20160302 xnews

WEDNESday, MARCH 2, 2016 | www.x254.co

3

corruption, poverty hindering youth growth Research by the national council for population development reveals most youth are discouraged from applying for state tenders and loans because of bureaucracy and bribery

14

NEWS

AFC leopards take on Bandari in a sportpesa premier league clash

Tribunal overturns robinson owiti’s ban from kenya gold union activities

Presidential petition: Judges want more time

C

alls to increase the number of days for hearing a presidential election petition from 14 to 30 have gained momentum after receiving the backing from a Court of Appeal judge.

Justice David Maraga who is also the chairman of the Judicial Committee on Elections says the extension will allow the Supreme Court judges to have sufficient time to

write their judgment.

“Writing precedent setting judgment needs time and hence the request for more time to hear Presidential petition. Let there be enough time for the Supreme Court to look at all the evidence provided by both parties so that one party doesn’t blame the judges,” Justice Maraga said on Citizen TV today morning.

Maraga who is the presiding judge at the Court of appeal in Kisumu said Kenya is the only country in the world with a very strict deadline on determination of presidential election petition.

He argued that with the extension, Supreme Court judges will have 13 days to write judgment as opposed to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 current three days.

EPIC JOURNEY: Space Station crew return after 340 days in Space

www.x254.co

International Space Station crew members Scott Kelly of the US (left) and Mikhail Kornienko of Russia react after landing near the town of Dzhezkazgan in Kazazhstan earlier today. The two returned to Earth after spending almost a year in space in a ground-breaking experiment foreshadowing a potential manned mission to Mars. PHOTO: KIRILL KUDRYAVYSEV/EPA See Story on Page 5

2

NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Judges want more time to hear presidential petition From Page 1

“Why are we in such a haste to swear in our president? In Uganda it takes 14 days to write judgment if there is any presidential petition. In America the president elect takes almost one month before being sworn in. But in Kenya, Supreme Court has just two to three days to write judgment which to me is not ideal,” he explained.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga last week said sufficient time needs to be given to the Judiciary to determine any presidential petition.

The CJ Proposed that the period should be extended from the current 14 days to 30 days in order to give Supreme Court sufficient time to properly determine presidential petitions without exposing the country to an inordinate delay.

In the last elections, Judiciary received 188 petitions including the Presidential petition.

On the wide corruption allegations that has dogged the Judiciary, Maraga admitted that there is corruption in the corridors of justice but said the JSC has put up mechanisms and all cases are being addressed.

“Indeed there is corruption, we haven’t denied that but all the issues

5 perish in Mtito Andei accident

Five people were killed when a bus collided head-on with a truck near Mtito Andei early today.

Traffic commandant Jecintah Kinyua said the truck was overtaking another vehicle during the am accident at Silanga area.

The bus was heading to Mombasa.

The traffic boss attributed the cause of the accident to the driver’s carelessness.

“It is unfortunate that we continue losing lives due to carelessness and failure to adhere to traffic regulations,” she said.

According to police, the bus driver was among those who perished.

Passengers who sustained injuries are admitted at various hospitals in Mtito Andei and Machakos.

“If all drivers are careful, we will be able to minimize such accidents,” she added, and appealed to drivers to respect the traffic regulations.”

are being addressed and the public needs to appreciate that. Some judges have been cleared and therefore not all judges are corrupt. In writing our judgment at least one party must win, it’s rare to find both parties win but to the public if one party wins then the judge is corrupt which is wrong. We need to understand the law,” Maraga said.

On the dwindling public confidence on Judiciary, the judge called for more patience from the public as Judiciary is going through transformation.

“It is true Judiciary lacks public confidence but we have done a lot, look at the clearance of cases across the country it has seriously improved but again the public doesn’t see that but we will continue to try and serve the public expeditiously. Judiciary is manned by human beings and the public should not condemn anything they do,” he said.

Maraga said due to limited resources, there are few judges and therefore cases take time to conclude. He said in the last financial year, only Sh16 million out of which 8 million went to operations and another for paying salaries therefore nothing left to employ more judges.

Court of Appeal Judge and Judicial Committee on Elections chairman Justice David Maraga.

Politicians not sincere in uniting Kenyans:Kaparo

Political leaders are not sincere in preaching unity among Kenyans, chairman National Cohesion and Integration Commission Francis ole Kaparo has said.

Kaparo said politicians only talk of unity during day time at the rallies but at night, they do the opposite.

“Politicians are the most insincere people, during the day they talk of unity but at night they do the opposite,” Kaparo said.

He said the commission’s work has been hampered by the lack of cooperation from the political class whom he said play a pivotal role in the integration of Kenyans.

“The commission cannot achieve integration for the people of this country alone, we need everyone and especially the politicians,” he said.

The former speaker of the National Assembly said the recent clashes between two communities in Kariobangi North in Embakasi North where one person was seriously injured is a classic example how politicians are not playing their role.

“The incident witnessed tells you that things are still not right but we are trying as a commission especially at this time when the country is approaching General Elections,” he said.

Kaparo asked the police and other agencies to work closely with NCIC in order to achieve national integration.

Go out and serve the nation, Uhuru tells new officers President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday told newly-recruited police officers that the future of the country depends on how they perform their duties.

He said the stability and progress of the country is tied to how police confront criminals and the integrity, impartiality they exhibit in their duty.

President Uhuru, who spoke when he presided over the passing out parade of 1,976 General Service Unit recruits at the GSU Training School – Embakasi, said the role of the police is to ensure criminals have no space in the country and the threat of terror, radicalisation of the youth, criminal activity and cattle rustling are curbed.

“History will judge this Police Service by its response to these issues, and by the degree of its integrity, its impartiality and its fidelity to the law as it deals with them,” he said.

President Uhuru, at the same announced that he has issued directives for the recruitment of a new batch of 10,000 police officers.

He said the new recruits will enable Kenya to achieve the recommended minimum of police population ratio of 1:430 to keep the country secure.

He said the irony of insecurity is that what was built through years of painstaking effort, can be destroyed by reckless and rogue criminals in a matter of moments.

“Your job is to ensure that does not happen. The matter of security is not peripheral to national development; it is at the very heart of it. Your work will have extraordinary significance

for the future of Kenya,” the President said.

President Uhuru urged the new police officers to dedicate themselves to protect Kenyans and assured that the government will continue investing more resources to improve the police service.

He said more will be done to improve police welfare and said he was committed to support the police for a secure Kenya.

“My administration continues to work diligently to ensure that you are effectively equipped to carry out your mandate, and to

President Uhuru Kenyatta salutes after inspecting a guard of honour during passing out parade for over 1,500 newly-recruited police officers at Embakassi GSU Training College.

protect you, even as you protect Kenyans,” the President said.

He said government investment extends beyond equipping the police, to improving their service conditions as well. We have invested in two key areas: housing and health.

“The Interior ministry has been hard at work commissioning the construction of new houses for our police service; they have already developed over 2000 units, and rented many more.

This year we expect to increase the number of houses further,” he said.

Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery urged the new officers to strive to meet and exceed the expectation of Kenyans.

“Your success will be determined by your loyalty to the nation, patriotism and your commitment to duty,” said the CS. Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said police will reciprocate the increased funding for police reforms and welfare by working more diligently to protect Kenyans.

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Avoid wrangles over health functions, governors urged

National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) Director General Dr Josephine Kibaru-Mbae with Principal Secretary for Planning and Statistics Wilson Saitoti during the release of ‘National Adolescent and Youth Survey’ today at a Nairobi hotel.

Corruption, poverty hindering growth of youth, survey reveal Corruption, poverty and bad governance have been named as the biggest impediments to the growth of youths across the country, a new survey reveal.

The research, which was conducted by the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), also cited poor pay from employers, lack of skills and exploitation as some of the factors that deter youths from actively looking for employment.

The report dubbed ‘National Adolescent and Youth Survey’ which was released today morning, also suggest that youths in the country are not sufficiently equipped with available or completely had no access to the necessary information and services that would positively impact their change of lives.

The report further revealed that demographic dividend are required change in population structure, investments in health, education, skills training, and economic sectors that directly informs policies, strategies, programmes and projects carried by private and public institutions.

“Young people in this country are concerned that various organizations are not addressing their plight nor improving their well-being in the society” read the National Adolescent and Youth Survey.

