20160209 xnews

TUESday, FEBRUaRy 9, 2016 | www.x254.co

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miguna miguna joins race to unseat kidero Former adviser to ex-prime minister raila odinga says he is best suited to end nairobi woes and is conFident oF beating his competitors ‘soundly’

NEWS

african queens depart for cameroon in search of elusive olympic ticket

saints’ victor wanyama handed five-match ban for third red card

Gender agenda top priority for Women MPs as House reopens StoRy oN PaGe 2

New questions face Amisom after KDF attack

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Nominated Senator Ziporrah Kittony with Gender and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki during a meeting with Women MPs in Nairobi yesterday. The women lawmakers want the Bill on the Gender Rule passed this year.

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he African Union force in Somalia is facing new questions following last month’s attack on a Kenyan military base, which al-Shabaab claimed killed more than 60 soldiers.

Kenya’s military has not yet said how many of its soldiers died at the el-Ade base in southern Somalia but it could be one of the biggest ever suffered by the AU force, known as Amisom.

That attack, and the more recent fight for control of the port town of Merca, have confirmed that the militant Islamists are not a spent force despite Amisom being on the ground since 2007.

According to its mandate, it was set up with United Nations backing to “reduce the threat posed by al-Shabaab” and support the Somali government in regaining control over the country.

But there is still some way to go.

In the wake of the el-Ade attack Amisom troops withdrew from several towns in southern Somalia in what officials called a tactical move.

The region is where al-Shabaab is believed to be concentrated and it appears to be filling the void.

The losses suffered by the Kenyan contingent follow similar attacks on Amisom’s Ugandan and Burundian troops last year.

At the recent AU summit in Addis Ababa, President Uhuru Kenyatta called for “more resources for the forces in Somalia”.

CoNtINUeD oN PaGe 4

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NEWS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Gender agenda top priority for Women MPs as House reopens

Women Members of Parliament have prioritised the passage of a draft law to fulfil the gender principle among the goals they want to achieve this year.

Under the banner of Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa), the lawmakers were categorical that the two-thirds gender rule must be achieved this year.

A draft law to amend the fulfilment of the Constitution on the gender principle failed to be passed by last August as was required and MPs were forced to give themselves a one-year extension to pass the Bill.

But with some sharply contrasting views having been expressed, it promises to be a big battle the women lawmakers are angling for.

Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi last year proposed the scrapping of the Women Representative position to be replaced by some 100 special seats to be left for IEBC to fill with women.

But Nyeri Women Rep Priscilla Nyokabi, who is the vice chair of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee said she expects that the House will give the gender rule a priority as it resumes its sittings today.

“The two-thirds gender rule is a

Nyeri Women Representative Priscilla Nyokabi. She said women lawmakers will speak with one voice to push the gender agenda in Parliament

constitutional requirement that must be achieved. As Kewopa, we expect this to happen as soon as possible and we want to see the House giving it a priority as it resumes sittings today,” she said.

Nyokabi said Kewopa will speak in one voice in ensuring that the gender rule is achieved without further postponement.

“As you can see, we are gathered here

as Women Members of Parliament from across political divide, here there is no Cord or Jubilee. We want this two-thirds gender rule be achieved,” Nyokabi said at a Kewopa meeting at a Nairobi Hotel.

Nyokabi also said Women Parliamentarians will speak in one accord to ensure that women continue to benefit from the Women and the Youth Enterprise Funds.

“These are two avenues where we feel that women can get empowered and we will support the new CS in charge of Gender Affairs in her quest to give women and the youth more money,” she said.

The realisation of the two-thirds gender rule elicited debate last year with various proposals on how best it can be achieved before the expiry of August 27 last year that the Supreme Court gave Parliament to ensure that it’s achieved. It’s the same date that also marked the fifth anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution.

MPs resume sittings today with a full tray as they begin their fourth year in office.

A raft of changes to the Elections Act including moving the election date from August to December are some of the hot issues to be debated this year ahead of next year’s General Election.

Three controversial Bills on Land will also be debated as the lawmakers try to find lasting solutions to the emotive land issues.

Other issues will include budget appropriations and the Controller of Budget Bills which MPs will discuss this month. sam_x254

MPs slam EACC for clearing ex-CS Waiguru Two MPs have criticised the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for clearing former CS Anne Waiguru over the National Youth Service Sh791 million scandal.

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi today joined his Nandi Hills counterpart Alfred Keter in terming the anti-graft body as most corrupt and incompetent institution, just a day after it confirmed finding no evidence to link Ms Waiguru to the scandal of at NYS. Mr Keter had criticised the Commission and questioned how the probe into Waiguru’s case took less time than that of other officials alleged to have been corrupt and whose cases have been ongoing for a longer time.

And today, Linturi said that the commission had failed in its mandate and has now become an extension of the state.

In a morning interview on NTV today, Linturi regretted that despite glaring evidence on graft cases presented to them, the commission had failed to nail anyone on matters of economic crimes.

“The acts of EACC are so wanting, how they can clear Waiguru over the 695 Million NYS scandal yet her former Principal Secretary Peter Mangiti and NYS Director General Nelson Githinji are still in court for the same graft allegations” asked Lithuri.

“I am persuaded to say just like my

Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter

colleague Keter, EACC is in itself corrupt and a failed institution; they cannot purport to investigate, prosecute and clearing some individuals at the same time” Lithuri faulted the anti-graft body decision to report the closure of investigations on Waiguru to head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua instead of Director of the Public Prosecutions since it is only the DPP mandated by law to close an investigation file.

Yesterday, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter who last filed an impeachment motion against Waiguru over the National Youth Service (NYS) scam, said that the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission’s (EACC) decision was based on half-baked investigations.

He threatened to petition parliament to order for a vetting process of all Ethics and Anti-Corruption

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi

Commission officials.

“The EACC officials are busy trying to collect bribes from those implicated in graft so that they can give them a clean bill of health. We will not allow this to happen. I will petition parliament that reconvenes tomorrow to vet the EACC officers afresh. We need an institution that is clean and can fight graft” said a visibly angry Keter.

Keter claims the manner in which the commission handled corruption allegations against former Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru is questionable.

“Why has the probe on Waiguru’s file been finished faster than those of others who are alleged to be corrupt?

This is all wanting and misleading?” said Keter when he addressed journalists at Parliament Buildings yesterday.

He further noted “There are many

other files the commission has not handled since last year. Why the rush to clear Waiguru”.

But Waiguru in her twitter handle told off Keter and asked him to explain his unusual interest on matters relating to her.

The former CS demanded to know why Keter never complained when other Cabinet Secretaries were cleared by the same body.

She tweeted “Alfred Keter should explain his unusual interest on matters relating to me. Is he on payroll of corruption networks that we crippled at NYS? Why didn’t he complain when other CSs and others aligned to him were cleared by EACC?” Both Keter and Linturi have had impeachment motions against Ms Waiguru defeated when the latter was a CS. hillary_x254

Senate to conclude major Bills ahead of elections Pressure is piling on the Senate to conclude major county-related Bills as it resumes its sittings today after a two-month recess in a bid to beat quorum hitches endeared in the preelection year.

Senate Majority Whip Beatrice Elachi and the clerk of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), Jeremiah Nyegenye have asked legislators to focus on passing key Bills to anchor devolution.

The officials said with the General Election 18 months away, the Senate should focus on enacting laws in the first six months of the Fourth Session to beat challenges of quorum hitches.

The Senate is particularly focusing on the Division of Revenue Bill, 2016 which shares resources raised nationally between the national and county governments and also keen on ensuring that key laws touching on devolution such as the Mining Bill are passed into law.

“PSC staffers have had the opportunity to conduct introspection and circumspection in anticipation of the Fourth Session of the 11th Parliament. Being the full session preceding the General Election, challenges will be there but they are not insurmountable,” said Mr Ngenye.

The House has been at the forefront in advocating for increased funds to the devolved units.

In the financial year 2015/16, counties were allocated Sh287 billion after the Senate and National Assembly reached a compromise on the Division of Revenue Bill, 2015.

The National Assembly had proposed Sh283.7 billion to go to the counties but the Senate demanded Sh291 billion from the National Treasury.

The Treasury has proposed to allocated the 47 county governments Sh290 billion in the next financial year.

There has been a year-on-year increase in the amount of monies sent by the National Treasury to the counties from Sh210 billion in 2013 and Sh226 billion in 2014.

“It’s only natural for more funds to be allocated to the counties in the 2016/17 budget,” Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior said.

“The people of Kenya have tasted devolution and banished the thoughts of centrism. There is clearly no going back. Whatever its shortcomings and setbacks, devolution is here to stay. Centrism is not an option,” said Ngenye.

