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WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016 | www.x254.co

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Corruption proceeds worth Sh1.6 trillion to be seized by the state in war on graft

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NEWS

Gor Mahia takes search for first league win to Kakamega

Kenyans with waiting cards can vote: Bill

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enyans with waiting cards may be registered as voters by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) if a Bill currently before Parliament is passed.

The Bill sponsored by Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi wants those who have acknowledgement from authorities as having attained the minimum age and are Kenyans Continued on page 2 to be allowed to register.

An IEBC official captures the biometric data of an individual who turned up to register as a voter. A new Bill is proposing that those with valid waiting cards to be allowed to register.

MPs suspicious over agencies last-minute requests for funds The rush for supplementary budgets by key constitutional agencies just three months to the next financial year has raised suspicion in the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee who argue that it could be another scandal in the offing.

On Wednesday the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Halakhe Waqo were put to task to explain why they need supplementary funding at this point.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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NEWS

State to seize assets worth Sh1.6trn from corruption WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

All proceeds recovered from corruption will be pooled together and used for special projects meant to uplift the lives of the vulnerable in the society, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

In his annual address to the Nation yesterday, Mr Kenyatta maintained that there will be no sacred cows in his administration as far as the fight against corruption is concerned.

“My message is clear. There will be no sacred cows,” he said.

“The Financial Reporting Centre and the Asset Recovery Agency are now operational. Consequently, we have traced, and are now preparing for seizure, property and assets worth 1.6 billion shillings acquired using proceeds of corruption. We intend to create a fund to which the recovered funds will be deposited with a view to use them for special projects to uplift the vulnerable,” President Kenyatta said in his speech.

In order to accelerate the war on graft, Kenyatta called on the judiciary to reduce and eliminate the ‘frivolous exploitation of legal technicalities’ which suspects have often used to delay the course of justice.

“Kenyans are justified to demand from the judiciary a tightened regime that is impatient with unwarranted delay. The judiciary has the funding and the requisite leadership. It must therefore play its rightful role,” President Kenyatta said.

He lauded the Chief Justice Willy

Mutunga for creating a specialised division of the High Court to handle corruption and economic crimes and the Director of Public Prosecutions who has in the last year trained and deployed 90 special prosecutors to try corruption cases.

President Kenyatta said the government has enhanced cooperation with different jurisdictions through mutual legal assistance agreements a move he said will make it more difficult for corrupt individuals to hide corruption proceeds abroad.

“These efforts are bearing fruit. This is demonstrated by the recent quick tracing and seizure of 400 million shillings of assets acquired through stolen National Youth Service funds.

There has also been progress in the Jersey and Anglo-Leasing cases,” he noted.

“We will seek to prosecute the corrupt even if they seek refuge outside our borders,” he added.

He said there are more than 360 corruption cases before the courts, most of them involving senior public officials.

“Today, there are more than 360 corruption cases before the courts, most of them involving senior public officials. I took the unprecedented step of dismissing a third of my Cabinet: a painful but necessary decision.” sam_x254

President Uhuru Kenyatta during his State of the Nation address yesterday. He said the government has embarked on a process to seize property and assets worth Sh1.6 trillion that was corruptly acquired by their owners.

Study says Kenyans are not satisfied with scorecard

77 per cent of Kenyans believe Jubilee government has done very little to breach the gap between the rich and the poor.

A survey by Twaweza East Africa says 65 percent of Kenyans feel that Jubilee administration has performed dismally in terms of improving the living standards of the poor while 6 per cent said that President Uhuru Kenyatta led administration has tried to uplift their lives.

“65 percent of Kenyans felt that the government has done little to improve their lives while six percent thought that Mr Kenyatta’s government had done exemplary well in uplifting their livelihoods,” read the report dubbed Sauti ya Mwananchi.

While 74 percent of those surveyed felt the government had kept prices down, another 71 percent blamed the administration for not availing enough food for everyone.

Only 16 percent believe the economy is flourishing.

The findings showed that Kenyans were very optimistic about devolution with 47 percent approving the devolved system of government.

It suggested that citizens were satisfied with the outcomes of devolution so far.

“43% say that health services have improved since being taken over by County governments.

However 29% also do not think health services have improved since the transition” the report said.

In particular, citizens referenced infrastructure projects (85%), education (45%), and electricity (29%) as key issues in the plans.

The findings are based on data collected from 1,830 respondents between 14 December 2015 and 6 January 2016.

A total of 2,399 households were sampled.

