queuing as early as 6am, heeding the advice of the Opposition to flock to polling stations early enough to beat the original 4pm deadline for voting.

Their patience soon ran out following the glitches that also included tampering with election materials.

For instance, at Wabigalo Community Hall in Makindiye East, just 3 kilometres from the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Kampala, no voting materials had been delivered as late as 1pm triggering riotous scenes from voters who had been waiting from 7am when voting was officially scheduled to begin.

And when the materials arrived, chaos ensued after some ballot boxes appeared to have been tampered with.

It took the intervention of military police officers to calm down the protests.

The station has a total of 1, 546 registered voters.

The same scenario was witnessed in several others polling stations

Women queue to cast their votes in Nabweru, Kampala yesterday. Vote counting is underway in Uganda with provisional results indicating incumbent Yoweri Museveni has taken an early lead in the presidential race.

across Kampala and Wakiso prompting Dr Besigye to claim that rigging was going on.

“The election exercise is not one that is free or fair any way. It can only get worse; it can’t get better. As I

pointed out, it is an exercise carried out entirely by officials over whom we have no participation in their selection, we have no participation in their management, it’s a highly one-sided show,” he said.

But Kiggundu dismissed the claims even as he indicated that voting would continue in some 38 polling stations in Kampala and Wakiso districts.

Voting failed to take place in those

areas because of delays and other logistical challenges.

“There is no any perfect election anywhere in the world,” the Electoral Commission boss said.

So far, results from 6, 448 polling stations have been received at the national tallying center out of the 28, 010 across the country.

Mr Museveni sits on the lead with 61.75 per cent of the votes already counted against Dr Besigye’s 33.47 per cent of total results received at the National Tally Center at Namboole Stadium in Kampala.

John Patrick Amama Mbabazi who vied as an independent candidate is at third place with just 41,291 votes representing 1.87 per cent.

He is followed by Abed Bwanika of Peoples Development Party (PDP) who has so far polled 22,180 votes or 0.69 per cent and another independent candidate Prof.

Venacious Baryamureeba who is in fifth position with 15,260 votes representing 0.69 per cent.

A total of eight candidates contested the presidency with the only female Maureen Walube Kyalya having garnered just 12, 742 votes. She is in sixth place according to the provisional results.

The two last candidates, Maj Gen Benon Biraro of the Farmer’s Party of Uganda (FPU) and Joseph Mabirizi (independent) have so far polled 7,228 votes and 6, 833 votes respectively. peter_x254

Pollster predicts tight race between Kidero and Sonko From Page 1

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero speaks at a campaign rally in Kibera last weekend. A new opinion poll says he enjoys equal support with senator Mike Sonko who is eying his seat.

Addressing the media yesterday, TIFA Research Director Maggie Ireri said that 35 per cent of male voters in Nairobi prefer Senator Mike Sonko while an equal number of voters combining both males and female would re-elect Evans Kidero.

Most of Anne Waiguru’s supporters are women according to the survey.

“This survey was conducted at a point when there was speculation that Anne Waiguru and Johnstone Sakaja would run for Governor. After their formal declaration three days ago, Nairobians would definitely be keen to see if their ratings will go up,” said Ms Ireri.

“But when we asked who they would vote for if the elections were to be held today, only one per cent said will vote for Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru because he has not made his formal declaration, save for speculations” she added.

Ms Ireri noted that the political landscape may change as the country heads to the 2017 General Elections, with a political realignment likely to tilt scales to either the candidate favoured by the Jubilee coalition or that who enjoys Cord’s backing.

In another findings, the survey showed that 41 per cent of Nairobi voters have

not made up their mind on who to elect as their next senator with barely 18 months to the next elections.

“It’s important to note that Sonko is a strong contender for both the Gubernatorial and Senatorial seats. I would imagine, that the big question in his supporter’s minds’ is which seat he will contest,” said Ireri.

The survey further revealed that just like the case of the senatorial seat, 36 per cent of Nairobians have not decided who to elect as their Women Representative in the National Assembly.

“Businesswoman Esther Passaris is the most preferred candidate with commanding 29 per cent percent of the voters, followed by incumbent Racheal Shebesh gathering 26 per cent of the total respondents interviewed” the report suggested.

However, Rachel Shebesh has not announced whether she will be defending her position as it is the case to Esther Passaris who vied and lost to Shebesh in 2013 General elections.

The research was done through face to face interviews with respondents sampled from households. The sample consisted of 544 adults living in the 17 sub-counties of Nairobi City County. hillary_x254

NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

Governors renew referendum call Governors have renewed their calls for a referendum in a bid to force the National government to increase allocation to counties.

Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya said the only way to ensure counties get a specific amount of money to support devolution is through a referendum.

“It is a high time we have a referendum that will compel the National government by law to disburse a specific amount of money to counties,” he said.

The governors were angered by the move by the National Treasury to submit the county revenue proposals to the Senate before governors and the CRA could agree on the same. Munya claimed the National government is out to frustrate devolution, citing proposals of the County Revenue detailing how counties will share the proposed Sh331 billion. According to the proposed allocation tabled at the Senate on Wednesday, counties are supposed to share Sh302 billion which is 30 per cent of the The move was against governors’ preferred proposal of Sh331 billion which is 35 per cent of the budget. In 2015/16 financial year, counties were allocated Sh294 billion which was 33 per cent.

Commission for Revenue Allocation chairman Micah Cheserem said they will push for more money to counties.

According to the proposal, Nairobi County

ANGRY: Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya at a past function at their offices in Westlands. He says they will renew calls for a referendum to increase budget allocation to counties.

will get the largest share of Sh11 billion with Lamu County getting the least amount of Sh2.2 billion. “We would really be lying to ourselves that we cannot support the new structures of devolution without austerity measures,” said Cheserem. Munya said with the transition period expected to end in March 4, counties need more money to undertake their functions.

Meeting aborts as CA blocks sacked board members from offices Dismissed Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) board members were on Thursday barred from accessing their offices where they planned to hold a special meeting.

Led by Wilbert Choge, the board members had convened the meeting to discuss their dismissal and a court order issued last Friday by Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Nelson Abuodha barring CA from firing them.

However, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru maintained that the court order did not reinstate the sacked seven members, but only stopped the ministry from advertising for fresh directorship positions until the suit is heard. “The legal position is that what was stopped in the court order was the recruitment process. The dismissed directors are thus not supposed to hold any board meetings,” he said.

Choge and his colleagues last week sued the CA and Mucheru contesting their sacking. Their case is set to be heard on Thursday next week.

They also claimed that they were being dismissed for demanding that mobile telephony company Airtel pay Sh2.1 billion licence fees.

“They locked us out and didn’t want us to access the boardroom. This is contempt of court and we shall be going back to the court to sue

director-general Francis Wangusi and the chairman,” said Choge.

“We had given notice of the meeting as required by law, but the chairman never responded and the directorgeneral proceeded to Geneva.”

The other members include Kennedy Nyaundi, Grace Munjuri, Hellen Kinoti, Beatrice Opee, Peter Mutie and Levi Obonyo.

CA board chairman Bernard Gituku declined to comment on the matter terming it a contempt of court.

The abortive ‘special board meeting’ is a culmination of a series of letters to Gituku, Wangusi and Mucheru from the sacked members.

On February 16, the seven had sent a letter to all board members notifying them of the meeting and further instructed Wangusi and Gituku not to leave the country.

They argued in court that their removal from office was unprocedural and want to be reinstated. The CA board was first disbanded by Justice George Odunga on May 29 last year on grounds that it had been illegally constituted.

CA is the broadcast and telecoms regulator and has jurisdiction over the broadcast sector, satellites, issuance of frequencies and mobile telephony. @wilson_x254

“How can the National Treasury propose to allocate county governments 30 per cent of shareable revenue in 2016/17, yet counties were allocated 33 per cent in 2015/16?”

