201603018 xnews

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016 | www.x254.co

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Kanu now wants to join referendum quest to bring reforms at IEBC

NEWS

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united, Spurs both exit Europa league as Liverpool advances

Why Kenya is losing the war on graft

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ack of political goodwill, court injunctions and the societal mentality pf Kenyans that embraces people with ill-gotten wealth have been cited as the major hindrances to the fight against corruption in the country.

And unless these change and the judiciary also becomes more efficient, nothing much will be achieved according to Mandera senator Billow Kerrow.

Continued on page 2

EACC chairman Philip Kinisu shakes hands with Attorney general Githu Muigai on Tuesday during the launch of a corruption report at KICC. Transparency International says Kenya is losing the war against corruption.

Youth Fund scandal could be more than Sh180m, say MPs Taxpayers might have lost more than Sh180 million at the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, MPs probing the scandal have said.

Public Investments Committee (PIC) chairman Adan Keynan said the committee has received many conflicting documents with different figures about the saga and that it is possible the funds lost could be more than Sh180 million.

Speaking yesterday after interrogating suspended Youth Enterprise Development Fund chief executive Catherine Namuye, Keynan said the committee will look at the documents and give its final verdict next week.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

Why Kenya is losing the war on graft From Page 1 Mr Kerrow who is also the Senate Finance Committee chairman said lack of political goodwill from the government is the major problem that hinders the country from effectively fighting graft.

“There is no political goodwill in this country to end corruption.

Even after a list of shame has been published of corrupt individuals some still buy their way out, it’s a big problem,” Kerrow told X News yesterday.

The Senator also pointed an accusing finger at the judiciary saying they have been ineffective in the war against graft.

“The Judiciary especially the criminal department has been ineffective and lacks integrity with that in place we can’t win the war on corruption,” he added.

Mr Kerrow also blamed Kenyans at large saying the society is embracing individuals with wealth no matter how they got it and despise the poor therefore everybody is striving to get wealth through all means whether legal or illegal.

According to Transparency International executive director Samuel Kimeu, the war on graft is a perfect case of the theatre of the absurd.

Mr Kimeu said the country is

Mandera senator Billow Kerrow (left) and Transparency International’s executive director for Kenya Samuel Kimeu.

Both believe the war on graft is a losing battle because there is no political goodwill to fight the vice.

fighting a battle it lost many years ago.

Kimeu said unless an important personality in the society is arrested and put behind bars for abetting crime the country heading nowhere.

“EACC has done a lot of injustice to this country, they have never made any headway in the fight against corruption and with that in mind people will continue to engage in corruption,” Kimeu said.

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.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said the country is not just serious in the fight against corruption.

“We are treated with a lot of drama in the name of fighting corruption and doing investigations which amounts to nothing at the end of the day,” Kaluma said.

“Until the day there will be serious

commitment especially from the government to fight corruption, we will continue to live with the vice,” he observed.

Their comments came even as top EACC officials met with the speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi yesterday to outline the hindrances on the fight against corruption.

EACC chairman Philip Kinisu said court injunctions and petitions and inadequate number of investigating officers are some of the reasons the

commission cannot effectively deal with corruption.

Kinisu said the commission received 25,000 corruption related cases last year but only 6,000 have been looked at.

“Every time the commission makes a step in a case or investigations, we get court injunctions and that slows down our work, we are also understaffed in terms investigating officers,” Kinisu lamented.

The meeting came on the backdrop of a report released by the commission indicating that the country is headed in the wrong direction in the fight against corruption.

According to the report released on Tuesday, more than 50 percent of Kenyans believe that corruption has increased under the Jubilee coalition 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. sam_x254

Youth Fund scam could be more than Sh180m, say MPs committee From Page 1 “It has been five hours of gruesome interaction and in the process we have received conflicting documents meaning that there might be more than what we already know,” Keynan said.

At one point during the session, it emerged the amount of money lost in the youth fund is Sh192 million and not the initial Sh180 million that is in the public domain as the amount paid to Quorandum Limited for a fictitious deal that is being probed.

The committee held most part of the session in camera after Namuye said she was uncomfortable revealing some vital information regarding the fund in the presence of the media.

Keynan said that Namuye provided them with useful information in camera and confirmed payment of Sh180 million to Quorandum Limited but said the rot could be deeper than what was originally thought.

“We have called the former Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Permanent Secretary, entire board of the agency and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, officials of so many companies, Live Gigi, Gigi Tech, Gigi Survey, Duchess Buck Development

Company and Ngigi and Mbugua Company Advocates, mentioned in the course of our probe to shed more light on this matter,” Keynan said.

During yesterday’s session, Ms Namuye told the committee that she was forced by the board to approve the payment to Quorandum even though she had protested.

“I was acting at the behest of the members of the board. They forced me to sign documents even though some were against the law. I protested but nothing changed,” she told the committee.

After yesterday’s grilling, Ms Namuye was given questionnaires which she will return on Thursday next week as the committee seeks to get more information from her over the matter.

“Were at any point under pressure or forced to act in a certain way in order to effect the payment to Quorandum even though their work cannot be seen? Asked committee vice chairman Kimani Ichung’wa.

Namuye said some of the decisions carried out by the board were illegal and did not follow any procedure but she was forced to abide by them.

The committee is expected to conclude its work next week. sam_x254

Suspended Youth Fund chief executive Catherine Namuye when she appeared before the Public Investments Committee yesterday. MPs say taxpayers could have lost more millions in the scandal.

NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 18-20, 2016

Kanu ready for referendum to reform IEBC

Kenya African National Union (KANU) has sent strong signals that it is ready to work with Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) in the latter’s push for electoral reforms.

The party’s Secretary General Nick Salat said the party is now willing to join any forces for a referendum to change the electoral process saying the current Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as constituted does not inspire confidence among Kenyans.

Mr Salat said the move is due to what the party feels is a waning confidence levels of Kenyans in the electoral body and not because of its loss in the recent Kericho by-election. “This move is not just a matter of KANU but all Kenyans, moving forward.

We can bring our heads together with Okoa Kenya and bring changes to IEBC,” Salat said. “Everybody is complaining about the conduct of IEBC not only KANU, it’s a problem that we must address now,” he added.

KANU officials accused the Jubilee Party of using geometric progression formulae to manipulate the Kericho by-election. The party maintained that their candidate Paul Sang won by over 88,000 votes. It has however declined to appear before IEBC and

Kanu chairman Gedion Moi and Secretary general Nick Salat at a past party function.

Mr Salat has said the party is now willing to join the push for a referenbdum to initiate reforms at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

the courts to formally lodge their complaints. Mr Salat said they don’t have faith in the two institutions.

“Who trusts the Judiciary and IEBC in this country….nobody and it is because of this that we used the media to make our case known,” he said. He insisted that they will not appear before IEBC over their claims maintaining that they have made their case known and it is now upon IEBC to respond using facts.

“How can we present our case to an already biased body, we have made

our case, IEBC summoning us is not the solution,” Salat said. Salat said KANU will only appear before IEBC in the presence of a third party that is neutral and will tackle the concerns they raised without bias. Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairman John Mbadi urged the Electoral Commission not to dismiss the concerns raised by KANU saying the issues raised not only affect KANU but the country at large.

“IEBC should not dismiss issues raised by KANU as doing that would

Boost for Kidero as veteran city politician backs his re-election

Governor Evans Kidero has received a major boost for his re-election after veteran Nairobi politician Mwangi Thuita endorsed the bid.

While endorsing Dr Kidero for a second term in office, Mr Thuita urged Kenyans to shun tribal politics.

Thuita said politics of tribalism and religious affiliations does not spur economic development and should therefore be discarded.

Kidero will be defending his seat amid opposition from various contestants among the senator Mike Sonko and former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru who are both eying the seat.

