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TUESday, MARCH 8, 2016 | www.x254.co

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New formula to secure more seats for women registrar of political parties lucy ndung’u says they have developed a new policy that will see more females elected and nominated to political ranks

NEWS

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Matiang’i’s new tough orders for universities E

ducation Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has ordered the closure of all satellite campuses that do not meet the set standards and directed the Commission of University Education (CUE) not to licence them.

Speaking at a Kenya Education Network (Kenet) forum earlier today, Matiang’i announced that funding for universities will be limited to the number of accredited courses they offer based on

150 Shabaab fighters killed

More than 150 al-Shabab fighters have been killed in a US drone strike in Somalia, the Pentagon has announced.

Pentagon Spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said the strike hit a training camp where a “large-scale” attack was being planned by the militants.

“We know they were going to be departing the camp and they posed an imminent threat to US and African Union forces,” Captain Davis said.

“Initial assessments are that more than 150 terrorist fighters were eliminated,” he added.

Mr Davis said the strike, by both drones and manned aircraft, took place on Saturday and targeted Raso Camp, a training facility about 195km north of the capital, Mogadishu.

The camp had been under surveillance for some time, according to Mr Davis. “There was a sense that the operational phase was about to happen,” he said.

He said the group had neared the completion of specialist training to conduct “offensive operations”, but did not give any details about the alleged plans.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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the guidelines of CUE and not to the numerical figure of students as has been the tradition.

To cushion on the dwindling quality of university education standards, the CS directed the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and vice chancellors to review the qualification thresholds of all courses for the new entrants before the next intake.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

US man gets 40 years in prison for sexually abusing Nairobi orphans An undated photo of Mathew Lane Durham as provided by the Logan County Sheriff ’s office. He was sentenced to 40 years in jail for sexually abusing children at an orphanage in Nairobi

A US man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing children at an orphanage in Nairobi.

Mathew Lane Durham, 21, was working as a volunteer at Upendo Children’s Home in Nairobi when he committed the offence between April and June 2014.

U.S. District Judge David L. Russell while handing down the sentence said Durham had committed “heinous crimes on the most vulnerable victims” and ordered him to pay $15,863 (about Sh1.6 million) as restitution.

“These were heinous crimes committed on the most vulnerable victims. He was their worst nightmare come true,” Russell said.

Durman becomes the latest charity worker in Kenya to be convicted of sex crimes.

Last year, UK charity boss Simon Harris, 55, was jailed for more than 17 years by a UK court for abusing street children between 1996 and 2013 in Gilgil.

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NEWS

CS Matiang’i announces new tough rules for universities TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

From Page 1 “We must offer quality education and stop playing games with our education sector. Some of the students are not even qualified to undertake the courses they are pursuing. Mushrooming kiosk campuses must come to an end,” he said.

He said his ministry through the Local Content Bill, 2016 that has been approved by the Cabinet, will engage with all universities to build capacity and focus more on research-based courses.

“Already Cabinet has approved the bill whereby we want the government to engage directly with universities especially when it’s fast tracking mega projects,” added the CS. “In Galana-Kukalu the government used more than Sh1 billion to conduct feasibility studies by foreigners, amounts that could be used by local universities to do the same or even better job.”

Focusing on data collection, the CS argued that many institution did not have proper information banks to inform them on making factual policies, a factor he said could have prompted school heads to squander allocations from the ex-chequer.

“We are targeting to collect every detail of all our students from ECD to PHD level so that we can base our fund allocations and policies on facts specifically on the Free Primary Education,” said Matiang’i.

Matiang’i expressed concerns on the shrinking numbers of PHD graduates

US man who abused Nairobi orphans jailed for 40 years Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i during the release of 2015 KCSE results at Mtihani House last week. He has announced new tough orders for universities.

in the last three years terming it ‘alarming and injurious to the economic development of the country.’

“Some universities have never graduated even a single PHD, we must stop this dangerous trend,” he lamented.

According to the Kenya Education Network Trust (Kenet) report, there are 503 engineering faculty members currently in Kenya, with 193 of them with PhD degrees that are recognised by the engineers Board of Kenya.

(EBK) EBK is the regulatory body that has the overall mandate of developing and regulating engineering practice in Kenya.

Kenet executive director Prof Meoli Kashorda said out of the 44 engineering departments drawn from

various universities only 35 PHD degrees were recorded out of the 10343 undergraduate students enrolled since 2013.

“The trend is worrying as few people want to engage in research in the engineering fields,” he said.

Kashorda cautioned universities against offering engineering courses without the approval of EBK as their students will not be recognised by the government.

He challenged Vice Chancellors to focus on research-based practises to meet the growing market demand at a time the country is focused on mega infrastructural projects.

According to the report, only Dedan Kimathi, Egerton, JKUAT, Kenyatta University, Moi, and University of Nairobi have been accredited by

EBK to offer engineering degree programmes.

Out of the six accredited varsities civil and mechanical engineers have dominated over the other fields with Electrical engineers taking the least share.

Only 2065 students across all varsities are pursuing engineering related courses.

Jkuat, Egerton, UoN, and Moi are the leading universities with most students with engineering students.

No private university is currently accredited to offer engineering degree programmes although Strathmore University and KEMU indicated they had plans of starting engineering the programmes. wilson_x254

From Page 1

Upendo Children’s Home founder, Eunice Menja, fought back tears as she read a statement at the court in Oaklahoma city, saying that the sexual abuse carried out by Durham was “not only a betrayal of the Upendo mission but of the trust Upendo placed in him”, the Associated Press news agency reports.

“Matthew Durham defiled the children. Matthew has no remorse.

After he got caught, he still denied [the charges],’’ she is quoted as saying.

Although Durham said he was innocent of the charges, he added that he was sorry that the accusations against him had damaged the orphanage.

“The Upendo kids do not deserve this,’’ Durham said according to AP reports.

Cord triumphs in Malindi as Jubilee beats Kanu in Kericho

ODM’s Willy Mtengo who is the MP-elect, Malindi.

ODM’s William Baraka Mtengo beat his rivals to clinch the Malindi parliamentary seat on a day Jubilee Party’s Aaron Cheruiyot floored his competitors to win the Kericho senate by-election.

Mr Mtengo who faced fierce competition from Jubilee Party’s Philip Charo won after he garnered 15, 582 votes against his closest challenger’s 9,243.

In Kericho, Mr Cheruiyot cruised to victory by garnering 109,358 votes against 56,307 polled by his rival Paul Sang of Kanu in what was a hotly contested election.

The 30-year-old businessman won in all the constituencies in the South Rift County except in Bureti to confirm Deputy President William Ruto’s deep influence in the region’s politics.

Buret is the home constituency of Mr Sang.

“The people of Kericho have spoken and we want to thank them for believing in me,” Mr Cheruiyot said after he was declared the winner.

National Vision Party’s Daniel Tanui came a far third with 722 votes, Maendeleo Democratic Party’s Wycliffe Ngenoh (497), United Democratic Movement’s Paul Sigei (473), while New

Democrats David Mutai came last with (427).

“Congratulations to the people of Kericho for the bold statement of believing in the youth of this country.

This is a clear sign of trust and confidence in us. We will not let you, the people of Kericho and Kenyan Citizens down,” Mr Cheruiyot later said on his Facebook page.

In Malindi, Mr Mtengo also led in all the wards in the constituency and took the lead as results began streaming in.

Labour Party of Kenya’s Attas Shariff Ali was third with 1,547 votes followed by Kadu-Asili’s Reuben Katana (353) while Social Party of Kenya’s David Kithunga got just 68 votes.

Others were Nelson Gunga Benjamin of Federal Party of Kenya who got 35 votes and Chama Cha Uzalendo Peter Ponda’s who garnered 26 votes. Mr Gunga and Mr Ponda had withdrawn from the race though, in favour of the Jubilee candidate.

Counting of votes in most polling stations was delayed by complaints from party agents and MPs who claimed that the election was being rigged. peter_x254

Jubilee Party’s Aaron Cheruiyot who won in Kericho.

NE WS 3 NEWS tuESday, MaRCH 8, 2016

10,000 officers to be recruited this month

President Uhuru Kenyatta at the General Service Unit Training College in Embakasi, Nairobi during the pass out parade for about 2,000 recruits last week. He ordered for a fresh recruitment exercise of another 10,000 police officers.

At least 10, 000 youth will be recruited to join the National Police Service by the end of this month, the National Police Service Commission has announced.

The new officers will help boost security across the country.

Speaking in Sabatia, Vihiga County, NPSC Chairman Johnston Kavuludi said the exercise will be transparent, free and fair and called on Kenyans to apply for the slots.

“The exercise will be free and fair and those found engaging in corrupt practices will face the law,” he said.

He revealed that the positions will soon be advertised in the local dailies, TV and radio.