Munya posed. Governors have now asked the Senate to reject the County Allocation Revenue Bill presented on Wednesday and instead adopt a proposal of 331 billion that had earlier been suggested during a meeting

between county Munya said there are many functions that have been devolved to counties but no resources allocated.

“We have rural rlectrification function, library services, water services boards, and functions performed by Regional development authorities that have been devolved but no monies allocated.” @sam_x254

Now everyone can drive Now you can pay by mpesa securely Hotline: 0704773300 www.rockyschool.co.ke

Hospital cellings are boring.

Drive Safely!

4

NEWS WEEKEND EDITION FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

JSC refutes claims on Tunoi probe

President Uhuru Kenyatta could find himself in trouble over failure to form a tribunal to probe bribery allegations against Supreme Court Judge Philip Tunoi.

This comes after the Judicial Service Commission yesterday defended itself, saying they furnished the President with all the relevant documents last week to form a tribunal.

President Uhuru last week cited his failure to set up the tribunal to JSC’s move to forward a report with gaps, a claim the commission has denied In a statement to newsrooms, the Judiciary’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication Naim Bilal said JSC had fully satisfied the provisions of Article 168 (4) of the Constitution on the content and procedure of such a petition to the President.

“The Judicial Service Commission has noted reports in the press attributed to the State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu to the effect that JSC did not submit some documents in support of the petition to the President for the establishment of a Tribunal on Justice Philip Tunoi” read the statement.

“We state for the record that the Commission sent the following documents to the Head of State on February 9, 2016, which were duly received and signed for at the Office of the President. Transmittal letter, Petition and Report of the Findings of the Commission on the allegations of bribery against Justice Tunoi,” added the Chief Justice Willy Mutunga briefs the media on the findings by the Judicial Service Commission investigations on claims of bribery against Supreme Court statement.

Justice Philip Tunoi. JSC has refuted claims that it did not submit some crucial information on their recommendation to President Uhuru Kenyatta to form a tribunal to further investigate Justice Tunoi.

JSC said it has not received any communication from the Head of State August 2014. to investigate him. declare the Nairobi governor seat vacant, on the matter nor a request for additional The commission explained that it forwarded Meanwhile, Former Nairobi Gubernatorial following JSC special committee found information.

In its report, the commission had the report on February 9, after their aspirant and now Kabete MP Ferdinand substantial grounds that Supreme Court Judge Waititu is expected to move to the Supreme Philip Tunoi may have colluded with Nairobi recommended for the establishment of a investigations found Justice Tunoi culpable. tribunal to investigate Tunoi following claims Under article 168 of the Constitution, the Court today to seek the review of a ruling in Governor Dr. Evans Kidero to influence he received a Sh200 million bribe to help President has 14 days upon receiving the his petition against Nairobi Governor Evans the outcome of a case @hillary_x254 pending at Supreme deliver a favourable judgment in a petition petition from JSC to suspend the Supreme Kidero. against Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in Court judge from office and appoint a tribunal In the petition, Waititu wants the court to Court.

Kemri sacks three top managers Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) has sent on a compulsory leave three of its top managers accused of registering a parallel organisation and misappropriation of funds to pave way for investigations.

In a statement, Kemri Board of Management asked chief executive Solomon Mpoke, Finance and Administration manager Linah Boit and Human Resource assistant director Anne Wangombe to give room for a probe into alleged misuse of funds. “Kemri substantive director and two senior management staff are currently on compulsory leave to allow for investigations touching on various aspects of management including those discussed at the meeting,” read part of the statement.

Kemri acting director Gerald Mkoji, said the three are also alleged to have set up a non-governmental organisation (NGO), which directors reckon competed for donor funds with the institute. “We shall also conduct investigations

on their alleged involvement in the establishment of a NGO that competed for funds with Kemri,”said MKoji.

The allegations are also under investigations by the National Assembly Health Committee.

The team last week interrogated senior Kemri officers over the origin and the source of funding of the parallel NGO. Mkoji, however, said the NGO, Research Care and Training Programme (RCTP) - Family AIDS Care and Education Services (Faces), was formed without the institute’s involvement.

“It is incorrect to state or even insinuate that Kemri signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RCTP-Faces. We did not approve anything because we noticed there was conflict of interest,” he said.

While appearing before the House committee last week, suspended chief executive Solomon Mpoke said the parallel organisation was set up

as donors prefer channelling their funds through NGOs. “Kemri has been concerned about the flow of funds regarding the NGO. If we have other agencies running after the same funds as we are, this cannot be good for Kemri,” insinuated MPoke. In her argument, RCTP board chairperson, Prof Dorothy Mbori denied claims that they were competing for funding with Kemri.

Last week, the body received a key grant of Sh44.4 million from the European Union to carry out a study on why there is a low uptake of technology in TB diagnostics in the region. The research funding is also geared towards bridging the existing gap between scientific findings and implementation into policy.

The research institute is the only body established under law to carry out health research in the country. wilson_x254

Panic in Lang’ata as lions get on the loose

Panic today gripped residents of Lang’ata and other estates near the Nairobi National Park following news that several lions had escaped from the park and were on the loose.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Spokesman Paul Udoto said they have intensified the search for the animals, adding that they are not certain about the actual number.

He said two lionesses and their cubs are among those on the loose.

“This morning, we were called at 4am and told that some two lionesses, we believe, including the new mother, had been seen on the road near Lang’ata Hospital.

We responded immediately, but we yet to track them down,” he said. KWS has advised any person, who spots the lions, to call KWS on toll-free numbers 08002215566 or 0800597000.

“The lions were part of the wild

population and we are depending on the public to report if they sight them,” said Udoto. He said KWS is aware that a lioness had ben spotted on the border of Lang’ata Barracks and the park and was monitoring the situation.

He said another call was made by a member of the public at around 5am claiming to have met the lions at the bypass near the National Housing Corporation in Lang’ata. “Our teams comprising veterinary officials have been in Lang’ata looking for the animals since 5am. We are still combing through the area,” he said.

Residents have expressed fear following the news. “I’ve heard the news of lions on the loose in our neighbourhood. I won’t leave the house until they are found,” Lang’ata resident Atieno Msungu posted on Facebook. @peter_x254

NEWS

5

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

Trump changes tune, praises Pope Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has turned around and heaped praise on Pope Francis, hours after he called the pontiff ‘disgraceful’ for questioning his Christian faith.

The Pope had said Mr Trump’s proposal to build a wall on the US border with Mexico was not Christian, provoking a strong response from the businessman.

While flying back to Rome from a trip to Mexico, the pope said: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.”

But Mr Trump swiftly responded at a campaign event in South Carolina, saying: “For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful.” “No leader, especially a religious leader, has the right to question another man’s religion or faith,” he told a packed room at a golf course resort.

But he has since changed tune and developed a more conciliatory approach.

Analysts say the change of heart is because South Carolina which is the next US state to vote in the primary process is God-fearing and to criticized the Pope will be potentially damaging.

Even having the Pope say that he is un-Christian has done the damage with the billionaire property developer put at pains to prove his religious credentials, appearing at rallies with a copy of the Bible that his mother had given him as a child.

When asked about his row with the Pope, he said he wouldn’t describe it as a fight, although he later said he didn’t like fighting with him.

“I have a lot of respect for the Pope.

He has a lot of personality and I think he’s doing a very good job, he has a lot of energy,” he said in his turnaround remarks.

He said the pontiff was misinformed when he criticised the proposed wall, because he was not aware of the drugs coming in and the other security problems that made a strong border a necessity.

Republican voters in the US state will make their presidential choice tomorrow.

Mr Trump leads the South Carolina polls.

His anti-immigration stance is a central plank in his campaign.

He wants to deport 11 million undocumented migrants and said Muslims should be banned from coming to the US. The row with the Pope comes just two days before Republicans in South Carolina and Democratic voters in Nevada choose their presidential candidates.