The report further says “The youths want to contribute to efforts of connecting and providing evidence of a potential for demographic and develop policy and program recommendations of a better future” Addressing the media at Panafric hotel as he unveiled the report, Principal Secretary for Planning and Statistics Mr Wilson Saitoti, said that adolescents and youth were a cohort of the population and very important to the sustainability of Kenya’s development and should, therefore, be able to be taken care of.

“The country is yet to adequately create an environment favourable to the uptake of a large working-age cohort like the youth into dynamic sectors that will translate into economic growth. The right environment includes quality of the workforce (supply) as well as the quality of the economic opportunities (demand),” said Saitoti.

He urged politicians to play a bigger role in management of youth affairs by extensively creating employment and assisting in mobilizing resources for education.

NCPD Director General Dr Josephine Kibaru-Mbae said for youths in the country to exploit their potential fully, the government needs to reduce the barriers and costs of education and establish strong linkages between TVET and industry to address relevance of training.

“The government needs to enforce laws against cultural barriers to education and comply with Basic Education Act, establish a system for competence based assessment to enable TVET graduates acquire right skills, knowledge and attitudes, Rebrand TVET as training of choice” she said.

The survey was conducted in all the 47 counties in Kenya but clustered into 16 survey regions based on social-demographic characteristics.

NCPD said that the survey was guided by the National Sample Survey and Evaluation Programme (NASSEPV) to map out areas where the data was collected from.

The report sought to reveal potential that exists for a demographic dividend in each of the 47 counties and identify specific investment opportunities are available in each of the 47 to accelerate achievement of the demographic surplus. @hillary_x254

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu has urged the county governors to avoid unnecessary conflicts with the National government over the management of health services in the country.

Mailu said when the two tiers of government are engaged in tussles over the management of health resources, it’s the public that suffers most.

The CS said both levels of government are serving Kenyans, therefore should only focus in providing quality services to the public.

“The management of health in the country is not a competition between the County and the National government, there must be harmony as both are serving the same public,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary made the remarks today at a Nairobi Hotel during Heath sector Intergovernmental Consultative forum with County health Executives.

“Media reports on health has not been good in the recent past, but this must change because I believe we have solution among us,” said Mailu.

He said County governments should prudently manage the resources provided to them by the National government.

“Let us utilise the little resources we have,

provision of quality health care should start at the basic level. As CEC in charge of health you should make sure that the dispensaries at the sub county level are well equipped,” he said.

“You have been given a job to improve the health sector at the county, it’s not about going to the office every day and getting a salary at the end of the month,” Mailu told the County health Executives.

The CS remarks come just a week after governors complained to the Senate Health Committee that the National government is still holding up Sh900 million meant for health despite the function being 90 per cent devolved.

Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya and his Kisumu counterpart Jack Ranguma also accused the National government of holding up to 50 per cent of money allocated to health. Mailu said health is a fully devolved function, but that does not mean the two levels of government cannot work together. “The National government has no intention to reverse the health function, but I encourage consultation to improve provision of health care service in the country,” he said. @wilson_x254

Now everyone can drive Now you can pay by mpesa securely Hotline: 0704773300 www.rockyschool.co.ke

Hospital cellings are boring.

Drive Safely!

4

NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Clinton, Trump tighten election grip

Front runners Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have won majority states on ‘Super Tuesday’ to significantly raise the odds that the former secretary of state and property mogul will face off in November’s US presidential election. Super Tuesday is the biggest night of the US primary election with 11 state voting.

And Mrs Clinton convincingly beat Senator Bernie Sanders by winning seven against the Vermont senator’s four.

On the Republican side, Mr Trump demonstrated the breadth of his appeal by winning six states from Massachusetts and Virginia to Alabama and Georgia. He was leading in Vermont with polls still open in Alaska. Ted Cruz, the Texas senator, won his home state, and received a big boost by winning Oklahoma. Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, won his first state of the 2016 race with a badly-needed victory in Minnesota.

Clinton triumphed in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, Massachusetts and Texas while Sanders won in Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma and in his home state of Vermont. Super Tuesday sees 11 states voting on the biggest single day ahead of the 8 November presidential election.

Mrs Clinton beat Sanders 79-18, 67-29 and 71-28 in Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia respectively before recording others wins in Tennessee (66-32), Virginia (64-35), Texas (6632) and Massachusetts (51-48).

But it was Sanders who recorded the biggest margin in the wins by beating his challenger 86-14 in Vermont. But similar feats could not be recorded in Minnesota and Oklahoma where the margin was rather small, 59-41 and 52-42 respectively.

Mr Trump’s major wins were recorded in Massachusetts where he garnered 49 votes against 18 for Marco Rubio and 10 for Ted Cruz and in Alabama where he won by 44 against 21 and 18 for Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio respectively.

Both Clinton and Trump entered Super Tuesday as the favourites to win the vast majority of states for their respective parties.

In her victory speech on Tuesday, Mrs Clinton

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton at a campaign rally at a film studion in Miami, Florida yesterday. She and her Republican counterpart Donald Trump (right) have scored sweeping victories in US Super Tuesday nominations.

PhOTO: jOE SkIPPER/EPA

appeared to already be looking towards a potential presidential race against Donald Trump, saying: “The stakes in this election have never been higher and the rhetoric we’re hearing on the other side has never been lower.”

Donald Trump, for his part, insisted that he was a “unifier” who could put internal fighting in the Republican party behind him to focus on a general election race against Mrs Clinton.

“Once we get all this finished, I’m going after one person - Hillary Clinton,” he told reporters in Florida, where he has been campaigning ahead of the state’s vote later this month.

The billionaire also insisted he had “expanded the Republican party”, referring to higher turnout from a broad demographic in states that have already voted. Texas Senator Ted Cruz called on his rivals to drop out of the race,

which he says would enable him to contend Mr Trump’s lead more effectively. Mr Trump has stunned the Republican establishment to become the party’s front-runner. Despite his controversial policies on immigration, the former reality TV star has been consistently polling well above his rivals - Ted Cruz, Mr Rubio, Mr Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Both Senators Cruz and Rubio have ramped up their anti-Trump rhetoric over the past week, in a bid to halt his commanding lead in the race. The outcome of Super Tuesday will be critical for both candidates to remain the race. On the Democratic side, Mrs Clinton had already secured three wins in the first four early-voting states and has led significantly among blocs of black voters there.

Bernie Sanders, who describes himself

as a democratic socialist, has put up an unexpectedly strong challenge against the former secretary of state after his sweeping victory in New Hampshire last month.

Addressing cheering supporters at his victory speech in Vermont on Tuesday, Mr Sanders aimed a jibe at the Republican front-runner saying: “We are not going to let the Donald Trumps of the world divide us.”

Voters have been casting their ballots across the country, from Massachusetts and Virginia on the east coast to Texas and all the way to Alaska. Super Tuesday is pivotal in the presidential nomination race, with nearly a quarter of the 2,472 Republican delegates are up for grabs and some 20% of all delegates for the Democrats. @peter_x254

and Agencies

Top stories from X News global partners US Captures ISIS Argentina reaches a Super Tuesday: Wins Refugee crisis: European Operatives, Ushering deal with its creditors: For for Trump and Clinton: leaders demand urgent In a Difficult Phase: An more than 14 years Elliott Management, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton support for Greece: Aid elite American Special Operations force the hedge fund led by Paul Singer, was scored sweeping victories on “Super

agencies and NGOs have said Europe’s “unconscionable” response to the refugee crisis is courting humanitarian disaster, as Brussels scrambled to prepare emergency summits and desperate scenes unfolded across the continent, from Greece’s border with Macedonia to a makeshift camp outside Calais. With the EU entering what many see as a make-or-break phase in tackling the crisis, the bloc’s most senior leaders called for urgent action to support Greece as at least 8,500 refugees and migrants remained trapped without permanent shelter on the country’s closed northern border with Macedonia. www.theguardian.com

has captured a significant Islamic State operative in Iraq and is expected to apprehend and interrogate a number of others in coming months, ushering in a new and potentially fraught phase in the fight against the extremist Sunni militant group. American defense officials described the capture as a crucial development in battling the Islamic State but said it also raised questions about handling what is likely to be a growing group of detainees. Although a handful of Islamic State fighters have been captured in recent years, the Pentagon is now faced with the prospect of detaining a larger group of captives. www.nytimes.com

the pantomime villain in Argentina’s dispute with its bondholders. Rather than accepting a big write-down, as other creditors did during restructurings in 2005 and 2010, Elliott, along with several other “holdout” creditors, pursued full payment through the New York courts.