With elections imminent, quorum hitches are bound to be experienced in both the National Assembly and the Senate from time to time, further stalling passing of key legislation. wilson_x254

NE WS 3 NEWS tuESday, FEBRuaRy 9, 2016

Gambler lynched after killing two casino managers in Eastleigh Estate A gambler was stoned to death last night after killing two managers at a Casino in Nairobi’s Eastleigh suburb after losing money.

The Tanzanian national is said to have gone berserk after losing Sh30, 000 while gambling at the casino located on the 10th Street.

Nairobi Police chief Japheth Koome said the gambler was armed with a sword which he used to slash the two managers before he was lynched. “The information we have is that he first attacked a female manager who declined to lend him money to continue gambling and that is when he went out to fetch a sword and slashed her to death,” Koome said, “He then slashed a security manager who tried to intervene and killed him.” The third security manager is nursing injuries in hospital after the incident that occurred shortly after midnight.

The scuffle caused panic in the casino located on the 10th street, sending patrons and other gamblers running before they gathered courage and subdued him. Police say he was lynched by a mob. “By the time our officers arrived, they found him dead,” he said, adding “an investigation has been launched.”

Gambling is lately becoming popular in Nairobi, with almost every key street in the central business district having a casino.

Miguna Miguna now joins Nairobi gubernatorial race Political activist Miguna Miguna has declared interest to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in next year’s elections.

In an Interview with Capital FM last evening, Miguna Miguna (pictured) said he has what it takes to be the Governor of Nairobi City County. The seat currently held by Governor Evans Kidero continues to attract many contestants but Miguna says he will trounce his competitors soundly.

His main agenda is to deal with the waste menace and drive away cartels which he blames for crippling the operations at City Hall.

“For someone like me, the moment I come into an office you know the cartels will just take off.

I mean, they will just take off.

They were not in my office when I was working with the former Prime Minister,” he said.

“Even when I go to a meeting and the cartels are there, they

MORE on this @www.capitalfm.co.ke

Go for elective posts in 2017 elections, CS urges women Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has urged women to come out in large numbers and vie for elective posts in next year’s General Election.

Speaking in Nairobi during a meeting with Kenya Women Parliamentarians (Kewopa), Kariuki said it is sad that there are few women in elective positions yet women are the majority. “It is desirable that women be elected as Governors, Senators and more MPs among other higher positions. They say women are the majority in the country, so why can’t women be the majority in these leadership?” posed Kariuki. “We have to move away from what is put in our minds and prove those who have persistently made us believe that women are their own worst enemies through leadership,” the CS told women parliamentarians.

The current Parliament has 86 women both elected and nominated, a number the Cabinet Secretary said should be used to pave way for other women to be elected into political office. “The 86 women need to work together to inspire young women to get these political seats,” she said. Kariuki said the gender equality and employment in the country remains Nominated Senator Ziporah Kitony with Gender Cabinet Secretary during a meeting with Women Parliamentarians.

The leaders vowed to push for passage of the two-third gender rule in Parliament.

just take off. They leave and wait until I am gone then they come back with their bags to meet with other people.”

He hopes to ride on his non-partisan interests to make him the person best suited for the capital city’s top job.

“At least my history is very clear. I went to the University of Nairobi where I was a student leader. I opposed corruption and mis-governance and dictatorship at that time and got kicked out, jailed, kicked out and then I went into exile. Then clearly you can see a trajectory of a leader. This others, where did they come from?”

Only last week, former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru declared interest in the seat while Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko’s More on this story at name has also featured among those eying the position of www.capitalfm.co.ke Governor.

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below countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia and Namibia a trend she said is replicated in the business sector. “We cannot afford to sit back and relax because women need to occupy even the unseen spaces. We are on a journey of developing a nation where men and women enjoy a high quality life and equal opportunities,” she said. Kariuki revealed that the government has so far disbursed Sh21.6 billion to women, youth and people with disability through Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Development Enterprise Fund and Uwezo Fund.

“I have set up a taskforce to ensure that these funds disbursed are used for the intended projects that directly affects the lives of women, youth and people with disability as envisioned in our objective,” she said.

The Cabinet Secretary said the government will through her ministry partner with Kewopa to ensure that affirmative action programmes benefit the intended beneficiaries.

“You have a major role to ensure that this fund gets to the target groups and that it is impacting their lives through the choice of projects funded,” he said. @sam_x254

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NEWS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Kaimenyi defends Waitiki land titles The government has defended its issuance of lease titles to Waitiki farm squatters, saying the land fell in that category.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi in a joint statement with National Land Commission Chairman Mohamed Swazuri said Waitiki land is in an urban area and that such parcels are normally registered on leasehold.

“Land under urban areas are normally registered under leasehold terms in order to allow development by the county government.

Waitiki falls under this category,” they said.

They urged beneficiaries to ignore rumours that the titles they were given cannot be used as collateral.

“It is important for beneficiaries to note that a leasehold title is an authentic document that can be used as a collateral like the leasehold.

Any information to the contrary is incorrect and should be rubbished,” they added.

They said any subsequent divisions would only qualify to be issued with leasehold titles.

According to the duo, Waitiki farm could not be classified as agricultural land which can be held on a freehold tenure.

They sought to clarify the issue as majority of the land beneficiaries were yet to collect their leasehold titles a month after President Uhuru Kenyatta moved in to regularise its ownership as most of the beneficiaries did not differentiate between the two.

Only 1,400 out of the 5,007 squatters have collected the documents having paid a total of Sh700, 000 Settlement Fund Trustee (SFT).

YOUR DOCUMENT: President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over a land title deed to a Waitiki farm squatter last month in Likoni. Lands Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has defended the titles.

They have urged those who have not collected their lease titles to collect them as they were entitled to the land.

“We wish to remind those who are yet

to collect their leasehold titles to visit the ministry’s offices and pick them,” reads part of the statement.

They have called on the beneficiaries to ignore

what they termed “falsehoods peddled by politicians to discredit the titles.”

They said that leases for about 2,800 parcels have not been processed due to lack of adequate information on the beneficiaries, unresolved family disputes and failure by some occupants to present themselves for the titles.

However, the ministry and NLC have embarked on Phase 3 of the regularisation where they plan to clarify all pending issues and issue the remaining titles.

The government negotiated and bought 960-acre Waitiki farm through the revolving Settlement Trustee Fund (STF) to settle those who had squatted on the land for many years.

It is a requirement of the law that beneficiaries repay money from STF so that other squatters in similar circumstances can be assisted.

President Kenyatta early this year, proposed that repayment of the interest-free loan for the pieces of land, priced at Sh182, 000 each, be rescheduled from three to 12 years.

“In the interest of fostering peace and mutual coexistence, the government took the initiative to facilitate a settlement scheme by charging the occupiers a subsidised fee of Sh182, 000,” they added.

According to the land registry records Waitiki land was a private property owned by Mr Evanson Gidraph Kamau and Mrs Bertha Wanjiru Kamau who had genuine leases. @wilson_x254

New questions for African Union force fighting in Somalia Continued from page 1 The military men on the ground would no doubt welcome more support but do not shy away from what they are there for.

Visiting the scene of the El-Ade attack, acting force commander Maj Gen Nakibus Lakara emphasised the nature of the campaign.

“Amisom is not a peacekeeping mission but a war-fighting mission,” he said.

“In a fight of course there are casualties, but what is important for Amisom is that those

casualties are kept to the minimum acceptable.”

But the bigger picture is for the politicians to worry about.

Despite the losses, President Kenyatta insists that Kenya remains “unbowed” and will continue its mission in Somalia.

There are some voices in Kenya calling for a withdrawal from Somalia, but the president wants to avoid leaving behind a vacuum in which the jihadists could thrive and pose a greater threat to the region.

TAKE HEART: Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychel Omamo comforts Kenya Defence Forces soldiers who survived the el-Ade camp attack in Somalia. With more towns falling to al Shabaab after the attack, question are being raised on the objective of the Amisom mission.

“This is not the time to waiver or to listen to the voices of defeat and despair,” he recently said. Some observers say it is not viable to base your foreign policy on trying not to look like a coward.

And there are questions about what the mission in Somalia will look like in the long term.

In its nine years, Amisom has been successful in winning territory by pushing the insurgents out of some regions, providing support for

the government and creating an environment suitable for the resurgence of the local economy, but this has not stopped the violence.

“There needs to be a yardstick for measuring success in Somalia,” argues Abdullahi Boru, a Horn of Africa security and policy analyst.

“Military might is not enough,” he says, there also needs to be an effort to “win over the Somali population”, if not then “this fight will be counterproductive”.

The challenge is that not only does Amisom need to convince ordinary Somalis that it serves their interests, but that it is worth them cooperating even if it could make them potential targets for al-Shabaab reprisals.

