WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016 | www.x254.co
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National land commission boss swazuri on the spot over sgr compensation
NEWS 14
kenya rugby team is clean, says world anti-doping agency
NYS cartels now eying Youth Fund STory on Page 2
Public Service, Gender and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki where she appeared before MPs on Wednesday. She said she is aware some cartels that looted NYS cash are now eying money at the National Youth Fund.
Lobby wants Wetangula, Karua probed over BAT bribery allegations
A lobby group has petitioned Parliament to issue a directive ordering the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate bribery allegations levelled against British American Tobacco Company and some former senior government officials. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
CS: NYS cartels eying Youth Fund Powerful cartels behind the Sh791 National Youth Service (NYS) scandal have now trained their eyes on the newly created Youth and Gender Affairs Ministry. Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki while appearing before the Public Investments Committee on Wednesday she said that she is aware the cartels are re-grouping and are focusing on the National Youth Development Fund. “I know the cartels are re-grouping and I need the support of this committee. I’m only two months in the office. Kindly give me more time as I wait for a report from the investigative agencies before I act,” Mrs Kariuki told the parliamentary committee chaired by Eldas MP Aden Keynan. And the minister took the opportunity to fire a salvo at those thinking of looting public money under her reign at the ministry. “I’m not here to protect anybody who steals money meant for the youth and it should be clear to this committee that I will deal with them,” she said. And on the Sh180 million paid to Quorandum Company Limited for services that were never offered, the CS said she has issued a directive to the youth fund board to stop any transactions pending investigations by the Inspectorate of State
Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki when she appeared before the Parliamentary committee on Public Investments. She claimed that cartels who looted NYS cash are now eying National Youth Fund.
Corporation. She asked the committee to give her more time to clear the ‘mess’ she got at the ministry.
“We came to the house that was already in a mess, the NYS scandal was in the public highlight and it took us long to understand
it. I could not interfere with the investigations that were already going on,” she said. “I’m not in the office to cover
anybody, it is my intention to deal conclusively with any corruption case and give the youths my best,” she assured. Keynan agreed with the CS and asked the committee to summon Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua to give further clarifications because the CS’s hands were tied in the matter. The board is constituted by the President and the chairman his direct appointee meaning the CS cannot sack him. “If the hands of the CS are tied as she is telling us then we need to invite the Head of Civil Service Joseph Kinyua to tell us what he is doing with the board to end the runaway corruption within the National Youth Fund,” Keynan said. Acting fund CEO Emmanuel Odero told XNews that the previous offices holders carried out massive looting of funds meant for the youths. “Those people stole almost everything, Sh180 million is a lot of money but I can assure you that the money will be recovered,” Odero said. “I am even struggling to pay staff salaries. The situation is not at good at the moment and my only hope is that the funds be recovered as soon as possible,” he added. sam_x254
Lobby wants Wetangula, Karua probed over BAT allegations From Page 1 Consumer Information Network said allegations that Bungoma senator and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua were bribed by the British company need to be investigated and perpetrators brought to book. The group’s Chief Executive Officer Samuel Ochieng said the allegations cannot not be taken lightly and called on Parliament to immediately institute a commission of inquiry to investigate operations of the organization, on grounds of bribery of its officials and the Kenyan public officials. “We are petitioning parliament and by extension President Uhuru Kenyatta to see the need to form a commission to investigate the graft allegations involving British American Tobacco Company officials and two Kenyan politicians,” Ochieng said. He argued that since the police and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to have failed to institute investigation into the said allegations, it will be important that Parliament acts in the best interest of the public. “We want action taken against the company officials and the two politicians, Martha Karua and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula,” he said.
Their petition was recieved by Wajir Women Representative Fatuma Ali Ibrahim who is a member of the Justice and Legal Affairs committee that will look into the petition. A few weeks, a similar petition was presented to EACC where officials of the anti-graft body promised to commence investigations into the scandal. Senator Moses Wetangula has since discredited a British Broadcasting Co-operation (BBC) alleged investigative exposure linking him to a bribery scandal to interfere with anti-smoking laws. Mr Wetangula who is also the minority leader in the senate is accused of having been bribed by the British Company to favour them during his time as minister for trade. He has since denied the allegations. The BBC, through its investigation programme, ‘Panorama’ accused British American Tobacco (BAT) of bribing senior politicians and top civil servants in East Africa. The payments were revealed when a whistle-blower shared hundreds of secret documents. According to documents with BBC, in July 2012, BAT lobbyist Julie Adelle-Owino requests the purchase of a business class plane ticket to London for Mr Wetangula who was minister for Trade at the
Former Justice Minister Martha Karua
time. The email says Wetangula was to be “hosted at Globe House” – BAT’s London headquarters. While in London, Wetangula said he and several members of the Kenyan delegation stayed at the Holiday Inn Regent Park Hotel and not as claimed in the investigative expose. Wetangula stated: “I ask myself surely at my level and stature, then I was the minister for trade having served as minister for foreign
Former Minister for Trade Moses Wetangula
affairs in this country in deputy capacity and full capacity for close to nine years, that I to a level of being bought a business class ticket to London when the government I was serving can buy me something of high quality.” “I fail to understand this, if anyone wants to besmirch me for whatever reason at least use something credible, like President Kibaki said if you want to lie use some brains at least because you lie so crudely you
look ridiculous.” The BAT Company has already dismissed any bribery claims and attributed the report to vendetta orchestrated by former employees. On the other hand, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua admitted having received a 2 million shillings donation for her presidential campaign from an associate of the British multinational tobacco company but denied it was a bribe. hillary_x254
NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 11-13, 2016
Swazuri on the spot over SGR land payout National Land Commission chairman Muhammad (NLC) Swazuri is on the spot over Sh30 billion meant for compensation of individuals affected by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. Appearing before the Parliamentary Lands Commission yesterday, Swazuri was not able to explain how much of the Sh30 billion has been used so far in the compensation process. Also under scrutiny by the committee is how the commission transferred the compensation function to Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) which is an interested party contrary to the Constitution. “It is unconstutional for NLC to transfer their constitutional mandate to Kenya Railways who is also a party of the Standard Gauge Railway project, we need proper explanation on how this happened,” said Funyula MP Paul Otuoma. The Committee was categorical that KRC being an interested party in the project should not handle the compensation funds in order to avoid conflict of interest and possible misuse of public funds. Swazuri explained that NLC delegated the duty to Kenya Railways Corporation as it lacked staff to carry out the function. “Kenya Railways is supposed to be a
beneficiary of the project as SGR cuts across to some of its land and therefore it was breach of the law for NLC to hand over the compensation function to them,” Otuoma said. Kajiado North MP and Lands Vice Chairperson Moses Ole Sakuda who chaired yesterday’s session questioned the motive of the NLC to transfer the function to KRC, saying it might be another scandal in the offing. “As a committee we are not satisfied by the answers given by the chairman of the CIC, we have given him one week to prepare a comprehensive report and report back to us,” Sakuda said. He raised eyebrows over the admission of Swazuri that he doesn’t know the amount of money that has been used so far in the compensation process yet NLC is at the centre of the Standard Gauge Railway Project. “It is questionable that NLC chairman doesn’t know the amount of money that has been paid so as compensation to those affected yet constitutionally this is their function,” Sakuda said. Mwatate MP Thomas Mwadeghu noted that there are a number of irregularities in the compensation process and Swazuri should come up with clear answers
next week. “We have noted a number of irregularities in the compensation process, some people are being compensated yet they are not genuine owners of land,” Mwadeghu said. He claimed that some land owners in Lamu were compensated Sh1.5million per acre while their Mombasa counterparts pocketed Sh50 million over the same acreage. Swazuri, however, explained that the disparity is duty to the prime of land located in Mombasa which is near a city and other social amenities such as beaches. “The compensation is dependent on location, topography, size, soil, climate, proximity to infrastructure and service utilities among other considerations,” he said. Swazuri is expected to appear before the committee again next week on Thursday to answer all queries raised by the members. sam_x254
Bett, Iteere plum land state jobs President Uhuru Kenyatta has given a lifeline to former Roads Minister Franklin Bett who lost in the Jubilee party primaries in the recently concluded Kericho senatorial by-election. In a Gazette Notice dated March 9, 2015, President Kenyatta has handed out appoitments to former police boss Mathew Iteere and lawyer Katwa Kigen. While Bett has been appointed the chairperson of the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), Kigen who is Joshua Sang’s lawyer at The Hague has been appointed the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Unclaimed Finance Assets Authority for the next three years. Mr Iteere is the new chairperson of the Nayyo Tea Zones Development Corporation while Julius Kones, who contested for the Bomet County Governorship in the 2013 General Election, will serve for another three years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation after his contract was renewed. Equity Bank Chairman Dr. James Mwangi will serve for another three years as the chairperson of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery
Board after his tenure was renewed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Celebrated film producer and director Christopher Aubrey Foot was also appointed to become the chairperson of the Kenya
National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri. A parliamentary team quizzed him in connection with SGR land compensation.