While endorsing Kidero for a second term in office, Thuita said the Governor unlike other candidates is a focused leader with a drive to meet the needs of the city residents.

“We have always worked together regardless of our tribes and religious affiliations, even before independence. And each time

Governor Kidero with Mwangi Thuita on Thursday in Ruai.

we have worked together, Kenya has done well. Every time all the 42 tribes in Kenya have fallen apart, Kenya has suffered. I appeal to you all to work together for the sake of Kenya. We need to stop the politics of tribe and religion and focus of developing this Country. I am Kikuyu and that doesn’t stop me from fully supporting the governor for a second term; because I know he can deliver Nairobi’s development agenda and he is not a noise maker. I will rally the people of Embakasi come 2017 to ensure they re-elect Kidero as Nairobi City governor.” Thuita said on Thursday at a function in Ruai which was attended by Dr Kidero.

Also eying the governor’s seat are MPs Dennis Waweru (Dagoretti South), Johnson Sakaja (nominated) and former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru.

Kidero was in Ruai to unveil a milk processing project valued at Sh13.5 million which is fully funded by Nairobi County government.

“It is now upon development conscious Nairobians to support Governor Kidero as he is a visionary leader who will ensure the city is developed,” Thuita said.

Governor Kidero said his interest was not in politics, as it was not the topic of the day, but urged Nairobi residents to shun tribal politics and not to accept to be divided along tribal and religious lines, but to continue working together. The Governor told voters that come 2017, they needed to vote wisely for leaders that would bring development.

Earlier in Njiru, Kidero unveiled the Nairobi City County government funded Green House project valued at Sh10, 257 million and handed it over to Focus Progressive group. The governor also announced that the County government had set aside Sh200m to the respective youth groups in the area.

set a bad precedence especially when the country is heading to General Elections,” Mbadi said.

He told IEBC to publish all the details with figures of the Kericho by-election to counter KANU arguments instead threatening the party with sanctions.

The ODM chairman questioned why IEBC was going slow on Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter after he participated in politics contrary to the Public Ethics Act. “The Electoral Commission has all the legal

framework on their side but they are not willing to take action against Keter. Time is running out and the confidence in IEBC is waning,” Mbadi said. Nandi Senator Stephen Sang however said IEBC being an independent institution should be allowed to do its work without much interference from politicians.

“Let’s not give IEBC a bad name in order to kill it. Instead we should empower it going forward,” Sang said. @sam_x254

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 18-20, 2016

Gun lobby welcomes board formation

The National Gun Owners Association of Kenya has welcomed Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery’s decision to form the Firearms Licensing Board, which they say will amicably address disciplinary cases involving firearms.

Association secretary general Anthony Wahome said though there are only a few cases of people misusing firearms, the board will ensure weapons are only used as per the set regulations.

“In December 2014, the Security Amendment Bill which became an Act, also included amendments to certain parts of the Firearms Act,” he pointed out during an interview with Capital FM News.

“The board will now put the necessary mechanism to make sure if there are laws that need to be looked into, they do that.”

The board’s work will be to certify suitability of applicants and periodically assess proficiency of firearm holders and issue, cancel, terminate or vary any license or permit issued under the Act. The Firearms Act has been questioned with some security players calling for amendments in some of the clauses, which they say are outdated.

The Firearms Act Section 5(7)(a) provides that the certificate can be revoked “if the licensing officer is satisfied that the holder is prohibited by or under this Act from possessing a firearm to which the firearm certificate relates, or is of intemperate habits or unsound mind, or is otherwise unfit to be entrusted with a firearm.”

If the holder fails to surrender the firearm within 14 days according to the law from the date of the notice he/she shall be guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding Sh1,000. “As an association, we have selfregulatory mechanisms and that is over and above the provision of the Firearms Act as far as safe use of firearms is concerned,” he said.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho speaks to the media at Capitol Hill early this week when he protested the decision to recall his firearm. The National Gun Owners Association has welcomed the decision by CS Nkaissery to form a board that will address cases of firearms.

The said regulations are in tandem with the Constitution.

“This is to make sure a membership that is responsible in the use and handling weapons.

It involves training on what the law says is the justifiable use of the weapon,” he said.

According to Wahome, there are about 9,000 firearm holders in the country whom he says compliment largely to the work of the police service in ensuring security prevails.

“We train our members on the use of the weapon so that it does not become a danger to

Over 800 housing units ready for Kibra slum dwellers: PS

The government has completed the construction of more than 800 housing units in Nairobi’s Kibra slums in its slum upgrading programme.

Speaking when she commissioned the houses, Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Aidah Munano said the government will construct an additional 3,500 units in the next financial year to offer slum dwellers a decent housing.

“The completion of the 822 Units paves way for the government to build another 3500 units in the next financial year to ensure all Kibera residents are decently housed,” said Munano.

Munano said her ministry had agreed to sell the houses at subsidised rates even as she urged public officers to shun conflict of interests that would attract corruption practises.

The project consists of 144 three-roomed units, 570 tworoomed units, 108 single roomed units, 245 market stalls, and a youth centre and a multi-purpose hall.

She said it is the responsibility of every Kenyan to follow laid down regulations when undertaking construction works to provide space for accompanying utilities especially on road reserves. “Law and order are there for the purposes of giving us a standard, and if all of us followed the law, everything we do will fall in order,” she added.

According to the National Construction Authority (NCA), 80 per cent of the buildings in Nairobi are unsafe for human inhabitation and lack fundamental approvals from the ministry.

NCA has warned rogue and insincere property developers who continue to risk the safety of Kenyans by erecting impropriate structures in the city.

Majority of these buildings lack structural integrity; fire evacuations, inadequate air circulation and lighting systems, structurally weak and in some cases the structures are not properly plumbed.

them and those around.”

Nkaissery appointed the Firearms Licensing Board after a court directed that Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s guns drama can only be handled by such a body.

Enoch Sasia was named as the board chairman Samuel Kimaru (secretary) with Lillian Kiamba, Stanley Omucheyi, Barnice Gachegu, Anthony Wahome, William Sing’oei, George Waiguru and James Ngului as board members.

The move came a day after a court stopped the CS and police from confiscating Joho’s guns or

arresting him. Joho had stated that he will 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.

More on this story at He said he has never misused the firearm for the 20 years he has held it, since issuance by the government. www.capitalfm.co.ke

State created over 800,000 jobs in 2015, says Rotich Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich (pictured) has said the government created more than 800, 000 jobs in the last financial year despite the harsh economic challenges. Speaking during the government score card Inter- Ministerial Symposium at KICC yesterday, Rotich maintained that the economy remains robust with a positive outlook to create more opportunities for the youth despite the challenges of corruption and a weaker shilling. He argued that though there were many unfavourable economic challenges, the government had

maintained a strong policy to ensure a conducive environment for development.

“Amid the harsh economic challenges, Kenya has generated 800,000 new jobs with an economic growth of 5.3 per cent.

As the economy continues to grow, we shall be able to generate on an annual basis one million jobs for our youth,” Rotich claimed.

Rotich said Kenyans’ standard of life has improved as the ministry has managed to keep inflation low, stable and within target. He said fuel prices are at an alltime low due to the prevailing oil glut in the global market thus ensuring that commodity prices are stable and beneficial to Kenyans.

His statement seemingly contradicts a recent opinion poll by Ipsos that revealed itchy factors such as high cost of living, corruption and unemployment as the three biggest challenges the country grapples with. The poll indicated that 53 per cent of Kenyans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction, while 44 per cent were of the opposite opinion.

According the National Bureau of Statistics 2015 report, unemployment rate stands at 45 per cent a figure that disagrees with Treasury’s position.

