201603030 xnews

WEDNESday, MARCH 30, 2016 | www.x254.co

3

court acquits former ps in tokyo embassy case thuita mwangi and his two co-accused let off the hook after magistrate says there is no Sufficient evidence to warrant putting them on their defence

15

NEWS

Volleyball champs gsu struggles at the continental tournament in egypt

netherlands stun hosts england as teams test their squads ahead of france euro 2016

EACC in fresh appeal for more powers

Story on Page 2

Ethics and Anti-Corruption (EACC )chairman Philip Kinisu. He says the commission needs prosecutorial powers to sufficiently fight corruption.

www.x254.co

Kenya seeks diplomatic solution to Migingo row Kenya is seeking a diplomatic solution to bring to an end the row with neighbour Uganda over the disputed Migingo Island, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Speaking to the public at the Kenya national Theatre in Nairobi last night, Ruto said Uganda and Kenya are friendly countries and that any issues between them can only be solved through diplomacy.

“Uganda as we all know is a friendly country, usually friendly countries use diplomatic methods to solve such problems and that’s the route we will go,” Mr Ruto said.

The row between Kenya and Uganda over the fish-rich island has been going on for close to a decade now. But the rivalry escalated early this month when Ugandan police officers arrested clerks that were registering voters at the tiny island.

However, Ruto assured the country that the impasse will soon come to an end.

He said a Joint Border Commission between Kenya and Uganda is already on the ground.

“There is already a team on the ground working on the matter, I can only assure you that the matter will be solved,” Ruto said.

Published by Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road. Printed by Standard Media Group, Mombasa Road.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

2

NEWS

EACC boss in appeal for more powers to prosecute graft WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has made yet another appeal for more powers to sufficiently fight corruption.

EACC chairman Philip Kinisu told Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro that the commission needs to be given prosecutorial powers to carry out its mandate.

“We need prosecutorial powers to allow us carry out our mandate,” he said.

The commission had paid a courtesy call to the Senate leader when Mr Kinisu made the appeal.

He said the commission is under pressure from the public to jail corrupt individuals yet there powers currently does not allow them to prosecute the cases.

“Whenever we go people ask us to jail those involved in corruption but our job is just to investigate and issue recommendation,” he said.

Mr Ethuro challenged the commission to match its words with action as far as fighting corruption is concerned.

“The fight against corruption is a commitment. Words must be matched with action,” he told the EACC bosses.

“You have your job cut out and must make sure that resources channeled to the counties are well utilized,” Ethuro said in reference to cases of graft reported from the devolved units of government.

He also urged the new commission to revise their strategic plan in fighting corruption even as he assured them of the senates’ support saying the fight

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Philip Kinisu. He has today appealed for more powers to enable the commission prosecute cases of corruption on their own.

against corruption needs a multifaceted approach.

Busia Senator Amos Wako who also attended the meeting told the commission to vigorously enforce Chapter Six of the Constitution especially at this time when the country is going to the General Election.

He told the commission to report to the senate anytime they face legal hurdle to fight graft.

But Mr Kinisu called for the

involvement of all Kenyans in the war against graft, saying it needs to be fought from all fronts.

He said the fight against corruption cannot be left to the DPP, EACC and Courts alone .

“Going to the courts alone to fight corruption won’t be a remedy. We must start holding people to account on the legal basis of the office or position they hold,” Kinisu said.

“Corruption is in the public and private

offices, we must start from there,” he added.

Kinisu said the will review its earlier strategic plan of 2013-2018 developed to align itself with some other things.

“We will definitely review the strategic plan and come up with a new document within 100 days of being in office,” Kinisu said.

The EACC chair also opposed any plan to have commissioners to serve in part sam_x254 time basis.

Beyond Zero lauded for reducing deaths

Health Principal Secretary Dr. Nicholas Muraguri has applauded the beyond zero initiative saying that it has enabled reduce the maternal and neo-natal deaths from six thousand to three hundred annually.

He attributed the decrease in mortality rate to the raised awareness and advocacy spearheaded by the First Lady Margret Kenyatta.

Addressing delegates at Safari park hotel this morning, Muraguri noted that although there has been significant change, more still needs to be done to bring to an end the mother and child deaths.

“As we applaud the first lady on her efforts to reach mother’s in the most remote areas, we must now develop a change in our mind sets” he said.

“We want evert mother in this country to have safe and secure birth delivery.

We must bring this to an end and allow no more needs.” He added.

Dr. Muraguri said to accelerate the reduction of maternal and new born deaths, the national government in collaboration with county government should be able to promote quality and accessible maternal, newborn and child health services.

“We will continue to avail skilled birth attendants to educate and support women and their babies during pregnancy, child birth and after birth” he noted. He said mobile clinics have made it possible for mothers to get medical attention in good time.

Your Say: State of the nation; what should the president tackle?

Martha Kavegi, UAP insurance: “My greatest concern is on the health sector. President Uhuru Kenyatta should seek to ensure that all staggering health concerns are addressed. Am aware that health is a devolved function, but as the father of the nation he must not allow his children to die in the hands of the governors. Every now and then we have striking nurses, doctors resigning and patients dying in our hospitals. If he has to ask the MPs to amend the law to reverse the function to the national government, the better. Other issues of corruption should come later.”

Teddy Omari, businessman: “Corruption, ethnicity in appointments, youth unemployment and security are issues that President Uhuru should speak on more than any other concerns. I believe that his latest appointments of old men to various parastatals is in its own way corruption and propagating youth unemployment.

Where are the one million jobs he promised our young people? NYS is collapsing. Education system is corrupt. This digital government has everything corrupt. Uhuru and Ruto must address corruption at all cost. Anything else comes second.”

Milton Mwirigi, Tafsiri Travel and Tour Manager: “Three issues of great concern that I feel that President Kenyatta must address include corruption, security and deteriorating health services in the country. Last year, he gave a powerful address on corruption but little has been done to tame it. In the recent past we have been hearing of emerging scandals in every government department and agencies.

He must crack the whip on all corrupt individuals. As much as we applaud his recent strides in curbing terrorism, theft and burglary are on the rise. He needs to address them as a matter of concern.”

Purity Akinyi, UoN Bcom Student: “There are so many issues that are affecting us as nation that needs quick remedy. Firstly, is the dragon of corruption. This ill vice has killed every sector of our economy. Kenyans expect to hear and see radical measures being implemented by the president. Secondly, he should speak out on the issue of unemployment. Where are the million jobs he promised to us in 2013? Thirdly, he should deal with the health sector. At this age no Kenyan should die due to lack of drugs in any medical facility. If we must win as an economy the president must seek to heal the three issues before diverting his attention to his presidential re-election bid.”

Mildred Achieng, Student KEMU: “The President needs to speak on youth unemployment. Most of the young people are desperate and with unstable lives. The 30 per cent tenders for the youth is still a promise and not a reality. To get the Youth Fund or even the Uwezo Fund is tedious due to a bunch of bureaucracies, which as a result has denied us many opportunities to invest. Additionally, Uhuru ought to realize that we expect to see actions on the war against graft. Since he spoke last year no one has been convicted. Lastly, he should point out issues on the high cost of living.”

Joseph Kimathi, Ngara Ward MCA aspirant: “He must address the high cost of living and run away corruption. Recent reports indicate that oil prices have gone down yet the cost of Unga and electricity are skyrocketing. In his 2013 Manifesto, the President and his Deputy William Ruto promised a double digit economic grtowth. We are yet to realise this promise. In my view, corruption has taken it all. Again, as we are heading to the next general election, he needs to woo his MPs to reconstitute the IEBC and the Supreme Court.”

NEWS 3

Kenya seeks diplomatic solution to Migingo row

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

MPs to probe varsities’ opening of satellite campuses abroad

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Last week, Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo also said the Migingo Island stand-off will be resolved through diplomacy. “This is a matter that can be dealt with through diplomatic channels, the Interior ministry and the joint border commissions, we have to say things we can verify and ensure your security otherwise it would boomerang on us.” Omamo said last Tuesday at Kenyatta international Conventional Centre (KICC). Omamo also explained that Uganda is a friendly nation, thus Kenya cannot resort to a show of might over the issue. There has been a series of dramatic harassment of Kenyans and even government officials by Uganda security forces. While fielding questions from members of the public who attended the event, the Deputy President also ruled out disbanding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the country cannot change commission officials every year it goes to elections. “We cannot be changing electoral commissioners every time we go to elections,” he said. Ruto, however,

Deputy President William Ruto addresses Kenyans at The National Theatre in Nairobi last evening.

said those who want the body disbanded should use correct channels provided in the Constitution and not political rallies.