Film Commission while Silas Kariuki was appointed the chairman of the Local Authorities Provident Fund for a period of three years. All the appointments take effect immediately.
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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 11-13, 2016
80 per cent of city buildings are unsafe At least 80 per cent of the buildings in Nairobi are unsafe for human inhabitation and lack fundamental approvals from the Ministry of Housing and Urban planning, an official has said. The Secretary Buildings Inspectorate at the Land, Housing and Urban Planning, Moses Nyakiongora said although a majority of the professionals are competent to offer good quality advice and service, some still give poor service through poor documentation and regrettable decisions leading to collapse of nearly all the suspect buildings. He explained that rogue and insincere property developers too continue to risk the safety of Kenyans by erecting impropriate structures in the city. In an interview with X-news, Mr Nyakiongora admitted that investigation by his team showed most buildings built in Nairobi’s Eastlands estates were substandard and posed a serious threat to the lives of the residents. He pointed out Dohholm, Huruma, Mathare and Pipeline estates as most affected areas which needed proper interventions. “Majority of these buildings lack structural integrity; fire evacuations, inadequate air circulation and lighting systems, structurally weak and in some cases the structures are not properly plumbed” he said. “Structural defects like weak columns, lack of expertise and use of sub-standard materials are contributing to collapse of buildings in county” he added. He said that Pipeline estate has a high number of suspect buildings with most having more than five floors and no lifts in contravention of the law. Nyakiongora, said for one to have his her buildings approved for construction, they must hire or have a registered contractor, consultancy and approved drawings from the relevant. He lamented that the booming construction industry was under threat by infiltration of rogue developers and contractors whose aim is to only make money but to
The Secretary Buildings Inspectorate at the Land, Housing and Urban Planning, Moses Nyakiongora during an interview with X-news. INSET: A four-storey building in Zimmerman estate which collapsed on Wednesday night.
also risk the lives of the tenants. “Why should a property developer indulge himself/herself in a project he/she knows too well does not mean even the minimum threshold of the construction regulations and standards” he asked. The ministry secretary advised tenants moving to any house in the city or any part of the country to
ask for an Occupation Certificate issued by his ministry as a sign of safety measures. “It is only the Occupation Certificate (OC) that can tell a building is safe for human inhabitation or not. That why am telling Kenyans that before you move to a house first be shown the OC,” he posed. Just yesterday, a four-storey building
in Zimmerman estate that was allegedly condemned and earmarked for demolition collapsed. He said that although they faced resistance from developers and tenants, the information they have given concerning defective structures have come to boost their public confidence since some of the buildings come down immediately after tenants evacuation or closing of the construction sites. “Although not all buildings have been condemned, there is need for improvement. Some structures need strengthening, some will need to improve on ventilation, water provision, and light provision to make them habitable,” said Nyakiongora. The secretary said starting next month, his ministry together with Nairobi County
and the National Construction Authority (NCA) will be carrying out an audit of the buildings in the city to determine their structural integrity and habitability. Besides, his ministry is proposing to have all buildings subjected to audit for every 3-5 years in order to be given a compliance certificate. He further appealed that a lot of sensitization needs to be done to inform Kenyans on their safety and precautionary measures; urging property developers to always endeavour to adhere to the stipulated laws and regulations. The Buildings Inspectorate was established after a series of buildings collapsed in the country killing and injuring dozens of citizens. hillary_x254
Focus on quality not devices, matiang’i tells KICD ahead of laptops rollout Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has directed the Kenya Institute of Curriculum of Development (KICD) to focus on quality even as the government focuses in training more teachers before the roll out of lap tops to schools. Speaking during the inaugural meeting of publishers and content creators at KICD headquarters, Matiang’I said his Ministry was keen in creating the right content for the Digital Learning Program to bear fruits. “Without content, laptop alone will not make a difference in the education sector. KICD must help
us in this,” he said. Matiang’i said content development would be liberalised and asked KICD to produce guidelines for the same. “Other players will be allowed to compete and participate as a way to realise quality. The digital literacy programme is about content and the mode of delivery,” he added. The CS asked those in the meeting to form a digital content caucus to serve as a link between the ministry and players in the education sector. The caucus will comprise KICD, Information and Communication Technology Authority, content developers, teachers unions and the Education ministry which will
be represented by Jomo Kenyatta Foundation and Kenya Literature Bureau. The caucus will be the advisory committee in addition to evaluating and monitoring the content development process. Education PS Dr. Bellio Kipsang said an additional 12,000 primary school teachers will update their computer skills for effective delivery of the digital curriculum. He added that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will lead the training, which will run until the end of next month. Another 13,000 teachers will be trained by end of August bringing the total number of teachers to be
trained in the next five months to 25,000. Kipsang sai the government had already trained 62,000 teachers in readiness for the June delivery of the first batch of digital learning devices across selected schools under phase one of the laptop project. During the meeting, KICD Chief Executive Officer Jwan Julius presented the Standards for Quality Assurance for the online educational content. Outspoken Kenya National Union of Techers (KNUT) secretary General Wilson Sossion maintained that teachers were eager to adopt the new system for the benefit of the students. He urged the TSC and the
ministry to continue engaging the teachers while making decisions as way of ending squabbles in the education sector. Already 150 schools are certified as e-ready to lever the pilot program in June before it’s rolled out to the rest of the country. Early this year, local universities together with various consortiums were given the green light to supply the learning devices after a combative tendering process. Now referred to as Digital Literacy Programme, the project is expected to supply a total of 294.981 laptops and 23,951 teachers in June 2016. wilson_x254
NEWS
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WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
Trump, Rubio row over Islam ‘hate’ Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio has attacked Donald Trump for saying that Islam hates America, in a televised debate in Miami. Mr Rubio, who faces a do-or-die contest in Florida on Tuesday, said Islam had a problem with radicalisation but said that many Muslims were proud Americans. “Presidents can’t just say whatever they want. It has consequences,” he said, to cheers from the audience. The four Republicans heeded pleas from party leaders to have a civil debate. Unlike in the last TV event, which was littered with personal insults, this one was more substantive with a focus on policy. “So far, I cannot believe how civil it’s been up here,” Mr Trump observed at one point. But on the issue of Islam, there was clear distance between Mr Trump and the others - all three of his rivals disagreed with him that the families of terrorists should be killed. Mr Trump stood by comments he made earlier in the day when he said “I think Islam hates us, there’s a tremendous hatred”, and railed against political correctness. But Mr Rubio said: “I’m not interested in being politically correct.