That led to a default by Argentina in 2014.

Now the drama is entering its final act.

On February 29th Daniel Pollack, the court-appointed mediator, announced that Argentina had reached an agreement in principle with four of the largest creditors, led by Elliott. Argentina’s payment of $4.65 billion will be 25% less than they were claiming. www.economist.com

Tuesday”, significantly raising the odds that the property mogul and the former secretary of state will face off in November’s presidential election.

On the biggest night of the US primary election to date, Mr Trump and Mrs Clinton both racked up wins in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas, highlighting their strengths in southern states. While Ted Cruz, the Texas senator, won a crucial victory in his home state and Oklahoma, Mr Trump won Massachusetts, Vermont and Virginia, in a significant setback for Marco Rubio, the Republican establishment candidate. www.ft.com

To enquire about digital advertising with these international brands, email julian@x254.co

NEWS 5

Astronauts return after year-long space stay US astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko have touched down on Earth after almost a year in space.

Their 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is twice the length of a normal stay.

Their extended tour is part of an effort to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the body.

But scientists will gain further insights by comparing Scott Kelly with his Earthbound identical twin, Mark.

A Soyuz capsule carrying Kelly, Kornienko and Russian crew member Sergey Volkov parachuted down on to a steppe in Kazakhstan at 10:26 local time (04:26 GMT).

The mission is a record for the ISS and will give Cmdr Kelly a tally of 520 cumulative days in space, over four flights.

Cmdr Kelly has also returned rocket (salad) seeds that were taken up to the orbiting outpost by UK astronaut Tim Peake in December. They will be distributed to schools to allow pupils to compare their growth with rocket plants that have stayed on Earth.

The idea behind the twin study is to help minimise extraneous factors as scientists research how genetically identical individuals respond to different conditions over a year.

The harsh space environment takes its toll in the form of muscle atrophy, sleep problems, bone loss, vision impairment and radiation exposure. But some of the most pronounced effects are on the mind.

Before landing, Cmdr Kelly told reporters during a live link-up: “Physically I feel pretty good... but the hardest part is being isolated in the physical sense from people on the ground who are important to you. There’s a loss of connection.”

From Kazakhstan, Cmdr Kelly will be flown to Houston in the US, where researchers at the US space agency (Nasa) will begin a series of scientific checks.

Mark Kelly, who was an

astronaut, now retired, has been undergoing tests of his own on Earth during his brother’s sojourn on the ISS. Comparisons between the twins should allow scientists to deepen their understanding of the subtle physical and psychological shifts that occur during long stays on orbit.

Nasa says the research should inform its stated aim of one day sending humans to Mars.

After returning from an extended stay in the weightless environment of space, many astronauts have difficulty walking unaided.

Shortly after landing, Kelly, Kornienko and Volkov were to enter a medical tent to participate in a series of “field tests” that will assess their balance, co-ordination and ability to walk.

Returning ISS crews have immediate access to medical assistance, but future crews to Mars will have little time to recover once they land on the Red Planet’s surface.

Scientists want to devise ways to prevent injury and improve their recovery time.

“We go through about an hour of field tests of various kinds - one is even like an obstacle course, where you run around, stand up from a sitting position and jump,” Cmdr Kelly said.

Despite the length of their flight, Kelly and Kornienko are still some way shy of the record for the longest single spaceflight, which is held by the Russian Valery Polyakov, who spent 437 consecutive days aboard the Mir space station in the mid-1990s.

On Monday, Scott Kelly handed over command of the space station to his American colleague Timothy Kopra, who remains on the orbiting outpost with Tim Peake and the Russian Yuri Malenchenko.

The next crew, consisting of the American Jeffrey Williams and the Russians Aleksey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka, is set to launch on a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur in Kazakhstan on 18 March.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

US astronaut Scott Kelly (left) and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Kornienko. The two returned to Earth from Mars after staying there for 340 days.

xnews | WEDNesday, MARCH 2, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

National Bank turns to CBK to punish rogue bloggers National Bank of Kenya has written to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the government through the Cabinet Secretary for ICT seeking intervention in dealing with increasing cases of rogue bloggers.

The bank, which is in the final phase of a major transformation programme, said it had become the latest victim of irresponsible blogging.

As a result, the bank is advocating for policy level intercession and state punishment for any blogger masquerading as a journalist.

“They start with several threats to

publish certain falsehoods. If you do not respond worried, they then publish the first of the malicious articles- without any request for an official response. If the company still does not respond to their threats, they publish another one and continue the cycle of threats,” said Bernadette Ngara, Marketing Director at National Bank of Kenya. ‘’Unlike the media houses who always seek the correct position and clarifications from institutions, rogue bloggers remain a great risk for reputation- sensitive institutions like banks,” he said.

The bank said it was particularly concerned by a case of a rogue social media user who has continued to spread malicious and untruthful information about banks and other companies, in alleged extortion scams.

“We have requested the intervention of the regulator and government because this kind of unethical practices by social media users cannot be tolerated since NBK supports responsible blogging,” said Ngara.

National Bank added that it has maintained a policy to respond to information requests from

journalists which has earned the support of media and helped the public better understand the transformation programme at the bank.

NBK is in the final phase of a major 5-year transformation programme initiated in 2013 by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Munir Sheikh Ahmed comprising a list of 50 projects envisioned to transform the bank into a top tier lender in the region by 2017.

Currently, irresponsible blogging continues to be a major concern for many institutions. enock_x254

National Bank of Kenya, which in the final phase of a major transformation programme, said it had become the latest victim of irresponsible blogging.

State partners with insurance firms to shield farmers’ yields The government has partnered with APA Insurance, alongside six insurance companies, (Amaco, CIC, Heritage, Jubilee, Kenya Orient & UAP) to launch a new multi-peril micro-insurance product. The service covers smallholder maize farmers against meagre yields as a result of poor climatic conditions, disease and damages by insects, among other adversities.

The Area Yield Index Insurance which will be provided in partnership with the government, is offering a 50 per cent subsidy on insurance premiums for up to five acres per farmer. The subsidy becomes effective upon farmers’ payment of their share of the premium.

APA’s Group CEO Ashok Shah lauded the government for supporting the new product by providing subsidies for the premiums, adding that the new product will safeguard farmers’ livelihoods that are often threatened by adverse climatic conditions.

The product covers farmers against a shortfall in yield from the expected harvest during the policy period. It covers the farmer for any yield below 80 per cent. The crop insurance product is currently being piloted in Nakuru, Embu and Bungoma counties and will be rolled out to the rest of the counties.

“Smallholder farmers are the backbone of our agricultural

production. However, in recent years, they have had to bear huge risk that comes with effects of climate change. The weather is no longer predictable and natural disaster have become more frequent, leading to huge crop losses. We aim to address this challenge to livelihoods, our bread basket and our economy,” Mr Ashok Shah said.

The Area Yield Index Insurance covers farmers based on the condition of harvest history of the unit area of insurance where the farm falls. For the long rains season, farmers have up to the fourteenth of March to sign up for the cover; and up to the second week of October for the short rains season. kevin_x254

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

MEAN 101.6743 141.3472 110.7653 6.4332 32.8894 21.5296

BUY SELL 101.5750 101.7971 141.1933 141.5011 111.6428 111.8878 6.4238 6.4425 32.8081 32.9707 21.4594 21.5998

Comesa great lakes agreement to address growth, regional insecurity A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to deepen economic development, peace and security across various nations has been touted as a move that will benefit Kenya and its partners from within the Great Lakes region.

The Common Market for East and Central Africa (COMESA) and the Economic Community for the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), who signed the MoU, have said that their agreement is a crucial step towards creating employment opportunities, developing infrastructure and ensuring peace and prosperity across between member states.

The deal is set to benefit countries in the African Great Lakes region which include Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

The MoU, which was signed just days ago at the margins of the United Nations Private Sector Investment Conference in the Great Lakes Region, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, comes at a time when Kenya has embarked on a number of initiatives to spur development across the region.

The country this week received a second container terminal at its Mombasa port, which serves as gateway for importing goods to landlocked countries, some of which belong to the Great Lakes region.

Kenya has also been facing cases of insecurity owing to recent terror attacks. A partnership with its Great Lakes partners has since been lauded as a step against insecurity in the region by Comesa Secretary General, Mr. Sindiso Ngwenya and the Executive Secretary of CEPGL Mr. Herman Tuyaga, who signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

The two representatives also identified the need to deepen their collaboration to optimize on available resources.