The mission also needs to enable the Somali government forces to fight al-Shabaab on their own and that is “something it currently lacks the capacity to do”, says David Wagacha from the Paradec research consultancy.

But apparent disagreements within Amisom also need to be addressed.

At the moment, Somalia is divided into different sectors - each the responsibility of a different country making up the intervention force. This has led to some suggestions of there being a lack of harmony.

Mr Wagacha says “in spite of the gains made in liberating some towns from al-Shabaab, there appears to be some kind of disconnect between some Amisom members, as well as mistrust and egotism. “This will hinder a cohesive and effective fight against the common enemy.”

There needs to be a thorough review ahead of the UN Security Council’s discussion on extending Amisom’s mandate, with the changes spurred by the deadly January attack. @peter_x254 and Agencies

NEWS 5

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries Raila sets up unit for ICC to make major Fresh bribe claims rock US Senators want BAT voter registration: Raila ruling in Ruto case: Deputy vetting of police force: punished for bribing Odinga’s ODM is banking on its new party President William Ruto will know this top Kenyan officials: Fresh bribery claims have hit the National structure that extends right to the polling station to leverage on the mass voter registration that begins next week. The Star has established that the former Premier has established a directorate of IDs and voter registration, complete with a call centre to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the exercise. These are among the strategies Raila is using to ensure maximum registration in his strongholds.

Friday if the International Criminal Court will admit recanted evidence in the case against him. Last evening, the Appeals Chamber of the Court said it would deliver its ruling on Friday at 6.30pm Kenyan time. Kenya has been mobilising the international community — including the Assembly of State Parties — to stop the use of recanted evidence in the Ruto case.

Police Service Commission (NPSC).

Some senior officials have been accused of receiving huge bribes to clear corrupt officers during vetting. A confidential letter purportedly authored by disgruntled police officers and addressed to President Uhuru Kenyatta claimed as much as Sh1.5 million was paid to some members of the commission.

American lawmakers have asked US authorities to formally investigate BAT for alleged bribery of public officials across East and Central Africa, opening a new battle-front against the cigarette maker. Nine members of US Congress have written to the Department of Justice asking or a criminal investigation into claims that BAT plc paid hefty bribes to top Kenyan officials..

EACC clearance of Revealed: Kenyans’ Kenya’s world-beating KRA now gets powers Waiguru is suspicious, favourite searches: Slain athletes may miss to act against tax Kalenjin musician Diana Chemutai says MP Keter: Nandi Hills ‘Chelele’, Netflix in Kenya and how to Olympics over Zika avoiding firms: Companies MP Alfred Keter yesterday said a decision use legal loopholes to reduce their virus: Kenya could skip the that by the EACC to clear former Devolution calculate a woman’s safe days were the tax burden now stand to pay hefty fines, CS Anne Waiguru of corruption claims is suspicious. The EACC has told Head of the Public Service Joseph Kinyua in a confidential letter obtained by the Star that there is no evidence linking Waiguru with the Sh791 million loss at the NYS.

most searched topics on Google by Kenyans in January this year. Chelele was found dead in her house in Kapwen, Bomet County on January 9. Her husband, Eric Musila, and a woman — a former employee of Musila — have since been arrested over he death.

upcoming Rio Olympics should Zika virus be declared serious, athletics official Kipchoge Keino has said.

With six months to the Olympic Games in Rio de Jenairo, Brazil, anxiety is growing over the risks of the rapidly spreading virus.

following publication of new rules bringing into force the Tax Procedures Act 2015. The law gives the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) powers to go after taxpayers who have been using such gaps to avoid paying taxes without falling foul of the law.

ODM and Jubilee men Full tray for lawmakers ODM candidates eyeing Treasury, Helios talks cleared for Malindi MP as House reopen: governor’s seat to pay over 10pc extra Telkom race: The controversy surrounding MPs will this afternoon start their Sh1m for party ticket: the authenticity of ODM candidate fourth year in office with the Budget, the Candidates seeking Orange Democratic stake on Tuesday: The Willy Mtengo’s academic papers ended yesterday, when the IEBC cleared him to vie for the Malindi parliamentary seat in the March 7 by-election. Mtengo was the first to be cleared by IEBC officials who termed the allegedly fake certificates issue a mere rumour that could not influence their decision. He arrived at the IEBC offices at 8am accompanied by top Coast party leaders.

reconstitution of five crucial committees and Bills to implement the Constitution top of the agenda.

In the National Assembly, the hot issues include three controversial Bills on land, a draft law to amend the Constitution on the fulfilment of the gender principle and a raft of changes to the Elections Act ahead of the General Election next year.

Movement tickets to run for governorship could be required to part with Sh1 million, up from Sh300, 000 paid by aspirants in 2013. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s party is considering increasing the nomination fees for various positions to raise more revenue to fund activities ahead of next year’s poll and also limit the number of aspirants in the primaries.

Treasury and Helios Investment Partners, a private equity fund, are set to meet this morning to discuss the government’s proposal to acquire an additional 10 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya, which if finalised will pave the way for signing of a deal for the sale of France Telecoms’ shares in the company.

Top stories from X News global partners Suicide bomber on New Hampshire Rivals A smuggler’s-eye view Japan follows Europe Somalia plane was meant Turn up the Heat as of Turkey’s effort to stop financial stocks rout: to board Turkish flight: A Snowstorms Hit: A the migrants: IN BASMANE, Japanese and Australian banks picked suspected suicide bomber who blew a hole in the fuselage of a Daallo Airlines plane last week and forced it to make an emergency landing in Mogadishu was meant to be on a Turkish Airlines flight, Daallo’s chief executive has said. The bomber was sucked out of the plane through the one-yardwide hole when the blast ripped open the pressurised cabin in flight, officials said.

The pilot landed the plane in the Somali capital, from where it had taken off. No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack but US officials suspect Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which has links to al-Qaida, was responsible for the blast. www.theguardian.com

rambunctious herd of presidential candidates dashed across a snowy New Hampshire on Monday, making last-ditch efforts to persuade undecided voters on the eve of the nation’s first primary election, the outcome of which could bring a dose of clarity to a campaign that has become surprisingly muddled. In a final exchange of cutting accusations over money and preparedness for the White House, the Republican and Democratic contenders urgently jockeyed for advantage in what remain two surprisingly fluid contests.

The infighting among the candidates at times crossed over into meanspiritedness.

a gritty neighborhood in the heart of the Turkish port city of Izmir, a plump, smartly-dressed young man, who asks to be known only as Uday, flips through videos on his expensive smartphone.

In one of them, recorded last summer, a rubber boat heaving with passengers begins to motor toward Greece. On shore, a visibly slimmer Uday, then an apprentice smuggler, smiles into the camera and waves goodbye to the migrants on board. Some of them wave back. Uday explains that he used the videos to convince refugees to choose him and his gang over the competition.

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www.economist.com

up the baton from their European peers, pulling the two bourses — the only two major Asian markets trading on Tuesday morning— sharply lower. Nomura led Japan’s meltdown, dropping 8 per cent within 20 minutes of the market opening. Big commercial banks Sumitomo Mitsui and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial were off 7 and 6.7 per cent respectively. Australian banks also fell sharply. In early morning trading the Nikkei 225 is down 3.9 per cent, having been off by as much as 4.2 per cent, and Australia’s ASX 2 per cent.

Asia’s declines came after Deutsche Bank led a rout in global bank stocks.

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BUSINESS

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

MEAN 102.1314 147.9608 113.5172 6.3932 33.51570 21.3843

BUY SELL 102.0333 102.2294 147.8011 147.1206 113.3900 113.6444 6.3861 6.4003 33.4346 34.5969 21.3148 21.4538

Innovation Strengthen transparency for UNICEF Fund offering of up to stronger policies, IMF urges grants Sh10 million The International Monetary Fund has called on Kenya and its counterparts across the African continent to work on ensuring data transparency in a bid o create and enforce stronger policies that will drive development in the region.

The IMF has argued that accurate macroeconomic and financial data are essential for economic decision-makers.

“Almost everything that governments and central banks decide is justified by how data are moving, sometimes at a rapid pace” IMF Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu said in a recent address.

Zhu said such decisions are being scrutinised by the public and other stakeholders including the IMF, investment banks, rating agencies, development partners, and civil society—again, against the underlying data.

Speaking during the IMF’s Capacity Development Conference for Africa in Accra, Ghana, he stated that in Africa, the quality of data collection, processing and dissemination is undergoing a dramatic transformation, building on the accumulation of years of improvement efforts.

“In Africa, as elsewhere, we need to jump ahead of crisis management when it comes to data, and seek to enhance the gathering, processing, dissemination and analysis of data to help us formulate and implement the best possible set of

International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu economic and financial policies.