The CS outlined subsidised education fees, reduced cost of power, ease of access

to credit, eased cost of doing business and improved infrastructure as some of the contributing factors to the promising economic outlook. “Our policy and business environment is friendlier compared to the past which makes our economic future more promising,” added Rotich.

However, he acknowledged that there were challenges pitting the country mainly from revenue collection.

“We have had to deal with challenges to improve revenue collection, through initiatives such as i-tax to enable convenient and simplified payment of taxes; ensuring faster clearance of goods through Single Customs Territory and dealing with the cartels under the CFS Management,” asserted the CS. Rotich said the domestic and external resource mobilisation has been achieved as the National Treasury mobilises funding for the budget both from the domestic and external sources where the resources come from tax revenues and borrowing. He said the ongoing construction of roads across the country, the Standard Gauge Railway and the power generation under geothermal has led to reduced cost of electricity by 30 per cent. @wilson_x254

NEWS

ANC warns of mafia state South Africa risks turning into a “mafia state”, a senior governing party official has warned, as pressure grows on President Jacob Zuma over his links with a wealthy family.

Gwede Mantashe made the comments after deputy Finance Minister Mcebesi Jonas alleged the Gupta family had offered him a government promotion.

During a rowdy parliamentary session, Mr Zuma denied the family had influenced cabinet appointments.

The opposition called on him resign.

Mr Mantashe is the third most powerful person in the governing African National Congress (ANC), and his remarks suggest Mr Zuma may be losing the confidence of influential members of the party as well, correspondents say.

Mr Zuma’s presidency has been marred by allegations of corruption, cronyism and incompetence, amid a worsening economic situation.

The crisis deepened on Wednesday, when Mr Jonas said that a member of the Gupta family had made “a mockery of our hard-earned democracy” by offering to promote him to the minister’s job last year.

The family also denied the allegation.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Mr Mantashe, the ANC secretary-general, said: “We need to deal with this; it will degenerate into a mafia state if this goes on.”

He told the BBC that Mr Zuma was not “untouchable”, but denied that the party planned to oust him.

The ANC would, however, deal with the “corporate capture” of government, Mr Mantashe said.

Questioned by the opposition in parliament about Mr Jonas’ allegation, Mr Zuma said: “I’m in charge of the government. There is no minister who was ever appointed by the Guptas.”

The speaker ordered opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane to leave the chamber for breaching parliamentary rules, prompting the party’s MPs to walk out in solidarity with him.

Earlier, Mr Maimane said power had shifted from the government to the Guptas.

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WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

Ebola back in Guinea

Two people have tested positive for Ebola in Guinea, three months after the outbreak was declared over in the country.

They are being cared for at a treatment centre in the south of the country, close to where the worst Ebola outbreak in history was first identified two years ago.

It’s understood three members of their family had recently died after showing symptoms of Ebola.

The government says their village is now in lockdown and vaccines are being taken to the area to try and protect those at risk.

The World Health Organization has warned sporadic cases of Ebola are likely to re-emerge as the virus can linger on in body fluids of some survivors.

Both neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone have reported new cases after the outbreaks were declared over there - but this is another major blow in the continuing fight against Ebola.

Mass Boko Haran death sentences Cameroon has sentenced 89 members of Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram to death, local media report.

They were convicted on terror charges by a military court for their roles in several attacks in Cameroon’s northern region which borders Nigeria.

Cameroon passed an anti-terror law in 2014 which introduced the death sentence.

This is the first time the death sentenced has been used since that law was passed.

The 89 are among 850 people arrested in Cameroon on charges of links to Boko Haram.

Following the death sentences, a local human rights group has called for reforms to Cameroon’s justice system.

Hundreds of people have been killed in a spate of attacks in Cameroon since it joined a regional force set up to tackle the militants last year.

South African President Jacob Zuma reacts to a question during yesterday’s question and answer session in Parliament in Cape Town. Zuma is undser pressure with his own ANC party warning that he is turning the country into a mafia state even as the opposition called on him to resign.

PHOTO: SUMAYA HISHAM/EPA

“You and your family are getting richer while South Africans are getting poorer,” he told Mr Zuma.

The party said in a statement that Mr Zuma’s position was becoming “increasingly untenable”, and he should resign or be sacked by the governing party.

The left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party boycotted the parliamentary session, saying it did not recognise Mr Zuma as leader of South Africa.

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

The Guptas, who arrived in South Africa from India in 1993, 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”.

Top stories from X News global partners EU leaders to meet Nominee Visits Tense Barack Obama visits Bar on Lula throws Turkish Prime Minister Capitol as G.O.P. Digs In Cuba: Caution has been a watchword Brazil into crisis: Brazil was foreign policy of Barack Obama. teetering on the brink of a constitutional as refugee deal falls short: Against Vote: Senate Democrats inButthein one part of the world he has been crisis on Thursday after a judge blocked A deal between the EU and Turkey to stem the flow of refugees and migrants to Europe is hanging in the balance, over a decades-long dispute about the divided island of Cyprus. The 28 leaders of the EU will try to patch up a deal with Ankara before a meeting with Turkey’s Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, on Friday. At a summit in Brussels on Thursday night the EU agreed that it was ready to help Turkey.

But the offer fell far short after as Cyprus vowed to block any deal that would speed up Turkey’s EU accession. “Negotiations will certainly be anything but easy,” said Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel.

www.theguardian.com

enthusiastically embraced Judge Merrick B. Garland on Thursday in his first visit to the Capitol as a Supreme Court nominee, but Republican leaders, brushing aside stirrings of defections in their ranks, vowed again that they would not hold hearings or a confirmation vote this year even if a Democrat wins the White House in November. It was a strange day even for an often-fractious Capitol. Democrats moved forward with the traditional opening pageantry for a Supreme Court nominee, including staged photo opportunities and two largely ceremonial meetings.

www.nytimes.com

adventurous. For any of the nine preceding American presidents, his planned visit to the Cuba of Raúl and Fidel Castro, on March 21st and 22nd, would have been unthinkable. It crowns a bold gambit in which Mr Obama has restored diplomatic relations, frozen for 54 years, and begun to loosen the economic embargo against the island. He is betting that engagement with one of America’s neighbours will do more than isolation to bring its Communist regime to an end. Moreover, engagement with Cuba will lance a boil that has poisoned relations between the United States and the whole of Latin America.

www.economist.com

President Dilma Rousseff ’s appointment of her predecessor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to her cabinet, prompting clashes in Congress and on the streets. Just as Mr Lula da Silva’s swearing-in ceremony drew to a close, a federal judge issued an injunction, suspending the expresident’s appointment on the grounds that it prevented “the free exercise of justice” in corruption investigations.

Opposition politicians hailed the decision as a triumph for Brazilian democracy, while the government vowed to appeal, lambasting the order as part of a “coup” by the country’s elite.

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WEEKEnD EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

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

MEAN 101.4848 144.4547 113.8736 6.4746 33.2563 21.5402

BUY SELL 101.3867 101.5829 144.2989 144.6106 113.7472 114.0000 6.4663 6.4829 33.1749 33.3377 21.4701 21.6103

Treasury to cut State spending by Sh50bn: Rotich

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich during a past media briefing. He has said the government will reduce the budget of its department to stem wastage.

The government, through the Treasury ministry, has announced plans to cut governments expenditure by Sh50 billion for the fiscal year ending June due to a weaker economy.

Once approved, the move according to the Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich will reduce the budget deficit to 7 per cent from the current 8.7 per cent.

He said they will reduce government’s expenditure in some departments as well as raising expenditure in sensitive areas such as security, but the final cuts will outweigh total expenditure. ‘’We are increasing spending

Homa Bay County government in Sh123m ICT deal to boost services

The Homa Bay County government has received hi-speed Internet connectivity from Liquid Telcom as part of a Sh123 million roll out to enable it promote access to ICT facilities and services in local communities.

