201603014 xnews

MONday, MARCH 14, 2016 | www.x254.co

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Priest in 2000km walk to raise Sh250 million Father wesonga maloba says the epic journey was inspired by pope Francis call for all Catholics to take a spiritual pilgrimage

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NEWS

Mathare united climb to league Summit as afc leopards are held

Ibrahimovic set to leave French Giants psg after wining title

Jubilee plans CS Keter defence as MPs mull ouster

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Kenya’s untapped billions

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Women pour water over ores containing gold placed inside basins for them to be trapped on cloth-covered slopes of homemade sluice boxes, man-made channel designed to separate ores containing gold from others, at one of the gold mining sites in Macalder, Migori County. INSET: A miner shows a sack full of gold-containing ores that he and others extracted from the mine on February 29, 2015. Recent explorations conducted by the government and private companies have revealed large gold deposits in Migori and other parts of western Kenya and a potential large-scale commercial mining that could put Kenya on the map of the top gold producers in Africa. According to the Mines and Geology Department at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the gold capacity of Migori alone stands at 34 tonnes per year, that could earn the country some Sh67 billion annually, according to a local report.

Although a number of local and international mining firms operating in the region have been granted gold exploration licenses, Kenya’s gold mining industry is still young and the gold-rich areas of western Kenya remain largely unexplored with thousands of artisanal and small-scale miners working under very perilous conditions to earn an average of between Sh300-500 a day.

PHOTO: DAI KUROKAWA/EPA

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NEWS

Jubilee will defend Keter, says Duale MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

The Jubilee Coalition has vowed to use its numerical strength in Parliament to thwart any attempts to impeach Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter over alleged involvement in the Kericho Senate by-election.

Keter is accused of unlawfully engaging in politics in the just-concluded Kericho Senate seat by-election.

MPs Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills) and Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) both of whom supported a rival candidate have said they will draft and table an impeachment motion against the CS. However, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale has vowed to scuttle such plans, saying the Jubilee coalition will use its numerical strength in the House to thwart the motion.

“Let them complete their investigations and see what will happen next. I want to tell to you that nothing will happen to the Energy Cabinet Secretary,” Duale said yesterday in Garissa.

The CS is accused of breaching section 16 of the Public Officers Ethics Act of 2013 which bars Cabinet Secretaries from any engagement in political activities.

The Act prohibits public officers from declaring support for, or opposition to, any political party or candidate in an election.

“A public officer shall not engage in political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of his office,” states the Act.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) launched investigations into claims that Keter meddled in the by-election, but did not state specific date when they will conclude the investigations.

The Kericho by-election pitted Jubilee Party’s Aaron Cheruiyot against Kanu’s Paul Sang with the former being declared the winner in an election whose results the losers have refused to accept.

Cs Keter is said to have openly campaigned for Cheruiyot.

MPs Keter, Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikir) and Sudi have since criticised the CS, saying he should have not supported either candidate since he is a public officer.

Nandi Senator Stephen Sang, however defended the Cabinet Secretary, saying he is a registered voter in Kericho and is not barred from exercising his democratic right by electing his preferred candidate.

Kipkelion MP Joseph Limo and his Belgut counterpart Erick Keter have vowed to block any attempt to impeach the Cabinet Secretary.

A defiant Duale dared the legislators to bring the matter to parliament, saying he’s the boss there and such a plan cannot succeed.

“Let them bring it, who is the boss in Parliament and who has the numbers there, do you think we can allow Keter to go home? He posed. sam_x254

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter at a past function. He is facing the threat of being impeached for alleged involvement in the Kericho by-election contrary to ethical requirements of his office.

Catholic Priest in 2000km walk to raise Sh250 million

Fr. Maloba Wesonga with his mother during the flagging off ceremony of his epic journey. He said the walk was inspired

by Pope Francis recent challenge to all Catholics to take a spiritual pilgrimage.

A catholic priest yesterday embarked on a 2000km walk dubbed Journey Of Faith to inspire Christians across the country to renew their faith in God. Father Maloba Wesonga, 44, says the fundraising walk will also serve as his contribution to build a new church in his Parish.

The walk will see the son of a former prison warden traverse 15 counties as he holds talks with Christian faithful to reflect on issues that affect the church.

He is expected to speak on challenges that face marriages, sanctity of life, youth unemployment, parents as role models for their children, the influence of new media on young people and servant leadership at the national level.

During the flagging off ceremony yesterday at Karen in Nairobi, Maloba noted that the church is facing a host of new and complex challenges and there is need to change its approach.

“We must realise that we are living in unconventional times and require unconventional solutions to today’s societal problems. Christians must be willing to go the extra mile to inspire hope and faith to the

society and especially to the young people,” he said.

He hopes to raise Sh250 million to build a new sanctuary and facilities to minister to the needs of the growing number of the church community at his current parish in Nairobi.

He hopes to have walked to Khaimba in Mumias where his parents met and got married; Murang’a, where he was born and baptised; Mombasa, where he had his First Holy Communion; Ruaraka, where he received the Sacrament of Confirmation; Thika, where he was ordained To Diaconate; back to Ruaraka, where he was ordained to priesthood; and then, finally, to Karen, his current Parish of Apostolate all in 60 days. He said the journey was inspired by His Holiness Pope Francis’ recent challenge to every Catholic faithful across the world to take a spiritual pilgrimage within this year. Through the pilgrimage, Catholics are called to rediscover the richness of God’s graces in their lives.

The walk comes at the time when Catholic faithful are observing lent- a season of fasting and prayer. The journey will translates into 2 million steps. peter_x254

NEWS 3 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

Setback as NIB cancels Galana irrigation tenders

CS urges residents to collect title deeds

Unemployment, cost of living top Kenyans’ concerns Corruption, high cost of living and unemployment are still the top most issues that most Kenyans want addressed according to latest findings of a new survey by Infotrak Research and Consulting firm.

Corruption remain Kenyans’ top concern with 31.6 per cent of those surveyed citing it while 17.3 per cent said unemployment is their top worry. Another 12.1 per cent of Kenyans are worried about the high cost of living.

Although the pollster said the percentage of people who wants corruption to be dealt with has reduced from 41 per cent in November last year to 32 per cent this year, it remains one of the key issues that is linked to the low levels of optimism among Kenyans.

Infotrak managing director Angela Ambitho while releasing the poll results yesterday warned that should the government continue to ignore the three issues, unmanageable apathy could be witnessed.

“Indeed, these key issues may easily be linked to the low levels of optimism and low incidence of those with good decent condition of life. Should Kenyans link the issues evolving around the economy and corruption with their poor condition of life, it may continue to affect their optimism and cause unmanageable apathy,” she said.

Ambitho said while majority of Kenyans at 53 per cent still think the country is headed in the wrong direction, the percentage of

those feeling disgruntled with the state of affairs has reduced by 9 per cent.

The reduction according to the poll was the resignation of former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru which sent warning signals to Kenyans that President Uhuru Kenyatta is finally ready to tackle corruption.

“Apart from the resignation, the reduced incidence of terror attacks in the past three months has also appeased Kenyans,” said Ambitho.

Majority of those polled at 55.6 per cent want corrupt officers to be prosecuted immediately, 12.8 per cent said they should be made to return what they have stolen, and another 12.8 per cent said they should be banned from holding any public office.

Only 8.1 per cent said corrupt officers should step aside to allow for investigations to be conducted by the authorities while 7.2 per cent said they should resign immediately with a paltry 1.8 per cent saying their bank accounts should be frozen and assets confiscated. Other key concerns among Kenyans include insecurity 9.3 per cent, quality of education 5.3 per cent, infrastructure and roads 3.4 per cent, strikes 3.2 per cent, access to healthcare 3.2 per cent and hate speech at 2.7 among others.

The poll was conducted between March 6 and 10 this year with sample respondents of 1800 drawn from all the former eight provinces. @sam_x254

Lands Cabinet Secretary Jacob kaimenyi issues a title deed to a n elderly man at Maua Stadium in Igembe North sub-county over the weekend.

The CS said over 70,000 title deeds belonging to residents of Igembe Central, Igembe North, Igembe South, Tigania East and Tigania West subcounties remain uncollected at the regional lands registry in Igembe North.

