20160204 xnews

THursday, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

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Authority pleads with mps for term extension

Chairman Wamwangi argues that additional time will allow them to guarantee the sustenance of devolution momentum

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NEWS

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DR Congo knock out guinea on penalties to reach chan final

Give us a break, IEBC tells critics

T

he Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has asked critics to tone down their criticism and allow it time to adequately prepare for next year’s General Election.

IEBC chief Executive Ezra Chiloba

said continued calls for fundamental changes at the electoral body is not good at this time as it is creating tension among the commissioners.

The Opposition has been calling for the removal of all IEBC commissioners alongside other fundamental reforms at the

institution. But Chiloba argues that such calls with barely 19 months to the polls only adds to the uncertainty about the adequacy of the team to conduct free and fair polls.

Continued on page 2

Pressure mounts on Supreme Court judges to quit over Tunoi graft claims

IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan (right) and Vice chairperson Lillian Mahiri-Zaja display a booklet on the commission’s road map for the 2017 General Election. The commission has told critics to give it a break as it prepares for the polls.

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Pressure is mounting for the Supreme Court judges to quit and have the bench reconstituted following graft allegations against one of them.

Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale (pictured) has added his voice to the calls, saying the Supreme Court judges should do justice to the people of Kenya and resign as their integrity has now been cast into doubt.

“I have a lot of respect for the judges.

I have nothing personal against them, but at this rate they should be fair to the country and resign,” he said.

He said Kenyans have lost confidence with the current judges whom he said can no longer be trusted with the dispensation of justice.

“I think we have lost the war on graft if the judges in the highest court that we trust can put the country in such an awkward position,” he said with reference to the investigations on Justice Philip Tunoi who is accused of having received a Sh200 million bribe to influence the outcome of a petition lodged at the court.

Continued on page 2

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NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Top judges under pressure to resign

From Page 1 Geoffrey Kiplagat in a sworn affidavit claimed that Justice Tunoi was bribed

by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in the petition that challenged the latter’s election in 2013.

The Judicial Service Commission constituted a special committee to probe the claims before making public its findings.

The committee chaired by Public Service Commission chairperson Prof Margaret Kobia will give its findings tomorrow.

The JSC is expected to decide whether a tribunal would be formed to further investigate Justice Tunoi to begin the process of his removal from the bench.

But Duale insists the whole bench should quit.

He said even Chief Justice Willy Mutunga was mentioned in the House’s Public Accounts Committee chaired by Ababu Namwamba in the purchase of his house in Runda, therefore not suitable to deal with graft at the Supreme Court.

“This matter should exclusively be dealt with by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Parliamentary Justice and Legal Affairs Committee,” said Duale.

“It is unfortunate that the “cancer of corruption” has spread to the Judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of dispensing justice to Kenyans.

Only last week, the Law Society

Supreme Court judges during the digital migration hearing. Leaders led by Majority Leader in the National Assembly Aden Duale and Law Society of Kenya chairman Eric Mutua want the entire bench reconstituted.

of Kenya called for an overall reconstitution of the Supreme Court bench should the Judicial Service Commission establish that Justice Philip Tunoi is culpable.

“Once the tribunal makes the determination and it is found that indeed there was corruption, then it affects the entire Supreme Court, and in our view the only remedy

available if this is proved to be true is to reconstitute the entire Supreme Court,” said LSK chairman Erick Mutua “No Kenyan will have confidence in this Supreme Court if corruption allegations against Tunoi are true.”

“In the Supreme Court you do not have one judge to determine how a decision is going to be. You must

have on your side at least three judges” Mutua added.

Former member of the Judicial Service Commission Ahmednasir Abdullahi described corruption in the Judiciary as a cancer that cannot be cured unless the country provides a holistic cure for the many ailments that afflicts the society.

“We are trying to cure a societal

malaise with a heavy dose with constitutional and statutory prescription. It isn’t working. You can’t cure the Judiciary in isolation.

Unless we provide a holistic cure for the many ailments that afflicts our society, we will have a very sick judiciary,” said Abdullahi. sam_x254

IEBC now tell off critics as it UN panel rules in Assange’s favour begins preparation for polls

From Page 1 outline the role of the CVOs in electoral process, Chiloba (pictured below) urged those calling for the reforms to shelve the idea, at least for now.

“We cannot approach the next elections with commissioners not sure about their tenure in office. It is not good at this time,” he said.

He said the Constitution clearly stipulates the period commissioners should be in office.

“Let us not create unnecessary suspense over the term of the commissioners,” he said.

In their criticism, opposition leaders have questioned the credibility of the commissioners.

“This is the most corrupt and inefficient electoral commission in the history of this country and we will not participate in another general election presided over by this body if fundamental reforms and changes are not effected,” Cord leader Raila Odinga said at a past function.

The Opposition has consistently demanded that the current commissioners of the national electoral body be sent home, claiming they bungled the March 2013 presidential elections.

The term of current IEBC commissioners ends on November 9, 2017 barely three months after the General Election scheduled for August 8, the same year.

That means there will be no commissioners in office in time for a run-off of the top two presidential candidates in case of a dispute and the Supreme Court rules in favour of a runoff.

An earlier proposal by the Jubilee coalition to extend to the tenure of the Electoral Commission by between three and six months was rejected by the commission’s chairman Issack Hassan.

The proposal to extend the term of IEBC was to avoid an ‘oversight vacuum’ in case next year’s presidential elections go into a run-off. sam_x254

A UN panel has ruled Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been “arbitrarily detained”, the BBC understands.

Mr Assange (pictured right) took refuge in London’s Ecuadorian embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex assault claims, which he denies.

He earlier tweeted he would accept arrest if the panel ruled against him, but called for the arrest warrant to be dropped if the decision went his way.

The Met Police said he will still be held if he does leave the embassy.

A warrant for his arrest remains in place.

In 2014, Mr Assange complained to the UN that he was being “arbitrarily detained” as he could not leave the embassy without being arrested.

The UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is due to announce the findings of its investigation into the case on Friday.

Its panel of legal experts, which has taken evidence from the UK and Sweden, has made previous rulings on whether imprisonment or detention is lawful.

It does not have any formal influence over the British and Swedish authorities and the UK Foreign Office said it still had an obligation to extradite Mr Assange.

Australian Mr Assange was originally arrested in London in 2010 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Sweden.

He claimed asylum inside the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge after the UK Supreme Court ruled the extradition against him could go ahead.

His Wikileaks organisation posted secret American government documents on the internet, and Mr Assange says he believes Washington will seek his transfer to the US if he is sent to Sweden.

In the statement, published earlier by Wikileaks on Twitter, Mr Assange said: “Should the UN announce tomorrow that I have lost my case against the United Kingdom and Sweden I shall exit the embassy at noon on Friday to accept arrest by British police as there is no meaningful prospect of further appeal.

“However, should I prevail and the state parties be found to have acted unlawfully, I expect the immediate return of my passport and the termination of further attempts to arrest me.”

NEWS 3 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Mwamwangi pleads with MPs for TA term Parliament should consider extending the term of the Transitional Authority (TA) by at least three years to enable it complete its core transitional activities, the authority’s chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi has said.

Wamwangi said the extension of the transition period will guarantee the sustenance of the devolution momentum.

“The authority requests Parliament to facilitate allocation of adequate resource to full fill its mandate, it is evident from other jurisdictions that the body mandated to oversee devolution should be given adequate resources and sufficient time to ensure full transition,” said Wamwangi.

“It is also important to note that the transfer of Assets and Liabilities which is a key component of devolution is still outstanding. The two levels of government need an impartial agency to midwife this process,” he said.

He warned that the role of the TA cannot be substituted by another body that does not have the institutional memory, technical knowhow, experience and independence.

The term of the TA According to the Constitution ends in March this year upon which they should have ensured that all functions are devolved. Wamwangi reneged in his earlier position where he said the authority will transfer all functions by next month. He now says

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri with Transition Authority chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi last month, when the minister made the first calls for the agency’s term to be extended.

that the County governments are still young and in the process of establishing the requisite structures and systems, they still need support and guidance to be fully operational.

Over 300,000 lying uncollected as IEBC set to roll out voter registration A total of 375,963 identity cards remain uncollected countrywide even as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) prepares to launch a mass voter registration drive in a week’s time.

Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho announced yesterday that the ID’s are lying at the ministry and asked those who’ve been waiting for their documents since December to check with the centres they applied at.

The Rift Valley region has the highest number of uncollected cards at 81,243 followed

by Central which has 54,697 uncollected cards.

Nairobi has 45,083 uncollected cards while Nyanza has 44,699. Eastern has 32,334 uncollected cards while the Coast and Western regions have a total of 27,469 and 22,732 uncollected cards respectively.

The North Eastern region

has a significantly lower number of uncollected identity cards at 7,141 while those that remain uncollected at Huduma Centres are 57,583.

The question of identity cards has gained traction ahead of the 2017 General Election for which the IEBC plans to register eight million more voters; up from the current 14 million registered.

IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan however identified a funding shortfall as the biggest obstacle to meeting their goal. “The Commission presented its budget to the National Treasury for all electoral activities up to 2017.

Out of the budget o f

Sh2 billion for the comprehensive mass voter registration, the commission received a paltry Sh500 million,” he said in December.