US Republican presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Donald Trump at the beginning of the Republican National Committee Presidential Primary Debate at the University of Miami’s Bank United Center, in Miami, Florida, USA, yesterday. Mr Rubio attacked Trump for his recent remarks that Islam hates America during the televised debate. PHOTO: CRISTOBAL HERRERA/EPA
I’m interested in being correct.” Five large US states go to the polls on Tuesday to vote for their preferred
South Sudan army suffocated 60 people, says Amnesty
presidential candidate in each party, with Ohio Governor John Kasich and Mr Rubio, a Florida senator,
A rights group says it has evidence that South Sudan government forces deliberately suffocated more than 60 men and boys in a shipping container. They then dumped the bodies in a field in Leer Town, Unity State, Amnesty International said. Researchers said they had found the remains of skeletons from the killings, which are are said to have taken place last October. Thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since 2013. “Dozens of people suffered a slow and agonising
under pressure to win their home states. Mr Trump picked up a key endorsement of Ben Carson, who
death at the hands of government forces that should have been protecting them. These unlawful killings must be investigated,” said Lama Fakih from Amnesty. Amnesty researchers interviewed more than 42 witnesses, including 23 people who said they saw the men and boys being forced into a shipping container and later saw their bodies either being removed or at a mass burial site. Witnesses described hearing the detainees screaming and banging on the walls of the shipping container, which they said had no
last week dropped out of the race, hours before the debate. Another interesting exchange was over President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Cuba next week. Mr Rubio, whose parents were Cuban immigrants, said he was opposed to recent efforts to restore relations between the two countries because Cuba should improve human rights first. But Mr Trump said he was not opposed to a US-Cuba deal, but it should be on better terms for the US. The other Cuban-American candidate on the stage, Mr Cruz, accused Mr Trump of supporting the Obama-Clinton policy on Cuba. Mr Trump, a billionaire businessman from New York with no political experience in office, has dominated the news, the polls and the state primary contests so far. On the Democratic side, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are battling for the party’s nomination. Mrs Clinton is leading Mr Sanders in delegate counts so far, though his campaign has proved more formidable than expected. Both parties will determine their nominees at conventions in July, then Americans will pick their new president in November.
windows or other form of ventilation. One said she saw a commander order soldiers to open the container and take out four bodies before closing it again on the remaining detainees. Relatives of the victims told Amnesty that the victims were cattle keepers, traders and students, not fighters. Amnesty has called for the African Union (AU) to set up a Hybrid Court for South Sudan agreed under a peace agreement signed last August.
Top stories from X News global partners Intelligence agents Obama and Trudeau Mobile health apps ECB cuts rates to new study cache of leaked Announce Plans to becoming more capable low and lifts QE: The Central Bank has unleashed Isis documents: British, US Reduce Emissions: President and potentially rather European a bigger than expected package of and German intelligence agencies are Obama on Thursday said the United States useful: Savile Row in London is best measures to stimulate the eurozone looking for potential leads in thousands of and Canada were more closely aligned than documents purporting to list Islamic State volunteers, while admitting that much of the information has been overtaken by events and that many of those named are dead. Many of the 14 Britons whose details appear in the documents, copies of which were provided to the Guardian by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, had already been identified publicly as fighting for Isis and most appear to have been killed. The documents are questionnaires for would-be Isis recruits, listing their real names, their fake names, who introduced them. www.theguardian.com
ever, using a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to announce joint efforts to curb emissions of planet-warming gases and to promote his personal rapport with the leader of a pivotal neighbor. Mr. Obama played the older, more experienced host to Mr. Trudeau’s fresh-faced newcomer during the visit, the first official one by a Canadian leader in 19 years, as the two announced that they were teaming up to reduce the release of methane, a chemical contained in natural gas. “He campaigned on a message of hope and of change.
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economy, with expanded quantitative easing, incentives to banks to increase lending and further interest rate cuts. The ECB cut its deposit rate on Thursday by 10 basis points to minus 0.4 per cent but eased the impact on banks with cheaper short-term loans and longerterm liquidity at negative interest rates — essentially, paying eurozone lenders to increase credit to households and companies. Mario Draghi, the ECB president, said interest rates would stay low for “an extended period”.
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WEEKEnD EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH
MEAN 101.5810 144.2467 111.2947 6.6118 33.0968 21.5395
BUY SELL 101.4844 101.6776 144.0944 144.3989 111.1722 111.4172 6.6036 6.6201 33.0161 33.1775 21.4698 21.6092
Kenya urged to solve land matters ahead of meeting
The Kenyan government has been urged to improve interministerial and inter-agency cooperation ahead of the World Bank’s 2016 Land and Poverty Conference to be held from March 14. According to a report dubbed: “Integrated Land Management in Kenya”, public investment in water catchment areas across the country remains sectoral. For the time being, the government has not fully met its full potential in terms of managing land-related resources. “Implementing integrated landscape management as a part of sustainable development strategies will be
critical to securing the future we want,” explains Achim Steiner, Director General for the United Nations Environment Programme. The 17th annual World Bank Land and Poverty Conference will address key issues such as to improve interministerial and inter-agency cooperation’s, build capacity for inter-governmental coordination at the country level as well as harmonising roles and laws across sectors and levels of government. This year’s conference will pay special attention to working at scale, mainstreaming innovations, and sustaining investments in land governance.
Conference participants will discuss what can be done to guarantee inclusiveness, sustainability, and reliability, build capacity, and ensure that better land information and more tenure security contribute to wider societal objectives and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The forum brings together key stakeholders from governments, civil society, academia, the development community, and the private sector to discuss land policy design and implementation, impact evaluation and progress monitoring, and the latest research on these issues. enock _x254
The 17th annual World Bank Land and Poverty Conference will address key issues such as a drive to improve inter-agency cooperation.
