201602026 xnews

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28 , 2016 | www.x254.co

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Governors happy as senate tells TA to pack and leave

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NEWS gor seeks to overturn 2-1 deficit over CNAps away in Madagascar

Why Palestine wants to sue Kenyatta at AU STory on Page 2

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Israeli farmers when he visited Kibbutz Kalia near the Dead Sea in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Some 100 Kenyan students are learning dryland farming and automated agriculture in the area.

Rotich fends off link to NYS scam

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reasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has dismissed claims by former Devolution CS Anne Waiguru that he was involved in the Sh791 million National Youth Service (NYS) scandal, terming it ‘malicious falsehoods’.

Through his lawyer Donald Kipkorir, Rotich says he has no company or even links to any that made supplies or any other business with NYS. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

Palestinians to sue Uhuru over visit

Palestinians are planning to petition the African Union (AU) to complain about President Uhuru Kenyatta’s actions on his visit to Israel early this week.

Palestinian authorities are specifically angry with Mr Kenyatta’s visit to the Western Wall and a kibbutz on the Dead Sea in the West Bank which remain a contested territory according to the Middle East state.

President Kenyatta visited the area on Tuesday and Palestinian authorities now say the move legitimises occupation of their territories by Israel.

The State of Palestine claims the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and parts of eastern Jerusalem although it only exercise partial control of those areas.

On Wednesday, President Kenyatta toured the Kibbutz Kalia near the Dead Sea where Kenyan students are learning dryland farming and automated agriculture.

According to The Times of Israel, an online publication reporting on events in the Middle East, Hanan Ashrawi of the Palestinian National Council said yesterday they plan to

ALL SMILE: President Uhuru Kenyatta with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Palestinians plan to sue Mr Kenyatta for visiting contested territories while in Jerusalem.

complain to regional organisations, including the African Union, about the visit. It said Palestinians were also upset that Kenyatta did not visit any Palestinian city.

Israel has, however, dismissed the

complaint as “utter rubbish.”

“The Palestinian claims are utter rubbish and nonsense. The visit was in Jerusalem, the eternal and united capital of the State of Israel,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel

Poverty to blame for poor school performance, new study reveals Poverty, insufficient information and human resource gap are to blamed for the high number of children with mental and physical stunted growth that have led to poor academic performance, a new study says.

The research reveals that more than 25 per cent of children attending school suffer malnutrition and exhibit dismal performance in their academics, an aspect that has been related to lack of essential energy and nutrients in their breakfast.

Nine out of 10 children from poor households fail to complete their basic education because of malnutrition.

This is contributed heavily by high school absenteeism due to illness, cognitive and psychomotor underdevelopment.

The research study conduct by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), a global market and health research firm in collaboration with Unilever Kenya, also indicated that the affected children do not attain their optimal potential in school and in their adult life.

“Children with poor nutrition has a knock –on effect on their studies and general life. Adults who were malnourished as children earn a less average lifestyle than those benefited from a nutritious breakfast,” revealed the report.

According to the ministry of health demographics 26 per cent of the affected children are stunted and end up being fruitless in life due to other eventual body weakness.

More shocking statistics shows that more than 86 per cent of parents are not aware of the nutrition status of the foods they offer their children.

Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopha Mailu in a speech read on his behalf, acknowledged the challenge, saying malnutrition contributes to a third of all child deaths and poor academic performance ratings.

“As a ministry we are aware of the challenge that has contributed more than a third of children mortalities in the country,” he said.

He blamed inadequate budgetary allocations and human resource gap as

major factors that have contributed heavily on the ignorance of most parent on the importance of healthy children upbringing.

“Currently Kenya has only 1,290 nutritionists with only 600 accessible in public hospitals. This figures are far much low compared to the vast population in the country,” added Mailu.

The figure translates to one nutritionist for every 31,000 people in need of nutritional related cases to be attended daily.

He said to achieve the Strategic Development Goal (SDG) on compulsory and accessible education to all children, his ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders have set to roll out national training programme on the necessity of proper nutrition.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) 2015 report on malnutrition, specific nutrients such as Vitamin A and D are vital in children development as they impact on the cognitive and immune development of the wilson_x254 body.

Nahshon told The Times of Israel.

President Kenyatta left Nairobi on Monday for a three-day state visit to Israel where he met President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior

government officials.

“I will also attend a forum on the economy and visit key showcase projects, including industry and agriculture. Kenya has been a beneficiary of continued assistance from the Government of Israel in various fields, through Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV). It is my desire to see the volume of trade and investment between our two countries expand significantly,” he said as he left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

And on Tuesday, President Kenyatta met with Netanyahu and the two leaders signed a joint statement focusing on water and agricultural issues, promoting cooperation and establishing a joint bilateral committee.

Israel also agreed to consider a proposal to take in more Kenyan workers while it also secured an agreement for an increase in the number of Kenyan students undergoing agricultural training in the desert Jewish state.

Already, the Israeli government is funding free training for 100 Kenyans in irrigation engineering. peter_x254

CS Rotich denies NYS scandal links, threatens to sue From Page 1

The CS has also denied he knows one of the NYS suspects Ben Gethi, who according to a memo included in the affidavit, was allegedly introduced to Waiguru as his friend by the then acting Senior Director General Adan Harakhe.

In the said memo, Harakhe says Gethi had earlier been introduced to him by then Devolution PS Peter Mang’iti as a friend to Rotich.

“Without giving any credence to the veracity, truthfulness, genuineness and validity of the said memo, our client confirms that he does not know Ben Gethi and he is not his agent in any way or at all,” reads a statement from lawyer Kipkorir.

In the affidavit, Harakhe allegedly told Waiguru that the suspect was a friend of the Treasury CS. According to Kipkorir, the CS will also file a suit against “any person or party that published, publishes, or re-publishes the malicious falsehoods.”

Waiguru, in her affidavit links National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President William Ruto’s Personal Assistant Farouk Kibet to the scandal.

Waiguru has accused the three of threatening her and Harakhe in an attempt to cover up “double billing, payments for non-delivered goods and an outrageous inflation of prices,” at the National Youth Service.

She claims that her troubles started when she replaced Githinji with Harakhe as the NYS Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) holder.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

Okero is new LSK boss

LAST LAUGH: Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya at a past event. Governors have expreeses happiness at the senate’s decision not to renew the term of the Transition Authority.

Governors happy as Senators tell TA to pack and leave

Governors have hailed the decision by the Senate not to extend the term of the Transitional Authority.

Chairman Council of Governors Peter Munya said “that was the right thing to do as it is what is provided in the Constitution.”

“The Senate followed the Constitution and that is what we have been saying all along that any attempt to extend the term of the Authority will be a violation of the Constitution,” he said.