He said a campaign is necessitated by the low number of persons who, on gaining the age of majority, have registered as voters since the last General Election in 2013.

“The post-2013 continuous voter registration has been slow and uninspiring. Only 106,601 new voters have registered as of June 2015.”

The IEBC target of 22 million registered voters, Hassan said, is informed by the fact that the National Registration Bureau had issued a total of 23.8 million ID cards as of December 2014.

Despite strong resistance by the Council of Governors to extend the Authority’s term, Wamwangi cautioned that ending its term at this time when there is still too much to be

done will not be prudent.

“The exit of the Transitional Authority when too much is pending will not be prudent and cost-effective to the country,” he warned.

The TA boss said slow development of national policies, laws, norms and turf wars among leaders as some of the challenges that has adversely affected delivery of services in the counties.

Wamwangi in his status of transition to devolved system of government said inadequate integration of national and county plans has led to duplication of programmes.

The TA chairman said both levels of government have been implementing functions that are not assigned to them by the Constitution, a situation that further hampers effective delivery of services at the counties.

“Capacity challenges and infrastructure and connectivity limitations around IFMIS have also hampered timely operation of county government,” he said. Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri last month announced a proposal to extend the term of the authority by one year to enable it clear its workload.

“It is clear that the constitution did not envisage the heavy workload the authority had to contend with,” he said. @hillary_x254

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Interior Principal Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho. He has asked those waiting for their ID cards to check with their local centers.

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NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

KNH to attend to only ‘deserving’ cases Only patients with deserving medical cases will be referred to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) beginning next month, Health Cabinet Secretary Cleophas Mailu has said.

The directive is aimed at decongesting the national referral hospital that has in the recent past been overstretched by a large number of patients from across the country seeking medical attention.

The CS said KNH has been receiving many undeserving referral cases that have overstretched its capacity to handle patients watering down the quality of health care at the hospital.

“Health records indicate that KNH has been receiving many undeserved referral cases that could be dealt with at the county hospitals,” said Mailu during the launch of newly refurbished accidents and emergency unit at the hospital.

The facelift realised the expansion of the resuscitation room, organisation of the health information unit to enhance patient management efficiency and increased access to oxygen points.

Mailu said that he was committed to ensures that all Kenyans get quality health care services as one of the basic need as evidenced by the broad

State to install Toll stations on Thika Rd The government has procured the services of a transaction adviser through World Bank funding to carry out a feasibility study on Thika superhighway toll services.

The Kenya National Highways Authority, (KeNHA) Maintenance Manager Njuguna Gatitu, said the introduction of tolling services on the highway is aimed at improving maintenance and operation services. Speaking in his office, Gatitu said the adviser is currently carrying out a feasibility study and the tolling service is to begin in the near future.

“This will reduce road accidents drastically along the highway which has in recent past witnessed many deaths as a result of unscrupulous driving,” he said.

Gatitu said the tolling service would be carried out under the public private partnership (PPP) to improve the highway by building of footbridges and installing lighting to improve safety. He said KeNHA is in the process of sourcing funds to erect priority footbridges on the superhighway before the PPP commences.

Currently there are 18 footbridges on the highway, which is under a performance-based maintenance contract. The contract entails routine maintenance and emergency maintenance. Also noticeable on Murang’a Road is the installation of razor wire to deter pedestrians from crossing .

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleophas Mailu speaking during the launch of the newlyrefurbished accidents and emergency unit at Kenyatta National Hospital. He has said KNH has been receiving many undeserving cases that has overstreched its capacity to handle patients.

spectrum of patients who seek medical services on a daily basis.

“My ministry is committed to its mission to build a robust health care system which not only attains the highest standards of service but also one that is affordable,” asserted Mailu. He commended the partnership

of KNH and Old Mutual Foundation that funded the renovation of the Emergency wing to a tune of Sh18.7 million. He argued that the private sector had the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of health care in the country.

“The call of promoting humanity

should be our biggest motivator in private and public partnership, they present an opportunity to touch lives that a business ideally would not have had a chance to, through their core business operations,” continued the CS. Old Mutual Foundation group chairman Dr Peter

Muthoka said that their partnership with KNH was meant to facilitate the efficiency around patient management as guided by international standards of health care.

“Our contribution to KNH is more than the associated works undertaken as we have partnered to realize the efficiency and quality of medical care provided at the emergency and accident wing,” said Muthoka.

He added: “The execution of this project is the realization of our global brand promise to continually seek out opportunities to positively impact the community especially on health issues.”

KNH CEO Lily Koros urged the private sector to partner with the hospital as it faces sh 5 billion deficit in the projects budget on the back bone of inadequate infrastructure.

“We continually strive up to our promise to deliver quality health care in spite of the financial and infrastructure challenges we face,” said Koros.

She said that a higher level of comfort is expected amongst the patients following the renovations of the Accidents and emergency wing. @wilson_x254

Union probes referral-for-bribe scandal Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPPDU) has said it has commenced investigations into alleged scandal of referrals of cancer patients to Indian hospitals by local medics in return of lucrative kickbacks. The doctors union has warned its members that those found culpable of the unethical practice will deregistered and blacklisted from practice. Speaking during a live interview on Nation FM this morning, KMPPDU Secretary General Dr. Ouma Oluga alleged that fraudulent referrals are linked to a powerful cartel which consists of local politicians and businessmen keen to make a kill from other people misfortunes.

He said the corrupt practice is costing the country a whopping 10 billion shillings annually. “We know these unscrupulous companies are registered and belong to politicians or even patients who have been in India before and they are known to us and this is why we want them investigated,” said Oluga. “We have commenced our investigations and we urge the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) board should also do the same so that we get rid of these cartels in our profession,” he added.

Oluga who is also the spokesperson of the union said although some cases are genuine, many others are not. “Any doctor who goes against the ethics knows very clearly that he

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union Secretary General Ouma Oluga at a past function. He says the union has launched investigations into allegations that some doctors were bribed to refer patients to India.

or she has no place in the service,” he warned. Addressing the media at the side-lines of the ongoing joint meeting between Central Organisation of Trade Union officials and National Hospital Insurance Fund management in Naivasha recently, Oluga revealed that doctors who will be found culpable will punished to save the economy enough resources to improve local health infrastructure.

On the other hand, Oluga decried that the state of public health in the country was deteriorating, saying doctors were leaving the public service for private sector en masse.

He said in the last two years alone,

the country had lost an estimated 2,000 doctors most of who were finding their way to Australia and other countries. “It is upsetting that we are losing at least 25 doctors each month and this means we cannot attend to our patients as required of us, and those who remain are always overworked and underpaid,” he lamented. The SG said the perennial problems of health sector in the devolved units had been escalated as some counties were not remitting monthly deductions or statutory contributions of their members as required by law. “As we speak now, there are counties that are not remitting NHIF dues; others have

failed to forward union contributions while the worst case is where some have failed to deduct monthly loan repayments for members,” he said. Oluga noted that the country needed an estimated 83,000 doctors in order to bridge the gap of shortage and realise the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended ratio. “Contrary to world health standards, in Kenya one doctor tends to 17,000 patients in the country but what is required is every doctor to serve 1,000 patients,” he concluded. @hillary_x254

NEWS 5 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries Raila won’t complain of The face of hope in war MPs crisis as 17 battle City billionaire sets rigging again: Opposition chief against cancer: When a doctor criminal cases: social media alight with Raila Odinga has assured his support told Elizabeth Njeri that she had breast It is a case of lawmakers turned suspected fatal motor accident: base it will not be possible to rig him out cancer, her first reaction was to laugh. lawbreakers, a story of MPs battling in the 2017 presidential contest. During a strategy meeting two weeks ago, Raila and his ODM confidants discussed antirigging mechanisms. Apart from running a parallel electronic vote tallying system, Raila and the Cord team plan to train and deploy party agents in every polling station across the country. The agents will take and transmit to the national tallying centre images of every result.

for their political future in the face of damning charges. To date, at least 17 members of Parliament have been charged with serious offences. Charges against five were dropped (because of lack of evidence), but 12 are still struggling to clear their names of the charges including fraud, forgery, hate speech, rape, corruption and incident to violence.

After all it was April 1, 2009, and she thought it was an April Fool’s Day prank, only it wasn’t. The mother of four had just turned 50 when she was diagnosed with cancer. She had visited a hospital in Nairobi for a test after noticing a lump on her breast. She probably would not have gone for the test had her two sons not insisted after she mentioned casually to them that she had noticed a growth.

Nairobi businessman Joel Kamau Kibe, who fired up the social media following his involvement tin an accident on Monday morning, is powerful but covert operator in to class investment and political circle. Mr KIbe, who was expected in court yesterday but did not appear, got himself in trouble when he rammed into a security barrier in Nairobi’s Runda Estate, killing a guard.

KRA dumps contraband IEBC seeks Sh2.8bn for Okoa Kenya signature NHIF contributors still from Joho godown at voter listing: The Independent verification kicks off: locked out of major and Boundaries Commission Work on the verification of the Okoa hospitals: Private sector workers sea: Kenya Revenue Authority officials Electoral has asked for Sh2.8 billion from the Kenya signatures is finally set to start, yesterday destroyed 130 containers of contraband sugar, ethanol and rice at the port of Mombasa. The consignment, which included 18 containers of contraband sugar from Brazil, 49 containers of rice and 63 of ethanol, was seized in several Container Freight Stations. The ethanol was valued at Sh288 million while the sugar’s total value stood at Sh56 million.