Booming construction CIC Insurance Group posts Sh1.3bn pre-tax profit despite challenges sector cements Bamburi’s profits Manufacturing company Bamburi Cement Limited has posted a 46 per cent rise in fullyear pretax profit to 8.46 billion shillings ($83.51 million). This rise in profits is as a result of a promising construction sector which has over time resulted in increased sales, investment income and foreign exchange gains. The firm, which is one of subSaharan Africa’s largest cement producers, saw its turnover jump 9 per cent to 39.2 billion shillings. In a statement, Bamburi management said it made a foreign exchange gain of 104 million shillings from a loss of 170 million shillings in 2014, while investment income rose to 374 million shillings from 349 million shillings.The company, which is also Kenya’s biggest cement maker and is controlled by Lafarge Holcim, has benefited from an increased uptake in cement products in recent months. This is due in part to a booming construction sector. “Turnover increased driven by increased demand in the key domestic markets in Kenya and
Uganda resulting mainly from growth in large infrastructure projects and contractor segments, despite some slowdown in domestic market in the last quarter,” the management of Bamburi said. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the consumption of cement reached 5.23 million metric tonnes in November 2015, slightly higher than the 5.19 million metric tonnes that was used throughout 2014. The high uptake of cement indicates heightened activity in the construction sector according to data obtained from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics(KNBS). The data show that the construction sector grew by 11.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to a growth of 7.6 per cent in a similar period in 2014. The growth was mirrored in cement consumption which expanded by 15.5 per cent over the first quarter to 1.36 million metric tonnes and 1.16 million metric tonnes over the same period previously. kevin_x254
CIC Insurance Group has posted a pre-tax profit of Sh1.34 billion for the full year ended 2015. The company’s profit before tax declined by 4 per cent from Sh1.39 billion a year ago. Nonetheless, profit after tax increased by 4 per cent, the firm said in a recently-released statement. “The year 2015 started off on a promising note but the significant increase in interest rates and the notable depreciation of the East African currencies against the US dollar in the second half turned the year into an extremely challenging one,” explained the insurer. The twin devaluation of both equities quoted on the Nairobi Securities
Exchange (NSE) and bonds marked to market also had an impact on previously expected investment income. Based on the results, CIC’s gross written premiums for FY 2015 were at Sh11.44 billion versus Sh13.72 billion a year ago Its gross earned premium decreased by 5 per cent from Sh13.3 billion in 2014 to Sh12.6 billion in 2015. Meanwhile, total assets increased by 5 per cent to Sh24.9 billion. Shareholders’ funds were up by 9 per cent to Sh7.8 billion. “Our gross earned premium dropped by 5 per cent largely because of a deliberate strategy to streamline our medical business as well as our group
life business which saw a number of large loss making accounts exit our portfolio. This strategy has already started bearing fruit,” the group said in its statement. The company’s directors have since recommend the payment of a first and final dividend of 10.5 per cent of paid up share capital totalling to Sh 274,635,699. The dividend is subject to shareholders’ approval at the firm’s Annual General Meeting and payment will be subject to withholding tax at the applicable rate. The payment will be made on or about 20th June 2016 to the shareholders registered at the close of business on 6 May 2016. Dennis_x254
Digital banking will raise Equity’s prospects, says CEO Digital banking will give Equity Bank a competitive edge in the years to come, the lender’s CEO Dr James Mwangi has said. His sentiments were made in regard to statistics which revealed that in 2015, 1.9 million customers applied for loans online. “Digital banking is the only way that will drive Equity bank into the future but not bricks and motor,’’ he explained. Speaking when he announced
the company’s results for 2015, Dr Mwangi said approximately 79.5million transactions were processed through the lender’s mobile banking platform. He said the bank’s relatively new platform dubbed ‘Equitel’ will do more transactions than its all other channels put together. By December, Equity Bank had issued 1.7 million Equitel Sim cards and over 90 per cent were active on Mobile banking.
Dr Mwangi assured customers of the platform’s online security, saying that the bank has connected to the International Card Association, a move that would make the lender more profitable. The announcement comes just after the Group, which is Kenya’s biggest lender by market value, posted a full year pre-tax profit of Sh24 billion in 2015, from Sh22.4 billion a year earlier, helped by higher interest income. Dennis_x254
BUSINESS 7
Increased e-payment added Sh7 billion to Kenya’s GDP, creates over 5,000 jobs WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
Increased electronic payment usage added $70 million (Sh7.1 billion) to Kenya’s GDP from 2011 to 2015, according to a new report from financial services firm Visa Inc. The study has discovered that migration to electronic payments created an average of 5,330 jobs in Kenya per year during the review period. The new 2016 study conducted by Moody’s Analytics and released by Visa, analysed the impact of electronic payments on economic growth across 70 countries, including Kenya between 2011 and 2015. The Visa-commissioned study of those countries found that increased use of electronic payment products, including credit, debit and prepaid cards The increased activity added $296 billion to GDP to the aforementioned 70 countries, while raising household consumption of goods and services by an average of 0.18 per cent per year. In addition, Moody’s economists estimate
that the equivalent to 2.6 million new jobs were created on average per year over the five year period as a result of increased use of electronic payments. The 70 countries in the study make up almost 95 percent of global GDP. “Electronic payments are a major contributor to consumption, increased production, economic growth and employment creation,” noted Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody’s Analytics. “Those countries which saw large increases in card usage also saw larger contributions to overall growth in their economies,” he explained. The report, dubbed “The Impact of Electronic Payments on Economic Growth”, also found that the electronification of payments benefited governments and contributed to a more stable and open business environment. Additionally, electronic payments helped to minimize what is commonly referred
Low prices trigger rise in consumption of petroleum products Consumption of petroleum products in Kenya increased to approximately 5,882 million cubic meters in 2015 compared to 5,370 million cubic meters in 2014, a report has revealed. According to Petroleum Institute of East Africa Chairman Powell Maimba, this is attributed to low petroleum prices worldwide. Meanwhile, global consumption of petroleum energy increased by 15 per cent in 2015 compared to that of the previous year. The increase in demand necessitated by low oil prices has also contributed to increase in the tax that industry collects on behalf of Kenya Revenue Authority. For instance, taxes collected last year amounted to Sh102 billion thereby contributing about 35 percent of the revenue from customs that were collected by the Authority. Kenya was also one of the top four countries worldwide to have posted the lowest petroleum prices in the last one year.“This was regardless of the fact that there was an increase in local taxes and levies as well as the
widely acknowledged supply chain inadequacies,” Maimba added. Kenya and the wider EAC also benefitted from the introduction of Low Sulphur Diesel (LSD), which has been available in the market since January 2015.The East African region is also the only region in the developing world, that has shifted to cleaner fuels as a block using a uniform legislation in one go. “Since January 2015, the Sulphur content in diesel is now 50 parts per million, compared to between 500-700 parts per million previously. In fact, oil marketing companies are importing diesel with less Sulphur content than the prescribed maximum,” he added. Kenya also had the highest drop in gasoline prices on the continent with a drop of -12 percent followed by Ivory Coast at -8.80 percent. Ghana on the other hand had the highest drop in diesel prices at -6.40 percent followed by Kenya at -1.80 percent and Ivory Coast at -1.70 percent. kevin_x254
to as the grey economy -economic activity that is often cash-based and goes unreported. As a result, electronic payments provided a higher potential tax revenue base for governments, while also bringing the added benefits of lower cash handling costs, guaranteed payment to merchants and greater financial inclusion for consumers. ”These findings reinforce the many positive benefits that electronic payments bring to
local economies all over the world,” said Charlie W. Scharf, Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc. “This research also suggests that the right public policies can create an open, competitive payment environment, and contribute to economic growth and job creation. At Visa we are partnering globally with governments, financial institutions, merchants and technology companies to develop innovative payment products and services that
will accelerate electronic acceptance, grow commerce, and bring the benefits of card payments to more people everywhere.” Based on the data, African countries had the second lowest average number of jobs added per year from increased card usage (8,000), which is not surprising given the region’s low usage rates and developing financial infrastructure to facilitate electronic payments. Increased card usage added
the equivalent to almost 2.6 million jobs on average per year across the 70 countries sampled between 2011 and 2015. Notably, the two countries with the greatest average job increases were China (427,000 jobs added) and India (336,000 jobs added), which both had large gains in employment because of the combination of fastgrowing labor productivity and increased card usage. Dennis _x254
8
BUSINESS
Kenyan rights groups protest over 2,000 MW Ethiopia hydropower dam WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
Kenyan rights groups are protesting over the construction of a dam in Ethiopia set to provide the country with 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Despite the protests, Ethiopia, will soon launch the new hydropower dam, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said on Thursday. The project has been criticized by Kenyan environmentalists for its environmental and social impact. Key among the development’s critics is the African Resources Working Group which released statements, saying that the quantitative and qualitative data included in virtually all major sections of the project’s report were “clearly selected for their consistence with the predetermined objective of validating the completion of the Gibe III hydro-dam.” In spite of the backlash and under a new 2015-2020 development plan, the country’s capital Addis Ababa wants to raise power output to 17,346 megawatts from a current capacity of just over 2,200 from hydropower, wind and geothermal
sources. The move is part of an ongoing initiative to make Ethiopia a top regional electricity exporter “The launch of this new dam will
be commenced soon,” Hailemariam told the country’s parliament yesterday. Ethiopia’s bid to tap several rivers for power generation is part of
plans to boost manufacturing and industrialise its agrarian economy, Reuters reports. It already has an array of projects under construction, including the
The Gibe III hydro-dam in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said the project will soon be launched despite an uproar by activists.