Dennis_x254

Mombasa port gets second terminal as cargo traffic ups

Mombasa has received a second container terminal just as container traffic through the country’s port grew by 7.5 per cent in 2015, according to recent reports.

The increase in traffic follows the construction of new cargo-handling infrastructure, which has shortened the turnaround time for ships, port management said on Tuesday.

The Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, which is the biggest in East Africa and the region’s trade gateway, handles imports of fuel and consumer goods and exports of tea and coffee from landlocked neighbours, such as Uganda and South Sudan. Its traffic considered a measure for economic activity in the region.

Acting managing director Catherine Muturi told a news conference in Mombasa that the port handled 26.7 million tonnes of cargo between January and December 2015, compared with 24.88 million tonnes handled during a similar period in 2014.

According to a Reuters report, imports

totalled 22.68 million tonnes, an increase of 9.2 per cent from the 20.77 million tonnes handled in 2014. Exports also increased by 5 per cent to 3.53 million tonnes from 3.37 million tonnes in 2014.

But the volume of goods headed to neighbouring countries decreased by 28.4 per cent, from 731,912 tonnes in 2014 to 523,993 in 2015, a trend Muturi attributed to the introduction of a new cargo-clearing system.

Uganda remained the biggest transit market, with its cargo growing by 8.2 per cent to 5.98 million tonnes in 2015, from 5.52 million tonnes in 2014.

The port officially got its second container terminal on Monday. The terminal had been under construction for some time. Muturi said it would provide additional cargohandling capacity of 550,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year.

Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 7 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Fusion Group is a hybrid finance house designed around the needs of enterprises in the emerging economies of East Africa with presence in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. We are focused on the opportunities in the region with five distinct business lines: private equity, real estate, money markets, pensions and insurance brokerage.

Our Business Focus REAL ESTATE We are an active investor and real estate developer with our priority sectors covering Residential- middle income; Commercial- grade A office and retail developments; Logistics and warehousing.

We invest in the form of equity, debt and joint venture partnerships

MONEY & CAPITAL MARKETS PRIVATE EQUITY Fusion offers opportunities in the money market through high quality We invest in Small and Medium Sized businesses across interest bearing investments, fixed deposits, Treasury Bills and Bonds in East, we are non sector and have we invested the East African Market.

Withspecific our money market, seek toin maximize financial services, manufacturing and FMCG. Africa. income, offer liquidity and preserve capital. For investors looking for long-term capital growth, we offer opportunities in the Listed Equities across East Africa. We offer all these under segregated accounts

PRIVATE EQUITY We invest in mid-sized businesses across East Africa. We are non sector specific. We have recently invested in financial services, manufacturing, hospitality and media sectors. We offer strategic, business and professional support that aims to add value to the businesses.

PENSIONS FUND MANAGEMENT The key to a stress-free life in retirement is to provide for a sufficient after-retirement income. The earlier you put a retirement plan in place the more time there is for your savings to grow. In addition, the more funds you set aside now, the higher your capital at retirement.

We provide pension fund management services through Registered Occupational Scheme and Fusion Umbrella Retirements Benefits (FURBS) scheme for SMEs.

INSURANCE BROKERAGE We build synergies with our clients in taking care of their individual and corporate risks and availing access to the most competitive quotes in the industry. We offer a wide array of products to covers all insurable risks and guarantee peace of mind. Our products cover general insurance, employee benefits, liability insurance and specialties insurance.

Contact us on: ACK Garden House, Ground floor, 1st Ngong Avenue, Off Bishops Road P.O BOX: 47538-00100, Tel: +254 (20) 2710149 /53 /55 Email: enquirieskenya@fusiongroupafrica.com, www.fusioncapitalafrica.com

8

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Rampant corruption, weak Rand forces Barclays to sell majority stake in Africa

WALKING AWAY: Barclays PLC has said it will reduce its interest in Barclays Africa Group to a non-controlling stake in the next two to three years.

Barclays PLC, a British multinational banking and financial services company with operations in Kenya and across the continent, has announced that it will sell a majority stake of its Barclays Africa Group within the next 2 to 3 years due in part to rising cases of corruption across the continent.

The company has said it will reduce its interest in Barclays Africa Group to a non-controlling stake in the next two to three years.

The firm, which is headquartered in London, had stated that Africa was becoming a costly distraction owing to risks involving corruption and misconduct as well as the devaluation of the South African Rand.

Barclays PLC noted that these issues would likely tarnish the entire African operation if something was to go wrong.

The move could affect the lender’s subsidiary, Barclays Africa Group, whose registered head office is in Johannesburg, South Africa and has majority stakes

in banks in Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania Uganda and Zambia.

Barclays PLC Chief Executive Jes Staley said the move will be done subject to required shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Barclays PLC has a 62.3 per cent stake in Barclays Africa, which is valued at Sh492 billion.

The firm now wants to refocus on its core United Kingdom and United States markets.

Meanwhile, Barclays Africa (formerly known as ABSA Group Limited) has assured the market that business will run as usual despite the announcement.

Barclays Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Maria Ramos said on Monday that the bank will continue to offer a full and integrated range of products and services to more than 12 million customers in 12 countries across Africa urging customers to be confident in doing business with them.

“With an independent board

and a separate listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, we are deeply rooted in Africa and remain firmly in control of our future,” Ramos says.

“We continue to be optimistic about our prospects in Africa, where we have a strong franchise with assets of over R1 trillion (Sh6.4 trillion). We are deeply committed to the success of our continent. Our destiny is in Africa,” Ramos added.

Barclays Bank of Kenya reemphasized that the business in Kenya will continue to run as normal with no disruptions expected.

“Barclays Bank of Kenya is not shutting down,” confirmed Barclays Kenya Chief Executive Jeremy Awori.

“Any decisions concerning the operations of Barclays Kenya can only be made by Barclays Africa Group Limited in consultation with other investors who are shareholders in this business,” he explained.

Dennis_x254

KCB posts Sh19.6bn after tax profit CMA now approves Fusion as loans through M-Pesa hit Sh7bn Capital-backed Development KCB Group Limited has posted a 16 per cent increase in profit after tax for the 12 months ending December 2015. This comes on the back of higher net interest income, nonfunded income and operational efficiencies.

The growth that rose to Sh19.6 billion was driven by diversified business lines, operational efficiencies, non-funded incomes and higher contribution from subsidiaries.

The improved earnings were as a result of sustained business resilience despite a relatively tough macro-economic environment across the East African region Post Tax earnings hit Sh19.6 billion during the period, up from Sh16.8 billion in 2014 with the contribution from KCB’s international business rising to 12.8 per cent up from 8.3 per cent the previous year.

“Overall, the business navigated through difficult times especially in Kenya during the second half of the year as well as Burundi and South Sudan. Our multiple market presence helped balance off the pressures and push up the Group’s earnings,” said Group Chairman Mr Ng’eny Biwott.

The financials show that net interest income rose by 9 per cent to Sh39.2 billion due to a sharp growth in the asset book while fees and commissions jumped11 per cent, to sh14.16 billion, attributable to increased transactions volumes and new products rolled out to meet customer needs.

“We have continually made deliberate investments and focus on building a business around diversification, prudent cost management, a robust IT system while remaining synonymous with excellence in customer experience at all service points across

the group,” said KCB Group CEO Joshua Oigara (pictured) while announcing the result. “Going into the future, we believe that the pace and trajectory of our growth as a business will largely be determined by our efforts in improving operational efficiencies and deepening digital payments while exploiting our network spread to enhance service excellence,” he added.

KCB has in the last one year developed superior expertise in micro lending, through a strategic partnership and product innovation with Safaricom. Latest bank statistics show the KCB disbursed over Sh7 billion in loans to over 5 million KCB-Mpesa customers, instantly on their mobile phones.

“We have revolutionalised lending through KCB Mpesa. Lending has never been easier and faster than it is today because of this technology that allows customers to access funds instantly on their mobile phones and we see this as a key cog in our growth story,” said Mr Oigara.

During the period under review, the bank handled Sh31 billion in agency transactions up from Sh14 billion in 2014. At least 21.6 million transactions were handled through mobile phones, compared to 10.9 million the previous year. Agency transactions hit 7.5 million from 3.2 million in 2014, a 134 per cent rise. Total liabilities and Equity increased by 14 per cent due to 12 per cent growth in customer deposits, supported by an increase in customer numbers and product base. Shareholders’ funds were up 7 per cent while borrowed funds increased by 58 per cent due to additional funding during the year to ease liquidity. For the period ending December 2015, the bank maintained a strong show on all prudential ratios with core capital to total risk weighted assets at 14.1 per cent.