A similar recruitment drive was nullified by the court after it was found to have been marred by irregularities including bribery and other forms of corruption.

But Kavuludi warned parents against giving out bribes and cautioned those who will engage in corrupt practices that they risk prosecution.

“The commission will have

Court temporarily halts NYS case The High Court has temporarily stopped the prosecution of 11 suspects accused of money laundering in the Sh791 million NYS scandal.

Justice George Odunga issued the order following an application by one of the suspects, Patrick Onyango Ogolla, who argues that the prosecution is unlawful.

Ogolla said the intended criminal charge should be halted pending hearing and determination of his case at the High Court.

The suspects who had been summoned to appear before Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo did not to turn up following the order of the High Court.

The move prompted the prosecution to apply for the extension of the summons before the trial court.

The prosecution sought for more time to move to the High Court to seek interpretation of Justice Odunga’s order.

The case will be mentioned on March 18 to confirm the status of the order.

The 11 suspects include businessman Benson Gethi, Josephine Irungu, John Kago, Charity Wangoi and Paul Kinuthia. Others are Samwel Wachenje alias Sam Mwadime, Patrick Ogolla,

Antony Gethi, John Hope, Martin Gachara and Jedida Wangari.

Last year, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations recommended that 21 officers in the Devolution

Ministry be charged with fraud after it found that they had conspired to defraud the ministry.

the last say before one joins the police training college in Kiganjo. Please do not pay any bribe because you shall have lost your money”, he said.

The commission has reiterated that the exercise must be conducted on the same day to reduce cases of corruption and other malpractices.

Kavuludi said the list of successful applicants will be sent to NPSC for final analysis to ensure compliance with all the requirements before publishing the names.

He said officials drawn from the local district security and intelligence committees, Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), church leaders, public and ministries of Education and Health will oversee the exercise slated end of this month.

“The commission has deliberated on the matter and agreed it will start mid this month”, said Kavuludi.

He further explained that the recruitment will supplement the police numbers and boost security in the country.

The police boss said those wishing to join as certificate holders must be between 18 -26 years old and have a mean grade of D+ while degree and diploma holders should be between the ages of 18-30.

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the pass out at the General Service Unit Training School in Embakasi where 1,976 officers graduated and were inducted into the National Police Service, ordered for the immediate recruitment of 10,000 police officers to boost security in the country.

“I have already given instructions that the process of recruiting another 10,000 officers should begin immediately so that by February of next year we should be graduating them, which for the first time in our history we will ensure that Kenya has met the United Nations requirement in terms of number of police officers to the population,” he said. hillary_x254

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NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

New formula to secure more women seats

Women could get more political seats if a new proposal by the Registrar of Political Parties is be adopted.

Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndung’u yesterday announced that they have come up with a formula that will help the country realise the two-thirds gender rule ahead of the 2017 General Election.

Speaking at the Panafric hotel during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the National Gender and Equality commission (NGEC) to discuss the realisation of the thirds gender rule, yesterday, Ndung’u said they have developed the formula in consultation with the Political Parties Liason Committee (PPLC) to ensure more women get political seats and help achieve the two-third gender rule.

“We have develop a framework in consultation with the Political Parties liaison committee (PPLC) to increase the number of nominated and elected women to both Houses of Parliament to ensure we achieve the desired gender parity,” she said without divulging much details.

The political parties’ boss, however warned the implementation of the two-third gender rule could remain a tall order if various political parties are not fully involved.

She called more civic education on the importance of political participation and involvement of women in vying and running in various political seats.

Ndung’u was responding to a question raised

Gender rule might not be achieved: Isiolo women Rep Galgalo Tiyah

Gender and Youth Affairs and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki confers with Nark Kenya party leader Martha Karua during a forum on gender and equality at the Panafric Hotel in nairobi yesterday. Registrar of Political parties Lucy Ndung’u told the audience that they have developed a new formula that would see more women get political seats.

by nominated MCA Regina Macharia on how her office plans to increase the number of women both in the National Assembly and

Isiolo Women Representative Tiyah Galgalo has termed realisation of two thirds gender rule ‘tall order ‘ for Kenyans to achieve.

Mrs Galgalo said Kenyan women need to revise their strategies if they are realise the constitutional gender parity ahead of the August deadline.

Speaking today morning at the sidelines of International Women day celebrations held at KICC, Mrs Galgalo regretted that parliament has not been able to pass the two-

received various proposals from the public and experts on potential viable formulas.

A team by Attorney General Githu Muigai, last year concluded on its findings and proposed constitutional amendment to address the twothird gender rule implementation hitches.

The amendment is to use the formulae that has worked for the county governments. It involves lifting Article 177 (1) (b) and (c) of the Constitution to Article 97 and 98 for representation in the National Assembly and Senate.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale with the backing of Kenya Women Parliamentarian (KEWOPA) has since tabled a new bill in the House seeking to have additional women in leadership if the 2017 election does not meet the required threshold.

The amendment, plus other changes to several laws under the Two-Third Gender Rule Laws (amendment) Bill 2015, will ensure not more than two-thirds of members in elective or appointive bodies are of the same gender.

However, Kibra MP Ken Okoth and nominated Senator Judith Sijeny have warned the twothirds gender rule may not be attained, citing lack of commitment from House leadership.

They urged women MPs to put more pressure on Parliament and the government to implement the affirmative action.

the Senate.

For the last one year, parliament has grappled with the realisation of the gender rule and has

thirds gender rule because their male counterparts are scared of women leadership.

“Women efforts to bring to force affirmative action is being frustrated by our men in parliament. They are not committed to have our bill passed,” she said.

“They pretend to be speaking for women but in the real sense don’t.

They shut down all our motions including the affirmative action bill” she added.

@hillary_x254

Galgao said efforts to have women issues discussed in Parliament have always failed since their counterparts gang up against them.

She lamented that the house leadership was to blame for failing to safeguard rights of women in Kenya.

“Parliament leadership is not committed to realise the gender parity” she notes. “Why should women issues be dragged over the years yet the constitution was

clear” she asked. The legislator has promised to rally her colleagues in a mass campaign from the national to the grassroots level to compel the men in Parliament to pass the bill tabled by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.

She advised that more awareness and civic education need to be done to amalgamate women efforts. @hillary_x254

Top stories from X News global partners US Strike Are Said to Kill EU and Turkey agree 150 Shabaab Fighters Why big bank notes EU seeks fresh reforms be on the way out: for Greek bailout: Eurozone outline of deal for refugee Planning Attack: American may High-value banknotes have received a lot finance ministers have moved to break resettlement: European leaders aircraft on Saturday struck a training of bad press recently. In early February a deadlock between Greece’s warring said early on Tuesday morning that they had reached the outlines for a possible deal with Ankara to return thousands of refugees to Turkey and were hopeful a full agreement could be reached at a summit next week. Turkey’s Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, outlined proposals to resettle one Syrian refugee in Europe for every Syrian returned to Turkey from the Greek islands. After 12 hours of talks in Brussels, the German chancellor Angela Merkel described the one in, one out proposal as “a breakthrough” that would deter refugees from making the perilous sea crossing to Greece, but said Europe needed more time to agree final details. www.theguardian.com

camp in Somalia belonging to the Islamist militant group the Shabab, the Pentagon said, killing about 150 fighters who were assembled for what American officials believe was a graduation ceremony and prelude to an imminent attack against American troops and their allies in East Africa. Defense officials said the strike was carried out by drones and American aircraft, which dropped a number of precision-guided bombs and missiles on the field where the fighters were gathered.

Pentagon officials said they did not believe there were any civilian casualties, but there was no independent way to verify the claim. www.nytimes.com

the European Central Bank announced an investigation into the use of the €500 ($549) note; soon afterwards Peter Sands of Harvard University published a report arguing for its withdrawal, along with big bills like the SFr1,000 note ($1,000) and even the $100 bill. Why are big banknotes falling out of favour? Swanky shops in central Zurich do accept large notes in exchange for posh fountain pens, though they do use special machines to check they are not fakes. But trying to pay for a chocolate bar with a large note will be met by funny looks at best, and a flat out refusal at worst. www.economist.com

creditors by sending bailout negotiators back to Athens to agree a new set of economic reforms. Despite continued disagreement over how long the list of reforms must be, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch finance minister who chaired the eurogroup meeting of his 16 counterparts, insisted there was “enough common ground” between the EU and the IMF to restart the negotiations. He said mission chiefs from the bailout monitors could arrive as early as Tuesday. “More work will have to be done in Athens,” Mr Dijsselbloem said after the Monday evening eurogroup meeting in Brussels. www.ft.com

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TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

Sexism rife in textbooks

An arms cache that was confiscated from a stateless boat off the coast of Oman. It is believed the weapons were heading for Somalia where they would be used by al-Shabaab militants.