Covering a radius of 15km, the Homa Bay network is providing point-to-point Internet connectivity for the government, the corporate sector and small businesses, with some 20 corporate including Post Bank and Barclays Bank customers benefiting from the network.

“The connection will translate into huge benefits to county operations, as all county departments are now online, thus enhancing efficiency and co-ordination within ministries,”

said Head of Government Affairs at Liquid Telecom Kenya William Oungo.

According to County government officials, the completion of Phase One of the Homa Bay installation connected to county headquarters has eradicated long queues for government services.

“Before the installation of the Liquid Internet service, all tender documents were collected manually from county offices with long queues and people waiting for more than an hour just to get tender and other documents printed,” said County acting ICT Director Emmanuel Athoo. “Now the queues are gone. People are able to download tender documents and bring them to the office just

for processing,” he said. “This is a major milestone for the county.”

The county has also deployed the government’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), as well as the integrated payroll and personnel database. “The connectivity has already facilitated the payment of services and suppliers. Payment of salaries and suppliers is no longer delayed, since wire paymentsare made directly,’’ he added. Our procurement process is also now online making the whole process efficient, and we advertise jobs and tenders online too, through county website. The County will open an Innovation Centre to help resident’s access information faster. enock_x254

Entrepreneurs told to enter Sh57m Challenge Green Challenge, the world’s largest competition in the field of sustainable entrepreneurship, has urged Kenyan innovators to enter this year’s Sh57 million grant competition.

Known officially as the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge, the competition is open to any individual from any country from the age of 18 years. It is also open to companies, businesses, institutions and all other organisations.

The competition comes at a time when Kenyan entrepreneurs are

setting the pace for innovation across the globe. Home-grown innovations have garnered success across the East African region and even as far as Thailand, where Taita Ng’etich, a University of Nairobi Student is set to represent Kenya at the 2016 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) finals. The Green Challenge, the latest in a series of competitions, offers applicants the chance to win €500,000 (Sh57.3 million) with a runner up prize of €200,000 (Sh22.9 million). Building

on its mission to contribute to a greener world, the Dutch Postcode Lottery has been organising the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge since 2007. “Climate change demands new ways of thinking and that it why we started the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge to tackle our planet’s challenges,” said Dutch Postcode Lottery managing director Marieke van Schaik in a recent address.

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in some areas as we cut in particular areas. However the process may save as much as Sh50 billion,’’ said CS Rotich.

The International Monetary Funds (IMF) recently agreed to loan the county Sh152 billion to safeguard the nation against ‘exogenous shocks.

Rotich had earlier proposed a budget cut in government’s domestic borrowing for the fiscal year 2015/16 by 25 per cent to Sh168.2 billion prompted by lethargy in revenue collection.

Going forward, the country projects economic expansion of 6 per cent this year up from 5.6 per cent in 2015.

Reports reveal that the economy was weakened by agriculture sector which spattered in the recent years due to droughts that reduced tea production worsened by terror attacks that hindered the tourism sector, the country’s main source of foreign exchange and employment.

However, Rotich is optimistic that the cut in expenditure will not hurt the economy.

African Asset Management chairman Fred Mweni argues that the country was forced to cut the expenditure following a hard-hitting business environment.

Equity Bank staff arraigned in court over tax evasion Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has arraigned Equity staff at a Nairobi court to face tax evasionrelated charges as the body beefs up its effort against tax fraud.

Equity Namanga Branch Cash Officer Douglas Wachira faces eight tax-evasion related counts including conspiracy to evade payment of duty as well as interfering with information stored in customs computerised system.

A warrant of arrest has also been issued for the Equity Bank Namanga Branch Operations Manager Benson Kabuu for failing to appear in court.

The two bankers are suspected to be members of an elaborate tax evasion ring that has been fraudulently interfering with KRA Simba System.

Arising from the scam, the two bankers, face charges implicating them in the potential loss of Sh124 million. Also to be prosecuted are the clearing and forwarding agents, importers and the KRA staff suspected to have colluded with the bank’s staff in perpetrating the vice.

Already, an investigation into

the role played by KRA staff in the fraud is at an advanced stage with a view to having them prosecuted.

KRA is committed to ensuring that any member of staff involved in facilitating tax evasion is brought to book.

Other banks under investigation include the National Bank of Kenya, Commercial Bank of Africa and Cooperative Bank of Kenya.

The case follows a similar one in which a National Bank of Kenya staff was charged with interfering with information stored in the customs computerised system.

In a related incident, two employees of Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Leviscus G. Njeru and Ian Martin Ochieng were charged alongside three employees of clearing and forwarding firms for facilitating fraudulent transactions.

The bank officials were charged with tax evasion related charges and conspiracy to defraud the authority by interfering with information stored in the Simba Systems Customs. enock_x254

BUSINESS 7

Growth as film sector adopts technology WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

The use of new technology has given created employment opportunities and earned Kenya’s film industry billions of shillings annually, a study has revealed.

According to a report commissioned by the Kenya Film Commission, the country’s film industry now earns Sh200 billion annually, an increase

by Sh140 billion from 2007.

Kenya Film Classification Board chief executive Ezekiel Mutua attributed the steady growth to rise in technological innovation in the local scene.

He said Internet usage stands at 54 per cent with mobile usage at 80 per cent, positively impacting the economy and particularly, the film

Resolution Insurance awards its top performing brokers Resolution Insurance has awarded its top performing brokers in Nairobi County for the year 2015.

The Allstate Insurance Agency emerged the highest ranked contributor to Resolution Insurance sales for last year. This is the second time the agency is winning this coveted award.

It was ranked ahead of AON Kenya Insurance Brokers and Associated Insurance Brokers who were ranked first and second runners up respectively.

Speaking during the broker’s award ceremony, Resolution Insurance chief executive Peter Nduati said: “Last year, the insurance sector performed below its projected forecast and a number of insurance companies have announced mixed results including profit warnings.”

“Our way forward will entail investing in modern technology, having a stable regulatory environment and uptake of innovative insurance products and

solutions mainly driven by an expanding middle class.

I believe these will be the key drivers for growth in the insurance industry,” he added.

Other high-flying agents include Nyadwe Insurance Brokers, Realle Insurance Agency, Silkoak Insurance Agency, Kinetic Insurance Agency, Lifecare International Insurance Brokers.

Nduati said the awards improved the standing and credibility of winners in the industry and also open up doors for business-tobusiness opportunities when intermediaries and underwriters consider opportunities to partner together.

“Our company is growing fast by venturing in general insurance products and the expansion of our business would not have been possible without the continued support we have received from the brokers and agents over the years,” he said. kevin_x254

industry.

“This development is spurred largely by advances in technology as well as increased levels of investment by both local and foreign investors.

Kenya has a thriving film industry that has gathered a renewed pace of growth across the continent,” said Mutua.

Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Films and Publication Board of South Africa, Mutua said despite the exponential growth, challenges that come with technologies need to be addressed, especially the lack of regulation of online content.

He cited the recent introduction of

online television streaming services Netflix which has garnered mixed reactions among consumers.

“The biggest issue we have with Netflix is on programme ratings.

What’s rated 16 in the USA is not fit to be watched by a 16-year-old here in Kenya,” said Mutua.

He said the country lacks a regulatory framework to highlight on such issues especially those to do with online content.

“We are currently engaged in consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders as well as the government to formulate a regulatory framework,” said Mutua.

Dennis _x254

8

BUSINESS

Unilever, Kenya Dental Association partner in oral health campaign WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

Consumer goods manufacturer, Unilever has partnered with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to launch a behaviour change campaign ahead of this year’s World Oral Health Day (WOHD).