Progress of the Galana- Kulalu Irrigation Scheme have hit another setback after the tender for the construction of dams and electric fence were cancelled. The National Irrigation Board (NIB) said the tenders were cancelled as a result of technicalities which emerged after President Uhuru Kenyatta inked a deal with Israel on financing. NIB planning and design engineer Thuita Mwangi said the tender will be re-advertised at a later date after consultation with other State agencies.

“We cancelled the tender because we needed more time to consult with other government agencies such as the office of the Attorney-General, ministries of Agriculture and Water to come up with a good plan for the project,” said Mwangi.

The board in November sought a firm to build the infrastructure on 400,000-acre piece of land.

The firm initially being sought was expected to operate under the build, own, operate, transfer model that

involves contractors building an infrastructure with their own resources and charge a fee to users over a period of time before transferring it to the government.

President Uhuru and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late February signed a deal for cooperation between the two countries in implementing the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme.

Details of the pact were not revealed. Under the project, investors will be offered land for crop production and value addition, meaning those dealing in maize will be expected to produce flour and other products on the farm.

They will pay a fee to the NIB which is expected to share the revenues generated with the contractor laying the infrastructure over a per-determined period.

Water from Galana River is not enough to irrigate the 400,000 acres of land, prompting plan to build three dams for storage. @sam_x254

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NEWS MONDAY,MARCH 14, 2016

NEWS BRIEF

Governor Kidero to build school for Ngando residents Nairobi governor Evans Kidero has pledged to build a primary and secondary school for Ngando residents in Dagoretti South constituency. Speaking during a church service in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the area, Dr Kidero said that the county government and I &M bank are currently in talks to donate 5 acres of land which will be used to build the schools. “This will enable children in Ngando area easily access education where they come from as opposed to having to cross to Karen area,” he said. He also announced plans to set aside Sh150 million in this year’s budget to facilitate repair, refurbishment and expansion of roads in the sub-county. The governor also promised that soon the county would provide tapped water for Dagoretti residents after 30 years of dry taps. “Dagoretti residents have not had water flowing into their taps for the last 30 years. We are currently putting in place network sewers. We will ensure this is completed in the next 3 months.

Nairobi City county government will also sign agreements with KURA and KURA to facilitate road refunds,” he said.

City sewerage services to be enhanced: CS Sewerage services in Nairobi will be increased from 40 per cent to 56 per cent by the end of 2016 to meet the growing demand in the capital city, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has said. The minister who made the announcement over the weekend at his Maji House office said the initiative is a collaborative effort of both the national government and the county government and aimed at providing a clean and sustainable environment for the city residents. He said that there has been a significant difference between production and demand that has been widening over time due to population growth, inadequacy of the carrying capacity of the distribution network and climate shocks. Wamalwa said the government is currently implementing a Nairobi Rivers Sewerage Improvement Project to realise the initiative. “This project will eliminate pollution of Nairobi Rivers and protect them as alternative water sources, as well as increase sewerage network coverage,” he said. “We want to safeguard the lives of all the city residents, by ensuring that they access to proper sewerage system and clean and safe water,” he added.

16 killed as gunmen attack beach-goers in Ivory Coast

Ivorian soldiers stand on guard as guests vacate the Etoile du Sud hotel in Grand Bassam, 40 kilometers south of the capital Abidjan where 16 people were killed yesterday after gunmen stormed the beach-side facility and opened fire at civilians. The hotel is popular with foreiners.

PHOTO: LEGNAN KOULA/EPA

Al-Qaeda-linked militants have killed at least 16 people in a gun attack on a beach resort in southern Ivory Coast. The attackers fired on beach-goers in Grand Bassam, about 40km from the commercial capital Abidjan.

The resort is popular with both locals and foreigners. Four of the dead were Westerners, including a French and a German national, officials say. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed the attack. The gunmen

have been “neutralised”, officials say. Ivory Coast was once one of the most stable countries in West Africa. However, a civil war broke out in 2002, pitting the mainly Muslim north against the largely Christian south. Since then, peace deals have alternated with renewed violence.

A witness to Sunday’s attack told AFP news agency that “heavily armed men wearing balaclavas” had opened fire near the L’Etoile du Sud hotel, which was full of

expats. Fourteen of those killed were civilians and two were soldiers, officials say. Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko four of the civilians were Westerners, and included a French and a German national. There is no word on the nationalities of the other victims. French President Francois Hollande condemned the “cowardly attack”.

Correspondents say Ivory Coast has been identified as one of several countries in West Africa at

risk of being targeted by Islamist militants. The attack confirms the fears of the Ivorian government, which has attempted to beef up security, particularly in its northern border regions, to keep Islamist militants out. AQIM claimed deadly attacks on luxury hotels in Mali in November and Burkina Faso in January.

The group, which has its origin in Algeria’s civil war of the 1990s, has expanded across the Sahel regions south of the Sahara in recent years.

President vows war on terror after 34 are killed in Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to bring terrorism “to its knees” after an attack in the capital Ankara that killed at least 34 people. Mr Erdogan said the suicide car bomb would serve only to strengthen the resolve of Turkey’s security forces.

The explosion, in Guven Park in the Kizilay district, a key transport hub, wounded at least 125 people.

Interior Minister Efkan Ala said an investigation would conclude on Monday and

those responsible would be named.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but government sources are casting suspicion on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The Kurdish rebels have carried out a series of attacks on Turkish soil in recent months.

The so-called Islamic State group has also targeted Ankara recently. Mr Erdogan said in a statement that terror groups were targeting civilians because they were losing the battle against Turkish security forces.

Calling for national unity, he said Turkey would use its right to self-defence to prevent future attacks.

“Our people should not worry, the struggle against terrorism will for certain end in success and terrorism will be brought to its knees,” he said.

According to Turkey’s state-run news agency, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has postponed a visit to Jordan following the bombing.

The United States condemned the attack. US State Department spokesman John Kirby said: “We reaffirm our strong partnership with our Nato ally Turkey in combating the shared threat of terrorism.”

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg Firefighters evacuate a wounded victim from the scene also condemned the attack, saying there of an attack in Ankara, Turkey. At least 34 people were was “no justification of such heinous killed in the explosion. PHOTO: EPA acts of violence” Turkey’s pro-Kurdish

political party issued a statement condemning the attack. The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) said it shares “the huge pain felt along with our citizens”.

The HDP is frequently accused of being the political wing of the PKK, an accusation it denies, and of not speaking out against PKK violence.

The blast happened at about 18:40 (16:40 GMT) on Sunday and the area was evacuated in case of a second attack.

Turkish Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu told a news conference that 30 people were killed at the scene and four died later in hospital. Two of the dead are believed to be the attackers.

Mr Muezzinoglu said 125 people were being treated at several hospitals in Ankara, of whom 19 are in a critical condition.

Last month, a bomb attack on a military convoy in Ankara killed 28 people and wounded dozens more.

That bombing was claimed by a Kurdish militant group, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK). It said on its website that the attack was in retaliation for the policies of President Erdogan.

Turkey, however, blamed a Syrian national who was a member of another Kurdish group.

Last October, more than 100 people were killed in a double-suicide bombing at a Kurdish peace rally in Ankara.

NEWS 5

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries Kenya moving in the Kenya right direction – poll: wrong The number of Kenyans who believe the country is moving in the wrong directions has reduced in the last four months, a new poll by Infotrak suggests. The poll released yesterday shows that 53 per cent of Kenyans still feel that the country is headed in the wrong direction as compared to 62 per cent in November last year. Infotrack attributed the improvement to actions taken to deal could be attributed to some of the actions with corruption.

heading the ‘How Kericho election NBK board chair way; survey: was manipulated’: Doubts entangled in Sh100 Majority of Kenyans interviewed I a new were yesterday raised about the electoral billion fraud claims: The opinion poll think the country I heading commission’s impartiality ahead of next year’s General Election following claims of vote-rigging in the Kericho Senate by-election. Former ruling party Kanu claimed its candidate, Paul Sang, had won the March 7 poll by garnering over 120,000 votes, but alleges the ruling coalition conspired with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to manipulate the results.

National bank chairman, Mohammed Hassan, has been accused of aiding a Sh100 billion money laundry scheme at one of Kenya’s largest chartered flight operator- Bluebird Aviation. The allegations made in court by a founding shareholder of the Wilson Airportbased carrier have also sucked in Mr. Hassan, a former top executive of Dyer & Blair Investment bank.

