20160205 xnews

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016 | www.x254.co

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Kidero aims at wauguru as city politics shape up Governor accuses the former Cabinet secretary of using national youth service projects to launch her political career

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NEWS

Man city plot downfall of inform foxes in epl title decider

event disrupts olympic-bound malkia strikers preparations

New arguments to push poll date to December

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ew concerns have emerged over the need to push the election date back to December.

Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi is warning that scrutiny and approval of budget and other financing laws may not be

possible if the date is not moved from August 8, 2017 already proposed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

According to Muturi, MPs will already be campaigning and that Parliament will lack the quorum required to give proper oversight and checks.

“It will be difficult in an election year to get requisite quorum to pass very serious agenda in Parliament during the last quarter of the election year since members will be busy on the ground battling for re-election,” Muturi said in a statement.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

MPs put NHIF bosses to task over expenditure

IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan (left) has already announced August 8, 2017 as the date for the next General Election while National Assembly Speaker Justin Murturi (right) is warning that the holding elections at such a time could lead to a financial crisis.

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The management of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) was yesterday grilled by parliamentary Health Committee for spending public money without approval from the National Assembly.

The fund’s chief executive Simeon Ole Kirgotty, was at pains to explain to the committee why the body has been spending Sh870 million without parliamentary approval as required by the Constitution.

Kirgotty, told the Rachael Nyamae-chaired committee that their expenditure is usually discussed by the board of the management then forwarded to the parent ministry (Ministry of Health) before being taken to the Treasury for authorisation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

State releases Sh1bn for IDPs, orders camps closed The government has released Sh1 billion to conclude the resettlement of all the remaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

Addressing representatives of the IDPs at his Karen residence, Deputy President William Ruto said the money would be wired to the accounts of the IDPS beginning Thursday afternoon.

Ruto said the beneficiaries numbering 5,261 households were those affected by the 2007/08 postelection violence and those evicted from the Mau forest.

“From tomorrow, these money will be available in the IDPs’ bank accounts and we expect that by Monday no one will be remaining in the camps and all the camps will all be closed,” the DP assured.

At the same time, Ruto instructed Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to find mechanisms for arbitration on four farms that have been purchased for the resettlement programme.

“I am also asking the Attorney General to expedite the cases involving the 4,000 acre farms including hiring private lawyers,” he added.

Ruto said the government has provided cash or bought land for 28, 924 IDP households since the 2007/08 post-poll chaos, with 20,170 households being resettled in the last three years

alone spending Sh17.5 billion cumulatively.

He asked County Commissioners of Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Isiolo and Nyandarua where most of the remaining IDP camps are, to facilitate removal of the camps from roadsides from Monday.

Speaking at the meeting, Internally Displaced Persons national chairman Patrick Githinji assured that no any other person will come up claiming to be an IDP after this final resettlement programme.

“I thank the government for this generous gesture and assure that

the monies given today will be used in buying land or starting small businesses to sustain our lives,” he said.

Ruto had earlier held a consultative meeting between officials of the Ministry of Devolution and Planning led by Kiunjuri, the Chairman of the National Coordination Consultative Committee Adan Wachu and Chairman of the National land Commission Mohammed Swazuri and the IDPs representatives. peter_x254

“Whatever has been going on at NHIF over the expenditure of public money is unconstitutional, the body has been by-passing Parliament which is supposed to approve all spending’s of parastatals,” said the committee’s deputy chairperson Dr Robert Pukose.

The NHIF boss was accompanied by Ambrose Mugo (Director Quality assurance) and financial operations manager Geoffrey Mwangi.

Nyame said the committee has received numerous complaints from the public over the expenditure of NHIF. “It’s only prudent that you disclose to fully how you spend public money because the public feel you are untouchable as far as financial management is concerned,” said Nyamae.

Kirgotty said indeed they have been acting contrary to the Constitution and will further on engage Parliament in its budget preparation.

“I stand guided chair and admit that we have been making a mistake, going forward we will fully involve Parliament. I’m sorry over what has been happening,” he said.

Kirgotty also revealed yesterday that since the inception of the new enhanced rates announced last year April, the fund has had Sh2 billion as surplus.

The Fund has however not been used to improve

From Page 1

As such, he urged stakeholders to “think through these dangerous possibilities” and make decisions that are good for the country.

MPs have previously attempted to change the election date from the second week of August as stipulated in the constitution with no success.

The Bill to change the date from August to December was sponsored by Ugenya MP David Ochieng.

Ochieng’s Bill did not get the required support of 233 members but it can be revived after six months from October when it was defeated.

Already, Ochieng has said he is ready to re-introduce the Bill if members will back it.

He says that election in August could disrupt learning in schools which are used as polling centers and risk having lower turn-outs because many people are busy at that time.

But Muturi’s concerns could add a new angle to the whole debate.

Although the Constitution does not provide for the dissolution of Parliament, the Elections Act requires nominations to take place at least 60 days to the election day. This means Parliament will be without its members by early June. peter_x254

NHIF on spotlight over spending From Page 1

HEARTY MOMENTS: Deputy President William Ruto shares a laugh with representatives of Internally Displaced Persons when they met at his Karen residence in Nairobi yesterday. He announced the release of Sh1 billion to resettle all the remaining IDPs and ordered that the camps be closed.

PHOTO/DPPS

New concerns emerge over debate on the election date

the services offered to NHIF card holders something that further irked the committee.

“Why should you have a surplus yet majority of Kenyans continue to suffer over poor services offered by some facilities, you should use the surplus to help the public get better services,” said Seme MP James Nyikal.

Nyikal said NHIFsurplus is a clear indication that its either deducting too much from members or the services offered are too cheap to consume the full amount deducted.

“Ideally you should not have a surplus of Sh2billion while you only pay for a bed for the inpatient,” said Nyikal.

In its report after the introduction of increased rates to the Health committee yesterday, Kirgotty said NHIF collections has increased from the Sh870 million in the 2013/14 financial year to Sh2.2billion in the 2014/15 financial year.

NHIF rates were increased last year a move that saw the highest deduction rise to Sh1,700 from a flat rate of Sh200.

Kirgotty said patients are set to benefit more with the increased funds following the recentlylaunched NHIF out-patient. “It’s just a matter of time, we will not have any surplus that’s why we enhanced the out-patient cover that is just awaiting the approval of the Cabinet Secretary,” said Kirgotty. sam_x254

Women blame Cartels, feuds for Sumayya ouster at NOCK Cartels and infighting at the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) could have led to the suspension of Ms Sumayya Athumani as its CEO, the Women Muslim Association has said.

Led by nominated MP Zulekha Juma, the women protested her suspension, saying she was a victim of infighting and cartels that are determined to benefit from the oil corporation.

“Her decisions on zero tolerance to graft might have put her in conflict with other selfish people who wanted to propagate corruption,” said Zulekha.

The women defended her track record saying that her performance was enough testament to the growing local and international profile and recognition of the company.

Sumayya is said to have increased the turnover assess of the corporation up to Sh30 billion up from Sh6.5 billion since she assumed office.

She was suspend from her position at the corporation in unclear circumstances.

They demanded immediate reinstatement to her position to complete her tenure and achieve more for the corporation.

“We are urging the president and the

Energy Cabinet Secretary to reinstate her with immediate effect,” urged Ms Zulekha.

She claimed there is an increasing trend to harass women in top positions in the country and called for the National Gender Commission (Ngec) to institute measures to ensure that no more women are harassed.

She cited former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru who succumbed to pressure for her to resign due to corruption allegations in the National Youth Service (NYS) and former judiciary registrar Boss Shollei.

“Ms Sumayya adds to the list of women being harassed by the society as happened to Ms Waiguru who was forced to resign from her docket. Other who were allegedly involved are still in office,” added Zulekha.

The women argued that they constituted more than 50 per cent of the population and should be allowed to lead and stop discouraging from taking up positions.

NOCK is a state corporation with a mandate of participating in all aspects of the Kenyan petroleum industry. wilson_x254

NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

Uber gets State backing in taxi wrangles

The government has thrown its weight behind the online taxi firm Uber, warning regular street cab operators not to break the law in their protests against the firm.

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia told the United Kenya Taxi Association to find a way of working with Uber, warning them paralysing taxi operations in the country.

“We are in a liberalised environment and those who offer competitive services must be protected. Uber operators and their clients will be protected,” said CS Macharia.

His statement came after the regular taxi lobby issued the Transport ministry with a seven-day ultimatum to end the current standoff between its members and Uber Taxi drivers.