$4.1 billion Grand Renaissance Dam that will churn out 6,000 megawatts upon completion within the next five years, as well as a 1,800-megawatt Gilgel Gibe III Dam in its southern region. But the country’s power ambitions have caused disputes in the past. Egypt - solely dependent on the Nile - has expressed concern that the Renaissance Dam will reduce the river’s flow. Both countries are currently locked in discussions over the project’s technical details. And rights groups in Kenya say that the project, dubbed the Gibe 3 Dam, and a related irrigation scheme, could dramatically reduce the volume of water in its Lake Turkana. Once Ethiopia’s grand plans are complete, it wants to export power to countries in North and southern Africa and beyond. However, poor rainy seasons that have left 10.2 million people requiring food aid in the country of 90 million have also had an adverse impact on existing dams, Hailemariam said.
Lack of seeds, climatic conditions Apple hits back at ‘corrosive’ claim by hampering Africa’s food security US government Apple has accused the US Justice Department of trying to “smear” the company with “desperate” and “unsubstantiated” claims. It followed the US Department of Justice’s (DoJ’s) latest court filing over its demand Apple create software to unlock an iPhone used by an attacker in a mass shooting last year. The DoJ said Apple’s stance was “corrosive” of institutions trying to protect “liberty and rights”. It also claims Apple helped the Chinese government with iPhone security. Apple’s general counsel Bruce Sewell told reporters on a conference call: “The tone of the brief reads like an indictment”. He said: “Everybody should beware because it seems like disagreeing with the Department of Justice means you must be evil and antiAmerican, nothing could be further from the truth.” Prosecutors claim Apple’s own data shows that China demanded information from Apple regarding more than
4,000 iPhones in the first half of 2015, and Apple produced data 74 per cent of the time. But Mr Sewell said the new filing relies on thinly sourced news reports to inaccurately suggest that Apple had colluded with the Chinese government to undermine iPhone buyers’ security. The US government has been fighting Apple over access to information on the iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino killers, Rizwan Farook, in December. Apple says the demands violate the company’s rights. The DoJ claimed in its court filing that Apple had attacked the FBI investigation as “shoddy”, and tried to portray itself as a “guardian of Americans’ privacy”. This “rhetoric is not only false, but also corrosive of the very institutions that are best able to safeguard our liberty and our rights: the courts, the Fourth Amendment, longstanding precedent and venerable laws, and the democratically elected branches of government,” the DoJ said.
Lack of seeds for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa is hampering the continent’s ability to boost yield and food security, research has revealed. Known as ‘Access to Seed Index’, the report has shown that if smallholder farmers who are responsible for the majority of the regions food production are given quality and range of seeds made available and affordable, could help address the challenge. However, it also argued that only 2.5 per cent of seeds used by the farmers come from global seed firms. The index, published at the end of February, assessed the main field crop and vegetable seed companies’ efforts to make their products available to smallholder farmers in the most food insecure regions of the world: South and South-East Asia, Latin America, Eastern Africa and Western Africa. “It is often thought that smallholding farmers save their seeds from season to season but that is not true,” said Access to Seeds Index executive director Ido Verhagen. “Research shows that they use a mixed bowl of seeds, including seeds they have saved themselves, seeds that they buy from the market and certified seeds from companies. However, he explained, access to certified seeds from global companies was limited for a number of reasons. “It is not only availability, but also affordability and sometimes capability - seeds are not always suitable for their
system or their practices,” he told BBC News. The findings show that the “seed industry as a whole is active in all countries in the scope of the index. This was with the exception of Western Africa, where there is a clear gap”. Mr Verhagen observed: “We cannot blame the companies for not going to Western Africa because companies need a business environment and market opportunities.” The index showed that companies did not have a presence in six of the 14 countries in the region: Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone. While the findings suggested that global companies were doing more to reach smallholders than had been assumed, Mr Verhagen hoped the big commercial players would step up their efforts. “NGOs and other institutions are looking for partners in the private sector and - based on our research - we
have found that some are excelling in breeding while others are excelling in distribution. Other than seeds, a study in The Lancet warned that climate change could be responsible for more than half-amillion deaths across the globe by the middle of the century by damaging food production and health. The Access to Seeds Index says one billion people currently go to bed hungry and two billion people suffer from malnutrition. To compound matters, the global population is projected to increase by a further two billion people in the coming decades, primarily in the regions identified as the most food insecure. In these regions, smallholder farmers dominate the agricultural landscape. In order to meet the growing demand for food in an uncertain future, improving access to seed is a vital component in efforts to improve global food security.
WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
ACCESS
celeb chat Five young boys are rocking the airwaves with their mellow gospel voices. Known as Brothers in Faith (BIF) Moses Kamande (Mose) 10, Marklas Kisofi (Marky) 13, Evans Oluoch (Banso) 15, Moses Jomba (Jomba) 10 and Ibrahim Aringo (Ibra) 13 are the talk of town.
HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT
from an orphanage called Good Samaritan in Soweto-Kayole not forgetting the need for funds to drive our music ahead. Where do you get the energy from? Inspiration from God and of course we have Raphael Wala, who is our mentor, he helps us a lot both at the home and musically. How do other children say when they see you on TV? They are happy and excited and they want us to progress. Where do you want to be in the next five years? We hope to be big in Africa after having our voices heard in East Africa and finally the most vocal gospel artistes in the world. What would you like to tell other children who believe they have talent? Believe in God and use your talent to benefit God. So far what do you as a group think of the music industry? It quite challenging and it offers a lot of opportunity as young celebrities we are optimistic that the future will be bright.
@duncan_x254
How does it feel to be celebrities at a young age? We are happy because we are using Gospel Music to praise God, inspire and tell our story to the world. Are you aspiring to have other careers apart from music? Yes of course we are hoping to be in other careers but music will be the lead career. Like Marky wants to be a pilot, Moses is hoping to be a DJ and Evans Oluoch want to be a Ranger. Your song everybody hands up how is it doing so far? It has received mixed reactions and reception people love the song, our fans who include our age mates love the song. We also have secular DJs who like it as much. So far we have received air play on Kiss TV, Shine TV, KU Radio among others. What challenges are you currently facing? To be a celebrity is quite a task because first there is school to also think about plus currently we are operating
BROTHERS IN FAITH
10 fashion Parade
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ACCESS
WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
FASHIONScoop
INSIDE YOUR CLOSET
Give a nod to the 70s with a Fedora. For extra long hair, buy a wide frilled floppy hat.
Snapback hats, when worn by a woman, give laid back cool vibes.
Beanie hats are especially suitable for those with short hair .
@mercy_x254
sauti sol
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ccording to the weatherman, the long rains are upon us but with the drastic climatic change, you never know when the rain will pound. More often than not, it catches us unawares and ladies turn to polythene bags to keep their precious weaves dry because umbrellas are too big for clutch and sling bags. To stand out from the crowd in seriously amped style, how about going hat shopping? Here are basic guidelines to ensure you keep your hair dry and look trendy in the
easT aFRiCan hiTs
rain, at the same time, also covering up the bad hair days. lJacket hoodies also come in handy in drizzly weather. lFor your little ones, get a hat that covers the ears and cheeks. lCrocheted or woven hats add extra warmth in the rain. lIf you come across a hat woven into a scarf, do not leave it behind. lThe best thing about hats is their dynamism: You can wear a floppy hat in the rain and also in extreme sunshine.