National Treasury to carry out key activities, including voter registration.

The amount, which it expects to come from the supplementary budget to be tabled in Parliament next week, would lay the foundation of the commission’s preparation for next year’s elections.

three months after they were submitted.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Ezra Chiloba said plans were underway to hire 120 clerks and a number of supervisors to fast track the exercise.

“The commission has appointed a team to be responsible for the process,” Chiloba told The Standard.

seeking outpatient medical treatment from leading public and private hospitals are being turned away even as the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) continues to collect higher monthly fees with the promise of expanding the range of benefits available to the contributors. Major private hospitals have rejected the scheme.

Tunoi to know fate on Cotu, NHIF agree on Uproar as Nakuru Kenchic Inn brand set Friday: Supreme Court judge Philip new rates: The Central Organisation governor graces to end with termination Tunoi, who is accused of taking a Sh200 of Trade Unions (Cotu) and the National million bribe to defeat justice, will know Mungiki burial: Nakuru of franchise rights: The Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) have his fate on Friday. A special committee of the Judicial Service Commission set up to investigate the allegations yesterday said it was not ready with its final report.

The committee initially was given seven days (which lapsed yesterday) to come up with a report, but sought more time and was granted an extra two days. If merit is found, the JSC will advise President Kenyatta to form a tribunal to probe him.

Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has defended his presence at the burial of a suspected Mungiki leader. Hawkers in the town claimed that the deceased, Joseph Chege alias Jose, was part of a criminal gang that has been harassing them and Mr Mbugua’s presence had sent the wrong signal. Mr Chege was mysteriously abducted and murdered last week.

finally agreed that contributions to the fund should be pegged on an employee’s basic pay and not gross pay as earlier proposed. And now, the two said they will lobby MPs through National Assembly’s health committee, to fast track the same amendments in the NHIF Act. Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said this will ensure workers are not oppressed by deducting their “meagre” earnings.

ubiquitous Kenchic Inn name is set to disappear from city streets after the poultry company behind it terminated franchise agreements with about 30 fast-food restaurants that use it across the country in a bid to protect its brand. The firm has announced that all “Kenchic Inn” restaurants should cease using the name as from March 31.

Top stories from X News global partners UN suspends Syria Toxic Loans Around the Hillary’s razor-thin win Google puts AI expert peace talks until end of World Weigh on Global in Iowa: OF THE checks on executive in charge of its search in the constitution, perhaps the February: UN-brokered peace Growth: Beneath the surface power algorithms: Google has put an least needed is the amendment limiting

talks with the Syrian government and opposition have been suspended only three days after they began, highlighting the enormous difficulties of finding a political solution to the war and the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Hours before the opening of a major international donor conference for Syria in London, Staffan de Mistura, the UN envoy, announced in Geneva on Wednesday that he was suspending the fledgling process until 25 February because there was “more work to be done”. It is unclear whether they will in fact resume. De Mistura told reporters that “it is not the end and it is not the failure of the talks”. But he linked.

www.theguardian.com

of the global financial system lurks a multitrillion-dollar problem that could sap the strength of large economies for years to come. The problem is the giant, stagnant pool of loans that companies and people around the world are struggling to pay back. Bad debts have been a drag on economic activity ever since the financial crisis of 2008, but in recent months, the threat posed by an overhang of bad loans appears to be rising. China is the biggest source of worry. Some analysts estimate that China’s troubled credit could exceed $5 trillion, a staggering number that is equivalent to half the size of the country’s annual economic output.

www.nytimes.com

presidents to two terms. Americans often invest sky-high hopes in those they send to the White House, choosing someone they believe will correct the flaws of a now-despised predecessor.

After their first terms, presidents seeking re-election are frequently helped by the trappings of office. But after eight years the mood sours: Americans then long for change, and for someone younger, more competent or less mired in scandal.

The rules of presidential politics have never been applied to someone quite like Hillary Clinton.

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artificial intelligence expert in charge of its search algorithms, signaling a sea change in one of the core technologies of the internet that may ultimately give intelligent machines the job of finding and sorting information for humans.

The firm on Wednesday named John Giannandrea, an expert in machine learning, to run the engineering group that devises its ranking algorithms, the core technology for making sense of the deluge of information on the internet.

He replaces Amit Singhal, who oversaw a rewrite of Google’s ranking technology after joining 15 years ago.

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xnews | THURsday, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

BUSINESS

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

MEAN 102.2685 147.1356 111.7339 6.2900 33.99885 21.3556

BUY SELL 102.1694 102.3676 146.9733 147.2978 111.6106 111.8572 6.2806 6.2994 33.9170 34.0806 21.2860 21.4252

Kenya needs to remain competitive in order to create jobs, says IMF

Kenya needs to remain competitive in order to create employment for its young labour force and diversify its economy while sustaining high rates of growth, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

The IMF has found that the extent to which Kenyan, and sub-Saharan African companies at large, are able to compete against their foreign opponents could play a role in sustaining growth in the coming years.

The Fund has affirmed that SubSaharan Africa’s rapid growth in recent years has been one of the success stories of the global economy.

“As high commodity prices and abundant global liquidity are quickly fading, sub-Saharan Africa needs to restore competitiveness now to diversify its economies, sustain high rates of growth and create jobs for its burgeoning and young labor force, which is expected to increase dramatically just as the rest of the world starts ageing,” Director of

the IMF’s African Department, Antoinette Monsio Sayeh has said.

Sayeh, who was formerly Minister of Finance in Liberia, has acknowledged that the sub-Saharan region is facing severe shocks associated with the steep decline in commodity prices and tightening

global financial conditions.

“Against this background, it’s a good time to look back at the region’s recent growth experience and examine the relationship between growth rates and competitiveness,” she advised.

It has also emerged that the region’s

export performance over the last two decades has not been encouraging despite the high commodity prices that prevailed.

IMF research has found that the region’s exports as a percentage of global trade have barely increased since the mid-1990s, and

Director of the IMF’s African Department, Antoinette Monsio Sayeh

Dennis_x254

Middle East, Africa coined big at LG innofest LG Electronics has marked the start of the 2016 InnoFest, its two-day innovation festival attracting over 250 retailers, partners and customers from across the region. Hosted under the theme ‘Innovation for a Better Life’, the event reaffirms LG’s commitment and underlines its robust plans for the Middle East & Africa region, by ushering in a new and exciting product line-up for the year.

Commenting at the event, Kevin Cha, Executive Vice President at LG Electronics for the Middle East & Africa region said, “The Middle East region has witnessed an exponential growth over the years and riding along with this fast paced development and while keeping pace with it, we at LG Electronics have

robust plans for the region and we envision to become a leader by offering an edge over global competition. We are strengthening our line-up by introducing new and innovative products to the existing large portfolio of products that we already possess.”

InnoFest 2016 lays the ground for an impressive showcase of LG’s innovative product line-up, incorporating the latest technology with the primary aim to make consumers lives easier. Taking a step further and in a bid to offer its customers an edge with innovation, LG’s latest and premium SIGNATURE line-up was also highlighted at the show.LG’s new SIGNATURE range of premium products that includes the latest 4K OLED TV, a high tech refrigerator, washing machine

and an air purifier is part of the company’s efforts to bring the best technology and best designs together. The SIGNATURE design concept was to make the product appear more intuitive while maintaining a minimalistic design.

While the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV is a leap forward in design with the screen looking like a floating sheet of glass that eliminates everything except the stunning picture quality, the SIGNATURE refrigerator adds some innovative features that are designed to make the product more intuitive, more efficient and more convenient.

From the Home Appliances category, LG’s front loading washing machine stole the show with its revolutionary TWIN Wash™ System. kevin_x254

MasterCard Foundation Sh1.5bn to innovators

The MasterCard Foundation Fund for Rural Prosperity (FRP) is seeking proposals for its 2016 Innovation Competition and has invited participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi and Uganda, among others to apply for funding worth up to Sh1.5 billion ($15 million).

The deadline for applications is March 28 2016. “The competitions are destined for financial service providers such as banks, microfinance institutions, insurance companies and agribusinesses who may wish to apply for support,” Reena Pandey, a spokesperson on behalf

manufacturing exports in particular, have lagged well behind the rest of the world.

The research indicates that the competitiveness of commodity exporters especially, was severely eroded as their real effective exchange rates appreciated nearly 40 per cent over 2002 to 2014.

Kenya, for instance, is the leading tea exporter in the world exporting about 95 per cent of the country’s total tea production, according to the Export Promotion Council.

However, tea export revenue has been modest in recent months.

The IMF discovered that by 2014, price levels in many sub-Saharan African countries - most notably commodity exporters like Kenya - were substantially higher than in a group of comparator low-income countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, and Vietnam) which have enjoyed success in recent years in diversifying their exports and integrating into global value chains.

of the group has confirmed.

The three principles guiding The MasterCard Foundation Fund for Rural Prosperity are Impact, Innovation and Sustainability.

The Fund’s organizers have said that proposed projects should have a positive effect on the lives of rural poor people through job creation, income generation, and productivity gains and reduced vulnerability.