PSC makes it harder to Extend voter listing, One in every seven remove DPP: THE Public Service electoral body told: police o­ fficers guards Commission has proposed a lengthy Leaders across the country have asked VIPs: One out of every seven police process that makes it harder to remove of the electoral team to extend the voter

Veteran board members face CMA rule axe: Nearly 30 serving

in the wrong direction. Respondent who shared this view, cited corruption, the high cost of living and unemployment as some of the issues they would like to see address by the political leaders. According to survey by Infrotrak Research and Consultancy, 53 per cent said the country was heading in the wrong direction, while 44% though otherwise.

officers are deployed to guard the elite, leaving only about 70,000 to meet all the country’s policing needs. Some top State officials each have up to a dozen bodyguards, stretching the capacity of the country’s 80,000-strong police force.

Apart from the President and his deputy, holders of sensitive dockets also have a high number of security officers out of the 11,000 guarding VIPs.

directors of NSE-listed companies will be affected by a new rule that sets a 70-year age limit for board members of publicly traded firms. About 27 directors of Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) traded firms — including board chairmen — are aged 70 and above.

While company shareholders at the annual general meetings (AGMs) could previously vote to extend their tenure.

Jubilee used technology Joho stands firm, refuses Tough-talking Nelson to rig, says Kanu: Kanu to surrender guns: Mombasa Marwa wields a lot of yesterday claimed Jubilee is acquiring Governor Hassan Joho is yet to surrender power and always has ‘sophisticated computer programmes’ in his firearms and the licensing certificate, the last word: Kenya’s most readiness to rig the 2017 general election, five days after being instructed by the

Gulf Energy market share hits 8.8pc as top oil dealers cede ground to small rivals: Gulf Energy

the Director of Public Prosecutions from office. According to a draft legal notice published last week, it would take up to six months before the President can receive a petition to remove the DPP. Article 158(3) requires that the PSC satisfies itself that a petition discloses grounds for the removal of the DPP before recommending that the President forms a tribunal.

and deployed it in Kericho to steal its victory in the recent senate by-election.

It alleged the ruling alliance is already in the process of establishing command centres for the ‘latest technology aided electoral fraud’. “We are aware Jubilee people are buying sophisticated computer programmes,” said Nick Salat.

registration drive scheduled to end tomorrow. They claim that the campaign, which has been marred by widespread apathy, has not registered the intended number of voters and sticking to the deadline risks disenfranchising millions of potential voters. IEBChas admitted that it might not meet more than half of its two million target.

Chief Licensing Officer Samwel Kimaru to do so. That act of defiance puts the governor at loggerheads with the Interior ministry, which two days ago, accused Mr Joho of crossing “the red line” by defying a police order. It also, curiously, elevates the governor to the position of a political heavyweight.

vocal regional co-ordinator Nelson Marwa is the epitome of authority. He is daring, doesn’t budge and always has the last word. And as always, he did not disappoint last week and throughout the campaign period in Malindi when he accused the Opposition of plotting to unleashing violence on polling day.

more than doubled its market share last year to 8.8 per cent, underlining an underway shift in the industry that saw Kenya’s top three oil marketers Total, Shell and KenolKobil cede a combined 4.9 per cent market share to smaller rivals in domestic volume sales.

Top stories from X News global partners

At least 34 dead after Deadly Explosion Rips A squabble over religion Emerging markets flock ‘suicide bomber hits Though Heart of Turkish between India and back to bonds: Brazil and are rushing to tap international Turkey transit hub’: At Capital: A car filled with explosives America: Relations between India Turkey debt markets for the first time this year

least 34 people have died after a car bomb exploded in the Turkish capital Ankara, less than a month after a suicide car bomber killed dozens of military personnel and civilians in the city. Mehmet Muezzinoglu, the health minister, said 30 of those killed had died at the scene, while the four others died in hospital. At least one or two of the dead were attackers, he said. He added that at least 125 people were being treated in hospitals, with 19 in a serious condition. The Ankara governor’s office also confirmed that the explosion was caused by a car bomb.

www.theguardian.com

blew up in a public square in the heart of Ankara, the Turkish capital, on Sunday evening, killing more than 30 people in the latest of a string of terrorist attacks that have destabilized the country. The attack, which raised questions about the Turkish government’s ability to protect its citizens, occurred two days after the United States Embassy warned of a potential terrorist plot to attack government buildings and residences in Ankara. Turkey once sought to contain the chaos unfolding across the Middle East, but is now increasingly being sucked into the violence, which is to the extremists of the Islamic State.

www.nytimes.com

and the United States, respectively the world’s most populous democracy and the most powerful one, have burgeoned in recent years. Flourishing trade links, common strategic concerns and a thriving Indian diaspora have underpinned the friendship. But the very fact that both countries are vast, diverse and contentious places can make things a bit harder. One of the issues that can cause arguments, within both countries and between them, is the definition of religious freedom.

For the third time, America’s religiousfreedom envoys, who travel to such unfree places have been denied entry to India.

www.economist.com

as rising oil prices and radical central bank stimulus plans create an opening for bonds from emerging markets.

The two countries have issued debt in the past fortnight after a prolonged market absence, helping to increase this year’s emerging market debt issuance from $15bn in late February to $25bn, according to Dealogic. At the start of the year, emerging markets were gripped by a negative feedback loop as concerns about slowing growth left investors unwilling to lend and lack of lending reinforced concerns about growth.

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xnews | MONday, MARCH 14, 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 101.3975 142.1261 109.9544 6.4675 32.9693 21.5884

(AS OF 5/3/2016)

BUY SELL 101.3033 101.4918 141.9739 142.2783 110.8339 110.0750 6.4605 6.4745 32.8894 33.0493 21.5190 21.6577

Tea sector posts profit despite volatile global economy Kenya’s tea sector has remained competitive despite recent bouts of drought and the volatile global economy.

According to Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) interim director general Alfred Busolo, tea exports totalled Sh124 billion in 2015.

This represents an increase of 23 per cent from the previous year.

He said the increased export value was largely as a result of improved tea auction prices in 2015 as well as a weaker Kenya shilling against the US dollar.

These developments came ahead of an announcement by tea producer, Limuru Tea in which the company posted a profit before income tax of Sh5.1 million versus Sh2.1 million a

year ago.

The firm produced 10 per cent less green leaf (used to manufacture black tea) in 2015 due to a drought.

Nonetheless, the lower crop volume was positively impacted by the rise in US dollar tea prices and the weakening of the shilling against the dollar y 11.4 per cent. This increased revenues by 33 per cent to Sh122 million in 2015 from Sh92 million in 2014.

Kenya’s tea registered an average price of Sh302per kilogramme compared to Sh219 recorded in 2014.

Last year’s tea price was the second highest average price ever recorded at the Mombasa Tea Auction.

Busolo said tea was exported to 68 market destinations even though over 72 per cent of all exports were bought

The Kenyan tea industry has not been affected by the volatile global economy and drought and earned in 2015. Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) has said. by five nations, including Pakistan, Egypt, Britain, Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Limuru Tea chairman Duncan Stickler said the tea sector appears to have started 2016 on a positive note due to the El Nino rains experienced

in late 2015. “However, auction prices are now showing a downward trend as a consequence of the high volume while the Kenya shilling continues to hold stable against the US dollar,” he said.

Stickler said if the current good

DTB posts Sh15.2bn rise in interest income Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has seen its net interest income rise by 18.8 per cent to Sh15.2 billion in 2015 up from Sh12.8 billion recorded in 2014.

This led to an operating revenue growth of Sh19.9 billion from Sh16.6 billion posted the year before.

The lender’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) grew by 11.5 per cent to Sh24.4 billion up from Sh21.9 billion recorded in 2014.

The growth was driven by a 20.1 per cent growth in total operating income despite a 28.3 per cent rise in operating expenses for the financial year ended 31 December 2015.

According to a review dubbed Corporate Governance in Kenya, Cytonn Weekly Report, DTB was ranked the third bank after Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group and Equity.

However, the bank’s net interest income was lower than the rise in operating expenses which rose by 28.3 per cent reaching Sh10.3 billion compared to Sh8.1 billion recorded in 2014 leading to a rise in the cost of income ratio difference of 3.4 per cent.

During the period under review, deposits grew by 20.6 per cent to Sh 194.1 billion whereas loans grew at 29.9 per cent to

Sh177.5 billion from Sh137.7 billion recorded the previous year.