“We are a country governed by law, there are procedures provided if anyone wants to disband IEBC and it’s not rallies nor press conferences,” he said. The Opposition Cord has threatened to boycott next year’s elections if the current IEBC officials are not sent home claiming they are biased.

The Deputy President defended the Jubilee government development track record saying the country has made significant progress. “In the last three years we have seen the cost of electricity connection

go down from Sh35, 000 to sh15, 000 per one household and over 2.2million households have been connected in just three years,” the DP said. He said the government will do street lighting to all county headquarters towns in order to boost trade that will eventually boost economy of the country. “We are investing Sh7.2 billion to connect 52 towns we have identified in the country with street lighting to improve these places into 24hour trading .centres, security and create more jobs and boost the economy of the country,” the DP @sam_x254 said.

Former PS Mwangi, two others acquitted in Tokyo embassy case Former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi and two others have been acquitted by an anti-corruption court in the Tokyo Embassy purchase case.

The magistrate ruled that there was no sufficient evidence to warrant putting them on their defence. The three had asked the court to throw out the case, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove any wrongdoing on their part in the purchase of the Japan embassy land in which the government reportedly lost Sh1.5 billion.

In the case, Mr Mwangi was charged alongside ex-ambassador, Mr Antony Mwaniki, and Mr Allan Waweru Mburu with multiple counts of corruption and abuse of office originating from a questioned purchase of a building for the Kenyan embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

The suspects have been on trial over the roles they played in a deal. The former PS was facing three counts of conspiracy to commit offence of corruption. Together with Mburu, they

Parliament’s Public Investment committee (PIC) has launched inquiries into how two Kenyan public universities set up campuses outside the country without the approval of any regulatory body.

In a letter, the Adan Keynan led committee has asked vice-chancellors of Kenyatta University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to explain how they invested millions of shillings in Rwanda and Tanzania.

“The committee resolves to write to you to request for information on the investment of establishing and operating of the university’s campuses in Rwanda and Tanzania,” read part of the letter.

This is after the Commission of University Education (CUE) chief executive David Some said they did not approve the setting up of the campuses outside Kenya.

In the letter, the committee

seeks to know the number and locations of the campuses in the said countries, rationale for establishing and opening the campuses outside Kenya, the total cost of the investments, consent from the Ministry of Education to invest and operate outside Kenya and whether the investment was in line with the statute establishing the two universities.

The universities are required to submit five copies of the requested information including supporting documents.

Last month, CUE put on notice public universities setting up campuses outside the country .

“The commission does not recognise the campuses outside the country, which according to the regulator, have failed to meet the criteria for establishing the units,” he said. @wilson_x254

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

were accused of facilitating the purchase of the chancery and an ambassador’s residence in Tokyo at Sh800 million above the market value. The prosecution had asked the court to put the suspects on their defence.

But Senior counsel Paul Muite had told the anti-corruption court that the Ministerial Tender Committee made the decision and manner in which the property was purchased.

“Violation of any procurement laws can only be placed on the Ministerial Tender Committee since the prosecution has been unable to demonstrate that on the part of the accused persons,” he argued.

Muite urged the court to find that the trio had no case to answer and acquit them of the abuse of office charges levelled against them three years ago.

The three former top government officials denied charges of illegal procurement of the multi-million shilling premises without following the laid down procedures.

FREE AT LAST: Former PS Thuita Mwangi leaves the Milimani law courts with his lawyer Paul Muite. He has today been acquited for lack of sufficient evidence.

PHOTO: Capital FM

Hospital cellings are boring.

Drive Safely!

4

NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

Companies at the heart of Anglo-Leasing now delinked from Kamanis’ prosecution

Two companies and a foreigner at the heart of the dubious Anglo-Leasing deals will now be ‘amended out’ of the current prosecutions due to a lack of legal representation in the cases.

This is after the Kamanis disowned them.

Trial magistrate Felix Kombo directed that Sound Day Corporation, Apex Finance and one Brian Mills be separated from the ongoing cases in order to allow them move forward.

The other, “untenable,” option he said would be to adjourn the proceedings until such a time as the directors of the company are traced.

Businessman Deepak Kamani, his brother Rashmi and their father Chamanlal had been identified as the directors of the company but early on in the proceedings denied responsibility for them even after their lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi claimed them.

“We took at the heat of the moment if I may put it like that. But upon further reflection we realised that the nexus between these companies and my clients are at best very tenuous,” he later said in retraction.

A contention the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko challenged saying they could prove that the Kamanis were linked to the companies. “The DPP as probably this court knows has wide reach throughout the world. Let him look for them, let him bring them to this court at a time of his choice and liking,” Abdullahi said in a rejoinder. Sound Day and Apex Finance Corporation

The Kamani brothers (standing) and their father when they were arraigned in court last year to answer to charges related top Anglo-Leasing. Trial Magistrate Felix Kombo yesterday directed that companies at the heart of the case be delinked from the Kamanis.

PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

stand accused – together with eight others – of conspiring to commit an economic crime, “to wit, engaging in a scheme to defraud the Government of Kenya of Euros 40,000,000.”

The two companies also stand accused – together with Deepak, Chamanlal and Rashmi Kamani – of fraudulent

acquisition of public property.

“Euros 1.2 million from the Ministry of Finance on the pretext that they were able to provide credit to the government of Kenya for purchase of security equipment under modernisation of police equipment and accessories project,” the charge

sheet reads.

Former Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Dave Mwangi stands accused alongside the companies for, “failing to carry out due diligence test on Sound Day Corporation to ensure that it had professional, technical and legal

Sakaja tours Grogon in early campaigns Nominated MP and TNA chairman Johnson Sakaja settles down for lunch with mechanics at the Grogon when he visited the area yesterday in what is seen as a familiarisation tour ahaed of campaigns next year. He had earlier listened to the grievances of the mechanics before he bought them lunch at the kiosks in the area. Mr Sakaja is among five people who have declared interest in contesting for Nairobi Governorship in 2017.

capacity to enter into a contract for the modernisation of police equipment and accessories project.”

He and former Finance PS Joseph Magari also stand accused of improperly conferring a benefit to the company in relation to the above deal. www.capitalfm.co.ke

US cancels Tanzania aid worth Sh48 billion over Zanzibar vote A US government aid agency has pulled $472m (about Sh48 billion) of funding for a Tanzanian electricity project after criticising elections in Zanzibar.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) said the vote “was neither inclusive nor representative”.

The October election for president of the semi-autonomous archipelago was cancelled half way through the count.

The opposition boycotted the re-run in March which incumbent President Mohamed Ali Shein won with 91% of the vote.

The money was intended to be spent on improving the availability and reliability of electricity in rural areas.

This was in addition to $700m the US had given to the Tanzanian government in 2008 to improve transport, energy and water.

Last year, the Africa Development Bank said that as few as 11% of people in rural Tanzania were connected to electricity, and noted that women were disproportionately affected as they tended to be responsible for getting household food, fuel and water.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Augustine Mahiga told the BBC that he was surprised that the MCC had not taken into account the huge strides Tanzania had taken in democracy.

It was people in villages with no electricity who would suffer most from their cut in funds, he added.

In the statement announcing the cancellation, the MCC said the Tanzanian government had gone ahead with the re-run of the election “despite the repeated concerns of the US government and the international community”.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli. He has criticised dependency on foreign aid and asked his countrymen to stand on their own.

The opposition Civic United Front (CUF) said the annulment was because it had won, but the electoral commission said there had been widespread fraud.

The MCC also said Tanzania’s government had failed to guarantee that the newly passed Cybercrimes Act “would not be used to limit freedom of expression and association, in light of arrests made during the elections”.