Mr Trump, who has no political

experience but won in New Hampshire, is the clear frontrunner in Saturday’s Republican vote.

At the town hall event on Thursday hosted by CNN, Mr Trump backed down from comments made at the weekend when he said President George W Bush lied about the existence of weapons of mass destruction before invading Iraq.

Mr Bush’s younger brother Jeb Bush is one of Mr Trump’s rivals for the White House, but his main threat comes from Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who won the Iowa caucus.

The Democratic race in Nevada has Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders neck-and-neck.

Mrs Clinton, speaking in Las Vegas on Thursday evening, condemned Mr Trump for his “prejudice and paranoia”.

Pope Francis waves to faithful upon arrival at the US border with Mexico to celebrate a mass at the Ciudad Juarez fairgrounds in Mexico. TOP: Republican Presidential contender Donald Trump arrives at the CNN Town Hall in Columbia, South Carolina where he changed tune on his earlier rebuke at the pontiff and said he has a lot of respect for him.

PHOTO/JIM LO SCALZO/EPA

Top stories from X News global partners Trump calls Pope Trump Fires Back at From the Tower to the Russian mobile group Francis ‘disgraceful’ for Sharp Rebuke by Pope White House: When Donald fined $795m over announced that he was running questioning his faith: Francis: In his most audacious attack Trump for the White House, there was only one bribes: VimpelCom, the Russian

Donald Trump has called Pope Francis “disgraceful” over the pontiff ’s suggestion the Republican presidential frontrunner was “not a Christian” for his plan to build a wall at the Mexican border. Flying back to Rome from a trip to Mexico, the pope said: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.”

Trump responded swiftly at a campaign event in South Carolina, saying: “For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful.” “No leader, especially a religious leader, has the right to question another man’s religion or faith,” he said.

www.theguardian.com

yet on a revered public figure, Donald J. Trump veered into risky political territory on Thursday as he denounced Pope Francis, seeking to galvanize Republicans who worry about border security and appeal to evangelical voters who regard Francis as too liberal. After the pontiff ’s remarkable contention that Mr. Trump “is not Christian” in proposing deportations and a wall with Mexico, the candidate said Francis’ criticisms were “disgraceful” and “unbelievable,” and he contended that the Mexican government had hoodwinked the pope into criticizing him. Politicians rarely rebuke the Vatican for fear of alienating Catholic voters www.nytimes.com

venue for his speech; Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. The skyscraper has been central to Mr Trump’s business life. Built between 1979 and 1984, it was a triumph for a young property mogul whose father rented out mere apartments in Brooklyn.

Nearby is the Plaza Hotel, which a middle-aged Mr Trump sold in 1995 after his casino operation folded. Today half his wealth is still tied up in buildings within a four-mile radius of this spot. The Tower’s bar exemplifies Mr Trump’s late-life pivot to the business of celebrity, with cocktails named after his TV show The Apprentice, which was filmed there. www.economist.com

mobile phone operator, has agreed to pay $795m in penalties to US and Dutch authorities and admitted to bribing a government official related to the president of Uzbekistan to gain entry into the country and win valuable telecom licenses. VimpelCom, the world’s sixth largest telecom operator, agreed to admit wrongdoing under a deferred prosecution agreement. Its Uzbek subsidiary, Unitel, pleaded guilty in a US court to conspiring to violate the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by paying $114m in bribes to the official. Authorities say the bribes were paid between 2006 and 2012.

To enquire about digital advertising with these international brands, email julian@x254.co

www.ft.com

WEEKEnD EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

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

KRA employees charged over tax evasion at Mombasa port

Four Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers have been charged at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi for tax evasion related crimes. The move comes just as the Authority made strides in heightening its integrity checks by cracking down on corruption.

The officers, who have also been suspended from the Authority’s service, were formerly attached to the KRA Customs and Border Control Division, in Mombasa.

Lilian Onyango, John Wesonga, Anthony Ochieng and David Mwongela, appeared before Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo, facing a charge of making false customs transit bonds.

The four denied the charges and were released on a Sh1 million bond of or cash bail of Sh200,000 each.

The staffers are currently on suspension for abetting tax evasion vices at the Portside and Autoport Container Freight Stations, in Mombasa.

In recent weeks, KRA has managed to swiftly plug potential revenue leakage holes in the lucrative import cargo sector with a raft of new customs procedures.

The new procedures cover the running of existing Container Freight Stations (CFS) under a more stringent and tightly controlled regime.

Meanwhile, ongoing efforts to address international tax avoidance in Kenya have received global support, amongst international tax authorities meeting in Paris, France.

Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Deputy Secretary General, Douglas Frantz (left) congratulates Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General, Mr John Njirani for making positive strides against international tax evasion vices in Paris, France during the recent Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, Steering Group Meeting.

As part of strategic effort to tackle cases of international tax avoidance and evasion, Kenya has joined the league of 93 global nations; united to address the economic vices and has now signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.

The signing of the crucial agreement, last week, by the Kenyan Ambassador to France, Ms Salma Ahmed, in the presence of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Deputy Secretary General, Douglas Frantz, makes Kenya the 94th jurisdiction to join

the most powerful multilateral instrument against offshore tax evasion and avoidance.

Speaking, when he addressed the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, Steering Group Meeting in Paris, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Njiraini, said KRA is looking forward to the speedy ratification of the agreement.

He said the country has already made “tremendous progress” in strengthening local capacity for addressing international tax avoidance.

Such progress, he noted, includes

Airtel in deal with State as telco unveils Sh19 billion investment Bharti Airtel has announced plans to partner with the government just as the firm sets up a threeyear investment plan for Kenya worth Sh19 billion.

Bharti Enterprises Chairman and CEO Sunil Bharti Mittal has discussed various opportunities for Airtel to partner with the government in development projects including youth employment and enterprise development.

Mittal, who met with President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier this week, briefed the Head of State on a number of projects the firm is currently working on.

Key among them was Airtel’s three-year planned investment worth Sh19 billion.

The soon-to-be-disclosed initiative follows the telecom firm’s recent moves to position itself as a leading communications company in and across the region.

The proposal comes just as Airtel’s solid investment in Kenya has totaled more than Sh25 billion ($250

million) over the last five years, according to Mittal.

During his meeting with the President, he highlighted Airtel’s support for an ongoing Digital Learning Programme where the company will provide free connectivity to the internet for a trial period starting this month.

Airtel has so far, provided free internet to over 197 schools and 250,000 students across the country with plans to reach 1million by the end of 2016.

“This programme inspires success in students through free access to the internet, enhancing learning opportunities,” explained Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi in an earlier address.

The programme was recently launched by the Cabinet Secretary, ICT Joe Mucheru in Machakos.

As the head of one of the largest investors on the continent, Mr. Mittal routinely visits the countries across Africa to engage with leadership on development matters.

Dennis_x254

KRA’s recent establishment of a formal structure to address International Tax Avoidance and to support Tax Information Exchange with other signatories of the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.

Njiraini also noted that the recent enactment of Tax Procedures Bill into law, now demonstrates the seriousness with which Kenya takes international tax avoidance.

The new law (Tax Procedures Act) imposes stiff penalties for engagement in international tax avoidance schemes.

Dennis_x254

MEAN 101.7954 145.6128 113.2567 6.5555 33.6263 21.4942

BUY SELL 101.6956 101.8953 145.4511 145.7744 113.1283 113.3850 6.5459 6.5651 33.5442 33.7085 21.4240 21.5644

KCB commits Sh20 million to Corporate Golf Day Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will support local sporting events after the lender committed Sh20 million in sponsorship for the 2016 KCB Corporate Golf Day circuit.

KCB Marketing Director Angela Mwirigi said the bank is committed to supporting all kinds of sports including football, rugby and women’s volleyball. ‘’As part of our commitment towards sponsoring golf this year, KCB will spend more than Sh20 million to facilitate the six amateur tournaments and several club nights in selected golf courses across the nation for the remaining period of the year,’’ she said during the launch in Nairobi.