“The word that was used for the authority is transition, meaning after some time it’s supposed to be disbanded and the functions be taken up by the Constitution,” added the Meru Governor.

He said counties are well prepared to handle the remaining functions TA is claiming it has not done.

“At the moment, most counties have the necessary structures to handle their own functions and therefore there was no need whatsoever to extend the term of the TA,” Munya said.

The Senate yesterday dashed the hope of the authority after it made about turn in its earlier decision to extend the term of the Kinuthia Wamwangi-led authority. The Senate Committee on Devolved Government said it changed its earlier position after carefully observing it and found that it’s illegal. On Tuesday, the Parliamentary Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIOC) also presented its report to the

National Assembly opposing the extension of the term of TA. Speaking to XNews on phone this morning, Wamwangi said three years was too short to achieve its core mandate.

“There is still a lot of work that still needs to be done but for us now our term is over and we will exit and leave others to do what they think is best for Kenyans,” Wamwangi.

“Three years was a short time to achieve everything that was envisioned, for instance who will now do costing of assets in the counties? This was an exclusive mandate given to TA by an act of Parliament,” he said.

Wamwangi warned that the assets now under the TA risked being lost to unscrupulous individuals in the counties who were waiting for its term to end so they could retake them.

Governors had earlier said if the term of TA is extended, they would challenge the decision in court. The term of the Authority according to the Constitution ends next Friday upon which they should have ensured that all functions are devolved.

The Transition Authority core mandate was to facilitate and co-ordinate the transition to the devolved system of government. This includes supporting and assisting the National and County governments in building their capacity to govern and provide services effectively. Wamwangi has attributed the delay of transfer of functions to circumstances beyond their control. @sam_x254

Kisumu based lawyer Isaac Okero (pictured) is the new president of the Law Society of Kenya. Mr Okero was elected to replace Eric Mutua in a hotly contested race. He garnered 1, 581 votes against 1, 378 polled by his closest challenger James Aggrey Mwamu to clinch the coveted seat.

Allen Waiyaki Gichuhi also came close after garnering 1,371 in the countrywide vote. The voting exercise was conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and a total of 7, 000 lawyers casted their ballots votes in all at the 33 polling stations countrywide.

However, pundits had predicted that this year unlike yester years the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) elections would be determined by the proposed Sh1.2 billion Arbitration Centre which was the centre of conflict between the ‘old guards’ and ‘junior councils’ leading to a faction named ‘Okoa LSK’. Mr Okero was a member of the “Okoa LSK” group led by young lawyers who fronted him.

Okero has previously served as LSK’s chairman for western Kenya branch between 1999 and 2001.

James Mwamu conceded defeat and thanked those who supported his candidature. “I now concede that we have lost this great battle. I want to thank all of those who supported me and campaigned for me. Yours was not in vain. I congratulate the winner and let the Law Society of Kenya move on,” he wrote on his official

Facebook page. Faith Waigwa trounced her close challenger Jennifer Shamalla, a member of the outgoing council, to bag the Vice-President seat. Ms Waigwa just like the President -elect also revolt against contributions towards the construction of the arbitration centre. Edwin Sifuna who led the Okoa LSK group won the seat of the National council member while city lawyer Charles Kanjama won Nairobi representative position after trouncing his opponent John Theuri. LSK women representative in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) a new- comer Mercy Deche Mwara edged out the incumbent Florence Mwangangi who has served in the JSC for two terms. The National Disciplinary Tribunal position also went to another ‘Okoa LSK’ members Nyariki Maria-Goretti and Ambrose Weda. @hillary_x254

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

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

US Republican hopefuls round on Trump Republican presidential hopefuls Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have unleashed a barrage of attacks on front-runner Donald Trump in the last debate before next week’s pivotal primaries.

The senators sought to blunt Mr Trump’s momentum after he won three of the first four contests.

Immigration, healthcare and outreach to Latino voters dominated the debate.

But like previous occasions, the debate quickly disintegrated into long periods of shouting and personal insults.

At long last the Republican candidates have come to the realisation that Donald Trump can actually win this race, but it may be too late. For more than two hours, Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz took turns throwing haymakers at the New Yorker. They attacked him on his business record; they mentioned hypocrisy; they questioned his conservative credentials; and they criticised the lack of detail in his policies and his reliance on bluster.

“We’re having a lot of fun up here, aren’t we?” the front-runner quipped at one point. But the truth is that Mr Trump was on his heels for much of the evening.

The challenge for the men who would unseat the leader, however, is that the best time to bludgeon a candidate is before it’s clear PUT TO TASK: Presidential hopefuls Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz listen to competitor Donald Trump as he answers a question during last night’s Republican circumstances are forcing you to act. In a Presidential Primary Debates at the University of Houston’s Moore School of Music Opera House in Houston, Texas, USA. The candidates criticised Trump campaign where authenticity is worshipped by unleashing a barrge of attacks on his policies on healthcare and immigration.

PHOTO: GARY CORONADO/EPA above all, Thursday’s fireworks could smack one tense exchange. Mr Rubio also criticised Mr Trump has been extremely popular despite delegates, Mr Cruz has 17 and Mr Rubio has of the kind of political expediency many Mr Trump’s failed online education venture, his controversial comments about deporting 16. To become the Republican party’s nominee, associate with traditional politicians.

Both Mr Cruz and Mr Rubio drew blood with Trump University, and assailed him for hiring millions of undocumented workers and a candidate has to have 1,237 total state delegates. On the Democratic side, Hillary their attacks, but Mr Trump will be likely to foreign workers rather than Americans in his banning Muslims from travelling to the US. construction projects.

Next Tuesday, known as Super Tuesday, Clinton and Bernie Sanders will compete for emerge unbowed.

1,004 delegates on Super Tuesday.

Mr Rubio, who has come second in many of Mr Trump shot back: “I hired tens of thousands millions of voters in 11 states will cast ballots.

A quarter of the total numbers of delegates So far, Mrs Clinton has 505 delegates and Mr the recent contests, mounted a series of attacks of people. You’ve hired nobody.”

The billionaire real estate mogul found himself needed to secure the Republican nomination Sanders has 71. Each party formally announces on Mr Trump.

“If he hadn’t inherited $200m, you know increasingly on the defensive about his will be up for grabs. Mr Trump is currently its presidential candidate at conventions in July, where Donald Trump would be? Selling business dealings, his conservative credentials leading in 10 out of 11 states holding contests four months before the presidential election. on Super Tuesday. He has 82 Republican party watches in Manhattan,” Mr Rubio said in and his support for Israel.