Unilever, through its Pepsodent toothpaste brand, aims to improve oral hygiene among 1 million children across the country.

The initiative comes at a time when the average net monthly income in Kenya is Sh20,520 while the average cost of a tooth extraction is Sh700, which represents a total day’s wage, based on recent statistics. This does not include diagnostic x-rays or prescriptions.

Unilever’s programme will educate and empower school children in Kenya to be ambassadors of change towards adopting oral health practices in their families. Speaking during the World Oral Health Day celebrations event, Kenya Dental Association chairman Dr. Andrew Wetende said this year’s theme; “It all starts here, healthy mouth, healthy body”, reiterates that oral health is an integral part of medical.

“If left untreated, dental diseases

can cause severe pain, infection and negatively impact the quality of life, children’s growth, school attendance and performance,” he explained.

“I wish to call on all oral care stakeholders, to come together and have concerted and actions that deliver a mobilised, maintained and strengthened agenda towards better

oral health practices for children and adults in Kenya,” he said.

“Oral health is also related to other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases through common risk factors,” Dr. Wetende added. The launch, held at Kimathi Primary School in Nairobi county, brought together over 3,000 children

From left Kenya Dental Association chairman Dr. Andrew Wetende, Pediatric Dentist and Unilever Africa Personal Care Vice-President Dr. Obel-Oluoch and another official Debra Mallowah educate Kimathi Primary School pupils on the correct brushing procedure during the World Oral Health day celebrations yesterday. Unilever has launched an Oral Health Behavioral Change Programme which will change oral hygiene behaviour among 1 million children across the country.

Zimbabwe enters bailout MoU with IMF to clear huge debts The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to loan ailing Zimbabwe in the third quarter of this year for the first time since 1999.

Zimbabwe will receive the money after paying off foreign lenders by the end of June, the country’s Central Bank Governor John Mangudya revealed. Mangudya said IMF would decide the exact amount of the loan to issue at a later date.

The fund had agreed to double the amount available for Zimbabwe, known as a financial quota, to $984 million (Sh99.8 billion), he said. The Southern African country’s foreign debt stands at $8.3 billion (Sh842 billion), of which $1.8 billion (Sh182 billion) is arrears.

President Robert Mugabe (pictured) ’s government last week agreed to major reforms including compensation for evicted white farmers and a big reduction in public sector wages as the government tries to woo back international lenders.

Zimbabwe would also receive an $896 million (Sh90 billion) loan from an unnamed country to pay off arrears to the World Bank. In addition, the African ExportImport Bank would provide $601 million (Sh60 billion) for Harare

from various schools in the county to be educated on correct oral health hygiene practices.

Unilever Africa Vice President for Personal Care, Debra Mallowah said: “Today Unilever’s Pepsodent tooth paste brand has committed to reduce the burden of oral disease in Kenya.

Through our oral health behavioural

to clear arrears to the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Zimbabwe would then receive the same amount as a grant from the AfDB, Mangudya said.

Zimbabwe is trying to emerge from years of international isolation, largely blamed on Mugabe’s policies, including the seizures of farms from white farmers.The worst drought since 1992 has left 4 million Zimbabweans facing hunger.

Mangudya said the drought had forced the government to lower its growth target for 2016 to below 2 per cent from 2.7 per cent. The IMF and World Bank forecast growth of 1.4 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. Once Zimbabwe clears its arrears, it would be ready

for rating by international ratings agencies, with a view to issue international bonds in future.

Mangudya said he supported the government’s decision to take over diamond mining in Marange because the government was receiving little money from the operations.

“After the rating we will then go for the Eurobonds and all to raise money on the international capital markets,” he said.

The government had issued $250 million (Sh25 billion) in treasury bills to raise money for its operations in 2015, Mangudya said, adding that the bank would soon start holding public auctions of treasury bills to enhance transparency in state borrowing.

change programme, we aim to reach 1 million children and inspire good oral care habits among them, hence minimise medical costs and school absenteeism associated with dental problems.”

“Kenya’s dentist to population ratio stands at 1:40,000 against WHO’s recommended ratio of 1:7,000, therefore reducing accessibility of dental care while making it expensive.

The government, through Health ministry is therefore emphasising more on prevention and promotive dental care, as demonstrated by this campaign, which is raising oral health awareness and hygiene,” noted Dr. E. Onyiego, Chief Dental Specialist at the Ministry of Health.

According to the National Oral Health Survey that was released in 2015, prevalence of dental cavities among children is 23.9 per cent with number of teeth affected ranging from 1 to 14. Prevalence among 5 year olds is higher at 46.3 per cent when compared to other age groups.

The high prevalence of tooth decay among both children and adult populations is an indication of poor oral hygiene practices.

Dennis_x254

New smart device guidelines to shake up ICT sector: Ministry

New rules seeking to regulate the availability and affordability of smart devices will be rolled out in a few months paving way for a shakeup in the country’s Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) sector.

Communications ministry says the industry is expected to experience changes in terms of regulations from June this year once the review of sector policy guidelines is complete.

According to recent reports, the move to revise the 2006 National ICT Sector Policy Guidelines has been necessitated by rapidly growing technology. The announcement comes at a time when only 39 per cent of Kenya’s population has access to the internet with few consumers having it in their homes.

This is despite a 2011 United Nations (UN) report which declared Internet access a Human Right.

The right to Internet access, also known as the right to broadband, is the view that all people must be able to access the Internet to exercise and enjoy their rights to Freedom of expression and opinion and other fundamental human rights. The declaration argues that governments have a responsibility to ensure that Internet access is broadly available, and that states may not unreasonably restrict an individual’s

access to the Internet. ICT Cabinet secretary Joe Mucheru says a lot of areas in the sector have seen changes in terms of introduction and use of new technology hence need to regulate and manage them to avoid things like competition conflicts. “The review is aimed at taking into account the rapid changes that have taken place within the ICT sector over the eight years since its development in 2006,” he told various stakeholders in the sector who will be allowed to give their input during the process.

A draft document on the policy guidelines was developed in 2015 but upon extensive consultation, it was felt that it required further input aimed at providing a more inclusive document incorporating additional new and emerging issues within the ICT sector. The review process will be carried out through three sectoral groups where the first group will focus on the infrastructural issues, the other will handle devices, applications and content while the third sectoral group will address the new and emerging issues.

The infrastructure team is expected to come up with strategic objectives to enhance ICT impact in the public sector as articulated in the e-Government strategic plan.

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

ACCESS

celeb chat

10

fashion Parade

Daniel Mbugua was born in oloitoktok anD he thrives in art be it writing, Drawing or Music. he is now planning a MaMMoth tour of east africa to Meet anD greet his fans. currently baseD in the us, Mbugua speaks out about his Music.

FACT FILE:

@duncan_x254

What is your latest release all about?

Princess Pro It’s a reggae love song talking to beautiful lady, it also about bringing back the old Kenyan sound the type of Nazizi and Necessary Noise back in the day.

How has it been received?

I am getting positive feedback from my fans. I can tell this is going to be a big one.

What are some of the challenges you are facing?

Marketing of my music in different media stations and also the distance but we are coping.

Any closing remarks?

My fans should get ready for big things I mean we are not resting just to give them the best of music and good stuff.

Quality is what we stand for.

TH DIA LOVE SP FRO OR M A

ou seem to be a child born of art how do you manage?

I would say it is all to due to God’s grace. I also have an amazing hardworking management team that believe in my art, especially in marketing my music.

Tell us more about your East Africa tour slated for July..

This is going to be a big one.

Finally making our statement in the industry and all I can say is that people should prepare for a big revolution in the music industry.

It is time that we take our position in E.A and challenge our brothers in Tanzania that are getting more air play worldwide.

