201603016 xnews

WEDNESday, MARCH 16, 2016 | www.x254.co

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NSSF announces reforms to regain public trust acting chief executive Anthony Omerikwa says they have suffered from negative perception caused mainly by reports of embezzlement of funds at the social security kitty

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NEWS

european giants Bayern munich and Juventus clash in a do or die cl tie

Dispute tribunal summonses sports registrar in Kenya volleyball suit

Syllabus, Market mismatch to blame for unemployment T he mismatch between the regular educational curriculum and the market demand for employees is to blame for the huge unemployment rate among the youth in the country, a new survey

says.

Out of the approximately 800,000 new entrants into the job market every year, 64 per cent lack the employability skills,

technical mastery and basic work-related capabilities, the report by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Longhorn Publishers says. The few existing internship programs have not helped the matter as they are not always tailored to the specific needs with most of the trainers focusing on productivity and not the development of the trainee.

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President Kenyatta resumes tour of counties

Kiraithe new Government Spokesman

President Uhuru Kenyatta waves to residents of Eldama Ravine as he addressed them during a roadside meeting today. Mr Kenyatta was in Baringo County where he commissioned Chemususu Dam as he began a two-day tour of four counties that will also take him to Nakuru, Nyandarua and Laikipia counties. See story on Page 3.

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Eric Kiraithe has been appointed the new National Government Spokesperson, an office which had been abolished by the Jubilee Administration in 2013.

The changes in the communication structure have been made in a move meant to coordinate information being channeled out to the public.

Kiraithe has been serving as a General Manager for Security Services at the Kenya Airport Authority. “Kiraithe, who has a long and distinguished history of public service mainly in the security sector, will take up his new post immediately, moving from his current role as General Manager for Security Services at the Kenya Airports Authority,� a statement by the State House Deputy Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita said.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

Irrelevant syllabus to blame for high unemployment of youth From Page 1 This gap has forced most of the employers to shun young graduate employees in favour of the highly skilled.

It is also the same reason most companies are retaining their workforce though they may have reached the retirement age.

“Most of those seeking jobs are clueless of what they are expected to do because they lack proper skills to secure any job,” the report says.

48 per cent of the young people seeking employment mainly at the age bracket of 24 to 29 years do not want to be held accountable of their productivity, another factor that was blamed for their unemployability.

According to the survey, Kenya needs more than 400,000 artisans to do manual jobs in different fields.

However, Kenyan youths and the population at large lacks the necessary skills required to do those jobs thus forcing companies to import labour.

“The current curriculum lacks comprehensive training programs that combine in employability and hand on skill artisans lessons which have denied the country more than 400000 artisans,” the survey noted. According to the study, most of the lecturers are pass oriented which leaves the graduates without the much needed skills.

The report also blames rapid population growth, poor ability of the labour market, insufficient dissemination of stimulating labour market, lack of structural reforms, poor infrastructure and high labour cost are to blame for the clicking unemployment time bomb.

It wants the ministry to address the falling quality of university education which is largely caused by

Kisii Governor James Ongwae has dismissed the ranking of his county among those with rampant cases of corruption saying the report released yesterday by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is unfair.

In a statement released by the governor today, Mr Ongwae said the survey does not reflect the actual position on the ground.

The EACC survey ranked Kisii as the second most corrupt county after Embu with Kenyans required to pay a bribe to access public services.

Embu led with the highest number of times a bribe is paid in exchange for services.

Bomet was ranked third while Kwale and Garissa followed in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Kisii was also among the top ten counties where officials were most likely to ask for a bribe to offer services.

But Ongwae said the findings could have emanated from interactions between EACC researchers and ‘impatient county government suppliers’ overreacting due to previous delay in release of their payments.

“As such we want to state that report is largely unfair to us and did not reflect the actual position on the ground,” he said.

“Of course the delay in exchequer releases affected our operations and may have led to the bad mouthing that eventually informed sections of the report by the EACC,” he added.

Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i. He blamed negative attitude as the main cause of the lack of technical skills among the youth.

the institutions admitting more students than they can handle.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i who officially launched the report said there is need to put up more technical training institutions across the country to address the problem.

“We are targeting to introduce 56 new technical colleges to address the technical skill shortage we

Ongwae said he remains committed to the war on corruption and prudent utilisation of public resources allocated to the county.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae. He has dismissed an EACC report that ranked the county as the second with the most demands for bribes.

are currently having,” Dr Matiang’i said.

The CS also blamed negative attitude the youth have towards blue collar jobs as the other major cause of unemployment.

He said his ministry was in the process of identity a school per county to create 47 partners in teaching the science related subjects as early as the secondary school level. wilson_x254

Kiraithe new Government Spokesman From Page 1 He explained that Kiraithe’s office will function from the State Department of Interior and Coordination of National Government “while the Office of the State House Spokesperson will remain within the Executive Office of the President.”

The State House Spokesperson is Manoah Esipisu.

According to Waita, the mover will ensure “timely, consistent, coherent, and coordinated communication to the public on all matters relating to The National Government’s agenda.”

Kiraithe has previously served the country as a National Police Service Spokesperson.

The Office of Government Spokesman was last held

by Muthui Kariuki and before him Dr Alfred Mutua, who is the Governor of Machakos County.

The office was abolished a few months after the Jubilee Government took power.

NEWS 3

NSSF promises better services to regain trust

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) customers have been urged to forget the bad reports about the fund and instead expect better services in a new turn around announced today.

Acting chief executive Anthony Omerikwa (pictured) has said the numerous cases of financial misappropriation at the kitty have been contained with the main focus now put in customer benefits.

The long wait for retirement benefits will also end as the fund seeks to spruce up its image that was battered by negative publicity. “We have been an easy target for the media, we have suffered from negative public perception due to bad things that were done 20 years ago, that is set to change,” Omerikwa told reporters in a press briefing today.

“We want to debunk the misconception that has been fund has suffered for the last 20 years, we don’t want to blame the previous office holder but want to focus on a positive future with our customers,” he added. He said they have put in place stringent measures to ensure that there is no financial loss. NSSF which just got its 2015 ISO certification hopes that the automated services already in place will

reduce the process of getting information, heightened level of customer focus and extension of benefits to its customers.

Omerikwa also revealed that the fund will roll out a campaign to encourage more self-employed individuals to start contributing to the fund.

“We want to treat all our customers equally both the salaried and the selfemployed individuals, they are all Kenyans and deserve a better future when they save with us,” he said. The acting

Uhuru in tour of four counties

CEO said the efficiency of remitting funds to those who have retired has also increased.

He said the fund, last year, paid 36,000 retirees their benefits. This is an improvement from previous years where the fund was only able to pay 10,000 retirees.

Out of the 36,000 retirees paid, Omerikwa said only two people had complaints a further indication that the Fund’s efficiency has tremendously improved.

“Our main aim is to earn more trust from the public and bring more people on board,” Omerikwa said.

He said negative reports about loss of millions from Fund has discouraged many people from joining NSSF. “People out there actually think their money is not safe with NSSF which is not true as everything has changed and I can assure them that under my watch no money will be lost,” he said.

“Getting ISO certified in 2015 is not an end to itself but just the beginning of offering excellent services to our customers,” @sam_x254 he added.

Sh6 billion to build more technical institutions The Government has allocated Shh6 billion for the construction of 130 technical training institutions countrywide to meet growing demand and supply of personnel with technical skills.

The State wants to spreads the institutions across the 290 constituencies in order to ensure that the country has enough and constant supply of skilled labour for the job market.

Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training (TTIs), Dr Dinah Mwinzi, said Kenya was among the fastest growing economies in East Africa but still imports skilled labour yet up to 40 per cent of the youth are unemployed.

“We look forward to students who complete Form Four and Standard 8 to join TTIs because in future; it’s people who will have skills and competence in different areas who will get jobs,” said Dr. Mwinzi.

She said the government’s aim is to ensure young people have necessary skills to be able to employ themselves and others and create

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

wealth for the country. “We do not want our people to be used as unskilled labour in other countries like Saudi Arabia but we want them to remain here and gain skills so that if they go out there, they go as skilled, respected young people to bargain and work in decent and well-paying jobs and remain with their dignity,” she noted.

The PS revealed that Technical Vocational Education and Training (TIVET) were currently undergoing reforms to offer competency-based education and training assessment where students are assessed by industries and training providers and other stakeholders.

Mwinzi further stated that the government had upgraded eight TTIs to national polytechnics, growing the number to 11 national polytechnics which will partner with the technical universities that offer technical degree courses.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today kicked off a tour of four counties starting with Baringo, where he was scheduled to commission the Chemususu Dam. The landmark water project is estimated to benefit over 600,000 residents of Eldama Ravine and the surrounding areas.

