201603017 xnews

THursday, MARCH 17, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

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Investigators to blame for rising corruption Accountants say Kenya has all the required laws to deal with graft but state agencies tasked with investigations are not doing enough to curb the menace

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man United seek revenge over rivals Liverpool in Europa second leg tie

barcelona eases to quarters with easy win over Wenger’s arsenal

New twists in Youth Fund probe

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uspended Youth Enterprise Development Fund chief executive Catherine Namuye has turned the heat on the kitty’s board, saying it is responsible for the loss of Sh180 million currently under probe.

Speaking when she appeared before the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee today, Namuye said it is the board that forced her to make the payment of Sh180 million to Quorandum Limited even though the company did not offer any services to the fund.

“It is true that I was forced to sign the Sh180 million payment by some members of the board,” she told the committee chaired by Eldas MP Adan Continued on page 2 Keynan.

Somalis are happier than Kenyans, says UN survey Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero unveils a Greenhouse project in Ruiru yesterday. Dr Kidero has pledged a Sh200 million development kitty for youths in Nairobi to help them engage in development initiatives even as he urged them to embrace agribusiness to sustain food security.

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The people of the Federal Republic of Somalia are generally happier than Kenyans according to a new World Happiness Report released yesterday.

The report released in Rome ranked 156 countries by their happiness levels. On a score of 10, Somalia scored 5.44 compared

to Kenya which scored 4.36.

Out of the 156 countries ranked, Somalia was 76 while Kenya was position 122.

Denmark has retaken the title of “world’s happiest country,” knocking Switzerland into second place.

They were closely followed by Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, according to the report by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations.

Denmark won the title three of the four times the report has been issued, losing to Switzerland only once.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

UN: Somalis happier than Kenyans From Page 1 People in Burundi are the least satisfied with their lives, according to the survey, but residents of Benin (153rd place), Afghanistan (154), Togo (155) and Syria (156) aren’t doing much better.

The United States ranked 13th in overall happiness, lagging behind Canada (6), the Netherlands (7), New Zealand (8), Australia (9), Sweden (10), Israel (11) and Austria (12).

Germany came in 16th place, while other superpowers among them the United Kingdom (23), Japan (53), Russia (56) and China (83) were all markedly lower.

Some countries that saw drops suffered economic and political turmoil such as Greece (99), Italy (50) and Spain (37).

Freedom to make life choices, life expectancy, having someone to count on in times of difficulty, the country’s gross domestic product and perceptions on corruption were some of the factors considered in the survey.

People who live in the happiest countries have longer life expectancies, have more social support, have more freedom to make life choices, have lower perceptions of corruption, experience more generosity, experience less inequality of happiness and have a higher gross domestic

product per capita, the report shows.

“Measuring self-reported happiness and achieving well-being should be on every nation’s agenda as they begin to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Jeffrey Sachs, the report’s co-editor.

In Africa, Algerians (38) were ranked the happiest followed by Mauritius and Libya at position 66 and 67 respectively.

Somalia was fourth in Africa with Morocco (90) completing the list of the five happiest countries on the continent.

Tunisia (98), Nigeria (103), Zambia (106), Sierra Leone (111) and Namibia (113) completed the top ten.

Cameroon, Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt were the other countries where people are happier than Kenya.

At 152, Rwanda was the other sad country in the East Africa region followed by Tanzania (149) and Uganda (146).

“Indeed the goals themselves embody the very idea that human well-being should be nurtured through a holistic approach that combines economic, social and environmental objectives,” Sachs said. “Rather than taking a narrow approach focused solely on economic growth,we should promote societies that are prosperous, just, and environmentally sustainable.”

From Page 1 The MPs have been interviewing those suspected to have played a part in what is believed to be a fraudulent transaction that led to loss of millions of money at the youth kitty.

Nambuye is accused of awarding the Sh180 million contract through personal contact and not competitive tendering as required by law.

But she denied the claims and told the MPs that her actions were as a result of pressure from the board.

She, however requested to be allowed to name particular board members who heaped pressure on her to approve the payment in camera.

“Due to my security, I request this committee to allow me mention the members in camera,” she said before journalists were asked to leave the room.

But sources said Nambuye did not keep her promise and only made further revelations after My Keynan threatened to declare her a hostile witness.

“She started crying and asked for 15 minutes to name the people who forced her to make the payments,” the source told X News.

“This committee will declare you a

hostile witness and you know the consequences. So can you answer the specific questions raised by members,” Keynan reportedly warned.

And when she resumed her confession, Nambuye told the MPs that the board had interest in the contract and actively participated in the process contrary to the requirements of the Public Procurement Act. “I was acting at the behest of members of the board. They forced me to sign documents even though some were against the law. I protested but nothing changed,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter whether the board approved the payment or not. What we want to know is whether the public procurement Act was followed,” countered committee member Olago Aluoch.

However, Nambuye remained evasive, saying she was unable to access the documents that ratified Quorandum as the IT provider for the fund.

“I received instructions to pay Quorandum from the board. They put me under pressure and that is what made me authorise the payment,” she said. sam_x254

Nkaissery appoints firearms board after Joho gun fiasco Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery (pictured) has appointed the Firearms Licensing Board after a court directed that Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s gun drama can only be handled by such a body.

The chairman of the board is Enoch Sasia while members include: Lillian Kiamba, Stanley Omucheyi, Barnice Gachegu, Anthony Wahome, William Sing’oei, George Waiguru, James Ngului and Samuel Kimaru as the secretary.

The move comes a day after a court stopped the CS and police from confiscating Joho’s guns or arresting him.

The secretariat’s work is to certify suitability of applicants and periodically assess proficiency of firearms holders and issue, cancel, terminate or vary any license or permit issued under the Act. Joho had stated that he will

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud (left) and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. A new report on happiness released in Rome by the UN yesterday shows Somalis are happier than Kenyans. PHOTO/EPA

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New twist in Youth Fund probe as boss accuses board

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Accountants say investigators are to blame for rising cases of corruption The Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) has blamed investigating agencies for the rising cases of corruption in the country.

The accountant’s body vice chairman Julius Mwatu said the country has all the legislations in place but implementing agencies are not just up to the task to curb the vice.

“We have all the laws and institutions in place to fight corruption but still, every year the cases continue to increase an indication that the agencies are not doing their work,” Mwatu.

The body wants the Ethics and AntiCorruption and the Judiciary to take action on individuals found guilty of graft.

“Something urgently needs to be

done; we cannot as a country have all the relevant offices and bodies in place yet we cannot fight corruption,” Mwatu said.

The accountants were reacting to a report released by EACC on Tuesday painting a grim picture that corruption has increased in the country.

He said the negative reports of corruption emanating from the country casts the image of the country negatively in the international community.

The report indicates that the vice has found its way in all levels of the society and with the public even bribing to get essential services such as health.

According to the survey, more than 50 per cent of Kenyans believe that corruption has increased under the

Jubilee administration.

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.

It further indicates that Kenyans pay an average of Sh4, 430 to report a crime or record a statement with the police and Sh3, 725 to bail out an arrested individual.

A report released by Transparency International in January this year indicated that the country has not made any significant progress in the last two years in the fight against corruption. sam_x254

Kenya risks losing Sh10b in ICT sector Kenya could lose more than Sh10 billion annually in the technology and communication sector if new policies to cushion the emerging markets are not adopted, ICT Cabinet secretary Joe Mucheru has said.

While launching the review of the national ICT sector policy guidelines earlier today, Mucheru said that lack of substantive policies was killing investments in the country.

“When new technological investments come into the country such as Netflix and Uber, every

sector wants to control them because there are no clear policies,” he said.

He argued that the current ICT policies were developed 10 years ago and thus could not accommodate the rapid changes that are taking place.

“For the ministry to meet its target obligation, we must review our policies to accommodate all opportunities,” he added.

Part of the new guidelines will seek to address downwards the cost of communication devices such as mobile phones, internet affordability

and creating online content.

Mucheru further said the new guidelines are expected to provide articulation on cyber security and mobile money integration.

“Mobile money integration has taken shape in our current society and we need strong policies that will inform our decisions,” added the CS. The expected policies will also seek to address the human capacity requirements pertaining to the broadcast ownership and production of local content. wilson_x254

not surrender his licensed firearms as directed by the Firearms Chief Licensing Officer Samuel Kimaru.

Joho said he legally acquired the guns and the government cannot repossess them without a valid reason, while insisting the move is politically motivated.

He had stated that has not misused the firearm for the 20 years he has held it, since issuance by the government.

Yellow fever alert issued after man dies in Nairobi The Ministry of Health has issued an alert after a man succumbed to yellow fever at Kenya National Hospital.

The 31-year-old Kenyan who was working in Angola had returned home after a 10-year stay in the Southern African nation. He had tested positive for the virus while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Eastleigh. Health officials said he was screened at the airport for the disease; his body temperature as well as his travel history was collected and captured. However, sources have told X-News that the patient may be have been sick but he was able to walk.

The patient was rushed to a private hospital at Eastleigh Estate by his relatives after his conditioned and later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment where he succumbed to renal and liver failure.