One of the people arrested ahead of the election was the CUF’s director of mass communication and publicity,

Hamad Masoud Hamad, although it is unclear what he was charged with.

The Cybercrimes Act makes spreading lies, sedition and pornographic material online illegal. Critics say it is intended to silence voice critical of the government and ruling party.

Mr Mahiga said the act was necessary to fight terrorism. The cancellation is a blow to President John Magufuli’s efforts on development as he was expecting the money to help him distribute electricity to more people.

However, he has used this as

NEWS 5

opportunity to criticise foreign aid.

“We need to stand on our own. Work hard so that Tanzanians can get rid of donor dependence,” he told a rally on Tuesday.

President Magufuli has won praise for his anti-corruption crusade since coming to office in November.

Whenever he talks about graft, he points out that Tanzania is capable of running projects without any foreign aid if only corruption could be eliminated and public funds used for their intended purposes.

‘Somalia bound’ ship of weapons seized by French forces in the Indian Ocean French naval forces patrolling the northern Indian Ocean have seized a ship full of weapons they say was heading towards Somalia.

Hundreds of assault rifles, machine guns and anti-tank weapons were found.

They seized the weapons under a UN embargo to prevent arms from getting to Somali Islamist militants.

Earlier this month, the Australian navy intercepted a cache of arms on a fishing boat off Oman, also believed to be on its way to Somalia.

The French helicopter that spotted the ship is part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) that patrols the Indian Ocean.

The vessel was not registered to any country and the CMF did not reveal any further information about the people transporting the weapons.

The multinational force, which was also set up to tackle piracy off the coast of Somalia, seized the weapons to prevent them from getting to the Islamist militant group, al-Shabab.

UN sanctions authorise the interception of weapons heading for Somalia.

However, the UN allows the Somali government to buy light weapons for its fight against the insurgents.

The al-Qaeda-linked militants frequently stage attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and other cities, and still control many rural areas in southern Somalia.

Only two days ago, more than 100 fighters of the group were killed in an attack by Somalia forces in the Northern region.

Top stories from X News global partners

Ex-Minister among seven Despite US Push, Nuclear Is Italy more hospitable to killed in Canada plane Material is Vulnerable to refugees than Sweden? The European asylum statistics seem to crash: Former Canadian cabinet minister Theft: As President Obama gathers latest offer good news for refugees. They show the Jean Lapierre has died in a plane crash that also killed his wife and three of his siblings on the way to his father’s funeral in eastern Quebec.

The TVA network, for which Lapierre worked as a political commentator, said all seven people on board Lapierre’s twin-engined chartered aircraft were killed on Tuesday when it crashed in bad weather as it was coming in to land on the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Lapierre, 59, had been travelling to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine for the funeral of his 83-year-old father, TVA said.

Also killed were Lapierre’s wife as well as two of his brothers and a sister, it added. Provincial police confirmed all 6 passengers and the pilot had been killed.

www.theguardian.com

world leaders in Washington this week for his last Nuclear Security Summit, tons of materials that terrorists could use to make small nuclear devices or dirty bombs remain deeply vulnerable to theft. Still, Mr. Obama’s six-year effort to rid the world of loose nuclear material has succeeded in pulling bombgrade fuel out of countries from Ukraine to Chile, and has firmly put nuclear security on the global agenda. But despite the progress, several countries are balking at safeguards promoted by the United States or are building new stockpiles. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, where some of the largest stockpiles of civilian nuclear material remain, has decided to boycott the summit meeting, which begins Thursday night. www.nytimes.com

acceptance rate jumping by ten percentage points to 60% in the final quarter of 2015— the highest rate ever. Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands all granted asylum in record numbers. It would seem that Europeans are finally greeting migrants with open arms. Yet a closer look suggests the news is promising for only a handful of nationalities.

The reason acceptance rates have soared is that applications have risen from countries whose refugees are likely to be accepted. Syrians, Eritreans and Iraqis, who are let in more than 90% of the time, make up almost half of all decisions, up from about a quarter in 2014.

For other countries the acceptance rate was just 28%. www.economist.com

Yellen reiterates need for rates caution: Janet Yellen

has reiterated the need for the Federal Reserve to “proceed cautiously” in lifting interest rates given unfavourable market conditions, weaker than expected overseas growth and an uncertain inflation outlook.

The Fed chair said recent declines in market expectations for interest-rate increases had helped cushion the US economy from adverse developments overseas, describing the moves as an “automatic stabilizer”.

But she stressed that the Fed had little scope to reverse course and stimulate the economy if the US unexpectedly hits the buffers, underlying the need for a gradual tightening of policy. She homed in on risks still stewing in China and the oil markets as she argued in a her address.

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

www.ft.com

xnews | WEDNesday, MARCH 30, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

CBK EXCHANGE RATES

Central Bank seeks solutions to NBK crisis as CEO sent home The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is seeking solutions to an ongoing crisis at the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) after the lender’s board decided to carry out an internal audit of the performance of the bank.

The board this week sent six senior managers including the CEO Munir Ahmed on compulsory leave pending an investigation into their performance following a meeting with the CBK. “The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) had a meeting this morning with the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) Chairman and some of the NBK Board members,” read a statement from the CBK released earlier this morning.

At the meeting, NBK Board members briefed the CBK on the emergent concerns and their proposed actions going forward.

“The CBK welcomes these timely actions to strengthen the NBK while maintaining smooth operations, and that will protect the financial system,” the regulator added n its statement, dated March 29, 2016.

“We have instituted an internal review of our financial performance and as part of the mentioned tenets, the internal audit process shall be independent hence the request by the board for the six managers to proceed on leave,” Chairman to the Board, Mohamed Hassan said.

The six have been surrounded by numerous accusations including illegal loan disbursements, high number of staff turnover and audit-related queries.

“The aforementioned actions by the Board are an unequivocal demonstration of our commitment to strict adherence to corporate governance tenets and the various Central Bank of Kenya guidelines,” Hassan said.

“The six managers will immediately proceed on leave but will be expected to comply and make key submissions to the internal audit process,” the board

The chairman assured the bank’s customers that the changes will not affect the normal operations of the institution and hence the appointment of the replacement.

The board plans to make further appointments albeit, on an acting capacity within 24 hours to fill in the positions left by the other managers.

Dennis_x254

Suspended National Bank of Kenya CEO Munir Ahmed who was sent on compulsory leave together with five top managers by the board to pave way for internal audit of the bank.

Green Revolution Africa offers support to reduce food insecurity The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is seeking concept notes from qualified organisations in Kenya to implement a programme funded by the MasterCard Foundation with an aim to reduce food insecurity and increase the incomes of smallholder farmers.

The programme, dubbed; the Financial Inclusion for Small holder Farmers in Africa Project (FISFAP), seeks to address the problem of food insecurity in target countries that include Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania by February 2020.

AGRA aims to achieve its goal by partnering with financial institutions and agriculture value chain actors, especially agro dealers, aggregatorswarehouse operators and farmer based organizations, Deepika Singh, a spokesperson on behalf of the group has said.

Interested parties are advised to visit “agra-alliance.org” for details.

“FISFAP seeks to enable partnerships between financial service providers

said in a statement.

NBKs Director of Retail and Premium Banking Wilfred Musau will take over running of daily operations of bank with immediate effect.

These developments come at a time when commercial banks have released their financial results for the year ended 2015, leaving NBK as the only listed lender that hasn’t done the same.

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

(FSP), value chain actors (VCA) and mobile network operators (MNO) to develop appropriate and affordable (digital) products and services for (organized) smallholders,” Singh added.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is a not-for-profit organization working with African governments, other donors, NGOs, the private sector and African farmers to significantly and sustainably improve the productivity and incomes of resource poor smallholder farmers in Africa.

A concept note, also called a prospectus, is a preliminary description of the ideas behind a project.

AGRA will provide financial support to organisations that prioritise the development and delivery of pre-season financial services by financial service providers (FSPs) and value chain actors (VCAs) that include nonfinancial services (input credit and payment, payment of mechanization, (crop) insurance).