Thereafter, President Kenyatta will address a roadside meeting in Eldama Ravine Town.

Later, the president will drive to Molo in Nakuru County with stopovers to address roadside meetings at Makutano, Kamara and Total Junction.

In the afternoon, Mr Kenyatta is scheduled to launch the rehabilitation works for MoloOlenguruone (C704) road before addressing a public rally at Molo Stadium.

The President is then expected to later launch the Nakuru three interchanges along A104 road at Nyahururu turnoff-Njoro

turnoff and Mau Summit Junction and then address a roadside meeting at Elburgon.

He will up the day by addressing two more roadside meetings at Njoro and Nakuru towns.

Tomorrow, President Kenyatta will launch medical equipment at the Rift Valley General Hospital in Nakuru at 10.30am before later travelling to Nyandarua County where he will launch rehabilitation works for the DundoriOljoro orok road. He will then proceed Laikipia County to commission the Nyahururu Water Project.

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TECHNICAl KNOW-HOW: The government has set aside funds to help construct more technical colleges to help students who complete Form Four and Standard 8 lget the required skills to enable them start their onw ventures and also get jobs.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

From tenders to ID cards, Kenyans are forced to bribe their way everywhere

Kenyans are forced to bribe their way while seeking virtually all crucial services across the country, a new report by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission shows.

The report says Kenyans must part with a bribe even when they are seeking vital state services such as acquiring a national identity card, seeking police clearance or a certificate of good conduct.

Vital services such as medical attention are also not left behind with the sick forced to pay a bribe of an average of Sh1,866.

Obtaining a tender tops the list of services where bribes are demanded with people paying an average of Sh275,000 to acquire the contracts.

Those seeking employment are second on the list of highest bribe payers parting with an average of Sh115, 933 amid escalating unemployment figures.

Others are those seeking clearance for impounded goods (Sh33,500), following up on pension (Sh25,333), application for college admission (Sh16,312), application for a TSC number (Sh15,100) and seeking title deed where the bribe averages Sh10,232. The report which was launched yesterday by EACC chairman Philip Kinisu puts Embu on top of the list of counties where most bribes were paid in exchange of services last year.

It is followed by Kisii, Bomet and Kwale while Garissa, Kiambu, Homa Bay, Wajir Narok and Murang’a make up the top ten of most corruption prone counties in that order.

Mandera led the list of counties where heftiest bribes were paid with

EACC chairman Philip Kinusu shakes hands with Attorney general Githu Muigai as EACC chief executive Halakhe Waqo looks on yesterday during the launch of a corruption report at KICC.

an average of Sh80, 000 demanded for national services.

Only Tana River and Turkana Counties did not record incidences of bribery. In terms of government ministries, Nkaissery’s Interior docket was ranked the most corrupt with a percentage score of 40.3 although this represented a decrease in corruption levels at the ministry which stood at 60 percent in 2012.

In the ministry, Kenya Police Service were ranked the most corrupt department at 32.9 per cent followed

by Traffic Police department at 18.8 percent with the chiefs’ offices coming third at 6.2 percent.

The ministry of health was ranked second most corrupt with a 14.3 percent score followed by Lands at 11.3 per cent. Education, Transport, devolution and Defense were the other most corrupt ministries at 9.9 per cent, 6.1 per cent, 5.1 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively.

“The findings of this report will help the commission to formulate appropriate policies and strategies so that they answer and respond to the challenge at hand,” Mr Kinisu said during the release of the report findings.

To strengthen the execution of the prevention strategy, he said they

are going to incorporate corruption prevention as part of job descriptions for all state and public officers.

He said more resources will be marshalled and concentrated in identifying “To strengthen the execution of the prevention strategy, the EACC will among other measures seek to identify existing weakness and corruption loopholes in systems of public bodies and strengthen them so as to eliminate any chances of exploitation for corruption purposes,” he said.

Going forward, he said the commission will implement and enforce deterrent administrative

US student handed 15-year jail sentence in North Korea US student Otto Warmbier has been given 15 years hard labour in North Korea for crimes against the state. Warmbier was arrested for trying to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel while visiting North Korea in January. He later appeared on state TV apparently confessing and saying a church group had asked him to bring back a “trophy” from his trip. North Korea sometimes uses the detention of foreigners as a means of exerting pressure on its adversaries. But correspondents say the 15year sentence is high compared to those given to foreigners in the past.

This could be due to the particularly high tensions at the moment between North Korea and the US, they add. State media has not yet reported the sentencing, but China’s Xinhua state news agency said it was handed down by the Supreme Court. Warmbier, 21, and a student at the University of Virginia, was arrested on 2 January as he was trying to leave North Korea. He was accused of committing “hostile acts”.

The KCNA state news agency said at the time he had gone to North Korea “to destroy

the country’s unity” and that he had been “manipulated” by the US government.

At the end of February, at a tearful press conference in Pyongyang, Warmbier (pictured) said he had “committed the crime of taking down a political slogan from the staff holding area of the Yanggakdo International Hotel”.

“The aim of my task was to harm the motivation and work ethic of the Korean people. This was a very foolish aim,” he was quoted as saying.

He said it was the “worst mistake” of his life.

The sentencing comes a day after veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson met North Korean officials at the UN in New York to try to push for Warmbier’s release.

Mr Richardson has previously been involved in negotiations to secure the release of Americans from North Korea detention.

North Korea has ramped up its hostile rhetoric in recent weeks, after the UN imposed some of its toughest ever sanctions.

The sanctions were a response to the North conducting its fourth nuclear test and launching a satellite into space, which was seen as a covert test of banned missile technology.

sanctions against public officers engaging in corrupt practices.

Even with these cases of graft, many people do not report the cases because they either, “don’t know where to report” at 31pc, fear at 23.2pc while those who think no action will be taken stands at 18pc.

Others at 6.5pc don’t trust public officials while another group at 4.5pc says they are overly engaged for them to a get a chance to report.

Over 5,000 respondents participated in the survey that covered 46 counties. peter_x254

Tanzania arrests 500 ‘sex workers’

Pyongyang has also been angered by the US and South Korea carrying out their annual military drills, which this year involve some 315,000 personnel. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has threatened “indiscriminate” nuclear attacks against the US and the South, and has said his country will soon test a nuclear warhead. However analysts still doubt whether the North has the capacity to carry out a nuclear attack.

Tanzania is holding about 500 suspected sex workers and nearly 300 of their alleged customers in detention as part of a crackdown on prostitution.

The first suspects will start appearing in court on Wednesday, Dar es Salaam’s deputy police commissioner said while confirming the arrests.

Rights groups have condemned the arrests, which started a week ago, urging police not to hold suspects beyond the legal 48-hour limit. Prostitution is illegal in Tanzania.

President John Magufuli, who came to power on an anti-corruption platform, has previously criticised prostitution in the country.

Magufuli, known as the Bulldozer, has vowed to uphold law and order since taking power in November.

Deputy police commissioner Simon Siro said the suspects were being held in three prisons around the city.

He said the sex trade was linked to both drugs and violent crime in Tanzania.

NEWS 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

Morning newspaper summaries Kidero dismisses Security ministry is Corruption suspected Consumers to pay EACC claim of Sh300m most corrupt: EACC: in Governor Kidero’s more as Kenya Power Secretary Major-General connection deposits: Nairobi Governor Evans Cabinet fat accounts: Investigators ends (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery’s Interior and Kidero yesterday dismissed as ridiculous have told a Nairobi court that Governor subsidies: Electricity distributor Coordination of National Government claims by an EACC investigator that more than Sh300 million had been deposited in cash into his bank account. “It’s not true.

I don’t have that kind of money,” Kidero said in response to the affidavit by Mulki Abdi Omar, an investigator at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. “It’s an abuse of court process. It shows malice.

It’s a lie,” Kidero told the Star last night.

Evans Kidero’s bank accounts had large cash deposits suspected to be proceeds of corruption. The Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) Investigation Officer, Mulki Umar, said the evidence uncovered aroused reasonable suspicion that the governor was involved in corrupt conduct.

Kenya Power will next month stop charging the subsidized connection fee that the Jubilee government ordered upon coming to power- setting new electricity consumers up for higher charges. The power yesterday said the Sh35, 000 connections fee that applicants have been paying will cease to apply from April 3.