However, the sponsorship by the lender has reduced by Sh5 million compared to the previous year where the bank sponsored Sh25 million though it did not disclose the reason for the difference.

The KCB Corporate Golf 2016 is an amateur-structured tour traversing more than a dozen golf courses across the country in tournaments and several club night.

KCB has committed Sh2 million in prize money to give professionals a chance to practice ahead of the Kenya Open Golf later in March.

“As a bank, we are delighted this year to once again sponsor this competition where we give our amateurs a chance to hone their skills. We will continue to support this tournament since it works well towards the diffusion of the image of our country as a golf destination endowed with remarkable beauty”, Mwirigi said.

KCB’s long-standing tradition of sponsoring major sporting events in the country has seen the Bank pump millions of shillings in sponsorships over the years. enock _x254

Pizza Hut opens franchise, pumps Sh500m in Kenya Pizza Hut, the US based fast food company, is set to invest roughly Sh500 million in the Kenyan market in the next two years.

The company, which is also the world’s largest pizza brand, today opened its first two Pizza Hut Locations in Nairobi, further highlighting Kenya as the country with one of the fastest growing retail sectors in the region.

Feast Limited Director Chris Joseph says the firm has plans to open another four Pizza Hut restaurants in Nairobi before the end of 2016.

Pizza Hut’s move comes as more global brands are expanding their investments in the country’s retail restaurant market.

It also comes at a time when Kenya’s formal retail penetration rate, which ranges from 30 per cent to 40 per cent,

is the second highest in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the latest report from the Oxford Business Group (OBG).

The Group estimates that Kenya’s penetration rate is at roughly half the level of South Africa, where formal retail is estimated to stand at 60 per cent of overall activity.

The report, which came just days ahead of Pizza Hut’s announcement, shows that the rising levels of urbanization and disposable income will continue to fuel growth in Kenya’s retail sector in 2016 and beyond. Pizza Hut has been aggressively expanding its reach across continents and Kenya is just one of their more recent destinations.

In less than 25 years, the chain has added more than 1,300 restaurants across China alone.

BUSINESS 7

Coldwell Banker launches real estate system to drive up property sales WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

Coldwell Banker Kenya, a global real estate firm, has launched a customer relationship management (CRM) system to drive sales for real estate companies in Kenya.

The system generates property leads locally and internationally, directly to real estate firms’ email addresses, helping companies to profitably manage their property listings.

It also conducts target marketing, track property payments and commissions as well as running social media and e-mail activity tracking.

“The system is cloud based, and available on multiple servers replicated all over the world for security and scalability reasons. Users access its features using a username and password,” said Danielle Callaway, Managing

Director, Coldwell Banker Kenya.

The CRM manages contacts and personal schedules, providing reporting tools, assist in importing popular business software, such as QuickBooks for accounting as it acts as a referral network for agents within the system.

“Networking globally is the way to go for real estate companies that are banking on growing their business and remaining competitive in today’s real estate space,” said Callaway. “And lead generation is more than the traditional practice of ‘I know a person who wants to buy in a particular area.”

“Selling a property requires multiple leads in order to increase the chances of it being sold quicker,” she added.

If a potential buyer or tenant is looking for a three-bedroom

Kenya among Comesa states set to benefit from Sh507 million EU fund Kenya is among Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) member states set to benefit from a Sh507 million (4.485 million euros) package from the European Union (EU).

The EU signed the deal, dubbed the ‘Technical Cooperation Facility’ in a bid to support the implementation of regional integration programmes in the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, and India Ocean (EA-SA-IO) region.

The Comesa region, which includes countries such as Kenya, Angola, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea and Ethiopia, among others, is one of five areas set to benefit following the deal.

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Zambia and Special representative to Comesa Ambassador Alessandro Mariani and Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya signed the agreement.

The five regional economic communities set to benefit from the fund include Comesa, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) East African Community (EAC) Intergovernmental

Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

COMESA will receive €1,525,000, EAC will get €1,525,000, SADC will get €1,615,000, while IGAD receives €1,435,000 and IOC €900,000.

The funds are part of an overall kitty of 1.3 billion euros provided by the EU under the 11th Eurpean Development Fund (EDF) Regional Indicative programme (RIP) for the EA-SA-IO region signed in June 2015 for the period 2014 – 2020.

Out of this amount, 600 million euros will be used for blending and leveraging of funds to enable implementation of regional infrastructure projects.

Euro 205 million will be used for selected crossregional actions and Euro 450 million are for the specific envelopes of COMESA, EAC, IGAD, IOC and SADC. COMESA is expected to receive Euro 85 million.

“Comesa already has a framework to ensure that we deliver time bound results and demonstrate value for money for this facility,” Ngwenya said.

Dennis_x254

apartment unit to buy or rent, many of the listings will give all the three bedroom apartments available in their databases, including those not in the specified location.

However, the Coldwell Banker Kenya system provides contact management systems where agents and real estate companies can get accessible databases and categorise them, with the system able to match buyer preferences specifically to seller offers.

The system links the

properties from all Coldwell Banker agents with all other agencies within the CRM system, effectively pooling all buyer and seller leads, while enabling companies to see the top choices in their listings, see the serious buyers and the speculators, and also update their listings to show changes in availability dates and when a house is sold.

The system also provides members with industry data and statistics, and works from its own internal data to show

market trends in pricing, rents, selling timelines, and geographical activity.

The system tracks every lead, including when an offer is made, when and how much commission is paid, how much of it is going to agent or to the company, the tax element if any on the commission and any other levy.

Furthermore, Coldwell Banker’s CRM system provides online calendar facilities for planning across

scheduled meetings, real estate showings, automatic reminders and all real estate related activities.

“The beauty about our system is that users can opt to adopt a calendar, or if they are already using a Google calendar, for instance, they can simply import it into the system and continue using it, except that it will now be integrated with all the other information in their CRM account,” said Ms Callaway. enock _x254

8

BUSINESS

OECD urges world leaders to tackle slow global growth

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 20166

Longhorn Sh97m profit as firm eyes corruption

Listed publishing company Longhorn Kenya Ltd’s pretax profit for the first-half year ended December rose to Sh97.5 million from Sh49.7 million a year earlier.

The announcement comes as the publisher, in partnership with Angaza Writers, officially launched the “Integrity Series” a far reaching concept developed to tackle corruption at a nascent stage.

The company said today its firsthalf pretax profit nearly doubled, as it posted a rise in revenue , which was helped by higher book sales.

The company said its Revenue rose 57 per cent to 831.4 million shillings.

Longhorn Publishers said a week ago that it will advance a value based education system that will have children acquire and understand the importance of having high ethical and moral behaviour at an early age.

The drive seeks to educate children about graft at a time when Kenya has lost more than Sh4.5 trillion to corruption since the year 2000, according to the office of the Auditor General.

“We need our children to know that integrity is more than just being honest. It’s about doing what is right for the right reasons and thus we must emphasize a value based education system in order to impart integrity and ethics in our children at a young age to allow them become better citizens”, Longhorn Publishers MD Simon Ngigi noted during the launch.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is calling for urgent action by world leaders to tackle slackening global growth.

According to the OECD, global trade, investment and wage growth

in recent months have been gravely dismal.

The organisation, in a recent report, added that cutting interest rates and other monetary policy fixes were not sufficient to reflate growth.

Last year, OECD forecast 2016

Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

China bans foreign media from publishing its content online

A Chinese ministry has issued new rules that ban any foreign-invested company from publishing anything online in China, effective this month.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s new rules could, if they were enforced as written, essentially shut down China as a market for foreign news outlets, publishers, gaming companies, information providers, and entertainment companies starting on March 10.

Issued in conjunction with the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), they set strict new guidelines for what can be published online, and how that publisher should conduct business in China.