MEAN 101.4322 144.8272 113.6211 6.5925 33.0848 21.4825

BUY SELL 101.6176 101.5249 145.1400 144.9836 113.8667 113.7439 6.6135 6.6030 33.2439 33.1643 21.6203 21.5514

UK told to lift Lamu travel advisories Stakeholders in the tourism sector in Lamu and Manda islands have asked the British government to lift travel advisories following a security boost in the region. This is in a bid to save the ailing tourism industry. The travel advisories still in place, are affecting the two Islands even after major security investments were made by the government following terror related attacks. Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and Lamu County Governor Issa Timmamy led tourism stakeholders in lobbying for the travel advisories to be lifted during a sector meeting attended

by British High Commissioner Nick Hailey in Lamu.

“The travel advisory has been in force for the last five years, the government has done its best, gazetted 12 police stations in the county, deployed nine armoured police vehicles besides other patrols,” Balala said.

CS Balala said that the government had increased security in the region and it was time for Britain to re-evaluate its advisory by lifting it.

Tourism has been highly affected by advisories hurting the livelihood of the local community. The Ministry plans to continue to encourage the private sector investors to improve on their products and services, to continue attracting repeat tourists. “The British Government is concerned with travel advisories affecting Lamu, we have gotten a good brief on the security measures that have been put in place and I shall share this with my government for consideration,” said Hailey.

Kenya to woo tourists through ‘China ready training program’ In a bid to draw in more Chinese tourists into the country, Kenya is training locals on Chinese customs, values and demands. The China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) in partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), last week conducted a one-day training dubbed “China ready training program” for Kenya’s tourism stakeholders.

The training was aimed at educating stakeholders and the general travel trade sector on the latest updates and developments as well as the dynamics of the Chinese market in response to the rapid expansion and growth of China’s outbound tourism.

During the workshop, stakeholders were trained on Chinese culture so that they are prepared to welcome and cater to Chinese tourists in accordance with the Chinese customs, values and demands.

Speaking during the workshop held at a Nairobi hotel, KTB Ag. CEO Jacinta Nzioka – Mbithi said Kenya was committed towards understanding and meeting the needs of Chinese tourists and therefore the training was timely to facilitate the adaptation of tourism-related products and services in Kenya to suit their needs.

“We want to bring in more Chinese to visit Kenya and beginning with this forum, we will continue to hold a series of studies and awareness to know more about the traveling Chinese— their interests, likes and travel dynamics so that we are able to improve Kenya’s penetration of the China market by bridging the existing knowledge gaps among the Kenyan travel trade,” she said.

The training was also meant to increase the number of Kenyan tourism stakeholders certified as China-ready

so as to make the destination more appealing to Chinese consumers.

Speakers from COTRI discussed the new trends and changes in China’s outbound tourism, market demands and future developments.

The training brought together 46 tourism stakeholders drawn from hotels, airlines, tour operators, JKIA taxi, shopping malls and Kenya government agencies including Department of Immigration, KICC, Utalii College, Ministry of Tourism and National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi County and Kenya Airports Authority.

COTRI is the world’s leading independent research institute for training, quality assessment, research and consulting on the Chinese outbound tourism market.

kevin_x254

BUSINESS 7 WEDNESDAY, MARCh 30, 2016

KRA seizes Sh28 million top-of-the-range vehicles covered with mattresses at port Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers have smashed a tax evasion racket perpetrated by unscrupulous businessmen and involving the importation of high value motor vehicles, declared as personal effects and household goods.

The KRA officials based at the port of Mombasa, last week seized two Range Rovers and one Mercedes Benz vehicle, valued at Sh28 million and with an estimated tax value of Sh8.5million

The vehicles were concealed in a cargo container, loaded with baby walkers and used mattresses, earlier shipped from the United Kingdom. This would have caused the government to lose Sh8.5 million in tax revenue had the KRA officials who scanned the 40 ft. container number: MRKU2024181 failed to spot the carefully concealed cargo.

The importer, Mr Saidar Muteweta of London (UK) had declared the goods as personal effects and household goods,

Simba Corporation Executive Director, Dinesh Kotecha (second left) hands over Mitsubishi L200 key to Jubilee Insurance CEO, Patrick Tumbo (second right) as a sign of sealing the patnership deal that will see Jubilee Insurance give Simba Colt motors new owners of the Mitsubishi L200 single and double cab package insurance cover for one year. Looking on is Mitsubishi Motor Corporation sales manager Faruk Allibhai (left) and Jubilee Insurance Head of Business Development Abel Musunza (right).

Insurer to give one year cover for new Mitsubishi L200 customers Jubilee Insurance has partnered with Simba Colt Motors to give owners of the new Mitsubishi L200 single and double cab package insurance cover for one year. The all-new Mitsubishi L200 Sport Utility Truck (SUT) is a passenger car with the functionality and reliability of a pick-up with less fuel consumption.

The campaign dubbed; ‘L200 Inatosha’ marks the first partnership between Jubilee Insurance and Simba Corp.

“This partnership is the beginning of extensive business opportunities between Jubilee Insurance and Simba Corp. The Mitsubishi L200 comes with a comprehensive cover for one year courtesy of Jubilee Insurance. We understand that buying a new car comes with other expenses and so we are taking care of this part of the process for you to make work easier,” said Patrick Tumbo, Jubilee Insurance CEO. Simba Corporation Executive Director Dinesh Kotecha says the partnership deal is designed to offer the best value for the customer and allow them to effectively take up the products.

“Our commitment is to ensure our customers have access to solutions that allow them to enjoy our range of products as well as make their journey

of owning our vehicles worthwhile. We have embarked on a long term strategy to partner with like-minded corporates to enable our respective customers to get the best value for their money”, said Kotecha.

The all-new Mitsubishi L200 also achieves high levels of safety performance through its durable and sturdy chassis and frame structures designed to deliver quietness and ride comfort at par with a passenger car thanks to, its new engine optimization of the suspension, the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials.

This partnership with Jubilee insurance is the latest in a series of collaborations that Simba Corporation has ventured into, in a bid to bolster its position in the market. Currently, the corporation is in partnership with Vivo Energy Kenya, the sole distributor and marketer of Shellbranded fuels and lubricants. The deal will enable Vivo Energy to access tailor made vehicle leasing solutions from Simba Corporation. The corporation also partnered with Family Bank for asset financing for consumers intending to purchase commercial vehicles. kevin_x254

which were destined to a consignee in Uganda, a Mr Abubakari Sekimwanyi.

All the three motor vehicles are currently detained at the Customs Warehouse for safe custody.

“KRA is liaising with the relevant agencies such as Interpol, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Regional Intelligence Liaisons Office (RILO) as part of an elaborate investigative effort,” said KRA Commissioner for Customs & Border

Control Department, Mr. Julius Musyoki.

Meanwhile, KRA officials over the weekend identified yet another container whose preliminary investigations, indicate that the declaration does not conform to the scanned images.

According to manifest details submitted to KRA, Container No. HLBU1231204 allegedly contains household goods and personal effects, whilst the scanned image appear to be of a luxury motor

vehicle. This particular container arrived at the port on 14.03.16 from the UK in transit to Uganda. The supplier is a Mr. Ronnie Musisi, while the consignee is a Mr. Robert Musisi.

This container shall be subjected to 100 per cent verification in due course as KRA reiterates, its commitment to curtail illicit trade through all the points of entry.

Dennis_x254

8

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

Kenya scraps plans for new main airport terminal, eyes US flights Plans for a new terminal building at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been scrapped due to financial pressures and excess capacity caused by recent upgrades to existing facilities, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed.

The Authority said in a statement released on Tuesday that the plans had been terminated due to financial constraints.

“The decision to terminate the project by the Authority has been occasioned by the prevailing operational, economic and financial dynamics which have been on a downward trend over the last three years,” the KAA said.

These developments come at a time when the budget deficit for the year to next June was set at 8.7 per cent of GDP. However, the Treasury pledged to cut it to 8.1 per cent in a supplementary budget.

China’s Anhui Construction and China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation (Catic) had been selected to build the terminal, which was expected to handle 20 million passengers a year.

JKIA opened in 1978 with an annual passenger capacity of 2.5 million and has since seen these numbers grow.