The lobby threatened to stop operations after the seven days and hold demonstrations that would paralyse activity in the city.

Speaking on Thursday at the School of Government, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery also directed his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho to convene a meeting between taxi drivers and the management of new entrant Uber to resolve the stalemate between the two competitive groups before it escalates.

“I have tasked the PS to get to the negotiating table with the two groups and find a lasting solution before events escalates,” said Nkaiserry.

He vowed to protect the Uber drivers as they were operating lawfully in the country and warned the regular taxi operators against

WARNING: Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has warned regular city cab operators against paralysing operations in the City, saying the government will act tough on culprits.

disrupting business.

The association of regular taxi drivers called on the government to intervene and end the business rivalry and competition between the two groups.

The lobby also asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare Uber illegal, claiming it had threatened the livelihood of 15,000 of their members.

Two people have so far been arrested and will be charged in court for vandalising cars

Hate mongers on the spot as CS call for their arrest Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery yesterday directed all regional coordinators and County Commissioners to arrest and prosecute anyone engaging in hate speech.

Nkaissery said the government will not spare anyone involved in hate speech an incitement as the country heads to 2017 General Election.

Speaking yesterday at Kenya Government School during first meeting of the National Government and County security committees attended by regional coordinators and county commissioners, Nkaissery said there was need to crack whip on hate mongers and instigators given the ahead of next

year’s poll.

“Anyone engaged in hate speech or inciting the public along ethnic lines must be brought to book,” said Nkaissery.

He said hate messages and bad publicity will have to be contained so as to avoid a reoccurrence of the 2007/08 post-election violence.

Although, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is charged with the powers to investigate incidents of hate mongering, the Interior Cabinet Secretary further gave the commanders the powers to arrest and prosecute those engaged in hate speech.

The NCIC chaired by former Speaker Francis ole Kaparo has been blamed for doing little to contain the spread of hate speech and incitement cases, with critics saying the commission has no teeth to bite.

Nkaiserry, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Ndegwa Muhoro, warned the county security officers that they risk being sacked if they don’t effect the directive.

He further announced that the government had given amnesty to all the chiefs and assistant chiefs but warned that those found engaging in the trade of illicit brewing will be prosecuted.

On the other hand, he dismissed claims by the Opposition leaders that the Jubilee government is withholding national Identity Cards in some regions, saying Kenyans must follow the right procedure to acquire identification papers. @hillary_x254

belonging to Uber drivers.

Tension between Uber and regular taxi drivers has remained high since January when the first incidences of harassment against the drivers were reported in Westland.

Regular taxi drivers have claimed that Uber’s cheap pricing model is denying them business.

“We are not at war and have no problem with Uber staying. But the problem comes in because they have not strategised on accommodating local players,” said Ashford

Mwangi, the spokesman of United Kenya Taxi Association.

“Uber is not the first app supporting the taxi business in Kenya. We have the likes of Maramoja and Easy Taxi apps working well within the industry simply because they involved stakeholders to determine rates.

So far, we have never had any issues with those apps for the two years they have been operational in Nairobi,” he said. @wilson_x254

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

Kidero now takes swipe at Waiguru as Nairobi city politics shape up Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has turned his guns on former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru who has shown interest in seeking the city’s top seat in next year’s elections.

Dr Kidero took a swipe at Ms Waiguru, accusing her of using the National Youth Service (NYS) programme to launch her political career.

Kidero who was speaking during the unveiling of a new morgue and incinerator at the Mbagathi level 4 hospital, claimed Waiguru used NYS projects in slum areas to launch build a support base.

“Initially NYS took off to a slow start because at that particular time, there was politics that it was being used as a launch pad by some personalities. Time is proving it to be so,” claimed Kidero.

His claims were apparently directed to Waiguru who resigned from the powerful Devolution docket in November last year, and subsequently expressing her interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial race in the 2017 general elections.

The seat has attracted other political bigwigs including Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, nominated MP Johnson Sakaja, Dagoreti south MP Dennis Waweru and former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru.

Kidero however pledged his support for the NYS after its planned re launch citing it as a source of livelihood for the vast jobless youth in the country.

“Having talked to the President, the county government will support the NYS projects for the benefit of the people,” said Kidero.

The governor urged the youth to embrace the ongoing bio-metric voter registration exercise and affirmed that NYS projects to be re launched were noble and not shrouded with suspicion from politics.

“Those who worked under the NYS

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero cuts the tape to officially open a morgue at Mbagathi Level 4 Hospital on Thursday.

The governors claims former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru used National Youth Service money to build her political support base.

programme should allow their biometric data to be collected so that they can be fully paid all their dues,” he urged.

Kidero reiterated his commitment to providing good health care services noting that the attendance in city public hospitals had declined over time, with most people complaining about lack of many basic facilities and essential drugs.

“As a government we will ensure all health facilities in Nairobi are well equipped, have sufficient drugs and adequate staff. Mobile clinics will also be established especially in

slums,” affirmed Kidero.

He added: “We will ensure that we will have enough outlets that can handle over 5,000 patients and provide mobile clinics in Kibera, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Mathare and Korogocho among others.”

Mama Lucy, Mbagathi and Pumwani Maternity Hospital will be upgraded to level five category in order to ease congestion at the Kenyatta National Hospital, he revealed.

The refurbished morgue received news 112 coolers and new specialised machine to perform post mortem. 11 technicians were

also employed. The governor said that plans to upgrade the hospital to a level 5 were in top gear where the facility will receive more ambulances, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Renal units by the end of the next financial year. The county executive member for health DR. Mugo said that plans to harmonize salaries and promote medical staff in the county were underway in order to address the stalemate between them and the county government.

“We are finalizing plans to address the issues of salaries harmonization and promotions,” said Mugo. @wilson_x254

Form board to monitor use of bursary cash, Uhuru orders Matiang’i

HAPPY TO MEET YOU: President Uhuru Kenyatta with beneficiaries of Equity Bank’s Wings to Fly Programme at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed Education Cabinet Secretary to establish a board of trustees to ensure prudent and transparent use of bursary funds in the constituencies.

Speaking this morning at Kasarani stadium during the launch of the second phase of Equity Bank’s Wings to Fly education programme, Uhuru said there are many needy students that deserve to get a slice of the bursary funds to further their education. “To ensure maximum use of the bursary fund across all the constituencies, I now direct education Cabinet Secretary to form a board of trustees that will ensure that bursary money benefits only the needy students,” said President Kenyatta. A total of 22,000 needy students applied for the Equity Wings to Fly scholarship this year but only 2,000 could

be accommodated. President Kenyatta said the gap can be bridged by prudent use of the bursary and other organisations coming on board. “I noted with concern that 22,000 needy students applied for this programme but only 2,000 were able to make it here, therefore, urge other organisations to emulate Equity Bank and provide education to the needy students,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State lauded the scholarship initiative, saying its compliments the government programme of providing free primary and secondary education.

“I’m happy to be associated with this program as its aim is the same as the programme of the government to provide free quality education to all,” he said.

President Kenyatta urged the beneficiaries of the scholarship

to make maximum use of the opportunity and excel in their academics. “For you that have made it here today, I urge you to fully maximize the chance and make sure you excel in your academics,” President Kenyatta told the beneficiaries.

The 2,000 needy and financially challenged students were drawn from all the 47 counties a process Equity Bank said was above board and only needy students got the opportunity.

The scholarship is comprehensive as it covers tuition fee, books, uniform and pocket money for the four years in secondary school.

Through the programme the students will also benefit from mentorship programmes, career guidance and leadership development programme in order to achieve their full potential. @sam_x254

NEWS

Clinton and Sanders clash in first one-on-one debate Veteran political brawler Hillary Clinton has flashed genuine anger and disbelief that Democratic presidential rival Bernie Sanders is casting doubt on her authenticity as a warrior in the left’s great battles against Republicans.

The former secretary of state accused Sanders of delivering an “artful smear” by suggesting her political favor could be bought by rich donors.

“If you have something to say, say it,” Clinton said as she and Sanders met at a debate in New Hampshire that was broadcast on MSNBC. A fight has been brewing between Sanders and Clinton for days over who is the most genuine progressive after the Vermont senator said that she could not be a moderate and a progressive at the same time.

They sparred five days before their next nominating clash, in the New Hampshire primary.

A new CNN/WMUR tracking poll published on Thursday showed that Sanders still has a formidable 61% to 30% lead over Clinton among likely primary voters in the Granite State.