The Fund also intends to harness the creativity and capacity of the financial sector and agribusinesses to innovate, increase access to and deliver financial

services at scale.

Finally, projects supported under the Fund should state explicitly how they aim to achieve financial sustainability over time.

The total funding available for a period of over 3 years amounts to $15 million (Sh1.5 billion).Groups can apply for a minimum of $250,000 (Sh25.5 million) and a maximum of $1,000,000 (Sh102 million).

The MasterCard Foundation Fund for Rural Prosperity will only support ideas from institutions looking to deliver a financial service, product or process to rural poor.

KRA destroys illicit cargo at Kilindini port The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has destroyed a consignment consisting of 18 and 49 containers of sugar and condemned rice respectively. This was done as a concluding phase of the destruction process of illicit cargo by the regulating body. The commodities were destroyed through dumping into the ocean. The rice consignment consisted of cargo initially destined to the neighbouring country of Uganda but whose owners failed to claim.

The goods that were destroyed were condemned by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) as unfit for consumption prior to customs auction. Unlike the sugar, the rice was not the subject of seizure as illicit cargo and hence no specific action was preferred against the CFS facility in which it was stored.

The Kenya Revenue Authority has simultaneously commenced the second phase of destruction of 63 containers of ethanol detained at the port. The ethanol is set to be destroyed

by the use of an ocean going refueling tanker that will sail off and empty the contents into the open sea in a controlled manner to ensure the concentration of ethanol in the water is kept to a minimum. KRA has noted that it remains determined to continue prosecuting the war against illicit trade and will ensure that appropriate impact is created through maximum enforcement of the law. In a bid to streamline cargo importation process, KRA is in the process of implementing a number of initiatives including the enforcement of the KEBS mandated PVOC (Pre export verification of conformity)programme, the restructuring of cargo manifest submission processes and the re-vetting of CFSs with a view to weeding out unscrupulous operators.

Regionally, counterparts are reforming transit cargo clearance and monitoring processes so as to address diversion. kevin_x254

BUSINESS 7

Stiff competition forces Kenchic to chicken out

Fast food distributor, Kenchic has announced that it will close its franchise branches from April 2016, citing the rapidly evolving fast food market in the country.

In a statement seen by Capital FM, Kenchic says it aims to focus on its core business of chicken processing.

“Effective the March 31 2016, Kenchic Ltd will discontinue the use of its brand Kenchic Inn,’’ Read part of the statement.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which stipulates that either side can give 30 days’ notice ending on the last day of the nominated month, Kenchic Ltd has as a gesture of good will extended this period until March 31 2016,” said Philip Carolan, Operations Manager Processing & Sales Distribution.

Fast food outlets bearing the Kenchic logo and colours will be shut down after the expiry of the MOU. Kenchic has in recent years has been scaling investments in processing and breeding with a Sh350 milion slaughter plant in Thika and a Sh1.5b hatchery in Athi River adding to the company’s four other plants in Naivasha and Kajiado.

The fast food arm of Kenchic, however, has been under stiff competition from new entrance like KFC and growing outlets like Nandos and chicken inn.

Growing of similar fast food joints targeting the same clients Kenchic had captured for years

has also eaten into the firm’s market share.

With the current fast food markets evolving rapidly in Kenya, Kenchic limited has decided to withdraw its brand

Kenchic Inn from the market and to concentrate on its core business of chicken processing.

“We would like to thank you for your support over the years; the relationship has been a long

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

and successful one. Our product will still remain available to all, at the same pricing and we will continue to supply you as and when required,” said Carolan. enock_x254

BIZ BRIEFS ICT CS Joe Mucheru launches free Internet for schools programme

Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has officially he launched the Airtel Free Internet for Schools Programme in Machakos County.

The Information Cabinet Secretary lauded the telecoms firm for its commitment to fostering education initiatives across the country.

He was speaking yesterday at Machakos Boys High School in Machakos County, Kenya where he launched the program to connect 23 schools to the free internet under the program.

The launch event was also attended by Principal Secretaries Eng. Victor Kyalo (ICT & Innovation) and Sammy Itemere (Broadcasting & Telecommunications), Machakos County ICT Minister Hellen Kiilu among other top government and education officials from the County.

Speaking at the same event, Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi told the Cabinet Secretary that Airtel remains committed to the development of Information Technology in Kenya and the empowerment of the Kenyan youth.

Treasury commissions IFMIS audit to fight graft

Kenchic limited has decided to withdraw its brand Kenchic Inn from the market and to concentrate on its core business of chicken processing.

Philips Izzy makes speaker syncing simple Listening to music throughout your house is now as straightforward as pressing a single button. There are around 30 million reasons to invest in a high-quality wireless multiroom speaker system – that’s how many tunes are on the leading music streaming services.

Imagine being able to play all that music throughout your house, whenever you want.

Now, working through 30 million songs is going to take ages (even if you skip a few of the rubbish ones), so you don’t want to waste precious listening time tediously setting up a complicated multi-room system. And with the new Philips Izzy, you don’t have to.

The Philips Izzy is all about simplicity. It’s simple to set up, simple to use and simple to expand – and it’s also competitively priced.

But it has the same power and functions as more expensive systems.

The Izzy range differs from most multi-room systems because it connects using Bluetooth, rather than your Wi-Fi network. That means no messing around with special routers or fiddling with network settings.

To make an Izzy speaker work, simply plug it in, wait for the Bluetooth light to flash and

find the speaker in the Bluetooth menu of your phone, tablet or computer. And off you go. There’s no need for a special app: Izzy works with any music player or audio app of your choice.

Expanding the Izzy into a multi-room system is just as easy. Plug in a second unit, push the group button, and enjoy as your music plays out of both speakers. You can add up to five speakers to one group, and it’s easy to remove a speaker from a group to use by itself.

There are two speakers in the current Izzy range.

The BM5 is small and stylish, but with a pair of 2.5-inch drivers it packs plenty of music-playing punch.

The larger BM50 adds FM radio, a USB port and a CD player – and you can stream music from those sources throughout your house.

The Philips Izzy takes the hassle out of owning a wireless home audio system: press one button, and off you go. Now all that you have to do is decide which of those 30 million songs to play. Hmmm, that might not be quite so easy.

The National Treasury has commissioned an audit of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) to improve its efficiency.

Treasury Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge says the audit is being undertaken by the Auditor General who will soon be making recommendations.

Thugge was speaking on Wednesday when he hosted members of the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly at the IFMIS offices. He noted that IFMIS is now playing a critical role in increasing transparency and accountability, including giving investigating agencies crucial leads in the fight against corruption.

The Treasury plans to add new modules on IFMIS that include debt and pension management modules that are expected to enhance the management of public finances.

IFMIS Director Jerome Ochieng said the Treasury has continuously been exploring ways to improve the system to ensure that it handles emerging challenges, including online crime.

Kenyan tech startup expands to new regions

Mookh, a Kenyan tech startup, which has found a way of linking social media and e-commerce, is now expanding to Nigeria and Tanzania. The move comes just four months after the platform was launched in Nairobi. Mookh is making its entrance in Nigeria this month and will be accessible in Tanzania in March. Small businesses in these countries will join Kenyan merchants who are now selling their products to clients directly through their social media pages.

Mookh, which was launched in September 2015, provides an e-commerce solution for businesses that have a social media presence.

Customers can buy physical products or digital products like music, videos, photos, e-books, tickets on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

8

BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Ford to cut jobs, save Sh20 billion in Europe US car giant Ford has announced plans to cut jobs and save $200m a year in Europe.

The carmaker said it was launching a voluntary redundancy programme and improving manufacturing efficiencies.

It also said it would focus on its most profitable models, such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

Ford Europe returned to profit for the first time in four years in 2015, as the parent group recorded a net profits of $10.8bn.

This represented a “good first step”, said Ford Europe executive vice-president Jim Farley.

“We are absolutely committed to accelerating our transformation, taking the necessary actions to create a vibrant business that is solidly profitable in both good times and down cycles.”

The jobs are likely to go at Ford’s main European centres in the UK and Germany, said the BBC’s employment and industry correspondent, John Moylan.

“It is thought the jobs will be in administration, sales and marketing type functions and not at car or engine production plants,” he added.

The carmaker also said it would be launching seven new or redesigned vehicles this year, including a Focus RS and new Kuga and Edge SUVs. Ford Europe has closed a number of plants as it struggles to turn around heavy losses.

Last year, the company made an operating profit of $259m in Europe, compared with a loss of $598m in 2014.

Ford currently employs 13,890 people in the UK.

African rebel leader’s family sues makers of ‘Call of Duty’ video game The family of late Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi are suing the makers of Call of Duty over his description in the best-selling video game.

Three of Savimbi’s children accuse video game maker, Activision Blizzard of defamation by representing him as a ‘barbarian’.

They are seeking €1m (Sh113 million) in damages though activision said the depiction was “rather favourable”.

Savimbi founded the Unita movement, waging a long civil war with the Angolan government.

Angola became a Cold War battleground, with Unita backed by the US and the apartheid government in South Africa, while Angola’s ruling party was supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba.

The rebel leader was eventually killed in clashes with state forces in 2002.

In the last years of the Angolan war,

Jonas Savimbi became a symbol to the outside world for everything that was wrong in Angola.