According to the KAA, JKIA has seen its handling capacity increase to 7.5 million passengers a year, against demand of 6.5 million last year.

President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the $650 million (Sh65.9 billion) terminal project for JKIA in December 2013.

The first phase of the new terminal had originally been due to be completed this year, although construction has not yet started.

Modernisation of the existing passenger and cargo handling facilities will continue and eventually increase

capacity to 10.5 million passengers, KAA said.

The KAA noted that it was confident the modernisation and expansion of JKIA was adequate to position the airport as the aviation gateway for the region.

“The country is on course to achieving

category one status by May 2016 as the target date for commencement of direct flights to the USA,” the Authority said. Category one is a security and safety certificate, required by airports that handle direct flights to the United States.

Rendering of aerial view of new Jomo Kenyatta Airport terminal, shaped like an elongated X. China’s Anhui Construction and China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation (Catic) had been selected to build the terminal.

UNEP opens nominations for Champions of the Earth Awards

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is inviting applications from individuals and organisations worldwide for its 2016 Champions of the Earth Award.

The award highlights individuals and organisations who show leadership and vision in delivering on the environmental dimension of the sustainable development agenda.

The programme will focus or address the sustainability of natural resources poverty, health, food and agriculture, water and sanitation, human settlements, energy, climate change, sustainable consumption and production, oceans and terrestrial ecosystems.

Local organisations have often nominated their own pacesetters in the past. In 2012, Kenyan-born Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust President and Chairman of the Board, Samson Parashina, won the Special Category for Grassroots Initiatives award.

“Nominations are invited from individuals and organizations who exemplify leadership and advocate action on sustainable development and climate change at the national, regional and global levels,” Reena Pandey, a spokesperson on behalf of UNEP said.

All nominations must be supported by three endorsers. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition, Pandey explained in a recent announcement. Press clippings, testimonials and photographs may be sent to support the nomination.

Boeing to lay off 4,500 in Liquid Telecom’s Sh101m investment, cost reduction strategy launches 350 Wi-Fi mapping hotspots

World’s largest plane manufacturer Boeing plans to cut more than 4,500 jobs by mid this year to reduce costs.

The bulk of the layoffs is set to come from its commercial aircraft division as customers cut back on orders.Boeing is reacting to concern that demand for its jets is slowing.The US company has also been losing market share to rival Airbus Group SE. A company spokesman said about 1,600 positions will go through voluntary redundancies while the rest will take place through attrition.

Hundreds of executives and managers are also expected to lose their jobs.

The cuts account for almost 3% of

Boeing’s workforce, which comprised 161,000 people at the end of last year.

Boeing delivered a record 762 planes last year, exceeding its previous forecast. However, last year saw a big fall in new orders.Customers in the Middle East and Asia, who had been on a spending spree, have been cutting back. As of 31 December, Boeing’s backlog of orders stood at 5,795, representing more than seven and a half years of production at the current rate.With Boeing and Airbus factories running at full capacity, airlines have been reluctant to spend billions of dollars on aircraft that they would not receive for several years.

Liquid Telecom Kenya, which is investing $1 million (Sh101 million) in 2016 in hundreds of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Kenya, has launched an app mapping the more than 350 free Wi-Fi hotspots it has installed so far across the country.

The company, which is the leading independent data, voice and IP provider in eastern, central and southern Africa, now has free hotspots in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kajiado, and Nyeri, with more commissioned and due to open. The company’s app dubbed; WiFi Finder, helps people find the free Wi-Fi zones allowing them access to the Internet.

“Our commitment to offering universal Internet access in Africa is key to the group’s business strategy.

We have so far installed over 350 hotspots in Kenya, many of them in partnership with leading retailers, cafes, restaurants, bars, banks and shopping malls,” said Ben Roberts, Liquid Telecom Kenya CEO and

Liquid Telecom Group Chief Technical Officer.

The sites in the Wi-Fi Finder all have some form of free, public access, running from a minimum of 15 minutes of free use to unlimited free use.

The app shows the location of the free Wi-Fi as well as the address and contact details for each hotspot.

All of the Wi-Fi hotspots are free to consumers, but some of them are paid for by the shopping mall, bank, or the coffee shop offering the service as a way of enhancing customer experience.

Liquid Telecom Kenya is aiming to achieve a five-fold expansion in public Wi-Fi over the next one year, which will help to expand Internet access from the current 74.2 per cent of Kenyans who currently have access, according to Communications Authority of Kenya figures.

“As more and more people are getting online with mobile devices, but cannot afford either fixed line connections

at home, or only very limited mobile data packages, free Wi-Fi is becoming more and more popular as an alternative,” said Roberts. The free Wi-Fi investment by Liquid Telecom Kenya comes as the provision of free Wi-Fi is taking off globally and across Africa.

“For venues such as restaurants and hotels, free Wi-Fi will eventually become as expected as any other amenity. Good quality Wi-Fi is already a significant differentiator for businesses offering it to their customers,” said Mr Roberts.

Globally, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots is expected to grow to 340m by 2018, up from fewer than 50m today, according to the iPass Wi-Fi Growth Map, with retailers, hotels, and cafés driving the growth.

South Africa according to iPass currently leads in Africa for free Wi-Fi, has more than a third of its 8,611 Wi-Fi hotspots in retail outlets, another third are in hotels, and just over a quarter are in cafes.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

ACCESS top story

All wAs set And the crowd wAseAgerly wAiting for A word from tingA.

Raila in mombasa.

A man jumping a red carpet. A preserve of the presidnecy.

The wit that is

RAO’s Mombasa tours

F

rom Crushing podiums, to old man whips and complains of a red carpet, RAO’s trips to the coast always elicit humor.

The Right Hon. Raila Odinga as he was once know is an epitome of desire. An Enigma as touted by others. An agile pusher of devolvement matters when it comes to democracy.

Tinga, RAO, Baba which are some of his pseudo names is known very well for his tactics maneuvers and counter maneuvers of perhaps one day attaining the heights of the highest seat in the land.

Nonetheless, as were await perhaps the “last bullet” will come through in 2017, his tours and maneuvers of the coast have occasionally elicited a furor of hilarity.

From Crushing podiums, to old man cane whips and agitation of a red carpet the hilarity seems to never end.

The crushing of a podium, caught on a video that went viral, during a thanks giving tour after the Malindi by elections where Cord won elicited proper humor.

All was set and the crowd was pregnant waiting for a word from Tinga.

Tinga the enigma, stood firm and in the heat of it all, delivering a biblical anecdote saying that “Shetani alimjaribu Yesu, akamwambia ukiniabudu, mali yote ya dunia itakuwa yako,” (Satan tempted Jesus to bow to him and he will deliver all earthly belongings unto him).

It is at this crucial moment that the podium caved in causing a rapture of worry accompanied by laughter and

FASHION Scoop 10

Whipping man.

rhetoric of shetani ashindwe! (Let the devil be defeated). Apart from the crushing podium, a visit by Tinga to the coast last year, also elicited sufficient humor. Tinga was meeting will constituents in Mombasa, only for an old man wielding a stick whipped him thoroughly.

The man who was said to be mentally unstable was later forgiven by the victim but the government had to take action and he was prosecuted for assaulting a dignitary. Flash back into the Grand Coalition government, Tinga was the CoPrincipal. The equal partner in the bed of power with Former President Mwai Kibaki.

As the arrangement was, Tinga was to get in whole the half of the presidency. As events unfolded during that period, Kibaki and his quarters were greedier that thought.

It is the greediness that resulted into mean tendencies. Tendencies that had Tinga, in a full stadium in Mombasa whine, that “how come a full Prime Minister is denied a red carpet, further to this there is not even a toilet secured for him.”

This statement reverberated across the nation, and again the video went viral.

All these incidents happen in Mombasa, and sufficient humor is derived from Tinga’s visit of the Swahili speaking province.

What is left to note is the question why does Mombasa provide the best platform for Tinga’s humours incidents? @duncan_x254

10

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

Published by Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road. Printed by Standard Media Group, Mombasa Road.