This conference aims to shed light on the importance of data for economic decision-making and focus our attention on the relationship between more and better data and the improved economic outcomes that we seek.

It also can help us prevent and cope with international economic crises,” he said.

His sentiments come just after the IMF urged Kenya, among other

RVR appoints new CEO amid institutional challenges

Rift Valley Railways (RVR) has appointed Isaiah Okoth as its new Group Chief Executive Officer.

Making the announcement, current chairman and former KQ Chief Executive Titus Naikuni said Okoth is a respected management professional with years of experience at the highest level. He said his appointment will give the company the necessary leadership and focus to succeed.

The appointee will replace Carlos De Andrade who served for three years. Okoth’s appointment comes at a time when RVR, the concessionaire of the KenyaUganda railway, has been wrangling with a few institutional challenges. “As a board we have the fullest confidence in him and believe he has the skills and experience to take RVR to the

next level,” said Naikuni. Okoth has been General Electric General Manager in charge of Health Care for East Africa. He joins RVR on March 1 to commence the management transition and takes over on a full time basis on the April 1. Okoth’s appointment comes at a time when RVR has reached a pivotal stage of its development by concluding a five-year investment and transformation programme, which has seen the company more than double its locomotive and wagon carrying capacity, rehabilitate key sections of the rail infrastructure and introduce modern rail management systems. As a result, the company has improved on its reliability, efficiency and turn-around times bringing much needed confidence and customers back to the railway.

emerging and developing nations, to partner with countries that have advanced economies in a bid to spur growth and development.

“In addition, new sources of data and collection tools such as foreign direct investment surveys and techniques, as well as improved data compilation methods to apply internationally accepted statistical methodologies, are leading to the availability of more up-to-date and accurate information. Some

examples to be discussed at today’s conference would include the updated levels of GDP and growth rates in some of the economies on the continent,” Zhu added.

He confirmed that these data improvements will be encouraged and supported by the IMF, through the Fund’s Statistics Department in partnership with donors such as the UK’s Department for International Development.

Dennis_x254

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) is offering up to Sh10 million in funding to Kenyan organisations as the development group seeks applications for its open source technology solutions that address the most pressing challenges faced by children and young people.

Unicef works with governments, civil society and other organisations worldwide to advance children’s rights to survival, protection, health, development and participation as per the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Reena Panday, spokesperson on behalf of the group has said.

The move is part of a Unicef ’s initiative to provide investment-style funding to early-stage tech startups.

The group is targeting private companies or institutions registered in a UNICEF programme country, including organisations based in Kenya.

The fund is also targeting groups that are working on open source technology solutions.

The deadline for applications is February 26, 2016.

Countries eligible for the grant include Kenya, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa and South Sudan, among several others across the globe.

The grant will be given to groups that base their initiatives on a number of focus areas, including the development of products for youth under 25 that address a range of needs including learning and youth participation.

Kenya Power seeks 59,000 poles, steps up drive to light up streets Local manufacturers have been invited to supply 58,951 concrete poles as Kenya Power steps up its street lighting programme in 52 key towns and townships countrywide.

“For planning purposes, deliveries shall be made to Kenya Power stores one month prior to project start date.

Failure to deliver poles in good time shall attract a penalty,” Kenya Power said in a tender call that closes on February 17.

Mombasa and Nairobi are among towns that have already benefited from the initial phases of the street lighting project dubbed Mwangaza Mtaani that has seen Kenya Power install more than 12,000 Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps across the country.

According to KPLC statistics, In Nairobi an estimated 4,200 street

lights have been installed.

The project is part of a Sh45.8 billion advanced by the World Bank to the power distribution company in April last year to upgrade electricity supply in the country.

The tender call comes barely a month after Kenya Power challenged local firms to compete in bidding for a contract to supply close to half-a-million wooden poles and 48,000 kilometres of cables as the firm prepares to start connecting thousands of homes to the national electricity grid at cut price in April.

Under an initiative dubbed Last Mile Connectivity project, Kenya Power will light up homes for Sh15, 000, down from Sh35, 000 and will allow those connected to pay the fee over 36 months.

“Kenya Power will commence the

implementation of the Last Mile Connectivity project from April 2016 on turnkey basis,” Ben Chumo, Kenya Power managing director said in a call for bids notice.

The Last Mile Project is aimed at facilitating the affordable connection of households to the national grid.

In the first phase,it aims to achieve 70 per cent connectivity by 2017, from the current 40 per cent, as part of the universal access to electricity goal by 2020. The second and third phases will involve maximization of additional transformers, installing new transformers and extending the low-voltage network to connect more Kenyans.

Under these phases, we target to connect 500,000 households hence adding 2.5 million Kenyans to the wilson_x254 national grid.

BUSINESS 7 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Jovago get Sh8.5bn to boost activities Online hotel booking website, Jovago and Axa, a worldwide Insurance and Asset management company, have announced a partnership to boost the expansion of Jovago and its activities in Africa.

The pact will see Axa invest 75 million Euros (Sh8.5 billion) and own approximately 8 per cent of the capital of AIG, mother company of Jovago.

The deal will further ensure the expansion of the business to thriving markets and the strengthening of the brand in the existing branches of major cities across the continent.

Paul Midy, CEO Jovago said the new major investor confirms Jovago’s strategy to expand its operations and local presence in Africa in order to reach and meet the needs of travelers.

“This new wave of funding of 75 million euros will help Jovago achieve the acceleration of its growth and development of its services across Africa in the coming years,” he said.

Jovago’s current positions as African largest inventory of hotels will be further consolidated. Jovago would continue its provision of a secure platform to increase the visibility of even the most remote

hotels, improve service quality, facilitate the movement of travelers and promote profitability for their businesses.

“It’s amazing for Jovago to partner with such a strong group as Axa to allow us strengthen our ability to build the first plateform for travellers in Africa. Jovago wants to break the barriers to travel and make travel more easy and affordable in Africa,” he said.

Adding that “since the funding is well-timed and the amounts invested significant, this makes one of the top investments in the history of start-ups in Africa. It also strategically positions Jovago and

Africa Internet Group to further build e-commerce in Africa.”

This investment will allow AXA to build on the strength of AIG companies to further develop its activities where AXA will become the exclusive provider of insurance products and services through AIG. “This transaction confirms AXA’s long-term commitment towards the African markets and represents another step in our development on the continent,’’ said Denis Duverne, Deputy CEO of AXA. ‘’Africa is home to some of the most dynamic and promising insurance markets globally and

our partnership with Africa Internet Group will enable us to accelerate materially our development by having access to their rich customer base and to their state-of-the-art e-commerce technology,’’ he added.

Going forward he said, Axa aims at enable African consumers to better access insurance solutions to create sustainable financial wellbeing throughout their Ives and those of their dependents.

With over 25,000 hotels in 40 African countries, Jovago aims to accelerate the innovation of its digital services in the hospitality industry in emerging countries. enock_x254

Chase Bank in regional expansion, eyes 20 branches Chase bank has continued with its expansion strategy following the opening of a new express branch in Eldoret.

Chase Bank has been extending its reach across the region by targeting larger segments of the population at a time when many Kenyans are still unbanked.

The mid-sized lender recently announced plans to open 20 new outlets in the next three years to try to break into the top five in the country’s banking industry.

The bank has risen to become the 11th biggest bank by assets among Kenya’s 45 lenders, with assets worth Sh120 billion.

Last year, the lender announced an advisory services agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, aimed at increasing access to finance for small and medium enterprises in Kenya, especially for women entrepreneurs.

Under the deal, the IFC will provide advisory services over 15 months to help Chase Bank build its capacity to provide products and services for the women market.

It aims to become the bank of choice for women in Kenya. This advisory project is linked to an IFC investment of $15 million, half of which will go to women-owned enterprises.

According to a report by the IFC, women entrepreneurs make significant

contributions to the Kenyan economy, with 48 per cent of all businesses in the country owned by women.

Yet, only 7.0 per cent of women entrepreneurs in Kenya have access to formal credit—a major hurdle for women seeking to grow their businesses, increase production and expand employment Chase Bank’s move comes just weeks after the lender launched a promotion to offer a free banker’s cheque with every one of its Pebble Savings Accounts in a bid to expand its business.

The Pebble Account is a savings account for children between the ages of 0 and 12 years. The lender states that the product offers competitive interest rates on savings.

Chase Bank’s offer comes at a time when lenders are making aggressive moves to grow their portfolios with the government having encouraged financial institutions to lower their lending rates in a bid to encourage borrowing among consumers.

The lender had also announced a sponsorship deal worth Sh3 million with rising Motor Cross Champ Tejas Hirani earlier this year, further cementing its presence in the region. The sponsorship is the first step in the bank’s commitment to transforming the motor sport in Kenya by supporting upcoming rallying enthusiasts.