What don’t you like about the Kenyan music industry?

The industry is picking up, and I like the fact that artistes are now releasing quality content and for that you have to up you game.

However, sometimes the fans opt to appreciate different music from countries like Tanzania and Nigeria. And also we are copying too much and losing our sound, I think if we remained true to our sound we would be very far.

So is this the same with the US? The US is a different scene all together. In comparison to the US, Kenya needs to work a bit harder although we can push it that fast otherwise we might lose the plot. In the US we get enough airplay and shows as well. Here people pay for music unlike in Kenya where there are wrangles with MCSK and other bodies, artistes are not getting what they deserve.

You mentioned that you are a billionaire in the making, how so?

Apart from music we are also into business and plans are also underway to start our own record label #webusy

WI

Y

Age: 27 FAvorite Food: Pilau FAvorite Sport: Football FAvorite ArtiSte: Me.

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

FASHIONScoop

IN YOUR CLOSET

For an evening out, match your shirtdress with some serious attitude.

Mix it all: Lace, net, mesh, slits and buttons.

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Chiffon gives the shirtdress a muchneeded casual appeal.

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Pair it up with a pair of killer heels to kill off a dull colored day.

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@mercy_x254

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Work Same Old Love

Rihanna Ft Drake Selena Gomez

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stonecold

Demi Lovato Lucas Graham Need To Breathe Shawn Mendes Beyonce Zayn The Weeknd Justin Bieber

7 Years Brother Stitches Formation Pillow Talk In The Niight Love Yourself

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

WEEKEND PLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide SUNday

WHERE: K1 Klub House WHO: DJ Crème TIME: 7Pm.

SatURday

@mercy_x254

WHERE: Nairobi Polo Club TIME: Noon ENTRY:From Sh350.

KaRaoKE

KENya KItE FEStIvaL

WHERE: Zen Garden WHO:Dela TIME: 10 Am ENTRY: From Sh800.

tHE MARkEt HOT

WHERE: Sarakasi Dome WHO: Willy M Tuva, Amos$Josh Among Others TIME:10 Am ENTRY: Free.

WHERE:Best Western TIME:6Pm.

SawaSaw

aMOs & jOsH

today St PatRIcK’S

TOPICS

SatURday

FEStIvaL

Out&About HEADER HEBABA

vISIT

wEtLoUNGE

IN WEStLANDS FOR A tAStE OF CLASS

We are in agreement that Westlands is the ideal party district of Nairobi. Fridays are frenzied and party lovers throng the streets in a parochial like movement where drinking and dancing go hand in hand.

Normally the action all happens at the Wood Vale groove, where traffic snarl clogs the street till the wee hours of the morning.

If you drink too much and loose sense, you might find yourself lost. Lost in the crowd and lost in terms of valuables. With this in mind, you always need a plan B. Wet lounge, located at Lantana, off Raphta road at the first floor of Hotel Royal Orchid offers you that option.

Here the ambiance is great, with stimulating Disc Jockeys and a delicious menu to sample and eat.

At Wet Lounge the fun begins with a happy hour from 5pm to 8pm with

doors open from Tuesday through to Sunday and closing at 4am on the said days.

And of course if you love blowing Sheesha, grace the lounge every Thursday which comes with a free cocktail as from 7-8pm.

And all Wednesdays are Burger Mania Wednesdays where the price is slashed at 50%. Wet Lounge fills that gap of un-chaotic yet intimate party mode and off course all these at a fair rate.

And if partying is so 90’s for you, then you can sample the Lounge’s menu which consist assorted exotic food including Thai Chili, Lemon Grass and Coconut soup, Grilled Portuguese Chicken and perhaps chocolate cigars! We don’t need to add that cigars are class in a different lingo, do we? @duncan_x254

@duncan_x254

Kim K’s new hair

While we are still keeping up with the Kardashians, Kim has decided to have a hair make over. She traded in her long brunette locks for a shorter ‘do and added dirty blonde amber highlights. Kim’s mommy makeover is just the latest step in her post-baby transformation after giving birth to baby Saint last year.

BEEF SEaSoN BEGINS: Bobby Mapesa and Gabu trash Nonini and P-Unit With their new release, Tuzidi Bobby Mapesa and Gabu seems to have washed their hands and dumped Nonini and P-Unit. The lyrics ‘Nilifyeka MGENGE Kwa Mtoto Mzuri, Akazaa ile UNIT Sasa imebeat’, Tumemtafuta GABU Wa P UNIT Kuhusu hili Swala na alikuwa na Haya ya Kusema “Sina Time Na Yeye, Am Way Way Way Way Past Him, Niko did Nonini Huko Far” (I out and he started P-Unit now it is shambles and fter a s k i n Gabu, he says he has no time for them, and he is way past they he is miles away from them).

Comeback Nonini? We are waiting!

MapEsa

today

11

Run for your life Lions are still on the loose!

Another stray lion was spotted this morning near City Cabanas. The lion is said to have attacked a man who was later rushed to hospital. The attack caused a frenzy on twitter as a red alert was raised

by KOT. KWS later said that the lion has been put back to where it belongs.

12

BUSINESS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Opportunities for advancement may suddenly appear that you weren’t aware of yesterday, and you’ll need to make snap decisions and go for what you want right away. Don’t be surprised if someone you’d nearly forgotten about is of great help today.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A friend or colleague may accompany you. Expect the unexpected where your career is concerned.

Unusual developments may open new doors so you can pursue different goals. You might want to take a course of some kind for pleasure or advancement.

FRIday 18/3/2016

sunny

28

27ºC 44%

SATURDAYday More sun than clouds 19/3/2016

28 6:37 am 6:44 pm

27ºC 48%

6:37 am 6:44 pm

SUNday

28

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

Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You’re a lot more mentally focused than usual. People around you might have ideas that you should consider. You might experience some intuitive insights, so go with your gut. Don’t let your mind get in the way. Tonight, keep a notebook by your bed to record your dreams!

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 You might find yourself in discussions dealing with such partnerships, as well as contracts and other paperwork. You might also set aside time during which you can concentrate on a romantic relationship, a new one or current one that’s changing and growing.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 You should be feeling especially strong, confident, and focused, so if you’ve been thinking about looking for a new position, this is the day to check the ads. Advancement through your own efforts is strongly indicated by the aspects in force today.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Perhaps you’ve been doing some writing or intend to teach a class. You might want to give the idea some thought, Gemini, if you haven’t already. Your physical and mental energies are high. Success is strongly indicated if you start the ball rolling.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Whatever the connection, Cancer, a lot of interesting discussion should take place, and promising plans for the future could well be made. Take care not to stay up too late, however. Your mind could go a thousand miles an hour and you’ll need to unwind so you can sleep!

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Getting it done properly is probably going to require a lot of ingenuity on your part, Leo, but you’ll manage it. Your mind is particularly quick, sharp, and focused today, so you’ll be able to accomplish a lot in whatever you try. In the evening, attend a concert, lecture, or other event in your community.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 A new business opportunity may come your way, Virgo. You aren’t likely to want to commit to a permanent involvement, but you might take it on temporarily simply for the sake of the money.

Perhaps you want to make some changes in your home, such as new furniture or paint.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your physical energy is high and your ambition even higher, Libra. You’re likely to want to turn your mind to new projects that can advance your socioeconomic status. You could spend a lot of time today gathering information and sending it out, doing whatever it takes to accomplish your goals.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You could be working behind the scenes on a project of some kind, perhaps involving earning some extra money or raising funds for a worthy cause. Your intuition is operating at a high level, so don’t be surprised if you tune in to the thoughts of others.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You’re also likely to be looking to the future, Sagittarius, formulating ideas for other projects and discussing them with friends. Group activities could benefit you at this time and put you in touch with new people who could possibly become close to you. In the evening, go to an exciting movie.