The Sanders assault clearly frustrated Clinton, who vociferously defended herself as a progressive who gets results and has spent decades working on children’s rights and health care.

“I am not making promises that I can’t keep,” she said.

Clinton said that by Sanders’ definition of progressive politics, there would be nobody

Democratic ticket candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton during a debate on October 13, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two clashed last night with Clinton accusing her rival of using ‘artful smear’ against her.

PHOTO/EPA

left in the movement, including President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, who was a hero to liberals.

“I don’t think it was particularly progressive to vote against the Brady bill five times,” Clinton said, referring to past votes by Sanders on gun control.

Sanders hit back by pointing out that Clinton had referred to herself as a moderate at an event in Ohio last year. And he said that Obama and Biden had done a “fantastic job” pulling America back from the Great Recession.

“Do I think President Obama is a progressive? Yes, I do,” Sanders

said, though he added that he disagreed with the President on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

Sanders billed himself as the true outsider candidate in the race, while suggesting that Clinton was the candidate of the establishment. He argued that she would never be able to get money out of politics because she has a multi-million-dollar super PAC. At one point, as their tempers started to flare, Clinton and Sanders spoke over the top of one another as they sparred over the definition of progressive politics.

“Instead of arguing about definitions, let’s talk about what we should do (as president),” Sanders said.

Clinton shot back: “You began it yesterday with your comments,” referring to Sanders questioning her progressive credentials at Wednesday’s CNN town hall.

Clinton wasn’t the only one to show anger during the debate.

Sanders delivered a characteristically loud performance, directing his own anger at Wall Street, which he described as an “entity of unbelievable economic and political power.”

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WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

Rwanda plot to oust Nkurunziza A confidential report to the UN Security Council has accused Rwanda of recruiting and training Burundian refugees with the aim of overthrowing Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza. The report, by UNappointed experts who monitor sanctions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, alleges that training was carried out in a forest camp in Rwanda, Reuters reports. The experts said in the report that they had spoken with 18 Burundian combatants in eastern DR Congo’s South Kivu province, according to the news agency.

“They all told the group that they had been recruited in the Mahama Refugee Camp in eastern Rwanda in May and June 2015 and were given two months of military training by instructors, who included Rwandan military personnel,” Reuters quoted the report as saying. Burundi’s government has previously made the same allegations against Rwanda.

But Rwandan foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo termed the allegations as unfounded. “The Burundi crisis is very serious, and of the Burundian leaders’ own making, and the sooner the international community focuses on that, and not look for scapegoats, the better!

“The unfounded allegations come from the fact that Rwanda has been hosting refugees considered hostile to Bujumbura, but we cannot send them back unless there is a fair system that will protect their lives.

“Assuring the people of Burundi a good night sleep, and overall protection is what the United Nations should be bothered with, the rest is just predictable and transparent diversion.”

Rwanda’s ambassador to the UN has also dismissed the accusations contained in the report, accusing the UN’s panel of experts of overreaching their mandate.

Burundi has been hit by unrest since April, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he was running for a third term, which he subsequently won.

He survived an attempted coup in May, and four ex-generals have been sentenced to life in prison for plotting to overthrow him.

Top stories from X News global partners Number of FGM victims Classified Data Found in found to be 70 million Personal Email of Colin higher than thought: Powell and Aides to The huge global scale of female genital Condoleezza Rice: The State mutilation has been revealed in disturbing

new statistics, which show at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone ritual cutting, half of them living in just three countries. The latest worldwide figures, compiled by Unicef, include nearly 70 million more girls and women than estimated in 2014 because of a raft of new data collected in Indonesia, one of the countries where FGM is most prevalent despite the practice being banned since 2006. Statistics showed women in Indonesia, Egypt and Ethiopia account for half of all FGM victims worldwide.

www.theguardian.com

Department has discovered a dozen emails containing classified information that were sent to the personal email accounts of Colin L. Powell and close aides of Condoleezza Rice during their tenures as secretaries of state for President George W. Bush. Two emails were sent to Mr. Powell’s personal account, and 10 to personal accounts of Ms. Rice’s senior aides. Those emails have now been classified as “confidential” or “secret” as part of a review process that has resulted in similar “upgrades” of information sent through the personal email server that Hillary Clinton used.

www.nytimes.com

As a big conference on Obama proposes $10 aid for Syrian refugees per barrel oil tax: The gets under way in White House is proposing a bold $10 barrel tax on oil in a move that London, peace talks per immediately sparked a backlash from in Geneva stall: THE latest an energy industry buckling under the

diplomatic effort to end the tragedy of the war in Syria ended almost as soon as it started. Staffan de Mistura, the UN’s special envoy to Syria (pictured), convened peace talks between the Syrian government, some rebel factions and their respective sponsors in Geneva on January 29th. These were expected to continue for at least six months. But on February 3rd, he announced they had been suspended, saying: “I have concluded, frankly, that after the first week of preparatory talks there is more work to be done. www.economist.com

pressure of low prices. The proposal was contained in a budget plan that the Republican-led Congress will ensure is never enacted, but it is likely to force the Democratic candidates for president to sharpen their positions on energy. The oil industry said that the tax would raise the cost of petrol by 25 cents per gallon and undo the shale energy revolution, while a senior Republican congressman called it “dead on arrival”.

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WEEKEnD EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

Partner with advanced economies, IMF urges

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Kenya, among other emerging and developing nations, to partner with countries that have advanced economies in a bid to spur growth and development.

IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, who was speaking about the growing importance of emerging market economies at the University of Maryland yesterday, addressed students, citing Kenya as one of the countries likely to benefit from more partnerships with advanced economies.

“Let’s assume it is 7am, and the alarm goes off on your Chinesemade smartphone. (Ok, let’s say it is 9am—perhaps you have had a long night behind you!),” explained Lagarde. “At 9:15am, you are facing a really tough choice—between strong coffee from Kenya and a milder variety out of Colombia. You switch on your Bluetooth speaker—made in Malaysia—to listen to the news.”

“Overnight, global stock markets were rattled by the latest Chinese economic data—which has put a dent in your mom’s savings plan.

As you contemplate these first minutes of your day, you realize that the center of economic gravity has been slowly shifting,” she said.

“Yes, the United States is still the most important economy in the world, but New York, Chicago, and L.A. have gotten company, from Beijing to Brasilia, from Moscow to Mumbai, and from Jakarta to Johannesburg,” she added.

The IMF has found that though

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

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde. the west is touted as a hotspot for advanced economies, emerging and developing economies, which include Kenya and its neighbouring nations, are home to 85 per cent of the world’s population, representing roughly 6 billion people.

According to the Fund, these 85 per cent matter to the global economy more than ever because of their strong linkages through trade, finance and geopolitics.

New research has found that as a group, emerging and developing economies like Kenya now account for almost 60 per cent of global GDP, up from just under half only

a decade ago.

They contributed more than 80 per cent of global growth since the 2008 financial crisis, helping to save many jobs in advanced economies, too.

They have also been cited as the main driver behind the significant reduction in global poverty.

China alone has lifted more than 600 million people out of poverty over the past three decades.

“After years of success, however, emerging markets—as a group— are now facing a new, harsh reality.

Growth rates are down, capital flows have reversed, and mediumterm prospects have deteriorated

Interswitch to launch advanced Fraud Control Systems for banks Interswitch East Africa has today announced plans to introduce two advanced fraud control systems in Kenya known as CardControl and Scorebridge intended to further enhance fraud security for cardholders and financial institutions.

The card based fraud prevention systems will add a new layer of protection for consumers and financial institutions, over and above the new EMV (Chip and PIN) cards introduced in Kenya over the last two years.

On Scorebridge, Interswitch said financial institutions will have access to a “real-time rules engine” and artificial intelligence technologies enabling a real time analysis of financial transactions to determine whether they should be authorised or declined.

Addressing a bankers forum at a Nairobi hotel, Interswitch East Africa, CEO Bernard Matthewman, said customers and banks using the systems will achieve measurable fraud savings and

will be able to put a figure on how much they save from potentially fraudulent transactions.

“We continue to work with a large number of financial institutions seeking to strengthen card security in areas of vulnerability. Interswitch’s Card Control App for cardholders and Scorebridge for financial institutions are highly convenient solutions with almost no impact on transaction processing time and which will reduce the time spent by bank staff investigating fraud,” said Matthewman.

“Because of their intelligent nature, these new advanced solutions will result to even lesser incidences of card present and card not present fraud even in cases where customer’s card identity and PIN are exposed or stolen,” he added.