Ombija opts to retire State cuts budget for EACC unveils counties’ instead of fresh vetting: development: The government list of shame: Embu County is

Chase bank blames agency over theft of youth funds: Kenya’s anti-

A judge who twice lost a bid to stop the vetting Board from subjecting him to fresh scrutiny has opted for early retirement, the Star has learnt. High Court judge Nicholas Ombija yesterday sent a letter to the Judges and Magistrates’ Vetting Board chairman Sharad Rao and his employer the Judiciary, indicating that he has opted to go home immediately. This means the Board cannot look into fresh allegations against him.

Court stops Joho arrest, withdrawal of guns: The High Court in Nairobi last evening stopped the arrest and prosecution of Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho and reinstated his firearms licences. Justice George Odunga suspended Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaiserry’s order revoking Joho’s firearms licences as well as confiscating his guns, pending determination of the application before the court. The judge said Nkaiserry’s actions were illegal and in “excess of jurisdiction”.

The government cancelled Joho’s firearms certificates last week.

Ministry is perceived to be the most corrupt, a survey by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) shows.

The survey also showed that perceptions about levels of corruption among Kenyans nationally was at 74 per cent which has increased from 67.7 per cent recorded in a similar survey in 2012.

has scaled down its development spending plans for the financial year ending this June while increasing recurrent expenditure, a move faulted by economists. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has slashed the state development expenditure by Sh49.1 billion while expanding the recurrent budget by Sh8.1 billion in supplementary budget estimates tabled in Parliament yesterday.

leading in cases of bribery, a new report shows. The number of times a bribe was paid in Embu County rose from 1.45 in 2012 to 2.53 last year, according to an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission report released yesterday and which highlights the extent of graft in devolved units. Kisii County is the second most corrupt with a mean of 2.43, followed by Bomet, Kwale, Garissa and Kiambu .

money laundering watchdog, the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), failed to take action on suspicious transactions in the Youth Enterprise Development Fund’s (YEDF) account at Chase Bank, leading to the loss of Sh180 million, Parliament heard Tuesday.

Chase Bank hosted the youth fund’s account.

Bank blames EACC for Jubilee record on Postbank seeks to issue theft of Sh180m : Chase Bank devolution attracts loans by end of year: on Tuesday accused the Ethics and Anti- mixed is set to start issuing loans by reactions: The Postbank corruption Commission of failing to stop the end of the year upon conclusion of the theft of Sh180 million from the Youth Enterprise Fund. The bank also blamed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Financial Reporting Centre for failing to act on its report regarding suspicious activities in the youth fund’s account. The bank’s director of external and regulatory affairs, Mr Parmain Narikae, appeared before the Public Investments Committee.

Government has been critisised for ailing to live up to its pre-election promises to uplift sporting activities. In the run-up to the 2013 pols, Jubilee promised sports’ lovers that it would build five new sports stadia in Kisumu , Mombasa, Eldoret and Garissa. It also promised to upgrade the existing facilities at the county level to accommodate swimming, tennis, basketball and rugby.

ongoing talks with the Treasury that include significant capital investment.

Anne Karanja, Postbank’s acting managing director, said the bank is looking secure a licence to either operate a new commercial banking subsidiary or launch a deposit-taking microfinance institution.

Top stories from X News global partners

Russia expected to US Sets Painkiller Russia brings its plane Stalled global energy increase pressure on Guidelines to Curb home from Syria: The emissions raise hope: end of Russia’s military operation Carbon pollution levels stayed flat for Syrian president: Western Addiction Risk: In an effort to apparent in Syria was as dramatic as its beginning diplomats have said they expect Russia to put sustained pressure on the Syrian president to accept a loss of power as part of negotiations to end the five-year civil war. The diplomats, who admitted being blindsided by Vladimir Putin’s decision to withdraw the bulk of Russian troops that have been bombing rebel forces for the past six months, said they were confident he intended to display Russia’s new-found leverage in Syria by putting pressure on Bashar al-Assad to compromise.

“Assad can shape the future constitution, but Russia knows he has no choice but to stand aside at some point, otherwise there will be stalemate,” a senior diplomat at the peace talks in Geneva said. www.theguardian.com

curb what many consider the worst public health drug crisis in decades, the federal government on Tuesday published the first national standards for prescription painkillers, recommending that doctors try pain relievers like ibuprofen before prescribing the highly addictive pills, and that they give most patients only a few days’ supply. The release of the new guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ends months of arguments with pain doctors and drug industry groups, which had bitterly opposed the recommendations on the grounds that they would create unfair hurdles for patients who legitimately have long-term pain. www.nytimes.com

nearly six months ago. A lucky gambler, Vladimir Putin knew when to raise the stakes and when to cash in his chips. In September last year he startled the world by ordering Russian air strikes in Syria to prop up the crumbling regime of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian despot.

On March 14th, just as unexpectedly, he ordered the partial withdrawal of Russia’s military forces from Syria. In a carefully staged televised meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s defence minister and Sergei Lavrov, its foreign minister, Mr Putin said that the military’s job in Syria had been largely completed.

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the second year in a row last year new data show, even though the global economy kept growing, in a sign that efforts to tackle climate change may be bearing fruit faster than thought. A surge in renewable power around the world was the main reason energy-related emissions stalled, the International Energy Agency has found, reflecting rising levels of clean power investment that last year reached a record $328.9bn globally. Over 90 per cent of new electricity generated last year came from renewable sources, the highest level seen since 1974, with half the growth coming from wind farms alone.

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BUSINESS

African countries reel under failing commodity prices The economies of African countries are suffering under the threat of failing commodity prices while Kenya, East Africa’s powerhouse, has managed to remain steps ahead.

According to a new report, slumping commodity prices have taken African currencies down with them, exposing the economic weaknesses of the world’s poorest continent by driving up inflation in countries that import most of their manufactured goods.

Regional economies cannot use their weakening currencies to their trade advantage because they have few exports beyond their natural resources, says the study that was published by Reuters.

Based on the data, the hardship for households has been compounded by rising prices for food, a commodity that has defied the price fall due to drought in southern Africa.

The economic problems are growing in countries from South Africa, a major producer of minerals and precious metals, to nascent natural gas producer Mozambique and Nigeria, the continent’s top exporter of crude oil.

Kenya, on the other hand, has managed to stay afloat though external shocks threaten the country’s relative stability.

“The problems highlight the need for African economies to diversify and adopt strategies for industrialisation to reduce their reliance on imports, say economists. But they acknowledge this will be difficult in the current environment as investment is hindered by rising inflation and interest rates, as well as the power shortages that plague many areas,” said the report.

“For commodities producers the situation is very clear and very negative,” said Francois Conradie, head of research at NKC African Economics, an Oxford Economics

Company that investigates and interprets information.

A previous commodities boom, fuelled by top consumer China’s rapid growth and industrialization, caused the value of Africa’s exports to soar to $420 billion (Sh42.5 trillion) from $100 billion (Sh10.1 trillion) between 2000 and 2011, according to World Bank data.

Most of those exports were commodities.

The commodities boom financed an African consumption binge on imported goods - domestic demand accounted for two-thirds of African growth in that period

Dennis_x254

Kenya, however, managed to remain the exception, due in part to its large tourism, flowers and tea industries, which helped it stem its reliance on commodities.

Insurer launches first regional extended motor warranty cover Kenya Orient Insurance has launched an insurance cover that prolongs a car’s lifetime by covering car parts beyond the expiry of the manufacturer’s warranty. A first in the region, the cover dubbed ‘Orient Xtense’ protects a car against mechanical breakdown and electrical failure.

‘Ordinarily, motor vehicle insurance would protect your car for damages during an accident, fire or in instances of theft. However, with this cover, we have rewritten the rules. If your engine knocks, ‘Orient Xtense’ has you covered, said Kenya Orient Insurance Managing Director Muema Muindi at the launch. In Kenya, it is estimated that a normal garage services between 7-20 cars daily on electrical breakdown and 5-10 cars on mechanical breakdown in the capital city of Nairobi only.

- that the continent can now ill afford as commodity revenues and currencies sink.

Kenya, however, managed to remain the exception, due in part to its large tourism, flowers and tea industries, which helped it stem its reliance on commodities.

As evidence of its resilience, the country’s currency has appreciated 0.6 per cent since the start of 2016.

Until there is a significant recovery in commodity prices, African governments have limited policy options, explained the report.

The minimum amount one is likely to spend on a minor electrical breakdown such as engine wearing, sensors and computers averages between Sh13, 000 and Sh50, 000.

Mechanical breakdowns such as engine overhaul, suspension, braking system can cost between Sh13, 000 and Sh1,000000. Being a first in the east African insurance market, the ‘Orient Xtense’ will curb against high repair cost incurred by car owners. The product is a stand-alone and will not require a motor vehicle owner to switch from their current insurer.