Kevin_x254

Real Estate Investment Schemes The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has granted approval for the issue and listing of two Development Real Estate Investment Trust Schemes (D-REIT) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange as part of its efforts to deepen the capital markets.

The two schemes, issued by Fusion Capital Limited, are a commercial and a residential D-REIT. The approval is issued pursuant to Regulation 18 of the Capital Markets (Real Estate Investment Trusts) (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2013.

The approval will facilitate the issue and listing of new units of the commercial D-REIT of a minimum of Sh1.15 billion and a maximum of Sh2.3 billion. The residential D-REIT has separately been approved to issue and list new units of a minimum of Sh2.58 billion and a maximum of Sh5.16 billion.

“We are very excited to get the approval of two schemes to support Fusion real estate business,” Fusion Capital chief Executive Luke Kinoti (pictured) told X News.

He noted that the move expressed confidence in the growing sector.

“D-REITS is open to professional investors, both local and international,” he said.

The residential and commercial D-REIT are restricted offers, open only to professional investors, with a nominal value of Sh17 and Sh23 per unit, respectively. Professional investors are subject to a minimum investment threshold of Sh5 million.

“The approval of the first Development REIT schemes is in line with our mandate to facilitate uptake of the innovative

product to support the growth ambitions of the vibrant real estate sector,” said CMA Acting Chief Executive, Mr Paul Muthaura.

“This is a significant milestone towards realizing the aspirations of the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan, which aims to position Kenya as the premiere destination for capital and a fund-raising hub on the continent and beyond,” he added.

A real estate investment trust scheme (REIT) is a collective investment scheme structured as a trust where an investor owns rights or interests in property in the form of units and earns returns from income or capital gains.

A D-REIT is a development and construction real estate investment trust involved in the development of housing, commercial or other real estate related development and construction projects.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

ACCESS

11

Unlike Madagascar this version of escape has broUght aboUt tension and fear

@duncan_x254

top story

FASHION SCOOP

WHERE ARE tHE

I

LIONS?

t is a scene from the famous animation film Madagascar, where four animals literary escape from a zoo in the United States only for them to land in Madagascar, Africa.

Timid and tamed, the animals enjoy a hero like welcome with merry and jubilation in tow.

Away from Madagascar, in Nairobi, four animals. No. In Nairobi four Lions escaped from the Nairobi National Park.

Unlike Madagascar this version of escape has brought about tension and fear.

This are four full bloodied animals, fierce and strong kings of the jungle that were pursuing a warthog.

The interesting bit is that the animals were headed towards close human settlement areas full of flesh, readily available to eat.

Rapid response was needed. Action to save the souls and flesh of humans.

Social Media went a buzz and word from KWS, was “For all to calm down and don’t provoke the beasts.”

A toll free number from handlers of the beasts KWS, was unleashed and given the chills of meeting with a lion, the line was busy from Nairobians, who from their imagination had heard roars!

After confirmation that the lions had found their way back home, all seemed well, only for word to surface again that two other lions were spotted around Ngong forest yesterday morning.

Panic tension and distress reloaded, gripped residents surrounding the forest.

However, KWS came to the rescue and announced that “It would like to confirm that there was no sighting or any signs of lions at the Ngong road forest as earlier reported.”

In the midst of all these panic and confusion, KOT did not disappoint in

deriving sufficient memes and jokes The appeal was sent out as a memo of six lost lions, nonetheless Team Masifi took the initial beating with @ GichuhiGathoni noting #IJustLoveItWhen KWS pretend to be concerned by 6 lions..while tumeishi na #TeamMafisi in pubs, school and streets and nobody cares.

Some tweetaratti saw these as another corruption scam given that we are number three in the world index @ Olango_Yuda noting Ngong Kenya is becoming too corrupt to an extent even lions are bribing KWS officers for their freedom.

In line with bad leadership resulting to corruption @ bettywaitherero best advised, when lions escape next week let us let them reach Parliament before people start calling KWS? Just a thought. Hope they will be hungry.

Other folks on twitter saw this as a money making opportunity saying that there is a jackpot for anyone who “sports” the lions and calls the KWS! Finally news that came in was that the lions were arrested in Kibera, and the rejoinder tweet noted it was a Jubilee circus that will do anything to cut CORD numbers before #2017! Now using KWS to unleash lions to eat Kiberans.

Still, where are the lions?

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

HEALTH &FITNESS

eggs are still an excellent source of protein

BreAkfASTS TO SAve TIMe AND STOCk UP ON eNerGY Being a busy working professional might not always afford you a lot of time in the morning when trying to beat the traffic and still get to work on time. When this happens breakfast takes a back seat which can lead to two things; eating an unhealthy snack at work or overeating at lunch to compensate for the missed meal. None of these options are ideal so here are some quick healthy breakfast ideas to keep you fuelled for the day ahead.

Yogurt A little yogurt goes a long way. Yoghurt is jam packed with tons of calcium which strengthens

our bones and protects against bone loss and osteoporosis. Probiotics contained in this yummy treat are essential in promoting digestive health and help quell irritable bowel syndrome. Throw in some fruit in the bowl and you have a balanced breakfast.

Eggs Although eggs in the past have received a lot of attention for the level of cholesterol in the yolk, eggs are still an excellent source of protein. They are easy to make and give us the feeling of being full meaning we are less likely to feel hungry later. A great way to

reduce calorie intake would be to separate the yolks and make an egg white omelette while on the go.

Citrus fruits Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines and limes are all part of the citrus family. These fruits contain antioxidants which prevent heart disease and improve cardiovascular health.

When consumed for breakfast they are refreshing and stimulating to the body. They can be added to almost anything in one way or another. Mix them up to make a smoothie or eat them as they are to get your citrus fix.

WORKOUT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

W

hile taking a break on work or while on vacation it can be too easy to fall into bad habits and forget to exercise. Relaxing is important but staying in shape should still be a priority. It could be that you do not have access to exercise equipment or your actual physical location might make it hard to get your work out going but there are ways of getting around this.

ut Working o day oli while on h

Go outside

Just taking a walk or sightseeing will give you a little energy bump. Go for a run on the beach if you happen to be near one.

The fresh air will do your body some good while taking care of cardio. Hiking or taking a ride on a bicycle for a lengthy while can also give a great workout while you explore your surroundings.

Lift some weights

It may be hard to find actual weight lifting and strength training equipment such as dumbbells or a bench but that doesn’t mean you can’t train your muscles. It’s as easy as finding some empty water bottles and filling them up with water. You can then use them to act as weights during working out.

Get bottles different capacities to be used increase the intensity of the workout.

Crunch away

Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, crunches and other rhythmic exercises do not need any equipment and can be done anywhere with a little bit of space. They can tone and strengthen and are easier on the bones than cardio training. Plus for some of them you don’t even have to get up!

ADD SOMe PrOPerTY vALUe WITH Some houses when being purchased might come with an unfortunate flooring pattern or design or maybe even linoleum which might not be everybody’s cup of tea. The tiling in the entire home might not be living up to its full potential. Something as simple as changing the tiling of a home can greatly increase value of the house and provide a little visual appeal.

Change the backsplash It occurs sometimes that the kitchen and the bathroom have the same type of tiling. The colour might even match and that’s a big no-no for two very different rooms

spaces?

in a house. It might be easier to stick with neutral colours in the bathroom but the kitchen is the heart of the home and should be treated as such. The backsplash is the part of the kitchen that catches all the water and oil that goes flying around when cooking or washing dishes and is usually made of tile. Choosing a vibrant colour or one that blends in with the colour scheme of the kitchen is usually a safe bet. A tile mosaic could even give the room some depth.

Add some wood Wood has a reputation of being old world and opulent particularly

when selecting the type of wood and colour variety but there is a reason for this. It is a pricy affair trying to find the right kind of wood to go on your floor but the payoff will be greatly worth it mainly when it comes to re-sale value.

Not to mention wood looks and feels warm and inviting giving your home a lived-in appearance.

Tile the outside A patio or deck could be taken from dowdy to extravagant just by adding tile. Choose earthy colours like terracotta to balance out the surroundings and give guests a place to hang out while entertaining.