Although it’s difficult to separate the truth from the propaganda and the “Heart of Darkness” stereotypes that stick to many African conflicts, Savimbi’s reputation is based on some confirmed incidents according to BBC. Suspected witches were burnt alive at Savimbi’s headquarters in the early 1980s.

The Angolan civil war lasted for 27 years and both sides committed acts of brutality.

It would be wrong to pin everything on one man, who is still remembered with awe by many who lived under the rule of Unita, and admired by a generation that has grown up since the war.

Justin Pearce is a former BBC Angola correspondent, now at the Department of Politics and International Studies,

University of Cambridge His family said they are outraged at the depiction.

“Seeing him kill people, cutting someone’s arm off... that isn’t Dad,” said Cheya Savimbi.

The three children live in the Paris region and have taken the French branch of Activision to court in Nanterre, near the French capital.

A lawyer for Activision Blizzard, Etienne Kowalski, said the firm disagreed with Savimbi’s family, saying it showed the former rebel as a “good guy who comes to help the heroes”.

The latest Call of Duty was the world’s top selling game last year, and the game has often featured versions of real-life figures.

In 2014, a bid by former Panama dictator Manuel Noriega to claim damages over his depiction in the game was dismissed by a US court.

The family of late Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi are suing the makers of Call of Duty over his description in the best-selling video game.

Forbes Africa opens nominations for continent’s ‘Top 30 Under 30’ Forbes Africa has opened nominations for its Top 30 Under 30 Competition, an affair that showcases the continent’s, young, bright, wealthy and innovative business leaders.

“The list reveals the young and gifted, burning stars on the horizon; the billionaires of tomorrow who will create jobs and wealth that this continent needs,” Forbes Africa said in a statement released earlier this week.

“Our first genuine 30 under 30 list, in June, caused a sensation and showed us how much of a following we have among the youngest and brightest of Africa’s aspiring young entrepreneurs,” said Forbes Africa editor, Chris Bishop.

“Our list is exhaustive, it takes many months of sifting and hard work to verify genuine up and comers in the crowd.

It has been entrusted to journalist Ancillar Mangena, an African under 30, who has done a sterling job. Our 30 under 30 list will come out every June and I am confident it will become one of the most talked about lists in Forbes Africa,” he added.

All nominees must be entrepreneurs under 30 (born no later than 30 April 1986).

They should have a legitimate registered business in the continent. Their business or businesses should be two years or older.

The nominees must have risked their own money and must have made a social impact.

GlaxoSmithKline sales jump, boosted by new HIV drugs, vaccines

New treatments for HIV, respiratory conditions and meningitis vaccines had sales of £682m (Sh101bn) in the quarter.

GlaxoSmithKline reported a jump in the sales of new drugs in the three months to December, helping to compensate for declines in older medicines.

Sales rose 2 per cent to Sh937bn (£6.29bn) in the quarter, slightly better than analysts had expected.

However, the company fell to a pre-tax loss of £416m (Sh62bn) compared with a profit of Sh79bn (£531 bn) for the same period in 2014.

New treatments for HIV, respiratory conditions and meningitis vaccines had sales of £682m (Sh101bn) in the quarter.

The total for 2015 as a whole was £2bn, prompting GSK to say it expected to reach its £6bn target for new product sales by 2018 - two years earlier than expected.

Sales of the firm’s older respiratory medicine, Advair, continued to fall and have hit profits, as did an asset swap deal with pharmaceutical company, Novartis.

That deal increased the company’s exposure

to consumer healthcare at the expense of higher-margin pharmaceuticals.

Chief executive Sir Andrew Witty believed the shift would create a sustainable and less volatile business, but some investors have called for a sale of the non-prescription consumer healthcare business.

He has not ruled out such a move, but is seeking to increase margins in the division, which operates as a GSK-controlled joint venture with Novartis.

Last month, fund manager Neil Woodford called for GSK to be broken up, claiming its complicated structure was similar to having “four Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 companies bolted together”.

It is valued at more than £70bn, making it one of the most valuable businesses listed in London.

Sir Andrew said the healthcare environment remained challenging, but that GSK was committed to its restructuring programme.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

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FASHION scoop

11

topstory

Nairobi is still the city in the sun

Kevin_x254

N

towards Westlands with shiny new building popping up almost every month.

Innovation On matters innovation the unrivalled technology sector is identified in the Bay Area of San Francisco.

However, this should not worry Nairobi much, we are proud of our own invention M-Pesa a first in the world mobile money transfer platform which is quite efficient. Further, invention in e-ticketing, Konza Silicon City and Tatu City that will be highly driven by technology is a plus.

Investor Attraction With the East African region experiencing tremendous growth, Nairobi tops the list according to the latest report produced in last year by the UK Department for International Development (DfID). This has placed Nairobi in the league of cities like Shanghai, Bangalore and Boston in the top twenty bracket.

More than nine billion dollars was invested in the Nairobi, by the end of 2015. This has seen the mushrooming and blossoming of small and medium Enterprises.

While Nairobi is still not a haven, this latest ranking calls for a toast as we work towards a better Nairobi.

Newyork and London better watch out!

airobi, was recently named the best city to live in the whole of Africa and ranked eleventh in the whole world.

The city in the sun as it is well known is ranking high with global giant cities like, London, Dublin, Silicon Valley in California, and Boston .

The ranking topped by London was carried out by City Momentum Index (CMI). CMI is crucial in gauging a city’s growth in regards an environment that nurtures creation of cutting edge new business, attracting talent and nurturing vibrant inclusive communities.

In addition, CMI tracks the speed of change in a cities’ economic base and ability to sustain such growth.

Let’s talk about real estate…

While London ranks first, and history has taught us the city has been there for more than a hundred years, having Nairobi at just slightly above fifty and at eleventh position is not bad at all, according to city managers and stakeholders.

For starters, London was identified as the best in city in real estate but Nairobi is just as hot when it comes to its land value.

A Hass Report released in 2015 cites Upper Hill, Kilimani, Parklands and Westlands as the most expensive areas to acquire land in Nairobi.

In fact, Upper Hill had the most expensive land in Nairobi, at an average price of Sh484.8 million per acre. The city seems to be rowing Southwards toward Upper Hill and to the West

The King of Lingala Kofi Olomide is set to jet into the country at the end of this month to headline the Koroga Festival. Olomide will be the show stopper at the 11th edition on Sunday the 13th of March at the Nairobi Arboretum.

Koffi Olomide

TOPICS

Sauti Sol

Koffi Olomide for Koroga

HOT

@duncan_x254

Live and Die in Africa Concert

Celebrated boy band Sauti Sol is scheduled to host a massive concert on valentine’s eve.

The Live and Die in Africa concert will also double as their album launch and is set to happen on the 13th of February at the Ngong Race Course. The band has in the recent past suffered wardrobe malfunctions and failed to launch with their fans, this concert it is believed is a do or die to place them back at the top.

Rob Kardashian’s full body photo Rob Kardashian has been slowly emerging from his reclusive lifestyle as he goes on outings with girlfriend Blac Chyna. Kardashian, 28, picked up Chyna, 27, from a Texas jail last weekend after she was arrested , and the couple has been spotted driving around Los Angeles together since. Though most of the snapshots have shown Kardashian behind the wheel, photographers snapped pictures of him getting out of his car Tuesday, giving the best look at the reality star since he was seen grabbing fast food at In-N-Out in June.

The youngest Kardashian sibling has stayed out of the spotlight for the past few years after gaining more than 100 lbs. and battling depression.

Rob Kardashian

10

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WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26th NOVEMBER 4, 2016 2014

CAMPUSVIBE

all round news and updates from universities

Strathmore beats MKU Daystar launch water campaign

A campaign dubbed Make Waves seeking to address the water shortage at Daystar University, Athi River campus is underway..

The aim is to expand Daystars dam in order to meet the growing demand comprised of merchants, food vendors, internet cafes, clothing shops, and schools. Proper water supply to the Athi River campus has been a challenge causing fears among the students and faculty fraternity.

The campaign needs to raise an estimated cost of $750,000. Friends of Daystar and Alumnus are all encouraged to donate. .

Mount Kenya University handball team suffered a slim loss from Strathmore during the Conference sports association sports over the weekend.

Strath won one point ahead after the match ended 25-24 during the sports event held at Kenyatta University.

Rashid Ingwela and Jack Maloba were the point men for Strathmore, scoring six goals each while Kenneth Karanja was the top scorer after he netted eight for his Mount Kenya University.

Other sports news from Strathmore University is that

Former USIU VC cooks tasty chapatis!

After 21 years of exceptional service to UISU-A, former Vice Chancellor Freida Brown has added an extra lesson in her life; cooking chapatis.

The first female Vice Chancellor in a chartered University was featured on NTV’s Women and Power due to her tremendous success.

Freida revealed that she is an Alumus of Washington University where she did an undergraduate in Psychology. She also David hasSome worked with adolescents disturbed

Voice of Strathmore to stage play at Alliance Francoise

the university clubs men and women were awarded for their tenacity through 2015, with the

Women’s table tennis bagging team of the year award.

The dedicated Strathmore drama club is set to host the play An Ideal Husband at the Alliance Francaise.

The play which questions morals is slated for the 19th through to 21st of this month.