“This is another great innovation that will give car owners a piece of mind with a guarantee of minimized future repair costs and significant savings. It’s another first from Kenya Orient! A vehicle is a very big investment, the

longer it stays in great working condition the more value you get from your investment,” noted the Kenya Orient MD. To qualify for the cover, the car to be covered should be less than 12 years, has travelled less than 200,000 kilometers, is used for personal-private engagements and requires a comprehensive inspection by an authorised service provider.

The Orient Xtense has three plans; the platinum, gold and silver that covers components such as engine or gearbox failure. It also includes drive shafts and turbo assembly.

Kenya Orient Insurance continues to develop innovative insurance products such as the Orient Mobile, Excess Free Motor insurance pack, the Orient home insurance among others. kevin_x254

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

MEAN 101.5350 145.4478 112.7578 6.5216 33.0626 21.5197

BUY SELL 101.4383 101.6318 145.2828 145.6128 112.6350 112.8806 6.5144 6.5289 33.9818 33.1433 21.4500 21.5895

China Wu Yi to invest Sh3.8 billion in mega road project

International construction and engineering company, China Wu Yi Co Ltd has announced plans to invest 250 million yuan (over Sh3.8 billion) in a soon-to-be-disclosed construction-related project in Kenya.

The declaration comes hot on the heels of an earlier announcement last week in which the firm said its consortium with engineering consulting company Howard Humphreys had won a road construction contract worth 155 million yuan (Sh2.4 billion) in Kenya.

China Wu yi is the contractor in p the first phase of a road between the Kenya-Ethiopia border towns of Moyale and Isiolo, a northern Kenyan gateway city in a project funded by the African Development Bank.

A recent report disclosed that the tarmacking of the 130km Turbi-Moyale road, which connects Kenya and Ethiopia, is poised to unlock economic opportunities in Marsabit County, and the country as a whole.

The road is set to be completed by June.

China Wu Yi has become a key economic partner for East Africa in recent years. The company has established China’s presence in Kenya, having embarked on a variety of ambitious infrastructure development programs.

The construction firm will play a major role in the construction of Kenya’s famous StandardGauge Railway line, which will run from the coastal city of Mombasa to Nairobi. The development is set to link Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. It will also link Mombasa to Ethiopia and will involve the use of a high-speed train running at up to 180 kilometres an hour.

Dennis_x254

CBK plans to lower costs of loans in the ‘real economy’ The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has said it will align interbank lending rates with its benchmark lending rate through a new system aimed at lowering the cost of credit in the ‘real economy’.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that CBK will achieve its goal through the use of a platform dubbed the ‘interest rate corridor’.

According to recent statistics, Kenya suffers from high commercial rates, with most banks lending at above 20 per cent, frustrating businesses, and policymakers who would want credit to be more affordable to spur economic growth.

“The authorities will align

the interbank rates with the policy rate and formally announce and implement an interest corridor,” the IMF said in a recentlyreleased statement.

The Fund said that the move would strengthen “the monetary policy transmission mechanisms in the context of a floating exchange rate regime.”

Closer alignment of the interbank and policy rates will also help the CBK keep inflation within the medium term target of 2.5 to 7.5 per cent.

The interbank rate is the rate of interest charged on short-term loans made between banks. Banks borrow and lend money in the interbank market in

order to manage liquidity and meet the requirements placed on them.

The CBK, which published the lending rates of each commercial bank last month, revealed that some banks were charging roughly three times the reference rate set by the regulator.

“Right now the banks are under a lot of pressure from the population and from us as the regulator.

They have large margins but they will adjust or lose their positions,” said CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge in an earlier statement. The governor added that given time, the market will force banks to re-price their loans or lose their dominance.

BUSINESS 7 WEDNESDAY, MARCh 16, 2016

Kenya’s Sh152bn loan from IMF to safeguard against external shocks The international Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a two-year mortgage facility for Kenya worth Sh152 billion to help the country tackle unforeseen shocks.

IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair Min Zhu said the decision by the IMF executive board follows the country’s commitment to only use the kitty in the event of exogenous shocks with a negative impact on balance of payments.

“Kenya’s recent growth performance

remains robust and the outlook is positive. Despite positive policy steps undertaken under the current Fundsupported program, the economy remains vulnerable to shocks, reflecting less favourable global financial market conditions, as well as continued security threats and potential extreme weather events,” Zhu said. According to Zhu, the new precautionary arrangements would provide a policy anchor for continental macroeconomic and

institutional reforms, and would help mitigate the impact of potential shock should they materialize.

Apart from cushioning the country against unforeseen shocks, the money will also form a basic policy to reform institutions and macroeconomic institutions to minimize future occurrences of unseen shocks.

IMF has also noted that the Central Bank of Kenya expressed commitment to gradually reduce inflation from 5 to 2.5 per cent, mid-

point of its target range.

“The authorities are taking actions to preserve financial stability. These include steps to strengthen micro and macro prudential stress testing and the capital adequacy assessment framework, and develop a legal and operational crisis management system,” the IMF boss said.

Continued improvement in the quality of macroeconomic statistics and strengthening the business climate will be key to promoting

transparency and evidence-based policy making, and supporting inclusive growth.

Kenya has ascertained that it will not withdraw the amount unless the country is facing an actual balance of payment needs.

Figures from the finance ministry indicate that Kenya’s budget deficit for the financial year 2015/2016 is forecast at 8.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) falling to 6.9 per cent by 2016/2017 fiscal year. enock_x254

Aga Khan Academy nurtures young budding scientists in schools amid national skills deficit Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is supporting the development of core skills in science through its Personal Projects Exhibition, which has seen young innovators design ground-breaking inventions like classroom holograms and home-made mosquito repellents.

The exhibition is a culminating experience in the Academy’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme where students are encouraged to provide solutions to social and economic problems.

“These projects are anchored on specific global contexts such as scientific and technical innovation, globalization and sustainability, identities and relationships among others providing opportunities for creative and truly personal demonstrations of learning for the students,” said David Ochieng’ Vice Principal of the Middle Years Programme.

Science and innovation have been proven to play a key role in Africa’s development agenda, yet these areas continue to suffer from acute skills gaps in Kenya, with the 2015 Global Innovation Index ranking Kenya at position 92 out of 141 countries.

However, challenges in science education in Kenya have contributed to this skills shortage across many fields including engineering, medicine, food sciences and

agricultural sciences.

In construction engineering for example, major construction contracts -such as the Standard Gauge Railway- are being awarded to foreign companies particularly from China. The skills gap loses Kenya billions of dollars that would have otherwise circulated in the Kenyan economy.

The same is true in medicine, with only 9,100 registered doctors in the country, amounting to 0.21 doctors for every 1,000 people, compared with the World Health Organization recommendation of one doctor per 1,000 persons, indicating a five-fold shortfall in Kenya.

Against the backdrop of these shortages, the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is creating an enabling environment to nurture sciences among its students, through participation in the annual Golden Climate International Environmental Project Olympiad, where students get various awards, including monetary awards and recognition for their work.

In 2015, Aga Khan Academy Mombasa won the top school title at the Olympiad, with four of its students receiving awards in the environment, agriculture, engineering, enock_x254

8

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

StarTimes aligns satellite, terrestrial pay TV costs in face of digital revolution

StarTimes Media Sales Director Mr. Anderson Gichuru (left), the company’s Pan Africa DTH Director Mr. Song Wei (Centre) and Public Relations Manager Alex Mwaura unveil a new satellite pay TV package and decoder cost when the company announced a drop of its monthly subscription and satellite TV product costs last year.

Internet access still low despite high mobile penetration, says report Mobile phone penetration in Kenya is high yet internet access remains a far-cry from the numbers crucial for the country’s development, a new report from World Bank reveals.

According to the report, the uptake of mobile services by Kenyans has grown tremendously during the first quarter of the 2015/16 financial year.

During the period under review, mobile penetration stood at 88.5 per cent, echoing World Bank statistics, which indicate that 8 out of 10 people in the developing world own a mobile phone.

The Communication Authority of Kenya has also ascertained that mobile phone penetration in Kenya is growing at an alarming rate.

However, internet access remains low and current providers have maintained a trend that has left fast and reliable connectivity out of reach for many consumers where less than 40 per cent of Kenyans can access the internet.

“Digital technologies have spread

rapidly in much of the world.

Digital dividends, that is, the broader development benefits from using these technologies have lagged behind,’’ read a statement from World Bank.

Adding: “In many instances, digital technologies have boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery.”

Yet their aggregate impact has fallen short and is unevenly distributed.