150 Shabaab fighters killed From Page 1

He said the group had neared the completion of specialist training to conduct “offensive operations”, but did not give any details about the alleged plans.

“Their removal will degrade al-Shabab’s ability to meet the group’s objectives in Somalia, which includes recruiting new members, establishing bases and planning attacks on US and Amisom forces there,” he added.

Al-Shabaab which was pushed out Mogadishu by African Union peacekeeping forces Amisom in 2011, has since staged retaliatory attacks in both Somalia and Kenya. It continues to do so with an attacked staged on a KDF camp in El Adde Somalia killing several Kenyan troops.

It also claimed a recent twin bombing at a busy restaurant in the Somali city of Baidoa last month.

But the killing of about 150 of its fighters will surely deal a blow to the group which also suffered double loss on Monday after an Australian navy seized a huge cache of weapons on a fishing boat off the coast of Oman that was apparently heading for Somalia.

Grenade launchers, machine guns, and 2,000 assault rifles were concealed under fishing nets, a Navy spokesman said.

It is not yet clear who was transporting the weapons but the boat was bound for Somalia.

The HMAS Darwin navy ship seized the weapons from the vessel during normal patrol of the Middle East-Eastern Africa coast waters.

The Australian warship is part of an international naval force which is enforcing UN sanctions - that authorise the interception of weapons heading for

Somalia.

Australia’s Vice Admiral David Johnston who is also the Chief of Joint Operations for the multi-nation patrol operation called Combined Maritime Forces, said the seizure of the cache could be significant even though there was no revelation of the origin of the weapons.

“Darwin’s successful boarding and subsequent seizure of the weapons concealed under fishing nets highlights the need to remain vigilant in the region,” Mr Johnston told the Australian Navy magazine Navy Daily.

“Australia worked as part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces to discover and seize these illegal weapons,” he added. Despite the ban, the UN allows the Somali government to buy light weapons for its fight against militant Islamist group al-Shabab.

Sexist attitudes are “rife” in school textbooks used in developing countries, according to Unesco.

The United Nations agency, marking International Women’s Day, says negative stereotyping undermines the education of girls.

It says too often female figures are represented in textbooks as “nurturing drudges” in domestic roles.

This is a “hidden obstacle” to gender equality, says Unesco’s Manos Antoninis.

Unesco has campaigned to provide education for tens of millions of children without access to school - and in many poorer countries girls are the most likely to miss out.

The report highlights how female characters frequently appear in a secondary role in the books they use at school and warns that it limits girls’ career expectations.

“Ensuring all boys and girls go to school is only part of the battle,” says Manos Antoninis, from Unesco’s global education monitoring report.

“What they are being taught is equally, if not more, important.

Persistent gender bias in textbooks is sapping girls’ motivation, self-esteem and participation in school.”

With examples from countries in Asia and Africa, the report says that men in textbooks are more likely to be depicted as business leaders, shopkeepers, engineers, scientists and politicians, while women remain likely to be seen in roles

such as cooking or childcare.

Apart from gender stereotyping, the study says that text books are much more likely to depict men than women - and that is even more pronounced in science or maths text books.

It says that in some cases only about one in 20 characters in science textbooks is female.

But the report says that there has been only slow progress in trying to get more equal representation.

It says there has been a lack of political will to pursue this and in some cases resistance from those responsible for school curricula or for producing textbooks.

Also marking International Women’s Day is a report, Poverty is Sexist, from the development campaign group, One. It says that gender inequality and poverty are interlinked, with women in poor countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, likely to be worse off than their male counterparts.

The report says there are half a billion women around the world who cannot read - two thirds of the global total. As an example, in Mali, 93% of girls will never attend school.

The campaign has drawn up a list of countries where it is “toughest to be born a girl”, based on criteria such as access to health and education, economic opportunities, access to a bank account and political representation.

xnews | Tuesday, MARCH 8, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

KAM-State partnership to promote industrialisation The Kenya Association of Manufactures (KAM) has launched the 2016 Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA) to speed up implementation of the country’s Industrial Transformation programme.

Dubbed; ‘promoting Industry for shared prosperity’, the programme will serve as a guide on the most burdensome challenges facing the Ministry of Industrialisation, Investment and Trade.

Speaking when he officially launched the programme, Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed said the launch is timely and significant step in setting the pace towards the vision of industrialising our country by 2030.

“It is commended that our vision is aligned and I am pleased to see the recommendations made in the MPA merge with the government’s plan to industrialize the country,’’ said the CS. ‘’We look forward to collaborating with KAM and other industry players to realise our goals of transforming Kenya into a middle income country by the year 2030,’’ he added.

According to Adan, the new blueprint will further double jobs

Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Industry, Investment and Trade Mr. Aden Mohamed during the launch of the manufacturing priority agenda 2026 at a Nairobi hotel yesterday. in the manufacturing sector as well as increasing sector’s GDP to 15 per cent up from the current 11 per cent. Addressing the same forum, KAM Chairlady Flora Mutahi said KAM will continue to work hand in hand with the government and other stakeholders towards the development of country’s industrial sector.

“This priority agenda is our contribution in shaping policies and regulatory framework that

Equity posts Sh24 billion full year pre-tax profit Equity Group Holdings Ltd., Kenya’s biggest lender by market value has posted a full year pre-tax profit of Sh24 billion in 2015, from Sh22.4 billion a year earlier, helped by higher interest income.

According to Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi (pictured), the lender’s net income rose to Sh17.3 billion in the 12 months through December from Sh17.2 billion a year earlier.

Equity, which operates in

six African nations, set aside provisions of Sh2.43 billion for loan losses, from Sh1.59 billion a year earlier, Mwangi told an investor briefing on Tuesday in Nairobi. Net interest income, which is the money banks earn from charges on loans, climbed 16.7 per cent to Sh34.1 billion.

“In 2015, we have witnessed a significant improvement in our deposit base with a 23 per cent growth to Sh302.2 billion from Sh245.6 billion,” the lender said in a statement issued earlier today.

The profit comes after Equity Bank was named the 2015 Best Performing Ai40 Company in last year’s 8th Annual Africa Investor (Ai) CEO Investment Summit held in New York. Africa investor’s Ai40 Investors’ indices capture the top 40 largest and most liquid publicly-traded stocks across Africa, ranking them by market capitalization and by liquidity, as measured by the average daily value traded in US dollars.

Dennis_x254

enables local businesses and trade partners thrive. As we head to the next elections, it is our duty as industry to ensure that government pursues a pro-growth and pro-business agenda,’’ she said.

The programme will also secure the future of industry, make Kenya a manufacturing hub for exports as well as completing devolution framework among others.

The CS highlighted double

taxation and slow VAT refunds as the major drawback facing ministry of industrialization.

Among other challenges according to Mr Adan is lack of technical skills management in fields of manufacturing. However, the CS expressed optimism towards the challenges saying that the Jubilee government has heavily invested in provision of technical skills to further counter the menace. enock_x254

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

MEAN 101.3895 143.9289 111.5103 6.4867 33.2678 21.5802

BUY SELL 101.2956 101.4835 143.7411 144.1167 111.3950 111.6256 6.4789 6.4944 33.1877 33.3480 21.5109 21.6495

Kenya advised to work on banking and financial security reforms

Kenya should work on reforming some of its banking and financial security laws if the government is to boost development in the country, according to a new study by multinational law firm, Baker & McKenzie.

The firm, which is headquartered in Chicago, has noted that East Africa has a lot of potential for growth. However, the firm’s experts warn that this kind of development will depend on the pace of integration by countries such as Kenya, especially on banking and security laws in capital market.

Baker & McKenzie, founded in 1949 says that Africa’s equity capital markets are set for a strong 2016. Their announcement comes just as 15 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are already in the pipeline. If they proceed, they are likely to raise $1.5 billion more than last year’s 21 African IPOs. “The main rationale for that is that African companies do present good opportunities for value. As much as there are headwinds that have come through our way, not all markets have been affected,” said Wildu du Plessis, Partner at Baker & McKenzie.

Baker & McKenzie, which is ranked as the largest international law firm in the world, states that there is expectation that there will be a lot of activity in the African region for 2016.

“There are also interesting moves in the East African region where the community is trying to harmonise their laws,” he said.

Kenyans in Diaspora sent home Sh13.9 billion by end of January

Diaspora remittances to Kenya surged by 19.9 per cent to Sh 13.9 billion in January 2016 compared to Sh 11.6 billion recorded the same period last year.

According to a survey conducted by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK),the amount of money coming from the rest of world were considered fundamental sources of remittance to our country during the period under review.

“The rest of the world, though accounting for the least amount by volume and market share, contributing most of the increase in remittances inflows in January 2016, and fully offset the decline recorded from North America and Europe,’’ the survey revealed.