As a result of the death, the government through the Ministry of Health has issued an alert to all counties, hospitals and all points of entry including airports and border points to thorough

Observers want IEBC to fix poll hiccups ahead of 2017 election A group of election observers has petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently address the hiccups witnessed in the just-concluded by elections to inspire confidence ahead of the 2017 General Elections.

The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) said the snags of Voter Identification machines (BVR kits), civic education as wells allegations of voter bribery should be adequately resolved by the electoral body. While endorsing the Kericho and Malindi by elections as being largely free and fair, the ELOG National Coordinator Mulle Musau said the commission had an uphill task to win the confidence of Kenyans by putting up measures that will enable the commission supervise a transparent, free and fair elections. “We don’t want these déjà vu things starting to appear now and we wonder what will happened in the next year General Elections which we expect to be highly competitive,” he added.

ELOG said there were still very critical issues that needed to be tackled as the country prepares for the polls.

“There is need to have clarity on what constitutes a principal voter register,” said Brian Weke the Executive Director

of Institute of Education and Democracy and who is also a member of ELOG. He explained that discrepancies that emerged in regards to the correspondence of the Electoral Voter Identification Device (EVID) and the manual register with reports of names appearing on one and not the other should be looked into. “In Kapkatet Polling Centre, 22 voters verified by the EVID did not appear on the manual register, whereas in some other polling stations, voters whose names did not appear on the EVID appeared in the manual register,” said Weke. The election observers said that those whose names did not appear in the EVID but were present in the manual register were not permitted to vote this risks creating voter apathy.

ELOG also faulted the illegitimate campaign use of state resources by Deputy President William Ruto as well as Cabinet Secretary engaging in campaigns saying that it was completely against the law.

“In Kericho, the Deputy President presided over the opening of a Huduma Centre and a road in the county a few days to the elections,” said ELOG and added, “Governors in both Malindi and Kericho were seen using state resources to influence voters.”

By campaigning for political parties, ELOG notes, Cabinet secretaries were in violation of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 and Public Officer Ethics Act, 2003.

On the hand, ELOG also raised an alarm on Malindi by elections noting that part from having the presence of Administration Police (AP) manning the polling stations and the General Service Unit (GSU) to restore peace and order; the presence of the military was totally out of order.

“Within the democratic elections, the presence of the military and you have it happen in Uganda and other countries, tends to intimidate voters not to turnout to vote” said ELOG National Coordinator Mr. Mulle Musau. “Therefore it is not a practice that should be encouraged within the electoral process” he explained.

Military deployment was a concern among the residents Malindi with ODM leaders led by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho saying that it was a government tactic to intimidate voters “Deployment of military personnel complete with armoured personnel carriers were visibly in Malindi” said Joho in a press briefing held in Nairobi this week. @hillary_x254

screening to identify and isolate possible cases. In a statement Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopas Mailu, has assured Kenyans that the government has stepped up surveillance, preparedness and response measures to secure Kenya from yellow fever virus.

The cabinet secretary said that they will close collaborate with county governments to establish isolation facilities in county hospitals.

“The Ministry will work with county governments to establish or ensure there are isolation facilities in county hospitals,” he said.

In addition, CS Mailu said that his ministry had activated the National Surveillance and Response Team to review and monitor the evolution of the outbreak internationally and advice on further interventions. “We wish to request all Kenyans to remain vigilant, look out for unusual illnesses and report suspect cases to the nearest health facility for immediate investigation.” he added.

Temporary holding rooms have been

also been set up at JKIA where cases determined to be high risk will be observed and assessed while waiting possible transfer of isolation facilities.

Mailu said travellers who transit through yellow fever risk countries will be screened at points of entry to ascertain if they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Yellow fever is a disease caused by the yellow fever virus, which is spread through mosquito bites.

The Yellow fever epidemic has so far killed at least 250 people in Angola since December 2015. Since then hospitals in Angola have been reporting up to 900 suspected cases each day.

Once contracted, the virus incubates in the body for 3 to 6 days, followed by illness whose symptoms include fever, muscle pain with prominent backache and headache.

About 15 per cent of people who get yellow fever develop serious illness that can lead to bleeding, shock and sometimes death. @hillary_x254

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

THURSDAY,MARCH 17, 2016

NEWS BRIEFS Morocco threat over UN peacekeepers Morocco has threatened to pull its soldiers out of UN global peacekeeping missions in a row over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. It is furious with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after he used the term “occupation” about the territory, which was annexed by Morocco in 1975. The foreign ministry also said it would immediately cut funding and personnel for the UN Mission in Western Sahara.

Up to a million Moroccans protested in the capital Rabat on Sunday. Mr Ban has criticised Morocco for its angry response to his comments and said that the protests had shown disrespect to both him and the UN. Morocco currently contributes more than 2,300 soldiers and police to UN peacekeeping missions, mainly in African countries such as Mali, Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic and Burundi.

A statement from the foreign ministry said it was “examining the ways and means of withdrawing Moroccan contingents engaged in peacekeeping operations”.

Mr Ban made the comments while visiting refugee camps in southern Algeria, where more than 160,000 ethnic Sahrawis, the main indigenous group of Western Sahara, live after many fled violence there in the 1970s.

Morocco annexed most of the disputed former Spanish colony in 1976

Nigerians anger over equality law snub Nigeria’s Senate has been condemned for rejecting a proposed bill aimed at eliminating “all forms of discrimination” against women.

Rights activists say the bill would promote women’s equality in marriage, inheritance and education. But some lawmakers voiced opposition, saying the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill is not compatible with Nigerian culture and religious beliefs.

Others said the constitution already recognises the rights of everyone. In Islam, women get half of men’s share in inheritance and it is unacceptable for anyone to change that, a Muslim senator told the BBC. One Christian lawmaker also quoted some sections of the bible to condemn the bill. But the Senate’s decision to throw out the bill has been widely condemned.

Human rights activist Bukky Shonibare says it was a sad day for Nigerian women. “It shows how backward we are and how much we want to hold on to our lopsided religious and cultural beliefs,” she said.

Morning newspaper summaries

President Zuma friends ‘offered ministerial job’ South Africa’s deputy finance minister has confirmed reports alleging that he was offered the position of finance minister by a member of the wealthy and controversial Gupta family.

Mcebisi Jonas says he rejected the offer, calling it “a mockery of our hard-earned democracy”.

The opposition has long accused President Jacob Zuma of letting the Guptas wield excessive influence.

The Indian-born family has built up holdings in mining, travel and media.

The Guptas, whose forebears arrived from India in 1933, also have huge interests in computers, air travel, energy, and technology.

They said Mr Jonas’ statement was political point-scoring.

In 2013, there was an outcry after a private jet carrying guests to the wedding of a Gupta family member was allowed to land at a South African military air force base in Pretoria.

The opposition has said that links between President Zuma and the Guptas were so close that they have been nicknamed the “Zuptas”.

Mr Jonas’ shock statement follows questions about the role of the Gupta family in parliament.

He said that “no-one apart from the president of the Republic appoints ministers.

“The narrative that has grown around the issue of ‘state capture’ should be of concern to all responsible and caring South Africans.”

Cracks appear in Mount Probe exposes how Equity Bank hit by Gichuru withdraw Kenya: Cracks are appearing Uchumi was looted: Sacked Sh124m fraud in tax Sh470m before Jersey in the unity of Central Kenya that might Uchumi CEO Jonathan Ciano and his scam: The Kenya Revenue Authority accounts freeze: Former threaten the prospects of a high turnout chief finance officer Chadwick Okumu for President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 2017 election. If Central Kenya residents do not register now because of voter apathy, it could pose a major problem for Uhuru as other regional leaders have been mobilising their communities to register in large numbers to neutralise the so-called ‘tyranny of numbers’ comprising the Kikuyu and Kalenjin blocs.

South Africa’s deputy minister for Finance Mcebisi Jonas.

He yesterday claimed that the wealthy but controversial Gupta family had offered him the position of Finance Minister before he rejected it.

is investigating a tax evasion ring believed to run into billions of shillings. The ripoff, involving key authorised collecting agents who collude with KRA staff, came to light late last year but investigations had been slowed down by a series of cover-ups. Yesterday, Equity Bank confirmed that two of its staff and some KRA officials are to be prosecuted over their role in a case where Sh124 million in import duty was lost.

Kenya Power boss Samuel Gichuru and ex-Energy minister Chris Okeno withdrew nearly half a billion shillings from their secret offshore bank built on bribes before Jersey authorities froze the account in May 2002. The Royal Court of Jersey says the Gdichuru-Okemo slush fund received bribes in hard currency estimated at Sh997 million (£3.9 million and $4.2 million), but only half of the entire loot was found.

accused Kenya’s most expensive Uhuru tells Kenyans to Uhuru, Ruto drum up Teenagers reject politicians sowing support for Jubilee Party: of abducting, killing banks revealed in fresh Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy driver: Four teenagers, two of them charges study: The high charges hatred: President Uhuru Kenyatta President William Ruto spent yesterday drumming

has urged Kenyans to reject politicians who want to cause conflicts and divisions to gain political power. He said the country has come a long way in recovering from the turmoil that followed the 2007 elections. Uhuru made the call during a tour of Baringo and Nakuru counties. He started by commissioning of a dam near Eldama Ravine.