Dennis_x254

8

BUSINESS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

India blocks Facebook’s free Internet app India’s telecoms regulator has blocked Facebook’s Free Basics internet service app as part of a ruling in favour of net neutrality, the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content regardless of the source, and without favouring or blocking particular products or websites.

The regulator claim that data providers were favouring some online services over others.

“No service provider shall offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content,” ruled the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

The scheme offered free access to a limited number of websites ranging from selected local news and weather forecasts, Wikipedia and some health sites.

The body had been investigating whether any online content should be prioritised over others, or offered for free while others were not.

However, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said he would work to make Free Basics legal.

“While we’re disappointed with today’s decision,” he wrote. “I want to personally communicate that we are committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world.

“We call on companies and the government of India to work

with citizens and civil society to explore new approaches to connect everyone as active users, whether through free data allowances, public access schemes or other innovative approaches.”

Vikas Pandey, digital producer for the BBC in India, said there had

been an intense publicity campaign on both sides of the debate, with Facebook taking out front page advertising in national newspapers to defend the scheme.

“The people who live in cities and are aggressive users of the internet said: ‘You can’t dictate the terms,

the project which it launched in 2013 as Internet.org and was offered in 36 countries had brought more than 19 million people online who would not otherwise have been able to afford access.

India’s telecoms regulator has blocked Facebook’s Free Basics internet service app as part of a ruling in favour of net neutrality.

Select African states in mining receive Sh3 billion grant to fight Tuberculosis The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria and a Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) representing a group of 10 Southern African countries has signed a landmark grant to pioneer innovative models to reduce high rates of Tuberculosis (TB) in the mining sector. The US$30 million (Sh3 billion) grant will support transformative interventions in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The World Bank Group serves as the Secretariat for the RCM while the Wits Health Consortium acts as the principal recipient of the grant.

The grant links strongly to the World Bank Group’s twin goals of eradicating poverty and promoting shared prosperity by 2030. It is also aligned with its global strategy for health, nutrition, and population, which seeks to help countries expand access to quality, affordable health care; protect people from falling into poverty or worsening poverty due to illness; and promote investments in all sectors that form the foundation of healthy societies.

“Gold miners in southern Africa have some of the highest rates of TB infection in the world, we are

give free internet to villagers and then tell them how to use it’,” he said.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has maintained that it is “not sustainable to offer the whole internet for free”.

The firm previously said it believed

committed to investing vigorously to reduce rates as much as possible,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “To end TB as an epidemic, we have to be effective here.”

TB is a significant problem within the Southern African mining industry.

In South Africa alone, TB rates within the gold mining workforce are estimated at 2,500-3,000 cases per 100,000 individuals. This incidence is 10 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold for a health emergency, and is also 2.5 to 3 times the incidence rate in the general population. Factors that contribute

to the high incidence of TB among mineworkers include prolonged exposure to silica dust, poor living conditions, high HIV prevalence, poverty and a poor cross border health referral system.” TB is not only a disease of poverty, but it also creates poverty and is a threat to global health security. Our goal in southern Africa is therefore to achieve our twin goals through a targeted focus on addressing the drivers of TB in the mining sector,” said Dr. Patrick Osewe, lead Health Specialist, World Bank Health, Nutrition and Population Practice.

Ghana to get Sh1.7Bn World Bank Climate Innovation Centre The World Bank Group has announced the upcoming launch of a new Climate Innovation Centre (CIC) in Accra to support Ghana’s green growth strategy.

According to the World Bank, the centre financed by $17.2 million (Sh1.7 billion) World Bank grant would be established at the Ashesi University College in Berekuso to help more than 100 local clean technology companies develop and scale innovative solutions to climate change.

The CIC will support Ghana’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

The Ghana CIC will help over 300,000 Ghanaians increase resilience to climate change in the next ten years.

Furthermore, through its support to local clean technology ventures, the centre is expected to mitigate 660,000 tons of CO2 and contribute

to the production of over 260 million kWh of clean energy.

The grant agreement was signed by Henry Kerali, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, andPatrick Awuah, Founder and President of Ashesi University College.

“The Ghana CIC solidifies the role of the private sector in helping Ghana mitigate and adapt to climate change,” said Henry Kerali.

“By enabling entrepreneurs and green innovators to test and scale their business models, home-grown clean technology solutions can help the country build climate resilience, while also creating jobs and fostering economic growth,” he added.

The CIC is supported by the Danish and Dutch governments and will be managed by a consortium led by the Ashesi University Institute College with Ernst and young, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations University Institute of Natural Resources in Africa.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

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fashionscoop

11

topstory First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has brought nothing but charm a grace and charisma to that office. She surprised everyone when she ran and completed a marathon. She has cuddled with the less privileged and if this is still not enough she has now flagged off a great walk by Alliance Girls.

ThE GREaT

fiRsT LaDY Alliance Girls, which has continually lived to its fame as a center of excellence, hosted the first lady on Saturday morning to flag off the Great Alliance Girls Walk.

The Great Walk was aimed at raising funds to extend the current school’s chapel capacity from 800 to fit a population of over 1500. Students, all neat in green and blues sports gear with proper sports shoes eagerly awaited as the first lady’s convoy snaked its way into the main gate.

As she set foot on the soil of Alliance, an institution that

prides itself in making wellrounded students, who later occupy leadership positions, the First, Lady was welcomed with song and dance. Beautiful in a light blue with a touch of green dress, the First lady sat and listened intently as presentations were made, that also included neatly written songs.

And as she stood to speak, all ears were lent to her, by an enthusiastic Alliance Girls fraternity. In her speech, she requested all stakeholders in education to ensure that challenges of limited resources do not compromise academic

excellence in our schools.

In addition the First Lady said, “One of the endearing values of Alliance Girls High School is that it offers learning opportunities to students from poor backgrounds who are unable to pay for their studies, thus giving them an opportunity to realize their full potential.”

She also added that we must support this special value and make it possible for our girls to get an education from this prestigious school.

Others who spoke at the function included Principal Secretary for Education Dr.

HOT

y

Nazizi

f

irst lady of hip hop Nazizi Hirji is set to launch her single on the 14th of this month. The single Where is my wedding ring? is set to be launched at Skyluxx Lounge in Westlands. Naz took to twitter to call on her followers and fans to come and support her.

nyakundi vs Madowo season two

madowo

Where is nazizi’s wedding ring?

NyakuNdi

TOPICS

Infamous blogger Cyprian Nyakundi seems to be confident to win a defamation case against NTV’s Larry Madowo. Nyakundi’s case filed last year has prompted the blogger to brag that Madowo is scared and ran all the way to Uganda to get evidence. Apparently Madowo requested the bench for more time to gather evidence to prove that Nyakundi was a gun for hire to assassinate Bidco Ltd’s image.

Bellio Kipsang and Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, After speeches were done and the presentation of an art piece of her crossing the finishing line of a marathon imprinted through artistic precision on canvas, the walk was flagged off and all in attendance, followed through in stride.

As expected the First Lady completed the walk and is currently training for her half marathon slated for the 6th of March. @duncan_x254

chameleon is all mushy as daughter turns four

ChameleoN

Valu Valu hit maker Jose Chameloen’s daughter turned four yesterday and the singer was gushing all manner of sweet words. He posted, “ALBA SHYNE MAYANJA!!!!!! You are my true definition of how beautiful Life is. Small as you are, you are a Mother, Friend, Inspiration, Happiness, Courage, The list will be endless. I love you my Darling and forever will. You are a Big Girl now!” . We get it, it is daddy daughter thing.

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ART&CULTURE

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 222015 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER FEBRUARY 9, 2016 2014

aboutLove

One way tO alleviate the stress is tO simply talk tO yOur crush abOut it..

THE ITESO AND THEIR MUSHROOMS ’EBALE’ During the rainy season, the Iteso of western Kenya are always happy and eager to get the local delicacy of mushroom stew. During this season, most school going children are tasked with the responsibility of picking the mushrooms in the plantations as this delicacy grows naturally.. It’s normally picked early in the morning so as to get a bumper harvest.

In Teso land, they only pick the edible mushrooms as others are poisonous. They pay no attention to the identification of inedible mushrooms. Some people pick only those mushrooms which they see monkeys eating, assuming that they are also safe for humans.

When going to pick the mushrooms, one has to have a basket and knife. When picking the mushroom from the ground, you first cut off the soil from the base of the stipe.

The most common method of preservation among this community is drying in the sun.

The sun makes a very effective dryer. The drying does not kill the micro-organisms on mushrooms but makes the substratum so dry that they enter a dormant phase. After drying, they become very hard.