Rank
Nessa
Can yOu haCk The haT game?
TiTle
Floppy hats are both feminine and flirty.
aRTisTe
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Black Stallion Bado
Nessa FT Ulopa and DJ Pierra Harmonize FT Diamond
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kama Utanipenda
Darassa FT Rich Mavoko Elani FT Chameleone Khaligraph Jones Khaligraph Jones Sauti Sol Sauti Sol Cindy AKA FT Diamond Ohzy FT Crazy K and Susumila Ammie the Veggie Man FT Dana
My Darling Chizi Higher Haiya Still Standing Make Me Sing Sherehe Rising Up
ACCESS
WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
WEEKEND PLANNER
your comprehensive gig guide todAy
SuNdAy
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IArdnISvAL K C
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Where: Stedmak Gardens Karen TIMe: 10 Am eNTrY: Sh1200 per child.
Where: : Nairobi Art Centre IMe: 4pm eNTrY: From Sh3500.
pAINt NIGht Where: Aqua Blu Club WhO: ZJ Henno TIMe: 8 Pm
bLue
Nicki Minaj for SA
HOT
todAy
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TIMe:4Pm 18 eNTrY: Over
Where: Nairobi Arboretum WhO: Koffi Olomide TIMe: Noon eNTrY: From Sh1500.
TOPICS
SAtuRdAy ph WhO:Khaligra JAMeSoN’S y Ph s, Jone e Th : Where St. pAtRIcAKY’S Alchemist Bar
KoRoGA FESTIvAL
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Sexy rapper Nicki Minaj is set to have a three day tour of South Africa. Nicki Minaj is expected to perform in the cities of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from the 17th to the 22nd of this month.
WhIte AFFAIr
Out&About WOrSHIP AT THE FUn ALTEr OF
LIttLe teMpLe
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s we ponder on the next shocker we might encounter in matters corruption, we have found a breather. A long Tom Mboya street next to the Haile Selassie exit lies a club. Little Temple. Before you hit the stair cases, from outside you sight illuminating bulb lights donning the wall that rapidly fizzle off and on in assorted shades of colors. As you walk through a golden plated door welcomes you to a shiny, and radiantly illuminated staircase where again dazzling colors are the dominant decor.
Kot RoASt MARWA Coast County Commissioner Nelson Marwa was fried on twitter for the better part of MArWA the day. A section of KOT expressed emotional discomfort purporting the police boss has become too much. Apparently Marwa has enough dictatorial tendencies including those of withdrawing Governor Joho’s security detail.
A few security checks here and there and in you go, to a world that “has embraced civilization and the digital world,” according to one of the patrons. Inside the walls and the ceiling of the club are literary covered with wall paper. Wall paper reminiscent of Asian type of calligraphy, and it also has different shades of bright pink, luminous blue and an off white. It looks like a temple. A Little Temple where party mode is in abundance. It a joint of the young, the XYZ generation that parties like there is never tomorrow.
The generation that truly believes in YOLO and the you will always be forever young type of phrases. With enthusiasm, gist and gusto in tow, partying here is allowed all the way to five in the morning—even beyond for some, we are told. Yes there is time and there will always be time. Drinks, in plenty, roll off the waiter and waitresses service and onto your table, these is normally accompanied with Sheesha and a little less of eating. To drink a local beer, goes for not more than Sh 240.
Raila tours John the baptist Shrine in Israel
Cord principle Raila Odinga seems to be having quite a good time in Israel. Raila was privileged to visit John the Baptist’s Shrine on the outskirts of Jerusalem. This is a few days after a military establishment was named after him.
rAIlA
A little Temple where party mode is in abundance. It a joint of the young, the XYZ generation that parties like there is never tomorrow.
MINAjI
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BUSINESS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
Job VACANCY! 150 Form 4 leavers needed by a marketing Co. in Parklands for sales and promotions. Earn 8500/= weekly, For free interviews and training Call:0708192229;
ST. EDWARD’S HIGH SCHOOL Admission in progress for Forms 1-4
l Academic performance is excellent. l Highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. l Strict discipline and hygiene standards are highly maintained. l School fees is reasonable. l IRE, Arabic and Computer are taught. l We admit repeaters and book private candidates. l Well equipped science and computer laboratories. l Environment is conducive for learning. Contact Admissions Secretary Ngara Arcade, Ngara Road P.O.BOX 31487-00600 Nairobi Email: stedwardshighschool@yahoo.com
0763983531
WEATHERFORECAST
DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Try not to make any hasty moves while driving, and be careful operating things like gas pumps or propane tanks. Used properly, today’s planetary energy can help you tackle just about any obstacle in front of you. How you handle the energy is up to you. AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 One minute you may be lethargic and the next you’re ready to run a marathon. Engage in activities that nurture your fluctuating moods. There’s no need to figure out why you feel this way. The key is to identify these feelings and act accordingly. Misdirected action may prove harmful.
FRIday 11/3/2016
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26ºC 50%
SATURDAYday More sun than clouds 12/3/2016
27 6:39 am 6:46 pm
26ºC 45%
6:39 am 6:46 pm
SUNday
27
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 An all-out battle is raging out there, and it could seem like everyone has picked you as the main target. Be careful about escalating an issue even more by becoming defensive without first understanding the full scope of the matter.
Sudoku
ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Feel free to add your two cents, Aries. This is one time in which it’s crucial to stand up for what you believe or else the loudest people will have their way. If there is a protest going on, join it. If there is an article in the newspaper you disagree with, write a letter to the editor. Speak your mind. TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Be careful that you don’t let this incredible force come out in the form of a heated argument against someone you really care about. Perhaps you suddenly feel as if everything is caving in and you desperately need some means of escape. Go for a good long run. GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 You’re sailing along and suddenly see a big ramp in front of you, Gemini. Your choice: avoid the ramp, stay on the ground where you know it’s safe, and be content with a limited worldview, or hit that ramp head on and soar over the trees and beyond. Who knows where you might land? CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 They may look up to you without you even knowing it. Make sure you stand up straight and proudly whether or not you consider your job menial. The example you set is likely to have a trickle-down effect that will end up touching many people. LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 There is a negative intensity about the day that is only going to get worse if you continue this stubbornness about every issue that comes your way, Leo. Much of today’s activity will focus on ways in which people can break out of their ruts and see things from an entirely different perspective. VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 At times you’ll feel like the pivotal player whose actions decide the fate of the game. Now you must close your eyes, take a deep breath, and find the answer from your heart. Don’t look to others for support, because they’ll have their own agendas and ideas about what you should do. LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 The time for taking aggressive action has arrived. If you don’t have your armor ready, too bad. You’ll be thrust onto the battlefield with the rest of the troops even if you’re in your underwear. The more you try to delay the inevitable, the more difficult it will be. SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 This kind of movement brings together generations and unites people in a revolution. Put away the petty issues and think globally. Educate yourself about what’s going on in the world and take a more aggressive stand to fight for what you believe. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You could have a sudden insight that you have a much greater purpose in this life than what you’re doing now. Explore this idea and see how you can move toward this desire that comes from deep within. This is the perfect time to put large, long-term plans into action.