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH OCTOBER 3028, 2016 2015

11

FASHIONScoop

@ChAnEl rEAdy To WEAr CollECTion

Bow buttons are unique and classy.

All about business.

A conservative twist.

Checkered, check!

Black don’t crack.

Hit ‘em uP-style

HOT

TOPICS

King Kaka talks daddy relations

K

ing Kaka has revealed that he has had daddy issues. Kaka in his new release Papa which he has featured Elani, talks of not forgiving his father which has left a deep emotional hole in his life. He confesses that he hopes to be a better father to his kids.

king kaka

Kanye West goes gospel?

A

fter a myriad of problems, Kanye West seems to have seen the light. West who has had sufficient money issues unleashed a gospel hit for the Easter season. The hit entitled Ultralight Prayer is composed with inspirational words written by artist Kirk Franklin. kanye west

W

ith the latest craze over street and athleisure style, the toned down business woman is getting more and more out of fashion designers’ minds but not Chanel, who know how to balance fashion need for all segments of the population.

Have a look at their latest official/ travel wear style offering showcased during their latest catwalk.

Patty Duke passes on

P

atty Duke, widely kown for her show the Patty Duke Show is dead. Patty, who is an Oscar award winner passed on today morning, due to ruptured intestines. Patty was 69 years old. May her soul rest in peace.

patty duke

@mercy_x254

Powerful color play.

12

CLASSIFIED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

Job VACANCY!

EXCLUSIVE MENSWEAR 2 Formal Suits 2 Formal Trousers 2 Formal Shirts 2 Formal Jackets 2 Innerwear 2 Casual Shirts 2 Casual Trousers

EARN 8500/= WEEKLY AS YOU ARE LEARNING IN A

2 T-shirts 2 Casual jackets 2 Kaunda suits 2 Knit wear 2 Accessories 2 Watches 2 Shoes

LORDS LIMITED

canadian link COMPANY, LOCALLY RECRUITING PEOPLE OF FORM 4 AND ABOVE (28 YRS AND BELOW) IN A SALE, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT. CALL NOW 0708129229/0763983531

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Communications with your beloved could take the form of romantic songs or poetry. If you want to give your friend a gift, by all means do, but confine it to something nonthreatening like a book. Everything seems great now, but too much emotional expression and material generosity could overwhelm your friend. Be patient!

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 There should be a very positive reaction to it, so you can expect a lot of compliments and ego-boosts. An opportunity to earn some money from your work could also come along. Don’t turn it down out of shyness or insecurity. Go for the gold. This trend is likely to continue, so make the most of it.

UNION TOWERS, Ground Floor, Moi Avenue Nairobi Cell: +254 0722 571 172 info@lordskenya.com

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

WEATHERFORECAST TUday 30/3/2016

sunny

29

28ºC 44%

TUEday 31/3/2016

More sun than clouds

29 6:34 am 6:40pm

27ºC 43%

6:34am 6:40pm

Wednesday

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.

Sunday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your life is changing in a positive way, and even though it may not be readily apparent, you’re sensing it intuitively. Romance with someone from far away could be in the offing. If you’re a writer, publishing is right around the corner. The only downside is that you might feel panicky, as if all this will disappear.

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Listen carefully to the messages they bring. Whether they involve matters in your material life, intellectual or spiritual concerns, or future events, they can shed light on a lot of facts about you of which you might not be aware. Write them down as soon as you can. You’ll be glad you did.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Social events could find you and your beloved among both old and new friends, perhaps letting some of them know for the first time that you’re actually an item. Someone close to both of you could be planning a wedding and invite you to come. Don’t be surprised if it gives your partner ideas!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 All looks perfect as career, romance, education, and spiritual matters seem to crystallize into a wonderful life. Don’t waste time worrying if this is all too good to be true! You’re concerned about the future, but right now, live in the moment. You’re creating some great memories, if nothing else. Enjoy!

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Travel, education, creativity – they’re all coming to the forefront of your concerns. Romance should also be going well. A friend could introduce you to a new interest, and children might also be a source of joy.

Happiness reigns as you’re able to spend more time pursuing the concerns that mean the most to you.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 If so, remember that you’ll probably enjoy the comfort and freedom it provides. Being in your own territory among your books and pets and wearing your old clothes will feel good. However, in no way will working on your own compromise your work ethic. If anything, you’ll get more done than ever. Dig in and go for the gold.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 21 As a result, you’ll probably make some new friends and spend a lot of time on the phone with them over the next few days. If you’re single, one could be a potential love partner. If you’re a writer or artist, expect oodles of inspiration to hit you as a result of all this.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Writing, drawing, or computer graphics could be involved. You might have some doubts about your abilities, but you’re more likely to be surprised by the results. You’re apt to enjoy working this way, and you may hope to continue. Keep up the good work, and good luck!

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 If you’re artistic by nature, Scorpio, expect a rush of inspiration to hit today, along with an irresistible compulsion to start a new project and work until you can see at least some results. If you’ve never been artistic before, you may suddenly feel like giving it a try, perhaps using computer technology.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 A lover could declare eternal devotion, spiritual revelations could come thick and fast, or great news regarding career or money matters could be just over the horizon. Whatever comes is apt to bring happiness for all concerned. You may pinch yourself to make sure you’re awake! Relax and enjoy it.

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 30, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Tagged 8. Weak and thin, as a voice 13. Feign 14. ___ a living 16. Pizza portion 17. Reach an agreement out of court 18. More hideous 19. Shepherd’s pie ingredients 21. Horse halters 22. “As God ____ witness...”

23. Young newts 24. “Riddle-me-___” (nursery rhyme line) 25. ____-O (“Old MacDonald” refrain) 26. Bandleader Shaw 27. Gorged 30. Bradley and Begley 31. In a lather 33. Publication for web 35. 6, on a telephone 36. Squirrels’ hangouts 40. “A Doll’s House” playwright Henrik 42. Iditarod terminus 43. Lennon’s wife 46. “How the Other Half Lives” author Jacob 47. Zen paradox 48. Is blustery 50. Items in a toolset, often 52. “___ Beloved...”

53. Egyptian god of death 54. Triskaidekaphobe’s fear 56. Annul 57. Assurances 58. “___ Defeats Truman” (infamous 1948 headline) 59. Hates Down 1. Stick around 2. 2001 French film with five Oscar nods 3. Trade 4. Fashionable issues?

5. Den 6. List abbr.

7. Kind of diver 8. Easily annoyed 9. Home furnishings chain 10. Butterfly catcher 11. Once in a while 12. Christmas season 13. Lip-puckering 15. Durbeyfield girl, and namesakes 20. Fail to mention 22. Clock numeral 25. Vocalist James 26. Chopping tool 28. Long geological period 29. Extra-wide shoe spec 31. Without an agenda 32. 100% sure

34. Sets apart 35. “Man in the ____” (Michael Jackson hit song) 37. Half hitch, e.g.

38. Raised a glass to 39. Pres. monogram 41. Holding in trust 44. What the weary get, in a saying 45. Young hooters 47. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” novelist Ken 48. Swiss city on the Aare 49. Thesaurus wds.

51. Walk in the wild 52. Detergent target 55. Possess, to Burns

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY IEBC bias on Okoa Kenya raises eyebrows

The long-term implications of the IEBC blockage of Okoa Kenya Constitutional Amendment Initiative, launched in 2014 pursuant to Article 257 of the Constitution, should now take the Cord fraternity back to the drawing board for serious reflection on whether or not to accept the Electoral Agency as is currently constituted to supervise the 2017 polls. This is so because it was thought that after mismanaging the 2013 General Election, IEBC would make an effort to redeem its image of partisanship by handling the Okoa Kenya Amendment Initiative with a measure of independence, competence and fairness.

Unfortunately, the polls body once again failed the credibility test and thereby missed the opportunity to attract the confidence of a considerable number of voters. It is on that basis that few people now believe the agency lacks what it takes to manage next year’s polls.