GivinG some TLC To The LeaTher in your Life Leather is timeless, classic and can be tricky to maintain.

Whether it’s in the car or in the living room preserving your leather seats is important to t h e i r

overall health and aesthetics.

Using the wrong products or neglecting them can prove to be expensive because it’s not as simple as fashioning a patch on it or sewing it up with leather.

There’s an easy way to keep leather shiny and looking new that you can repeat as needed for your seat or couch’s wellbeing. If the seats already have holes in them you should get them sealed which may require

professional help seeing as a small tear could just as easily turn into a big one especially where children and pets are involved. It might also result in water or any other liquid getting into the seat or sofa and drying it out will be difficult.

If the seats are generally intact then finding the right products and procedure is key. Get any loose dirt or dust of the seats by doing alight sweep. This can

DIY be done with a dry cloth just to ensure you are working on a clear surface. You could always buy leather cleaner from a supermarket or specialist store but you can also make a milder cleaning solution at home. Mix three parts white vinegar to one part water and two tablespoons of olive oil. Distribute the mixture evenly on the seats with a spray bottle. Make sure not to put too much.

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH OCTOBER 2, 2016 28, 2015

11

FASHIONScoop

@VaniTY Fair OsCars aFTEr ParTY

Taylor swift: Rocking Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture.

Gabrielle Union: Showing off her long legs.

Miranda Kerr: Perfect and poised.

Kerry Washington: Boldly flaunting her goodies.

Let’s pLaY shaLL we?

Jeniffer Lawrence: Showing the world how to rock a crop top.

t

he conclusion of this year’s Oscar Awards was just the beginning of the party for Hollywood stars and for the fashion scene that meant more red carpet moments. This year, Vanity Fair hosted the Oscars after party and it appears that the stars had saved their best dresses for last; the after party red-carpet was much more glamorous than the Oscars red-carpet!

Kate Upton: All about that bust.

@mercy_x254

HOT

TOPICS

obinna

C

omedian, TV and radio personality turned musician Obinna Ike Igwee has this morning appeared before a Nairobi traffic offence court to answer to charges of obstruction. The funny man got into a traffic officer’s bad books when his car stalled on the road due to a mechanical problem. ‘It was

Comedian Obinna Ike Igwee charged with obstruction

purely not my fault, the car stalled and couldn’t restart, I tried to explain it to the officer but he wasn’t interested in my plea’, Obinna said when contacted by X Access. He further revealed that in his unwillingness to part with a bribe, he opted to be the law abiding citizen and appear in court.

K

Bruce Odhiambo hits wrong keys at Youth Fund

nown in the showbiz industry as one of the pioneer music producers and among the greatest of all time, Bruce Odhiambo is a man under siege. The executive chairman of Johari Cleff production studios has hit a discord at the Youth enterprise Development fund where his former classmate H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta put him at the helm. He is accused of misappropriation of funds and now faces an ouster and could be charged in a court of law.

bruce odhiambo

Rapper Labalaa no longer drunk

K

enyan veteran artiste Labalaa of the Wakamba Wawili rap duo will be celebrating 45 months of sobriety this coming Saturday. Labalaa whose rap career stalled after getting into drugs and alcohol will be celebrating over 3 years sober since he left rehab. He will be the host of a basketball event dubbed Ballers Day Out. The Yuko Juu rapper will host other rappers in sessions he dubbed Balling Drugs Out. The sessions which will be held in between basketball matches will see up and coming and established artistes participate in freestyle and battle sessions hosted

by Labalaa. The event will feature basketball heavyweight college and high schools in and around Nairobi including, USIU, Buru Buru Girls , Mangu High School, St Georges Girls, Laiser Hill and labalaa Statehouse Girls.

CLASSIFIED

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Job VACANCY! 150 Form 4 leavers needed by a marketing Co. in Parklands for sales and promotions.

Earn 8500/= weekly, For free interviews and training Call:0708192229;

ST. EDWARD’S HIGH SCHOOL Admission in progress for Forms 1-4

l Academic performance is excellent. l Highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. l Strict discipline and hygiene standards are highly maintained. l School fees is reasonable. l IRE, Arabic and Computer are taught. l We admit repeaters and book private candidates. l Well equipped science and computer laboratories. l Environment is conducive for learning.

0763983531

Contact Admissions Secretary Ngara Arcade, Ngara Road P.O.BOX 31487-00600 Nairobi Email: stedwardshighschool@yahoo.com

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 You may have suffered some financial setbacks and wonder how you can muster enough funds to get over the hump. However, help is on the way. An outside source could provide funds to tide you over. Whatever other problems you may have will all be straightened out later.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Don’t worry, Aquarius; all will be well. Think of this as a challenge to overcome. Your natural practicality and efficiency will see you through. Someone isn’t being totally honest with you.

Encourage people around you to open up and communicate a little.

WEDNESday 2//2016

sunny

28

27ºC 51%

THURsday 3/3/2016

More sun than clouds

25 6:41 am 6:49pm

25ºC 62%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 This could have you feeling momentarily disconcerted and a bit disillusioned. At the same time, this information could open up new doors for you. Your natural curiosity will eventually win out, and you’re likely to want to read all you can about whatever is on your mind.

6:41 am 6:48 pm

FRIday

26

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

Yesterday’s Solution

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 You’re likely to feel quite frustrated, Aries, as there seems to be nothing you can do to speed things up. Don’t agonize over this, however; it will get going again. The best thing you can do is find something else to work on until the blockages have been released.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 At first you might not believe it, fighting the news in order to avoid possible disappointment. Don’t fall into this trap; it creates negative energy, which can get in your way. You’ve worked hard to be where you are, and you aren’t likely to stop advancing.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Recent setbacks on the job might find you harboring doubts about your own capabilities. Be objective about the situation. Whatever happened was probably above and beyond your control, so it isn’t fair to doubt yourself because of it.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You might not be sure exactly where you stand financially, so it might be a good idea to get all your records together and go over them carefully. This isn’t a good day for gambling or making investments of any kind.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 This isn’t a good day to do any heavy work around the home. If you’re planning major repairs, it might be a good idea to postpone them. This is, however, a good day for planning such repairs, as you can be especially methodical right now.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Your colleagues in question aren’t going to be very much into communicating, so it’s best just to turn a blind eye and keep on working in spite of the situation. It’s going to be tougher than usual, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 There could be blocks in receiving funds you were expecting or an unexpected but necessary expense could come up. It’s going to take all your talent for careful planning to work your way around this situation, but take heart.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You could feel the need to break loose from the ties that bind you to mundane affairs, to run away and seek adventure, although you aren’t certain what kind of adventure! The walls may be closing around you at home and on the job.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You’re likely to be more observant than usual. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself noticing people and sensing their thoughts and feelings even more than usual. This is a good day to read, study, attend a class, or otherwise acquire new information.

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

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

KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A

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

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

Kinyukia Kahora

JOAN WAIRIMU

VAN4

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

Ex: HC4 to 22333

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

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

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

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

PLAY

13

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Amazon predator 8. Queen or Duran Duran drummer Taylor 13. Unstinting 14. Eats at the beach 16. Bulb, e.g.

17. Talisman 18. Sanford of “The Jeffersons” 19. Folded brunch dish 21. Hotsy-___ 22. Uncle Remus address 23. Purim time 24. Three-time role for Keanu 25. Cold, in Cádiz 26. Atlanta campus 27. Dustups on the field 30. Starter for come and fare 31. Like ears or brains 33. “The Queen of Mean” Helmsely 35. Baby’s protection 36. Banter 40. Soother 42. Moose relatives 43. Girl’s nickname 46. Having originated in 47. “Silver and Gold” singer 48. Hall of ___ (Cooperstown honoree)

50. Like planetary orbits 52. Play nice 53. Conceal oneself 54. Linen drying cloth 56. Mexican miss, e.g.

57. Flavoring plant 58. Pores over 59. Times to grin and bear it Down 1. Somebody 2. Congenital 3. Suck up again 4. 90s House Majority Leader, Dick ___ 5. Nice Christmas?

6. 5th-century invader 7. Waldorf-___ 8. Direct, as for information 9. Former Dodger Hershiser 10. Cheerleader cry 11. Make less verbose 12. Refreshing spot 13. ____ alone (do by oneself) 15. “Strong Enough” singer Crow 20. “Rent” song “Take ____ Leave Me” 22. Internet conversation pauser 25. Elmer of Looney Tunes 26. German donkey 28. Scion

29. Vampire comments?

31. 1997 Jim Carrey comedy 32. Like VCRs, now 34. Title tune of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical 35. Happened to 37. Jeans name 38. Prefix with magnetic 39. Appreciative abbr. (var.)