Top stories from X News global partners In Republican Debate, Houston, he may have a a Feisty Marco Rubio Greece is becoming the World trade in worst since crisis: Weaker problem: Marco Rubio took the Lays Into Donald Trump bottleneck for desperate slump demand from emerging markets made migrants: As fears grow of mass fight to Donald Trump on Thursday night.

2015 the worst year for world trade since With assistance from Ted Cruz, the Florida With Stakes High: Senator stormings of borders by desperate, angry the aftermath of the global financial senator unleashed an all encompassing attack on Donald Trump’s business record and policy acumen that has the potential to shake up the Republican presidential race. Trump, who has emerged as the Republican frontrunner with remarkably little vetting, was consistently attacked for employing foreign and illegal workers, over his business record and regarding his lack of policy specifics. Rubio gleefully mocked him: “You say the same thing every night.”

The exchanges marked the first time rival candidates have used the debate stage to go after Trump’s experience as a businessman.

Marco Rubio, alarmed by Donald Trump’s ascendancy and worried that his presidential chances are slipping away, unleashed a barrage of attacks on the real estate mogul’s business ethics, hiring practices and financial achievements in Thursday’s debate, forcefully delivering the onslaught that Republican leaders had desperately awaited. In a series of acid exchanges, a newly pugnacious Mr. Rubio, long mocked for a robotic and restrained style, interrupted Mr. Trump, quizzed him, impersonated him, shouted over him and left him looking unsettled.

www.theguardian.com

www.nytimes.com

people, the authorities are taking everharsher measures. The Macedonian police now allow through only a trickle from Greece: all but Syrians and Iraqis are barred. The Greek police are intercepting buses heading for the northern border.

Arrivals from the islands are being taken to overcrowded reception centres around Athens. The situation is about to get worse: Austria’s interior minister demands a “complete stop” to refugee inflows from the western Balkans; Hungary has called a referendum against the European Union’s planned migrant quotas. www.economist.com

crisis, highlighting rising fears about the health of the global economy. The value of goods that crossed international borders last year fell 13.8 per cent in dollar terms according to the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis’s World Trade Monitor.

Much of the slump was due to a slowdown in China and other emerging economies. The new data released on Thursday represent the first snapshot of global trade for 2015. But the figures also come amid growing concerns that 2016 is already shaping up to be more fraught. www.ft.com

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NEWS

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WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

Fusion Group is a hybrid finance house designed around the needs of enterprises in the emerging economies of East Africa with presence in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. We are focused on the opportunities in the region with five distinct business lines: private equity, real estate, money markets, pensions and insurance brokerage.

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We invest in the form of equity, debt and joint venture partnerships

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Withspecific our money market, seek toin maximize financial services, manufacturing and FMCG. Africa. income, offer liquidity and preserve capital. For investors looking for long-term capital growth, we offer opportunities in the Listed Equities across East Africa. We offer all these under segregated accounts

PRIVATE EQUITY We invest in mid-sized businesses across East Africa. We are non sector specific. We have recently invested in financial services, manufacturing, hospitality and media sectors. We offer strategic, business and professional support that aims to add value to the businesses.

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Contact us on: ACK Garden House, Ground floor, 1st Ngong Avenue, Off Bishops Road P.O BOX: 47538-00100, Tel: +254 (20) 2710149 /53 /55 Email: enquirieskenya@fusiongroupafrica.com, www.fusioncapitalafrica.com

WEEKEnD EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 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

KCB to open doors of 8 Islamic banking branches countrywide

Kenya Commercial Bank plans to open at least eight new Islamic banking branches by the end of this year as it deepens its foray into Islamic finance. The bank, through its Islamic finance arm Sahl Banking, has unveiled a new center in Wajir town as part of its expansion plan after it set up another centre in Nairobi on Kimathi Street. These are dedicated branches solely offering Shariacompliant financial products and services.

Group CEO Joshua Oigara said KCB is committed to tap into the rising demand for Islamic products as well as broaden its financial inclusion to Kenyans who feel left out by the conventional banking system. Already, the bank has a fully dedicated centre at Kimathi Branch where Islamic finance products and services are being offered. The move is part of the bank’s long term vision to expand its presence, and diversify its product offering and innovation to support the Islamic financial needs.

According to the World Bank, the Islamic finance industry has expanded rapidly over the past decade, growing at 10-12 per cent annually. Today, Sharia-compliant financial assets are estimated at roughly US$2 trillion, covering bank and non-bank financial institutions, capital markets, money markets and insurance.

“As a bank, we are continuously seeking for ways in which we can offer the best services to

A KCB client receives help from two of the lender’s agents at a local branch. The bank, through its Islamic finance arm Sahl Banking, has unveiled a new center in Wajir town as part of its ongoing expansion plan. our customers. Through our e-payments agenda, we hope to increase customer adoption through incorporating digital technology in Sharia Compliant products. In 2016, we are focusing on increasing uptake of Sahl Banking by taking the services near the customers and making them

efficiently accessible to all through mobile and internet banking,” said Mr Jaafar Abdulkadir KCB Bank Kenya head of Islamic banking.

The entire branch network in Kenya offers the Sahl products and it is keen to enhance the quality of customer experience by having dedicated centres in select

Online campaign to promote domestic tourism launched Hotel booking website Jovago has launched an online nationwide campaign to promote domestic tourism. The social media based campaign will encourage Kenyans to share photos from across the country under the hashtag #KenyaYetu. The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to share their travel experiences to inspire others and to change a perception of traveling being expensive.

“Kenya is a beautiful country. Kenyans should be proud of it and be its ambassadors. Don’t wait for other people to start - be the first one,” said Estelle Verdier-Watine, Managing Director of Jovago in East Africa, during ‘What’s next’ discussion panel held in Nairobi.

Traveling is a cure to everything that is bad in the world; it opens people’s eyes, makes them more sensitive and tolerant. The company believes higher accessibility of travel is a way to change the world for better, and that a trip does not have to be a distant one to be fun. Kenya is a blessed

country with mountains and the ocean, busy cities and lushy savannas, beaches and forests.

Kenya has it all and we know it but we still need to do more to encourage locals to take advantage of the availability of all these right here in our country.

The number of domestic tourists grows every year and according to the Kenya Tourism Board, it will jump to 50 percent by next year, but we still lack big initiatives promoting destinations other than popular Maasai Mara, Mombasa or Nairobi.

“Technology goes forward and so do social media. How many people are using their personal profiles to show Kenya to the world and, most importantly, to fellow Kenyans? We all can see the same destinations being promoted by tour companies all over again - Mombasa, Nairobi and national parks. What about the rest of the country? What about us, normal people, speaking up?” says Justyna Sniezek, head of Social Media at Jovago.com.