Bill wants Kenyans with waiting cards to vote Established in 1969

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From Page 1 “Recalling that voter registration is a crucial exercise in the electioneering process and that to register as a voter, one requires a National ID and also noting that thousands of Kenyans are yet to be issued with Identification cards due to the long and tedious process involved in the processing of these IDs, Kenyans in possession of serialized waiting cards may miss out in the ongoing voter registration,” he states in the Bill.

“The Electoral Commission should immediately allow all persons who were successfully vetted and issued with serialized waiting cards to register as voters in the ongoing and future voter registration exercises in accordance with section 5 of the Elections Act, 2011,” he adds.

Seme MP James Nyikal has agreed with the proposals saying people with waiting cards should be allowed to register as voters.

“Those with waiting cards are Kenyans and have been certified by the registrar of persons that’s why they are holding the waiting cards, its therefore important for IEBC to register them as voters,” Nyikal said.

Malava MP Malulu Injendi said the tedious process of acquiring the identification

Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi who sponsored tha Bill that wants those with waiting cards be allowed to register as voters.

cards has hindered many youths from getting the important document.

“We cannot punish those that don’t have IDs some of them wait for even one year upon application to get it. It is only therefore fair and just that they should be allowed to register as voters,” Injendi said.

He noted that in his constituency alone there are 5,000 people who applied for

the ID in August last year and have not received it to date.

His Mwingi Central counterpart Joe Mutambo said legislators face tough questions when they visit their constituencies over the issuance of IDs. “Most youths complain to us that they cannot transact any business, they can’t seek any gainful employment, can’t register their companies due to lack of IDs. This is important and I support that the serialized waiting cards should recognized as an ID,” Mutambo said.

T u r k a n a South MP James Lomenen however opposed the idea of recognizing a waiting card as national identification document saying the move would jeopardize security in the country.

“If this is allowed then our security will be at risk, these documents (waiting card) can be forged by anybody including criminals,” Lomenen said.

“I understand the plight of our youths but we cannot expose our country that much, it’s dangerous,” he warned.

He proposed the hastening of the process of issuing IDs instead of recognizing waiting cards. sam_x254

NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION APRIL 1-3, 2016

MPs suspicious with last-minute fundings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 EACC is seeking Sh164 million to outsource legal services in the next three months, while the DPP wants Sh41 million for the same.

Before the two, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had also requested for Sh56million supplementary funding.

Waqo told the MPs that the commission does not offer attractive packages in terms of salaries and therefore lawyers are not willing to be employed there.

He said the packs of EACC staff has not been reviewed for the last 11 years and the Anti-graft commission has already contacted Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) over the matter.

“We do not offer attractive packs to lawyers and that is why even in our last advertisement, we did not even get half of the applications of the people we required. We must review our salaries if we have to attract good lawyers that we can use as a commission instead

of outsourcing,” he said. He cited the successful recovery of Sh525 million hidden Jersey Island former minister Chris Okemo as one of the cases whereby outsourcing of legal experts has assisted the commission and the country at large.

“These external legal experts are expensive but helpful to the country as we have seen in this case and that’s why we have proposed the additional amount,” Waqo said.

Nyeri Women Representative Priscilla Nyokabi who is also the Legal Affairs Committee vice chairperson said its baffling how the bodies wants supplementary budget just three months to the end of 2015/2016 financial year.

“We may not have a problem with what you want to do but why now when we are only three months to the end of financial year,” Ms Nyokabi posed.

She said the government’s main aim is to build internal capacity of its organizations in order to reduce the amount of money used in outsourcing.

Nyeri Women Representative Priscilla Nyokabi.

MPs of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee have expressed suspicion with requests for more funding by constitutional agencies just three months to end of financial year.

DPP Keriako Tobiko had said his office needed the money to hire external experts to argue their cases in courts.

“Most of the times we are forced to outsource for the legal services who are expensive in order to have lawyers who strongly argue cases,” he said.

He pointed out the case of Mailu ranch where he said his office had to seek the legal services of Senior Counsel Paul Muite. Tobiko further told the committee that they don’t have

Vetting board reinstates 20 judges One Judge and 19 Magistrates got a reprieve yesterday after the Judges and the Magistrate Vetting Board overturned an earlier decision that had declared them unsuitable to continue serving in the judiciary. While making the announcement, board chairman Sharad Rao said the decision to reverse the earlier verdict was informed by new evidence that was not available when the affected magistrates were axed from the courts. “During the appeal and review process emerged new evidence that was not available when gave our verdict to dismiss the affected judicial officers,” Rao explained The Board has at the same time sacked eight magistrates after failing the vetting exercise.

Rao said that Parliament had extended the term of the board for three months in which the board will be drafting its final report and concluding pending cases in court among other issues.