Key to watch for DTB will be their ability to mobilise deposits to buttress their increasing loan portfolio which grew at 29.0 per cent as compared to deposit growth which was 20.6 per cent as well as the quality of their loan-book as the 150.7 per cent increase in loan loss provisions may be an indication of high exposure to risky businesses.

Of the banks that have reported so far, we would classify their performance as resilient to the tough economic environment in 2015. enock_x254

MTN, Jumia in entrepreneurship competition Enterprise solutions provider MTN Business Kenya and e-commerce firm Jumia Kenya have called on young entrepreneurs in the country to participate in the MTN Entrepreneurship Challenge that seeks to support business ideas with solutions to solve challenges faced in Africa.

The Challenge that spreads across 14 African countries will see the winning idea receive $25,000 (Sh2.5 million) and access to a Facebook Starter programme valued at $15,000 (Sh1.5 million) that includes tools and services essential in developing mobile applications. The first and second runners-up will receive $5,000(Sh507,000).

All winning ideas will also be entered into an incubation programme at the MTN Solution Space where they will be equipped with resources to drive their ideas forward.

“As MTN, we recognise the importance of delivering the bold new Digital World to our customers, and initiatives such as this will help to find digital solutions to the problems faced in Africa,” MTN Business Kenya Managing Director, Kennedy Chinganya said.

The initiative is the first of its kind for this continent, and through it, MTN will act as enablers of success and growth of local start-ups.

Francisco Cockbaine, Head of Sales and

Marketing at Jumia Kenya said that the competition was open to all and not restricted to online business ideas only.

“This way, we will be able to capture some of the most practical solutions to the challenges facing the African continent,” he explained.

Applications for the first stage, online submission of the business ideas, are open and will close on March 27. Upon a review of the applications, the successful teams will be invited for a live pitch to a panel of three judges, which will comprise of two successful entrepreneurs and the Jumia Kenya Managing Director, to be held at the Jumia Kenya between April 1 and April 8.

Dennis_x254

weather continues into the rest of the year, the full year crop will be expected to be higher than last year and prices will maintain a downward trend. The 2016 performance is therefore expected to be modest.

Dennis_x254

BuSINESS DIARY Hub East Africa set to host business event on March 16 The Hub East Africa, located along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, will host a Business Breakfast on Wednesday, March 16.

The event, to be held at 7:30 am, will provide attendees with the opportunity to network with business and thought leaders.

The affair will also give those attending the chance to exchange ideas and make

meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.

The Hub East Africa supports entrepreneurs in their journey from ideation to being the owner of an economically-sustainable business. The group provides training, mentorship, coaching and financing solutions through its partners and desk/office space, among other incentives.

FISA, a professional association whose aim is to link its members to finance industry professionals will on Thursday, March 17, 2016 host this year’s edition of the Africa Trade and Economics Conference.

The event, to be held at 9:00 am at the University of Nairobi’s Lower Kabete Campus, will bring together government institutions, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders, foreign investors

and NGO officials from Africa to discuss the way forward on sustainable development and Africa’s resilience to external shocks. The main theme of the conference shall be “Leveraging Africapitalism for sustainable development” The Conference is a platform for entrepreneurs searching for or creating business opportunities in Africa to create linkages and discuss how to spur economic growth through integration.

Lower Kabete hosts trade conference on March 17

BUSINESS 7

ISO, World Bank MoU to benefit Kenya MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

Kenya is set to benefit from a trade agreement between the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the World Bank.

The deal that comes weeks after Kenya announced its support for interregional development initiatives is aimed at boosting international trade The agreement seeks to increase countries’ awareness and involvement in the development, adoption and use of international standards that promote open, fair and transparent trade.

The MoU echoes Kenya’s recent push to cash in on Comesa’s free trade area (FTA) model with the planned construction of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa’s Dongo Kundu area.

“This signing is an important first step in working towards shared objectives supporting

therise Eveready East Africa Ltd Eveready Easy Africa Ltd was the week’s top gainer after edging upwards by 5.77 per cent during the review period. The share price was up to Sh2.75 from the previous week’s close of Sh2.60. The stock through the week recorded a low turnover of only Sh270,000. Yearto-date its share price has gained 1.9 per cent.

thefall

Uchumi Supermarkets Ltd

Uchumi Supermarkets Ltd was last week’s top losing stock following a 14.1 per cent slide in its share price over the course of the week’s trading. Uchumi shares ended the week at a price of Sh5.50 from their previous closing price of Sh6.40.The retailer’s operating loss for the first half 2016 widened by 377 per cent to Sh965 million.

Uchumi shares have lost 49.8 per cent of their value year-to-date.

Analysis by Amana Capital info@amanacapital.co.ke

sustainable economic development, as well as fair and transparent trade,” said ISO acting SecretaryGeneral of ISO Kevin McKinley.

He said working with the Bank Group will be a unique opportunity to help developing countries such as Kenya strengthen its national quality infrastructure to better

integrate with regional and global markets.

The Memorandum serves as the foundation for future cooperation in the areas of knowledge generation and dissemination, encouraging research and promote awareness, improving monitoring and evaluation and enhancing capacity around international standards. These standards

give countries the opportunity to participate in global trade and that contribute to economic development, social progress and protection of the environment.

“This partnership with the World Bank will also support our collective efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.

“This signing underscores the World Bank Group’s commitment to support the integration of developing countries in the global economy,” explained Anabel Gonzalez, Senior Director, Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice, World Bank Group.

“International standards play a crucial role in helping countries increase

productivity, access international markets and maximise the benefits of joining value chains. We have an important role to play in strengthening the capabilities of developing countries and their firms to participate in the development of international standards, as well as in complying with those standards.

Dennis_x254

8

BUSINESS

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

USAID pledges help to curb rampant rhino killing, ivory trade in Kenya The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has offered renewed support to Kenya to curb rampant cases of ivory trade and poaching in the region.

Last year alone, more than 1,300 rhinos were poached in Africa, a record since 2008 when South Africa banned trade in rhino horns, leading conservation body, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said just days ago.

“The number of African rhinos killed has increased for the sixth year in a row with at least 1,338 rhinos killed across Africa in 2015,” said IUCN in a statement.

“This is the highest level since the current crisis began to emerge in 2008,” the Switzerland-based body said.

The ongoing crisis brought a senior US official to Kenya on US President Barack Obama’s orders. The goal of the trip was to examine strategies that will combat the illegal wildlife trade, and how US and Kenya can do more together to end poaching.

US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell is co-chair of the national task force responsible for developing and implementing President Obama’s National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. She was in Kenya in January this year as part of a three-country Africa trip.

According to a USAID report, US is both a source and destination country for illegal wildlife products, and in recent years the country has become one of the top markets for

illegal ivory.

“We are part of the problem,” Jewell told reporters during a pre-trip press briefing.

“We want to be part of the solution, and we know the way to do that is to reach our hand across the world to work with countries,” she explained.

While in Kenya, Jewell met with

conservationist and Chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees Dr. Richard Leakey, and toured the KWS forensic laboratory.

The lab, which is the first of its kind in East Africa, is developing a genetic database to identify seized wildlife and their products to support the prosecution of wildlife crimes. The

market. “The extensive poaching for the illegal trade in horn continues to undermine the rhino conservation successes made in Africa over the last two decades,” said IUCN expert Mike Knight.

Despite these instances, poaching in Kenya decreased over the past two years.

Environmental Crime Investigations Unit officials examine carcass of a rhino killed for its horn near Kruger National Park, South Africa late last year. Rhino killings has be on the rise in Africa. PHOTO: EPA

US Transport secretary Foxx plays down Google car crash A recent car crash involving a Google self-driving car and a bus was “not a surprise”, the US transport secretary has said.

Anthony Foxx (pictured) told the BBC that accidents were inevitable, but that the emerging technology should not be compared “against perfection”.

Nobody was hurt in the crash, but it was the first time Google’s onboard computer has been blamed for causing a collision.

Secretary Foxx was attending the South by Southwest Interactive festival in Austin, Texas.

He announced that seven US cities had reached the final stage of a competition to receive Sh4 billion in government funding for “smart” technologies.

Secretary Foxx agreed that smart technologies could put some people out of work.

“Driverless technology presents a lot of potential for disruption on a

lab has provided scientific analysis of evidence in 66 bush-meat and 72 poaching court cases.