“Sino-foreign joint ventures, Sinoforeign cooperative ventures, and foreign business units shall not engage in online publishing services,” the rules state. Any publisher of online content,

growth of 3.3 per cent but it now says that it will be just be 3 per cent.

Interest rates in many parts of the world including the UK have been cut in an attempt to stimulate borrowing and investment.

The US, notably, raised its rates by

including “texts, pictures, maps, games, animations, audios, and videos,” will also be required to store their “necessary technical equipment, related servers, and storage devices” in China, the directive says.

Foreign media companies including the Associated Press, Thomson Reuters, Dow Jones, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, and the New York Times have invested millions of dollars— maybe even hundreds of millions collectively—in building up Chinabased news organizations in recent years, and publishing news reports in Chinese, for a Chinese audience.

Many of these media outlets are currently blocked in China, so top executives have also been involved in months of behind-thescenes negotiations to try to get the blocks lifted.

Gaming companies including Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox have been making inroads in China with varying degrees of success,

while social media giants like Facebook are clamoring to get in— all drawn by the country’s massive online population, estimated at nearly 700 million people.

But the new rules would allow only 100 per cent Chinese companies to produce any content that goes online, and then only after approval from Chinese authorities and the acquisition of an online publishing license. Companies will then be expected to self-censor, and not publish any information at all that falls into several broad categories, including harming national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, disclosing state secrets, endangering national security, or harming national honor and interests, inciting ethnic hatred or ethnic discrimination, undermining national unity, or going against ethnic customs and habits. It also bans spreading rumors, disturbing social order, or undermining social stability.

a sliver late last yeardesigned to calm investors’ nerves, but to many, it now seems like a prematurely optimistic move.

The OECD has now cut its growth forecast for the US to 2 per cent from the 2.5 per cent it was projected last November, one month before the country’s interest rate went up.

In Europe, Japan and Switzerland, rates have been cut to negative, meaning that depositors pay the bank for keeping their money.

The OECD, a Paris-based think tank funded by rich nations, said: “Monetary policy cannot work alone.

“A stronger collective policy response is needed to strengthen demand.” UK growth is now forecast at 2.1 per cent, down from the 2.4 per cent it said it was expecting in its November report.

The OECD also cut its forecast for Europe’s powerhouse, Germany, from 1.8 per cent to 1.3 per cent.

A major factor behind the global slowdown in the pace of growth is China, where growth rates have fallen from well above 7 per cent to under 6 per cent now.

The OECD was not expecting further pain from China, It left its forecast for Chinese growth at 6.5 per cent for this year.

India, which imports a lot of its energy and is thriving on the recent low oil price, saw its forecast for growth revised up from 7.3 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

Hospital pays Sh1.7m ransom to hackers after malware attack A Los Angeles hospital has paid $17,000 (£11,800) (Sh1,700,000) to hackers after its computer systems were taken offline by ransomware.

Systems at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center had been affected for more than a week and staff at the hospital had been forced to carry out some tasks on paper.

Ransomware is a form of malware which infects a victim’s computer, locking it, and demanding that a ransom - often in bitcoins - be paid in order to restore access.

However, the hospital’s chief executive Allen Stefanek, said that the incident had not affected the delivery or quality of patient care.

Previously, local news sources had reported that the hackers were demanding a ransom payment of $3.4m – but Mr Stefanek denied this. “The amount of ransom requested was 40 bitcoins, equivalent to approximately $17,000,” he wrote.

“The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption key.”All systems currently in use had been cleared of malware and thoroughly tested, he added.

Ransomware attacks are increasingly common.

Last year, security firm Kaspersky acknowledged what it said was a “bitter fact”- “unless precautions are taken, victims may not be able to recover their data in any other way than by paying the demanded ransom.”However, when the English county council for Lincolnshire was faced with a £350 ransomware demand last month, it refused to pay.

The council has since told the BBC that all systems have been restored without having to pay off the hackers.

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

ACCESS

celeb chat

Gravitti band has been playinG for artistes for ten years now. they have played for the likes of wyre and nameless. now they have ventured on their own to make their own music

GRAVITTI

A

fter a decade of playing together why stop now.

Growth. Human beings are progressive beings therefore there being a natural need to grow. Other than that, we also got to the point where we needed to do something of our own. Having had worked with several artists both local and international we had reached the peak of all we could do as a back up band and thus, the Gravitti you know today was born.

Don’t you think you will be identified with artists you have played for?

No we don’t think so. In our strategy we include building a brand that stands out on its own apart from all we have achieved as a backup band. Being that we no longer play for other artists and that we are being recognized and referred to as artists on our own re-introduces us to the industry exactly as that (Artists).

Tell us about your new album and what inspired it?

Our album has 10 tracks which are of the reggae genre and fusions of other genres with reggae thus, the album is basically reggae oriented.

It’s entitled THE FORCE OF GRAVITTI and just like gravity this is to reflect how powerful the music in the album is. As to what inspired it, there are several reasons. First of all we love music and more so reggae music. The Kenyan music scene has no reggae supplier yet over 78% of all Kenyans listen to reggae.

We are the largest consumers of reggae in Africa. So to answer your question, what inspired it? Society.

This is music done for the people, inspired by the people meant to inspire the people.

How would you describe your sound?

Our sound is reggae. Sounds of a rhythm guitar skanking, Piano chopping, a bed of a bass guitar grooving easy, drum rolls that call the masses to the dance, lead and backup vocals that are synchronies in perfect harmony. One drop, Roots, Dancehall with some rock and pop feel.

How did Gravitti band start?

Like every other endeavor in the history of man, like minded people with a common goal came together. But, specific to Gravitti, we were friends before we were partners in this endeavor. Our love and hunger for good music, led us on a path on which we were to influence and be part of the creation and arrangement of music in the Kenyan music industry.

Gravitti is considered one of the best bands in the industry, how has the journey to the top been?

Not easy. We had ups and downs like every one else but, we have also by changing our perspective of things learnt to enjoy the journey. It has been a learning experience that has taught us humility, increased on our creativity, importance of partnerships, meaning of quality and with that we have been able to get to where we are and develop that we product we have.

What makes you different from other bands in the industry?

Every band has it’s own internal structures and current and future objectives that are different from all others. Gravitti is as such different also but, we also have identified our strengths and weaknesses and have decided to put all our focus on building on the strengths we have. We can and have played all genres of music but, after all is said and done, reggae is what we went with.

When can we listen to your music on air?

Gravitti has a release plan that involves

providing quality music to the people and doing it with consistency. To kick off, we have recently released a video entitled SOME REGGAE from our upcoming album THE FORCE OF GRAVITTI. We will also be releasing our album in about months time.

Any advice to upcoming bands?

Practice makes perfect or at least gets you close enough. Take your time to decide what you really want and how you want it and as you do this, play as much as you can.

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 2014 19-21, 2016

FASHIONScoop

INSIDE YOUR CLOSET

For a bolder statement, go for faux leather shorts.

Pick high or low waist shorts depending on your body shape.

For a formal occasion, accessorize with a shiny clutch bag.

You are allowed to play around with embroidery.

@mercy_x254

Matching patterns work wonders.

TOP

A

Calling all The shOTs

lthough ours is quite the conservative community, there are one or two occasions where you can rock shorts without drawing negative attention for example at the beach or when goofing around the swimming area. If you get this golden chance to wear shorts, ensure that you wear them in style to create a lasting impression by following these

inTeRnaTiOnal hiTs ALESSIA

shorts conventions: lJeans booty shorts are strictly for indoors or clubbing purposes lAvoid belts unless the shorts are made out of denim lShorts shouldn’t be too tight. lSandals, boots or heels all coordinate well with shorts lFor a lazy day at the beach, throw in a sunhat.