Interswitch serves more than 40 per cent of East Africa’s financial institutions who have outsourced debit and credit card issuance, switching as well as electronic processing for card and mobile money. enock _x254

sharply,” Lagarde said.

In 2015, emerging markets saw an estimated $531 billion (Sh52 trillion) in net capital outflows, compared with $48 billion (Sh4.9 trillion) in net inflows in 2014.

The IMF has stated that in the short term, the softening of growth, the scale of capital outflows, as well as the recent stock market declines are cause for concern.

Current IMF forecasts have found that emerging and developing economies will converge to advanced economy income levels at less than two-thirds the pace the group had predicted just a decade ago.

Dennis_x254

MEAN 102.2828 147.7758 112.6728 6.1357 33.8572 21.3624

BUY SELL 102.1861 102.3794 148.6167 148.9350 112.5422 112.8033 6.3088 6.3226 33.7763 33.9381 21.2933 21.4315

WBG in tobacco tax talks as Kenya mulls tough rules Members of the World Bank Group (WBG) are set to discuss the implementation of tobacco taxes in developing countries just as the Kenya Tobacco Control Board moves to enforce new regulations on the consumer product.

A select group of experts will on February 8, 2016, convene to discuss tobacco control in developing nations like Kenya.

The forum, dubbed ‘Tobacco Taxes: Good for Public Health, Good for Fiscal Revenues’, comes just as local groups, government officials and the Ministry of Health are entwined in a struggle aimed at determining the future of tobacco in Keya.

Last year, BAT launched a legal challenge against proposed tobacco control regulations on the basis that they were “oppressive, irrational and unreasonable”.

Experts have stated that worldwide, the tobacco industry frequently uses legal strategies to oppose tobacco control legislation.

According to a statement from the World Bank, tobacco kills more people each year than HIV/Aids, malaria and TB combined, three of the deadliest diseases in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa at large.

“The number of smokers is rising in developing countries and will contribute to 1 billion premature deaths in this century unless countries implement wellknown, cost-effective tobacco control policies, including higher tobacco taxes,” the group has said.

“Such taxes not only save lives but also increase revenues and reduce poverty among households whose members quit smoking,” added a statement from the group.

OMonday, the cigarette packages will instead carry health warnings and pictograms on the front and back respectively.

Electrification programme will meet new deadlines: CS An ongoing initiative to connect all public schools in the country to the national power grid will meet its new deadlines after failing to achieve its goal in June last year, the Ministry of Energy has said.

The electrification works should be complete within the next few weeks, the Ministry said in a statement.

Only five hundred and five primary schools out of 22,599 are yet to be connected to the power grid as of January 31 this year. Releasing the data provided by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said connectivity in the schools should be completed in two weeks.

Wiring works have been completed in 4,591 schools and are awaiting inspection by Kenya Power before

switch-on, while metering is being done on 630 primary schools.

“I think with the work they have already done, and if indeed there are 505 schools remaining, I have no doubt they will finish in the given new deadlines,” Keter said adding that the project has not been able to beat previous deadlines due to delay in disbursement of funding.

The project which cost Sh29 billion was started in July 2013 and was expected to be completed by June 2015.

Keter, who spoke after meeting members of the Parliamentary Energy Committee, REA and Kenya Power bosses, expressed confidence in the drive, stating that the remaining work must be done in a fortnight.

“We want to operate this ministry in a very transparent way.

Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 7

International distributor shun Kenyan leaf tobacco over discrepancies WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

Alliance One International,an international storage, sales, and distribution company and one of the two publicly held independent leaf tobacco merchants in the world, has announced that it will not source Kenyan leaf tobacco but will continue to process Ugandan tobacco in a third party Kenyan facility. AOI has made significant progress in an investigation previously disclosed on November 7, 2015 related to discrepancies in accounts receivable and inventory of Alliance One Tobacco (Kenya) Limited, discovered in the course of implementing current global restructuring and cost-saving initiatives.

Additionally, as previously reported, independent counsel and forensic accountants are assisting AOI in efforts to establish the

nature and timing of the acts that caused the discrepancies and to identify responsible parties. Enhanced procedures have been undertaken at selected origins, including, among others, additional inventory counts, third party account receivable verifications, and analytical procedures on fluctuations of other accounts, to determine whether issues similar to those discovered in Kenya exist elsewhere within AOI’s global footprint.

This work is nearing completion and thus far has not caused the Company to alter its previously disclosed belief that the reported discrepancies are unique to the Kenyan operation.

AOI estimates the total amount of the discrepancies in Kenya to be just under $50 million (sh.

Indian consumer goods company to acquire majority stake in Canon chem Multinational India-based consumer goods company, Godrej has entered into an agreement with Canon Chemicals Kenya Ltd to acquire a majority equity stake in its business in Kenya for an undisclosed amount.

Canon Chemicals has a strong market share in Kenya market, particularly in the petroleum jelly segment, according to Adi Godrej, Chairman for the Godrej Group.

Canon Chemicals makes and distributes products in the personal and home categories. Its major brand is Valon, a petroleum jelly. In 2015, the annualized revenue of the business was Sh1, 146 million. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd’s (GCPL’s) Africa business currently has annualized revenue of $200 million and with this acquisition, the company hopes to further build its presence in the sub-Saharan Africa market.

The maker of Cinthol soaps and Hit insecticides, GCPL has been building its presence in Africa since early 2000s. In 2006, the company acquired Rapidol (Pty) Ltd, a strong

player in hair colour. In 2008, it followed it up with another acquisition of a brand called Kinky known for products for dry hair.

“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to scaling up our presence in Africa and providing African consumers with a wide range of superior quality products at affordable prices.

We remain very excited by the tremendous potential of the African market and look forward to further building our business,” said Vivek Gambhir, managing director, GCPL, in a statement.

In 2010, they acquired Tura, a personal care brand that is particularly popular in Nigeria, and a year later, it made one of its largest acquisitions in the region with Darling Group, a panAfrica hair care company and market leader in hair extensions. Besides Africa, the company also has a strong presence in Latin America moving in line with GCPL’s global 3 by 3 strategy, targeting strong regional assets in the emerging world. kevin_x254

5b) at September 30, 2015 with approximately $3 million (Sh300 million) related to accounts receivable and approximately $47 million (sh.4.7b) related primarily to inventory.

Preliminary September 30, 2015 results, after giving effect to the discrepancies, estimate total AOI accounts receivable and inventory at approximately $258 million (sh25.8b) and $965 million (sh.96.5 b), respectively. The investigation is currently

working to conclude a “rollback” of the September 30, 2015 balance sheet to prior periods that will be utilized to help assess the magnitude of any effect on previously issued consolidated financial statements.

Sales are currently being impacted by a stronger US dollar this year versus last year and this impact is expected to be partially offset by increased full service volume. AOI also projects improved operating income versus last year in

a range of $115 million to $130 millionwith adjusted EBITDA similar to the prior year that includes increased equity in net income of investees. These full year projections are before giving effect to any adjustments that may be required related to the discrepancies in Kenya.

In light of the additional time required to finalize the investigation, assess the magnitude of any effect on prior periods and deliver current financials, and for

AOI’s independent auditors to complete the external audit process, AOI intends to file a Form 12b-25 (Notification of Late Filing) with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Fiscal 2016 Third Quarter Form 10Q, and will make the quarterly filing as soon as possible. AOI does not believe the Third Quarter Form 10-Q will be filed within the four business day extension period afforded by section 12b-25. kevin_x254

8

BUSINESS

Morocco finally unveils world largest solar plant in desert

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 20166

Financial firm Credit Suisse to cut 4,000 jobs

A Switzerland-based multinational financial service holding company, Credit Suisse has announced that it is going to cut 4,000 jobs. The announcement was made during the release of results for 2015 that saw the bank making a pre-tax loss of $2.4 bn which was its first annual loss since 2008.

The move according to Credit Suisse aims at saving 900m Swiss francs “from workforce strategy and the rightsizing of the bank’s London presence”. The bank said that the job losses announced with the results were an acceleration of cuts that were already planned.

According to the firm, its shares fell 10 per cent in Zurich to their lowest level since 1992 attributing the loss to a gloomy outlook for the current year. Reports reveals that the share dropped after Wells Fargo denied that it was in talks to buy assets from the Swiss lender.

“There is no truth to the rumour being reported,” Wells Fargo spokeswoman Elise Wilkinson said. It saidthat included “substantial charges which are not reflective of our underlying business performance”.