Dennis_x254

locations like Eastleigh, Mombasa, Lamu and Garissa among others.

Abdulkadir added that since the launch of Sahl Banking early last year, the business has posted remarkable growth and provided new solutions and means of payment for Sahl customers. kevin_x254

MEAN 101.7805 141.7575 111.7878 6.5054 33.4053 21.4973

BUY SELL 101.6839 101.8771 141.6050 141.9100 111.6667 111.9089 6.4969 6.5139 33.3245 33.4861 21.4278 21.5668

State mulls halving power bill as Kenya Power profit reduces Kenya is moving to cut power bills by roughly 47 per cent to around Sh17 - Sh18 per Kilowatt Hour (kWh) within the next three to four years.

Kenya Power, the country’s electricity producer, has confirmed that it is implementing a countrywide operation to upgrade the electricity network ahead of the expected additional generation capacity.

“The ongoing power project is all about making it easier to do business in Kenya, it’s about creating opportunities and jobs for all Kenyans,” Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Joseph Njoroge said. Making the announcement in Thika, Njoroge said Kenya Power would meet its targets by relying more on renewable sources of energy rather than diesel-fired power plants.

Njoroge’s statement comes just as Kenya Power has posted a 16 per cent decline in their pre-tax profit to Sh5.73 billion in the first half of 2016. The power producer’s numbers are down from Sh6.87 billion in 2015. The management attributes the decrease to growth in finance cost of network reinforcement projects.

The company’s basic revenue, however, rose to Sh41.7 billion by December 2015 from Sh37.6 billion realised in a similar period in 2014 representing an 11 per cent increase owing to increase in electricity sales.

“The growth in basic revenue resulted from a growth in customer base which increased by 6 percent, our drive to connect more households has borne fruit. Together with an uptake in economic activities, we have seen our unit sales rise,” noted Ben Chumo, Managing Director Kenya Power.

Kenya Power also saw its number of connected customers increase to 4,180,742 as at December 2015 compared to 3,017,495 in 2014.

Dennis _x254

Samsung opens Africa’s largest store in Nairobi Samsung Electronics East Africa has opened the largest Samsung dedicated mobile phone shop in Africa to improve customer experience.

Situated on Nairobi’s Kenyatta Avenue, the Samsung Delite store will incorporate a convergence centre focussing on Samsung business solutions.

“Nothing is more dynamic in this market than the customer preferences.

We have to keep on ensuring that our customer centres are not just stores that stock our products, but a place where we demonstrate how technology can transform lives and businesses,” said Simon Kariithi, head of Internet and Mobile at Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd. The design of the Delite store will allow consumers interact with a number of Samsung devices that can converge to

improve personal user experience or B2C and B2B business solutions.

“The new experience centre provides us with an opportunity to showcase how the technology at Samsung can be integrated to offer daily personal and business solutions,” he said.

The store comprises 4.045 square feet of floor space that will showcase the latest technology in mobile devices, wearables, B2B products and accessories.

Samsung also used the store’s opening to officially introduce the Gear VR 2016 in the country. Virtual reality (VR) is now going mainstream as device manufacturers launch their VR devices over past year. The Samsung Gear VR not only offers a new way of viewing the virtual reality world but also more affordable.

Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 7

KRA nets Sh28m illegal sugar at port WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced new discovery of 16 containers loaded with contraband goods at the Kilindini Port Container Terminal.

Ongoing verification efforts by KRA officers, in conjunction with the relevant authorities at the Mombasa Port, confirm that the 16 containers, which were discovered yesterday, contain imported sugar worth Sh28 million.

The containers, imported by Ms Flowlmer Distribution Company, had been mis-declared in the vessel manifest submitted to KRA as: “Dividing heads part of grinding machine” and “Truck Boring Mesh” packages, in place

Ecobank, Safaricom ink real time credits deal for ‘Lipa na M-pesa’ clients Ecobank Kenya Limited merchants can now receive real-time credits on their accounts when receiving payments from Lipa Na M-Pesa transactions. This follows a new deal between Ecobank and Safaricom.

“The growing popularity of the Lipa Na M-Pesa system is enabling an increasing number of payments across various retail outlets as many customers pay for goods and services using this platform.

We are using this system to give value and make it more convenient for our merchants,” said Ecobank Kenya Limited Managing Director Ehouman Kassi.

Previously, it would take up to 72 hours for the Lipa Na M-Pesa payments to be credited into the merchant bank accounts.

Speaking at Ecobank Towers in Nairobi, Kassi said the deal is expected to trigger the growth in number of active merchants, as the Cash Lite economy continues to grow.

He said all its merchants across its branch footprint in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Busia, Meru, Thika, Karatina, Kitale, Kisii and Malindi will enjoy the real-time credits.

Since its launch eight years

ago, M-Pesa has emerged as the biggest and perhaps the most important positive disruption to the financial services space.

Lipa Na M-Pesa, launched three years ago by Safaricom, acts as a payment channel for businesses.

It has already gained a solid footing in the market with transaction values of over Sh15 billion monthly.

“Our growth has only been made possible by strategic partnerships. This development will mean that payments can be received almost instantaneously by merchants, which will enable them to streamline operations and increase efficiencies,” said Rita Okuthe, Director, Safaricom Business.

Due to the need to reach new customers and provide new services to existing customers in an effort to protect and expand market share, Ecobank has invested heavily in technology and in offering its customers alternatives to visit their branches.

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of imported sugar, which is a restricted commodity.

The 16 containers verified so far, are loaded with sugar packed in Kakira Sugar Company bags to ostensibly mask its origin.

“It’s instructive to note that Kakira Sugar company is based in Uganda and any imports originating from the firm, would ideally enter Kenya by road or rail haulage through the land borders and not through the port via sea vessels,” the KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control said in a statement released yesterday.

“KRA has commenced immediate investigations on this act of tax evasion,” the statement read.

“Commission of such acts undermines our tax collection objectives while frustrating the broader national development agenda geared at promoting Kenyan enterprise. The continued importation of contraband sugar by unscrupulous traders undermines the Government objectives to promote the consumption of locally grown sugar,” the Commissioner added.

The KRA has since reiterated its determination to continue enforcing customs regulations as part of a broader campaign to seal revenue leakages.

Dennis _x254

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BUSINESS

BAT posts Sh7b pre-tax profit

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 20166

Nissan disables Leaf app after hack risk story

Nissan has suspended the functions of an app that could have been used to hack its Leaf electric cars.

The action follows the revelation that a fault with the software meant that an attacker could run down the battery of a target’s car to see data about its recent journey.

The firm had been informed of the problem a month ago but only acted after details of the issue were flagged online.