41. Iago’s wife 44. Golfer’s statement on the green 45. Voters pull them 47. “____ my pleasure!”

48. Celebrated 49. Bank (on) 51. Fishing hole 52. Audiotape brand 55. Enemy in reverse?

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY Uhuru directive for additional 10,000 cops laudable President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to recruit an additional 10,000is laudable and a clear indication that despite widespread corruption in the Perceivably, the Jubilee has not performed to the expectations of the electorate, but to be fair enough the President has given security matter the attention it deserves.

In the recent past more than 3,000 Administration Police officers and an additional 3,933 Regular Police officers have been added to the number of security personnel mandated to enforce law and order.

The numbers will ensure that for the first time in our history, Kenya has met the United Nations requirement in terms of the number of police officers to the population. The UN recommends one police officer for every 400 citizens for a country to be policed effectively.

The president has also ordered construction of new prisons to lock terrorists in separate prisons in a crackdown on extremism in Kenya’s crowded jails. The counter-terrorism strategy would help tackle radicalisation in jails and prevent prisons becoming a recruitment target for extremists.

The government has also acquired more than 30 state-of-the art police armoured vehicles as

the president assured county police chiefs that new modern vehicles were purchased to help fight terror.

With the major strides that the government has made to improve the security of our country a few challenges still remain unaddressed.

Police housing is still a major factor. In their latest report, The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) said more than 63,000 officers live in deplorable condition with poor or no housing facility. That figure translates to 30,000 housing units that the government needs to construct.

Whilst this is possible, the government should instead increasing the housing allowance of the officers to salvage the situation. It is sad to see a police officer manning a government building only to go and rest in the evening in a shared mud or mabati structure.

The situation is so bad to a point where there are three families living in one house.

The NPSC should relook at the legal traumas that our officers grapple with before tightening the noose on them, this does not mean that officers should break the law. Our officers in turn should remain vigilant and steadfast in their service to all. They should work tirelessly to ensure all Kenyans are safe.

— Nderitu

EACC has failed to live up to Kenyans’ expectation The Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) has a monumental task of restoring waning public confidence in its work.

The anti-graft body is a pale shadow of its equivalent in developed countries. Lately, it has been involved in investigations leading to premature termination of cases.

Many Kenyans are wondering what should be done to rejuvenate the anti-graft body.

First, EACC has a poor record of giving feedback to the public. Cases turn into a-waitand-see game. Everything goes mum. This silence breeds suspicion and doubts.

Second, the frequent termination of graft cases involving high-ranking government officers is a blow to its mandate. Only small people are convicted.

Third, EACC is involved in selective application of the law

during investigations. Some of the officers implicated in malpractices are forced to step aside while others remain in office. Why the double standards?

Lastly, EACC is obliged to act above board. Unsatisfactory performance cannot be tolerated.

Kenyans are yearning for an effective antigraft agency. As things stand, EACC is yet to impress the public.

— Benard Amaya

NEWS JOB OPPORTUNITy X News, Kenya’s first and largest circulation free newspaper and Kenya’s only Cannes award winner needs brilliant, passionate, young staff to help us win more awards and achieve new firsts.

INTERN JouRNalIsTs Reporting to the various desk editors, the ideal candidate must demonstrate a passion for news and unbiased approach to its reportage.

Key responsibilities • To seek out and investigate breaking stories.

• To produce concise and accurate copy according to our house style and to strict deadlines.

• To create and upload news content to digital platforms.

• To online report or real-time blog ‘live’ stories.

• To build contacts in order to maintain a flow of news • To attend press conferences and events that generate stories • To work closely with the news team, photographers and editors; If you fit this description and you want to be part of the most innovative media house in the region, send us your application and a detailed CV to hr@x-news.co.ke with the subject INTERN Note: If you have worked at one of the old fashioned media houses, you will need to impress us that you have the capacity to shape a new tomorrow rather cling to yesteryears.

X News is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Thika to host first leg of KCB golf tournament with Sh2m up for grabs The first leg of the KCB Corporate Golf 2016 tees off at the par 72 Thika Golf Course tomorrow with a rich field of 50 professional golfers expected to turn up to play for the Sh2 million prize money.

The tournament also hopes to engage top amateurs in the country such as Hezron Mudanyi, James Nandwa and Joseph Kirachu who are chatting the course for a new crop of golfers with a hunger to win big tournaments.

The Thika tour has attracted professional golfers from across the East African region and is aimed at giving players opportunity to practice for the upcoming Kenya Open Golf tournament.

The Pro-AM round will be the only one of its kind in 2016 for the Corporate Golf 2016 which is an amateur-structured tour traversing more than a dozen golf courses across the country in tournaments and several club nights.

The round will feature six tournaments hosted in various golf courses in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu among other counties. KCB will also host six club nights in select clubs as a platform to reach out to the bank’s customer base.

As such, the Thika round will feature a three days Pros - only event followed by a one day by the Pro-Am Golf tournament to be held on Saturday at the same club.

The bank has committed at least Sh20 Mmillion towards golf sponsorship this year’s event

Bournmouth, Saints league clash fourth official collapses The start of the second half match between Southampton and Bournemouth was delayed by five minutes after a fourth official collapsed at the break.

The official collapsed and hit his head on a dugout during last night’s English Premier League game.

Kevin Friend, who sustained a deep cut on his face in the incident was treated in the tunnel before being taken to hospital, where he stayed overnight.

The incident happened as the first half came to an end at the Vitality Stadium.

The start of the second half was delayed by five minutes as Friend was replaced

by Dean Treleaven, a qualified referee who was watching the match.

“I was on the bench and he came to us and he fell against the dugout, with his nose, and then fell to the ground,” said Saints boss Ronald Koeman.

“For maybe five seconds, he was out of everything.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, whose side won 2-0, added: “I saw him collapse. I saw him very dazed and shaken.”

Southampton’s loss left them seventh, just a point above Chelsea who beat them 2-1 last weekend.

Tribunal overturns Owiti’s ban from golf activities Kenya Golf Union (KGU) decision to suspend armature golfer Robinson Owiti from all golf activities for a period of one year was quashed by Sports Dispute Tribunal Tuesday evening.

Owiti, who has served four of the 12 months suspension which was supposed to run from October last year, got a reprieve on Tuesday, after the Tribunal squashed the ban after KGU was found to have breached laws on suspension of an errant member.

Owiti sought the direction of the tribunal after he was suspended from participating in the Kenya Golf Union Golfer of the year (GOTY) event for the 2015/16 season, Kenya National team besides his name being struck off the GOTY ranking table.

The tribunal ordered KGU to carry out proper investigation into the alleged misconduct of the appellant and initiate a proper disciplinary procedure within 14 days of the ruling.

Owiti was suspended for gross misconduct after an alleged altercation with chairman Anthony Muhoro at the Limuru Golf club in October last year.

The appellant also raised issues with KGU decision to struck his name off the list of participant for the East Africa Golf Challenge,

2015 which was schedule to take place in Kigali from August 25, 2015 “The tribunal finds that the suspension was procedurally flawed, unlawful and violated Owiti’ rights to fair hearing and the rule of natural justice,” read part of the 20 -page ruling.

Quoting the KGU constitution, tribunal chairman John Ohaga said the union abused their own set of rules by suspending the appellant without giving him a fair hearing.

Despite being found to have violated KGU rule that stipulates that: “A team member shall at all times, both on and off the golf course conduct himself in a manner which reflect favourably on the game of golf. Failure to do so shall render the member liable for disciplinary a c t i o n ,”

Owiti still won the case, albeit, temporarily by the union abusing its own sets of rules.

“The Tribunal take note that the same by-laws also indicate (section 3.0) that the Union will allow in the first instance a home club to deal with the disciplinary action against the member,” “The tribunal also finds it extremely difficult to understand the manner in which Owiti was suspended by a sports organisation that prides itself on being a gentleman’s sport.

The tribunal found KGU to have abused clause 3.1of their own constitution which allows the union through a “Honorary Secretary issue a notice of seven days to any aggrieved par ty, requiring him/her to

show cause why his/her handicap should not be withdrawn” before an executive committee sits to determine whether to effect the charges.