Mr Jonas said he was offered the job of finance minister in December 2015 just before Nhlanhla Nene was sacked by President Zuma.

Mr Zuma then appointed the littleknown David van Rooyen, leading to a run on the currency and national protests.

Just days later, Mr Zuma made an about-turn and replaced Mr Van Rooyen with the widely respected

Pravin Gordhan.

The allegations, confirmed by a serving minister, represents the lowest point of Mr Zuma’s presidency, which has already been beset by multiple corruption scandals.

South Africans have reacted with shock and dismay with some already calling for the president to resign.

Analysts are waiting to see how President Zuma will come out of this latest scandal unscathed.

The ANC’s national executive committee’s meeting this weekend will face a tough decision whether it keep President Zuma as head of state or not. peter_x254

For months, Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted China on the campaign trail, pledging to put tariffs on goods produced overseas and bring things like iPhone production back to the United States.

Trump has even used a broken-English accent at a campaign rally to mock the negotiating style of Chinese businessmen. Beijing had previously downplayed any impact Trump’s rhetoric could have on U.S.-China relations, reducing it as a mere “disturbance.” But this week, that all changed. With Trump securing major victories on the road to the White House, China issued a scathing criticism of the U.S. election process and the candidate who has “opened a Pandora’s box in U.S. society.” In an editorial published this week, China’s state-owned Global Times newspaper condemns the billionaire candidate as “big-mouthed” and “abusively forthright.”

The Global Times claims Trump was initially supposed to “act as a

clown to attract more voters for GOP.” Instead, it goes on to imply that the Republican party lost control of Trump -- who has now become the party’s worst nightmare. The editorial also uses Trump’s political rise to highlight America’s decline and the failings of democracy, saying: “Mussolini and Hitler came to power through elections, a heavy lesson for Western democracy.”

In its final paragraph, the Global Times warns that the United States should watch itself from becoming a global destructive force before pointing fingers at China for its “so-called nationalism and tyranny.”

While a Communist Party mouthpiece uses the rise of Trump to condemn both him and Western-style democracy, survivors of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have quoted Trump to condemn his failure to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party.

During last week’s CNN Republican debate in Miami, Trump called pro-democracy demonstrations a “riot.” Trump also said he believed the Chinese government had a “strong, powerful” response in ending the student protests on June 4, 1989.

up support for their new Jubilee Party in sections of Baringo and Nakuru counties.

The President also commissioned water and road projects on the first day of his official visit. At every stop they made — from Eldama Ravine through Molo and Njoro — the two criticised those opposed to the formation of the new party, saying they were being driven by selfish interests.

secondary school students, are in police custody on suspicion of murder. A body of a taxi driver, they allegedly kidnapped in Narok was found in the boot of the car they were driving. All the four, aged between 17 and 19, come from Barnabas Centre, a crime-prone area along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway. According to police, the gang had carjacked Richard Simiron, a taxi driver, on Monday night.

banks are imposing on accountholders were Wednesday laid bare in a study that is likely to fuel the raging debate over the burden the economy is having to bear for lenders to make billions of shillings in profits. An average Kenyan is paying a mean of Sh12,515 yearly in tariffs.

Treasury rejects Sh5.7 Treasury snubs county Stop rocking the Jubilee StarTimes cuts billion conditional demands for more cash: boat now, President tells premium pay TV fees National Treasury has brushed aside coalition’s allocation for counties: The governors: to drive uptake: StarTimes agreements reached with governors and

Treasury has thrashed the Commission on Revenue Allocation’s proposal to give counties new conditional allocations of Sh25.7 billion, signalling a vicious confrontation between the government and governors. Counties have been complaining the funds they are given are inadequate. Cord is also pursuing a constitutional amendment through the Okoa Kenya initiative.

proposals by the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and asked Parliament to approve an allocation of Sh302 billion to counties for the next financial year.

The proposal was made through the Division of Revenue Bill, which went through the formal First Reading and was passed to the National Assembly’s Liaison Committee for scrutiny.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has hit out at governors allied to the ruling coalition who he accused of fighting his government. Speaking yesterday in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, President Kenyatta accused the unnamed governors of launching a political onslaught aimed at discrediting the Jubilee administration.

Media has cut its monthly subscription fees for its two premier pay television bouquets by up to 40 per cent in the wake of increased competition in the industry. StarTimes satellite (Super) subscribers will now pay Sh1,499 per month compared to the previous Sh2,499, translating to a 40 per cent price cut. Those on terrestrial (Unique) package will now pay Sh1,499.

Top stories from X News global partners

China reacts angrily to Donald Trump’s rise US Republican frontrunner Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Florida on Monday.

China has criticised his approach to issues.

PHOTO: JIM LO SCALZO/EPA

presided over the systematic plunder of the supermarket chain by a gang of employees, financiers, suppliers and landlords, a forensic audit report shows.

The company also cooked its books to understate losses and mislead investors and possibly regulators in its rights issue two years ago, the audit reveals. Dodgy transactions included questionable procurement of goods and services.

Choked Mexico City Obama Pick Sets Off The World’s carbon Fed scales back bans 1m cars in air Supreme Court Fight: dioxide emissions have forecasts for rate rises: Obama on Wednesday stabilised: The Federal Reserve has scaled back its pollution alert: Authorities President It could be a rare piece nominated Merrick B. Garland to be the interest rate forecasts to two quarter-

have banned more than 1 million cars from the roads and offered free subway and bus rides to coax people from their vehicles as Mexico City’s first air pollution alert in 11 years stretched into a third day.

Officials advised people on Wednesday to limit outdoor activity owing to high ozone levels that were nearly double acceptable limits in the sprawling capital, which lies in a high-altitude valley ringed by smog-trapping volcanic mountains.

The environment secretary, Alejandro Pacchiano, said measures would be considered if conditions did not improve further, such as suspending industrial activity at factories.

www.theguardian.com

nation’s 113th Supreme Court justice, choosing a centrist appellate judge who could reshape the court for a generation and become the face of a bitter electionyear confirmation struggle. In selecting Judge Garland, 63, a well-known figure in Washington legal circles who has drawn praise from members of both parties, Mr. Obama dared Republican senators to ignore public pressure and make good on their promise to block consideration of any nominee until after the next president is chosen. The nomination to fill the seat on the court was created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. www.nytimes.com

of good news in the battle against global warming. The International Energy Agency (IEA), the world’s most prominent energy forecaster, said on March 16th that carbon-dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have remained flat for two years in a row. Emissions from the world’s two biggest polluters, America and China, have been falling. The world has not seen such a lull since the early 1980s. The IEA’s provisional findings will fan a debate about whether global emissions have peaked. China, after all, is trying to rebalance its economy away from heavily polluting industries towards services.

www.economistcom

point rises this year, coming closer into line with market expectations as it flagged up risks to the US outlook from global financial and economic developments. The Fed’s more dovish outlook makes it less out of step with other central banks which are still intent on further monetary loosening to lift consistently low inflation and offset weaker global growth. Janet Yellen, the Fed chair, told a press conference that proceeding cautiously would “allow us to verify the labour market is continuing to strengthen despite the risks from abroad.”

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xnews | THURsday, MARCH 17, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

BUSINESS

Bank of Africa to open new branches in strategic plan Bank of Africa (BOA) has announced a new strategic plan which will see the lender open two new outlets in Kakamega and Ukunda. This is in addition to its 40 branches and forms part of the BOA’s new strategic direction.

Addressing the press at the bank’s new headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, managing director Ronald Marambii said the move will help Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) to bolster their businesses as well as provide employment opportunities to Kenyan youth.

“This new corporate identity will be supported by an aggressive visibility and brand awareness campaign as we work towards growing our position in the Kenyan market”, said Marambii.

Among other strategic moves by the creditor include the acquisition of a new building on Waiyaki Way along Karuna Close in Westlands to house its Headquarters in Kenya.

The seven-storey building was purchased at an approximated cost of Sh1.4 billion and will house the Bank’s administrative offices, a Business Center and an Elite retail branch.

The lender further unveiled its new look of strength through incorporation of its majority owner, BMCE Bank of Morocco, that has 72.7 per cent of the shareholding of BOA Group.

BMCE Bank which previously

held 65.02 per cent shareholding until FY 2013increased its stake in theBOA Group network of 18 countries in FY 2014.

“The larger shareholding by BMCE Bank means that we are now part of a strong strategic partner and we can better focus on our main goal which is to finance the African economy; that includes retail customers, companies of all sizes, private projects, and also public projects” said Marambi.

He said the association with BMCE Bank, which has over 2.2 million customers, a branch network of 1,200 in Africa and close to 2.3 million bank accounts, gave the group confidence that it shall continue to remain a significant and sustainable Trans African Group. BOA Kenya is one of the largest subsidiaries within the BOA group in terms of total assets (FY 2014) and is strategically placed as an anchor subsidiary for the

Kakuzi, one of Kenya’s leading agricultural firms, has seen its pre-tax profit rise 228 per cent to Sh764.45 million.

The jump was helped by increased sales and a weaker shilling, the firm, which is listed on both the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the London Stock Exchange said on Wednesday.

“The improved profit was mainly brought about by the weather conditions as well as favourable market demand for our main export products”, Kakuzi said in a statement.