Rank

TiTle

aRTisTe

1 2

Here Same Old Love

Alessia Cara Selena Gomez

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sorry

Justin Bieber Adelle The Weeknd

Hello In The Night Hide Away Hotline Bling Hands to Myself Perfect Out of The Woods

Daya Drake Selena Gomez 1D Taylor Swift

11

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

WEEKEND PLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide SATURDAY

SATURDAY

SUnDAY

CAKe

ART FAIR

WHERE: Nairobi Arboretum TIME: Noon ENTRY: Upto Sh700.

LADIeS Kennel

AssocIATIon chAmpIonshIp

SATURDAY

First Lady’s Beyond Zero gets 113 million boost

WHERE: Club Bettyz WHO: ZJ Henno TIME: 8 pm.

A nIghT oF celebRATIng

W

T

ith few days remaining before First Lady Margaret Kenyatta puts on her shoes to run during this years marathon, her initiative beyond zero has received Shillings 113 million boost. Cash donations were received from private and public organizations. The funds raised through the Marathon will be used to purchase the remaining eleven fully kitted mobile clinics.

heABA hISTORY Out&About

BLUe POST hOTeL he smooth stretch of the Thika super highway, urges you to drive on. You have the option to choose whatever lane you want, be it keeping left, center lane or extreme right.

The eight elongation calls for cruise control, a phenomenal occurremce where the saying the rubber hts the road makes sense.

The highway, begins at the museum hill with a characteristic long curve that is estimated to last almost a minute at speeds of fifty Kilometer per hour. one done with the curver, a long stretch beckons calling for extra speeds, reommemded by law, which will take you through underpasses and overpasses.

As you cover the passes, market areas and shopping malls dot the road, from muthaiga shopping mall to gaden city and TRm. once these are covered, the superhighway will take through mini towns which include Ruiru and JUja and finally Thika. At the climax of the eight lanes lies a spot that is inviting, for utter comfort and relaxation; blue post hotel Thika is the only hotel in Kenya perched in between two gigantic falls.

The falls christened chania Falls, thunder with roars of tons of water splashing deep into the earth producing a giant boiling ensemble of water.

As you gaze at the mesmerizing effects, of nature, serenity invites you to sample the best of blue post hotel a tradition that begin as early as 1908.

To begin with, you are allowed to have mouthwatering African cuisine with a selection of various drinks and perhaps a cappuccino at the coffee bar that is set overlooking the Falls.

HOT

WHERE: E.Africa Kennel Club TIME: 9 AM ENTRY: Sh200.

The AnnUAl

RD e OV TOUR

sAFARIcom

TOPICS

SUnDAY

WHERE: Club Zodiak WHO: DJ Teargas TIME: 6pm.

e OS

FeSTIVAL

WHERE: Safaricom Stadium Kasarani WHO: Branford Marsalis TIME: 10 AM ENTRY: From Sh300.

VISIT nAIROBI’S

PReMIeR ShOPPInG MALL

& experience

Lovebirds have mad fun at Westgate on Valentine’s Day

12

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

Job VACANCY! EARN 8500/= WEEKLY as

ST. EDWARD’S HIGH SCHOOL Admission in progress for Forms 1-4

you are learning in an australian locally

l Academic performance is excellent. l Highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. l Strict discipline and hygiene standards are highly maintained. l School fees is reasonable. l IRE, Arabic and Computer are taught. l We admit repeaters and book private candidates. l Well equipped science and computer laboratories. l Environment is conducive for learning.

form 4 and

above (28yrsand below) in

sales,

marketing

and distribution department. call now: Call 0708192229/ 0763983531

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Your natural kindness and sympathy for others has led you to make some good friends who are also valuable business contacts. This is definitely paying off. Your aesthetic sense is at an all-time high, so this is a great day to start any creative projects that you have in mind.

recruiting

people of

Contact Admissions Secretary Ngara Arcade, Ngara Road P.O.BOX 31487-00600 Nairobi Email: stedwardshighschool@yahoo.com

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Your interest in mystical and metaphysical matters is at an all-time high, and you could find yourself strolling through New Age bookstores. This is all wonderful as long as you stay grounded. Plan a trip if you can. Join a meditation group. Go with the flow!

company,

FRIday 19/2/2016

sunny

24

25ºC 62%

SATURDAYday More sun than clouds 21/2/2016

24 6:42 am 6:51 pm

25ºC 59%

6:42 am 6:51 pm

SUNday

26

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

Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 The end of the day could find the two of you planning a romantic trip abroad, even down to the restaurants you want to try! Discussions of spiritual or psychic matters could also bring you closer together. All in all, it’s a tumultuous but romantic day.

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 A raise, commission, or perhaps a chance to invest in the company could be offered to you. Your self-esteem will definitely receive a boost! You might also find that you’re growing even more intuitive than usual, and people are looking up to you because of it. Give yourself a pat on the back.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 He or she is very likely to regard you in the same way. If you’ve been longing for a dinner for two, complete with champagne, candlelight, and red roses, this is the day to go for it. And don’t forget the violin music!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 You tend to be interested in matters concerning health, and you might want to learn not only about herbs and nutrition but also spiritual healing. This is a good time to train your own healing abilities, Gemini, as your sensitivity is high and you’re more able than usual to tune in to the healing energies.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You might want to stroll through an art gallery or museum and try to sense the feelings of those from the past. A warm and loving letter or phone call could come from a romantic partner, elevating your mood even more. It’s a very emotionally gratifying day.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 This is more likely to be redecorating than any major repairs, as you’re more into beauty right now than practical matters. Your aesthetic sense is very high, inspired from the higher realms, and therefore decorating decisions you make today are likely to be beautiful. Go to it!

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 You might want to read about such matters or attend a lecture or workshop given by someone in the field. Telepathic communications are coming your way. Don’t be surprised if more than once during the course of the day you and another say the same thing at the same time.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Spiritual matters seem extremely appealing, and you could find yourself gravitating toward metaphysical bookstores or seeking discussions with people who are well versed in such matters.

You also find your imagination working overtime. We all need to escape from time to time!

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 This is the perfect day to start a class or attend a lecture on such subjects. You could meet some interesting people who become close friends. You’re likely to feel a psychic bond with anyone you meet today, and you’re likely to get the feeling that your life has changed for the better. Enjoy!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You could be feeling especially attuned to other planes, and your dreams are likely to be powerful and vivid. Use the messages you receive to inspire creative pursuits. You might not only be amazed by the results but learn even more from the work itself.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

KENYAN HITS! Dumbala Remix Msaidizi Fundamentals Mungu Baba Uwepo Wako Milele Dongo Dongo Ulibeba Sobei Cheiso Worship You Sambaza Defender Tosheka Kereka Ningwendete Queen Ahuirania Ti Mundu Ndirakurekie

KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A

GLORIA MULIRO KEN WAMARIA RUFFTONE & GSU MERCYLINAH MARION SHAKO GERALDINE ODUOR EUNICE NJERI EMMY KOSGEI BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI ALICE KAMANDE DADDY OWEN MOG DK KWENYE BEAT JOAN WAIRIMU LOISE KIM N.D GITHUKA BETTY BAYO & MR SEED SIMON

KEN4 GM4 KT4 RUFF4 LIN4 SHA4 GER4 EN4 KOS4 BMF4 KAM4 DAD4 MOG4 DK4 VAN4 LK4 GAK4 BET4 SIM4

Kinyukia Kahora

JOAN WAIRIMU

VAN4

Barua Muganga Nipe Nafasi Glory to Glory Nanena Adonai Zawadi Sitalia Tena Bongo Lala Sitalia Tena Hatarudi Nyuma Mapenzi Solo Penzi Langu Matokeo Born Again Lingala Ya Yesu Fanya Kitendo Muziki Ni Dawa Makeke Kitanzi Miss Hizo Naona Mbali Nime Wasamehe Hakuna Silaha

Ex: HC4 to 22333

BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUKUBWA SARAH KIARIE

TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies.

Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

PLAY

13

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Expressionist Nolde 5. Positioned 10. Border town in Western Czech Republic 14. Riefenstahl of film 15. Put ___ in (meddle) 16. Nutshell 17. William of “Carrie” 18. Old-style entertainment 20. Utility abbr.

21. Hill builder 22. 2004 Tony award winning musical 23. River to the North Sea 25. Assistance 26. Ancient Aegean 28. Financial statement entry 33. Sends a duplicate to 34. Biblical prophet 36. Florida citrus city 37. Sore spot 39. Sultan’s palace area 41. Remove, as coupons 42. Locomotive tracks 44. Hairdresser Sassoon 46. Java or Crete (abbr).

47. Engaged 49. Compound of element #53 51. “Give ___ minute!”

52. Is aware of 53. Frightens 57. Lille lily

58. Israeli prime minister Olmert 61. Two-Face, in Batman 63. Long sentence 64. Steinbeck migrant 65. Single-named novelist 66. “Dianetics” author ___ Hubbard 67. Lap around the sun 68. Take back 69. Cong. gathering Down 1. Actress and 1960s pinup Sommer 2. Brunch, for one 3. College ____ 4. Chinese nut 5. Georgia’s oldest city 6. Foolish 7. Racetrack information broker 8. Cockney’s noggin 9. Enticed 10. In high style 11. “Incredible” green guy 12. She, in Cherbourg 13. Suffered from a cut 19. Visible part of a television transmission 24. Famous Fleming 25. Pointed, as a gun 26. Phrase of concern 27. English philosopher William of ____ 28. In ____ detail 29. Tribunal at the Hague, for short 30. Connie Corleone in “The Godfather”

31. Online mailing tool 32. Leaf featured on Canada’s flag 35. “___ nice day” 38. Corner piece 40. Anchor 43. French river 45. London facility 48. Response to “Who, me?”

50. Inhabits 52. Sorta 53. Sailor’s greeting 54. Crater, for one 55. Opera highlight 56. Trailer park resident, for short 57. Hawaiian necklaces 59. Roswell sightings, briefly 60. Lions’ lairs 62. Grayish brown

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY NYS scam new claims indictment to EACC Hardly 24 hours after a damning affidavit detailing how millions were allegedly siphoned from the National Youth Service (NYS) was filed in court, the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) issued a notice to reopen investigations into the Sh791 million scam.

What went wrong? Had the EACC not cleared the person said to be at the centre of the scandal as alleged in the affidavit?

Maybe there is reason to

believe that in light of the new developments, someone needed to look into the files.

But the reopening of the case is an indictment on the EACC and its war on corruption. It implies someone slept on their job or corrupted the outcome of the initial investigations.

In the court of public opinion, the EACC is suffering from another needless image crisis, coming at a time when it was getting its house in order.

Hard questions are emerging as result of their last bid. Do

we need the EACC? Probably we do. By any measure, Kenya is a land of incredible promise and great opportunity.

No doubt, it will take more for it to win back the lost public confidence because the hard questions won’t go away just yet.

Perhaps the new commissioners will help redeem the image after all though it is a tough call for a discredited organisation.

— Nderitu, Ummoja

Has Joho locked Jubilee out of Coast region?

Has Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s political genius, organisational deftness and tact made nonsense of Jubilee foray at the Coast? Pundits says Joho has singlehandedly stunted Jubilee growth, extinguished Jubilee flames and ensured the ruling Alliance is more of a beer parlour gossip at the Coast than a political outfit. Even the recent visit and camping at the Coast by President Uhuru Kenyatta and the issuance of land titles has not done much to help Jubilee eat into Cord support base. Is it the government approach that has not resonated well with Coast residents

or Joho has become a political kingpin?

Calm and composed, Joho is slowly but steadily becoming an enigma. His runaway popularity is a mystery many coast politicians can only window-shop, but can’t match. He is a man of ‘commonwealth’, a man of perpendicular integrity, a consensus builder, above all a down to earth leader with great fear of God and respect for mankind. If Cord wants to reap big from the 2017 polls, people like Joho must be given bigger roles to play. Kudos governor.

— Wuod Betty

War on corruption, theft riddled with hypocrisy The EACC has already cleared Anne Waiguru. Unless I have my own investigating agency, mine is now to accept she is pure white and move on.

But in a bigger context, people have already been jailed in the UK for bribing specific IEBC officials, who are now busy registering us as voters and will preside over the 2017

elections.

Back here, thousands of people were raped, killed and evicted in the PEV and today you are criminalised for just thinking someone somewhere is guilty because evidence was eaten by goats and witnesses killed.

Which is worse stealing Sh791 million or slaughtering a poor

innocent pregnant woman for power? For all I care, let them even come and steal what they left and shut down NYS. Even those who committed similar acts in 60s and 70s are now dead or on death beds.

This life has an end. God be with us.

—Wahome Thuku - Nairobi

NEWS JOB OPPORTUNITy X News, Kenya’s first and largest circulation free newspaper and Kenya’s only Cannes award winner needs brilliant, passionate, young staff to help us win more awards and achieve new firsts.

SportS JournaliSt X News is the news breaking newspaper of Kenya, covering today’s news today. Reporting to the various desk editors, the ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for news and unbiased approach to its reportage.

Key responsibilities • To seek out and investigate breaking stories.

• To produce concise and accurate copy according to our house style and to strict deadlines.

• To create and upload news content to digital platforms.

• To online report or real-time blog ‘live’ stories.

• To build contacts in order to maintain a flow of news • To attend press conferences and events that generate stories • To work closely with the news team, photographers and editors; If you fit this description and you want to be part of the most innovative media house in the region, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject SPORT We are also recruiting a Social media intern.

If interested, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject INTERN.

note: If you have worked at one of the old fashioned media houses, you will need to impress us that you have the capacity to shape a new tomorrow rather cling to yesteryear.

X News is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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

14

SPORT

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

World 800m champion David Rudisha to participate in two Australian races in preparation for Olympic games.

Rudisha seeks Aussie luck ahead of Rio 2016 Games

800m holders to compete in Perth Track Classic before Rio Every time David Rusisha participate in Melbourne, Australia IAAF World Challenge, he’s gone ahead to win a major title during the summer.

And with the Summer Olympics set for August in Rio de Janeiro, Rudisha, who hold the World and Olympic 800m titles will return to Australia on March 5 where he has won four times and hope that the good omen that has always followed him from the land of Kangaroo will cross both the Indian and Atlantic Ocean with him to Brazil.

The former St. Patrick student has previously posted positive results here following his 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 victories in Melbourne.

After the Melbourne race, the world record-holder will head to the west of Australia to compete at the Perth Track Classic on March 12.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Australia. It has played such an important part in my programme over the years and as I prepare for the Olympic Games again I am keen to duplicate the build-up that worked in 2012,” he was quoted on the IAAF website.

“Perth is somewhere that I haven’t competed before and I always look forward to running in a new city. I hear

that the conditions are normally warm and that the track is fast so I am happy to have the chance to run there,” he added.

“Australia has some great 800m runners who are still looking to qualify for Rio. I’m sure we will have a good race and if I can assist in improving the qualifying opportunities for some of the younger runners then I am happy.”

In both Melbourne and Perth, Rudisha will be up against Australia’s best 800m runners, including national champion Jeff Riseley, national record-holder Alex Rowe, World Championships representative Josh Ralph and rising talent Luke Mathews, all of whom will be hoping to achieve the 1:46.00 qualifying time for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Rudisha is just one of a handful of international stars set to compete in Melbourne. World Indoor bronze medallist Tom Walsh of New Zealand will take on Australia’s Damien Birkinhead in the shotput. Walsh bettered his own Oceanian record to finish fourth at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing 2015 with 21.58m, before improving on that mark two weeks later with 21.62m.