An Ideal Husband is produced by Paul Ochieng and directed by Nick Muthama.

University of Nairobi ranks 6th in Africa

Freida Brown.

by drug addiction.

Freida managed to cook a nice round, brown chapatti much to her amazement .She urged women and girls to be flexible, have fun and be committed in whatever they set their mind to achieve.

The University of Nairobi is still soaring high in ranking. The institution of higher learning is sitting pretty in the sixth position in Africa.

This is according to Webometrics’ 2016 rankings, UoN Ranks ahead of all other Universities in the East African region and in the top three percent out of 24 000 universities worldwide.

In 2012, the University was ranked 17th, they were 12th in 2013, 9th in 2014 and 7th in 2015.

The improved rankings come against

the backdrop of the University of Nairobi being the largest, comprehensive teaching and research institution in Africa with a student population of over eighty thousand students.Of course SONU Chair Babu Owino took to social media to gloat about his preferred Uni!

hot date

ORCHESTRA CONCERT The Kenya Conservatoire of music and cultural stopovers present: Orchestra Concert.

With Guest Pianist Marouan Benabdallah and featuring Zeze String Ensemble The program includes: Mozart – Overture to the Magic Flute Holst – Suite in E flat Strauss–An der schoenen blauen Donau Beethoven–Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” The dress code is formal and tickets are going for only Sh 1,000 Proceeds will go towards the Rare Orchestral Instrument Project.

Hover board safety In the 90s and early 2000s, owning a pair of rollerblades or a skating board was the ultimate ticket into the cool kids club. Fast forward to today and these items have evolved into hover boards which are basically computerized skating boards with self propelling properties.

Although most definitely the cool kids’ mark in 2016, many have desisted from obtaining hover boards due to the hazard potential reported over the past few months. Especially in the form of explosions and self-ignition due to

mechanical

failure.

However, 2016 could be the year of redemption for hover board technology, after an independent tech Lab, UL, commenced tests on mitigating the accident risks associated with hover boards.

The tests will focus on the hover board batteries which are usually the source of the initial overheating that ends up in explosions and fires, as well as the

self balancing and propelling technology in search of underlying electrical malfunctions. Should the tests emerge successful and conclusive, hover board manufacturers will have to pass their products through UL for safety screening.

In the meantime, some universal safety practices with hover boards include purchasing from a registered importer, not charging overnight while asleep and not crashing them for the thrill of it.

Hover away safely!

11

ACCESS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

FASHIONscoop

@New York FashioN week 2016

A stylish hat makes all the difference.

FaNcY street

The ‘Empire State of Mind’ city is known for its ethnical, cultural, architectural and entertainment diversity. But the one thing that reconciles all these differing aspects is the common respect for fashion, which is why the Fashion Week calendar has to pay tribute to this City by holding the New York Fashion Week. The 2016 edition kicked off this month. Here are some New Yorkers who we caught in the act of acing street style during the New York Fashion Week.

Sneakers for the busy girl.

TOP

Animal prints with leopard twist.

celeBs who are No loNger Famous Bowwow was the Justin Bieber of the early 2000s but we have not heard from him since 2009 although he has been assigned minor roles in various films. It is a shame he no longer produces music given his immense rap talent.

Bowwow

Crop fashion for the conservative woman.

A scarf can substitute a chocker necklace.

@mercy_x254

Perfect statement pumps.

She was once the most popular person in the world but since getting hitched to Jay Z and the birth of her daughter, Bey has gone missing from the spotlight both musically and on award show red carpets. Hopefully she will resurface during the Grammys and Academy Awards later this month.

She tried to make a comeback in 2011 with the single Mr. Wrong but it seems things did not work according to plan for the 45 year old who once soared to the top of Billboard charts with hits like Be Without You and Family Affair.

BeYoNcé

marY J Blige

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WEATHERFORECAST WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Perhaps runs a check expecting hasn’t arrived on time, or maybe the bank hashowever, made a Emotion high you’ve as yourbeen current love interest seems preoccupied and uncommunicative; It’s nothing straightened going itcomputer wouldn’t error be a regarding good ideayour to letaccount. your insecurities getthat thecan’t best be of you and lash out, out. though Family it’s or career to be a pain Basically, all should problems aremaking gettingall in of thethose way phone of yourcalls. enjoyment of each other. be going very well for you.

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Your ownalldetermination, efficiency, recollections makeequipment you feel more emotional than you should. Let them go. This is a necessary and practical abilitiesyour should have into it taken care work of in no time. release.

Channeling feelings creative could prove cathartic. Go with the flow

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Yesterday’s Solution Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Be prepared!

Some withawhich you work might go outviewed of order and it couldintake This may have you equipment confused and little frightened sincesuddenly you’ve never this person this a while to getHowever, it fixed. Athis temporary from a romantic partner could also disappointing. way before. personseparation probably does reciprocate the attraction, so be don’t completely You may a lot of physical for which you have immediate write it off.have Consider this: could energy this person be a strong partlittle of your future?outlet. Take a long walk.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Dreams meditation may of have some insights revelations for you, you You mightorfind that thoughts yourbrought belovedup haunt youspiritual today, even whileand you’re apart. Desire andand passion may have promptlyobsessive, forgottenand them upon comingwith outyour of your orifmeditative state. This could could be practically they’ll interfere otherdream projects you aren’t careful.

Try to stay prove very frustrating you! writing them down even with if you only remember focused on the tasks at for hand andTry make a date to get together your partner later. snatches.

TAURUS Apr Apr 20 20 -- May May 20 20 TAURUS It picture hasn’t, of Taurus; just from delayed.

Unfortunately, therearouse isn’t much can do but wait.

Equipment A an art it’s object a different culture could someyou strange feelings in you, Taurus. you use onknow the job could outspark of whack today, necessitating callingThis in aprobably repairman.

This to could set You won’t why, but go it will a new interest in that culture. relates events your work back some and make you a bit antsy.

Try to find something else to do! deep in your past that you don’t remember. Go ahead and explore this new interest.

GEMINI May May 21 21 -- Jun Jun 21 21 GEMINI Today get you’re likely to feeling especially and desirous a romantic encounter, Don’t yourself toobeworked up over it.passionate, Your friendsexy, is probably moreoftroubled about money Gemini.

You might a hot date scheduled.

However, don’t be surprised if ittohas to be than anything else. even If thishave is your love partner, you should be especially careful not push for postponed foras reasons beyond control of either you ortalk yourtopartner. confidences, this could be a the turn-off.

Your beloved will you when the time is right.

CANCER Jun Jun 22 22 -- Jul Jul 21 21 CANCER She could have some other news thatand could a shock to moods. you. A crisis the jobthat might make Your partner may seem preoccupied notcome be inasthe best of Reston assured this has it necessary or Don’t your partner spend most the time awaydemand from home and family. nothing to do for withyou you. let your to insecurities getofthe best of today you. Don’t an explanation.

This could be frustrating, particularly if you have to cancel your plans.

Hang in there!

Be there, even if it means being silent, and let your partner think things out.

LEO Jul Jul 2323- Aug Aug 22 22 LEO andofnerve strain could feeling a littlebe bitbrought under the weather andtrying it might IfOverwork so, beware all the great foodhave that you will undoubtedly to the party!today, If you’re to be a good idea for you to take some timeyou’ll alonebe to sorely rest. Iftempted you can’ttodo that, at least to take things improve your level of health and fitness, depart from thetry program.

Be as easy.

Some unexpected changes in your community might have your neighbors’ tongues wagging. firm as you can, but remember that we all need a little indulgence occasionally.

VIRGO Aug Aug 23-Sep 23-Sep 21 21 VIRGO A creative some kind may require adrawn larger to expenditure of money, time, or other resources than Today youproject could offind yourself irresistibly them, whether blank verse, abstract painting, youNew originally thought,Ifand this could have youyourself, wondering if you’ll able to to continue It might take or Age music. you’re into the arts you mightbewant try your with handit. at whatever a little corner cuttingtoon your Virgo, but youyou should ableyour to complete it as planned. discipline appeals you thepart, most.

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At times like this, it’s really best to listen rather This try could haveadvice. you reeling even though it might exaggerated. than to give Your partner probably just be needs to talk it out. Be patient and all will be well.

SAGITTARIUS Nov Nov 23 23 -- Dec Dec 21 21 SAGITTARIUS Somebe good but surprising newsfeel about a group with whichthe you may be affiliated could come your You’ll touched but you’ll also uncomfortable.

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PLAY 13

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Xanadu river 5. One of two O.T. books 9. Sun screen 14. Baklava pastry dough 15. “Intoxication” painter Paul 16. Basset or beagle 17. Short-lived 19. Bases’ antitheses 20. Have a feeling 21. Japanese cuisine 23. Ducked the seeker 25. Heavy-handed hooligan 30. Lose energy 33. “Wow!” 35. Like French toast 36. Colored marble 37. Bupkis, in Brittany 39. Wetlands wader 42. Some poems 43. Hemispherical home 45. Gamete 47. “All My ___ Live in Texas” (George Strait hit) 48. 1980 film with Brooke Shields 52. Apple ___ (German pastry) 53. Dim ____ 54. Corporation ordinance 57. Sans ____ (type style) 61. Spar verbally 65. Exodus participant 67. Water purifier brand

68. Bailiff ’s bellow 69. Financial subj.

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46. Mickey, for one 49. Reversal, slangily 50. “Billy ___” 51. Brunch selection 55. Start of a sowing adage 56. Small bird 58. Affluent, in Acapulco 59. “Let’s Get ___” (Marvin Gaye tune) 60. ____ shui 61. Legal org.