This is in site of a drought that hit the agricultural sector at the beginning of 2015.

Kakuzi’s announcement comes just as recent numbers show that Kenya’s tea sector has remained competitive despite recent bouts of drought and the volatile global economy.

MEAN BUY SELL 1 US DOLLAR 101.4948 101.3978 101.5918 1 UK POUND 143.37186 143.5550 143.8822 1 EURO 112.5475 112.4206 112.6744 1 S.A RAND 6.3533 6.3453 6.3612 1 KSH/USH 33.1052 33.0243 33.1861 1 KSH/TSH 21.5381 21.4683 21.6080

Eastern Africa region. ‘’We started negotiations with the building developers almost two years ago and we project to have fully moved all our functions within the year” said Mr. Marambii.

Adding: “We believe ownership of the building will provide BOA with the right corporate presence and accord the Bank better synergies of its resources and also offer better control of it operational risks”. enock_x254

A post press-briefing interview with Bank of Africa Kenya MD, Ronald Marambi.

Increased sales, weaker shilling drives Kakuzi Sh760m profit Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) interim Director General Alfred Busolo said in an earlier announcement that 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.

Kakuzi, which deals in livestock,

produces tea, pineapples, avocados and macadamia nuts, added that total revenue jumped 47 per cent to Sh2.48 billion.

“The weakening Kenyan shilling also worked in our favour as well as the fact that we could take advantage of high interest rates with our strong cash position,” reads part of the statement.

Kakuzi said its earnings per share shot up to Sh26.92 from Sh8.17 in 2014.

BUSINESS 7

CBK EXCHANGE RATES

Tullow strikes first oil discovery outside Turkana Oil rigging company Tullow has announced the discovery of oil deposits outside Turkana. This is the second oil find in Kenya and could trigger the opening up of a second oil basin for development of the country and the East African region. “The first well in the Kerio Valley Basin, Cheptuket-1, has encountered good oil shows across a gross interval of over 700 metres,” Tullow said in a statement about the new find.

Kenya and neighboring Uganda have both made oil finds that have yet to start commercial production, part of a string of energy discoveries along the east coast of Africa.

“We believe this encouraging initial result has the potential to open up a second prolific basin in Kenya, “Tullow added in its statement, although it noted that the pace of follow-up activity was “set to be modest”.

Over the years, low oil prices have prompted international oil firms to reduce spending on exploration and development.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter told a news conference that the basin is good, and that the British company have encountered good oil shows. The Cabinet secretary did not, however, elaborate on the findings.

Tullow is working with Africa Oil and A.P. Moller-Maersk to develop finds in the South Lokichar Basin in northwest Kenya, where recoverable reserves have been put at an estimated 600 million barrels.

Strathmore seeks media, international linkages Strathmore University will host a networking event next week at the sidelines of the planned launch of its new degree programmes in bid to boost linkages with the media, international organisations and development agencies.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Prof.

Christine Gichure says the move seeks to deepen university relationships with organisations to support the continuous innovation of the school’s curriculum. He noted that Strathmore leverages strong relationships with industry stakeholders in order to enhance the quality and currency of its training programmes.

Strathmore has recently announced plans to launch new Social Science degree programmes including a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies (BCS), International Studies (BIS) and Development Studies (with Philosophy).

The university will be launching Art-based degree programmes for the first time on March 23.

“The learning model for these new

programmes has been designed to meet desirable medium term and long term industry training requirement based on current feedback. We plan to continue updating the courses from time to time based on feedback,” said Prof. Gichure.

Strathmore University whose strict academic policy stresses on technology, character development and ethics training for all programmes, joins University of Nairobi, United States International University (USIU) and Daystar University in training professionals in the media, international relations and Development sectors. In 2015 Strathmore graduates were most sought after in the Kenya job market, alongside those from the University of Nairobi according to a study on employers’ hiring preferences conducted last year.

Recently, the institution was ranked top university in the region by Webometrics in the regional private universities rankings.

It presently offers 14 Undergraduate Programs and 13 Masters Programs. enock_x254

NSSF’s plan on pension penetration THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has announced plans to increase the penetration of its retirement fund services across the country just as the organisation received a mark of quality from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

The announcement comes at a time when the level of retirement savings in Kenya is still low, with the bulk of Kenyan workers lacking access to occupational pension schemes through which they can channel their retirement savings.

In order to expand its reach, NSSF has partnered with other social cohorts such as the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in data sharing

to ensure that all workers are covered.

NSSF is also ensuring ease of doing business by offering her services at every Huduma centre.

This has eased accessibility of NSSF services by many Kenyans.

“NSSF is in the process of putting in place an online registration, e-services platform in collaboration with e-huduma, a mobile platform where members can be able to access their statements online,” said Dr. Omerikwa.

Other recent developments have been oriented to improve efficiency and qualify a contributions management process, which can facilitate the payment of contributions

Co-op posts Sh15.38bn pre-tax profit, vows to support empowerment Co-operative Bank of Kenya has posted a pre-tax profit of Sh15.38 billion for the year 2015, compared with Sh10.92 billion a year earlier.

The lender said today that its profit after tax leaped to Sh11.71 billion in 2015 from Sh8.01 billion in 2014, representing a 46.2 per cent year –on-year (Y/Y) growth.

“We had a strong profitability growth,” the lender said in a statement, noting that its total assets increased by 20 per cent.

During the year under review, staff productivity increased by 38 per cent due to transformation initiatives in Sales Force Effectiveness (SFE).

In its announcement, Co-operative Bank mentioned its commitment to championing social economic empowerment, saying the lender has13 consultants dedicated to support cooperative societies and related community benefit institutions.

“We have continued to support Kenya Cooperative Coffee Exporters Ltd in helping farmers maximize returns on their business.

We have also continued to support coffee farmers take greater control of the coffee value chain,” the bank noted.

The Bank, through an initiative dubbed: ‘The Transformation Agenda’, has seen the enhancement of its credit management processes.

“We have seen an enhanced loan origination process through delayering, simplification, specification and specialization,” the lender confirmed, The Bank added that its customer-centric approach saw the “centralisation of loan origination process and semi-automation of loan origination processes.”

“Our modern & robust core banking system (BFUB) has a capacity to support over 15M customers & over 10M transactions per day,” the financial institution affirmed.

For its 2016 Financial Outlook: the Bank said its loans and advances are projected to grow at 19 per cent. Meanwhile, Profit Before tax growth is projected at 20 per cent.

Dennis_x254

and benefits such as use of electronic transfer of funds.

“We are confident that full implementation of the NSSF Act the initiatives will address the low levels of retirement saving that are exerting significant pressure on the economy,” he said.

The Fund has also become the first organisation in Kenya to achieve ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification issued by Kebs.

The certification focuses on performance and is based on quality management principles, including strong customer focus, motivation and implication

of top leadership, the process approach, and continual improvement and review.

“We are extremely honoured to be the first organization in the country to attain the ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Being ISO certified means our customers can have confidence that NSSF is committed to quality and outstanding customer service,” said the Acting NSSF CEO/Managing Trustee Dr. Anthony Omerikwa.

Dr Omerikwa was speaking during the signing of the ISO certification contract with Kebs.

Commenting on the

certification, the Kebs Managing director, Charles Ongwae said: “This certification demonstrates that NSSF has effective implementation of a management system and provides evidence to customers, suppliers, employees, and all interested parties of its commitment to exceeding customer satisfaction.”

He said NSSF has put in place a quality management that ensures it is adequately prepared to serve Kenyans in our new role as prescribed by the NSSF Act 2013.

He added that the Fund has

invested in automation of its services, which not only helps in offering services but also gives greater access to information by customers, higher performance and improved decision making.

“The Fund intends to expand the product range of benefits it offers through adoption of e-services that will increase use of mobile technologies in paying contributions and settling of benefits.

Technology will result in higher performance in service delivery and will also widen coverage reaching the youth in Kenya,” said Dr. Omerikwa.

Dennis_x254

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 , 2016

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Africa urged to embrace new business models to accelerate economic growth Africa has been urged to adopt new business models to further propel its economy. Growth in Africa is expected to average over 4 per cent over the next five years, but is still heavily commodity-dependent, according to ICAEW (The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). In its report: Economic Insight: Africa Q1 2016, the accountancy and finance body points to good news for African economies, but warns that manufacturing still accounts for a small share of output and says the old model of exporting raw materials is becoming unsustainable.

“Africa is the most commoditydependent continent on earth.

Africa’s economies increasingly need to create a hospitable environment for companies in the manufacturing and services sectors to drive growth, as the old models of growth driven by exports of raw materials are out-dated,’ said Regional Director, ICAEW Middle East, Africa and South Asia Michael Armstrong.

GDP growth in Africa is projected to average 4.3 per cent between 2015 and 2020. Nigeria, the largest economy on the continent, is expected to contribute significantly to Africa’s economic expansion –at an average real rate of 4.8 per cent per annum (p.a.). between 2015 and 2020, contributing over 25 per cent to the continent’s forecast growth in this timeframe.

Thanks to Kenya’s relatively

Kenya’s Olkaria geothermal plant, which is the biggest single-turbine geothermal plant in the world. Kenya is ranked the seventh-highest producer of geothermal power globally. diversified economy and comparatively low commodity dependence bonding well with the country’s economic growth outlook, its economy is expected to expand by around 6 per cent during the 2017 to 2020 period.