It has written off 3.8bn Swiss francs linked to its acquisition of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in 2000.

“Market conditions in January 2016 have remained challenging and we expect markets to remain volatile throughout the remainder of the first quarter of 2016 as macroeconomic issues persist,” chief executive Tidjane Thiam said.

Morocco has officially turned on a massive solar power plant in the Sahara Desert designed to become the largest in the world. The move comes just as Kenya is on track to finally launch the Lake Turkana Wind Farm project, a powerproducing initiative set to become the largest single private investment in the country’s history.

Opened officially by King Mohammed VI, the solar power farm will provide renewable energy to more than one million

Moroccans.

The plant, in the Sahara desert, south-east of Casablanca, will generate 500 megawatts when it reaches full capacity, comparable to a nuclear reactor.

It’s designed to store power when the sun isn’t shining. It takes around two hours to walk around the array of half a million parabolic mirrors that focus heat to provide steam for the turbines, the BBC reports.

Environmentalists have expressed concern that water required for

cooling will deplete a nearby dam.

Morocco’s king switched on the first phase of the concentrated solar power plant on Thursday.

The power station on the edge of the Saharan desert will be the size of the country’s capital city by the time it is finished in 2018, and provide electricity for 1.1 million people.

Noor 1, the first section at the town of Ouarzazate, provides 160 megawatts (MW) of the ultimate 580MW capacity, helping Morocco to save hundreds of thousands of

A Solar plant in Morocco’s Sahara Desert designed to become the largest in the world.

tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

King Mohammed VI will then lay the foundations for Noor 2, the next stage of the solar complex, according to a report from The Guardian.

Noor 1 had been due to open in December but was delayed by unspecified “agenda concerns,” elKadiri said.

After it is switched on, the plant will initially provide 650,000 local people with solar electricity from dawn until three hours after sunset.

“It is a very, very significant project in Africa,” said Mafalda Duarte, the manager of Climate Investment Funds (CIF), which provided $435m (£300m) of the $9bn project’s funding. “Morocco is showing real leadership and bringing the cost of the technology down in the process.”

The North African country plans to generate 42 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2020, with onethird of that total coming from solar, wind and hydropower apiece.

Morocco hopes to use the next UN climate change conference, which it hosts in November, as the springboard for an even more ambitious plan to source 52 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The country’s energy minister, Abdel-Kader Amara, said at a meeting during the Paris climate summit in December that in the coming months, many projects will be implemented to meet the country’s energy demands.

Chief executive who hiked HIV medicine Tuskys in pact with price mocks US congressional hearing Safaricom Sacco to Former head of Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli , refused to answer questions when he appeared before a US congressional hearing on the company’s drug pricing policy. He invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination, but sniggered through questions from representatives. Congress is investigating Turing’s 5,000 per cent price increase of a drug, Daraprim, used by many AIDS patients.

Shkreli asked Congress for immunity last month in return for his testimony. The Federal Trade Commission is also investigating whether Turing violated anti-trust laws when it raised the price of Daraprim. Turing pharmaceuticals purchased the patent to Daraprim for $50m (sh.5b) in July, but the company and its outspoken former CEO rose to public attention in August when the price of a single dose jumped from 13.50 to $750

(sh.75,000) Politicians, including Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton criticized the company for the increase. Mrs Clinton called Turing’s move “outrageous” and called it “price gouging”. In response Shkreli said the media and politicians did not understand the pharmaceutical industry. The industry’s main lobbying group, PhRMA, also spoke out against Turing’s actions. In a statement PhRMA said that Turing “does not represent the values of PhRMA member companies.”

Other members of the pharmaceutical industry, including the head of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, were also asked to testify.

After the hearing Mr kreli’s attorney told reporters that Shkreli, a former hedge fund manager, was a “brilliant scientist who had saved many lives.” Shkreli who is active on social media had already tweeted he would not

answer questions. At the hearing Representative Cummings said, “You can go down as the poster boy for greedy drug company executives, or you can change the system.” After the hearing Shkreli returned to Twitter to call the members of Congress “imbeciles”.

However, Turing Pharmaceuticals’ chief commercial officer Nancy Retzlaff did answer Congress’s questions. She told the House hearing that Turing acquired Daraprim because it was “priced far below its market value” and that the company planned to invest the profits from the price hike into research and development of new treatments. Shkreli stepped down as the head of Turing in December following his arrest on separate charges. The Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission have charged him with defrauding investors at a company he previously ran and a hedge fund he managed.

boost credit sales Retail supermarket chain Tuskys and the Safaricom Sacco- Kenya’s fastest growing private sector Sacco-have today signed a retail partnership agreement that will allow the telco’s employees and other Sacco members to acquire discounted high value items on a credit basis at the retailers 53 stores countrywide.

Under the partnership, Safaricom Sacco members will get a Local Purchase Order (LPO) from the Sacco offices and present the same to any Tuskys Supermarket after which the items will be released to them within 48 hours. The retailer will bill the Sacco once for all LPOs received within a month.

Speaking in Nairobi when the two organisations inked the deal, Tuskys CEO Dan Githua said the supermarket had taken a deliberate step to differentiate the on-credit shopping experience for the Safaricom Sacco members at its stores following a longstanding

relationship.

“This is part of Tuskys supermarkets expansion strategy that focuses on deepening partnerships with our corporate partners to drive business growth. Our partnership with this leading Sacco will ensure that as many members as possible have access to easy credit based means with which to acquire high value items,” Mr. Githua said.

Safaricom Sacco CEO George Ochiri said the partnership was a welcome development for its members and would add to the options its members have in acquiring household items.

“We have continuously sought partnerships that especially enrich the local shopping experience for our members. We are delighted to note that our members can now enjoy discounts, credit and deliveries while shopping at Tuskys,” he said.

enock_x254

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

ACCESS

dela’s latest single third party love is out today

All

About

celeb chat

Dela Maranga is on fire. She has mesmerized with her rendition of Adele’s Hello cover in Swahili. But wait, her own singles are even more captivating. She tells us her plans for Album number two and beefs with haters.

How is your year coming along?

Hahaha…OMG...let me tell you something about 2016, mine started in November because it’s like a comeback. I have proper plans for the year and guys you better be ready.

Can you give us a hint?

I have collaborated with artistes across Africa, from Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and maybe South Africa.

How is the transition from Afro Soul to Afro Pop? I am happy, before the move I was idle for two years. I guess it was long overdue and my experience is quite excellent thus far, having signed to work with Taurus Musik. My mind is focused and now I know where I am headed That Hello cover…

This cover was so random by the way! Webby and I rehearsing for a show and later a recording but the recordings were cancelled. So we had time on our hands but had nothing to do. So we were chilling having fish, I was looking for a guitarist for a different project I called Polycarp of Sauti Sol. We were at his studio when after doing a lot of listening to other

music we decided to record and put it out and then it blew up. It’s astounding to have had that the likes of Elle, Perez Hilton and others listen to it. Moral of the story; be random.

What do you think of Jimmy Gaits version?

Jimmy’s Hello is true to him and true to his vision and I respect him for that. You don’t have to fault him over what he believes or does. I find his rendition awesome.

Tell us about your second album launch?

I can’t wait. My first album did well locally. I sold 10,000 copies.

The second one should hit stands this April. It’s going to be on fire and crazy.

What Challenges are you facing currently?

Remuneration and MCSK among other players but I am not bothered. My request is to Radio stations; to please play more songs from local artistes, at least to u s h e r them in to the industr y but not to wait until they are made by others. @duncan_x254

10 fashion Parade

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 2014 5-7, 2016

FASHIONScoop

INSIDE YOUR CLOSET

Add a little glitter and you have a perfect evening dress.

Add a little warmth with a hanging turtleneck.

Pair the dress with knee length boots for an edgier look.

Play around with the wool to create ruffles and frills.

THis is HOw TO ROck THe jumPeR dRess Ankle boots help add formality to a jumper dress.

Despite the evident climatic changes, we have to brace ourselves for the oncoming long-rains season starting next month which calls for warm dressing, something that can get real messy what with the boots, gumboots and jackets. The secret in staying warm and chic in the cold weather lies in jumper dresses and the good news is that there are over a hundred ways to wear them. Here are our top tried

and tested ten: ‘bodycon’ designs to enhance your figure. lFor shapeless jumper dresses, cinch it in with a belt, it makes all the difference lIf it feels too tight, throw in some tights! lGlam up boring jumper dresses with some accessories. lAdd sophistication with a trench coat. lTry

@mercy_x254

TOP

allesia

POP HiTs

Rank

TiTle

aRTisTe

1 2

Here Same Old Love

Alessia Cara Selena Gomez

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sorry

Justin Bieber Adele The Weeknd Daya Drake Selena Gomez 1D Taylor Swift

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

11

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

WEEKEND PLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide

CelebRATing legenD

WhErE: Kuzima Sports Bar WhO: ZJ Heno TiME: 6pm.