For digital technologies to benefit everyone everywhere requires closing the remaining digital divide, especially in internet access otherwise greater digital adoption will not be enough.

To get the most out of the digital revolution, countries also need to work on the “analog complements” by strengthening regulations that ensure competition among businesses, by adapting workers’ skills to the demands of the new economy, and by ensuring that institutions are accountable. enock_x254

Digital television Company StarTimes Media has announced the alignment of its top satellite (Direct To Home – DTH) and terrestrial (Digital Terrestrial Technology–DTT) bouquets that will see the subscription costs to the top bouquets capped at just Sh1, 499 per month.

The alignment represents a 40 per cent and 29 per cent drop in the cost of the monthly subscription for the two bouquets, which were previously retailing at Sh2,499 for the company’s ‘Super’ bouquet and Sh2,099 for its ‘Unique’ bouquet.

Super and Unique bouquets are the highest monthly packages offered by the pay television company for its Satellite and Terrestrial platforms respectively with access to over 100 international and local channels.

Speaking on this latest development, StarTimes Vice President Mr. Mark Lisboa noted that the move is advised by the need to offer affordable digital television solutions for Kenyans in rural and urban areas through either the satellite or terrestrial platforms while driving accessibility of the company’s digital television service.

“This is a significant development that will see Kenyans enjoy a uniform monthly subscription fee for our top bouquets at just Ksh

1,499 which is driven by our goal to see more Kenyan households access, afford and enjoy premium digital television services,” Mr. Lisboa said in a statement released yesterday.

Other bouquets on both platforms will not be affected and will continue to retail as per Star Time’s original offering.

StarTimes has equally effected a 20 per cent drop in the cost of acquiring the company’s satellite television decoders from Sh2, 499 to Sh1, 999 which will be inclusive of a Sh1, 499 subscription fee that new subscribers can enroll with to a bouquet of their choice.

The full installation for a StarTimes Satellite Television kit will now cost Sh3,999 being Sh2,000 for a Dish, LNB, 20m Cable and accessories in addition to the 1Sh,999 cost of the decoder loaded with subscription worth Sh1,499.

The company has retained the cost of acquiring the company’s digital terrestrial set top boxes at Sh949 which will be inclusive of Sh499 subscription.

“We aim to offer Kenyan households the freedom to choose the technology that suits them at the most affordable cost while equally availing premium television content that is both informative and entertaining,” concluded Mr. Lisboa.

Dennis_x254

Google calls on US to shake-up self-driving car in line with laws Google’s self-driving car chief has urged lawmakers to ensure the US sets consistent laws for the technology.

Google Executive, Chris Urmson told a Senate hearing that the US Transport Secretary should be given authority over the matter rather than leaving it to individual states.

He also reiterated his company’s view that it would be much safer if passengers were not able to override a vehicle’s autonomous systems.

That contrasts with the view of California’s regulator.

The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles published draft rules in December that said a trained human must still be able to take control.

Mr Urmson noted that 23 states had now set a total of 53 pieces of legislation relating to self-driving vehicles, some of which are at odds with each other.

“We currently face a growing patchwork of state laws and

regulations on self-driving cars that has the potential to become unworkable,” Mr Urmson said.

“If every state is left to go its own way, it would be extremely impractical to operate an autonomous vehicle across state boundaries.”

His view was supported at the Senate Commerce Committee by the pick-up service Lyft, which has partnered with General Motors to develop their own driverless cars.

“The worst possible scenario for the growth of autonomous vehicles is an inconsistent and conflicting patchwork of local, municipal

and county laws that will hamper efforts to bring autonomous vehicle technology to market,” said Joseph Okpaku, Lyft’s director of public policy.

“Regulations are necessary, but regulatory restraint and consistency is equally as important if we are going to allow this industry to reach its full potential.”

The risks posed by self-driven cars in their existing state were highlighted last month when one of Google’s cars caused a collision with a bus in Santa Clara, California.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

ACCESS top story

TELLING THE

AFRICANSTORY

I

t is said that culture is stored through language. And in order to sustain any culture, storytelling and performing arts have proved to be essential.

As flamboyant as culture is in involving sufficient artistry, a blend of performing arts is set to take center stage this weekend at two separate events.

To begin with there will be a Story Telling Festival this Saturday at Kwani, where soothing stories will be told, not the type that put you to sleep we are warned!

The said stories are aimed at serving the purpose of preserving a culture of storytelling, and using stories for education and trauma healing.

Maimouna Jallow, the organizer of the Story telling festivals told XAccess“There is a significant rise in the dying of the culture of storytelling. It has simply been eroded by current wave of urbanization where, television has taken the role of the narrator,” She says there is true evidence of urbanization that separates generation and having extended families staying far from their families hence killing the space for grandma/grandpa story time.

The Story Festival that has lined up five of Nairobi finest performers, an art auction and a reading section is seeking to rejuvenate these. Where young and vibrant performer will be given a platform to share their perspective through the written word.

According to Maimouna, “The second reason why story telling culture is fading away is in the fact that African Stories are not put in writing and when

written they are written by outsiders.”

This has resulted in having African originality ignored and lack of inclusion of African identity.

“If you have an African story running with an English name then the young African reader feels excluded, it for this reason we need to encourage the young ones to write and it begins with storytelling,” she adds saying this will further encourage, writing from an African view point, The culmination of the Story Festival will be a launch a website reimagine where African writers across the globe are encourage to participate and reimagine Africa and put it in ink.

Away from Kwani and enter Sawa Sawa Festival, where performing artstes will show case talent at the Sarakaris Dome.

The Festival, is set to embrace, music culture as a set of expression, where artistes nature growth cultural entrepreneurship and festival production.

Sawa Sawa is set to have a three day of artistry action from today through to Saturday, where African identity will be recognized. Today a media roundtable I slated to explore the relationship between media and performers. The coming days will see different segments of performing arts take center stage and storytelling is a big part of the drill.

Come Saturday and two different platforms will be seeing a reawakening of the old way of passing important information; storytelling. @duncan_x254

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

HEALTH &FITNESS

If drank In moderatIon, a glass a day really may keep the doctor away

Wine or beer

W

e are often told that a glass of wine a day could help rejuvenate the body, reducing our risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

This life-giving sustenance is thought to come from “polyphenols” (found especially in red wine) that soothe inflammation and mop up damaging chemicals in the body.

If drank in moderation,

WORKOUT

which is better (or worse) for my health?

a glass a day really may keep the doctor away Beer is conspicuously absent from these health bulletins, but it too contains a fair share of polyphenols, and seems to offer modest benefits, akin to white wine but less than red wine.

Clearly, none of this gives you a free pass to binge drink, but if drank in moderation, a glass a day really may keep the doctor away.

Verdict: Red wine wins hands down, but beer may be

better than no drink at all OVerall Verdict: When it comes to health benefits, wine edges it as the best medicine.

However, beer drinkers can at least respond that their drink has the more illustrious history.

In fact, some anthropologists have suggested that our taste for beer might have planted the seeds of agriculture, and therefore civilisation itself. That’s something to contemplate the next time you’re waiting at the bar!

HOME IMPROVEMENT Add value to your home with a

No time for a full workout today? No sweat. If you can find just one free minute, then you can do this easy workout. You’ll hit all the major muscle groups and—if you really push—get a cardio surge as well.

Do the moves one right after the other with no resting in between. Your goal is to fit in a set in just 60 seconds, though it’ll probably take a little longer at first.

(Beginners, shoot for two minutes.) Fit as many of these workouts into your day as you can.

NUTE THE ONE MI WORKOUT Power push-up plank

Stand with feet a little wider than shoulders (top left); squat down and place hands on floor in front of feet.

Jump or walk feet back into plank position (middle), keeping body lengthened by tightening abs; hold for a count of 8.

Do 2 push-ups (on your toes, if possible, or on your knees; bottom right); jump or walk feet toward hands, return to a low-squat position on feet, and stand up. Repeat entire move 4 more times.

Superman

Lie on your stomach with arms stretched overhead and legs straight. Lengthen body, tuck tailbone to protect your lower back, and lift arms and legs at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds.

Bicycle abs

Lie on back with hands behind head, legs and feet lifted, knees bent to 90-degree angle. Lift head and shoulders slightly off mat. Rotate torso so left shoulder is moving toward right knee. At the same time, extend and lower left leg. Alternate sides for a total of 10 reps per side.

kitchen W

hether you’re giving your kitchen a slight face-lift, renovation, full remodel or starting from scratch with a new build, multiple design elements increase the value and appeal of your home.

PerSPectiVe: For any kitchen makeover, it’s important to keep the design of it in line with the rest of your home.