“The East African region is embracing the use of renewable

energy to leapfrog older power generation technologies, while also reducing the need to extend the national energy grid to remote villages,” said Mr. Armstrong.

Kenya, for instance, is now ranked the seventh highest producer of geothermal power globally according to the report. This was realized after

New Samsung’s entrim 4D headset lets you savour virtual reality world Samsung’s secret projects division that is instrumental in the development of novel technologies and products for the company has a new accessory for virtual reality (VR) lovers. Meet the Entrim 4D headset.

The VR accessory adds an extra dimension to the virtual reality experience as it lets the user feel the movements that are happening on-screen.

How does it achieve this feat you wonder? The Entrim 4D headset basically sends electrical signals or impulses to the user’s inner ear, which creates the sense of motion.

The project is still in development stage and the headset works on the premise that one can trick the part of one’s ear which is responsible for regulating balance and motion.

The device uses Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS), a simple and safe technique that transmits particular electric messages to a nerve in the ear, in conjunction with several algorithms. Thanks to these abilities, the VR headset is able to sync a user’s body with the altering

motions in the video content.

The electrical impulses or signals that the Entrim 4D headset deploys are similar to the ones used in the medical field to reinstate balance in patients who suffer from strokes.

The headphones from C-Lab are kitted with electrodes that can correspond to the “movement data input by engineers.”

As a result, the user of the VR accessory is given the illusion that they are part of the action shown in the video. The wearer can also sense the movement’s pace, as well the direction. In fact, when one pairs the Entrim 4D headset with the Drone FPV from C-Lab, the sensation of flying is also created.

“Virtual reality shouldn’t be

experienced only with the eyes,” says Steve Jung, Creative Leader of the project. “With Entrim 4D, we hope that people can experience VR the way it was meant to be - with their whole bodies.”

The Entrim 4D team has conducted experiments on nearly 1,500 people and created about 30 different types of movement patterns. The team is also working on a version of the accessory that will deploy more electrodes to aid the creation of the sensations of rotational motion.

Jung also let on that with the Entrim 4D, the team aims to remove motion sickness through the simulation of movement with visuals one experiences on a VR headset.

it unveiled the second phase of the Olkaria geothermal plant making Olkariathe biggest single- turbine geothermal plant in the world.

However, the report also points out that the Kenyan Government has taken important steps towards fiscal consolidation by preparing a supplementary budget that plans

to reduce both development and recurrent public spending in the current fiscal year.

“A clear plan for preventing fiscal slippage will be needed to underpin confidence in public finances and economic stability. The government’s recognition of these economic concerns will be needed to address these issues and instill some confidence in the country’s economic outlook,”said Tom Rogers, Associate Director, Macro Consulting at Oxford Economics.

According to the ICAEW Economic Insight: Africa Report Innovation in Financial Services Technology – known as FinTech – has erupted as a primary global investment opportunity and has recorded rapid growth over the past five years as technological innovation allowed digitally active consumers to streamline and improve on traditional banking services.

“The online financial sector has really taken off in Africa, answering a need for quality financial services and tailor- made solutions to structural challenges including frequent power disruptions and poor rural infrastructure,“Tom Rogers said.

FinTech significantly contributed to the ease of transferring money and remitting earnings, acquiring insurance and attaining credit.

Mobile banking has enabled peer-topeer lending on a larger scale. kevin_x254

Kenya Power to charge Sh15,000 connectivity fee

Kenyans applying for electricity connectivity will now pay Sh15,000 down from Sh35,000 to be connected to the power grid, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter has said.

While making the announcement Wednesday, Keter said this fee will only apply to power connections within a 600-metre radius from an existing power transformer.

The CS said Kenya Power has already received 5,000 applications but there will be no refund for those who had already applied and paid 35,000 shillings before he made the announcement.

In May last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the last mile connectivity for all primary schools and announced an immediate reduction of the connection fee from Sh35,000 to Sh15,000 payable in instalments.

He said a total of 5,320 transformers (40,000 by 2017) would be distributed all over the country to roll out the project and urged Kenyans to take advantage of the project for economic enhancement.

The President said the project, which is funded jointly by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), World Bank, African Development Bank and Danish International Development Agency, was another clear indicator of the Government’s commitment to improve the living standards of all Kenyans, irrespective of their political inclination. In his New Year message to Kenyans, President Uhuru Kenyatta further highlighted that the government had completed the final phase of connecting government primary schools to electricity.

“This has enabled us to lay a foundation for the delivery of our promise of modern, digital learning in primary schools,” said Kenyatta “For the first time in our nation’s history, we are also on target to connect one million households to the national grid in a single financial year, and remain on target to connect 70 per cent of Kenyan households to electricity by 2017.” wilson_x254

topstory

FASHION scoop

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press are not your enemies, they are your friends, embrace them

Panelists Grace, Makadem,ArthurK,Smitta.

Since inception, the Sawasawa Festival run by the Sarakasi Trust has thrived to create a unique festival with an African identity appealing to the Kenyan public at large while at the same time creating an opportunity to reach out to audiences across age, gender, cultural and economic back grounds. The 2016 edition that kicked off yesterday with a press-artiste round table saw a pressartiste networking session that created an opportunity to discuss issues moving the industry forward. Hosted

by Arthur K and Emmanuel Ntoyai, the discussions focusing on music identity, artistes and social media and how the artistes in Kenya should use the media to push their brand.

The panelists, MTV’s Arthur Kamau, Kenya Entertainment Journalists Association Chairperson Grace Kerongo, Author and Pulse writer Smitta as well as renowned artiste Ohanglaman M a k a d e m kicked off the

discussion with the query into what makes Kenyan music Kenyan. The music identity debate has over the years resounded and who better to set the record straight than Ohanglaman Makadem. He noted that Kenyan music has lacked identity because of emulations from the west and other parts of the world.

His presentation also noted that it does not matter how good you are, there are very many good artistes. What matters the most is how unique you are. As an artiste, Makadem is one of the most unique artistes in the country, but with very little airplay on local radio and TV. This has however not deterred his success. He is one of the most sought after Kenyan artistes internationally. He has toured the world on a musical journey more than most of the artistes who get massive airplay locally.

This only goes to prove that as an artiste, his music is associated with a certain identity, a Kenyan identity perharps?

The Kenyan music industry is currently flooded with various genres of music from hip hop, Kapuka, to Genge and many

Showbiz columnist gives a advice to artistes

Celebrated showbiz columnist Grace Kerongo had optimum clarification of what Kenyan ariste ought to do.

Listen. Be Real. Be Conversational.

These according to the veteran showbiz writer are the key to unleashing your potential be it on social media or on real life scenarios. Grace was among panelists at a Media and Artiste circle during the opening Kerongo of this year’s Sawa Sawa Festival at the Sarakasi dome.

PRESS

Artistes at the press round table.

meet artistes ahead of 9th Sawasawa Festival

HOT TOPICS

Wizkid rumored to have bought mansion in US Nigeria pop star Wizkid is rumored to have acquired a humongous mansion in Los Angeles. Wizkid the Pepsi ambassador took to his social pages to show off his noting that he is quite bored that there are no neighbors.

If the rumors are correct he joins the league of pop stars with mansion in the locality close to that of Michael Jackson.

others but most of it has not the Kenyan identity. African countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and even neighbouring Tanzania are identified with a certain sound that makes their music unique. This is however not the case in Kenya. Artistes have however cried foul noting that it is because of lack of airplay that the Kenyan music has not gotten its identity.

Panelist Arthur K however noted that the music policy on playing 60 percent local content would set the pace on that road to recovery. On matters social media, the

artistes got to learn on ways to and not to use the social media space with a keen eye on engaging fans as opposed to promoting their music and concerts.

With the Sawasawa Festival set for this weekend, it will act as a platform that will catapult the young performing artistes into the limelight where they will have to cut a niche for themselves into stardom.

@kevin_x254

Shoe selfie, resulted in Diamond-Kanye West meet

Wizkid

8

It was sheer a shoe selfie coincidence that resulted in Diamond Platinumz meet with Kanye West rather than a planned occasion.

According to Diamond the Tanzania hit maker, he was at an airport in the US and a dude from nowhere asked him to take a picture of his shoes that’s when Diamond realized the dude was West. This triggered a little chit chat ending up into a recording deal. Diamond confessed this at an interview in Tanzania.

Kanye and Diamond

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, MARCH 26th NOVEMBER 17, 2016 2014

CAMPUSVIBE

UoN Student arrested for stabbing boyfriend

Logical conclusions will be tabled during the Strathmore Intellectual Property Moot Court competition. The moot court, is seeking to have Law students further sharpen their logical debating skills with the best brains being expected to emerge winners from the 7th to 8th July.

The event is organized by Center for Intellectual Property and Information. Registration for the moot court is scheduled to close this Friday.

A UoN student is spending nights at the Kabete Police cells after she was arrested for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend. According to the neigbours who raised the alarm and called the police, Sheila Atema, and her boyfriend Kevin Ikwata had a spat and a verbal exchange. Later on police arrival, Kevin was found lifeless in their apartment in Kangemi. Sheila was a first year student at the age of 19, while the late Kevin was a footballer with Wazito FC of Nairobi’s National Super League

A pool party hosted by the JKUAT community was geared towards a noble cause that of buying diapers for adults at Kenyatta National Hospital.