However, Nissan has denied that there was a safety issue, disclosing that its eNV200 electric vans were also vulnerable.

The security researcher who had alerted the Japanese automaker to the problem a month ago believes the company should have taken the step earlier.

Troy Hunt said he only blogged about the risk after seeing that other people had discovered and discussed it in online forums.

Even so, he said he welcomed the latest development.

“Disabling the service was the right thing to do given it appears it’s not something they can properly secure in an expeditious fashion,” he told the BBC. “Hopefully this will give them time to build a more robust solution that ensures vehicle features and driving history are only accessible via the authorised owner of the car.”

The company’s board of directors has said that it will seriously investigate the 2015 public allegations made regarding certain conduct on the part of BAT.

Beijing now has highest number of billionaires in the world Beijing has overtaken New York as the city with the highest number of billionaires for the first time, a new report by China-based firm Hurun says. A total of 100 billionaires are now living in the Chinese capital, compared to 95 in New York, the report says.

Shanghai, China’s centre of commerce, comes in fifth place.

Hurun, which tracks wealth in China, has released an annual Global Rich List for the past five years measuring billionaires’ wealth in US dollars.

The private research firm, which also publishes luxury magazines, uses a mixture of information from publicly traded companies plus interviews to compile its data.

However, other companies such as Forbes and Bloomberg use different methodology and arrive at different conclusions.

Hurun found that Beijing had welcomed 32 new billionaires since last year, allowing it to vault past New York which it calculated only saw four new billionaires.

Moscow was in third place with 66 billionaires, according to Hurun.

Overall, China has overtaken the US as the country with the highest number of billionaires. However, the top 10 billionaires in Hurun’s list is still dominated by Americans.

China has 568 billionaires after gaining 90 new ones, compared with the US which has 535.

China’s billionaires boast a combined net worth of $1.4 trillion, which is similar to the GDP of Australia.

Hurun’s chairman Rupert Hoogewerf noted that the growth in China’s wealthy took place despite an economic slowdown and stock market instability.

He told the AP news agency that it could be due to Chinese market

regulators allowing a flood of new share issues after holding back Initial Public Offerings for several years.

Hurun found that the richest man in China is still Wang Jianlin, with an estimated worth of $26bn.

But he has not cracked the top 10 billionaires in Hurun’s list, which is dominated by Americans. It is topped by Bill Gates with a net worth of $80bn, followed by investor Warren Buffett with $68bn.

In third place is Spanish fashion tycoon Amancio Ortega with a net worth of $64bn. The report found that overall there are now 2,188 billionaires in the world, a new record.

British American Tobacco (BAT) recorded a pre-tax profit of Sh 7.14 billion for the half year ended December 31, 2015.

This represents a Sh1.04 billion increase as the firm recorded a pre-tax profit of Sh6.10 billion the same period the year before.

The profit before tax increased by 17 per cent to Sh 7.1 billion driven by the benefit of foreign exchange movements arising from export sales and improved performance in the domestic market, as well as increased cut rag volumes.

During the period under review, net revenue increased by 6 per cent to Sh 22.3 billion.

The firm attributed the appetizing results to their operating margin that improved by 4.2 per cent to 34.5 per cent despite stringent cost management, productivity savings.

This, according to BAT, indicates the impact of growth in net revenue and stable cost base that withstood inflationary cost increases.

The enticing results were further driven by earnings per share that

increased by Sh 7.21 to Sh 49.76 indicating firm’s commitments to continue growing shareholder returns.

In 2015, the firm completed the roll out of a new instance of SAP an Enterprise Resource Planning platform that not only simplified business structures but also unified the process.

However, during the period under review, the firm experienced some of the challenges including finance costs that increased principally due to higher foreign exchange related losses and interest expense during the period.

Going forward, the company’s board of directors has said that it will seriously investigate the 2015 public allegations made regarding certain conduct on the part of BAT. “BAT board takes these allegations extremely seriously and has taken to ensure that they are fully investigated. All our employees are required to understand and abide by the company’s Standards of Business Conduct,’’ the board said. enock_x254

Zimbabwe seeks help from IMF amid hostile economic environment Zimbabwe’s government is finally seeking aid from international lenders after years of financial instability, International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative Christian Beddies has confirmed.

The IMF has started talks with Zimbabwe to review its economic performance, stepping up engagement as the nation’s capital of Harare seeks a financial aid package after years of isolation.

President Robert Mugabe’s government started defaulting on debts to the IMF, World Bank, African Development Bank and several Western lenders in 1999, Reuters reports. This in turn, led to a freeze in IMF assistance. Now the country is struggling to emerge from a catastrophic recession that ran for a decade until 2008.

Reports have revealed that Zimbabwe is running its budget hand-to-mouth, leaving it with virtually no money for infrastructure. This situation, says Reuters, has been exacerbated since the country is running without

the balance of payment support or foreign credit.

An IMF team met government representatives on Wednesday under the final phase of a Staff Monitoring Programme (SMP), Beddies told Reuters.

The team will also meet central bank officials and local business leaders before March 10.

“The team is also doing the annual Article IV consultation, which is an important ingredient in the reengagement process,” Beddies said.

Zimbabwe started the Programme, which is an informal agreement with the IMF to monitor implementation of its economic reforms - in December 2013, and has met its targets.

These include softening provisions of its black empowerment law to attract foreign investment, making it easier for firms to lay off workers, and improving government financial accountability.

A senior treasury official said Zimbabwe hoped to begin negotiations this year.

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

ACCESS 10

There are nO challenges This is parT Of The jOb and i enjOyed every parT Of iT

THE RETURN OF

MUTHONI

Over a decade ago a young girl with a dream burst into the music scene. Today, several awards, events and albums later-- Muthoni still has her touch and is about to reveal a lot more.

W

e hear you spent you New Year’s abroad tell us about it.

2016 has been quite eventful so far. Yes I spent my year in Switzerland doing recordings with my producers. We are looking forward to have the MDQ project and hopefully record a new song with Kagwe.

What happened to Blankets and Wine?

We were on a sabbatical break, when you do something for more than six years, you need a new perspective. For the team to rest a n d rejuvenate.

achieve what you wanted to achieve after all the festivals?

Ye we achieved. My team and I surpassed our expectations. We literally brought the whole of Africa to Kenya.

The comeback…what should we expect?

The new to expect, it that Blankets is going to be amazing. However, I don’t want to spill the beans, before all the plans are laid but there is a crazy Kenyan line up and to begin with this April we will be headlining with Aloe Black from the US. What challenges did you face for Blankets and Wine?

There are no challenges this is part of the job and I enjoyed every part of It. I still do that is why it has been rejuvenated into something bigger and better. It is part of growth.