Maintain the flow and feel of your home’s interior and keep a sensible perspective when beginning a kitchen makeover and a contractor can help you incorporate everything you want. caBiNet material aNd arraNgemeNt: Undergoing a kitchen makeover is the perfect time to think about better organization, storage and ease of use. The range of today’s materials is greater than ever.

Choose materials that best fits your

spaces?

makeover style and budget and explore how customizable they are to insure they fit all your requirements. Softclose doors and drawers, roll out shelves, spice and condiment trays and corner storage units are just a few of the new features available for your ultimate kitchen makeover.

DuraBIlItY unDerFoot: For your kitchen makeover, you need floors that suit the look of the room, appeal to your personal tastes and are durable. The kitchen is a high-traffic area, subject to spills and assault by dropped objects.

Hardwood flooring, linoleum and laminate are the traditional choices. High-end options include stone and tile. Any flooring you choose needs to be water-resistant and easy to clean rIght work surFace: In today’s kitchens, countertops are one of the largest areas that draw

YOU NEED A MAKE UP ORGANIZER Chances are you have a ton of makeup at home and you don’t know what to do with it. Okay, maybe you have big plans for it – but in the meantime, you feel like you have absolutely nowhere to put it. We feel your organizational pain and that why a makeup organizer is a good ideas so you can make a conscious effort to categorize your cosmetics at home.

After tons of searching on the internet and in stores, it will become

more apparent that there really isn’t anything that you love and that will fit all of your makeup at the same time. With that being said, making it yourself can be scary but with some of these designs you will find yourself creating something that’s fit for you in no time. From lipstick to eyeshadow, there is a time and place for everything.

Try it in your free time.

the eye. Granite and manufactured stone are both durable and beautiful.

Acrylic composites offer a benchtop that is seamless and completely non-porous and modern Laminates still offer the best bang for your buck. layOut aNd lightiNg: Regardless of what flooring, countertops and cabinets you choose, your kitchen needs to have the right flow for food prep, work and foot traffic and the best lighting to illuminate various tasks.

Even a small space feels larger with an expertly-designed layout and layers of light that add depth and character to the room. Undercabinet lighting is ideal for food prep, pendant lights over an island create a welcome feel and sconces on the wall add that last layer of warmth any time of day.

DIY

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH OCTOBER 16,28, 2016 2015

FASHIONScoop

@SXSW FeStivAl

Bella thorne: Lady in red.

11

Kerry Washington: popping in style.

Kate Bosworth: Bringing back the 80s

FaShion MeetS tech

Gillian Jacobs: Powerful color play.

Wema Sepetu’s weighty issues Diamond Platinumz’s ex has come out to express her fears of being overweight. Wema who has been missing in action after losing her twins said on her social pages that she is hoping to shed off some kilos. She was seeking help on how to get back her figure.

HOT

TOPICS

Zoey Deutch: Frilling and meshing black.

Socialite alert: Beverly Masila resurfaces After an unexplained hiatus, socialite Beverly Masila aka Bev is back.

Bev has been out of the social scene for a while but she let it be known that she is back after posting pretty images on her social pages.

wema (right) with her parents

For the past few days, the world has been streaming into the state of Texas in the US for the South By South West festival, a convergence affair of original music, independent films and emerging technologies.

From presidential speeches by Obama to mind-blowing presentations by technology firms, anyone who has attended SXSW can say they have seen it all. To top it all up, there has been a ton of great style going down at the festival.

See what a few of the stars have been wearing over the past few days.

@mercy_x254

Kirsten Dunst: All about that bass.

Images of DP William Ruto as a pastor are doing rounds on the internet. A rather slim and down to earth Ruto is seen with his Mrs, the DP is also seen carrying religious books and looking very happy.

BeVerLY

Did you know DP Ruto was once a Pastor?

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AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Aquarius, unfortunately, today it might appear hopeless. Mundane, routine, unrewarding tasks could take up a lot of your time on the job today. Nevertheless, don’t let the frustration interfere with your outlook for the future. You’re due for advancement in some way!

..

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 However, this might interfere with a social event that you’ve committed to, and could cause disappointment among your friends and family members. It could also give rise to a little trouble with your partner. Hang in there!

BRANCH: THE GREEN HOUSE Ground Floor, Ngong Road Nairobi Cell: +254 710 270 293 EMAIL: lords.limited@yahoo.com

WEDNESday 16/2016

sunny

30

28ºC 28%

THURsday 17/3/2016

More sun than clouds

29 6:38 am 6:45pm

27ºC 36%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Nonetheless, circumstances beyond your control could interfere with your plans, and you might not be able to make contact tonight. This could bring frustration, dissatisfaction, and maybe even a little friction between you. Don’t panic, though. It will pass, probably by tomorrow.

6:38 am 6:44 pm

FRIday

28

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

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 The problem isn’t insurmountable, but does call for honest, open communication among all parties involved. You won’t be happy at having to make a choice, and may find the two duties difficult to balance right now. Give it your best. By tomorrow things should be back to normal.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Perhaps a co-worker is in a bad mood and unreceptive to anything you say. Or perhaps the phones are out or the computers down. This could prove frustrating, Taurus, and might interfere with relations among staff members. Don’t worry; you’ll still have a great evening!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t have it in your hands today. There might be a short delay of some kind, perhaps due to problems with the mail service. You might be turning your thoughts now to new projects. While you have a lot of ideas, you aren’t likely to make firm decisions today.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Host a get-together with family and friends, full of stimulating conversation and delicious food and drink. However, you might at some point feel a little sad, missing someone who should be with you but isn’t, and speculating about what he or she may be doing. Concentrate on those there with you.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 However, social obligations, possibly parties or visits, could interfere with putting your ideas on paper. You could also feel especially attuned to the thoughts and feelings of others, although you might not like what you’re picking up!

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Your career concerns are very much on your mind, and you don’t like being distracted from them.

Nonetheless, these activities, not to mention your family, are important to you, Virgo, and you’ll find a way to squeeze them in even though it’s frustrating.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your heart isn’t in it right now. You have interests of your own that you’d rather pursue, plus you could be planning to get together with friends or your partner later. It’s best to finish everything quickly, perhaps postponing nonessential tasks, and then go and enjoy yourself.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 A part of you may long to break from society and live a more spiritual life, but worldly responsibilities and an attachment to your current lifestyle could get in your way. These things don’t happen overnight, Scorpio. You have to let them develop in their own way, in their own time.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Perhaps people are disagreeing over what needs to be done regarding fundraising or budgetary limitations. It’s best to divorce yourself from this sort of thing if possible, Sagittarius. It’s draining.

Strange, vivid dreams might haunt your sleep tonight, but don’t read too much into them.

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PLAY

13

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Stereo system 5. Memory unit 9. Czar, e.g.

14. Blink ___ eye 15. Albert or Throneberry 16. Pliny the ____ 17. Utmost 19. Incredible and Hogan 20. Andrea ___ (ship that sank in 1956) 21. Dig, as for information 23. VW hatchback 25. Would, passionately 30. Almost home 33. Blind ___ bat 35. Aspirin target 36. Church group 37. Of a bodily syst.

39. Prefix with surgeon 42. Golf great Ballesteros 43. 1996 Eddie Murphy movie 45. Review quickly 47. ____ annum 48. Middle of a disagreement, say 52. Football gain 53. Word on an Uncle Sam poster 54. Unbending 57. Actress of the silent pictures 61. Historic Incan capital 65. Amazes 67. Hoot and holler 68. Cutesy, to a Brit

69. One, in a motto 70. Bedding item 71. Musical notes 72. Swimmers’ distances Down 1. Tegucigalpa’s land, for short 2. “As ___ say...”

3. Temp. measuring scale 4. Spectrum part 5. Label bought by Sony 6. Stock enclosure 7. Elder or alder 8. “Brideshead Revisited” novelist Waugh 9. Warms up, as leftovers 10. Eskimo knife 11. Bad variety of cholesterol 12. “It’s a mouse!”

13. Monopoly four, for short 18. Consume avidly 22. Really chill (out) 24. Phrase before instant 26. “Bend It Like Beckham” actor Jonathan ___-Meyers 27. School night bedtime, maybe 28. Hidden treasure 29. More eccentric 30. Display pattern 31. Bite the dust 32. Not available 33. 90s House Majority Leader, Dick ___ 34. “____ later, alligator!”

38. Prompt 40. Some colas 41. Like some feed 44. In some respects 46. Everybody’s opposite 49. WMT competitor 50. Bank robberies 51. Sorry 55. Top-row keyboard key 56. Gas or oil 58. Dennis the Menace’s know-it-all friend 59. Enlist again 60. Doctrines 61. Drip units, briefly 62. Sound of hesitation 63. Zaire capital?