The fundraiser lead by Mass communication students was dubbed Share a Feeling, Share a Smile: Buy an Adult Pamper.

After sufficient funds were raised donations were taken to Kenyatta Hospital where the nurse in charge Sister Margaret Kimani said, “The diapers will come in handy, especially for patients with urinary complications, and those who cannot afford to buy them,”

@duncan_x254

The late Kelvin

USIU Girls Rugby team raises funds to support trip

White silk faille evening dress from 2012.

A one of its kind fundraiser by a girl’s rugby team is happening at USIUAfrica, a car wash fundraiser. The girl’s team is aiming at raising funds to support their trip to Nakuru for their final leg of the Kenya Rugby Union to be held at the end of the month.

By Tuesday, the team had raised Sh11000 and was hopeful to meet their target of Sh50 000

by Friday. The charges for washing a car is at a minimum price of Sh200.

Taylor Swift in Oscar De La Renta at the 2014 Met Gala.

USIU Culture Week 2016 is here In celebrating diversity, USIU-Africa hosts an annual culture week. The institution that boasts of 72 nationalities brings together students and has them show case and celebrate their different culture.

From Chinese to Korean and Nigerian, all nationals don in their culture wear and

FASHIONscoop

@Oscar de la renta exhibit

all round news and updates from universities

Brace your self for Strath’s Intellectual property moot Court

JKUAT raises funds for adult diapers

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar De La Renta at the 2014 Met Gala.

Amy Adams in Oscar De La Renta at the 2013 Oscars.

are involved in cross-cultural education celebrating pride and diversity.

This year culture week is set to come to close today in pomp and color at an event to be held at the school’s auditorium.

end g e to l a y Of s dream is line

Oron designer’ected clothingames m e m n i very fashi lobally resp s alongside n uccia

hot date

E

Sarakasi Trust presents the SAWA SAWA Festival 2016 edition. This twoday festival will be going down ON 18th and 19th March at the Sarakasi dome in Ngara. On Friday the 18th, the festival will offer a treat of Amos & Josh, Gloria Muliro, DJ Joe Mfalme and Sarakasi All stars. On Saturday, the street DJ face off will see DJs Arika, Mantix, Van the DJ and DJ Gibbs battle it out. Later on, Abbas Kubaff, Nafsi huru, Smallz Lethal, Lavosti, Lness, DJ Kace, MC Arigi among others will grace the stage. Entry is free.

The 2016

Fest a w a s a Saw

Amos & Josh

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ACCESS

ACCESS

ival

Penelope Cruz in Oscar De La Renta at the 2011 Met Gala.

Headphones for your eyes The headband consist of two eyepieces fitted with a 720p screen

Tech critics argue that virtual reality cuts you off from the outside world. Glyph, a US tech developer has devised a way to isolate individuals even further with their new Glyph headphones which when flipped forward such that the headband covers the face, allow for visual immersion into the virtual reality.

In simple terms, the headphone set is like a pair of spectacles with earmuffs that transmit sound as well.

Recommended for use during flights and gaming, the Glyph headset allow the user to see both over and under

the headband which means they allow for a continuous awareness of the surroundings.

The headband consist of two eyepieces fitted with a 720p screen which is perfect for viewing of 2and 3D content with a battery life of three to four hours, though one can use the headset whilst plugged in.

To get this futuristic tech, which was launched during the SXSW festival, set aside some $699. The headphones are worth every penny.

@mercy_x254

Gold silk net evening dress, part of the Fall 2015 collection.

TOP

celebrities whO Own islands eo bought his island ten years ago with the intent of rehabilitating the overly fished waters in Belize and winning at the Oscars is not the only thing he has been up to this year. Leo is currently implementing a luxury resort development strategy on the island based on sole use of green energy. Should he win a Nobel Prize too?

F

airy tales have nothing on Angelina and Brad Pitt’s love story.

In 2013, Angelina bought Brad a heart shaped island named Petra for his 50th birthday and she paid a whopping £12.2 million for it. The island is located a few miles from New York City and Brad’s favorite architect developed the properties on the island.

@mercy_x254

L

leOnardO di capriO

book i, Mi ish a g establ n in history ccio Gucc ers. u w G do g oth e e, and go nni Versac rmani amon cy, Oscar D a a i is A g G h e t o l i e a d g k li Gior ehind on name an ers d b n a g n a i Prad leav ashi esign hold f ing of gue d pieces Speak a is a house putable Vo er t s re nt er ’s ma La Re ne of the Oscar the design f o n o o o i t t , i e k b t i e we exh tribu ed an s as a resses launch er the year 2014. ous d m v n a o i f y m his fro . awa nways me of assed who p look at so rpets and ru _x254 a a @mercy Take sed on red c a showc

W

JOhnny depp

ho is Captain Jack Sparrow without an island? After portraying the humorous character in the Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp got himself a $3.6 million secluded island.

Unlike Isla De Muerta from the film, we know how to get to his private island without a magical compass: It is located in the Bahamas right at the heart of the Caribbean.

brad pitt

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CLASSIFIED

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 It could be that it’s difficult to find a bit of quiet time when you can really sit down and listen to your inner voice. There are distractions all around that are pulling you in many different directions. Keep in mind that these forces aren’t necessarily acting in your best interests.

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WEDNESday 17/3/2016

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PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Keep one foot firmly planted on the ground, because you may need to keep a level head in a work or personal situation. Keep in mind that the best way to deal with this is to use your positive energy to heal the difficult situation instead of letting this difficult situation get you down.

6:37 am 6:44 pm

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Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Make sure that you aren’t putting on different masks with different people just so you can appease those you’re with. Others can see right through any disguise you try to put on. Trying to deceive others is simply a sign of disrespect.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Go ahead and make a list today, Gemini. Put idle hands to use by delegating tasks to the people around you. You’ll be amazed at the little blocks of time you have when you stay on task and keep yourself and everyone else around you in motion.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 There could be a frenzy of activity that catches you in its net and takes you away. Look to other people for guidance as you go along. When you ask for help, you’ll get it. At the same time, you’ll learn a great deal about the people who end up helping you.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Be careful about becoming too stubborn today, Leo. If you insist on using the most rigid materials, you’ll find that the structure you build ends up snapping in two. If, however, you construct your building with flexible materials, it will bend in the wind and last far longer.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Your adaptive powers could be put to the test as you find yourself surrounded by fickle emotions and stubborn attitudes. Don’t get too hung up on getting straight answers from people today, for they’re apt to be just as confused as you about certain issues.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 You could try to make plans with people but they keep changing their minds about what they want to do. Perhaps they’re emotionally insecure and afraid to take the next step. Don’t let other people hold you back. Make plans and stick to them. Other people will fall into place accordingly.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You should be feeling emotionally strong today, Scorpio, although you could find that an idea runs through your head that asks you to slow down and take things once step at a time. The most important thing to do now is simply follow your heart.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Whether it’s the ocean, a river, or lake, the sense of expansion and comfort that you’ll find there will be extremely healing. Know that you are the greatest healer you have for yourself and that you have incredible power to share this gift with others, too. Augment this healing energy with a return to nature.

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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

Across 1. End of a play, maybe 5. Japanese director Kurosawa 10. Greek letters 14. Intestinal sections 15. Arm muscle 16. O.K. Corral fighter 17. Plagiaristic 19. ____ bargain (court deal) 20. Certain poems 21. Straw votes 22. Haberdashery section 26. Fiction genre 30. McCoys’ rivals 34. Gin accompaniment 35. Triumphant cries 36. Ending with us or pen 37. Is nuts for 39. Service station vessel 42. Campaigned 43. Part of HOMES 47. Off the wall 48. African menace 51. Like old college walls 52. They can carry a tune 54. St. ___ (West Indies spot) 57. Didn’t act up 62. Thy, nowadays 63. Nullify 66. Mortgage figs.

67. British geologist Sir Charles ____ 68. Doesn’t dawdle 69. Condé ____ Publications 70. Boat backbones

YOURSAY

71. Part of a square-dancing move Down 1. Boosts 2. “Pinocchio” goldfish 3. Coastal bird 4. In love with oneself 5. Subside 6. Hardly artistic 7. Here in Le Havre 8. Race, as the engine 9. Lummox 10. Sleep 11. ____ of Fame 12. Hershiser of baseball 13. Places to be pampered 18. Ponte di Rialto locale 21. Architect Ieoh Ming ___ 23. Kipling character 24. Msg. machine for the deaf 25. “That being the case...”

26. Maze entrance word 27. Concluding passages 28. Hole-___ (ace) 29. Coniferous tree 31. Susan of soaps 32. Male duck 33. Ecclesiastical assembly 38. “...think that I shall never ____ poem lovely as...”