North America was the most contributor accounting for 46 per cent followed by Europe which accounted for 29 per cent whereas the rest of the world contributed only 24 per cent of the total remittance.

The inflows in January 2016 was 2.6 per cent higher than what was recorded in the month of December 2015.

Cumulatively, inflows in the 12 months to January 2016 increased by 9.7

percent toSh $1,571 million up from Sh $1,432 million in the year to January 2015.

In 2015, Kenya was ranked fourth highest recipient of remittances in SubSaharan Africa receiving Sh 163 billion a 16.6 per cent hike from the previous year.

According to World Bank’s Migration and Remittances Factbook, Kenya fell behind Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal that received $20.8 billion, $2 billion and $ 1.6 billion respectively.

Last year Kenya was among top ten remittance senders sending about Sh 20.4 billion falling behind Angola, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Mozambique and Mauritania.

Total remittances in the year during the period under review is estimated to surpass $ 601 billion worldwide.

However, the top recipient countries in remittances for the year 2015 were India, China, Philippines Mexico and France. enock_x254

According to World Bank’s Migration and Remittances Factbook, Kenya fell behind Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal that received $20.8 billion, $2 billion and $ 1.6 billion respectively.

BUSINESS 7

Bank of Uganda to sell Imperial Bank shares TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

Bank of Uganda clients at an event organised by the lender.

Shares in Imperial Bank Uganda were sold to Exim Bank for Sh689 million.

Nakumatt opens Kakamega store in expansion drive Regional retailer, Nakumatt Holding, has opened the doors to its second supermarket in Kakamega town. The new Nakumatt Midtown Supermarket, completes the remodeling and opening of the three Western Kenyabased supermarket stores, which were acquired from, Yako Supermarkets Limited, late last year.

Speaking, when he confirmed the opening of the retailer’s 59th store, Nakumatt Holdings, Regional Strategy and Operations Director, Mr. Thiagarajan Ramamurthy, confirmed that plans are at an advanced stage, for the opening of the firm’s 60th store in Emali town, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, in the coming days.

As part of a Sh260million investment strategy on the three Busia, Bungoma and Kakamega, stores, Nakumatt has now completed its Western Kenya market enhancement strategy.

“Within our commitment to deepen the formal retail market space in East Africa, we are aiming to complete the third phase of growth with the opening of our 60th branch before the end of the month,” Ramamurthy said, adding, “we have been actively enhancing

the customer experience to meet the diverse needs with the support of our business partners.”

With the opening of Nakumatt Midtown, Nakumatt, has managed to significantly raise its market presence in the West Kenya region.

Nakumatt, now features, 12 stores in 9 West Kenya counties (Busia, Bungoma, Kitale, Kakamega, Kericho, Kitale, Kisumu, Kisii, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru).

As part of a strategy to double its local and regional market share, Nakumatt, has been undertaking a number of customer experience enhancing projects.Currently enjoying a less than 25 per cent market share of the formal retail space, Nakumatt Holdings, is actively seeking to retain a bigger slice of the mid to premium segment.

Through the strategy, the retailer has been working, to grow its gross revenue to over US$1billion in the medium term period while growing its network footprint across East Africa.

Nakumatt, has already embarked on a stores refurbishment programme geared at refreshing its shopping floor ambience to global standards across the region. kevin_x254

The Bank of Uganda (BOU) has announced the sale of shares of Imperial Bank (Uganda), formerly held by Imperial Bank (Kenya) Limited (IBL), to Exim Bank (Uganda) Limited. The move was implemented to ensure the recovery of funds for the benefit of all IBL depositors.

Since October 13, 2015, when the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) placed Imperial Bank Limited (IBL) under receivership, the CBK and Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) have been working closely with BOU on an appropriate solution

to these shares.

“CBK is very supportive of BOU’s actions, exercising its statutory powers as the regulator in that jurisdiction and seeking an outcome that does not jeopardize financial sector stability,” the Central Bank of Kenya said in a statement released yesterday.

The CBK added that these shares in Imperial Bank (Uganda) Limited were sold to Exim Bank (Uganda) Limited for the sum of $6.788 million (Sh689 million) in an effort to quickly recover funds for the benefit of all IBL depositors.

“Net of interbank deposits and other transaction costs, the amount due to KDIC is US$3.685 million. CBK and KDIC continue to work with all concerned parties towards an expeditious solution for IBL,” the Central Bank said in its statement.

CBK officials confirmed that work by forensic auditors and other investigative agencies is ongoing with the objective of protecting the interests of IBL depositors, facilitating the quick recovery of funds and protecting the financial sector.

Dennis_x254

8

BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

UoN student eyes Sh40 million in global entrepreneurship award Taita Ng’etich, a University of Nairobi Student, became the winner of the Kenya Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) competition, a program of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation. Taita, 22, bested his competitors with his innovative ‘Illuminum Greenhouses Kenya’, an agri-tech startup that is constructing affordable greenhouses made with local material that he runs while also attending university.

He was declared the winner after beating 8 finalists whom were selected from over 50 applicants.

This local entrepreneur will go on to represent Kenya at the 2016 GSEA global finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

He will be competing against the top student entrepreneurs from around the world in the hopes of winning over $400,000 (Sh40.5 million) in cash and donated prizes.

As the premier global competition undergraduate student, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) represents more than 1,700 of the prominent student entrepreneurs from more than 32 countries. Built on a mission to inspire students to start and grow entrepreneurial ventures, GSEA brings global visibility to pioneering student business owners. Since 1998, the GSEA, a program founded at the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University, has honored outstanding students who simultaneously attend university full-time while running their own businesses. The Entrepreneurs’

University of Nairobi Student Taita Ngetich. Ngetich will go on to compete in Bangkok, Thailand for the 2016 Global Finals for a chance to win prizes valuing over Sh40 million.

Organization (EO) took on leadership of the GSEA in 2006 to offer student entrepreneurs access to a global network of mentors, resources and connections from the most influential community of entrepreneurs in the world.

In order to qualify for this award, Taita had to be an undergraduate student and the owner of a forprofit (revenue generating) business that has operated for at least six consecutive months. lluminum Greenhouses Kenya is an agri-tech startup that is constructing affordable greenhouses made with local materials. Its solar panel and sensor technology creates a controlled environment in which to grow crops. In doing so, it addresses many of the challenges faced by

Global oil price hits Sh4,000 a barrel amid commodities comeback The price of oil has gone above $40 (Sh4,055) a barrel for the first time this year as commodities continue to rally.

Brent crude, used as an international benchmark, rose more than 5 per cent trading at $ 40.83 a barrel.

Oil dropped below $28 in January, but has since risen as part of a wider recovery in energy and metal prices.

The price of iron also shot up, rising 20 per cent amid greater optimism about Chinese economic growth and demand for the metal in the country’s refineries.

The price of Brent crude has now gone up more than 40 per cent from the low it reached in January, although it remains 70 per cent below its peak in the summer of 2014.

The rise is being put down to talks taking place between oil-producing countries in an effort to curb production.

However, no concrete agreements have been reached, but a number of key oilproducing nations are meeting in Moscow this month.

Meanwhile, ratings agency Fitch said oil

African farmers, including climate change, unpredictable weather, pests, crop diseases and outdated farming technology. The sensors collect data on temperature, humidity and soil moisture and send this to farmers via text message, allowing them to monitor and regulate their greenhouse without having to be on the farm. Irrigation can also be turned on and off via text message.

This enables the system work with all types of phones including basic phones with no internet connectivity and the use of solar power makes the solution ideal for rural areas with poor access to energy.

“We are excited about this award because it means that it is possible to balance both school and entrepreneurship. This goes a long

prices would remain at an average of $35 a barrel this year.

Simon French, chief economist at Panmure Gordon, urged caution over the oil price increase, saying it might be short-lived.

“A large part of the oil price movement in recent days has been short covering, where investors having taken a bet on low prices are insuring themselves against the risk of higher prices. Very little has changed in the oil market to correct the supply glut,” he added.

Traders have certainly taken encouragement from the efforts among oil-producing countries to address the supply glut.

There has been no concrete agreement, though Russia, Saudi Arabia and two others did say they would freeze production, provided others came on board.

But Iran, emerging from sanctions, is unlikely to join in. And higher prices might bring some more oil back on stream from American shale producers who were previously hit by the fall in prices.

Adam Laird of Hargreaves Lansdown said traders would wait and assess the situation.

mile in encouraging students to take up their ideas and build startups which will be leading companies in the future and I am humbled to have been chosen to represent Kenya at the finals in Bangkok,” said Taita.

“I’m incredibly pleased for Taita, he was a clear winner and I feel he has a very strong chance of going to Bangkok and winning the Global finals. In general, the level of competition and entrepreneurship amongst these students was incredibly impressive. I’m inspired by their stories and determination.