Demand for rhino horn from South East Asia is being illegally supplied by sophisticated transnational organised crime networks, the IUCN said. They are sold for about $60,000 (Sh6 million) a kilo on the black

number of fronts,” he said.

“It’s unclear to me now exactly how that future unfolds.”

The US Secretary is leading efforts to bring self-driving cars to US roads. The Obama administration has committed Sh405 billion to that goal, which includes attempts to develop standardised regulations for autonomous cars across the entire country.

On the public perception of self-driving cars following the February Google crash, he said: “It’s not a surprise that at some point there would be a crash of

any technology that’s on the road.

“But I would challenge one to look at the number of crashes that occurred on the same day that were the result of human behaviour.”

“I think the question here isn’t comparing the automated car against perfection, I think it’s a relative comparison to what we have now on the roads which is you and I, and our eyeballs, and our brains.”

One challenge would be to tackle the legal issue of responsibility when crashes occur and whether the passenger should be liable, or, given that the computer was driving, the companies behind the software that failed.

“That’s precisely the type of question that we’re hoping over the next several months to provide feedback to both the states and the industry on.”

KQ bags International Staff Safety Award Kenya Airways (KQ) has been awarded for protecting its employees from the risk of injury and ill health at work during the 2015 calendar year.

KQ is one of 241 organisations to win a merit in the 2016 International Safety Awards and the only Kenyan company to bag the award this year.

Now in their 58th year, the International Safety Awards recognise and celebrate organisations from around the world that have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the scheme’s independent judges their commitment to preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health during the previous calendar year.

KQ corporate quality, safety, security and environment director Alex Avedi said the airline has worked hard to improve its work environment to protect its employees.

“The safety and security of our people is paramount and one of our core values. We are pleased to have

improved our rating in 2015. We will be going for a distinction this year,” said Avedi.

A total 436 organisations won an International Safety Award this year.

The organisations span all sectors and are drawn from the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. At least 30 organisations were awarded a distinction, 241 organisations were awarded a merit and 165 organizations achieved a pass.

Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, Mike Robinson, congratulated Kenya Airways on their success in winning an International Safety Award with merit for 2016: “The British Safety Council commends Kenya Airways on their achievement. The award is in recognition of their commitment and effort to keep their employees and workplaces free of injury and ill health. Our warmest congratulations,” he said. kevin_x254

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

ACCESS and this is how I later ended up doing music to keep the legacy he left behind Which is your first song?

It’s called Nazusha What is it all about?

Nazusha (I Defy) is a song that talks about issues that affect us as youths, things that people have done and still do that are not accepted by the society, thus the title Nazusha Which one is your favorite song?

I must Washa Candle is my favorite song. I launched its video four days ago and it has been well received.

It also did well across the border in Tanzania when the audio was released on music charts.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years I want to be far.

I always say the sky is the limit... I want to go international, the journey has just began, watch this kid.

Sammy Masinde

@duncan_x254

FACT FILE:

W

ho is K Daddy?

I’m a music artiste from Bungoma. I am the only son in our extended family currently based in Nairobi Kenya.

What genre of music do you do?

I do all genres of music. I am a rapper cum singer, hip-hop RnB, Techno, Bongo Flava and dancehall as well.

When did you start your music career?

I began music way back in 2011 when I recorded my first song it’s been a journey with lots of challenges but my persistence has seen me through.

Who inspired you into music?

I was inspired by my late grandfather, Wasike who used to play an instrument called Litungu or orutu. This guy could gather us every evening and play it, he could sing out his heart, before he passed on. I used to be the only grandchild who could play the very instrument

DREAMS FROM A LAND FAR AWAY

newacT

Sammy maSinde alSo known aS k daddy haS vowed to keep hiS grandfather’S legacy in muSic alive

Age: 24yrs old FAvorite Food: Pilau, I love Swahili dishes a lot FAvorite Quote: You need to spend time crawling alone through the storm to truly appreciate what it means to stand in the sun.

FAvorite Sport: Basketball FAvorite ArtiSte: John legend.

fashion Parad e

10

10

ACCESS

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY MARCH 26th14, NOVEMBER 2016 2014

FASHIONparade

@2016 NickelodeoN kids choice AwArds

g N i h are t es i y n o he r eve eet… award ceurepms? Oveearnnt uald sw ho saidfor growenon held tohgnize an in @mercy_x254

BethANy motA: Jumpsiut elegance.

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ercy @m 54

rec od ces y onl Nickel rds to orman ions. f d, uct wa per ken me, eA rod wee Choic anding ent p s the ed m s d el st Kid out tertain he ki chann nd d n a r t s awa ased e ring star ild for b a s e h e c tyl k id g h b d s ood in u o llyw o n y Tho l y w o o H l er em y Ho inn c e r de d b r i e p . e h u c t pre et show wed g o h t n s bes carp you the a r d the looks. s a aw w that range O an ple Sam

keke PAlmer: Leather in Orange.

ZeNdAyA: Always dressed for the occasion.

mAddie Ziegler: Lovely plunge.

witNey cArsoN: How to wear red.

lyriclab Miggy

NyauNyo Miggy Dichamp’s Nyaunyo seeks to address social ills such as the illegal trafficking of people living with albinism, corruption and sexual immorality.

His remedy is to hit these ills with a whip known in the local slang as Nyaunyo .

The song was produced by Ji Lo and Babz on the Track and Directed by Mhando Brian.

chloe BeNNet: Orange is the new black.

Noti Flow sauti sol uNCoNditioNally Bae “We all need love, we all need affection and the way that you’re looking at me i can feel the connection’.

Sauti Sol (Kenya) and Alikiba (Tanzania) have released UNCONDITIONALLY BAE, a danceable love ballad that is probably a follow up of Sura yako a ‘lipala’ dance song. Sauti Sol never disappoint and with the inclusion of Ali Kiba’s great vocals in this track, the result is an amazing sound.

BirthdayCake Upcoming rapper Noti Flow is all about being naughty.

Her latest release titled Birthday cake is all about the steamy video. The lyrics to the track are not well formulated, the rhyme scheme poor and all you hear from her is ‘birthday cake’. The video Directed by Edward Martins is receiving viewership on Youtube for the single fact that it is X rated. It may however be banned

by Kenyan authorities.

ACCESS MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

review of top weekend gigs

11

CENTRESTAGE HOT topics

Koffi Olomide wows at Koroga

Tremors of Lingala shook the 11th edition of Koroga festival last evening as an ecstatic crowd, shook their torsos to the beats of the king of Lingala. Olomide, who hails from the Congo basin and was in his second tour, ten years later to Kenya proved that he is still the entertainer to reckon with when it comes to Lingala.

WHEN THE TOTS ROAR…

above aND beLoW LeFT: Fifth Harmony.

Olomide

@mercy_x254

B

lake Shelton hosted the 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Other celebrities to take the stage as presenters included Anthony Anderson, Will Arnett, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Sarah Hyland, Amy Poehler, Adam Sandler, Meghan Trainor and Zendaya.

Neomi Nganga Smitten?

After ditching One FM, Neomi Nganga seems to have settled for more. Neomi, was overjoyed on her social pages posting what seemed to be a romantic adventure with a purported Mr. Right. She revealed that she dint know that still “Good” men exist. Who is Neomi’s mystery man?

ellen DeGeneres and Yara Shihidi enjoy selfie moments.

FULL LIST Favorite TV Show: The Thundermans Favorite Family TV Show: The Muppets Favorite Male TV Star – Kids’ Show: Ross Lynch, Austin & Ally Favorite Male TV Star – Family Show: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory Favorite Female TV Star – Kids’ Show: Zendaya, K.C. Undercover Favorite Female TV Star – Family Show: Sofia Vergara, Modern Family Favorite Talent Competition Show: The Voice Favorite Cooking Show: Cake Boss Favorite Cartoon: SpongeBob SquarePants Favorite Movie: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Favorite Movie Actor: Will Ferrell, Daddy’s Home Favorite Movie Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 Favorite Animated Movie: Hotel Transylvania 2 Favorite Voice From an

Neomi

Animated Movie: Amy Poehler, Inside Out Favorite Music Group: Fifth Harmony Favorite Male Singer: Justin Bieber Favorite Female Singer: Ariana Grande Favorite Song of the Year: Hello, Adele Favorite New Artist: Shawn Mendes Favorite Collaboration: “See You Again,” Wiz Khalifa feat.