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13

PLAY WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Tirana’s country 8. Stays in neutral 13. Top 14. Singer Warwick 16. Reasons to call a plumber 17. Distinguished public speaker 18. Winged ones 19. ___ man (paleontological hoax) 21. Put out, as a fire 22. Solidifies 23. Ambulance staff (abbr.)

24. Common typo 25. Goldfish in Disney’s “Pinocchio” 26. Path around the earth 27. Like a tough steak 30. Stammering sounds 31. Incite to action 33. Opposite of “cathode” 35. ____ New York minute 36. Primary, perhaps 40. Hone 42. Henry’s sixth 43. Lamb’s kin 46. Tim or Tara 47. Dry, as dishes 48. Reside (in) 50. Dig find

52. Least effusive 53. More wicked 54. Cup-shaped flowers 56. “Sanford and Son” son 57. Crazily 58. Extends credit 59. Clingy ones Down 1. “We ___ amused” 2. NHL part 3. Cake cookery 4. “It is ___ told by an idiot...”

5. Refusals, in short 6. British suffix 7. Rapidly 8. People on pedestals 9. Soil 10. Free end?

11. Laid to rest, pharaoh-like 12. Traction aid 13. Elated 15. Some dadaist paintings 20. “Am ____ loud?”

22. Camera variety, for short 25. Group in a spies’ network 26. Winery prefix 28. Second in command, briefly 29. Hair-removal brand name

31. Space 32. Canada’s ___ Provinces 34. Single-file 35. Haifa’s country 37. Grand, as an adventure 38. Kangaroo of TV 39. Three, in Tuscany 41. Artist Redon 44. “Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer ____” 45. Classic Fords 47. ___ and all 48. Rashad of football 49. Site for crafty entrepreneurs 51. Stave (off) 52. Mobutu ____ Seko 55. Wichita-to-Omaha dir.

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY State should remove IDs acquisition requirements With the just concluded voter listing by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) marred by apathy, lack of an Identity Cards has been blamed as one of the reasons that led to low turnout.

An Identity card is the most vital document in the country, one that legitimises an individual in the eyes of the Kenyan law.

Fundamentally, for one to acquire the crucial document, is simply being a Kenyan citizen by birth, have attained 18 years of age, possess an authentic birth certificate and in some instances an introductory letter from the area chief.

This obnoxious law that demand an introductory letter from the area chief has

made the process tedious and a difficult undertaking.

ID registration clerks make it drearier especially if one hails from the capital. To them ‘no one comes from Nairobi, everyone has their roots upcountry.’ This law is not only illegal but also promotes sour ethnic divisions. You are reminded that you belong to a given ethnic region whereas on the other end, commissions are set up to tell us we are one united nation.

While it is important to ensure only genuine Kenyans are issued with IDs, registration officials have over emphasised this checks and balances making the process tedious.

The outdated law should be abolished to pave way for more clear and coherent policies within the current

era.

In fact, the National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2015 conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission proves that those seeking identity cards must part with bribes.

Given that many of the applicants are youth barely out of school and have no money, many of them find it difficult to acquire this vital document.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has in various occasions directed that any Kenyan can apply for his card anywhere in the country as all of us belong to one nation.

This directive should be followed the letter to ensure every citizen is accommodated.

— Nderitu.

Graft in the Youth kitty spells doom for country The massive loss of funds at the Youth Enterprise Development Fund is a clear indication that there is hope in sight in the war against corruption.

The youth are supposed to provide an alternative paradigm shift in as far as war on graft is concerned but the latest revelations now paint a grim picture and make it covert that corruption in the country has reached bad levels. Kenyans could be headed to the ruins if their only hope, the youth have joined the old folks in perpetuating the vice.

Taxpayers lost a whooping Sh180 million

belonging to the helpless youth in country under unclear circumstances that even the mangers of the fund cannot explain.

Many people had warned that if not checked, corruption will consume the entire country, and it is indeed happening with the competition now being reduced to who is a better thief than the other and who can pull a serious scandal with multi-billions shillings varnishing without a trace.

— Steve Buks

Kenyans can ape Somalis way of life to be happy Many will be started by a UN survey that indicates that Somalis are happier than Kenyans or any other nation in the East African region, considering myriads of predicament and misfortunes such as low GDP, perpetual war and terror attacks led by the Al-Shabaab that has continued to haunt Somalia for years.

Somalis say neither health, life expectancy nor economic success make them happy, but a sense of generosity, social support and imagined happiness and residual likings.

Many Kenyans believe that economic success and social gratification are the source of man’s happiness, therefore will strain and stretch hard to cultivate their socio-economic sources to attain happiness no matter the course or cost.

To Kenyans, the nonmystical and delusional approach to happiness is that if you attain what you desire, you are happy; and if you don’t, you are unhappy.

This is known as happiness for a reason. It is inherently fleeting because it depends on

external reasons. A reflective person knows that this kind of happiness is short-lived. When we finally possess what we have been desiring, somehow the happiness soon fades, and before we know it, we are back to our dissatisfied self again, desiring something new to give us that elusive happiness because, success, as they say, has no satiation point.

We hurt, discriminate, bribe and even kill others in our pursuit of that which makes us happy, yet we don’t attain it. But even if we attain it today, its peripheral glory fades away and tomorrow we want to try something different.

Happiness was born a twin; generosity and happiness.

If you are happy and content with what you have and be generous with both, you won’t have to hunt for happiness. A man’s measure is not in what he has but in what he gives. The fact of the matter, however is, true happiness lies on an internal state of one’s consciousness.

Kenyans should borrow a leaf from Somalis it is a challenge.

— Phabian Jr

EACC survey indicates its failure in graft war The Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission has failed in its cardinal role of ending corruption in the country.

The body on Tuesday released a report indicating that corruption level has increased despite the massive resources the commission has to fight the vice.

Instead of providing solutions

and achievements, EACC confirmed to the country their failure by indicating that corruption continue to choke the nation.

It is very shameful for the same agency given powers to fight graft, can come up with a survey indicating that graft levels are on the rise. It is now apparent that a new alternative to fight corruption

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is needed immediately to take the place of EACC in the antigraft war.

Instead of using the little resources to reduce the level of corruption, they have gone into surveys and the indicators are indeed shocking.

— Okbichalonu

14

SPORT

KTTA gives ‘ping-pong’ league new beginning WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

Glory Outreach will clash with Team Nakuru in the opening match of the Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) National Premier League this weekend at Nairobi’s Makini School.

The league resumes after several years as part of an elaborate plans by KTTA to steer the ‘ping pong’ game in the country to desirable heights.

The 10-team tournament will also see Kengen take on City Stadium in another early match. Teams are drawn from across the country.

There has been some rivalry among teams with some already bantering over who will call the shots on the opening weekend.

“We anticipate some cutthroat competition with teams determined to outdo each other on the table,” said KTTA chairman Andrew Mudibo.

Last November, KTTA launched the Tucheze Tebo initiative to put a table in each county.

“We have partnered with various organisations worldwide including TIAS form Japan and Ping Sans Frontieres and MYSA to help spread our tentacles countrywide as well as whipping-up the enthusiasm of young budding players,” said Mudibo.

Other teams that have registered for the

Fixtures

Glory Outreach Vs Team Nakuru, Kengen Vs Vs City Stadium (9:00am), Kitale Vs HFCK, JKUAT Vs Strathmore University (11:00AM),Aga Khan Sports Club Vs Team Nakuru, Glory Outreach Vs Kengen (2:00PM) City Stadium Vs Kitale, JKUAT Vs HFCK (4.00P)

Kenya Table Tennis (KTTA) chairman Andrew Mudibo (second right) and other officials during the launch of Makini Table Tennis Club at the school. He has urged stakeholders to help the association develop the sport in the country.