Having spent time with these talented young men and women, I feel a little more optimistic today about or country’s future,” noted Jamie Pujara, the GSEA chairperson for Kenya.

Dennis_x254

Old Mutual mulls breakup in strategic plan Africa’s biggest insurer, Old Mutual has revealed that it was considering all options as the company deliberates a breakup of businesses as part of a strategic review.Old Mutual was plotting a 9 billion pounds ($12.8 billion) break-up that could trigger a takeover battle for the company›s various operations. Yesterday, Old Mutual said it was on the verge of making a decision and would give an update on its strategic review on March 11, when it announces its preliminary results.

The move to break up businesses is part of a strategic review it announced in November 2015, but the firm noted that it had not yet made any decision.Old Mutual believes in the growth potential of Africa and thus has a role to play in supporting this growth through its products and advice, as well as the investments it makes in the communities where it operates.

Over the years, Old Mutual has used its experience on the continent to provide access to a full range of financial services comprising private wealth accumulation and asset management and products such as Unit Trusts, Life Insurance, Savings and Employee Benefits.

In addition to having operated in South Africa since 1845, the UK-based financial services firm has been operational in various other African countries, and currently has operations in Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Airtel CSR programme targets children’s home in Kasarani Airtel has set its sights on Grace Community Children’s Home as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The move is part of the telecom firm’s initiative to build its brand and grow its presence across the region.

Airtel Kenya employees yesterday visited Grace Community Children’s home based in Kongo, Kahawa West, in Kasarani.

The team from the company’s Finance department interacted and shared special moments with the children through various activities including singing and dancing and photo opps in a reflection of the ‘Airtel Spirit’ of living behind an indelible mark in children’s hearts.

The Airtel Spirit is a code in which the brand and its employees get involved in

community initiatives by identifying and supporting causes they are passionate about.

Other than sharing moments, the team also donated items including mattresses, bed sheets, blankets, mosquito nets, stationeries, basins, sandals, utensils and food stuff.

The team also promised to continue supporting the institution by improving their accommodation environment that will improve their living condition.

Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi expressed the company’s appreciation to the team for visiting the home.

“At Airtel, we are passionate about making a positive impact on the individuals and families in the communities in which we operate. The team’s visit and support to Grace Community Children’s

home is a contribution that will enrich the lives of these children, inspire hope and bring smiles to their faces,” he said.

Adil further encouraged Grace Community Children’s home founders and management team to continue to nurture the children and restore the confidence they need as children to grow into better adults.

Grace Community Children’s home Director Pastor Samuel Barasa expressed his gratitude to the team from Airtel for the support to the home, noting that the intervention will help to make life more comfortable for the children.

He appealed to other organisations and wellwishers to emulate Airtel by supporting the needy in the community. enock_x254

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

ACCESS

T

pRoJEcT X:

film based on a true story of teens who brought down their parents home, was scheduled to happen on the 12th of this month(next Saturday).

A poster did rounds promising rollercoaster experience free of party rules where all were invite to bring any kind of substance for intoxication.

As word went about of the planned party, the morally upright section of the Kenyan society sought to have it stopped. This began their woes.

From parliamentarians to film organizations, and the Kenya police efforts were sought and warnings fired to parents to watch lest and question their children.

The bash had promised to be quite a sensation but organizers insist that

is Janet Mbugua a bad mother?

janet mbugua

11

The seTTing is in a suburb, The TargeT is generaTion XYZ and The moTive is To parTY like There is no Tomorrow buT iT seems some people ran wolf and now The said bash maY noT happen afTer all, or will iT?

topstory

he organizers of a hedonistic adventure promising satisfactory stimulation through, intoxication, substance abuse and bodily arousal are not apologetic!

Even after Kenyan authorities banned the much hyped party dubbed project X. Reliable sources on social media pages claim that, the chief hedonists identified only as Dero wants the party to proceed as planned.

Project X Kileleshwa version, has caused quite a stir by promising “No one will go home a virgin.”

The party, seeking to replicate, a

fashionscoop

Citizen TV’s news anchor Janet Mbugua has revealed that she is overwhelmed. Janet feels she is not giving her son Huru enough attention.

Janet in a penned down letter to her son streamed on YouTube, expresses her deep felt guilt for not spending enough time with her bundle of joy.

HOT TOPICS

the “minus virginity,’ slogan was taken out of context by a section of the main stream media.

The Kenya Film and Classification Board chair Ezekiel Mutua, in a statement to the press said in part, “Unscrupulous people who have turned similar events into avenues of shooting pornographic films and extorting their victims through blackmail.”

Whistle blower and ODM nominated MP Isaac Mwaura, was at the forefront spearheading the campaign against the spree, and saying “immoral behavior should not be entertained.”

But even bad things get support from bad boys like DNG, former One FM presenter and the proprietor of 254 Entertainment says, “Idle people are

busy running fingers shouting down Project X, like it’s the first time the party is going to happen.” The selfproclaimed hype man says people need to be more aware of what is happening instead of just pointing fingers.

It begs the question, that else is going on in the suburbs that we are not aware of?

Given that we have numerous arrests and bar closure in in the recent past where teens were arrested attending sexual orgies should the moral values of the society as a whole be questioned?

And if this is not the first of its kind, how did the other, Project X related type parties perform? @JohnnyGachanja noted on his social pages that “We (Kenyans) are hypocrites its

is it the end of the road for Jay-Z and Beyonce?

jay Z and beyonce

Rumors has it that it is over for Jay Z and Beyonce.

The couple according to insiders are at the end of their tether after months of trying to work things out. Jay-Z is said to be in a complete withdrawal state and in absurd silence, while Beyonce is said to have been spending lesser and lesser days at home.

Too MUch aDo foR noThinG? like this Project X happening for the first time in Kenya we have strippers clubs and the so called house parties.

The organizes of ticketing and the party only identified as Dero, Declerk, and Oscar had their phones off for the better part of the day and SMS’s went unanswered apart from Hicks who says that he was not in anyway involved with selling tickets.

Reigning moral police Ezekiel Mutua seeks to have an answer hidden in the message thus, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” @duncan_x254

Today is world international Women’s day and celeb spouses have been falling all over themselves wishing their fans and better halves a happy and blessed day. Nameless led the pack wishing his first lady Wahu a happy day and added the same for all his female fans.

happy international

woMEn’s Day

ACCESS

ART&CULTURE

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 222015 2014 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER MARCH 8, 2016

aboutLove

When you’re dealing With hardship the Worst thing you can do is keep all those emotions bottled up.

I

Sometimes things just happen in life that aren’t anyone’s fault.

HOW TO GET PAST MAJOR

SETBACKS IN A RELATIONSHIP

Couples spend days, months, and years building your relationship to create a space between you and your partner that is as healthy as possible.

Everything goes well, until it doesn’t.

Unfortunately, setbacks are inevitable. They happen. What matters is the way you respond and move on.

Allow yourself to feel Before you try to fix your relationship or repair the blow, give yourself time to feel.

Be gentle as you allow yourself time to process the setback and feel the associated emotions.

Don’t set expectations regulating how you should react or feel, just let it be natural.

Stare out the window, go for a long drive, yell, cry, and express yourself in any manner that relieves the pain.

Acknowledge and accept When you first face a major

setback, you may slip into a world of denial. It may seem easier to write the problem off, ignore it, or push it into the farthest corner of your mind… dont. Acknowledgement and acceptance make up one of the most important and difficult steps in the process of moving forward.

Do not play the blame game Sometimes things just happen in life that aren’t anyone’s fault, but whether deserved or not, you may react by pointing a finger of blame.. In order for a relationship to move forward after a setback, you’ll have to let go of your emotions, release your anger, and try to start over.

The same rule applies for any frustration or anger you feel towards yourself.

Give yourself time It takes time to recover from a setback. It will take time for

Dear Dr X,

— Charlie

Dear Charlie,

your relationship to recover from whatever hurt or loss it experienced, and it may take even more time for you and your partner to recover as individuals. Expect ups and downs, great days and horrible ones. Give your partner and yourself the luxury of time to let go of the pain and begin again.

Talk it out When you’re dealing with hardship the worst thing you can do is keep all those emotions bottled up. Talk with your partner, but also find a confidant, friend, or therapist who you feel comfortable expressing the full range or your emotions (good, bad, and embarrassing) too.

Putting words to your biggest hurts, fears, anger, and sadness will release the gravity of those feelings.

ask dr X

HELP! MY GIRLFRIEND IS QUIET

I’ve been dating a girl for a couple of months now. We’re exclusive and intimate, and things are generally going well. But she is a quiet type.

Flowing conversations are important to me, and it’s to the point where I don’t really look forward to dinners or car rides with her, because there’s a lot of dead air. We have fun doing activities together, but when the activity is done, and it’s just us, the conversation is dry.

I’ve tried a bunch of different things.