40. “____ were big” (1988 movie line) 41. WC 44. “Mayberry ____” 45. They, in France

46. Look over 49. Desire for water 50. Female, for one 53. Blows the whistle on 54. Bright shade of blue 55. ____ vieja (Spanish dish that literally means “old clothes”) 56. Plural possessive pronoun 58. Ritalin-treated issue 59. Sony laptop brand 60. Summers in France 61. Arnaz Sr. or Jr. 63. Kind 64. Nevada county 65. Flight formation

Yesterday’s answers

Yesterday’s answers

Joho’s harassment sign of a scared government Graft survey paints a grim picture for the future

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Yesterday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Don’t fall into a well of self-pity and convince yourself that there simply isn’t enough excitement in your life and never will be. Believe that you have the power to cure any such downtrodden feeling that you might have at this time. Consider joining a spiritual support group where you can honestly share your feelings.

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Constant police harassment and intimidation directed at Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho is a clear indication that Kenya’s dark days are slowly creeping back under Jubilee administration.

From the alleged illegal business to now illegal guns, Joho and the government have been in constant feud, but the latter has now hinted to all and sundry that even the alleged illegal business could be just a ploy being executed to intimidate perceived political enemies. The closure of a freight business linked to the Mombasa governor over alleged smuggling of contraband goods and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s snubbing when he pitched tent at the Coast in January can now ring a bell in Kenyans ears.

The governor had seven police officers attached to him withdrawn on the flimsy ground that this was part of a move to reduce the number of police officers attached to all the 47 governors.

It’s not lost to keen political observers that the withdrawal of the officers comes hot on the heels after Jubilee suffered a defeat in the March 7 Malindi by-election. This might reveal elements of bad faith and abuse of power by the current government.

The move is barbaric and against the spirit of devolution and is aimed at scaring outspoken opposition governors.

Right thinking Kenyans should condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of the security apparatus to intimidate leaders over their political stand.

Joho’s case is yet another clear indication that our police may have become a compromised instrument in the hands of Jubilee to intimidate opposition leaders.

Joho being ODM party deputy leader and having declared his interest to run for the Presidency in 2022 is being targeted by the Jubilee administration to drop his ambition or change political

stand.

It’s no secret that Joho has strongly displeased President Uhuru during his month-long stay in Mombasa in January.

Joho publicly accused Uhuru of snubbing him in his official engagements in the coastal city.

This criticism of the president’s month-long coast visit might be cited as the likely reason for all his tribulations.

The latest Joho’s tribulations emanate from the recent Malindi parliamentary byelection in which Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi led a high-powered campaign team for the ODM candidate Willy Mtengo who clinched the seat beating his main challenger the Jubilee Alliance Party candidate Philip Charo.

It’s now clear that the Jubilee government is impervious to criticism and is exhibiting dictatorial and fascist tendencies ahead of the crucial 2017 general elections.

— Mzungu Mweupe

Underwear for school boys idea lopsided I find it laughable that the Nyeri County is proposing to buy underwear for all school boys.

While underclothes are necessary, I believe that is the role of parents.

I don’t think that should be a priority for the county government. There are other

pressing needs that the county government can look into to promote the boy-child. The administration can, for example, can equip the existing public libraries with books.

Could it be that a clique of individuals have smelled an opportunity?

— Concerned Kenyan.

The National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2015 conducted by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) on the state of corruption in the country paints a dull picture of the country.

It reflects a country that has lost opportunities for its citizenry who have probably ‘accepted and moved on’ with their daily chores.

Almost every day there is a report exposing how huge amounts rolling in to millions have been looted.

There is enough cause for worry that despite all the hype about war on corruption, nothing has been achieved. The survey sought to measure the levels of corruption and ethical behaviour within Government ministries and departments with a view to identifying services that were more prone to corruption.

The verdict is greatly disheartening.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s admission in November that corruption misdirects resources, sows hatred and divides our country was implicitly telling. In the survey, securing tenders, being attended to in hospitals, getting relief food, seeking employment, acquiring either a birth certificate or an identity card, getting water reconnection or even reporting

a crime at a police station all come at a cost.

This varies in range from Sh200 to Sh275, 000.

While in 2012 the rate of corruption stood at 67 per cent, the same went up to 73 per cent in 2015. As usual, the police department has maintained its dubious reputation at the top of the corruption table, followed closely by the ministries of Health and Lands.

The advent of county governments has seen, as the joke goes, corruption devolved to counties.

Chiefs that much-maligned relic from colonial period and their assistants have not been spared either.

They provide the last link in the corruption chain. Fighting corruption must go a step beyond the rhetoric Kenyans have become accustomed to.

The authorities must wage a convincing war to win public confidence that they are fighting corruption. Our leaders are reportedly talking on how to fight the war. Constitutional bodies are probing the accused individuals. Others are ‘appearing’ before Committees to explain what they know about various scams. However, all these have remained speeches and stories to be carried by the press. There have not been any affirmative action taken yet.

—Nderitu

Uhuru’s 2032 statement spell doom for Kenya I watched President Uhuru Kenyatta on Television as he toured parts of the Rift Valley yesterday telling some unnamed politicians to wait for their time in 2032 and they will know what it takes to run a government.

Mr President, with all due respect who has assured you and your Deputy that you’ll stay in power for that long?

Does it mean that there are no other Kenyans suitable to lead this nation? Does it mean

that our mother’s wombs did not bring forth to this world men and women who can be President apart from you two?

With this kind of talk, the President is clearly making it a fact that he’ll serve a two term Presidency whether he wins in 2017 or not, hand us over to his current Deputy like goats in a market and we will accept it like we are under a spell. That magic you intend to do in 2022 is not going to see light of day unless

Send your letters to news@254.co| Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

you change tact and deliver services to wananchi, fight corruption and move Kenya forward. Nobody knows about tomorrow except for the one above. Do not be carried away and think that just because you are in power, you are immortal. The Lord gives and takes away. You can only hope to be alive but it’s never a guarantee.

— James Chepkwony Westlands

14

SPORT THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Gayle unbeaten century sinks England in world T2

Austrian Chris Gayle’s brutal unbeaten century sent England to a chastening six-wicket defeat by West Indies in their opening match of the World Twenty20 in Mumbai. Gayle was early in January fines Sh100,000 by Melbourne Renegades following his controversial “don’t be shy baby” comment to a TV reporter on live interview. But he turned his bad image, just two months ago to a darling of many when he struck 11 sixes in his 47-ball hundred, the joint-third fastest in T20 internationals and became the first man to score two tons in the World T20. His 11 sixes is the most in an innings at the World T20 and the third most in all T20 internationals. He took West Indies to their target of 183 with 11 balls to spare. Joe Root earlier made 48 in a total of 182-6, the highest score England have failed to defend in a Twenty20. England, champions in 2010, next meet South Africa on Friday knowing that defeat would push them to the verge of elimination. Despite lifting the trophy six years ago, England have lost 15 of the 28 matches they have played in World T20 tournaments.

England’s chances of success were always going to rest on containing Gayle and, at first, he was kept quiet by only facing 18 of the first 48 balls in the West Indies innings. However, he exploded to life by hitting Adil Rashid for two sixes over long-on and, after that, decimated the England attack. Ben Stokes was twice sent over the square-leg fence, while three successive straight maximums off Moeen Ali in the 14th over effectively ended the contest.

Ex-KRU vice chair Jalang’o floored in KRU elections Former Kenya rugby Union (KRU) vice chairman Philip Jalang’o failed to retain his post after losing to Thomas Opiyo during the Union elective Annual general meeting on Wednesday at the RFUEA grounds.

Things started on a sour note when some delegates demanded the tabling of the financial books of account, sending a strong signal of change. At this point, Jalang’o’s fate had already been sealed with Opiyo’s group under Team Change taking over the meeting with meaningful proposal.

Things were so bad at the board prior to the elections that the current chairman, Richard

Omwela had threatened to quit had “some board members made it back” Omwela has disclosed that he was going to quit if some members of the board were elected back to the board.

“It is true, I had written a letter and I was going to resign if some board members made it back.

This is the worst board I have worked with, everybody pulling in different directions,” Omwela was quoted on Capital Sport.

Opiyo who is the Nondescripts RFC chairman garnered 34 votes against Jalang’o 21. The controversial Jalang’o served for two year after he was voted in

the office in the last election held on March 19, 2014 when he beat the then vice chairman Sasha Mutai by a single vote.

Impala Saracens chairman Geoffrey Gangla won the secretary’s post by a massive margin, beating his former Kenya Sevens team manager Steve Sewe by 41 votes. Gangla returned 48 vote against Sewe’s seven.

In his acceptance speech, Opiyo promised to bring sponsors back to the game, especially the Kenya Cup. “We want to bring back sponsors and have a functional board that will work for the clubs because they (clubs) are suffering. This is

going to be a new dawn and we hope to see change in the game of rugby,” said Opiyo.

John Kilonzo and Moses Ndale won the two elective position for the directors of fixtures with 41 and 31 votes respectively. They beat Ali AL Jabri who managed 26 votes and Dennis Ombui who failed to retain his position after garnering only six votes.

O f f i c i a l s Vice Chairman-Thomas Opiyo Secretary- Gangla Oduor Treasurer- Joshua Aroni D i r e c t o r s Moses Ndale John Kilonzo. @elvince_x254

Secondary School games participants at a previous edition of term one games. This year’s edition of the games kicks off this weekend with several contests across various counties countrywide.