Dried mushrooms will last until the next mushroom season and can be used after soaking in a small amount of clean water and the same water used in the cooking so as to utilize the nutritive elements that dissolved in the soaking water.

ARTSHOCK

HOW TO SPEND YOUR FIRST Valentine’s Day for new couples may feel awkward, given that your feelings for one another are very new and you’re not sure where your relationship is headed. Whether you’ve been on only one date or have been seeing each other for a few weeks, the dreaded redhearted holiday can make even the most confident dater feel insecure about how to approach the holiday. However, having a simple conversation about the holiday or picking a low-key gift or event can take the stress out of the day and turn it into something special.

Ignore it if it’s too soon. If you’ve only been on

DAY AS A COUPLE a date or two, it’s probably best to ignore Valentine’s Day altogether.

Jumping on a romantic holiday may push your potential date away, so it’s probably a good idea to skip it for this year.

Ask yourself what you really want. Think about how long you’ve been in the relationship, and how much you realistically expect the other person to contribute. If you think dinner and a card is reasonable, get the other person a card and ask him or her out to dinner on or near the day.

Talk to your new crush. One way to alleviate the stress is to simply talk to your crush about it..

Dear George,

Dear Dr X,

—George.

A

Discuss the fact that you’ve only been dating a short time and that you’re both now confronted with a highly romantic holiday. Be honest.

Let the other person know that you get the fact that both of you may not be ready just yet for poems and love songs.

One option is agreeing to ignore Valentine’s Day altogether if you’re both happy with that option.

Make a compromise. If you both want different things, try to make a compromise. For instance, if your new crush prefers something fancy, but you’d prefer to keep it low-key, maybe you could settle for a fancy home-cooked dinner.

ask dr X

I CAN’T SEEM TO STOp ARgUINg wITH My pARTNER, wHAT CAN wE DO? We have been dating for two years now and everything seemed fine for most of the time. But recently we are arguing about everything and can’t seem to stop. I am worried that we may lose our way but I love her and I know she loves me too. What can we do to get back to normal?

HENNA fOR VALENTINES

Although they can be painful and unpleasant, arguments are common in all kinds of relationships. But disagreements don’t have to end in hostile silence or a

screaming match.

Learning ways to handle discussions on emotive topics and looking out for the patterns and triggers in your arguments can help avoid unnecessary conflict and stop arguments from spinning out of control. Find out why and how you are arguing then change the partterns.It will not be easy at first but if you handle this with love rather than contempt or resentment you will find each other again.

Good luck.

Dr X.

Send your agonising queries to adhyambo@x254.co

s Valentine approaches, it’s always advisable to appear appealing especially to your better half and trying something new is not bad at all. How about Henna, hands and body painting as a surprise valentine treat or a valentine makeover? Henna, which is famous with Asian and Somali community is a splendid work of art that is not-permanent. It’s drawn on the body, bringing out mostly bridal charm. It has been used as a cosmetic for nearly 6000 years in Ancient Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula. Here an unknown Kenyan artist wows just for the day of love.

OUR ROOTS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

FASHIONscoop

@2016 DGA AwARDS

Abigail Breslin: Oscar-worth dress.

Angela Basset: Interesting neck detail.

T

he Director Guild of America Awards are yet another prequel to the Oscars where celebrated acts in the film industry are recognized.

The DGA Awards are praised for their ability to forecast Academy Award winners: It’s only in seven occasions that DGA Award winners did not scoop an Oscar soon after.

But let’s focus on fashion, the ladies were well in line, showing just enough skin to keep heads turning. @mercy_x254

Rachel McAdams: Perfect sequin style.

T

he film is based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, telling the story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers a d o p t s a n alter ego. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, he hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Rating: R Genre: Documentary Runtime: 10 Min Cast: Michael Moore

n this rib tickling comedy film, an “invader,” visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own situation.

Our rating: H H H

dead

J

Where To Invade nexT

I

Stena Katic: A little color brightens up a dull dress.

Rating: R Genre: Action and adventure Runtime: 100 Min Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Ed Skrein, TJ Miller

pool

filmlab

BEST

Mena Suvari: Satin never grows old.

Regina King: Taking a plunge with the neckline.

He finds out that the solutions to America’s most entrenched problems already existed in the world.

Our rating: H H H

glassland

ohn lives with his mother in a social suburb and he makes a meager living as a nighttime taxi driver. He returns home one morning to find his mother, an unwavering alcoholic, unconscious. Hospitalized after this overdose, her best hope is a costly private rehab clinic, but she violently rejects John’s attempts to help her, as well as his intentions to unite the family. Will things

Rating: Unrated Genre: Drama Runtime: 89 Min Cast: Jack Reynor, Michael Smiley and Toni Collete Our rating: H H H

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Many think that New Year’s Day and birthdays are prime times to make resolutions or set goals, yet this is something that can be done any time. In fact, it’s advisable to renew, rename, and revamp ambitions on a regular basis, since life brings constant change to circumstances.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 It could be someone you know well, but chances are it will be someone you’d least expect to be there for you. With your tendency to keep to yourself and be on the quiet side, you may not always notice those around you. Yet this doesn’t mean that they don’t notice you.

TUESday 9/2/2016

SUNNy

MoRE SUN THaN cloUdS

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25

25ºc 60%

WEdNESday 10/2/2016

6:42 aM 6:52pM

25ºc 65%

6:42aM 6:52pM

THURSday

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

Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 This can serve you well when it comes to getting what you want, provided no one suffers in the process. It isn’t generally in your nature to step on anyone on the way up the ladder, and you aren’t likely to feel good if this occurs. Look at all possible ways to attain your goals.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Do you have a realistic budget, or does yours exclude such things as entertainment, gifts, and occasional splurges? Such a budget won’t suffice, because these are expenses that everyone has.

Take a good look at your spending habits and see where you could cut back without too much pain.

SuDOku

12

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 One really affects the other. If you overwork your brain or put off dealing with problems, your physical health will suffer. Things like excess weight, addiction, and bouts of depression are all indicators that there is an imbalance in your life. See about getting things more in sync.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 It’s essential for feeling you have control over your life. It can be almost impossible to reach your goals without a concrete plan. Just as you wouldn’t build a house without a plan, it isn’t wise to build a life without one either.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Considering what you really want out of life can be instrumental in setting goals and making dreams come true. For example, if your dream is to have your ideal partner, and you’re with someone who isn’t, the practical choice is to end the current relationship.

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

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Even if someone accuses you of being distrustful, it’s your sense of caution that saves you a lot of grief. Examine what you need in order to feel comfortable, but not to the extreme that you deny yourself opportunity.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 You may feel that you have to defend your motives today, Virgo, and this can really put you off, especially if you can’t see a reason for it. Try not to take it personally. Just because you know where you’re coming from doesn’t mean the other person does. It may simply be a communication problem.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Is there a person in your life who keeps coming to mind again and again, Libra? Whether there’s something that needs to be worked out or you simply miss him or her, take the steps needed to connect, even if it takes email, letters, or a phone call to get in touch.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your usual outgoing and often radical nature may be far more conservative today, Scorpio. It can add seriousness to your day that suits such activities as goal setting, budget planning, or recovery. Make the most of this energy by digging into the areas of your life that could use some rethinking.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You can be compassionate to a fault, in that too much of your energy goes to helping solve others’ problems. Then you’re left without enough focus for yourself and the things that are troubling you.

See about spending some time alone to concentrate on any issues you have.

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KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A

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PLAY 13 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Ballroom activity 8. Streaker in the night sky 13. Trust 14. Wiped clean 16. Company that merged with Sony in 2001 17. Astrological water sign 18. Sealing ring 19. Pickup’s back door 21. Displaying no emotion 22. Divulge 23. Shouts to a matador 24. Bambi’s aunt 25. Train of song 26. Russian rulers 27. Obelisk, e.g.

30. “The Daughter of Time” novelist Josephine 31. Curly’s replacement 33. Seeped 35. Padre’s hermano 36. ‘That’s fine as far as I’m concerned’ 40. Company that merged with BP 42. Jim ___ (One-time NFL coach) 43. With “Chi,” a French president 46. “Be-Bop-A-____” 47. Ed Sullivan’s mouse Gigio

48. Roberto Duran’s plea 50. Italian dressing ingredient 52. Grand ___ (island east of Florida) 53. Japanese city bombed in W.W. II 54. Really big snake 56. Gave the evil eye 57. Burglar 58. Contest submission 59. Mideast capital Down 1. Place less value on 2. “Foreign Affairs” novelist Lurie 3. The Windy City, e.g.