Charlie Puth Favorite Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series Favorite Video Game: Just Dance 2016.

Just 2 Million Shillings for Obama’s daughter dresses Malia and Sasha wore dresses worth 2 Million shillings! The powerful daughters on earth exuded sophistication during a White House dinner hosted by their dad, Obama for visiting Canadian Prime Minister. It was their inaugural State Dinner since Obama became President in 2008.

12

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DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 You’ve finally reached a goal you’ve been working toward for a long time. Success and advancement are on their way, and you should be feeling extremely enthusiastic and optimistic about your future.

Some vast changes may take place in your life, but they all promise to be positive.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 They have a message for you, so write them down, set them aside, and analyze them later. Your psychic abilities and imagination are very sharp today. This is a great day to start an artistic project that has been in the back of your mind for some time. Enjoy your day.

WEATHERFORECAST Monday 14/3/2016

sunny

28

27ºC 33%

TUEday 15/3/2016

More sun than clouds

29 6:38 am 6:45pm

27ºC 32%

6:38am 6:45pm

Wednesday

30

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

Sunday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You, especially, will feel at home in any social gathering, totally at ease talking to new people and charming the room. This would be an ideal day to meet someone new. Someone of the opposite sex may be particularly attracted to you. Feel free to be as flirtatious as you want!

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 This should greatly increase your level of self-confidence, and you’re therefore likely to float through the rest of the day. With these aspects, any new relationship or project begun today will have a wonderful energy behind it.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 You might be surprised at what seems a sudden increase in your popularity. Expanded career opportunities could also come your way from new acquaintances, and you could find doors opening to a whole new life - new friends, new position, and possibly a new home.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Optimism and enthusiasm for the months ahead have you feeling confident and strong. The sky’s the limit! A male visitor could have some surprising news for you. This is a great day to make investments or purchase property. The night could bring vivid and interesting dreams.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 This could induce some pretty deep thinking, leading to decisions that could alter the course of your life in some way. You might be considering returning to school to advance your education. Your mood today should be optimistic and positive. You could be full of utopian schemes for the future.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Expect to receive some good news today, which will only heighten your mood. In the afternoon you could attend a party or neighborhood get-together. You’ll have a good time talking to friends and meeting new people. In the evening, relax!

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Your generosity is also at an all-time high, and will take many forms, which will be appreciated by that special someone in your life. Think about taking your partner with you as you make the social rounds tonight and making him or her the star of the evening.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 An optimistic and enthusiastic attitude could lead to powerful imaginings, which may take solid form as plans for future projects. These could be artistic, business related, or centered around your home in some way. Whatever they are, this is a good day to put those plans into motion.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 A group you’re associated with could bring information to your attention that puts you in a very positive frame of mind and almost has you skipping all the way home. You should enjoy socializing today, Scorpio, as you’re even more gregarious than usual.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Your faithful and diligent work, Sagittarius, in addition to a lot of sacrifices for the sake of your career, will soon bear fruit. The anticipation of a great evaluation, with possible advancement, is likely to have you walking on air all day, full of dreams and plans for the future. Enjoy this well-deserved peace of mind.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

KENYAN HITS! Dumbala Remix Msaidizi Fundamentals Mungu Baba Uwepo Wako Milele Dongo Dongo Ulibeba Sobei Cheiso Worship You Sambaza Defender Tosheka Kereka Ningwendete Queen Ahuirania Ti Mundu Ndirakurekie

KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A

GLORIA MULIRO KEN WAMARIA RUFFTONE & GSU MERCYLINAH MARION SHAKO GERALDINE ODUOR EUNICE NJERI EMMY KOSGEI BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI ALICE KAMANDE DADDY OWEN MOG DK KWENYE BEAT JOAN WAIRIMU LOISE KIM N.D GITHUKA BETTY BAYO & MR SEED SIMON

KEN4 GM4 KT4 RUFF4 LIN4 SHA4 GER4 EN4 KOS4 BMF4 KAM4 DAD4 MOG4 DK4 VAN4 LK4 GAK4 BET4 SIM4

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Barua Muganga Nipe Nafasi Glory to Glory Nanena Adonai Zawadi Sitalia Tena Bongo Lala Sitalia Tena Hatarudi Nyuma Mapenzi Solo Penzi Langu Matokeo Born Again Lingala Ya Yesu Fanya Kitendo Muziki Ni Dawa Makeke Kitanzi Miss Hizo Naona Mbali Nime Wasamehe Hakuna Silaha

Ex: HC4 to 22333

BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUKUBWA SARAH KIARIE

TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies.

Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

PLAY

13

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Throw ____ 5. D-Day beach 10. Toll rte.

14. Nursery arrival 15. Form of address in British India 16. Bild article 17. It’s hard to miss 19. PC-movie format 20. Baltic republic 21. Shoots out 22. Enemy agent’s strategy 26. Actor/soldier Murphy 30. Soap opera on the air for 13 years 34. Sandbank 35. Salinger gal 36. Definite article 37. “Walk This Way” rap trio 39. Besides 42. Epoch 43. Fairy-tale fiend 47. This and this 48. Office support area 51. Kitchen gadget 52. Island of Ontario 54. Army officials 57. Cut 62. Long sentence 63. Like some thrift store items 66. Opposite of “fer,” country-style 67. George Jetson’s dog 68. John/Rice musical

69. Says, to Sigmund 70. “Water Music” composer Ned 71. Yrly. event Down 1. Busy as ____ 2. Actress Wray and namesakes 3. “Yeah, sure” 4. Toy manufacturer 5. Ancient port of Rome 6. “Danse ____” (Saint-Saëns work) 7. “That’s the spot!”

8. Go in haste 9. Shortened, for short 10. Fermented soy cake 11. Popeye uses his for tooting 12. Sensed 13. Hosp. brain tests 18. Canterbury saint 21. Koop and Satcher (abbr.)

23. Yiddish cries 24. Scottish cap 25. In a different way 26. ____ as a beet 27. Enterprise communications officer 28. “The 39 Steps” star Robert 29. Dulles code 31. None of the above, on a survey 32. Developmental period 33. Catcher of morays 38. Joining wd.

40. Yearned 41. Notwithstanding, briefly

44. 1960s muscle car 45. Monopoly props.

46. Ugly building 49. Concurrence 50. Aliens, briefly 53. Word in an Asian capital 54. “Gil ____” (LeSage novel) 55. Capitol of Latvia 56. Not worth ____ (valueless) 58. Whaling captain of fiction 59. Surprise attack 60. Irish saint 61. Its password was “Mickey Mouse” 63. Medit. island 64. That, in Spanish 65. N.B.A. position (abbr.)

Thursday’s answers

YOURSAY State should stop harassing governors Joho, Kingi The uncouth acts to harass coastal leaders by the National government is needless by whatever standards of accusations against them. The government led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and coastal regional co-ordinator Nelson Marwa spearheaded the scaling down of security detail of governors’ Amason Kingi (Kilifi) and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho.

The two county chiefs seem to have rubbed the government the wrong way hence the onslaught. While it is correct and legal for the government to state that all citizens should follow the law, Marwa specifically have personified the war against the two, in what would be termed a political game plan to silence opposition bigwigs.

Marwa’s high-handed approach will not help matters, instead will set the ground for a tough political and ethnic battle at the coastal region.

This will only create more drama and tension.

If it is indeed true that members of the security teams attached to Joho and Kingi assaulted members of the public during the recent Malindi by-election, the individuals involved should be identified and punished.

Ordering the governors to surrender his guns without explaining the reasons for the action and cutting down the number of guards

assigned to them shortly after a strongly contested by-election amounts to intolerance highhandedness from the Jubilee leadership.

Nkaissery offered a belated explanation, claiming the moves related to business problems Joho has been having but it is understandable why many of the Governor’s supporters will treat that claim with scepticism.

Taken as a whole, the government’s moves are potentially harmful to public order. If something happened to the governors in the period in which they have been denied security, there is no question that the finger of blame would point to the authorities.

It will be recalled that Kingi suffered a direct attack from a suspected Mombasa Republican Council member at a public rally during which his bodyguard Harrison Miatha was killed.