Tell about your new hit, Hot this Year Hot this year, Kagwe produced the track and the idea is generating a good feeling. I believe this is the year of Kenyan music. With the likes of Fena, Kagwe, Just A band and Sauti Sol promising a lot. Kenyans are ready to hear Kenyan music, and Hot this year is about celebrating these and no one can beat Kenyans be it Tanzania or Uganda.

What do you have to say about the ongoing MCSK woes?

It’s unfortunate that we have had this issue and aired our dirty laundry. Nonetheless, MCSK is our organization we need to fix the rot and we work together. I am supporter of any organization that is involved with musicians.

Parting shot?

2016 is my year and I hope to keep on engaging with my fans. @duncan_x254

Did you

THE DRUMMER QUEEN

Food: Well cooked rice Favorite Sport: Basket Ball Favorite artiSte: Kanye West age: I am still young.

FACT FILE:

celeb chat

fashion Parade

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 2014 26-28, 2016

FASHIONScoop

INSIDE YOUR CLOSET

The peplum skirt is a must have: You can wear it on both official and casual occasions.

If you are daring, a crop top matched with a maxi/ midi skirt never disappoints.

A sassy high low wrap skirt is your one stop choice for parties and dinners.

You will look better if you match the top with your shoes.

nail ThaT skiRT N

othing communicates the virtue of femininity more than skirts, which is why every woman needs to have several in her closet for those days when you need to recreate your femininity. Sadly, most ladies do not know how to ensemble a nice looking skirt outfit and more often than not, Jaden Smith ends up looking more feminine in a skirt than most women!

Here is a simple put you back on

TOP

Releases

Rank selena gomez

Floral patterns enhance your innate nurturing nature.

@mercy_x254

girlie street. lFor the round figure girls, skater skirts are perfect for concealing the extra weight. lWear a bubble skirt to showcase the carefree child within. lSkirts with slits shouldn’t be too tight or else you risk a split scenario. lButton and zip downs work well for casual occasions. lDenim never grows old. Ensure you have at least one denim skirt.

TiTle

aRTisTe

1 2

Hands to Myself One Call Away

Selena Gomez Charlie Puth

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stressed Out

Twenty One Pilots Florida Justin Bieber Adele Daya Carrie Underwood Lukas Graham Justin Bieber

My House Love Yourself Hello Hide Away Heartbeat 7 Years Sorry

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

WEEKEND PLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide ToDAY

SUnDAY

SUnDowneR gRoove pARTY

HIgH TEA

gRegg TenDwA

WHERE: Zen Garden TIME: 12Pm ENTRY: Sh6000.

SATURDAY

WHERE: Pete’s Café Ngong Road WHO: DJ Gregg Tendwa TIME: 6Pm ENTRY: Sh500.

Samantha bridal

ExPo

WHERE: Sarit Centre TIME: 9 am ENTRY: Sh400.

HOT

TOPICS

SATURDAY

go Down

WHERE: ROSE AVENUE TIME: 8 AM ENTRY:UPTO Sh5000.

gig

A PIECE oF HISToRY THE

SARovA STAnleY

Out&About

fESTIvAL

Red Acapella

WHERE: Godown Arts Centre WHO: Red Acapella, Kwame, Dan Chizi Aceda TIME: 3:30 Pm ENTRY: Free.

kiliMAni STReeT

heBADDB

fAShion

SATURDAY

11

Rudisha in kid’s campaign

David Rudisha is among the Good Breakfast for kids campaign ambassadors. The campaign seeks to create a new culture of good breakfast entrenched by encouraging parents to serve proper meals. Sauti Sol are also part of the ambassadorial clique.

Justin Beiber to get a new Mommy

jusTIN bEIbER

Justin Bieber is set to get a new 28 year old mom after his dad Jeremy Beiber proposed to his longtime girlfriend.

Jeremy’s girlfriend, Chelsea was a little teary after the question was popped and she said yes in front of friends.

Justin’s reps are still quiet on how exactly the pop star feels about his new mom.

hot cop linda okello wants her rank back The Stanley named after the famous explorer Henry Stanley Morton stands tall at the junction of Kimathi Street and Kenyatta Avenue.

History tells that the hotel got its name from this famous explorer who was on a mission to look for Dr. Livingstone after masters in the Kingdom of Britain got worried of his whereabouts.

The Stanley’s interior, is replete with memories of golden old days as late as 1900. It oozes with the centuries’ ords and ladies type of dining.

Unlike new establishments which adapt into the history of

fine dining and the craft of aged antiques, these at the Stanley are real.

These include an old gramophone, that is still intact and photographs of Second World War Jubilation don the walls in of the ballrooms named after the once fierce British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

To further incorporate into this rich history, fine dining and culture, the Stanley boasts of a Tai Chi Restaurant.

Named the most authentic restaurant in East Africa it is infused with traditional Thai decor and delectable. What’s more the

Thai specialties are prepared by experienced chefs from Thailand and served like royalty.

Thai Chi is best described as a small piece of Thailand in Nairobi, offering assorted delicacies including Thai barbecued thinly sliced pork or chicken is seared in a hot greased wok along with onions, dried chilies and crunchy cashew nuts.

After sampling these delicacies, and perhaps washing them down with a glass of wine, you are allowed to cross over at the Exchange Bar, still located at the Stanley to further indulge in British History.

The hot police officer who shot to fame after her images did rounds on the internet wearing a tight skirt while on duty wants her title back.

Linda was a Corporal but was demoted to a Constable only for her to sue IG, Joseph Boinett. She wants Boinnet to be instructed by the High Court to give her back her title.

All these will cost you less than Sh 5000. Not bad if you value history and a relaxed atmosphere. @duncan_x254

lINda

12

BUSINESS WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Perhaps it’s someone you knew in high school and you just recently got back in touch with, or perhaps a colleague at work suddenly begins to pay you a lot of attention. Romance is definitely in the air today, Aquarius, so keep your eyes open for subtle cues from the people in your life.

recruiting

people of

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

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Alas, you can’t use this skill as effectively on yourself. Some old issues have reemerged, causing you some distress. These issues are blocking you in some way. You won’t be able to move forward with your life until you resolve them once and for all. Perhaps a professional psychic could help.

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FRIday 26/2/2016

sunny

28

27ºC 54%

SATURDAYday More sun than clouds 27/2/2016

26 6:42 am 6:50 pm

25ºC 66%

6:41 am 6:50 pm

SUNday

25

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

Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your head is somewhat in the clouds today, Pisces. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just means that it’s difficult for you to get any work done. Much as you’d rather be elsewhere, you really do need to stay focused on the projects at hand.