64. Middling grade 66. Foot, in Latin

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY Kanu Kericho mini-poll rigging claims far-fetched It is ludicrous for Kanu’s secretary General Nick salat and his associates to claim that Jubilee coalition used ‘sophisticated’ computer programmes to rig the justconcluded Kericho Senate seat by-election.

More laughable is their argument that Jubilee was using the software as a pilot programme ahead of the 2017 polls, noting how critical the seat was to the ruling coalition and more so to Deputy President William Ruto. There is no way Ruto would have risked losing the seat, perceiving the grave political consequences that would had on him.

The independence party has alleged that the software used geometrical progression mathematical formula to ‘steal’ votes in favour of Jubilee’s Aaron Cheruyoit.

Whereas the allegations may be true, a party that has been in existence for more than five

decades should not use such excuses after losing election.

Kanu National chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, should by now have learnt that Kenyan politics has taken a paradigm shift from his father’s era where he commanded and it happened.

In a sober view, Gideon Moi and his cahoots still live in the 70’s and 80’s where it was all about the Mlolongo system of voting. To them rigging is still done by using already marked ballot papers, using chiefs and creating unfavourable voting environments like Museveni would do.

They must realise that Kenya is in digital era. They must wake up from Independence party hype era. Things are today done differently.

If for sure they have tangible facts to prove that IEBC rigged in favour of Jubilees candidate, why did they take too long to identify and make their claims public as they

have done? Probably, they had to be taught what a computer software is and how it works.

In every sense I would laud the Jubilee technological experts if they have truly created the ‘sophisticated’ software to rig election.

They are living in the digital era that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy Ruto promised as they assumed power in 2013.

Moi and his Kanu party supported Musalia Mudavadi in the last General Election presidential bid where they performed dismally garnering close to a mere 400,000 of the total cast vote.

Going by such results, he should have scaled up his political game and learned new tactics. To win any election in Kenya, promises of ‘Tutajenga barabara, hospitali na shule’ cannot add any vote in your basket. He must device new tact to conquer in future polls.

— Nderitu

EACC should spare Kenyans graft statistics Following a report by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) on Kenya’s most and least corrupt Counties, one is left wondering whether the institution charged with the authority to investigate and stop graft has been turned into a statistical institution that carries out surveys. It is public knowledge that corruption is a major issue in Kenya and thus a survey is not necessary on the same. Kenyans are no longer interested in knowing which County is the most or least corrupt, they want to see the corrupt in those respective Counties behind bars. This is a challenge to EACC, kindly do your job and let statistics and survey

bodies such as the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Infotrak and similar institutions carry out the surveys. And which sane Kenyan will accept a survey that puts Devolution ministry as the most corrupt? Kenyans also question the institution’s integrity after hurried cleared former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru of any wrong doing in the loss of Sh791 million and later made an about-turn after it became public that the ex-Cs could have been in the centre of corruption. It is apparent EACC should top the list of most corrupt institutions and not the one carrying out the survey.

— Daniel Maina - Kilimani

EPL football craze replacing worshiping in Africa From the ongoing English Premier League (EPL), it is apparent most people have turned to worship the game of football at the expense of Christianity Today, social joints in Kenya attract larger crowds (congregation) during live broadcasts of EPL matches than traditional worship cathedrals and churches.

The number of worshipers has dwindled, with religion being viewed as an activity for the aged and the poor.

And whereas celebrated footballers such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Etoo command a cult following wherever they go, the prospect of an African bishop taking over the

highest office of the Church of England will probably not make headline news.

Football has replaced Christianity.

Europeanfounded football academies are being started in Africa and many Kenyans today will opt to go without a meal at the expense of donning a Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Man city or Manchester United jersey.

My point is, England’s vigorous export of religion to Africa in the late 19th century has been duplicated, but this time football has taken over from Christianity.

As millions of pounds are invested in building football stadia across England, which have taken over as “places of

worship”, the once-buzzing churches are being converted into tourist attractions, community centres or even residential places.

My shock is that, should a premiership football manager express interest in buying a player from somewhere in Kenya or Africa, the player seems to acquire the much soughtafter visa within record time than a religious minister from the same jurisdiction.

It may take the minister a lot of effort to convince the same agency that his services are needed.

— Mzungu Mweupe

Jubilee has failed to tame graft in government The Jubilee administration is doomed to ruin, sailing towards what has been termed “right-wrong” direction.

Not even President Uhuru Kenyatta can precisely tell where the country is headed, and what it will become in the next couple of months.

Whether right or wrong direction, the fact that Kenya is on the loose is axiomatic.

The country veered off long time ago when the President started coddling and cosseting corruption suspects. Before

then, President Uhuru was vocal on corruption and even created a web portal to directly engage Kenyans.

All these are no longer in practice.

Despite declarations that corrupt government officials will be punished, no action had been taken against those implicated in multibillion-shilling scandals and powerful individuals accused of looting public coffers. The commitment to fight graft by the top Jubilee leadership

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has waned. The cancer continues to spread, with no attempt in sight to address the matter. It is disheartening to see the impunity with which those implicated go about their business.

Corruption has affected the normal operations of various government institutions, affecting the economy. The only option left to save the country is for Jubilee government led by President Uhuru to go home.

— Phabian Jr

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS

6 rowers to take part in qualifiers Six rowers will represent the country in the forthcoming Africa Conning and Rowing qualifiers set for South Africa at the end of the month. The six, Samuel Maina (K1 category), Nicholas Ndonye, Simon Kilonzo (K2 class), 2011 All Africa Games gold medallist, Joseph Ngugi, Josphat Ngali (C2) and Swaleh Fakii in the disabled class were picked after rigorous trials in the deep waters of Masinga Dam. Kenya Rowing and Canoe Association (KRACA) Secretary General James Mweu said the team requires a budget of about Sh2.5million for the South Africa trip. “We need to invest more in training our Water Athletes who risk their lives in the sea. We have plenty of talents in our association especially from Kenya Navy,” observed Mweu who expressed confidence with the selected team describing Ruiru-based Maina and Kenya Navy duo of Ngugi and Ngali who had qualified ahead of the trials as Gold medal prospects.

Kanu set to tour Kenya next week Former Arsenal striker Nwanko Kanu is expected visit the country in the coming week, X-Sport can authoritatively report.

The player, who captained Nigeria for 16 years and scored 44 goals for Arsenal is expected to hold soccer clinics in the country for young budding player in the coming weeks. He will grace the intermedia seven-a-side soccer tournament organised by pay television providers, Star Times according to a close source.

The media tournament official launching will be tomorrow. Meanwhile, Kenya football fraternity is in mourning after the sudden and untimely demise of Wazito FC midfielder Kelvin Ikatwa yesterday. Ikatwa was stabbed to death by his girlfriend following a domestic quarrel. The girlfriend has since been arrested. “The family requests for privacy and for your prayers as we mourn our departed brother, friend, comrade and colleague,” read a statement on the club’s social media account.

Djokovic through to BNP Paribus last 16 Novak Djokovic reached the last 16 of the men’s singles of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian with a 7-5 7-5 win over German Phillipe Kohlschreiber. Rafael Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-0 7-6 (11-9). Two-time champion Serena Williams beat Kateryna Bondarenko 6-2 6-2 to earn a quarter-final with Simona Halep. Meanwhile, British number one Johanna Konta was knocked out Wells following a 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 defeat by world number 19 Karolina Pliskova.

Victory over her Czech opponent would have put Konta in with a chance of breaking into the top 20 of the world rankings for the first time. Her crash followed that of compatriot Andy Murra who was beaten by world number 53

Easter Safari rally put off over logistic challenges The 2016 KCB Safari Rally, which was initially set to take place over the Easter weekend has been postponed due to logistical challenges.

Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) postponed the 64th edition racing championship after the Kenya Motor Sports Club (KMSC) which won the bid to host the vent failed to beat organisation deadline.

The event was set to begin from March 25 to 27. It is not yet clear what sanctions will be taken against the club which requested KMSF to change the dates after failing to meet the set

deadlines for organisation.

KMSC, who organised the opening round of the 2016 Kenya National Rally Championship in Kajiado County on February 27 won the bid to organise the 2016 Safari Rally after successfully out-bidding other affiliate in a new tendering process Introduced to enhance transparency and accountability.

The KMSF secretariat said it intends to run this year’s Safari professionally and in closed private ranch roads as part of their long-term safety plan designed to deviate public road racing.