The short sighted actions of withdrawing bodyguards is therefore harmful and illadvised. Coming at a time when tourism at the Coast has recovered impressively after the disruptions of recent months, it is a folly to again seek to stir tensions which could have an inevitable effect on the wider coastal and national economy. Marwa should stop the theatrics and address real security issues affecting the Coast residents. — Nderitu

Jubilee out to shift debate from scandals to Joho It is inappropriate that the government is trying to frustrate Mombasa Governor Joho by withdrawing his security detail and asking him to surrender his licensed firearms. Kenyans please don’t be fooled these are all diversionary tactics. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery are propping up this Joho issue to make it a national debate so that Kenyans can forget

the Sh140 billion Eurobond cash that went missing.

Do not forget that Cabinet Secretaries formed fictitious companies and stole from NYS and no recoveries have been made yet. Do not forget that some MPs and senators have been mentioned to have benefited from the NYS loot and none have been arrested.

Do not forget that as we speak the youth of this country are jobless, hungry and angry

while the man in charge of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Bruce Odhiambo and his chief executive cannot account for millions of shillings that would have helped a million youths start up small businesses. Fellow Kenyans, let us not forget, for we all deserve a better Kenya!

— Rashid Mohammed

Kenya voters too tribal to elect good leaders If anyone doubted tribalism in the country, the latest opinion poll by survey firm Infotrack on the direction the country is a confirmation that indeed under the Jubilee administration, the country is more divided and polarized. This is reality that does not in anyway mirrors a better future for the country in terms of stability and economy. Apart from the fact that most Kenyans feel the country is headed the wrong and the number of Jubilee supporters who back the government has shrank, a larger percentage of Rift Valley and Central Kenya population still feel the government is on track despite overt indicators

that the government has failed big time. These Kenyans can never be more informed than President Uhuru Kenyatta who has on numerous occasion owned up to rampant corruption in is administration right from State House. The President recently on his tour to Israel said Kenya is a country of graft, bad governance, tribalism and hatred. Before the opinion poll, Kenya was recently ranked one of the most corrupt nations in the world.

With all fingers pointing at bad governance including those who are governing, one would wonder why a suffering Kenya would still believe in those who do

not even believe in what they are doing. They have failed in their constitutional mandate and owned up. The only reason why they back the government is because it “their government” led by “their people”. With the General Election months away it is worrying because it seems Kenyans will have an opportunity to bring order to the country’s governance but will throw it away because of ignorance and tribalism.

They would rather suffer but have their man in power and brag about it than back those with qualities to lead and are from other tribes.

— Robert Mireri

Leadership feuds not good for Kiambu county Constant leadership wrangles which have refused to fade with the governor, senator and MPs all reading from different scripts is a drawback to future development.

I would partly blame the ruling coalition for having done very little to bring the leaders together. With all leaders elected on the same party, you would expect them to iron out their differences and if they cannot, the party must move in so that service delivery to the locals is realised. Though Kiambu is a developed County and most infrastructures are in place, constant wrangles will affect future development.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has in the recent past told Kiambu residents that he feared

touring the county because of the wrangles.

What if voters decide to do away with all of them, who will be the loser?

Kiambu is blessed by universities, colleges and other businesses which attract investors as far as abroad, but the investors are not happy with the leaders who cannot cooperate to improve the lives of the residents.

Why can’t they extend an olive branch to one another? Why can’t churches unite them? To tell the truth voters will vote in only those who had development agenda and not those who were seen in the media hurling abuses at their colleagues. Kiambu leaders must unite for the sake of cohesion.

— Veronica Onjoro.

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

14

SPORT MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Bangladesh pip Oman to book place in super 10 Tamim Iqbal hit the first century of the World Twenty20 as Bangladesh beat Oman by 54 runs to secure a final place in the Super 10s. Tamim made an unbeaten 103 off 63 balls - his maiden T20 hundred - and Sabbir Rahman a rapid 44 in a total of 180-2. Oman, whose target was revised first to 152 in 16 overs then 120 in 12 after rain in Dharamsala, laboured to 65-9.

As winners of Group A, Bangladesh join India, Australia, South Africa and Pakistan’s group in the next phase.

Tournament newcomers Oman, who beat Ireland in their opening game, can take considerable credit for finishing second in a group containing three teams above them in the T20 rankings. Earlier, Ireland finished bottom of Group B after losing to the Netherlands by 12 runs in a match reduced to six overs per side by rain. Four of the six games played in Dharamsala were affected by the weather.

Shujaa retain IRB position after Vancouver series Despite bowing out at the Shield semi-final at the Vancouver Sevens, Kenya still managed to pick a point to retain her eight place position at the IRB world standings.

Kenya did not have the best of the inaugural trip to Vancouver save for vice-captain Collins Injera, who broke into the second most try scorers rank.

The 28-year-old’s four tries in Vancouver saw him take over the title from Englishman Ben Gollings with 220 tries, just eight touch downs behind record holder Argentine Santiago Gomez who leads with 230 tries.

And with four legs still to play, Injera will need team effort to break Gomez’s record. Gomez who is the current Argentina’s coach has since retired.

Shujaa lost 24-7 to Russia after it had gone

down 22-21 to France in the Bowl Quarters earlier in the day. In the pool matches, Kenya who now has 53 points beat Portugal 43-5 but lost 26-19 to Samoa and 24-19 to Fiji. They are behind England who have 57 points and above Samoa who climbed to 9th with 4 points.

Fiji are top of the standing with 106 points, one above second placed South Africa while Vancouver Sevens champions New Zealand competes the top three with 104 points.

Japan, Russia and Portugal completes the bottom three with 20, 11 and 10 points respectively.

New Zealand beat South Africa19-14 today morning to win their third HSBC World Rugby Series.

New Zealand added the inaugural Vancouver title to the Wellington and Sydney Cups and it

was yet another final loss to South Africa after going down to the Kiwis in Wellington.

South Africa saw off Fiji 31-19 while New Zealand beat Australia 28-19 in the semis It took almost five minutes for the first score as South Africa’s greater pace was evident when Rosko Specman raced through and was adjudged to have grounded the ball despite the efforts of Kurt Baker.

The response was swift from the All Blacks as Liam Messam drew in the defender before finding Sam Dickson out wide. Gillies Kaka slotted the conversion from the touchline and then sent up a perfect restart, Dickson climbed high to win and Kurt Baker was there for the pass to run in and give the double thumbs up in celebration.

Tanzanian player banned for urinating in public Tanzanian and Mansfield Town midfielder Adi Yussuf has been banned for five matches for urinating at the back of the stand while warming up during the League Two games against Plymouth last month. The 23-year-old admitted to the Football Association charge and was slapped with Sh70, 000 fine and warning.

Manager Adam Murray said the club “did not, in any way, condone” the incident.

But he said Yussuf was guided by stewards because the toilets were a fair distance away. “We are very disappointed by the length of ban received,” Murray added.

An FA statement “Adi Yussuf has been suspended from all domestic club football for five first -team competitive matches.

Adi was an unused substitute and was warming up on the touchline at the far end of Home Park. “Whilst the football club does not, in any way, condone the isolated ‘act’ which has previously been reported, it should be borne in mind that Adi has stated that he was given alleged guidance by both a steward and unused substitutes from Plymouth as to where to perform this act,” Murray added.

Dortmund fan dies during Mainz match A fan has died after falling ill during Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga game against Mainz on Sunday. A club statement said Dortmund were “full of sadness” after one fan passed away and another had to be resuscitated following two separate incidents. Fellow fans watched the rest of Dortmund’s 2-0 win in virtual silence after news of the death spread through the stands.

The club said the second supporter was in a stable condition in hospital. The club statement read: “During the game there were two tragic incidents in the stadium in which two spectators had to be resuscitated.“Unfortunately one of them did not make it and has died. We are full of sadness and the families are in our thoughts.“We have received the news from the hospital that the condition of the second person is apparently stable.”

Kenya rugby team bowed out at the Shield semi-final in Vancouver series but got a vital point to remain eight in the IRB standings.

Police open two-point lead on KHU league standings Former Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) premier League champions Kenya Police have opened a two-point lead on the log as defending champion Butali Sugar Warriors give chase.

Police, though have played two more matches carries a big psychological edge over Butali as the league approaches the final bend.

The title has since shaped up to be a battle between the two giants leading the standing on 57 and 55 points. United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) are a distant third with 43 points followed by Parkroad on 39.