Birkinhead is a more recent addition to the 21-metre club after throwing 21.21m last weekend in Hobart, just five centimetres shy of the national record. Like Rudisha, Commonwealth 1500m champion James Magut will compete in both Melbourne and Perth. The Kenyan has a PB of 3:30.61 and won in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney in 2014.

SPORT 15

Underdogs Midtjylland humble United in Europa Manchester United produced another underwhelming display as they lost to Danish side FC Midtjylland 2-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

This result will probably have negative effect on United ahead of their Monday’s trip to Shrewsbury Town in FA Cup fifth-round tie followed three days later by the return leg against Midtjylland at Old Trafford.

Prior to the match, Midtjylland had gone 71 days without kicking a competitive ball because of the Danish winter break, but still went ahead to beat strugglingrecord English Premier League champions.

Midtjylland were only formed in 1999, the year United won

.their famous treble, but what they lack in history they made up for with application and ability.

Van Gaal side took the lead through Memphis Depay’s shot, but Sergio Romero, who stepped in for David de Gea, was unable to prevent Pione Sisto from equalising.

United’s Jesse Lingard hit the bar before Paul Onuachu struck the winner.

United were without a number of injured players, including Wayne Rooney, and lost De Gea in the warm-up.

After losing to Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday, the Red Devils are six points shy of the top four in the Premier League, leaving qualification for next season’s Champions League very much in the

balance. Winning the Europa League could represent their best chance of reclaiming a place in Europe’s elite club competition, but if they are to do that they will have to be much better than they were again the side that had gone for three months and 11 days without kicking a ball.

With 13 first-team players out and facing a side whose analytical tactical approach makes them a serious threat from set-pieces, United relied on Romero to pull saves.

The Argentine proved an able replacement with three good saves.

One was a block to deny Vaclav Kadlec, who ran through unchallenged, just 56 seconds before United broke the deadlock through

BEATEN: Dejected Manchester United players trudge off the pitch after a humiliating 2-1 loss to minnows Midtjylland in the first leg of the Europa Champions League match last night. The teams will meet next Wednesday. PHOTO: HENNING BAGGER/EPA

Depay’s close-range finish from Lingard’s cross.

Romero also produced a superb one-handed divingstop to keep out a powerful goal-bound header from Onuachu in the second half.

Between those two saves, he could not stop Sisto pulling the hosts level with a shot that found the net via the shin of Chris Smalling.

Romero was equally powerless to keep out Onuachu’s winner, a low drive after the substitute beat Juan Mata on the edge of the box.

United will be without skipper Wayne Rooney for six weeks after he sustained a knee injury, an absence that could become permanent if reports of a move to China prove correct. United have refused to comment on speculation about the striker’s future, but his absence allowed Depay to make his first start since Boxing Day and gave Anthony Martial the chance to start up front.

Depay, the top scorer in the Dutch league last season prior to his Sh31 billion move to England, had only managed to score once in his previous 20 United appearances.

And while his display in Denmark was not a notable improvement on past performances in a United shirt he was able to add a goal to his modest tally of goals for the season, which now stands at six, But the Dutchman, like the rest of the United team, offered little in the second half as the home side came back to win.

Martial, who has operated primarily on the left since joining the club for Sh36 billion in September, was largely anonymous in his central role.

Lingard struck the bar with a volley while the score was 1-1, but United rarely threatened as the clock ticked down.

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

PREMIER LEAGUE

PREMIER LEAGUE

SMS GAME TO:

79079 SMS CHARGED @2/-

MATCHES HIGHLIGHTS

“1” is HOME WIN “X” is DRAW “2” is AWAY TEAM WIN The teams in the game are always listed in the order: GAME ID, HOME TEAM and VISITING TEAM PREDICTIONS DATE

TIME

GAME ID

GAME

1

X

2

Gambling watchdog links tennis to massive suspicious betting Tennis has accounted for nearly threequarters of all suspicious betting identified by a leading sports gambling watchdog Essa in 2015.

Essa says it identified 100 cases with 73 of them occurring in tennis matches, adding that they have issued alerts to regulated bookmakers across Europe when irregular activity is spotted on a match.

If several bookmakers confirm that they are encountering suspicious betting patterns, the watchdog sends a formal

warning to the sport’s governing bodies.

Of the 73 cases, 24 of them occurred in the final three month of 2015. According to Essa, football - the world’s biggest sports gambling market - attracted suspicious betting on 19 matches worldwide.

The BBC and BuzzFeed investigation found 16 players who have ranked in the top 50 in the past decade to have been repeatedly flagged to the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) over suspicions they have thrown matches.

All of the players, including winners

of Grand Slam titles, were allowed to continue competing.

Following the report, the Tennis Integrity Board, which oversees the TIU, said it would start an independent review into its anti-corruption practices. This will take at least 12 months.

Unranked Thai player Jatuporn Nlamphun has since received an 18-month ban and Sh34 million fine after being found guilty of betting offences under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme.

STANDARD MOBILE CHARGES APPLY

@SportPesa

www.sportpesa.com

SportPesa

0755 079 079 0709 079 079

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016 | WWW.x254.cO

WOEFUL MANCHESTER UNITED LOSE TO DANISH MINNOWS MIDjyTLLAND IN EUROPA MATCH

p15

SUSPENDED: Francisca Koki and Joyce Zakary (down) have accepted suspensions following positive samples provided in Beijing last August.They have accused AK CEO Isaac Mwangi of asking for bribe to shorten their ban period.

I

Olympic ban? Not for Kenya, ADAK assures

nternational Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will not ban Kenya from the forthcoming Summer Games, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya-ADAK has assured athletes as fear set in ahead of Rio games.

While some athletes such as world half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor have played down the possible ban, others mostly local runners fear the future could be bleak after IAAF warned of a possible sanction. If they make good the threat, most of local Athletes risk losing their spon-

sorships deals while their images globally will also be dented. ADAK chief executive Kiplimo Rugut said structures recommended by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are underway and that there is no cause for alarm, adding that the country will have (doping)testing kits in all local training camps across the country.

Rugut said the new body, formed last year but yet to fully start its operations has so far ordered for the necessary kits after the National Treasury released Sh300 million for its budget. Fears of a possible ban from Olympics intensified this week after IAAF President Sebastian Coe said he’s ready to ban Kenya’s track and field team from the Olympics if Athletics Kenya (AK) is declared non-compliant with Wada code of

conduct. This warning came after Kenya missed a deadline last week to prove to Wada it has started tackling cheating. It comes after a spate of positive drugs tests among some of the country’s athletes and allegations of corruption at AK with the latest being accusation against AK- CEO Isaac Mwangi for asking Sh2 million bribe to shorten their ban. Mwangi has since taken a three-week break to pave way for investigation.

Coe said he would impose serious sanctions on any nation guilty of attempting to cover up drug-taking.

The warning seemed to have been directed to Kenya and should be taken seriously especially after IAAF banned Russia from non-compliant.

For several months, Wada has been trying to persuade Kenya to set up an effective national agency to con-

duct more drug tests, but progress has been slow. The East African country, whose athletes are dominant in distance running, topped the medal table at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing with seven gold medals. Former marathon world record holder Wilson Kipsang has urged the government to strengthen the relevant institution to help cub doping which he says has the potential of soiling the name of the country’s athletes. Kipsang, 33, is president of the Professional Athletes Association of Kenya (PAAK) and was among 80 athletes who met in Eldoret on Wednesday to formulate an appeal to the government to fast-track legislation criminalising doping. @elvince_x254

Published By Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road, Nairobi | Printed By The Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.

Paul Marshall-CEO, Fred Bunei-Finance Manager, Josiah Musee-Advertising Manager, Peter Obuya-Editor peter_x254 josiah_x254 PDMXNEWS fred_x254

ADVERTISING CONTACT DETAILS:

0722980807

020 2716525/6

Email: sales@x254.co

Mary - 0723060734, Irene - 0721404674, , Robert 0718401663, Gadson 0722932559, Erick 0721459904, Daniel 0722101746.