In order to put things into perspective, it is necessary to trace back the events leading to the IEBC invalidation of Okoa Kenya Amendment Initiative. The initiative itself was launched in 2014 pursuant to Article 257 of the Constitution. The promoters of the initiative (read Cord) had the time to ensure all the requirements were met. In this regard, the promoters appointed a Committee of Experts to draft the Bill and supervise the acquisition of signatures. In addition, Cord spent resources to ensure everything required was

done prior to the delivery of the draft Bill and the signatures to IEBC for verification as required by law. But the polls agency took inordinately long time to verify the signatures and forward the Bill to next stage, prompting Cord leaders to visit IEBC offices for a meeting on the matter. IEBC top-brass failed to honour the meeting.

On March 17, 2016 a group of Jubilee MPs, in fact party brigands, released propaganda information couched as a press statement alleging that the signatures Cord had presented to the IEBC were not genuine and urged the Electoral Body not to proceed to the next stage of forwarding the referendum Bill to the counties.

IEBC invalidated most signatures submitted to it

by CORD on untenable grounds.

Clearly, this has raised a lot of questions begging for answers: First, has the IEBC become a mouth piece or a tool for ratifying Jubilee propaganda? Second, given the sequence of events as outlined herein, was the whole scheme jointly choreographed by IEBC and Jubilee Coalition to appear real? Third, won’t it have been more reasonable for IEBC to invite Cord to send a representative to the verification of signatures? Forth, given that IEBC had taken too long to act on the draft Bill and signatures submitted to it, how could the polls agency manage to accomplish the task within a week after Cord Principals stormed into their offices? What had they been waiting for all along? — Eliud Owalo.

Uhuru’s appointments ignored the youth

The Jubilee administration used unemployment as one of the stepping stones to get to power which saw many youths support them but has turned against the youth in with all public appointments going to the retired lot.They promised a million jobs but now it’s very clear the promised jobs have

been turned to “kazi kwa wazee” It’s a pity to see billionaires who have the muscle to start their own businesses wanting to remain in public service way after their retirement age, instead of giving way for the youth.

When Kenyan youths are wallowing in poverty, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his

deputy William Ruto are busy appointing rich and retired politicians back to public service.

Kenyan youths must wake up and make a wise decision in 2017, let the youth vie for political seats come 2017, and say no to being used as stepping stones for people to get to power.

—y Raymond Mtetezi

Country should not rush to overhaul the 8-4-4

Last year, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) embarked on a review of the much-maligned 8-4-4 system of education.

To help chart a way forward, it invited the public to give views on the successes and failures of the 8-4-4 system introduced in 1985.

This system was based on eight years of primary education, four years of secondary education and four years of university education.

From the outset, the concept was noble. There was much hope riding on the new education system, which was expected to equip dropouts at all levels of schooling, notably after KCPE and KCSE, with adequate skills for self-employment or gainful employment in the formal and informal sectors.

As such, the new system was designed to promote selfsufficiency among learners.

Two decades and millions of graduates later, what was

touted as a catalyst to Kenya’s dash to prosperity is falling apart.

Public confidence in 8-4-4 is at its lowest. Because, alas, the system does not equip learners with self-reliant skills, instead, it promotes dependency.

The system is exam-oriented and promotes rote learning, which denies learners the power to think outside the box.

To keep up with the pace, cases of exam cheating to guarantee good grades are rampant.

And despite the good grades, those who passed were woefully incapable of applying knowledge in practice and logic in solving problems at the workplace.

In 2012, a task force chaired by former Moi University Vice-Chancellor Douglas Odhiambo proposed measures to have the 8-4-4 system replaced.

The task force proposed a 2-63-3-3 system that included two years of pre-school, six

years of primary, three years of junior secondary, another three in senior secondary and three years at the university.

Another round of debate on the development of a new curriculum is welcome. It is hoped that candid discussions with all stakeholders will pave way for a superior system that prepares learners well for life after school.

Before overhauling the current system, experts should carefully consider the merits and demerits of each system to avoid a backlash. There would be no need to change the system and re change it later due to inefficiencies.

Notably the 8-4-4 system is being bedevilled because of being result oriented and only for mentally articulate, which was the same case why the 7-4-3 was abolished.

Let’s recheck the right course with the current economic, skills, market and social demands going forward.

— Nderitu

State should curb cholera to avert more deaths

The fact that 135 people have died from cholera since June last year is an alarming signal about the state of the sanitation and the capacity of the counties to treat and manage an otherwise preventable disease.

According to the Ministry of Health, 12 counties have reported cholera outbreaks, raising questions about the level of hygiene in these regions and the capacity of devolved governments to police public eating places and food handlers and to guarantee

public health and safety.

There is a need for more focused campaigns to contain the spread of the disease and to provide timely interventions, including medication and monitoring of food distribution chains as a preventive measure.

The relevant agencies should also conduct a study to establish the cause of the sudden increase in cholera cases with a view to addressing the problem at the source.

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

14

SPORT

Kenya champs GSU struggle at Cairo continental tournament

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Belgium’s football team pays tribute to attack victims Belgium’s football team held a minute’s silence before their 1-2 loss in a friendly with Portugal in Leiria, in tribute to the victims of terror attacks in Brussels The friendly was moved from the King Baudouin Stadium in Belgium’s capital after 35 people were killed and many others injured in last week’s attacks at the Brussels airport.

It is the second successive Belgium friendly affected by terror attacks. In November, their match against Spain in Brussels was called off following the Paris atrocities Tuesday’s game was originally cancelled, but Portugal coach Fernando Santos said continuing with the game shows “football is not afraid”.

Meanwhile in France, it was the home side’s first appearance at the Stade de France since their national stadium was one of several targets in last year’s attacks, which killed 130 people.

“You don’t forget, but you have to move forward,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.

France were playing a friendly with Germany in November when a bomb exploded outside the ground.

This week’s round of international friendlies are warm-up games before Euro 2016 in France, which starts on 10 June.

Kenya volleyball champions General Service Unit won their first match to finish 15th in the 2016 Men’s African Club Championship after they won their corresponding quarterfinal matches at Cairo Stadium Complex in Egypt on Tuesday.

GSU beat Woliatta from Ethiopia 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17) though their performances raises a lot of questions on the standards of men’s volleyball in Kenya.

With over a month of indoor training prior to the tournament and a privilege as the only Kenyan team to have represented the country after Kenya Prions pulled out, much was expected from the officers but once again they

failed to live up to expectations.

Meanwhile Egyptian sides Smouha and El Geish, Esperance of Tunisia and Swehly from Libya booked their tickets to the Semifinal of the tournament.

El Geish cruised to straight sets victory over Espoir (25-13, 25-13, 25-12) to book their third qualification to the semis in their short history at these games. Esperance knocked out 11 time champions Ahly by straight wins of 29-27, 25-16, 25-17) in an easier game than expected in front of full house of excited spectators.

In a purely Egyptian face off Smouha survived in the tiebreak to defeat their compatriots Zamalek 3-2 (2521, 25-22, 20-25, 22-25, 15-12), a win

which guaranteed them their second consecutive semifinal qualification.

What added to the drama on the day was the withdrawal of the two African and Egyptian giants Ahly and the Zamalek from the quarters.

Sudan’s Nahda regained their rhythm on time to overcome DGSP (CGO) 3-2 (29-27, 25-22, 16-25, 10-25, 15-12) for 17-24 placement quarter final matches.

Gendermerie of Madagascar needed two hours of exciting attack and blocks to upset Fanar of Algeria 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-14, 15-13) for 9-16 placement while Libya’s Ahly Beni Ghazi overwhelm Daim Hamad of Sudan 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-23) in easy face off.

Cameroon Sport fought aggressively to beat TGOM (GAB) 3-1 (25-25, 25-16, 24-26, 25-20). Setif (ALG) hammered Atletico (Cape Verde) 3-0 (25-19, 2519, 25-18).

Nemostars (Uganda) continued their superior performance to win 3-0 (2521, 25-17, 25-15) against Senegalese Police.

Esperance will meet Smouha in the semifinal of the competition, while El Geish play Swehly in the other semifinal on Thursday.

Swehly (Libya) overwhelmed FAP (Cameroon) 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 1825, 25-18) to qualify to the semis for the third time in the history of the competition.

Busy schedule for Rugby’s 15 aside Kenya 15s rugby teams will have a busy half year season with three test matches against Germany, Hong Kong and Romania lined up in June to try and break into top 20 in the world ranking.