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 If you’re in a sales profession, you can expect the orders to come rolling in today, as your extrasensory perception helps you know your clients’ needs almost before they do. Plan a romantic encounter with someone you love, and put your ESP to work on him or her tonight.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Motivated by a desire to give dinner parties and invite family members who live far away to come for a visit, you get to work repainting, wallpapering, and maybe even sending that sofa out to be reupholstered. The final result will be fantastic, Taurus. You’ll be proud.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Perhaps not coincidentally, you’re likely to be contacted by a close friend or lover from your past. He or she isn’t calling to renew your relationship but rather for advice. Your heightened abilities today make you the ideal confidant. Listen closely and advise what your heart tells you is right.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 All your efforts are about to pay off and in a big way. It may be that a big proposal gets accepted at work, or perhaps a manuscript that you’ve penned lands you a publisher. Your innate talent and good fortune combine to bring wonderful things your way. Enjoy this welcome change of events!

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 To be blunt, you can think of little else but sex today. Perhaps it’s a result of working too hard for too long and not taking the time to indulge your sensual side. Well, there’s no time like the present. Why not invite a certain special someone for a home-cooked meal?

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Even now you sometimes find yourself reading other people’s thoughts. This sensitivity gets you into trouble sometimes, but mostly it works to your advantage. In relationships, especially, you’re able to put an end to hurt feelings before they evolve into something irreparable.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 This is unlike you; nevertheless, you find you enjoy the social interaction. Besides, whether you’re learning cooking or rock climbing, it’s always much more fun to learn with others. That way, you can learn from their mistakes and they from yours. It’s bound to be a fun, adventurous day, Libra.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 A restructuring at work leaves you wondering just exactly where you fit in or if you even fit in at all.

You may have a troubling few days, Scorpio, but will be relieved to learn that the higher-ups have big plans for you in the newly organized, streamlined company.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Your smile is contagious, and you have people joking and laughing with you throughout the day.

You’ll have much success in whatever you do today, although group efforts will likely prove more rewarding. Romance figures prominently in the evening, so make the most of it!

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.

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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.

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13

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 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 Has Ruto name become synonym for scandals?

Since coming into power in 2013, the Jubilee administration has been hit by a series of scandals, with the latest Sh791 million NYS scam threatening to bring the government to its knees.

Some of the notable scandals include the Eurobond scam where Sh240 billion, is alleged to have been siphoned, the Sh1.3 trillion use in the Standard Gauge Railway project for procurement that was and still is shrouded in secrecy, Sh22 billion botched procurement of laptops for schools and the Sh100 million Hustler Jet saga.

With new details of the NYS following a sworn affidavit by former CS Anne Waiguru, it is now clear that Deputy President William name cannot stay away from scandals.

In a report tabled at the Milimani court in December last year, it emerged that the Deputy President Personal Assistant Farouk Kibet had received up to Sh1.5 million through family bank Eldoret Branch, the same man has been adversely mentioned

by Waiguru as being at the centre of the NYS scam with fresh details indicating up to Sh24 billion could have been stolen. However, it is not yet clear whether the DP was aware of these dealings.

But of interest to Kenyans is the

mention of DPs key political allies in National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

The two have been fierce defenders of the DP and with their names appearing in the sworn affidavit, it is now apparent why the two defended Waiguru.

However, this only adds to scandals that have had the Deputy President’s name adversely mentioned. Just after coming to power in May of 2013, Ruto was at the centre of the direct procurement of a rented jet at Sh100 million to fly him and his entourage to four West African nations to lobby against the Kenyan ICC cases.

Jubilee MPs would later gang up in Parliament to shoot down the special audit report that had implicated among others the now suspended chief of staff Marriane Kitany.

Another scandal was the Weston Hotel saga Ruto’s name featured in the grabbing of Langata Primary School playground and the adjacent plot belonging to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) where Weston Hotel stands. Later on, the DP agreed to the fact that he has shares in the hotel despite earlier on refuting the claims.

This was after a clip emerged from one of the leading media

houses showing the DPs activities at the hotel.

The DP’s name also featured in the illegal tendering and procurement at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret where the cost of renovating the facility was inflated. He was also named in the grabbing of the Kenya pipeline land in Nairobi, the grabbing of prison land in upper hill, the awarding of insurance cover tender of government vehicles to AMACO insurance, the grabbing of a neighbours land who also happened to be an IDP. His recent activities have not made matters easier for him either. The DP source of income has been a matter of conjecture going by his spending spree on funddrives.

It is for this reasons among others that Kenyans now make several jokes of the Deputy President. Kenyans allege that when you search the word corruption on Google, you are assured to see DPs name propping up. The opposition has nick named him as the high priest of corruption.

And one wonders, is it that the Deputy President’s name can’t stay away from corruption or is it that everyone wants to link him with the same?

— Mzungu Mweupe

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 Reporting to the various desk editors, the ideal candidate must 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 internS 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 yesteryears.

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 26-28, 2016

Former British and Finland rally champion Tapio Laukkanen navigated by Pasi Torma in a Subaru Impreza class RC2-R4 flagged off during last year’s Meru county safari rally. He will participate in KCB Kajiado rally tomorrow.

Laukannen to lead Rally season opener in Kajiado

Former British and Finland rally Champion will Tapio Laukannen will be among the favourites in the season opening KCB Kajiado Rally this Saturday.

Tapio who will be navigated by compatriot Pasi Torma in a Subaru GVB13 class R4 will be first off the ramp ahead of Kenya National Rally defending champion Jaspreet Chatthe, who will be in his preferred Mitsubishi Lancer EVOX. Seed three is Baldev Chager in an EVOX followed by Ian Duncan and Carl Flash Tundo in a Subaru GC8.

Tundo, who is set to unveil a new “rally monster” during Safari Rally on the Easter weekend has resorted to the GC8 as his new car is not ready.

The rally will be flagged off outside KCB Kajiado branch at 8am with the finish and Prize giving set for AIC Kajiado Girls School.

Meanwhile, Issa Amwari will announce his return to the KNRC with a newly-branded Mitsubishi Evolution X (Evo X).

This follows Sh5 million sponsorship deal signed between him and Menengai Cream yesterday.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and I am humbled by their trust in me as I get back to racing. We have engaged in the past and I am glad they want to get more involved in my growth and I look forward to a long fruitful partnership. As for this weekend’s races, I am excited to be sharing the stage with rally veterans and I believe this will be the best time to show my new car’s pedigree and Power.”

Amwari started his journey into Rally Championship back in 2010, fielding in a GF8 Subaru Impeza.

Gor can bounce back, says Aucho ahead of CNaPS tie Gor Mahia believe they can turn around their 2-1 defeat to CNaPS Sports of Madagascar in the return leg of Caf Champions league match set for Sunday in the island nation.