I’m not sure what else I can do.

THE KISII TRADITIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY

Are you happy with her? Good conversation is really important in relationships, and I have trouble seeing this lasting a long time if you don’t have a solid conversational rapport. However, she may just be the silent type and is comfortable that way

so if you need her to chime more then create situations that will need her to chat.

If everything else does not work then perhaps you may have to resign to a solitude life or find another partner because honestly such discord can be really bad in the long run.

Dr X.

If you need her to chime more then create situations that will need her to chat.

Send your agonising queries to adhyambo@x254.co

OUR ROOTS

10

n the Gusii community, a traditional wedding was no mean feat.

Scouts esigani, would be tasked to pick out a girl with good attributes. The scouts would avoid families with a history of witchcraft, mental illnesses and laziness. After the scout had located a suitable bride, the groom informed his parents.

Elders then sent emissaries to the girl’s family and dowry negotiations began.

Once dowry had been paid, a special day called ekerorano was set-aside for the bride and groom to meet. Four men led by the scout esigani arrived at the bride’s home and stood outside.

Introductions were usually done while standing.

The groom could introduce himself and the bride would ask if he had left the door to his house open (that is whether he was already married.

The introduction was followed by a physical inspection where the groom and bride bared their upper bodies. Each checked the other to ensure there were incisions or marks on the body. This was a way of checking for beauty and strength.

Satisfied, the bride and groom would shake hands and swear not to renege on the agreement to marry each other. Food would be served after this event. A wedding date was then set when the bride would be escorted by a group of girls from her village to her matrimonial home.

The groom’s party arrived a day earlier and a party was organized where young men danced throughout the night.

ARTSHOCK EYE POPPING ART

I

t is whispered that if you would like to know the genuineness of your partner please look at his/her eyes. A classical saying that eyes are windows to the souls and a Spanish artist Jone Bengoa brings forth the soul through his alluring painting. Jones uses realistic watercolor portraits where a pair of pupils and an eyebrows glow with intensity of true souls.

11

ACCESS TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

FASHIONscoop

@St LauRent ROCk COutuRe

dAre devils…

Here comes the angel in black.

Make way for Countess ‘Dracula’.

T

he punk culture has been around since time immemorial, even giving birth to the Rock and Roll music genre but when it comes to dressing punk, many have their reservations towards the dramatic makeup, leather, and studded attires viewed by most as ‘devilish’.

For the bold and daring, fashion power house St Laurent have just released a wowing gothic fashion line featuring one shoulder minis, studded leather jackets, belts and pumps and of course, a tribute to David Bowie here and there.

Check it out: @mercy_x254

Channeling the fierce factor.

Blending bows, sequin and metallic.

filmlab

A

young woman wakes up after a terrible accident to find that she’s locked in a cellar with a doomsday prepper, who insists that he saved her life and that the world outOur rating: H H H

Rating: PG 13 Genre: Mystery and suspense Cast: Cindy Hogan, John Goodman, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead Runtime: 1H 45min.

side is uninhabitable following an apocalyptic catastrophe. Uncertain what to believe, the woman soon determines that she must escape at any cost.

Our rating: H H H Rating: R Genre: Action Cast: Hellen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Allan Rickman Runtime: 1H 42min.

Colonel Katherine Powell, a UK-based military officer is in command of a top secret operation to capture terrorists in Kenya. Through remote surveillance and on-the-ground Intel, Powell discovers the targets are planning a suicide bombing and the mission escalates from “capture” to “kill.

As American pilot Steve Watts is about to engage, a nine-year old girl enters the kill zone triggering an international dispute over the moral, political, and personal implications of modern warfare.

eye

in The sky

Clover field lAne

BEST

Purring in fur.

The BroThers GrimsBy A dimwitted English football hooligan reunites with his long-lost brother, a deadly MI6 agent, to prevent a massive global terror attack and prove that behind every great spy is an embarrassing sibling. He sets off to reunite with his brother, unaware that not only is his brother MI6’s deadliest assassin, but he’s just uncovered plans for an imminent global terrorist attack.

Rating: R Genre: Comedy Cast: Rebel Wilson, Isla Fischer, and Penelope Cruz Runtime: 1H 23min.

Our rating: H H H

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 It could be that there is a small voice in your head telling you to slow down and not automatically accept things and adopt them into your life just because they’re new. Do your best to strike a balance between these two viewpoints.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 It doesn’t know about the dangers of cars or a twisted leash. You have a great responsibility to teach this dog some lesson, while at the same time giving it a bit of freedom to go out and explore alone.

Earn the respect of others by tempering discipline with fun.

TUESday 8/3/2016

sunny

More sun than clouds

25

25

25ºC 66%

WEDNEsday 9/3/2016

6:40 am 6:47pm

25ºC 62%

6:40am 6:47pm

THURsday

24

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

Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 If your head is screaming and your blood feels like molasses, you know that too much of a good thing can make you feel rotten! Much as you feel driven to get out of bed and get on with your chores, there’s no point, Pisces. You’d be better off resting. You’ll be your old self by afternoon.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Because of this, you may have not been listening to your rational mind lately, even though it’s crying out for you to move forward to a different situation. Take some time to listen to your thoughts and take them more seriously than you have been.

Sudoku

12

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Sometimes you feel as if you’re above all the rules, that you can establish your own based on your personal morals, and that everything will be fine. Unfortunately, you must sometimes obey others’ rules. Try not to be upset by this; just deal with it.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Suddenly, however, you’re hit by an aggressive force urging you to do things differently. The more you try to resist this force, the more it’s apt to cause friction and tension. Open your arms and welcome this new energy that will have a very positive effect on you.

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CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 The truth is that what you might see as trouble is really a growing pain to be endured as you move to the next step in your personal evolution. Change is often difficult; however, this is what you’re being called upon to do.

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LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Unfortunately, you might find that your standbys aren’t standing by. In fact, it could seem like they’ve joined the opposition. You might at first feel like you’ve been betrayed. In reality, maybe you’re fighting for an old cause and it’s time to join the opposition, too.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 The good news is that if anyone can rise above this situation and see the truth in the matter, it’s you, Virgo. Be careful to not be too obstinate about how to resolve things. This is likely to get you deeper into a mess that you shouldn’t have to deal with in the first place. Your job is to mediate not dictate.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your mind is your greatest asset and your worst enemy. Don’t become a victim of its automatic bias toward the negative. Once you take control and start looking at the positive aspects, the answer will become clear.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Unfortunately, there are some obstacles. People who are scared of the new and different are apt to try to toss a monkey wrench into the spokes of your wheels. More than likely, these people are simply reacting out of fear of something they don’t understand. Help them see your perspective.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Your motto should be you’re “in it but not of it.” The basis of most feuds boils down to the struggle between the old and the new. Try not to let their battles become yours. Learn from them by staying close enough to observe and understand but far enough away that you keep your hands clean.

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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 TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Pooh ___ (certain officials) 5. ___ no good 9. Roll into a ball 14. “Leaving on ____ Plane” 15. Controversy 16. Marry in a hurry 17. Most limited in scope 19. Choose for office 20. Pollo partner 21. “Ain’t That ___ in the Head?” (Dean Martin song) 23. Apply with a light touch 25. Sea-ruling Titan 30. Tiny babe 33. “Dude!”

35. Here, to Jesus 36. “The Many Loves of ____ Gillis” 37. Alfred, ___ Tennyson 39. Sounds of relief 42. Luminescence 43. Jingle writer, perhaps 45. Omelette ingredient 47. Folks 48. Hopelessly 52. Biblical sage 53. UAL competitor 54. Start of Tony Bennett’s signature song 57. Bad deeds 61. Camp David Accords signer 65. Drowsy

67. Common biography subtitle 68. Deck hands 69. ____ Valley, Calif.

70. Bored 71. Library refs., to a Brit 72. Managed care grps.

Down 1. “Hulk” star Eric 2. Cracked a bit 3. Frau’s mate 4. Walked with purpose 5. Cesar Chavez’s org.

6. Emotional request 7. Chore 8. Sunroof, say 9. Good time for a getaway 10. “___ That Jazz” 11. Pseudonymous surname 12. Checkout bars?

13. Caress 18. Seiji of the symphony 22. 201, to Caesar 24. Summer get-togethers, briefly 26. In ____ (addled) 27. West Bank city 28. Marriage 29. Agonizes (over) 30. Common 31. Opposite of non 32. Severity 33. Emotional doldrums 34. Word with Drive or clown

38. Pedestal part 40. Small chuckle 41. Pleads 44. Convention VIP 46. Less numerous 49. Encyclopedia abbr.

50. “Romanian Rhapsodies” composer Georges 51. Hardly spare 55. Golfer’s alert 56. Decorated a yard with tissue streamers 58. “____ Not in Love” Faith Hill tune 59. Prom night transportation 60. Biol. and bot.