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WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
CROSSWORD Across 1. Tirana’s country 8. Stays in neutral 13. Top 14. Singer Warwick 16. Reasons to call a plumber 17. Distinguished public speaker 18. Winged ones 19. ___ man (paleontological hoax) 21. Put out, as a fire 22. Solidifies 23. Ambulance staff (abbr.) 24. Common typo 25. Goldfish in Disney’s “Pinocchio” 26. Path around the earth 27. Like a tough steak 30. Stammering sounds 31. Incite to action 33. Opposite of “cathode” 35. ____ New York minute 36. Primary, perhaps 40. Hone 42. Henry’s sixth 43. Lamb’s kin 46. Tim or Tara 47. Dry, as dishes 48. Reside (in) 50. Dig find
52. Least effusive 53. More wicked 54. Cup-shaped flowers 56. “Sanford and Son” son 57. Crazily 58. Extends credit 59. Clingy ones Down 1. “We ___ amused” 2. NHL part 3. Cake cookery 4. “It is ___ told by an idiot...” 5. Refusals, in short 6. British suffix 7. Rapidly 8. People on pedestals 9. Soil 10. Free end? 11. Laid to rest, pharaoh-like 12. Traction aid 13. Elated 15. Some dadaist paintings 20. “Am ____ loud?” 22. Camera variety, for short 25. Group in a spies’ network 26. Winery prefix 28. Second in command, briefly 29. Hair-removal brand name
31. Space 32. Canada’s ___ Provinces 34. Single-file 35. Haifa’s country 37. Grand, as an adventure 38. Kangaroo of TV 39. Three, in Tuscany 41. Artist Redon 44. “Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer ____” 45. Classic Fords 47. ___ and all 48. Rashad of football 49. Site for crafty entrepreneurs 51. Stave (off) 52. Mobutu ____ Seko 55. Wichita-to-Omaha dir.
Yesterday’s answers
YOURSAY Our education system is killing students’ dreams Vet top IEBC management afresh before poll Some 165,766 candidates attained C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, which makes them qualify for university education. However, admission to public universities is usually pegged on the available bed space. Therefore not all the 165,766 will be absorbed. There are reports that up to 100,000 candidates will miss places. It is instructive to note that public universities usually provide the most affordable opportunity for university education in Kenya. It is reasonably within reach to even the most economically disadvantaged segment of candidates because the tuition fees is subsidised. Public universities also
usually have a wider range of courses to offer, compared to their private counterparts who specialise in courses that are deemed ‘marketable’ like social sciences and business. A fraction of the 100,000 who miss out on public university places usually are absorbed in the private universities which, like I have observed, seem to offer similar courses. For the 360,104 candidates who scored below C+, most of them have uncertain future. And that is one of the greatest failings of our education system. It may seem like one of the unstated purposes of the education system in Kenya is to stop students from getting further education. Every year when the
Education Cabinet secretary announces results, the story is often the same: only a fraction of the candidates successfully transit to the next level. It is the same narrative even when the primary school exam results are announced. An education system that actively pursues this as its central policy is fundamentally flawed. We have national polytechnics and other middle-level colleges for those who wanted to further their education, but the most visible among these institutions are being converted into universities and constituent colleges. Something needs to be done to avert this systematic undereducation of different Kenyan generations. — Asava Amadi
More needed to give women opportunities The world celebrated the International Women’s Day on Tuesday. This was a chance to review the progress made towards realising gender equality. Significantly, the theme this year was “Pledge for Parity”, which was a call to action to international and national leaders and communities to bridge the gap between men and women. In Kenya, celebrations were organised countrywide and the national one was in Nairobi. The rallying call was the same. It is acknowledged that significant milestones have been made in narrowing the gender divide. For Kenya, the Constitution provides the anchor for promoting gender equity. Several provisions in the law, among them the requirement that one-third of either
gender must be represented in positions of leadership, marked a major step in opening up opportunities for women to take their rightful roles in management and governance. Even so, it is widely recognised that disparities still exist. A recent report of the World Economic Forum made a grim projection — that gender equality may not be realised globally until 2095. In other words, the campaigns to bridge gender gaps will not achieve much this century. At the national level, the representation of women in Parliament is still below the envisaged threshold of at least one-third. The onus is on the national and county governments to push for policies that secure opportunities for women to exploit their potential and be able to contribute to the development.
With elections just around the corner, although it’s belated, there is still time for Parliament and senators to interrogate IEBC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. The IEBC chairman has very little assurances coming from his pronouncements. With the chickengate accusations, the top IEBC management has lost moral authority to run such a sensitive body that can disrupt our country’s progress. The IEBC commissioners have lately portrayed a picture of people out of touch with reality and have become drivers of a vehicle they cannot control. That valuable time, is spent on damage control, shows something is not right. Kenyans are tired of an election body that lives on denial and offering false promises. The complaints of malpractices and alleged irregularities from the recent by elections in Malindi and Kericho are an indictment that the IEBC status quo cannot be allowed. Not only is it a threat to the stability of this country but may come to haunt the current government. It’s like rearing a snake for protection only for the snake to turnaround and fatally bite the owner. An election process that can be manipulated is not only a threat to the opposition but the incumbent government!
Our legislators must impartially and as a matter of urgency revisit IEBC in terms of personal and system preparedness, validation of ongoing voter registrations and integrity of voters. The IEBC top management must be vetted a fresh for competency. IEBC Operation plans and Budgets for the period leading up to the next elections should be evaluated by election experts and contingency plans put in place IEBC is yet to demonstrate zero tolerance for election malpractices and this is an area of concern. As elections draw near, the parliament, senate and independent stakeholder interest groups should carry out monthly assessment of IEBC activities so that all challenges, deficiencies and shortcomings are addressed. A separate and independent body with prosecuting powers may have to be set up to investigate arrest and charge those engaging in election malpractices such as voter bribery and violence. This will allow IEBC to focus on its systems and process to deliver timely, free and fair elections. Our nation is dependent on how IEBC conducts itself and nothing should be left for chance. Time is of essence. — Mzungu Mweupe.
Media should teach couples anger management It has now become eminent that if two couples especially the young couples fight, they resort to committing suicide or killing their children. This should stop! Recently, these stories have bombarded the media, for instance the casual labourer who allegedly murdered his girlfriend, a fourth year Education student at Egerton University with a kitchen
knife. Knives have become weapons in the homes. Let the government take note seriously that these deaths have reached an alarming rate and it is high time an intervention was done. Couples should be educated on how to manage anger in churches, mosques, TVs, radio and especially the morning programs. Let radios educate Kenyans
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on how to survive in marriage or else we will continue losing Kenyans on a daily basis. TV and radios stations can invite experts in the field to talk about this scourge so that Kenyans are enlightened. Kenyans should also be able to note the telltale signs of a stressed person.
— Veronica Onjoro
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SPORT
Agency clears Rugby teams of doping claim WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
There are no signs of systematic doping practices within the Kenya Rugby Union, World Rugby has said. A report compiled by an independent investigation set up by the international rugby regulators to look into the queries of doping in conjunction with World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) said Kenya is clean. This followed a report by the Kenya Anti-Doping Taskforce of 2014, which alleged systematic doping in both the sevens and 15s programmes between 2013-14. Wada then took up the mater after the Sharad Rao led taskforce alleged that Kenyan players were given supplement laced with steroids. However, investigations found no evidence to suggest that the
supplements contained any banned substance in Wada’s watch list. Instead, the investigation confirmed use of nutritional supplements by the Kenya Rugby Union The report also exonerated former sevens coach Paul True from blame that he introduced the supplement to the players besides finding no evidence of an anti-doping rule violation that might have been committed by the Kenya Rugby Union or members of the national team coaching staff. It also noted that the Kenya men’s sevens and 15s squads were routinely tested in and out of competition at World Rugby events, with no adverse analytical findings. While the investigation did
not identify evidence that an anti-doping rule violation may have been committed, World Rugby continues to work with the Kenya Rugby Football Union to implement robust supplement education to all players and coaching staff via its Keep Rugby Clean programme. Kenyan players will also be tested extensively as part of the World Rugby anti-doping programme and in particular its pre-Olympic testing programme for participating unions and players. World Rugby is also prioritizing the training of more regional educators to deliver anti-doping information at regional level, with a new pilot programme to be rolled out in 2016.