WhErE: The Bus TiME: 6pm.

the

ReD, blACk

e v O l

AffAiR

wknD

WhErE: Michael Joseph Centre WhO: Zeshari Jean TiME: 6pm EnTrY: Sh600.

BOB MARLEy

TODAY

SUnDAY

ChineSe

nEW YEar bUFFET WhErE: Eastland Hotel TiME: 11am EnTrY: Sh1850

WhErE:Alliance Francaise TiME:6 pm.

EnTrY: From Sh800.

An evening

HOT TOPICS

Prisca Ojwang

@thE BuS

SATURDAY

TODAY

SATURDAY

h TeA wiSTe A CAU Bahati eats humble pie

After being scared off and cowing away from the industry, gospel singer Bahati is back. Bahati who got emotional over claims of being harassed by fellow musicians switched off his social pages and his phone and disappeared into the unknown. However, Bahati seems to have recovered and is now back after numerous appeals were made by fellow artiste. He spoke exclusively to XAccess this morning while on his way to a live radio interview along Mombasa road.

afro

Azz

bahaTi

Ali Kiba also to perform in Turkana

GEttING ouT of

Out&About

TOwn…

It is always interesting to have a drinking adventure out and about the outskirts of Nairobi’s CBD. Nairobi city’s outskirts have in the recent past seen mushrooming of mini towns, beginning with the likes of Rongai, Dagoretti and now Ruaka.

Ruaka is on your way to Limuru past Gigiri and Runda, a mushrooming locality where rental apartments are whispered to be spacious at a fair price.

Apparently, you will easily acquire a rental house, where

the bedroom is equal in size to the sitting room of a rental in South C! Moreover, it’s an all rounded locality with a market for fresh vegetables, a couple of supermarkets, and abundant fresh air straight from Karura forest.

But we digress.We are talking about the party mode and this is where we introduce Club Sixty Nine, better written as Club LXIX. Club 69 is perched atop Ruaka Square’s sixth floor giving you

an extensive view of Kiambu and expansive coffee plantations to the North West of Nairobi.

Apart from the view, it’s properly sanctioned with several lounges dedicated as drink specific bars, from a Main Bar and Lounge, to a Whiskey Bar and an Elevate Sheesha lounge.

To sample these bars and lounges, you are most invited during the clubs theme nights which range from a Karaoke Ladies Wednesday, an executive Reggae Thursday with best of

Old and new school Reggae.

To sample the theme nights you must be strictly 25 plus in age.

You will love their prices; a beer is as cheap as Sh 230 with a happy hour where you only get to pay Sh 200.

After having fun at this joint you can exit stage left using the eastern bypass that will both lead you to Mombasa Road or the Waiyaki Way and back to the CBD.Just don’t drink and drive or you will be sorry!

Ali Kiba, yesterday launched his video, Lupela, in the wild at the Slipway Hotel in Tanzania.

Bongo’s favorite artiste opted to do so as part of his efforts to save the elephants. Ali Kiba has been working with WildAid an American based organization to save the Elephants. It did not stop there, after news that Diamond will be in Turkana on Val’s day, it would appear Kiba is also slated to be in the same town.

Is this another show of might by Bongo’s biggest stars? ali kiba

Hey Team Mafisi; Rihanna is single!

Rihanna the international Pop singer has revealed that she is not dating and that she hates men. Rihanna was speaking on the Ellen show during her first ever televised interview. Ellen popped the question are you seeing someone? And Rihanna responded by saying, “I’m single right now. I just think that I just have so much on my plate that I can’t even find the time to entertain a steady relationship or anything serious.

rihanna

BUSINESS claSSIFIEd

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016 TUESday, JaNUaRy 26, 2016

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WEATHERFORECAST WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Perhaps a check you’ve spirit beenand expecting hasn’t arrived on are time, or maybe bank hasyour made a Yours is an independent your best achievements often born of the doing things own computer errorbest regarding your account.

It’s nothing that can’t straightened out, though it’s going way.

Do your to follow suit and finish what needs to bebe done.

Afterward, you may find more to be a pain making all of those phoneconsequences. calls. Basically, all should be going very well for you. freedom to act independently without

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A temporary setback regard youraround career you might have feeling bit disoriented right now, Consider sharing this with energy withto those who areyou feeling lessathan content. Your attitude Aquarius. equipment kindpartners, might bespouses, involved. and Yourchildren. own determination, efficiency, can have Modern a profound effect of on some friends, Even neighbors and and practical abilities should have it taken care of in noeven time.realizing it. extended family can pick up on your spirit without you

FRIday TUESday 5/2/2016 26/1/2016

26

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SATURDAYday More sun than clouds WEdNESday MoRE SUN THaN cloUdS 6/2/2016 27/1/2016

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Yesterday’s Solution Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Beyou prepared!

Some equipmentyou withneed which work suddenly go out oftake order andtoit think. could Who take If don’t have everything oryou all of themight required information, time a while get itWhat fixed.

A temporary frommight a romantic could also disappointing. can youtoask? places can youseparation access? Who know partner where you can findbewhat you need?

You may have a lotbecause of physical which you have little make immediate Take and a long Rather than panic the energy pieces for aren’t all there, instead a list outlet. of contacts go walk. for it.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Dreams meditation may have brought updrag some spiritual insights revelations for will you,pass. and you While it’sortrue that some days can seem to on, the busier you and are the faster time Get may have promptly forgotten them upon coming out make of yourplans dream meditative state.a This down to finishing any work still before you and then for or tonight.

If there’s light could at the prove frustrating writing them down even you only snatches. end ofvery the tunnel, not for onlyyou! will Try things seem to speed up butif you’ll feelremember better knowing it’s coming.

TAURUS Apr TAURUS Apr 20 20 -- May May 20 20 It hasn’t, Taurus; it’s just delayed.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can doand butgoing wait. Equipment Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, about work you use on the job could go out of whack necessitating Thisway could the same way day after day.

Before you today, know it, you feel likecalling you’reinina arepairman. rut. The only to set get your work back some and make you a bit antsy.

Try to find something else to do! away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing something unique.

GEMINI May GEMINI May 21 21 -- Jun Jun 21 21 Today likelythat to be feeling passionate, andreasons. desirousEven of a romantic Try to you’re remember you choseespecially the life you have for sexy, specific if you’ve encounter, come to a Gemini.

Youyou’re might considering even have aa change, hot date there’s scheduled.

However, surprisedorifembarrassed it has to be point where no need to feel don’t badly,be ashamed, postponed foryou reasons beyond the control eitherhis you your about where are now.

Everyone has toofmake oror her ownpartner. way.

CANCER Jun CANCER Jun 22 22 -- Jul Jul 21 21 She could have some other news that and could come as a plans shockfor to you.

A crisis on the job mighttomake Finish the things that aren’t complete make some this evening.

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Hang in there! it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.

LEO Jul LEO Jul 2323- Aug Aug 22 22 Overwork nerve could have you feeling littleifbit under thecase, weather today, and it might Feeling theand effects ofstrain today’s energies, Leo? Take aheart this is the because the end of the be a good idea for you toas take some time alonebest to rest.

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Do your to take things step at atleast a time seethings about easy.

Some unexpected changes in your community might have your neighbors’ tongues wagging. making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie.

VIRGO Aug VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 23-Sep 21 21 A creativeforward project of kind may a larger of money, or othertoresources than Looking to some something fun require can make evenexpenditure the toughest of daystime, far easier handle. You’ll youamazed originallyhow thought, could have you wondering if you’ll beplain able to continue it. Itattitude might take be muchand youthis can manage when there’s an end in sight.

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So take the on bullyour by the an incentive forcomplete yourself.it as planned.

LIBRA Sep LIBRA Sep 23 23 -- Oct Oct 22 22 You might visitors, Libra, or even hot date lifestyle scheduled tonight, by mid-afternoon you Don’t judgehave someone if he or she has aa different thanforwhat you but consider to be OK, Libra. mightprobably be feeling too toward tired to go with ityet and wondering cancel.