62. Elementary sch. basics 63. “CSI” character 64. Western Indian 66. Antiviral drug

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY CS directive on school boards long overdue The directive by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i that county education officials form joint management teams to run schools under their jurisdiction is laudable.

The move will create synergy and ensure the much needed quality of learning as the county directors will be required to regularly table reports about the state of education in their counties.

This among other measures should be a wakeup call for the managers and school heads who have been sleeping on their job.

More importantly, the county directors with the aid of government auditors will monitor the use of the multi-billion shillings that the education sector consumes from the national budget every year.

For instance, in this current financial year, the government allocated close to Sh360 billion for the ministry and out of this, about Sh50 billion was earmarked for primary and secondary schools for infrastructure and teaching and learning resources.

Under the Free Primary Education programme that was introduced in 2003, each child has been receiving Sh1,020 annually and this has been raised to Sh1,400.

Similarly, for the subsidised secondary

education, in place since 2009, each student has been entitled to Sh10, 265 and lately, Sh13,000.

Collectively, the two programmes have seen massive disbursement of resources to public schools. Besides, schools benefit through grants from the Constituency Development Fund and counties.

The biggest question that remain unanswered is why most of the public primary schools especially in rural areas remain dilapidated.

With the hefty funding, we still find school children without books and other learning materials.

In my considered view, the resources are never properly accounted for allowing for plunder and pilferage.

Though the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has raised the red flag that schools do not have properly audited accounts, little has been done to tame the vice and bring to book those who are responsible.

Matiang’i should enforce the directive to have the schools audit unit tasked with the responsibility of checking school finances go beyond their means, check school books and report irregularities for action.

—Nderitu, Donholm

Armoured vehicles acquisition good for our police Kenya has faced a series of both internal and external attacks, but the purchase of the Armoured Personal Carriers for Kenya police by the head of the state is a laudable measure to our security department.

The government appeared to have turned against its manifesto of tightening security, but the move is a

clear indication that given time and support, the government will address the insecurity challenges we face as a country.

The purchase of APC vans would increase our security officer’s mobility and secure them when dealing with terrorists in volatile regions such as Mandera, Baringo and Lamu.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has shown love to our security officers, with the purchase coming after the killing of Kenya Defence Forces officers in Somalia.

It is apparent the President was touched by what happened in the KDF camp and would never want the same to befall other officers.

— Legal hustler, Nairobi.

Women ready for bigger things in next polls In the year 2010 Kenyans passed a vote to usher in a new Constitution. With the new dispensation came new leadership positions such as the Senator, Governor and that one of Women’s Representative.

Though the new positions were fiercely contested and won by various candidates, Kenyans have not benefited from the same positions, there is rampant graft, nepotism, ethnicity around the positions and Kenyans have been pushed to the periphery as leaders use the newly-created seats to robe Kenyans nd plunder resources.

In the wake of all these negativities, one thing stands out, Women’s Reps since day one have never been implicated in corruption or

abuse of office and are instead some of the few elected leaders who are involved in few development projects in various counties across the country.

Is this a clear indication that women are ripe and ready to take over the leadership from their male colleagues?

Has Kenyans learn a lesson or two about our representatives both at the county and National level?

Kenyans must not sit and whine over graft, we all have the opportunity to overhaul our leadership right from the village to the top, if this will help us realise our dreams as a people.

The good thing about our Constitution is that it doesn’t let us cry or complain for ever, but it provides that after five years, we can change or

re-engineer the country’s leadership through the ballot. I therefore urge those Kenyan out there tired of corruption, ethnicity and bad governance to use the 2017 General Election to change things. Let us empower the women and give them even 10 gubernatorial seats and see how they will distribute the county’s resources.

Anti-change forces have seen and witnessed what women have done with the less powerful post of County MP and have re-grouped to call for the disbandment of the same. Kenyans must say no these forces of impunity and chat their own destiny. A vote for women is a vote for unity and graft-free society.

— Hillary, Ummoja

Police need better pay not armoured vehicles The government should make the basic welfare of police officers a priority before it goes for secondary needs such as the armoured vehicles. Recently the government launched more than 30 state-of-the art vehicles arrived in the country and were launched after the President promised to boost the police department to enhance service delivery. In my opinion service delivery equals should be commensurate to the officers’ basic necessities.

Police live in squalid conditions with very meagre pay. Basic needs such as housing and good salaries are an important part of our

daily well-being, the government move to buy armoured vehicles is laudable, but it should have dealt with more pressing issues. Police officers working condition has been a topic for over a decade therefore I expected the President to prioritise it. The armored vehicles should be handed over to military officers to deal with external aggressors. As it is now, most of the officers get into the force not to deliver services but to engage in corruption to make ends meet for their families.

— Sunday Kennedy - Langata

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

14

SPORT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Athletes eye Kipketer World Indoor record

Wilson Kipketer’s world indoor record of 2:14.96 in the 1,000m could be broken during the third leg of the IAAF World Indoor Tour meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on February 17. Along with the previously announced attack on the women’s mile world indoor record at the Globen Galan, there will be two other attempts at the World indoor. Ayanleh Souleiman (1500m champion) who won the 1,000m in Stockholm back in 2013 in a Djiboutian record of 2:17.05, then went on to improve his outdoor bests to 1:42.97 in 800m and 3:29.58 in 1500m will have his sights set on Kipketer’s record. But even if Souleiman misses the target, Kipketer will also be watching his fellow country man and world 1500m silver medallist Elijah Manangoi, who will also participate. Manangoi, 23 was one of the big breakthrough performers of 2015, improving his 1500m best to 3:29.67 before taking the silver medal in Beijing.

Kiprop, Cherono to grace Mau-Egerton Cross Country

Safety measures lined up ahead of 2017 F1 season Formula 1 is planning to introduce driver head protection for the 2017 season.

The race’s governing body - FIA has told teams it wants to introduce a device called a ‘halo’ designed to protect drivers’ heads from large airborne debris. GP Drivers’ Association chairman Alexander made clear last week, before a meeting of F1’s technical chiefs, that the drivers felt it was time for the ‘halo’ to be introduced. At that meeting, F1 director Charlie Whiting told teams the FIA wanted the device introduced and asked them to look into the details of how that would happen. “Obviously the drivers are happy that the technical team representatives agreed for the additional head protection to come in for 2017 following the drivers’ recommendation and the FIA research,” Wurz was quoted on BBC Sport: “We will now enter the design phase, where the drivers need to be open to a slightly different visibility spectrum due to the additional structure. I am also curious as to how the teams will make the new solution look cool and fast.”

Federer out of Dubai tennis Championship

World number three Roger Federer will not defend his Dubai Tennis Championships duo to a knee injury.

The 34-year-old 17 times Grand Slam champion will be out of action for a month after having arthroscopic knee surgery and will also miss the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. He had the surgery in his native Switzerland to repair a torn meniscus. He was injured the day after his four-set Australia Open semifinal defeat by Novak Djokovic last week. Federer, who won his most recent Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2012 is also the reigning champion in Dubai, having secured his seventh title there last March, and has won twice in Rotterdam. “While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career,” he said. “My doctors have assured me the surgery was a success and, with proper rehabilitation, I will be able to return to the Tour soon.”

Mercy Cherono will this weekend compete at the Mau-Egerton University Cross Country ahead of the new season.

W o r l d champions Asbel Kiprop and Mercy Cherono are expected to headline the Mau- Egerton University Cross Country this weekend.

Kiprop, three times 1,500metres World champion and Cherono, former world 5,000m champion will use the race to gauge their strength as part of their preparation for the season and a clear sight on a place in team Kenya’s Olympics Games.

William Sitonik and Caroline Chepkoech are also expected to give Kiprop and Cherono stiff competitions in the 10km that has attracted elite athletes. Kiprop take the race’s Ambassadorial role from Cherono whose proceeds will be channelled for the rehabilitation of the Mau Ecosystem and Njoro River.

Meanwhile, Nakuru will host the inter-Universities National Cross Country Championships as Eldoret welcomes the 25th Edition of Discovery Kenya Half Marathon on Sunday. The junior’s race will cover the normal six and eight kilometres for girls and boys respectively while Primary school

pupils and University Staff will do four kilometres.

The “City of Champions’ will be a no-go zone when more than 500 elite as well as rookies engage in the battle of supremacy.

Coming a week after the 25th edition of Discovery Kenya Cross Country that saw Japan-based Bedan Karoki turn tables on host athletes, the Sunday competitions will not be without surprises as greenhorns fearlessly fight it out with their mentors.

Daniel Keitany of Elgeyo Marakwet and Cynthia Limo from the host Country would take to the streets alongside 2014 winners Amos Mitei and Peris Chepchirchir in what is hyped to be impressive show in the region this year.

The Discovery Kenya Half Marathon and the cross country that was held last Sunday have played a crucial role in unearthing new running talents.