The tests are yet to be confirmed.

Kenya will kick of the busy campaign June 4th with the Elgon Cup before they can start thinking of how to tackle Zimbabwe, Uganda and Namibia in the Africa Cup. “Without adequate ranking we still play in the junior league. Our target this year is to come from position 28 and hit the top 20 in the World” Kenya Simbas team manager Wangila Simiyu was quoted on RagaHouse “Where we are right now we are not comfortable. The longer we stay without playing test games the longer we risk losing our status as a top 30 Country in the World,” he added.

Kenya will however be without United Kingdom based Joshua Chisanga and Peter Karia who is in South Africa.

The called up team has been training in recent weeks with Strength and Conditioning classes taking center stage.

Players of GSU in a past match against Ulinzi. GSU has struggled at the continental championships in Egypt finishing 15th.

Kenya to send seven Judokas for Continental qualifiers Kenya Prisons Diana Kana, among seven exponents picked by the Kenya Judo Association(KJA) to represent the country during the forthcoming 37th senior African Judo Olympic qualifiers slated for Tunis ,Tunisia April 4-10.

Kana who is ranked sixth in Africa joined Prisosn colleagues Samson Wambi, Elvis Nato, and George Kimani and Anna Wanjikuof Rongai Club,Doreen Okoth (Kenyatta University) and John Eshiwani from Rongai in the Team Kenya squad.

The team will be accompanied by seven officials that include KJA President Shedrack Maluki who will also double up as the delegation leader, Joseph Mburu, David Busolo (Trainers),Johnson Mwadime, Joseph Ochieng (Referees) and team manager Duncan Chemiryo.

Also traveling with the team is chaperon Joan Githua.

Mwadime exuded confidence in the team which hi tipped to dethrone defending champions

Algeri adding that Kenya will ride on the exposure from the recently concluded East and Central Africa Judo Championship held in Burundi last weeks.

Mwadime singled out Kana, Wambi who is also ranked seventh continentally in the Under 90 category and Okoth, a Gold medallist in Burundi as the key medal prospects.

Four clubs took part in the selection conducted in Ongata Rongai over the weekend.

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016

England striker harry Kane (in white) tussles for the ball with Dutch opponent Delay Blind during their friendly match at Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday night. Netherlands rallied from behind to win 2-1. PHOTO: ANDY RAIN/EPA

Netherlands defeat dents England’s Euro 16’ preps England’s inferiority against the Netherlands continued last night when they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat by the Dutch in a friendly match at Wembley.

Leicester City hitman Jamie Vardy had put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute when he rounded off a slick passing move to steer in right back Kyle Walker’s cross.

But Roy Hogson’s men failed to build on the momentum generated by their thrilling victory in Germany over the weekend and eventually went down to the Dutch side which failed to even qualify for this year’s continental tournament in France.

The defeat increased England’s poor showing against the Dutch to seven meetings, drawing four and losing three.

On a night when Wembley paid its respect to the late Dutch legend Johan Cruyff with applause in the 14th minute, a muchchanged England side slipped to a rare

defeat at the National Stadium.

England’s defence mostly lived on the edge and were eventually punished when a sloppy led to Danny Rose handling, and Vincent Janssen scored from the spot after 50 minutes.

The big striker was then too strong for substitute Phil Jagielka, although England complained bitterly he had been fouled, before crossing for Luciano Narsingh to score the winner 13 minutes from time.

In other friendly matches across Europe, France thrashed Russia 4-2 with premier league stars Ng’olo Kante (Leicester City) and Dimitri Payet (West Ham) both scoring.

Cristiano Ronaldo added onto Nani’s early strike to help Portugal beat Belgium 2-1 in Leiria. Romelo Lukaku scored Belgium’s consolation with an assist from brother Jordan Lukaku.

World Champions Germany bounced back from their shock defeat to England over the weekend with a convincing win over Italy in Munich.

Tony Kroos and Mario Gotze both scored in the first half and the 2-0 half time lead was extended by strikes from Jonas Hector and Mesut Ozil before Stephan El Sharawy scored a late consolation for the Azzuri.

In other matches, Turkey beat hosts Austria 2-1 while Slovakia held Republic of Ireland to a 2-2 draw. Scotland were 1-0 victors over Denmark on a night Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Switzerland 2-0 away in Zurich.

Sweden and Czech Republic ended in a 1-1 draw while Norway overcame visiting Finland 2-0. Bulgaria also beat Macedonia 2-0 away and Iceland overcame Greece in a 3-2 thriller. Serbia which played earlier on won 1-0 away in Estonia.

Giants Nigeria to miss out at AFCON 2017 From Back Page They will then need to beat Nigeria away by another convincing margin otherwise The Pharaohs will still knock them out on head-to-head record.

In other qualifier matches played around the continent, Morocco became the first team to book their place in Gabon after beating Cape Verde 2-0 in their Group F match on Tuesday night.

Cape Verde had Carlos da Graca sent off on 55 minutes after he conceded a penalty, which was duly slotted home by Morocco

striker Youssef El Arabi.

Six minutes later El Arabi struck again to double his side’s advantage.

Morocco go through as group winners, leading Cape Verde by six points and having already beaten them twice.

There are two rounds of Group F matches remaining but while Cape Verde could potentially draw level on points with the Atlas Lions they would finish below them because of their inferior head-to-head record.

Algeria missed the chance to qualify

after being held by Ethiopia 3-3 in Addis Ababa while Ivory Coast played a one all draw with Sudan in Khartoum. Rwanda thrashed visiting Mauritius 5-0 in Kigali while Burundi were 3-1 victors over hosts Namibia.

South Africa and Cameroon ended in a barren draw in Durban as was with Gambia and Mauritania. Senegal beat Niger 2-1 while Congo DR overcame hosts Angola 2-0. Uganda and Burkina Faso also ended in a barren draw in Kampala as did the match between Togo and Tunisia.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016 | WWW.x254.Co

NetherlaNds shock eNglaNd at Wembley

p15

Nigeria Captain John Obi Mikel.

The Super Eagles were yesterday bundled out of AFCON qualification by a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Egypt in Alexandria.

Giants Nigeria fail to qualify for Cup of Nations 2017 Former Africa champions Nigeria will miss next year’s edition of the Africa Cup of Nations after falling 1-0 to Egypt to effectively lock them out of the tournament to be hosted

by Gabon.

The win leaves Egypt with one leg already in Gabon as would only take a miracle to see Tanzania turn the odds against them.

Nigeria meanwhile misses out for the second time in a row after they also failed to qualify for last year’s edition in Equatorial Guinea.

With just one game remaining and only the group winners to qualify, the Super Eagles cannot make up their five-point deficit to table-toppers Egypt.

Only winners of the group qualify with the others unable to amass points that could guarantee qualifications as best group runners up. Nigeria now joins other countries like Kenya who are also technically out and will be watching the proceedings from Gabon on their screens. The Super Eagles won the Nations Cup in 2013 but have now suffered back-to-back eliminations in qualifying. Ramadan Sobhy’s 65th-minute goal was enough

to put Egypt through and bundle out their opponents. Egypt face Tanzania in June and will book their place in Gabon with any result better than a 3-0 defeat.

The Super Eagles threw everything forward to find an equaliser on Tuesday night and came close when West Ham winger Victor Moses crashed a shot against the post in the 84th minute. The match in Alexandria became a virtually all-or-nothing tie for Nigeria after Chad withdrew from the group on Sunday, citing financial difficulties, and all results from their matches were erased.

That left only three teams in Group G and in accordance with the rules of the Confederation of African Football only the winner would qualify for the finals.

Egypt have seven points with one match to play, against bottom team Tanzania, who have only one point but two games remaining. To have any chance of qualification Tanzania would need to beat Egypt by a better scoreline than the 3-0 defeat they suffered in Alexandria last June.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Published By Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road, Nairobi | Printed By The Standard Group Centre, Mombasa Raod, Nairobi.

Paul Marshall-CEO, Fred Bunei-Finance Manager, Josiah Musee-Advertising Manager, Peter Obuya-Editor