K’Ogalo jetted out of the country yesterday for the return leg, but without midfielders, Collins ‘Gatusso’ Okoth and Ali Hassan Abondo who scored in both legs last year. Okoth missed the trip due to lack of traveling documents while Abondo who has been away was expected to link up with the team today.

Gor travel back to Antananarivo clearly aware of the hostile environment awaiting them after they knocked out their host in the last edition after a 1-0 home success and a 2-3 reverse in the second leg (3-3 aggregate).

But they find themselves in the opposite side of the equation this time needing two clear goals to progress. A 2-1 win for Kogalo will force the match into extra time.

Kogalo have not had a good start for the season.

They are yet to register a win in their two League matches but the league is just two-weeks old this season, a late travel and about four players who took part in this match last season are missing, the Green army is staring at the brink of crushing out of the championship.

CNaPS have made a huge stride from the side that lost to Kenyan champions last year. They gave embattled Frank Nuttall’s charges a run for their money, scoring two crucial away goals with Gor pulling one from the spot. But according to Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, the match is not yet over. “We know the work ahead of us. I’s going to be a difficult game, but it’s possible to turn it around,” said Aucho.

www.sportpesa.com

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Man United on revenge mission as Gunners visit on super Sunday Manchester United will on Sunday host Arsenal at Old Trafford in a league clash seen as a revenge mission for the Red Devils who lost 3-0 in the first leg.

United are currently trailing Arsenal by a massive 10 points and two places in the table, but points and position will not count much in Sunday’s big clash. In such matches, the side with the best quad of the day and mental fitness always carry the day.

Arsenal is the clear favourite going into the match. The Gunners have only lost one of their last six matches (Barcelona) while United mourns two loses, against Midjylland and Sunderland.

United on the other hand has scored eight goals in their last outings while Arsenal is yet to see the back of the net in 180 minutes. Their last win came against league leaders Leicester City on February 14.

United last lost to Midjylland, the side they thrashed 5-1 last night in a Europa cup,

just a day after Arsenal lost to Uefa Champions League defending champions, Barcelona at the Emirates.

The last time the arch rivals met, Arsenal humbled Luis Van Gaal’s side, but the return fixtures is expected to be crucial for either side.

Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez scored the goals which came within the first 20 minutes. This was the first time United went down 3-0 in their premier league history.

They have lost six of their last eight Premier League trips to Old Trafford.

Van Gaal job is under threat with news trickling in everyday that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is being lined up to take his place.

That news should send some shivers on the nerves of United players who will be keen to impress the Portuguese who has made it clear that there is no place for Sp aniard J u a n Mata in

United squad should he move to Old Trafford.

Mata missed a penalty last night and the last thing he wants to do is to put up another shoddy display knowing too well that Mourinho will surly watch this match if the reports of his move to Old Trafford are true.

Arsene Weger’s job at Arsenal is not under threat. In fact, it seems his main worry is to finish top four though he’s been having good run this season. The Gunners have kept five clean sheets in their last eight top-flight matches but have only won two of their last seven league away matches.

Defending champions Chelsea will entertain Victor Wanyama’s Southampton on Saturday. Wanyama will miss the match on suspension while Chelsea will welcome the return of Captain John Terry on the squad.

The two teams are separated by six places and seven

points with Southampton sitting pretty sixth in the log. The Blues go into the match with mixed result from their last two matches. Guus Hiddink side emphatically beat Manchester City in their FA Cup ties (5-1) but lost 2-1 to PSG in the Champions League last Tuesday.

Domestically, the blues who will use the match to set their squad ahead of the return leg match with the French side still be without Kurt Zouma (knee) and Radamel Falcao (thigh) on Saturday.

The Saints on the other hand will not be able to call upon the services of Jay Rodriguez, who continues to recover from ankle surgery.

Leaders Leicester will host Norwich City while Tottenham, second on the log entertains Swansea.

The ties between Manchester City and Newcastle and Liverpool against Everton have been postponed.

SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 26-28, 2016 | WWW.x254.cO

RED DEVILS, ARSENAL CLASH IN AN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT OLD TRAFFORD ON SUPER SUNDAY

p15

English teams shine to reach Europa last 16 T eenager Marcus Rashford scored twice on his debut as Manchester United came from behind to thrash FC Midtjylland 5-1 (6-3 on aggregate) to reach the Europa League last 16.

Tottenham and Liverpool also eased to the next round with easy wins over Fiorentina and Augsburg respectively.

Rashford netted twice in the space of 12 second-half minutes to ease pressure from the squad and under fire manager Luis Van Gaal. The Danish champions led 2-1 from the first leg and Pione Sisto increased their advantage, but Nikolay Bodurov’s own goal reduced the deficit before Rashford, who only started after Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up, struck twice.

Ander Herrera’s penalty and Memphis Depay’s late goal completed the rout for United who were staring at the elimination after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat in the first leg.

Juan Mata missed a penalty at 1-1, while Midtjylland finished with 10 men after Andre Romer was sent off for a second yellow card. Tottenham increased their credentials as serious contenders for the tournament after dispatching Fiorentina 3-0 to ease to the next round. Host Spurs, who were without their star man Harry Kean, took the lead as Ryan Mason strode through and side-footed home midway through the first half.

The Italians rallied briefly after the break, but Erik Lamela snuffed out any hope of a fightback as he smashed in from close range. An own goal from skipper Gonzalo Rodriguez completed the Viola’s misery.

Kane is expected to return to the Tottenham line-up for Sunday’s Premier League match against Swansea after breaking his nose in the FA Cup defeat by Crystal Palace last weekend. But the England forward’s absence gave an insight into how Spurs, who lack a clear striking alternative, might cope without their top-scorer. James Milner scored from the spot to give Liverpool the needed win which pushed them into the next round following a goalless draw in the opening leg against Augsburg in Germany. Dominik Kohr’s handled the ball in the box and Milner did not waste the only opportunity when he stepped forward before sending the ball on the far left corner. Liverpool was sloppy in the match and Augsburg could have taken the lead from Lucas Leiva careless back-pass which released Augsburg’s Caiuby but he shot wide. An away goal would have put the Germans through and Reds keeper Simon Mignolet had to save from Tobias Werner late on. Liverpool ended up hanging on as they made it into today’s draw in which there are no seedings or restrictions on facing teams from your own country.

FLYING HIGH: Manchester United’s Memphis Depay celebrates scoring against Midtjylland of Denmark during their Eufa Europa League clash at Old Trafford in Manchester last night. United won 5-1.

PHOTO: NIGEL RODDIS/EPA

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