Beneficiaries of Discovery includes four times Boston marathon great Robert ‘Mwafrica’ Cheruiyot, Martin Lel, Elijah Lagat, Geoffrey Kamworor, Mathew Kisorio, Alice Timbilil, Vivian Cheruiyot, Fredah Domongole, Prisca Jeptoo among dozens others. @elvince_x254

History repeats itself as Bandari host Gor in DSTV Cup The last time Gor Mahia met Bandari in a cup final was in 1986 and K’Ogalo beat the Dockers by a solitary goal to book a place to the Mandela Cup which they won to become the first team in East Africa to achieve such a fete.

On Saturday, the two clubs meet again in DSTV Super Cup at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, the host city of their last encounter. As history is just about to repeats itself, Gor is preparing to take part in another continental cup, CAF Champions League which is set to kick off on March 1 when they host Cnaps Sports of Madagascar.

This match will not only be a battle for the first domestic trophy, but a duel pitting league defending champions and a record 14 time winner against GoTV champions preparing to take part in their first CAF Confederation cup showpiece. This a side that finished just two places below K’Ogalo last season in the league and while they’ll have a lot to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke, they pose equal threat to the defending champions in equal measures.

The match is expected to have mixed feeling.

While some K’Ogalo Green Army will be

pleased to see former Gor Mahia Striker Dan Sserunkuma return to the domestic league, a clique of fans will definitely not be impressed watching him in Bandari colours.

Another familiar face in Bandari’s squad is that of former Gor Mahia midfielder, Edwin Lavatsa who docked at Bandari port from Algeria.

Just like Frank Nuttal (pictured), Twahir Muhiddin would want to try his new acquisitions that include Edwin Wafula, Felly Mulumba and Bernard Mangoli who crossed from AFC Leopards.

While Gor has won two title this year, Bandari as only won one of their three (friendly) matches, but Gor still need to be weary of the Dockers who pitched camp in Ngong, a High Altitude area which may give them some added advantage in Mombasa.

Gor Mahia beat Ethiopian and Sudan giants St George and Al Hilal respectively. They however lost to Bondo United before drawing with Western Stima. Victor on Saturday will takes home Sh750,000 with the runner up taking @elvince_x254 Sh500,000.

Suarez scores four past Valencia in Cup semis Barcelona extended Gary Neville poor start of his managerial career at Valencia when the Catalans crashed his side 7-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp.

Neymar missed a penalty, but that would not deter Luis Suarez from thumping in four and 500 career goals while Lionel Messi also registered his name on the scoresheet with a hat-trick, a great damage on the image of Neville, a former Manchester United defender who is without a league win in eight attempts since taking over the club last December.

Valencia’s cause was not helped when defender Shkodran Mustafi was sent off for fouling Messi in the first half.

Neville, a former England full-back was returning to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs. As a 24-year-old he was part of the United team who won the Champions League with a spectacular

late comeback against Bayern Munich in the 1999 final at the Nou Camp, but there was not to be miraculous turnaround this time round for him.

These are testing times for the 40-yearold who was already under pressure before the game against the European champions. The Copa del Rey had hitherto offered eight-time Premier League winner Neville some solace after five draws and three defeats in La Liga.

All four of his wins from 14 games in charge in Spain have come in this competition - yet this was nothing short of embarrassing.

Valencia were shocking from start to finish and there was only going to be one outcome once Barca went 2-0 up in 12 minutes.

Suarez broke the

deadlock after racing on to Neymar’s pass before the former Liverpool player doubled the lead, curling home from 10 yards after a breathless move.

Messi completed a delightful move to make it 3-0 before a frantic end to the half.

The Argentina star was denied by the bar and Neymar hit the post from the penalty spot - after being fouled by Mustafi, who was sent off.

It went from bad to worse in the second half, Suarez’s back-heel allowing Messi to pick his spot inside the area and take his career tally to 500 goals.

Terrible defending by Valencia allowed Messi to complete his hat-trick and make it 5-0 after winning the ball back before firing past the keeper, who should have saved.

Brcelona danger man Luiz Suarez celebrates with teammate Messi. Suarez scored four and Messi hat-trick to hit seven past 10-man Valencia in Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou, Barcelona last night.

DR Congo knock out Guinea to reach CHAN final DR Congo booked their second African Nations Championship (CHAN) final in history after edging out Guinea 5-4 on penalties yesterday in Rwanda.

The Congolese needed great composure in the shoot out after they found themselves levelled with Guinea in the last minute of the game.

The highly-favoured Congolese had to sweat for the victory against a determined Guinean side which held them barren in regulation time.

Congo, winners of the maiden edition in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire were on the brink of victory after TP Mazembe forward Jonathan Bolingi headed them into the lead in extra time, only for Guinea to draw level with virtually the last kick through Ibrahima Sory Sankhon.

Congo, however will have to thank their custodian, Ley Matampi who saved the decisive kick of Mohamed Youla that helped his side book their second final

appearance. Captain Joel Kimwaki, Michel Mika, forward Bolingi, Doxa, Gikanji and Elia scored for the Congolese while Sankhon, Aboubacar Camara, Aboubacar Bangoura and Daouda Camara converted for the Guineans.

The match got off to an electrifying start with DR Congo taking control from the start. Most of the action was played in the half of the Guineans whilst DR Congo captain Kimwaki thwarted the few rare attacks by the West Africans.

Bolingi was heavily policed by the Guinean backline of Youla and Abuobacar Camara, but still managed to lay some good passes to Mechak Elia and Gikanji. Gikanji on two occasions struck shots that missed narrowly letting the Guineans off the hook.

The last five minutes of the first half belonged to the ‘Syli Nationale’ and Sanknon forced a good save from DR Congo goalie Matampi who spilled his

screaming free-kick just before the break.

The second half was balanced with both teams starting on a positive footing with possession switching intermittently for either side.

The best chance of the game came the DRC three minutes from time as Gikanji’s shot from close range ricocheted off the crossbar with Guinea goalie Abdoul Aziz Keita beaten. Just as the first half, Guinea were the better side in the closing stages, but their attempts at goal were foiled by the Congolese backline forcing the game into extra time.

Twelve minutes into extra time, Bolingi shot the Leopards into the lead by heading home from substitute Guy Lusadisu’s cross past a hapless Keita.

The Congolese held on and just on the stroke of time, Guinea replied with the equalizer through Sankhon who riffled home a thunderbolt that left Matampi @elvince_x254 with no option.

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 | www.254.co

Barcelona Thrash valencia 7-0 To all BuT qualify for copa del rey final

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Watford’s Jose Jurado wheels away from Chelsea opposition during last night’s Premier League match between the two sides at Vicarage Road in London. INSET: Chelsea’s Diego Costa being shown a yellow card by referee Mike Dean.

PHOT0/EPA

Chelsea stumble at Watford Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink was disappointed with his side’s 0-0 draw at Watford despite extending his unbeaten run since taking over at the Stamford Bridge to seven Premier League games.

The man who replaced fans favourite Jose Mourinho on a caretaker role think the struggling defending champions deserved all the three points.

“We’re disappointed because we didn’t get a deserved three points,” “It had been a difficult half-season for the team, but we are playing better.

It would have been a big reward winning tonight,” he added during the post-match interview.

Diego Costa saw a first-half shot

deflected just wide for the visitors, while Etienne Capoue’s fierce drive was kept out by Thibaut Courtois.

Heurelho Gomes’s superb onehanded save from Costa’s header denied Chelsea victory late on. The point moves Chelsea up to 13th on 29 points, while Watford are four points and places better off.

Watford started their first season back in the Premier League in blistering fashion, with eight wins before Christmas propelling them into the top 10.

However, that form took a turn for the worse as they lost four successive league games from December 28.

Hornets boss Sanchez Flores brought in Costel Pantilimon from

Sunderland during the January transfer window and if his intention was to challenge his first-choice keeper to raise his game, it appears to have worked.

Gomes put in a man-of-the-match performance against Chelsea, reacting swiftly to keep out Branislav Ivanovic from close range and Costa in the final few minutes.

“I believe the goalkeeper has to do things like that [make key saves],” Gomes told BBC Sport.

“We got a point today against a very good side and I was glad to make a difference.”

This game saw both the best and worst of Costa. The striker, particularly in the first half, was at it his bustling

best - a particular highlight the moment he brought down Cesc Fabregas’ long ball under control, and turned Watford defenders inside outside before shooting just wide.

He also struggled to control his temper as he was pulled up by referee Mike Dean for shoving over Sebastian Prodl in the Watford box, before he got involved in an angry exchange with Juan Carlos Paredes that led to both players been booked.

Chelsea defender John Terry caused a bit of a stir on Sunday when he announced that he will leave the club this summer, saying he had not been offered a new deal.

Hiddink suggested on Tuesday that the Stamford Bridge door was

not closed, however, and fans who travelled to Vicarage Road showed their support for their long-serving captain.

There was a loud cheer when his name was read out before kick-off, while some fans held up banners with the words “Captain, Leader, Legend” on them.

Generally, the 35-year-old was solid against Watford, although a misjudged jump in his attempt to clear a cross for Odion Ighalo hinted at why his time at the heart of the Chelsea defence could be coming to an end. Everton beat Newcastle 3-0 in the other match last night to move eight points below fifth placed Manchester United.

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