4. The Dead’s “___ Jones” 5. Tech. sch.

6. Barracks VIP 7. Well-bred 8. Mr. Rhodes of Rhodes scholarships 9. Said aloud 10. Tropical fruit 11. Increase in intensity 12. Balanced on the brink 13. Handbook info 15. Unlike casual Fridays 20. Jai ____ 22. Albeit, briefly 25. Toll rd.

26. McAn of footwear

28. Melville book 29. La ____ Jackson 31. Imitate 32. Thug 34. Blastoff time 35. Condor claws 37. Mine, to Marcel 38. Dannon competitor 39. “Dude!”

41. Gambol 44. Peet of “Something’s Gotta Give” 45. New Jersey city near Philly 47. Suck-up 48. Button material 49. Mosel tributary 51. Ogling one 52. Relaxing soak 55. Dir. opposite SSW

Sunday’s answers

YOURSAY State should review process of becoming lawyer The government must review the process of becoming a member of the legal profession in the country to reduce time wasted by students in the profession. In the current set up, it is cumbersome for one to become an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya under the Advocates Act. There are 10 universities offering LLB degrees, most with conventional full time curriculum, some offering parallel programme, and the influx of Kenyans who obtain various degrees in other foreign countries, mostly common law countries such as England, India and Uganda.

On the average, after primary and secondary education and before joining the four-year university degree course in public universities there is a gap of about two years for regular students giving parallel students an undue advantage.

Effectively this means that the most deserving students are disadvantaged. Upon finishing the examinations offered at the end of the four year LLB degree courses and before graduation, in most universities, there is another delay of up to six months.

After graduation, one applies to the Kenya School of Law under the Council for Legal Education Act (Cap. 16A). Originally from 1963 to 1972, the Kenya School of Law produced lawyers after five years training.

Some of the country’s prominent judges and lawyers were trained under this system. Then in about 1967, a Faculty of Law was established and Kenya School of Law developed into a post graduate institute.

The School presently strives to set standards in the legal profession by training students on the practice of law and offering exams on the same to ensure high professional standards.

At the moment, the Kenya School of Law is the only accredited institution that offers the post-graduate diploma in law that leads to admission as an Advocate.

The institution also doubles up as a regulator of institutions offering post graduate training, the overlap results into delay and need to be separated. Students, who graduate with law degrees from various universities locally and abroad have to fight for the limited spaces at the one institution if they want to practice in Kenya. Once the successful applicant is admitted to the School, they go through a rigorous one year course and finally sit for the bar exams at the end of the year, and thereafter go for pupillage for 6 months. After the pupillage, the students have to wait for more than six months for results after which they petition the Chief Justice to be admitted to the Bar, if they have passed.

— The writer is a lawyer

Bungoma MPs must stop theatrics, serve voters The war of words between Sirisia MP John Waluke and his Kanduyi counterpart Wafula Wamunyinyi does not give a good picture for our leaders and Kenyans must now make sure that only sane people out to spearhead development are elected to Parliament. If one look at the track record of the two legislators in terms

of development, one wonders why they are even opening their mouth. Where on earth will an MP tell a colleague in the full glare of the media, that he should be prepared for a boxing bout when they meet? Is this the height of political intolerance? The two MPs are a disgrace to their constituents and the nation at large. Voters must throw out

the two leaders come 2017 so that they can go fight in the bush. Leadership must come with decorum. Given more time in leadership position will only end up poisoning the youth who will ape these uncouth behaviours and take them to school. Kenyans must vote wisely come the next General Election.

— Sherryl Mbogo, Fedha

Fight for resources pits senators against governors In the dispensation of the new Constitution, devolution a key pillar to governance and development came with the offices of the Senate and governors.

The two were to perform distinct, but somewhat interlocked functions in the new governance structure that was created to take services closer to the people.

While the governor’s role is to oversee the running of their respective counties with executive authority over certain functions, senators act as the link between the National and county governments.

They also play an oversight role over governors in the management of county funds, a role that has broiled conflict between the two.

From the onset, not many people, least of all the legislators, understood how devolution worked. Not even those who clamored for it really could explain the uncertainties that were brought forth. It was a new

style of governance being implemented.

That uncertainty is what led some to vie for the Senate seat while others opted for the governor’s seat. Most of those who opted for the Senate viewed the senator as superior than the governor. They even despised the National Assembly as a lower House.

Both the age and political experience of the members siting in the current Senate can explain this fact better.

As devolution took root, it became apparent which side of the bread in the devolved governance structure was buttered.

In recent precedents, the Senate and the National Assembly have been at loggerheads most of the time, fighting over who should do what. Evidently, the Senate has been the unlucky one.

The National Assembly enjoys more say and power on critical matters that impact on the country.

Even on the oversight role, the Senate has been

ineffectual in bringing governors to account. Though on this, the courts have played a significant role in reducing the powers of the Senate through injunctions.

In the end, Senators have realised their offices are less glamorous than they originally believed and many have shifted focus and now want to unseat their governors in 2017.

While no governor has expressed the wish to vie for senator in 2017, their fight with senators has always been over money, so it is easy to understand the motivation to be a governor.

All the more reason to make it harder for the holders of the officer to dip their fingers in the till. Though it is easy to view the jostling as democracy at work, the urge to pull the purse strings is evidently the biggest motivator and citizens should not be deluded it is because governors have failed and that senators are better managers.

— Nderitu, Donholm

Waiguru probe, clearance mischievously too fast I want to take this opportunity to join Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter in questioning why former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru was cleared by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) faster than the other more than 175 government officials who were named in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s List of Shame’. Furthermore, what is so special in her clearance as opposed to any other that the anti-graft agency informed State House

instead of directing the clearance file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko? The procedure has always been, after investigations, EACC channels its findings to DPP’s office, but in Waiguru case, the findings were dispatched to various State agencies including Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua before it even got to the DPP’s desk. Is the EACC taking us for a ride?

— Prince David - Karen

Send your letters to news@X254.co | Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

14

SPORT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Messi to return to training after tests

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is expected to resume training tomorrow after missing Monday’s to undergo a kidney tests.

The Argentina international sat out December’s Fifa Club world cup semi-final after being diagnosed with renal colic, a type of abdominal pain commonly attributed to kidney stones.

He was able to play in the final three days later, and has played in all of Barca’s league games since. A club statement said Messi, 28, will return to “normal duties” on Wednesday. He was expected to undergo several tests yesterday and today to assess the evolution of a possible kidney problems he suffered last December. Messi has scored 12 goals in 17 La Liga games this season to help Barcelona go three points clear at the top of the table. He played the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s 2-0 win at bottom club Levante.

I will see off my Real contract: Ronaldo Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has committed his future at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of his current contract. The Portuguese says he will not leave the club before his contract expires in 2018. The 31-year-old Portugal captain has been continually linked with former club Manchester United, who sold him to Real in 2008, and Paris St-Germain. “I want to stay here two more years. The two years I’m talking about take me to the end of my contract, after that we’ll see the future,” said Ronaldo. Ronaldo was speaking at an event to collect his Pichichi trophy, which he won for being last season’s La Liga top scorer with 48. “This is the best league in the world, although I also played in the Premier League,” he said.

“It’s fantastic, competitive, and with great players. It is a privilege to leave my mark on it.”

Kenya hosts seminar for fencing coaches

Kenya has been challenged to begin early preparation for the 2010 Olympics, especially in ‘small sports.’ The Modern Pentathlon Federation Kenya (MPFK) team Coach and MPFK member Sharon Hays outlined the importance for Kenya to begin training athletes over the next four years to ensure athletes qualify for the 2020 Olympics. Hays said this during the launch of a 10 day- course by international coaches as Kenya gears up to participate in the upcoming World Fencing Championships set to take place in Sarasota, USA. The training that will take place over a period of 10 days will cover Nairobi’s Braeburn and Hillcrest Schools; thereafter St Andrews Turi and Greensteds Schools in the hope that this will create interest for future games.

Ahmed Amer, a licensed international judge of the Modern Pentathlon competition as well as, a former coach to modern pentathlete 2009 World Junior Champion will lead the coaching seminar.

Team squad Setters: Joy Luseneka, Jane Wacu, Right attack: Lydia Maiyo, Gaudencia Makokha, Opposite Hitters: Mercy Moim, Everlyne Makuto, Noel Murambi, Monica Biama, Center: Edith Wisa, Joan Chelagat, Violet

Some of the notable absentees Janet Wanja, Praxciddes Agala (15) and Ruth Jepng’etich during a past match. Kenya will field an inexperienced side during the Olympic qualifier that begins on February 12 in Cameroon.

Makuto, Triza Atuka, Liberos:

Elizabeth

Wanyama,

Agripina

Kundu

African Queens in search of elusive Olympic ticket The last time Kenya National women’s volleyball team played in an Olympics qualifiers outside the country, they failed to capture the ticket.