Have coffee and You lean thethrough traditional, not everyoneif you feelsshould this way about relationships, snacks atorhome instead of be going out,off and get that the snacks the your store!own life on track. working, lifestyle.

You’d better using energy from to keep SCORPIO Oct SCORPIO Oct 23 23 -- Nov Nov 21 21 Deliveries youthat may bedon’t expecting could betodelayed held Today you might learn something Just be sure you give so much others or that youup. don’t have anything left for yourself. shocking about aisneighbor or relative, gossip might very rapidly your community.

True friendship about sharing and and the exchange of spread problems and help.through Running yourself down Thisleave couldyou have reeling even though mighttobebeexaggerated. will in you a place where you aren’titgoing much help to anyone.

SAGITTARIUS Nov SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 23 -- Dec Dec 21 21 Some good surprising news a group withthe which you may be affiliatedtocould come your You may feelbut a huge second windabout that can give you drive and determination see your chores way today, Sagittarius.

Perhaps fundraising have been successful thanwith youfriends thought, and projects through. Make some plans foractivities this evening, such more as getting together or or perhaps is coming your you. way. Until Contracts might be involved. taking in anrecognition event that really intrigues then, or goother aboutlegal yourpapers tasks bit by bit.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 Barua Muganga

RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY Nipe Nafasi You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go toRED this link using GPRS or WAP & download your content. Glory to Glory

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12

Ex: HC4 to 22333

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13

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Basic ball game 6. Adopted 14. Biochemist Severo 15. Door apertures 17. “___ the breaks” 18. Daughters’ husbands 19. They can go on for days 21. Dine’s partner 22. Collaboratively 23. Like many offices 25. The Go-___ (rock band) 26. Texts, for short 28. Days ___: long ago 29. Ending for depend or absorb 30. Leather type 32. Albany’s place (abbr.)

33. References with scales 34. Hagen of “Key Largo” 37. Policy at some hotels 38. MTV countdown program 41. “Instant Karma” singer 43. Stylish Christian 45. Laugh half 46. Range of the Rockies 47. Egg dishes 49. ____ the buzzer 50. Characters in soaps, often

52. Delicious nut that’s dangerous for dogs 55. That’s why they call ____ blues 56. Stirring things up 57. Kermit’s color 58. Without teeth 59. Geeks Down 1. Dwarves’ home 2. Truman’s secretary of state 3. “____ of the Mohicans” 4. Heavenly body 5. Urgencies 6. Bath additive 7. “Turn ____” (Norah Jones song) 8. Uncle ____ (rice brand) 9. Angular velocity meas.

10. ___ tuna 11. ____ Twitty (country music star) 12. Sci-fi author Harlan 13. School VIP’s office 16. Norwegians’ neighbors 20. Resort area on Long Island 23. Missing companionship 24. Little newts 27. Prim and proper 31. Bond’s forte 33. Soon, to a poet

34. Last syllable of a word 35. “I Was a ____ Werewolf ” 36. Indigestion relief 38. Show place 39. Threw up 40. Abates 42. Write down, as music 44. Quit officially 48. French measure 50. “____ Toy or a Treasure?” (Kay Starr tune of 1954) 51. In new condition 53. Newsman Rather 54. Its symbol on the NYSE is “T”

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY Kenyans should not politicise Joho firms’ closure The closing down of two container freights stations associated with the Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has triggered mixed reactions across the country.

On the side of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord), where Joho is a key figure, the leaders led by Raila Odinga has accused the government of bullying Opposition leaders to toe line. However, for those who attempt to pause and think twice before opening something is amiss in the whole conundrum.

What Kenyans need to know is not just how the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) ordered the closure of the container freight stations, but why? We need to know about the illegal rice, ethanol and sugar that President Uhuru Kenyatta oversaw

its destruction a week ago, which was allegedly cleared by the stations and the true reports about the allegations of smuggling of multi-million shillings worth of goods.

It is not just about more than 1,200 people losing jobs as a result of the closure of the two stations rather it’s about fighting impropriety in the all sectors. It’s about ‘cleaning up’ our beloved country which means sometimes radical measures must be taken. Any true patriot will agree with me that our economy would rather dwindle on legitimate means than flourish on spurious way.

Kenya has always professed democracy and in a true democratic environment no one is too big for the hand of law. No one should infringe the law and go unpunished just because of their status in

the society.

There is a famous proverb that says “He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.”

Kenyans need to know the truth. Leaders must display all the cards on the table and not just put your voices on top looking for and crying foul to earn sympathy while in your inner being you know your dealings and operations are questionable.

Just like any other Kenyan, you should allow the law to take its full course. One thing I know is that truth needs no colour and whatever the case, it will always come out.

If the records are clean and that there are no skeletons in the in the cupboard, well and good, you would have passed integrity test!

— By James Serengia

Nuttal sacking ahead of tie bad news for Gor fans The untimely sacking of Gor Mahia coach just days after the club signed a multi-million sponsorship deal with betting firm Sportpesa is unfortunate and demoralising to players. It is illogical for the club officials led by Chairman Ambrose Rachier to coerce head coach Frank Nuttal to take a 50 per cent pay-cut, yet the club has just signed a sponsorship deal. Salaries are revised upwards, and Rachier being a lawyer by profession, I would like to hear him address why they opted for a downward salary review.

Since Nuttal replaced Bobby Williamson as K’Ogalo coach, the club faithful have only

known one thing, trophies and winning. The team’s performance last season was exemplary, going unbeaten in the league and reaching the Cecafa final in Tanzania. If anything, the coach deserves salary raise because with the meagre resources, he could still take the team to greater heights.

The officials have to explain to the faithful what happened and how they arrived at the decision to fire the Scot. Gor faces a wellprepared Bandari in a DSTV cup on Saturday and actions like this one is an indicator to bad things ahead.

— Bukende, South C

State must protect Uber drivers from harassment News that local taxi operators are planning to go on strike and paralyse transport in Nairobi if the government does not kick out Uber taxi operators out of business is illegal and sickening. Competition is healthy and good for Kenyans therefore it is uncalled for a business firm to be shut at the request of a competitor or driven out of the market through hooliganism.

You can only drive them out of business by providing better services, being on time, providing reasonable prices and treating your customer right.

Uber is here to stay and customers will support them. The drivers are always on time, very polite, they make sure their customers are comfortable, most of them offer newspapers and refreshments while most of these operators who want to kick Uber out play whatever vernacular radio station they deem fit at unreasonable volumes. At Uber, I will be asked if I would like the radio on or off and

what station I would prefer. All these at the lowest rate in town. Why again would I chose a random cab?

It’s up to you to regroup, re-strategise and rebrand to survive in the market. Kenyans are brighter, technologically advanced and we want to save our money too.

It is also sad to see the government though Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery trying to act like the taxi operators are right in whatever attacks they have allegedly meted out on the Uber drivers and their latest threats to paralyse City transport should the government fail to order the Uber drivers out of the market.

Kaissery should be addressing the matter while people issuing threats are in custody, Kenya is a country guided by law and no firm should be allowed to intimidate others just because they have failed to match their good services.

— Reina Kimeu - Nairobi

Supreme Court needs overhaul ahead of 2017 polls Kenyans voted in the new constitution during the 2010 referendum to overhaul the governance structures and institute major reforms in the country.

The Judiciary being a key arm of the government was restructured where Supreme Court was created as the highest court in the land.

The seven-judge bench led by the Chief Justice was mandated to exclusively hear and determine disputes relating to the elections to the office of the president or any other case related to election petitions.

With the coming of devolution, legal tussles

were inevitable. With this in mind, the crafters of the Constitution created a room for disputing parties to seek the interpretation of the law from the Supreme Court.

Agreeably, the court stands out as the key pillar in governance and in enforcement of the rule of law to guard the Constitution.

With the court now being haunted by corruption allegation drawn from bribery claims, its role to guard the law has been dented. In the recent past, the Chief Justice Willy Mutunga argued that key reforms had failed to take shape in the Judiciary due to infighting cartels.

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

In other words, as the CJ and president of the court, Mutunga admitted that corruption is rife and in our court system.

The Sh200 million bribery claims against Justice Phillip Tunoi to rule in favour of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in an election petition challenging his victory in 2013 could turn out to be the worst in Kenya’s judicial history. Whatever the outcome of the probe, the image is already dented.

Kenyans have no longer have faith in the courts again. With the next General Elections 19 months away, more need to be done. — Nderitu, Embakasi

14

SPORT

Event disrupts Olympic-bound Malkia Strikers preparations WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

The national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers training for the February Olympic qualifiers was disrupted after Equity Bank booked the training venue for an event.