“In respect to the above decision, it must be noted that the sports organisation must provide the sportsperson the avenues for dispute resolution.

Further, the disciplinary process must comply with the rule of the sports organisation and disciplinary rules cannot be formulated as the dispute escalates or being resolved” read the ruling.

“A right to be heard must be considered in a case-to-case basis. Nonetheless, in the appellant therein, the Union neither requested for a written explanation from him as is stipulated nor did it demand the physical presence of the appellant during the disciplinary hearing” “It is imperative that the internal mechanisms put in place by the Union’s by-laws are adhered to so that confidence in the management of sports as well as integrity of the sportsmen ad managers is upheld,”

Sports Tribunal chairman John Ohaga addresses the media at SportPesa head office, Chancery Building in Nairobi. The tribunal suspended a 12-month ban slapped on golfer Robinson Owiti by Kenya Golf Union and ordered for fresh probe. Ohaga dismissed the ban, saying the suspension was unlawful.

FKF silent on Starlet passport scam as Petra blames poll losers Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has remained mum on the recent scandal touching on Vice President, Doris Petra.

Petra who was elected the Federation vice president in last month’ polls has been linked to a scandalous deal where Harambee Starlets players’ passports were stamped for a trip that never was.

Petra (pictured), the then National Executive Committee member in charge of women was widely mentioned in an investigative documentary done by investigative journalist, John Allan Namu for the loss of millions of shillings belonging to the national women’s team.

But the new office bearers who pledged to fix things at the federation (Team Change) have remained silent on the matter with Petra blaming the just-conclude FKF poll “losers.

“This looks like an extension of politics, some sort of vendetta due to my position as the Vice

President,” she said during an interview in a local TV station.

“Doreen Nabwire told me she was called directly by a ministry official who asked for their passports which she duly collected and delivered to the ministry,” Petra said on KTN’s Sports show.

Nabwire was by then Harambee Starlets captain.

“There are people who are obviously bitter about my position, but I challenge anyone who has evidence implicating me to bring it on. I am more than willing to submit myself to the National Executive Committee and clear my name.”

While FKF President was expected to take action by at least launching fresh investigation on the matter, he has since defending his second in command saying that the “graft did not take place during my era” “Let’s move on with the game and perhaps

you (media) need to bring scandals of my era, those of years and years ago are not mine,” he said over the weekend.

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

AFC Leopards players led by Andrew Tololwa (on the ground) celebrate after scoring during a past league match. Ingwe host Bandari in a SportPesa League match today evening at Nyayo National Stadium.

Ingwe eye Bandari FC’s scalp in midweek clash

AFC Leopards will go joint top of SportPesa Premier League with a win over visiting Bandari FC today at Nyayo National stadium.

Ingwe faces a Bandari side that was tossed out of the CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend.

Both teams have played two games, won one and drew one, but unlike Bandari, who dropped out of continental competition in a 3-1 aggregate loss to DRC’s St Eloi Lupopo, Ingwe’s confidence will be boosted by the

acquisition of a new coach.

Belgian Ivan Minnaert signed a twoyear deal with Leopards from Rayon Sport of Rwanda and the Dockers game will be his first-full match in charge, though he will still need guidance from former head of technical bench Jan Koops on squad selection.

On the other hand, Twahir Muhidin could line up former Gor Mahia combative striker Danny Sserunkuma to lead his attack as he plots for the Leopard’s downfall.

“I have had a very a short time with the players, and I will use the help of Koops because he is well versed with the players as well as the other aspects of the Kenyan league,”Minheart was quoted on league’s official website.

“Like I said before, the main aim this year is to fight for the KPL title. I know that this will be a difficult match because I hear Bandari are a very strong team.”

AFC Leopards need to pick from where they left when they saw off Sony Sugar 2-1 in Awendo exactly a week ago.

CAVB to punish Kenya over refusal to host tourney Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) could banned by the continental mother body for withdrawing from hosting this year’s women’s Africa Volleyball club Championship.

Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) has threatened to ban the three Kenyan representatives to the Africa’s most prestigious club competition set for April 22-27 in Tunisia after KVF withdrew their earlier commitment to host the games last week.

KVF cited lack of adequate facilities to host the game following a record 16 clubs that have so far confirmed participation.

KVF president Waithaka Kioni last week said the late withdrawal was as a result of lack of additional standard indoor facility to Kasarani to accommodate the large number of participants who were expected in Nairobi.

According to International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) procedure, a tournament of more than 12 teams must be held in not less than two venues. Kenya currently has one standard gymnasium.

Attempts by KVF to convince CAVB to use the concrete floor at Nazarene University in Ongata Rongai bore no fruit leaving Kenya with no option but to

pull out.

That decision now threatened the participation of Kenyan clubs, competition’s joint record holder and last year’s semi-finalist Kenya Pipeline, five time winners Kenya Prisons and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) staring at a possible ban.

KVF has vowed to challenge any attempt to ban Kenya in what promises to be a mother versus daughter war in the boardroom.

The decision is expected to be announced during the competition technical meeting for draw of

wednesday, MaRCH 2, 2016 | www.x254.Co

AFC LEOPARD TAKE ON BANDARI FC IN MIDWEEK LEAGUE MATCH AT NYAYO NATIONAL sTADIUM

p15

EpL race now wide open S

Leicester City players Jamie vardy and Daniel Drinkwater applaud fans after last weekend’s Premier League match against Norwich City.

The team drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albiol last night to leave the race for the EPL title wide open.

PHOTO:TIM KEETON/EPA

urprise Barclays Premier League leaders Leicester City dropped two valuable points last night, a result that has left EPL title race wide open again.

The Foxes were favourites to go five points clear, but were held at home

by West Bromwich Albion in a fourgoal thriller. It means second-placed Tottenham Hotspurs have the chance to go top on goal difference tonight should they overcome West Ham away.

Elsewhere, Chelsea moved to eighth place with a 2-1 win over Norwich City to place themselves in the top ten for the first time this season.

Leicester City now has 57 points, three less than Spurs who are above Arsenal and Manchester City on 51 and 47 points respectively. Other matches line up for tonight will see Arsenal host Swansea as Liverpool welcome Manchester City in a repeat of the League Cup final last Sunday. Salomon Rondon shrugged off Robert Huth to give West Brom the lead, but a Danny Drinkwater deflected shot levelled things up. Andy King finished a wonderful move to put Leicester ahead only for Craig Gardner to equalise with a free-kick. Claudio Ranieri’s side twice hit the bar at a raucous King Power Stadium, but could not find a winner. West Brom, who have now lost only two of their past 10 league games, stay 13th - 12 points clear of the relegation zone. On Saturday, the Foxes had 13 attempts on goal - here they had 22, with headers from Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki hitting the woodwork. Ben Foster also

saved well from Jeffrey Schlupp and Wes Morgan, while Leonardo Ulloa could not repeat his weekend heroics when the ball flashed across the face of goal in the very last minute. At Carrow Road, Guus Hiddink extended his unbeaten run when he guided the Blues to complete their double over Norwich who moved to the relegation zone following a 2-1 defeat. Blues fullback Kennedy scored Premier league fastest goal of the season when the Brazilian drilled in from 20 yards after 39 seconds before Diego Costa doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime, running from an offside position to lift the ball home.

Cameron Jerome hit the bar before Nathan Redmond scored as Norwich lost for the eighth time in nine games. The Canaries have taken just one point from a possible 24 - finding ugly form at the wrong time of the season. Though they rallied late on, with Redmond and substitute Gary O’Neil going close, Norwich needs points, not performances, with just 10 games to go. Before Chelsea’s visit they had fewer touches in opponents’ area than any other side in the league. Fifth placed Manchester United will entertain Watford who sit seven places below them on the table.

United will be without Captain Wayne Rooney though the visitor poses no meaningful threat to their second win in a row after humongous victory over Arsenal last Sunday. @elvince_x254

Published By Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road, Nairobi | Printed By The Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.

Paul Marshall-CEO, Fred Bunei-Finance Manager, Josiah Musee-Advertising Manager, Peter Obuya-Editor peter_x254 josiah_x254 PDMXNEWS fred_x254

ADVERTISING CONTACT DETAILS:

0722980807

020 2716525/6

Email: sales@x254.co

Mary - 0723060734, Irene - 0721404674, , Robert 0718401663, Gadson 0722932559, Erick 0721459904, Daniel 0722101746.