Over and above safety of crews

and spectators, KMSF is on the verge of bringing in a state of the art TAG Huer timing system that is used in World Rally Championship. This is part of the technical support Liquid Telecom is extending to the rally -sport as Kenya plots to woo WRC top brass to reconsider it as a racing destination.

Safari was previously a round of the WRC from 1973 up till 2002, but was dropped from the FIA calendar when Kenyan organisers failed to meet the set technical requirements the World Governing body had demanded including safety

and payment of calendar fees.

The event was relegated to FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) status from 2003 to 2014.

Last year, the Safari was held as a non FIA ARC event and won by Kisumu-based Jassi Chatthe, who went on to chalk up the coveted ARC title with Englishman Craig Thorley.

“Flying Finn” Tapio Laukkanen currently leads the 2016 KNRC with 25 points followed by Ian Duncan on 21. Apart from the Safari the 8 leg KNRC will traverse Mombasa, Nanyuki, Kisumu and Nakuru.

Kenya Motor Sports Club (KMSC) has cancelled the 64th edition of Easter KBC rally over logistic challenges.

Tribunal summons Sport Registrar in KVF suit Sports Registrar Rose Wasike has been summoned to appear before the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) over the delay to transit the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) ​into a fully-fledged federation in line with the Sports Act 2013.​ Former player Gideon Njine took KVF before the tribunal for non-compliant with the Sports Act after they failed to beat ​the ​August 31, 2014 deadline which required all sports federations and clubs to transit from a ​Societies to the ​Sport ​Act. ​Last September, ​the Tribunal found KVF guilty of failing to register and ordered the federation to comply within 60 days. It also ordered Sports Registrar and Ministry of Sports which was enjoined in the case by Njine to pay the cost of the legal fee.

The national Volleyball mother body then submitted their registration with Sports Registrar but they, just like all the other federations and clubs are yet to receive their certificate.​ Njine has since gone back to the Tribunal seeking compensation, forcing the Tribunal to order Wasike or her representative to appear before the Tribunal on March 22 to explain why it has taken her office six months to transit KVF. The last time Sports Registrar appeared at the Tribunal, she cited lack of legislation as the biggest hindrance to the slow pace at which things are moving to transit the bodies.

Sports Ministry has weighed in the matter, saying it will not fund any federation that has not complied with the ​A​ct.

This poses great challenge to several Federations, including KVF for missing out on government funding for various international championships.

Last month, it took the intervention of International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) t come to the rescue of the women’s national volleyball team to take part in the last Olympics qualifiers in Puerto Rico after Kenya pulled out due to lack of funds.

Kenya Volleyball Federation chairman Waithaka Kioni during the hearing.

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

Bayern’s forward Arjen Robben and his teammates celebrate with coach Pep Guardiola after scoring against Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg soccer match in Turin. The two teams face off tonight in a return leg in Allianz Arena in Germany. PHOTO: ANDREA DI MARCO/ EPA

Bayern, Juve face off in do or die CL repeat tie

Bayern Munich host Italian giants and last year’s finalists Juventus in what promises to be an explosive last16 second leg Champions League tie on tonight.

The German led 2-0 in by first half in Turin last month, with goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben before second-half strikes from Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro made things level.

Juventus must go for an early goal at the Allianz Arena. All five goals conceded

by Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season have come in the final 30 minutes.

Despite beating Wolfsburg 2-0 in their next outing, Bayern’s 17-match winning run at the Allianz arena was ended by defeat to Mainz, but Guardiola’s side made an ominous return to form on Saturday with a 5-0 win over Werder Bremen.

As the only team to have scored against Juventus in the last two months, Bayern

have claimed the advantage with two away goals, but Guardiola who is on his last days in Germany must be wary of the Serie A champions who are yet to concede a goal in their last 10 league games.

“I know what will happen in the coming months if we don’t win. Obviously it would be hard for us for the first few days if we lost, but we want to advance,” said Guardiola.

“We must play our game, use our strengths and their weaknesses. We must not only attack, but also defend well,” added Guardiola who may be without Robben. Robben missed training with a cold while Juventus will be without striker Dybala and midfielder Claudio Marchisio. Both teams are looking to win a treble of trophies this season, but the Italians have not won in Munich for 12 years, losing two of their three visits since then. Massimiliano Allegri’s team have won all bar one of their last 19 Serie A games and while their

European results have fluctuated more, the manager is confident. Bayern have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 8th consecutive campaign and five of the last six seasons appearances at the semis.

In Spain, holders Barcelona carries a massive two away goal advantage, as they welcome Arsenal to Camp Nou with the dream of becoming the first side to retain the European trophy since its inauguration in 1992.

Mathematically, Arsenal are out of the campaign considering they will have to score two unanswered goals to force a penalty shootout against a side that boast of 37-match unbeaten run.

Barcelona will be without Enrique Pique, but still poses danger in the combined firepower in Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Arsenal could welcome back Laurent Koscielny from a calf problem, while Hector Bellerin is expected to return at right-back against his boyhood club.

Opwora risks being locked out of AFC polls over cash loss AFC Leopards interim committee cochair Mathew Opwora could be locked out of the forthcoming club elections over misappropriation of club funds.

Opwora is accused of withdrawing about Sh2.1 million from the club’s account without the knowledge of any Interim Management Committee (IMC) member.

The money was part of the Sh100,000 pounds (Sh14 million) deposited to the AFC Leopards bank account by Betway in a botched deal that was cancelled by Sports Dispute Tribunal.

Interim committee co-chair Dan Mule accused Opwora of withdrawing money in the club’s account for personal use and without his blessing or any other official for that matter.

Responding to media reports over the missing cash, Chief mediator John Ohaga confirmed some funds had indeed dissapeared from the club account, but was quick to say the matter will be handled internally.

He said after the Tribunal cancelled the initial Sh30 million sponsorship deal between Ingwe and Betway, they returned the money to betting firm.

“The club had no option but to return the money and that is what we did by withdrawing the same amount from the cash received from the other sponsor (SportPesa),” examined Ohaga who is also the Tribunal chairman.

By the time we were going to press, Opwora had not responded to out calls.

Ohaga, however warned the two factions, led by Opwora and Mule respectively to desist from dragging their ambitions into the mediation process.

“Mule should stop playing politics at the expense of the club. These are election matters and the two groups would do or say anything to taint the other faction negatively.”

“We will be free with the mediation process by April and hopefully call for elections by mid-May,” assured Ohaga.

Ohaga did not divulge what sanctions will be meted out on Opwora, but sources indicate the sanction may range from refund to his name being deleted from the list of delegate should he fail. @elvince_x254

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BAYERN, JUVENTUS TAKE CL BATTLE FOR QUARTER-FINAL BERTH TO p15 ALLIANZ ARENA

Dynamo Kiev’s Miguel Veloso (right) in action with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Dynamo Kiev held at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Britain, 15 March 2016.

PHOTO: PeTer POwell/ePA

City in Champions League quarters Manchester City reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time despite a lethargic second leg goalless draw against Dynamo Kiev.

The draw, however came at a prize for the former English champions who lost two defenders, Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otemedi. The Citizens kept their first clean sheet in 10 Champions League matches since December 2014 against Roma. In a slow-paced first half, neither side threatened a shot on target with City getting their one and only shot on target in the 73rd minute. Jesus Navas hit the post with a low drive in the second half and Yaya Toure struck straight at the goalkeeper. Manager Manuel Pellegrini, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola as City boss next season, wants to finish by making City champions of Europe for the first time. After winning the League Cup last month, the Champions League remains City’s only realistic hope of a second trophy this season, as they lie 12 points behind leaders Leicester City in the league.

City’s prayer will be to avoid Barcelona in the draw for the next round, the defending champions complete the job against Arsenal tonight, having been knocked out by the current Spanish champions in each of the last two seasons.

Kiev have never won a match in England and their 3-1 loss in the first leg could have had a lot of damage on their morale before the kick-off and considering the desperately poor performance by City, the result would have been different had they not conceded the three goals two weeks ago. With the match taking an almost testimonial feel for long spells, neither striker Sergio Aguero nor midfielder Toure could exert their influence and missed the opportunity to signal their intent to other teams left in the tournament.

Injuries to both City’s first-choice centre-backs will be of big concern to the home supporters.

Kompany misjudged a long ball forward and pulled up after turning to retrieve the situation. He slumped down to the ground knowing straight away he had suffered another setback. Pellegrini confirmed Kompany had picked up his 14th calf injury since joining the club in 2008. Kompany had played 19 of City’s 46 matches this season, and the statistics show they are worse off when he is missing. Across all competitions, they have conceded a goal every 156 minutes with him on the pitch - but one every 70 minutes without him. elvince_x254

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