The team that will leave for Cameroon in four days’ time has been training at the Indoor facility at Kasarani, but they had to sit out of training today morning after Equity Bank booked the entire facility for the bank’s ‘Wings to Fly’ programme.

“Currently we are in the (hotel) rooms, but we’ll go there (Kasarani) in the evening to try and see if we can train,” assistant coach Josp Baraza told X-Sport.

Kenya is scheduled to depart for Cameroon next week in search of their first Olympics appearance since 2004. The games will run from February 12-19 with the winner booking a ticket to August’s Rio di Janeiro Olympic Games.

The team that is a cocktail of experienced and youth will only have one debutant, libero Agrepina Kundu who will fight for the first position with Kenya Prisons’ Elizabeth Wanyama.

Others are Everlyn Makuto, Monica Biama, Noel Murambi, Edith Wisa,

Malkia players during a past match. The team’s preparation for Olympic qualifiers which was underway at the Kasarani Indoor Arena has been disrupted after Equity bank booked the entire venue for an event.

Joan Chelagat, Violet Makuto, Joy Lusenaka, Jane Wacu, Lydi Maiyo, Gaudencia Makokha and Leonida Kasaya. One player will be drop.

Meanwhile, Egypt will return back to organise their first World level championship since 2001. Egypt were entrusted to host the 2017 Men›s U23 World Championship by the International Volleyball Federation -

FIVB Sports Events Council meeting in Lausanne Thursday.

Egypt hosted the 2001 Boys U19 World Championship when they achieved their best ever world level results, finishing in the 4th position.

This is just one of the six age Group World Championships which will take place between June and August 2017.

The number of teams participating in the U18 Girls’ and U19 Boys’ Worlds will be reduced from 20 to 16.

The 2017 edition of the Girls’ U18 World Championship will be hosted

by Argentina, who also hosted the Boys’ U19 World Championship in 2015. Bahrain will host the next edition of the Boys’ U19 World Championship in 2017. @elvince_x254

Schumacher’s life ‘not good’, says official Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher’s health is ‘not good’ Schumacher’s boss at Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo has said there is no good news for the German.

“I have news and unfortunately it is not good,” Montezemolo told reporters on Thursday.

Schumacher’s official spokesperson Sabine Kehm declined to comment according to BBC. Seven times world champion Schumacher, 47, suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013.

Schumacher continues to receive intensive treatment at his home in Switzerland following the accident in France.

In November, FIA president Jean Todt said Schumacher was “still fighting”, almost two years after the accident.

“Life is strange,” added Di Montezemolo.

“He was a fantastic driver and only had one accident with Ferrari in 1999.”

Schumacher was skiing with his 14-year-old son and others in an off-piste area between two marked runs above Meribel when he fell.

Man City host Foxes in battle for EPL title Leicester City, first on the English Premier League table travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, second on the log in what is arguably the biggest match of the weekend.

Leicester is going into Saturday’s match with three point’s advantage. City is currently 47 points, and Manuel Pellegrini knows the importance of grabbing the three points as he prepares to vacate the seat to incoming coach Pep Guardiola in July.

The Chilean will have his hit-man Sargio Aguero, who netted in their side’s 3-0 win against Sunderland last Tuesday ready to answer every attack by Leicester’s danger man Jamie Vardy who also scored a spectacular volley in his side’s win in midweek against Liverpool.

Just five points separate Leicester from fourth-placed Arsenal who has since dropped three place in two weeks. City’s superior goal difference means that they would take charge with victory over the Foxes this weekend.

City have the best home record in the league this season, winning nine of their 1 2

matches and scoring 33 times in the process. Indeed, only one team (Everton) have stopped Man City from scoring in their last 27 competitive games on home soil.

The Citizens are riding on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League since their last lose at Arsenal before Christmas. That run include three draws of their last six in the top flight.

But they will face a Leicester side that held them to a barren draw in their first leg December 29.

City knows the work ahead of them- a trip to Tottenham (February 14), then Liverpool come calling at the start of March and while they have a very strong record against Leicester winning four of the last five meetings between the two sides, including a 2-0 success at the Etihad last season they must not lose tomorrow.

Leicester have not scored in their last three Premier League matches against Man City, but the Foxes have taken more points on the rod than any other team this campaign, 25 in total. They

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. His main tactic will involve containing Leicester City’s in-form striker Jamie Vardy (left) when the two sides clash in a potential title decider in Manchester tomorrow.

PHOTOS/ TIM KEETON and LINDSEY PARNABY/EPA

have only lost twice include only one loss in their last 15 away league matches, winning nine times in the process.

While Leicester are favourite title contenders, they will still take solace in the fact that they are 10 points clear of fifth placed Manchester United, which leaves their dream of finishing in top four still intact.

The Red Devils were held to a barren draw with struggling defending champions in the first fixtures.

Usually United trip to Stamford Bridge would be the biggest

clash, but not this Sunday as Chelsea 13th in the log face a side who now find themselves fighting for a place in the European competition.

But Chelsea, the underdog ahead of the fixtures are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester United who have won only one of their last 13 trips to Stamford Bridge United have in fact lost more often to Chelsea, 16 in total than any other opponent in English league.

Guus Hiddink is unbeaten in his last five competitive contests with Dutch compatriot Louis Van Gaal, winning four and drawing one.

Tottenham who sits third will host Watford as Liverpool entertain Sunderland.

Arsenal will be at home against Bournemouth on Sunday.

SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016 | WWW.x254.cO

Manchester city host flying leicester at the etihaD staDiUM in what is billeD as the english preMier leagUe title DeciDer

p15

Gor Mahia pose for a photo before a past league match. K’Ogalo parted ways with head coach Frank Nuttal he failed to take a pay-cut as demanded by club officials. Gor plays Bandari tomorrow in a DSTV Cup in Mombasa’s Mbaraki stadium. Michael Nam could replace the Scot as the new coach.

Gor sack Nuttal

Gor Mahia have sacked head coach Frank Nuttal, 11 months to the end of his contract.

The unfamiliar decision by the club executive however did not go down well with the club fans who were caught unaware.

The Scot was shown the door yesterday evening in what could elicit revolt from a section of fans who have vowed to force the club to reverse the decision. It came as a surprise, to fans and media in equal measures after Gor terminated the service of one of the club’s most successful coaches in the history, just days after the club secured a multi-million sponsorship deal with betting firm, Sportpesa. The man, who took over from Bobby Williamson stood by the club in tough times after sponsors walked away, guiding the club to two league titles, a Top 8 title and reaching the Cecafa Kagame Cup in his 17 months stint at Gor. In an emotional letter to the Press, Nut-

tal narrated how club’s executive coerced him to take a pay cut before terminating his contract which was supposed to end in January, 2017.

In any ideal coaching world, these achievement would have warranted a pay rise, but Gor and Nuttal failed to agree on a new contract which required the Scot to take 50 per cent pay cut from Sh750,000 a month.

“The executive office of Gor Mahia has terminated my contract today, February 4, 2016 via a letter to my lawyer Gradus Oluoch and Co. Advocates,” Nuttal said in a statement.

“The reason for terminating my contract is because the executive committee wanted to reduce my salary by 50 per cent whereas my contract clearly provided for a 10 per cent increase of my salary from January 2016,” he added.

K’Ogalo’s Green Army is supposed to descend in the coastal town of Mombasa where Gor is set to play Bandari this Saturday in a DSTV Cup final, but the fanfare synonymous with the their matches, espe-

cially out of the City seems uncertain after a section of fans have threatened to protest the decision. Michael Nam is understood to be lined up to take up Nuttal’s place, but fans have vowed to take none of that.

“Brace yourselves for the toughest and roughest week of your lives starting today,” a self-proclaimed Gor fan who calls himself-Nyakwar Matete directed his anger to the club chairman and Ambrose Rachier and Team Manager Jalawi Obondo.

Koyo Collins added: “Michael Nam, don’t you dare dream even in your sleep of coaching Gor! Hope unajipenda (you love yourself).”

“Any coach found to be conducting training without the approval of fans will be doing so at his own risk. So keep off to avoid the wrath of the GREEN ARMY,” Holy Bonnie who has Nuttal’s portrait as his Profile picture wrote on his social media account. Nuttal is the second senior most member of the technical bench to leave the club after John Bobby Ogolla left for City Stars where he is the current head coach.

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