61. Half of a large African tree 62. Pipe joint 63. Role for Angelina 64. Hypotheticals 66. Pained cries

Sunday’s answers

YOURSAY Women must accept men role in their push for rights Matiang’i should do more to curb exam cheating As women from all walks of life gather for International Women’s Day to celebrate achievements and acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played various extraordinary roles in the history of our countries and communities, let them not forget the ethics that separate women from men lest they overstep the natural bounds of authority in their push for equity. The Constitution brings gender equity too close by espousing the rights of women as being equal in law to men, and entitled to enjoy equal opportunities in the political, social and economic spheres.

Article 81 (b) for instance, says that “not more than two-thirds of the members of

elective public bodies shall be of the same gender”. However, we need to understand that ‘discrimination’ and ‘gender inequality’ are two distinct terminologies. Much as we recognise the achievement made by women so far in their advocacy to extricate fellow women from arbitral abuses and other genderbased discriminations, we tend to forget the extreme to which the pendulum of these gender campaigns oscillates.

Inequality between men and women is a universal principle, that is, its natural not mundane. History is told of the biblical Sarah calling her husband Abraham ‘my lord’.

That is not lording it over a woman or servitude to a man, it’s not discrimination, but

respect, love and recognition of a man’s authority. However, along human history, men began to pique themselves, taking advantage of the humility and respect women accord.

Then came the advocacy to bring back the glory women lost as a result of men’s lordship, unfortunately, in the process, we lost the old men-women distinctive boundaries obscured by the quest for equal rights. The agitations and clamor for gender equity became a lawtwo third rule- and could be three-fourth rule in years to come. Let us be reasonable and vigilant before everything go out of hand as we celebrate “International Women Day”

— Phabian Jr

Malindi residents voted for parties not individuals We claim that we want a better, progressive Kenya and society! I kindly need some correction and understanding.

Recently just before the Malindi constituency seat fell vacant after Dan Kazungu Philip Charo was a great man in Malindi, a visionary leader in the making for the Malindi and the country at large.

At first he was perceived to be in the opposition and was tipped to win the seat until he joined JAP. It was the end of Charo, he lost everything. We can blame it some senior local politicians in Jubilee for misadvising him to decamp from a popular coalition, but to me the final say is with the voter.

That is how easy it is to be obsolete in Kenya.

It is laughable! Kenyans we cannot change our society by voting coalitions or parties, we must start voting individuals. Kenyans must start voting for individuals and not along political and ethnic lines and then complain later when the people they elect fail to deliver.

I am quite sure if Malindi MP-elect Willy Mtengo were in JAP, he would not have been elected by the people of Malindi. I however wish him well in his new role. I am also happy because I can say without any doubt that Charo did not lose, Malindi voters rejected Jubilee.

— Ali Hassan - Eastleigh

The widespread cheating witnessed in the last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education should now call for serious mechanisms of dealing with the vice.

The public apology offered by the Education Cabinet Secretary is not enough, Kenyans will only take the CS’s apology seriously if he immediately initiated the process of curbing the vice.

A staggering 5,101 candidates at the moment are ashamed to be with their peers as their results were cancelled as a result of exam irregularities.

The parents and guardians of the children are now counting losses of the fee they paid for their sons and daughters through the four year period as they have nothing to show for it.

The media has reported on several occasions that the exams is being leaked by Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) officials in collaboration with some teachers and security officers. Going by such reports, the ministry should know where to launch their investigation with a view of dealing with the culprits.

Education is regarded in this country as the major avenue of getting out of poverty, therefore the government should ensure the bar is raised and that questions of integrity are dealt with so that Kenyans can be respected globally. Well managed examinations also give potential employers confidence in the graduates.

Kenyan academic papers have been always treated with respect regionally, this has seen many Kenyans get jobs in Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The new negative trend where examination papers find their way out before the exams are done is an indictment to these certificates and will dent the image of the country.

We are where there are changes in the ministry and Matiang’is predecessor should take the blame, as a fresh man in the docket, he should prioritise the matter.

Kenyans are already hitting headlines for being one of the most corrupt nations in the world, we do not want to hit headlines for another wrong reason.

— Bukende Steve

Ministry, AK should unite against doping, graft It is unpleasant that Athletics Kenya (AK) leaders and Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario are engaged in a blame game over doping and corruption.

In other words, the leaders are busy telling Kenyans that the awesome results from our athletes whom we have pride in have not been achieved fairly. While we expect the leaders to work together to help nurture talent, they are busy washing their dirty linen

in public.

Indeed athletics has been one of the games which has put our country in the global space. Doping and corruption should not deprive us of such pride. The wrangles and ineptness witnessed in the management of soccer in the country over the past years should not be allowed to escalate to athletics. Kenya is known to produce top athletes world over, and this should be the focus of leaders.

Send your letters to news@X254.co | Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

Recently, were it not for the intervention of International Volleyball Association, the Malkia Strikers could have not participated in the Rio Olympic qualifiers, The mishandling of Harambee Stars trip to Cape Verde late last year for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers is still fresh in Kenyans’ mind. If these kind of ineptness is not controlled, soon the country will having nothing to call sports.

— Zabieza Zaby

14

SPORT TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

SPORTS BRIEFS Fan kills friend over Messi, Ronaldo feud

A Nigerian national killed his friend after the two argued over who between Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer in the world.

Michael Chukwuma, 21, stabbed 34-yearold compatriot Obina Durumchukwu in a Mumbai suburb, Indian police said. The incident took place following a party on Saturday night.

“They were discussing football players.

One is a fan of Messi and the other was for Ronaldo,” a police inspector said.

“During the conversation they quarrelled.

The deceased threw a glass into the face of the accused person. The glass broke and caused small injuries.

“After that the accused took the broken glass and assaulted the deceased person who died due to heavy bleeding.”

Argentina international Messi, 28, is a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or the annual award given to the world’s best player by the governing body Fifa.

Portugal captain Ronaldo, 31, has won the accolade three times.

Quins open four-point lead in Shirley Shield

Kenya Harlequins II have opened a fourpoint lead at the top of in the Nairobi region 10 Eric Shirley Shield.

Quins who are yet to loss a match recorded their last victory against Blak Blad (II) with a convincing 65-0 win at the RFUEA Grounds last weekend. The commanding victory leaves them perched top of the standings with 46 points.

They also picked points after a walkover over Nondies last weekend, putting them four points ahead of their closest challenger KCB who also got maximum points against Strathmore University.

Defending champions Impala Boks are third on 39 points thank to their home advantage 31-0 win that silence Mwamba. Homeboyz are fourth while Mean Machine remain seventh on the log despite grabbing a walkover in the weekend.

Turkish athlete latest to be banned for doping Turkish and Olympic 1500m silver medallist Gamze Bulut has been provisionally suspended pending IAAF investigation into a possible doping violation.

The 23-year-old is the fifth 2012 Olympic finalist to face drug allegations, along with fellow Turk Asli Cakir Alptekin who has since been stripped of her gold medal and banned for eight years.

Abnormalities were found in Bulut’s blood samples from 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Nataliya Kareiva of Belarus and Russian athlete Yekaterina Kostetskaya, who finished seventh and ninth respectively, have since been banned by the IAAF for biological passport abnormalities.

Ethiopia-born Swede Abeba Aregawi, who finished fifth in London, was suspended last week pending an investigation after testing positive for a banned substance.

Kenya Hellen Obiri finished fourth in London games.

‘Sharapova could be out in cold over doping’ Former world number one tennis star Maria Sharapova has failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.

Sharapova, 28, tested positive for meldonium, a substance she has been taking since 2006 for health issues.

She faces up to four years out according to International Tennis Federatio (ITF) doping rules.

The five-time Grand Slam champion is provisionally suspended from March12 pending further action.

The sportswear company, Nike, announced that it was halting its relationship with the player until the investigation is complete.

“I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it,” said Sharapova, who won the Wimbledon title as a 17-yearold in 2004.

“For the past 10 years I have been given a medicine called mildronate by my family doctor and a few days ago after I received a letter from the ITF (International Tennis Federation) I found out it also has another name of meldonium, which I did not know.”

Sharapova, who lives in Florida, provided the anti-doping sample in question on January 26 the day she lost to Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarterfinals.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) analysed the sample and it returned positive for meldonium, leading to the Russian being charged.

“It is very important for you to understand that for 10 years this medicine was not on WADA’s list of banned drugs and I

Maria Sharapova revealed that she failed a drug test after testing positive for Meldonium at the Australian Open at a press conference in Los Angeles, yesterday.

The anti-ischemic drug ‘Meldonium’ has been added to the latest list of forbidden substances issued by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA). EPA/MIKE NELSON

had been legally taking that medicine for the past 10 years,” said Sharapova.