Kenya lost to Algeria in the finals held in the North African country to miss a trip to London 2012. Tomorrow, the team is expected to depart for Wes Africa, Cameroon which host the next edition of qualifiers from February 12-19.

Head coach Japheth Munala knows the work ahead of him.

There is a lot of expectation from local fans who have been closely following the progress of the team in the recent past. There is also the pressure to surpass last season’s achievement, but Munala knows the type of

opponents he will face in the humid West African nation.

Last season was Kenya most successful year having won a record ninth Africa nations Championship, a first International trophy-The FIVB Grand Prix (Group Three) and finishing 10th in the world Cup in Japan.

But with these achievements, every team will be going for African Queens’ throat. While the North Africa nations such as Egypt and Algeria have given Kenya a run for their money lately, host Cameroon remain the greatest threat for them in this qualifier.

A physical Cameroon has been rebuilding their squad and having reached the African

Games finals their confidence is expected to grow. Besides the home support, Cameroonian side also boast of four players who knows Kenya’s engine, setter Jane Wacu in-and-out having played together in France.

Wacu is expected to play a vital role if Kenya is to win the sole ticket to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Munala will be missing three senior players who were the pillar of the team last season, former Captain and centreblocker Praxcides Agala, her assistant and second setter Janet Wanja and blocker Ruth Jepng’etich. Wacu who will be assisted by inexperienced Joy Lusenaka must hold her grooves for the entire tournament.

Other experienced players

Wanyama gets with five-match ban after third league red card Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama will be out for six weeks after picking his third red card last weekend.

Wanyama was sent off over the weekend for a reckless challenge on West Ham player Dimitri Payet, which took his cumulative red cards to three this season.

English FA handed the Kenyan Captain a five match ban, technically keeping him out of action until March 19 when The Saints welcome Liverpool at Home.

It was the third time the 24-year-old midfield man had been sent off this season, adding two extra

games to the three matches for his horror tackle on Payet.He was previously been sent off against Bournemouth last November and against Norwich at the start of January.

His offence that may also attract a fine of two-week wage did not go well with his manager Ronald Koeman who promised to speak to Wanyama about his tackles.

“It’s not his first red card, it’s his third, and that’s not good. You have to learn from your mistakes so I will speak to him about it.’Last season, Wanyama was booked 12 times. @elvince_x254

whose services Munala will surely depend on are Captain Mercy Moim and Everlyn Makuto, but the duo’s games are also known by their opponents.

This leaves only Queen of right attack, ‘Mama Right’, Lydia Maiyo as the only saviour should the team knock.

Munala also suffered injury setback after right attacker, Gaudencia Makokha sprained her ankle early in the year. It is not yet clear whether Munala will drop her for Leonida Kasaya or take the risk of carrying a crocked player.

Kenya last took part in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. @elvince_x254

SPORT 15

Cahill now set to ‘benefit’ from Zouma knee injury Gary Cahill career at Chelsea will be revived after Kurt Zouma was ruled out for at least six month with a serious knee injury.

Zouma’s injury, which has ruled him out of the rest of this season is a bitter blow to an outstanding young player, Chelsea and France ahead of Euro 2016.

It may, however, open the door to fresh possibilities for his two experienced central defensive team-mate at Chelsea, Gary Cahill who had raised alarm over lack of playing time.

The 21-year-old landed awkwardly after contesting a high ball and was taken off on a stretcher in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United last Sunday.

“Scan today has shown I injured my anterior cruciate ligament. I will have surgery this week and will come back stronger,” tweeted Zouma.

Chelsea said he would be out for “approximately six months”.

The France centre-back has made 32 appearances for the Blues this term.

The more recent of his two France caps was in an international friendly with Denmark in October.

France host this year’s European Championship, which begins in June.

Zouma injury may also force Chelsea to re-think their stand on John Terry contract. The duo have become preferred starters in central defence as Chelsea have gone nine matches without defeat

under interim manager Guus Hiddink.

Terry currently want out of Chelsea after he reiterated on Sunday that he has had no dialogue with Chelsea since he left the club’s hierarchy bemused by announcing he was not getting a new contract and would leave at the end of the season.

With Zouma out, Chelsea may be tempted to revisit negotiations with Terry and Cahill.

Reprts indicate Cahill is unsettled after falling behind Zouma and seeing his own Euro 2016 prospects being hit by a lack of first-team football.

He will now be right back in the frame, ready to secure his Chelsea future and cement his place in England’s plans for France this summer.

RULED OUT: Chelsea players with defender Kurt Zouma (down) when he sustained a bad knee injury after awkwardly landing during Chelsea and Manchester United match on Sunday. England defender Gary Cahil will replace Zouma in the Blues defence. PHOTO/EPA

Mercedes weary of Ferrari, Honda ahead of F1 season

World champions Mercedes expect a serious challenge from Ferrari and Honda this season Foumula 1.

Mercedes say McLaren-Honda are a “big threat”. Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have dominated the last two years winning 32 of the 38 races, but Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell said: “Nobody here is assuming we are going to win.

“Everybody here is assuming we’re going to get beaten by Ferrari, and Honda are a big threat.”

Cowell described Ferrari’s progress with their engine in 2015 as “remarkable” Sebastian Vettel won three races after a winless 2014 for the team.

Hamilton won 10 grand prix on his way to his second world title, with Rosberg taking six.

Honda struggled on their return to

F1 last season, McLaren lagging about 2.5 seconds off the pace for much of the season largely as a result of deficiencies in the engine. But Cowell said this was partly due to less development time than the companies who competed in 2014.

“We know exactly how McLaren work in terms of a data-driven approach, so they are going to make some big, big gains.”

Mercedes supplied engines to McLaren from 1995 to 2014, and were their works engine partner until the car company established its own team in 2010.

The Mercedes engine has set the standard in F1 since the introduction of turbo hybrid engines in 2014, although Ferrari progressed last season to the point at which their engine was almost a match.

“We’ve made some good gains over the past two years,” he said. “I don’t see that stopping. I don’t think anybody here sees that we have reached the limit.”

According to Cowell, the pursuit of performance in F1 was leading the engine companies to make huge strides in efficiency that would transfer directly to road cars.

The F1 engine regulations revolve around two different kinds of fuel limit - a maximum allowance and a maximum fuel-flow rate.

These, Cowell said, had led to “mindblowing” gains in thermal efficiency the measure of how much of the energy in the fuel is converted into power from the engine.

The big caveat, he pointed out, is that the road-car drive cycle is different to what drivers do in F1 cars.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

tuesday, FeBRuaRy 9, 2016 | www.x254.co

Cahil gets lifeline after Zouma is ruled out for six months with knee injury

p15

Stage set for FKF national polls T

Gor Semelang’o

Sam Nyamweya

he much awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National elections are set for tomorrow at Moi Sport Centre Kasarani.

After several postponements, the stage is now set for the race that has attracted outgoing President Sam Nyamweya, Kariobangi Sharks chairman Nick Mwendwa, former Youth Fund chairman Gor Semelang’o, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier and former FKF Vice President Sam Sholei.

This follows the completion of the pending branch elections yesterday evening.

Martin Kimani beat his competitor, James Ndegwa by a single vote to capture the Mount Kenya seat same as Francis Wafula floored Oscar Wasike by the similar margin to capture the North West Rift Branch secretary.

Kiarie garnered 11 votes to Nde-

gwa’s 10 while Wafula picked 17 to Wasike’s 16.

Abdala Ali was elected Mount Kenya Vice Chairman after garnering 11 votes.

The appeals for Nyanza South and Western branches were dismissed.

This means that Yobes Ondieki and Elkanah Muok will be the new delegates from Nyanza South while Western branch will be represented by Patrick Lubembe (chairman) and George Baraza (secretary).

The Western branch case was thrown out on grounds that the petitioner failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the elections warranted a re-run.

The verification process for the National elections was successfully carried out yesterday, leaving the stage to Institute for Education in Democracy (IED) which will

oversee the entire process.

Meanwhile, up to 11 delegates risk missing the chance to vote for lack of proper accreditation.

The affected candidates include North Western branch chairman Erick Makhoha, South Coast secretary Lilian Nandudu Kazungu, Emmanuel Kayoyi of Sofapaka, Moses Adagala Wandamizi of Muhoroni Youth FC and Robert Nyakundi of Chemelil have been given until close of business today to submit their photos for the purpose of preparing entry badges to the National Elections.

Others are John Tonui (Rangers FC), Yapets N. Mokua (Nzoia Sugar FC), Patrick Kihungu (Palos FC), Luthers Mokua (University of Nairobi-Wazito FC), Collins Benei (Isibania FC) and Ernest Tsuma of Savannah FC.

Nick Mwendwa

@elvince_x254 Ambrose Rachier

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