Seikh Union (Nairobi Simba) and Strathmore who have given the two sides some stiff

challenge in the past seasons seems to be struggling this year. The weekend had nothing much especially for the students who lost by a solitary goal to Nakuru. Simba though mauled Western Jaguars 3-1, are still eighth, two points behind fellow struggling Strathmore who have collected only 36 point from 24 games. The lose cut short their 3-0 win over Western Jaguars on Saturday. Parkroad subjected Mvita XI to their 1th loss that leaves the Mombasa side fighting with fellow county mates, Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) at the relegation zone.

Mvita have only managed two wins and three draws in 21 matches this campaign and while

they have nothing to worry thanks to a clause in the KHU constitution which provides for regional balance in the league composition, they will need to work hard and break the 15 point barrier. MCS has only managed to garner three points from same number of matches. Nakuru showed no mercy to Mvita on Saturday when they beat them 2-0 before Parkroad extend their poor fate with a 4-0 thrashing on Sunday.

Parkroad grabbed all the six point of the weekend with a 2-1 win over Parklands. Karate Axioms played a two-all draw with Daystar University. Kisumu Youngsters beat visiting Kimathi University 2-0 @elvince_x254

SPORT 15

PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring during the French Ligue 1 match against Troyes at the Aube Stadium in Troyes, France yesterday. PSG won the match 9-0. The striker is set to leave PSG at the end of the season. PHOTO: EPA

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

I’ll leave PSG, says Ibra after winning league title Zlatan Ibrahimovic will leave Paris St-Germain this summer unless the French authorities replace the cultural iconic Eiffel Tower with a statue of him.

The Sweden striker scored four goals in the 9-0 demolition of Troyes to win his side the League 1 title on Sunday with eight games still go play.

“For the moment, I will not be at PSG next season. I still have a month and a half left here. If they replace the Eiffel Tower with a statue of me, then I will stay.” The 34-year-old said.

The 127 year-old Aiffel Tower is one of the most recognisable structures globally and is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world with reports indicating that by 2011, more than 6.98 million people ascended it.

Ibrahimovic has recently been linked with moves to Manchester United and Major League Soccer in the United States.PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said he wants Ibrahimovic to stay when his contract ends in June.

“Zlatan is magical,” he said. “He is a great player. We are going to talk to him and see what he wants to do. We want him to stay.” Ibrahimovic’s four goals on Sunday included a 10-minute hattrick, which took his league total to 27 in 24 games this season and increased his tally in the French top flight to 102.

The victory over the bottom club sealed a fourth straight title after just 30 games, a record for one of Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues. Qatari Al-Khelaifi added that PSG will now target a maiden Champions League triumph having

beaten Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in the last 16. “We must now stay focused because the season is not finished,” he said. “We have three more cups to fight for (Champions League, French League Cup and French Cup) but the Champions League is our biggest dream.

“We want to go as far as possible, but we know there will be some very strong teams.”

Their only major European trophy to date was the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996. Coach Laurent Blanc told beIN Sports: “We did what we needed to do, particularly in the second period.

“From day one we have wanted to set a rhythm that would be difficult to match.

“We did it and we have maintained it.

We know that no-one can match us.”

Mathare win to go top after Ingwe fail to claw Mathare United dislodged AFC Leopards at the summit of SportPesa Premier League with a deserved 1-0 win over Thika United last weekend.

The slum boys under the reigning Fidelity Insurance coach of the month, Francis Kimanzi now have 11 points after six matches. AFC Leopards missed the chance to go top after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chemelil Sugar. Striker Obadiah Ndege was on target for Mathare United after he was set up by Eric Johanna in the 70th minute to condemn Thika United to their third loss of the season. Both teams are tied on 11 points each

though the Slum side enjoys a two goal advantage. Tusker and Bandari, who played a 2-2 draw are third and fourth respectively with 10 points each while Ulinzi and Muhoroni Youth complete the top six on nine points each.

Ulinzi were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Western Stima, but the point was enough to see them jump above Muhoroni who beat fellow millers Sony Sugar 1-0.

This was the second consecutive loss for Sony who are now rooted at the bottom of the table with a single point from five games. Defending champions Gor Mahia are fifth

from the bottom after 2-2 draw with Kawangware-based side City Stars coached by former K’Ogalo’s assistant coach Bobby Ogola at Nyayo National Stadium. Gor woes continue after assistant coach Frank Ouna quit immediately after being the City Star match. K’Ogalo will now shop for a new assistant to deputise Brazilian José Marcelo Ferreira “Zé Maria” set to be unveiled this week. Elsewhere, former champions Sofapaka were condemned to their fourth lose by Posta Rangers. Batoto Ba Mungu have only managed a single win this season @elvince_x254 from five matches.

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Mathare UNIteD tops leagUe staNDINg after wIN

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Manchester United’s Anthony Martial celebrates scoring the equaliser against West Ham in an FA quarter-final match at Old Trafford yesterday.

PHOTO: EPA

Wenger says criticism is becoming a ‘farce’ Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the continuing debate over his future at the club “is becoming a farce”.

The Gunners are in danger of ending the season without a trophy after Watford knocked the defending champions out of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The loss means Arsenal have won just one game in their past seven.

“The next game is always a big challenge and you are always in the middle of a drama,” said Wenger. “It is becoming a farce.”

Arsenal’s season looked very healthy just a few weeks ago.

They were top of the Premier League on 4 January and fighting for silverware in two cup competitions.

But they have won only two of their past nine league

games and now lie third, eight points behind leaders Leicester City and six behind north London rivals Tottenham.

They are also heading out of the Champions League. They were beaten 2-0 at home by Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 tie and travel to the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

“What is going on at the moment is very, very difficult to take for the players, but judge us at the end of the season,” said Wenger.

“We have come to the end of a very, very long run in the FA Cup, so it is very sad, but we want now to focus on the next game.”

Wenger, who has been in charge since 1996, has come under increasing pressure from Gunners fans upset with

the club’s poor form.

But the 66-year-old Frenchman said: “Arsenal has lost games before in history and we will lose again in the future. We will stick together and cope with it and prepare for the next one with complete belief.

“Supporters stand behind the club and we want to fight until the end of the season for every single game.”

Sports analysts feel Wenger has been using the FA Cup as a safety net for his failure to win the league since 2004.

“Wenger has used the FA Cup as a safety net for the past two seasons. Now he cannot rely on the famous old competition to protect him - or his failure to win the Premier League since 2003-04,” said chief analyst Phin McNulty.

West Ham hold United in FA tie

Anthony Martial’s late equaliser earned Manchester United an FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham United after the Hammers went ahead with Dimitri Payet’s magnificent free-kick.

The goal threatened to heap further misery on manager Louis van Gaal after Payet’s 68th-minute strike looked to have put the Hammers on course for a semi-final at Wembley. United, however, were revitalised by the introduction of Bastian Schweinsteiger for the struggling Marouane Fellaini and Martial ensured the teams would meet again at the Boleyn Ground with a far-post finish seven minutes from time. Michael Carrick shot just wide and De Gea saved superbly from Michail Antonio in a frantic finale - while West Ham were frustrated earlier when referee Martin Atkinson ignored penalty appeals after Payet fell under challenge from Marcos Rojo. The 3.6 billion asset, Martial has been one of the few shining lights and the 20-year-old came to the rescue of Van Gaal just as West Ham looked on course to knock the home team out of the FA Cup. Martial was tireless throughout and got his reward when he reacted first at the far

post, turning in Ander Herrera’s cross as Diafra Sakho hesitated.

If United had gone out here, Van Gaal would have been left banking on his side delivering the sort of comeback they currently look incapable of producing as they try to overturn Liverpool’s 2-0 lead in the last 16 of the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday.

It would have left Van Gaal effectively facing the end of United’s season - and almost certainly the end of his reign at the end of the season.

Martial’s goal at least gives the Dutch and United something extra to fight for in the quarter-final replay. Meanwhile, holders Arsenal were eliminated by Watford with a convincing 2-1 drubbing in an earlier match. Nigerian Odion Ighalo scored his first goal in 599 minutes to put the away side ahead early in the second half after Arsenal had spurned a series of good chances. Adlene Guedioura smashed home with the visitors’ second shot on target. Substitute Danny Welbeck scored with two minutes left to set up a dramatic finish, before missing the chance to force a replay from an open goal. elvince_x254

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on the touchline during a previous match. He has termed continuous debate over his future at the club a farce.