League include Kisumu, Nakuru, Kenyatta University and KenGen among others.

Mudibo added: “All teams must report to the Referee’s table an hour before the match, for checking of uniforms and players cards.”

Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Agriculture (JKUAT) will then

take to the table against Strathmore University followed by a match between Aga Khan Sports Club and Team Nakuru.

Glory Outreach will the entertain Kengen as City Stadium clash with Kitale.

The final match of the day will pit JKUAT against HFCK .

PREMIER LEAGUE

Local media houses to take part in StarTimes football tournament Local media houses will take their rivalry in a test of strength on the pitch during a one day seven-a-side, Inter-Media football tournament to be held on April 2 and Kasarani Stadium.

The 16-team tournament has been organised by pay Television providers, StarTimes and will be graced by former Nigerian captain and Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu.

Each team will have 10 players, two of whom must be female and one of them who will play at all times. Deadline for confirmation is set on March 22.

Kanu, 40, skippered Nigeria when they won the 1996 Olympic title besides playing for Dutch side AFC Ajax, as well as English sides Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion.

He will also conduct football clinics for children and visit cardiovascular condition patients at Kenyatta National Hospital to promote his Kanu Heart Foundation initiative he founded in 2000 to save underprivileged African children by offering cardiovascular procedures.

With the English Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup and Olympic titles to his name and two African-Footballer-of-the-Year honours Kanu is one of the most decorated football players in Africa.

“He is an inspiration to many because his success story is the typical African narrative of rising to stardom against all odds. He is a star the man next door can relate to and we are proud that he is coming to Kenya to interact with football enthusiasts,” said StarTimes communication officer Alex Mwaura.”

“Driving affordable access to premium European soccer leagues will go a long way towards inspiring the next generation of footballers,” noted Kanu who was appointment as StarTimes Ambassador for Africa on October 30.

StarTimes currently holds the exclusive broadcast rights across Africa for Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Coppa Italia matches. @elvince_x254

Spurs, United crash out as Liverpool advance Manchester United and Tottenham Hot Spurs were both knocked out of Europa League by Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund respectively last night.

Philippe Coutinho’s brilliant solo chip killed United’s hopes of a Europa League comeback and sent Liverpool into the last at Old Trafford while Dortmund progressed on 5-1 aggregate after completing a double against Spurs.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were protecting a two-goal lead from the first leg at Anfield.

Anthony Martial’s 32ndminute penalty offered United brief hope, before they fell to Coutinho’s qualiser.

It was an end to end exchange with Jesse Lingard and Juan

Mata had missing clear chances for United as Liverpool threatened with Coutinho forcing a save from David de Gea while Daniel Sturridge hit the bar with a free-kick and Jordan Henderson missed an open goal.

The away goal for Liverpool which left United needing four on the night, came right on half-time when Coutinho beat Guillermo Varela with ease before lifting a near-post finish past hapless De Gea. Sadly, the final stages of the match were marred by clashes between supporters near the Liverpool corner of the ground, and it remains to be seen if Uefa will take any action.

And that was down to the lamentable performance at

Anfield last Thursday when Liverpool dominated every facet of the first leg to secure a two-goal lead that could actually have been much more.

Meanwhile in London, Spurs were shown the dust by visiting Dortmund that had done the damage seven days earlier in Germany when Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino decided to play a weakened and inexperienced team against one of the favourites to win the Europa League.

Spurs needed to score at least five times when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s swerving shot flew into the far corner. They were trailing 3-0 before the kick off.

The Gabon striker fired in the German side’s second after a

swift counter. Son Heung-min reduced the arrears as toothless Spurs failed to make the lasteight for a third successive year.

Spurs manager left out danger man Harry Kane on the bench for Sunday league match against Bournemouth, a clear indication that his main target is the league title not Europa.

Without their talisman, the home side never looked like troubling a Dortmund team which had not been beaten in their 13 previous matches.

Spurs had 61 per cent possession, without dominating the territory inside the Dortmund third, and only managed one shot on target Son’s second-half consolation goal.

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho raises his hands in celebration after scoring his team’s equaliser against Manchester United at Old Trafford last night. Liverpool beat United 3-1 on aggregate to advance. PHOTO: PETER POWELL/EPA

Former FIFA Sec Gen Valcke under probe over graft Criminal proceedings have been opened against former Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke, Swiss investigators say.

Valcke was put on leave last September after football’s governing body said it had “been made aware of a series of allegations” involving him. The 55-yearold French was later banned from football for 12 years The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) said it is now investigating Valcke for “various acts of criminal mismanagement”.

It added the criminal investigation are related to the “matters investigated by the Fifa Ethics Committee” which led to Valcke’s ban last month.

He has not been arrested, but was

questioned by investigators who carried out searches on Thursday.

Valcke was sacked by Fifa after it investigated allegations of misconduct relating to sales of World Cup tickets.

His lawyer, however said his client had done “absolutely nothing wrong”.

But the inquiry heard as well as his involvement in the World Cup tickets sales, from which he allegedly sought to privately benefit, he also attempted to sell TV and media rights to a third party in a cut-price deal.

The inquiry also heard Valcke routinely used a private plane for personal use “and caused considerable financial loss to Fifa”. The Swiss Attorney General’s statement came on the day it emerged

Valcke was paid Sh21 million by Fifa last year. The organisation’s annual financial report also showed disgraced former president Sepp Blatter earned Sh366 million.

The salaries were released for the first time as part of new Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s commitment to transparency.

Infantino was elected last month with a mandate to clean up the corruptionplagued body.

“These results stand as a cautionary tale of what can happen if we lose sight of the primary responsibilities of our mission, and if we fail to take the necessary steps to protect our organisation,” said Infantino.

SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 18-20, 2016 | WWW.x254.CO

MANCHESTER UNITED, TOTTENHAM BUNDLED OUT OF EUROPA LEAGUE AS LIVERPOOL ADVANCE

p15

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

All at stake in derby clash

M

anchester United must beat rivals Manchester City on Sunday to keep alive their hopes of booking a Champions League spot next season. United must win the Manchester derby against the only English side still standing in the Champions League in front of their home fans..

City are fourth on the log with 51 points against United’s 47 which places them sixth on the table.

City, who will know their next Champions League opponent

just a few hours before the match has not been consistent in the domestic front of late winning only one of their last five matches in all competitions.

When it comes to derby, City has won six of their last nine meetings. The biggest win or the Citizens over the Red Devils was a 6-1 win in October 23, 2011/2012 season at the Etihad.

The last league meeting between the two sides at Old Trafford produced no goal.

Sergio Aguero with 11 goals in

his last eight BPL outings at the Etihad Stadium also boast of an impressive record of five goals against United but Luis Van Gaal side have never lost three successive league matches away at Man City since 1955 (four in a row).

With Aguero and Silva back in harness, and Yaya in rampant form against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday night, it is the Blues who look to be in better shape.

United has however recalled the duo of Antonio Valencia and Ashly Young to the side with

the former featuring against Liverpool in the Europa match and the latter training with the first team. City, however will be without Captain Vincent Kompany who hobbled out in their last Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev which ended in a barren draw.

Elsewhere, League leaders Leicester City will aim to better their points when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace who are 15 places and 30 points below them on the table.

Their closest challenger Tottenham who were knocked out of the Europa League by Borussia will wait until Sunday when they play Bournemouth.

Arsenal, who are six points behind Spurs will kick the weekend with a trip to Everton while defending champions Chelsea host West Ham United, five places above them in the standing.

Liverpool will square it out with Southampton who will welcome Kenyan Victor Wanyama from suspension.

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