Anxiety as ADAK visits Prison training camp Anxiety is mounting at the Kenya Prisons women’s volleyball camp after AntiDoping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) made a surprise visit and took blood samples of some players in the latest war on banned substances. The team was preparing for the April Africa Club Championship when ADAK officials made a surprise visit. ADAK will give the findings of the result, exactly 14 days from today according to a source who spoke to X-Sport on condition of anonymity.

“We’ll continue to visit clubs and major events in the country unannounced. We want to weed out cheats in our sport; for that reason ADAK will be doing more of these often,” said our source. If the result return negative, the affected player (s) faces up to five years ban. In volleyball, banned substances are classified into nine categories including stimulants, Glucocorticoid, cannabinoid, Narcotic, gene doping, duretic and masking agent, Beta 2 Agonist, hormone and metabolic modulation, Petide hormone, growth factor and nimetics and anabolic agent.

Meanwhile, Kenya will be represented by only one team at the men’s Africa Club championship after Prisons men’s volleyball club pulled out of the games due to lack of funds.

VOTED OUT: Former Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) vice chairman Philip Jalang’o (centre) lost to Thomas Opiyo during the Union’s elective Annual General meeting held yesterday at RFUA Grounds.

Set up more talents centres, Kenya told There is need to open up more sports talent centres to in the country to cater for the abundant talent that waste away as a result of poor infrastructure.

This was the advice from Terry O’Neill, founder of the UK’s football talent academy, My Professional Dreams (MPD), a football talent initiative designed to identify and nurture football talent.

“It is clear this country needs more football programmes to channel all that talent into good use,” said O’Neil yesterday during the unveiling of 75 players who will join the academy.

Currently there is only one

government sponsored Academy, Kenya Sports academy which caters for Football, Volleyball and rugby.

“We are keen on producing a new generation of young professional footballers who will present Kenya both regionally and in world championships. We identified a large number of talented young people throughout the trials,” he added.

The finalists include 57 boys and 18 girls who will be offered coaching, nutrition development, mental exercises, and testing fixtures with professional teams as well as trials at professional football clubs.

Between September and November 2015, the programme is open to talented youngsters aged between 11 and 16 years, from a variety of social classes across the country.

Eight try-outs were carried out across the country to assess the participant’s skill, speed, fitness, agility and their participants understanding of the game.

O’Neill also said some of these players could be selected to travel to Portugal for trials in the coming months depending on their progress.

“The programme was designed to train players month after month as we monitor their progress. We

believe that the talent we discover today will be the future of the game tomorrow,” he said.

In September 2015, Safaricom Limited announced a one-year, Sh50 million sponsorship of My Professional Dream (MPD) Academies to identify and nurture football talent in Kenya.

MPD Academies was founded in the United Kingdom in 2012 to identify and nurture talent in young athletes from all over the world, and has so far had successful programmes in Dubai, England and Wales. The Kenyan academy is the first full time academy for the brand and will be located at the Hillcrest School. @elvince_x254

SPORT 15

Barcelona’s Argentinian striker Leo Messi fights for the ball with Arsenal defender Gabriel during their UEFA Champions League’s round of 16 second leg match played at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona won 3-1 to advance to the quarter-final on a 5-1 aggregate.

PHOTO: ANDREU DALMAU/ EPA

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

Barcelona blow away Arsenal’s Europe hopes It was a familiar story at the Camp Nou as Barcelona eased through to a ninth successive Champions League quarterfinal with a 3-1 win over Arsenal last night.

Neymar’s early goal all but ended the tie as a contest, and though Mohamed Elneny’s fabulous strike earned Arsenal parity of the night, Barcelona had the last word. First Luis Suárez made it 2-1 in outrageous fashion before Lionel Messi chipped in to complete a 5-1 aggregate win Overcoming a 2-0 deficit at the Camp Nou was always going to be an uphill task, but Neymar’s 18th minute opener knocked the Gunners out of contention.

Laurent Koscielny was at fault, caught in possession as he tried to dribble out of defence. Barcelona were on it in a flash.

Suárez collected the ball and found Neymar with time and space to fire in.

For a spell the fight left Arsenal, who had begun brightly even if they were indebted to a fantastic stop from David Ospina to deny Messi just before the opener. Barcelona attacked with willingness, but as the half wore on and with Alex Iwobi on his Champions League debut lively, there were chances at the other end too.

Six minutes after the restart Elneny curled in a superb effort and the flames of hope flickered, only for Suárez to douse them with an acrobatic goal that came off his shin and flew into the top corner. Danny Welbeck hit the bar, while Marc-André ter Stegen kept out Alexis Sánchez and Olivier Giroud, but the game was up, Messi making doubly sure. Barcelona march on.

It is like the work was finished at the Emirates when the Gunners went down 2-0 making it difficult to progress.

Arsenal’s season was looking good a couple of months ago; top of the Premier League on January 4 but two wins in nine league games since has seen them fall 11 points behind leaders Leicester City.

They have also gone out of the FA Cup - losing against Watford last weekend and suffered their sixth straight last-16 exit from the Champions League too.

Arsene Wenger’s team selection for the match in Spain perhaps suggested he might have had one eye on Saturday’s Premier League match at Everton after he handed 19-year-old forward Alex Iwobi his first Champions League start and left out Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott on the bench.

Experienced defender Per Mertesacker was also missing with Laurent Koscielny starting alongside Gabriel in the centre of defence.

Man United seek to turn tables on in-form Liverpool in Europa match Manchester United welcome Liverpool back to Old Trafford tonight for a fourth meeting between the sides this season, this time in Europa League action.

Liverpool taught United a footballing lesson in the first-leg, with 2-0 scoreline flattering the Red Devils.

Daniel Sturridge‘s penalty and Roberto Firmino‘s well-taken second-half effort placed Liverpool in pole position to reach the quarter-finals, although there is still plenty of work to do tonight as they visit Old Trafford. For all United’s woes this season, Old Trafford is still an intimidating place to go on a big European night, and there may be spells in the game when the Reds have to defend doggedly. Klopp’s men know that one away goal should effectively end the tie, though, and the hosts

having to attack means gaps should appear at the other end of the pitch.

The Merseysiders enjoyed the weekend off, having not had any FA Cup quarterfinal commitments, but prior to that, their form had been very much on the up. They have won three Premier League matches in a row for the first time in a year, and the last-gasp win over Crystal Palace was yet further evidence of the steel that Klopp has instilled in his squad. Although Liverpool lost on penalties to Man City in the League Cup Final, and in extra-time to West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round, they have not been defeated in 90 minutes since Leicester’s 2-0 defeat in February.

United did have cup commitments over the weekend, with Van Gaal’s team held to a 1-1 draw by a dangerous

West Ham side. Anthony Martial’s relatively late equaliser kept his side in the competition, but there was still something unconvincing about the performance. They were dire at Anfield last Thursday, and the fast-paced football, team ethic and quality of the Sir Alex Ferguson era is now nowhere to be seen. A run of four straight wins prior to the Europa League clash may have looked impressive, but Shrewsbury Town and FC Midtjylland were two of their opponents, which masks how well they were actually doing. It was good news for United after Ashley Young and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson trained with the team. Liverpool could be without left back Roberto Moreno who pull out with a hamstring problem during Wednesday training session.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 | www.254.Co

Barcelona see off arsenal in routine victory

p15

Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller celebrates scoring his team’s second goal and the leveller that put them on course to a comeback voctory over Juvestus at the Allianz Arena last night.

PHOTO: SVEN HOPPE/EPA

Bavarians stun Old Lady of Turin

Bayern Munich staged a dramatic comeback, scoring twice in extra time after battling back from two goals down to beat Juventus 4-2 on last night to reach Champions League last eight at Allianz Arena.

Thiago Alcantara scored after 108 minutes and Kingsley Coman curled in their fourth goal as Bayern, after a 90th-minute equaliser from Thomas Mueller took the match to extra time.

In a reverse of the first leg when Juve came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2, Bayern dug deep to score twice in the second half.

It was a bitter defeat for last season’s runners-up Juve, who ran out of steam in extra time to leave domestic titles as their only potential silverware this season.

“It was a crazy game. Juve played well at the back and we let in two goals. That should never have happened,” said Bayern scorer Mueller. “Mentally it became a different game. But we said we can make it and we kept our cool.”

It was the Bianconeri who drew first blood with Frenchman Pogba capitalising on a David Alaba mistake to beat Manuel

Neuer. Bayern, who had not let in a firsthalf goal in their previous seven games in the competition were rattled and keeper Neuer almost gifted Juve another after sending the ball straight to Alvaro Morata, whose looping effort was ruled offside.

Morata, however, later made a 40-metre solo run past four Bayern players to send Cuadrado through for their second goal.

Bayern showed the first signs of life just before the break when Mueller›s effort was saved and the ball rolled narrowly wide from a Robert Lewandowski deflection.

Lewandowski then launched the comeback, heading in at the far post for his eighth goal of the campaign in the 72nd minute, triggering a dramatic finale in which Mueller scored in almost identical fashion.

Substitute Thiago put Bayern ahead in extra time and Coman, on loan at Bayern from Juve, completed a memorable comeback as coach Pep Guardiola maintained his hopes of a Champions League title in his last season in Munich. elvince_x254

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