“But on January 1 the rules had changed and meldonium became a prohibited substance, which I had not known.”

She added: “I received an email on December 22 from WADA about the changes happening to the list and you can see prohibited items - and I didn’t click on that link.”

Sharapova has been the highestearning female athlete in the world in each of the past 11 years, according to the Forbes list.

Her career earnings from tennis alone amount to almost Sh2.6 billion She first reached world number one in August 2005 and is currently seventh in the rankings, but she has played just four tournaments since Wimbledon last July as she struggled with an arm injury.

Sharapova, who turns 29 in April, hopes to be able to return to tennis in the future.

“I made a huge mistake,” she said. “I have let my fans down, and let the sport down that I have been playing since the age of four that I love so deeply.

“I know that with this I face consequences and I don’t want to end my career this way. I really hope to be given another chance to play this game.”

“I know many of you thought that I would be retiring today, but if I was ever going to announce my retirement it would not be in a downtown Los Angeles hotel with this fairly ugly carpet,” she said.

Ban dopers for life, marathon maestro Kirui says Former world marathon champion and Olympic silver medallist Abel Kirui wants any athlete that has violated doping regulation banned for life from athletics.

“It is my cry that Parliament pass a law banning anyone who has doped from all athletics competitions,” Abel Kirui. “Personally, I think when somebody is found using those banned drugs, intentionally, they should be handed a life ban. Chase them out of athletics forever,” “Such a person should immediately stop running and go do another business. Maybe a jail term will be another nice way to punish them but for me, they should be stopped from

taking part in the sport forever,” he added.

Kirui who posted the most improved time in Tokyo marathon l2:08.06 last week believe he is the man to win the country the first Olympic Gold since the late Samuel Wanjiru’s 2008 splendid run in the Chinese capital, Beijing.

“I’m not scared in any way to talk about doping,” added Kirui who is among the first local athletes to come out and condemn the vice “Doping is tainting the image of Kenya and the sport in general negatively. We must stop using those drugs and trust our talents,” “I hope things will be okay, but doping is severely tainting the image of those clean

athletes,” “That was a good time, everybody appreciated by time and confident I can do better towards the end of the year,” said Kirui who won marathon silver in the London 2012.

Before August, Kirui has lined up a number of road races including one in Poland to gauge his s speed before Olympics should he be picked in Team Kenya squad to Rio .“I am in good shape. My mental concentrations is high. I came behind Kiprotich (Stephen) and I think I can pull a surprise in Brazil,” he said of the Ugandan, who denied Kenya Olympic gold in London four years ago.

Zidane rallies charges ahead of AS Roma visit Real Madrid coach Zinédine Zidane has warned his side against any complacency ahead of their Champions League return leg with AS Roma tonight at the Bernadeau Stadium.

Real holds a 2-0 lead from the first leg going into the fixture, but Zidane is not satisfied with the mentality shown in Real training in the build up to the fixtures.

“If you don’t do your job properly, you can be eliminated,” said the French coach.

But Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, though facing insurmountable challenge is feeling confident his side will overturn the reverse fixture when they meet inconsistent Real which has been firing blanks in the domestic league.

“I’m asking my team to do the impossible.

The way they are training

allows me to ask that. We have to score early then we’ll see what happens.

Spalletti has gone seven straight league victories, but they faces Madrid side that pumped seven goals against Celta Virgo in their last Spanish League match the previous weekend. Red-hot Christiano Ronaldo scored four goals on the day while danger man Gareth Bale returned to action after several weeks on the sidelines with a goal to restore some confidence in Real attack.

Roma will be without Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Rüdiger in the defence tasked with taming marauding Ronaldo a n d speedy Bale.

While the club has managed w e l l

enough in the midfield without De Rossi, Rüdiger’s absence robs Roma of one of the few defenders on the planet capable of keeping up with Madrid’s bevy of attacking options.

Madrid on the other hand welcomed back Tony Kroos and Lukas Modric from injury to add to the depth which places them the firm favourites to progress to the next round even without Frenchman Karim Benzema who is side-lined.

Madrid who leads the competition scoring chart with 21 goals are yet to lose a match in this campaign. Elsewhere, Wolfsburg will be aiming to defend their slim lead in the tie against Gent when they welcome the Belgian side at their Volkswagen Arena tonight. Die Buffalo’s face an uphill task in the return leg after going down 3-2 at home.

Real Madrid’s player Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric during the team’s training session yesterday. Real host Roma tonight in Champions League round of 16 second leg match.

PHOTO: J. GUILLEN/EPA

Hull host wounded Gunners in FA replay Hull City and Arsenal will be against each other at Kingston Communications Stadium in the FA Cup replay tonight after the first leg ended in a stalemate at the Emirates Stadium.

Hull City did well to play out a goalless draw with Arsenal at home in the FA Cup round 5 and, earn a chance to host the Premier League side in the replay.

The Tigers have been impressive at the back this season, but suffered a 1-0 loss to Birmingham City on Thursday evening, with the team dropping to third position in the Championship standings.

The team’s main goal remains to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League. Steve Bruce side face an uphill task in tonight’s clash against Arsenal and no doubt the hosts will rely on their rock-solid defence in the FA Cup replay.

The Tigers managed to keep a clean sheet

in each of their last six home fixtures in all competitions, but preventing the Gunners from scoring for the second time in a row is easier said than done. A man to watch in the home side will be Uruguayan attacker Abel Hernandez, who was rested in the first leg.

Bruce has no fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Arsenal and is unlikely to make too many changes to the team that faced Arsene Wenger’s troops in the first leg. He could stick to the 4-4-1-1 formation.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are on a fivematch winless run in all competitions ahead of the trip to Hull. The Gunners are unlikely to win the Premier League trophy and seeing that they are on the verge of suffering elimination in the Champions League last 16, there is every chance they will take the FA Cup clash

very seriously. Manager Arsene Wenger rested his key players in the Emirates Stadium clash, but will field his best side against the stubborn Hull tonight. Alexis Sanchez helped ten-man Arsenal pick up one point from Saturday’s North London derby against Tottenham and he will be the man to watch in this match. The Gunners are eager to defend the trophy they won last season and they are likely to adopt an attack-minded approach against Tigers. Olivier Giroud should lead the line for the visitors this time out.

Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky are all side-lined with injury, while Francis Coquelin misses the match after being suspended against Tottenham. Danny Welbeck could drop to the bench.

SPORT 15 TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

tuesday, MaRCH 8, 2016 | www.x254.Co

REAL MADRID HOST AS ROMA IN CHAMPIONS LEEAGUE ROUND 16 RETURN LEG

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Nuttal quits Gor Mahia

or Mahia will have to look for a new coach before a league against Nairobi City Stars on Saturday after head coach Frank Nuttal ended quit the club yesterday. The Scottish who has been in charge of the struggling defending champions parted ways with the club he helped retain the league unbeaten after his relationship with the club management became frosty. Nuttal has since joined Egyptian side, Zamalek as an assistant coach to his former boss Alex McLeish whom he worked with at Rangers FC in Scotland.

Gor are still chasing their first league win as the league head to match number five and a trip to Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday will be more migraine to the side still coming to terms with their shock 1-0 defeat by arch-rivals AFC Leopards last Sunday. Whether post, Nuttal era will bring some luck to the club this weekend with a first win, is still debatable considering their misfiring forward that is missing the likes of Meddie Kagere, Michael Olunga and Ali Abondo who scored a combined over 60 goals last season. Whoever comes in will surely have a hard time trying to unify fans who’ve lost faith in the management. Nuttal seems to be the only person who knew what was to happen after the Sunday’s loss. He bid K’Ogalo fans goodbye in style. After the post-match briefing, the seemingly emotional Scott walked to some of the Gor Mahia fans

who were still in the stadium and waved at them as he clapped.

Few bothered to respond, but it seems that was the last time they saw the man they forced back to the technical bench after being dismissed unceremoniously by the club’s management last month.

Nuttal was fired for allegedly refusing to take a pay-cut of 50 per cent, with coach insisting that his contract provided for a 10 per cent increase. The tactician has left Gor with only eight loses in his 18-month stay at the champions and won four titles; two league cups, Top 8 and the DStv Super Cup. Nuttall succeeded former Stars coach Bobby Williamson.

In his last address to the press, Nuttal hinted of what seems to be a power struggle between the technical bench and the management as far as buying of players is concerned. Asked when he will give Gor Mahia’s most expensive acquisition, Rwandan Jacques Tuyisenge, his maiden debut, the Scott replied: “I don’t know, I was given a player who is injured and I cannot tell when he will be available,” raising question whether he was consulted before Gor splashed Sh4million on the crocked Rwandan, the same amount that Meddie Kagere was asking for but Gor refused to give him. It will be seen how the Green Army that compelled the club management to reverse the decision to sack Nuttal last month will react to the news.

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