Briton tennis star Andy Murray at a press conference at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in California USA yesterday. PHOTO: JOHN MABANGLO/EPA
Ban drug cheats: Murray Maria Sharapova “must accept responsibility” for failing a drugs test and serve her ban, says the world number two Andy Murray. Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, tested positive for meldonium in January. “Clearly if you are taking performance-enhancing drugs and you fail a drugs test, you have to get suspended,” said Briton Murray of Russian Sharapova, 28, who is expected to be provisionally suspended from tomorrow.
The former world number one admitted having taken taken the drug, which was added the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned list on January 1, for health reasons over the past decade. Sharapova is one of several athletes to have fallen foul of the prohibition of the heart drug, including 1500m world champion Abeba Aregawi, 2015 Tokyo Marathon winner Endeshaw Negesse and Russian ice dancer Ekaterina Bobrova. “I find it strange that there’s
a prescription drug used for heart conditions and so many athletes competing at the top level of their sport would have that condition. That sounds a bit off to me,” added Murray. Murray also said tennis needed to do more to combat the threat of doping. “It’s better than it was a few years ago,” he said. “Last year I certainly got tested a lot, but this year I have been tested twice, three months into the year, which clearly is not enough.”
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Kenya continues chase for Open Golf trophy Kenya will this weekend continue its search for a second Golf Championship since 22 years ago a Kenyan won the annual championship. Peter Livingstone is the first and only Kenyan to have lifted the Kenya Open trophy back in 1992 at Muthaiga Golf Club. Since then the title has eluded the host with South Africa winning five trophies. South African Haydon Porteous is the defending champion.
Apart from Kenyan golfers chasing shadows at their own backyard, another elusive piece of prize at this prestigious event is the holein-one event. While this year’s edition is expected to be different with the organisers introducing, for the first time, a village for entertainment to majority of ‘fans’ who may not necessarily be interested in the actual game, of great interest will be to see whether a hole-inone will be won for the first time since the tournament’s
inception way back in 1967. Just like the previous three editions, this year’s tournament will provide one lucky golfer with an opportunity to win a car. A Chevrolet worth Sh5.4 million Trail Blazer is once again being offered for a hole-in-one at the par three seventh hole. Previously, Mercedes Benz, a Range Rover and a Toyota have all gone back to the showrooms after players failed to hit the specific target hole.
Kenya will field 22 golfers in the four-day extravaganza set for Karen Golf club between March 17th and 20th. Of the 22, six are armatures while the pros will battle it with 126 other golfers from across the world who have shown interest in the annual competition whose winner will pocket Sh20million. On Thursday, the event got a boost in the arm after Coca Cola injected Sh15million sponsorship, making them the platinum sponsors. @elvince_x254
South African golfer Charl Schwartzel in a past action. Kenyan golfers will continue their chase for a second Open Golf trophy at the annual championship to be held at the Muthaiga Golf Club this weekend.
Kenya to send 19 for world Paralympic games in Dubai Kenya will send contingent of 25 for the International Paralympic Championship (IPC), Athletics 8th Fazaa Championship which takes place between March 15 and 21 in Dubai. The Kenyan team which consists of visually impaired, Cerebral palsy and the Wheelchair Amputee players have
expressed confidence of returning with a haul of medals. The team on Thursday evening got a boost in the arm from Mayfair Holdings which donated Sh3.4 million for their trip to Dubai. The team jets out this week with a contingent of 25 people that includes 19 Athletes and six
officials led by head of delegation Agnes Oluoch. Kenya National Sports Council (KNSC) Treasurer Charles Nyaberi challenged the team to replicate the performance of the Deaflympics team to the worldDeaflympic games which won several medals in Colombia.
The athletes consist of Muendo Nzungi, John Njoroge, Bii Wilson, James Mangerere, Stephen Musyoki, Egla Mosop, Samuel Kimani, Gilbert Lagat, Mary Nakhumicha, Jonathan Sum, James Mugo, Nelly Nasimiyu, Hanah Ngendo, and Nelly Jeptoo. Others are James Boit, Bernard Korir, John Lomuket, and Richard Kakuri. Agnes Oluoch (head of delegation), Stephen Njogu, Sospeter Mwangi,(Coach), Bernard Ongondo( Team Manager), Paul Muteti,(Coach), Ruth Chumo Cheruto(Coach), Rachel Mugambi Kathure(Physiotherapist )
SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016
WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 11-13, 2016 | WWW.x254.CO
Kenya Rugby team cleaRed of doping claims as investigatoRs find no evidence.
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IMPRESSIVE: Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring against Manchester United at Anfield in their EUFA Europa CUP last night. INSET: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts during the game which his team comfortably won 2-0. PHOTO: PETER POWELL/EPA
Rampant Reds maul Devils
Liverpool beat Manchester United 2-0 last night to take control of their Europa League last-16 tie with an impressive display at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated what was the first European meeting between the two Premier League giants in a thunderous atmosphere - and the German manager’s only disappointment will be that the tie is not already settled. Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool a 15th-minute lead from the spot after Memphis Depay fouled Nathaniel Clyne and Roberto Firmino added a second from close range with 17 minutes left. United did not create a single chance and only the brilliance of goalkeeper David de Gea has kept Liverpool in range as he
produced a succession of magnificent saves. In other matches, Borussia Dortmund thrashed Tottenham 3-0 in Germany while Europa Cup holders Sevilla played out a goalless draw with Basel in Switzerland. Fenerbache beat visiting Portuguese side Sporting Braga 1-0 while Villareal also overcame Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in Spain. In other fixtures, Athletic Bilbao beat Valencia 1-0 as Shakhtar Donetsk won 3-1 against Beligian side Anderlecht at home. Italians Lazio held Russia’s Sparta Prague 1-1. At Anfield, Liverpool extended Manchester United’s losses on the road to six at the knockout stages of European competition with Luis Van Gaal’s side failing
to create even a single chance. Liverpool know Manchester United can never ever be written off, but two goals, and even more importantly, a clean sheet at home gives them a good chance of progressing into the quarterfinals of the Europa League. A curiously weak United side posed little threat, but Liverpool’s defence and their aggressive, industrious midfielders made sure there were no surprises at the end of a nerve-wracking yet hugely satisfying victory. The job, however, is only half-done. Roberto Firmino kept up his excellent goal-scoring form by slotting home the vital second in front of the Kop, in a match where only goalkeeper David De Gea stood between the visitors and a rout. The Spain interna-
tional was world-class and it was only his constant interventions that kept Liverpool’s lead anywhere near manageable for Louis van Gaal’s side. De Gea saved superbly at the far post from Coutinho in the first half when many would have given up and showed brilliant athleticism to keep out the Brazilian in front of The Kop in the second half. He also blocked Sturridge when Chris Smalling missed a simple defensive header in Liverpool’s opening surge and demonstrated his reflexes to stop Adam Lallana, as well as punching away Nathaniel Clyne’s powerful drive after the break. The prize of a place in next season’s Champions League for the Europa League winners is a mas-
sive incentive - but so was the old rivalry between two clubs who argue over their respective European pedigrees. While Liverpool was mauling a fellow English, another premier league side, Tottenham was having it rough in the hands of Germans, Borussia Dortmund. Gonzalo Castro hit the post before Marco Reus rifled in at the back post. Son Hueng-min had a penalty appeal turned down but Reus then scored a half-volley after a flowing move to hand Dortmund a deserved 3-0 win in the first leg Both teams are second in their domestic leagues and five points behind respective leaders Bayern Munich and Leicester, yet there was a gulf in class at the Westfalenstadion.
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