“Parliament has extended our term for a further three months for us to draft our final report and conclude pending cases which are currently in court,” said Rao. High Court Judge Nicholas Ombija is among those who have sued the Board for its decision to declare him unsuitable to continue serving as a judge despite tabling his resignation letter.

He argues that Rao’s team had no jurisdiction

Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board chairman Sharad Rao. The board yesterday reversed an earlier decision and reinstated some 20 judges who had initially been declared unfit to serve in the judiciary.

to vet him, since he had offered to retire and now wants the High Court to quash the vetting board’s decision, claiming it will expose him to ridicule, hatred and contempt.

Last week, the board said the Judge will still be grilled saying it does not recognize his resignation letter as it was addressed to the board instead of his employer, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Those reinstated include Justice Grace Nzioka Lidembu, Mogute Stephen Onsiero, Layila Dolphina Alego, Oganyo Roselylne Akinyi, Samuel Mokua Mogaka, Sindandi Calestous Nambafu, Thomas Thyaka Nzioki, Mutua Philip Wambua, Atambo Stella Bonaberi, Tito Maoga Gesora, Mutai Lucy Kathure, Teresiah Mumbua Matheka, Jesse Njagi Nyaga, Ben Mwai Mararo, Mutoka Rosemelle Anyango, Mmasi Grace Ayuma, William Chepseba Kipkemei, Bildad Ochieng, Beatrice Mosiria Nyambune and Lily Nafula Monica.

Those who termed “unsuitable” were Teresiah Ngugi Njeri, Timothy Odiwuor Okello, Wilson Nkunja Kaberia, Ezra Odondi Awino, Samwel Gacheru, Bernard James Ndenda, Wilkinson Nyaga Njage and Jacinta Kwena Dibondo.

enough lawyers and investigators to use thereby resorting to outsourcing.

The DPP however failed the convince the committee on the urgency of the need for more money saying his office only needs it just in case something happens. “We don’t want a situation whereby when we have a case is when we rush looking for money to hire a lawyer or pay for other expenses,” Tobiko countered. “We will deal with cases when they come up because we

have other agencies like IEBC, EACC that are also seeking for additional funds, we cannot give money for something that has not happened,” Nyokabi said. Ugenya MP David Ochieng discouraged the giving of figures in block saying EACC must furnish the committee with specifics of what they want to buy and at what cost.

He said giving block figures may amount to another scandal such as the loss of Sh791million from the National Youth Service (NYS).

“It is only lawyers that are allowed to give figures in block but as for you, there must be details of what you want to buy and what cost otherwise we will be suspicious that it might go the NYS way,” Ochieng said.

Nyokabi was categorical that the committee will meet again and only grant money to the pressing needs of the commissions considering that its only three months to the next financial year. @sam_x254

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION APRIL 1-3, 2016

Teacher who protected non-Muslims in Mandera bus attack feted by President A teacher who protected Chritians during al-Shabaab attack feted by A Muslim teacher who protected Christians on a bus after it was attacked

by Islamist militants in Mandera has been posthumously honoured for his bravery.

Salah Sabdow Farah was shot in the attack on December 21 last year when gunmen believed to be al-Shabaab fighters attacked their bus.

He was then airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatement at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he succumbed to the bullet wound on January 18.

And yesterday, President Uhuru Kenyatta honoured him with the Order of the Grand Worrier for his courage.

During the attack, the gunmen told the Muslims and Christians to split up but Farah was among Muslim passengers who refused to do so.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said he was awarding the Order Of The Grand Warrior to Mr Farah “for his act of courage”.

The award is one of the Kenya’s top honours and is awarded by the president for exemplary service to the country.

In previous attacks in the area, Somalia-based al-Shabab militants have killed Christians and spared Muslims.

Mr Kenyatta made the announcement during his state of the union address in parliament yesterday.

Mwalimu Salah Sabdow Farah at the kenyatta national Hospital in January. He was yesterday posthumously honoured with the Order of the Grand Worrier by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He said that he was proud that Kenyan had “refused to be divided by terrorism”.

The bus was packed with about 60 passengers travelling from Nairobi to Mandera when it was forced to stop by gunmen firing shots.

Muslim women quickly offered Christian women scarves to cover

their heads when they were ordered off the bus near the town of El Wak on the Somali border.

The year before, a survivor of a similar attack recounted how passengers had been spared if they could recite the Koran.

But Mr Farah, the deputy head of the Mandera township primary school,

told Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper that the Muslim passengers had confronted the gunmen.

“We asked them to kill all of us or leave us alone,” he said.

While the confrontation continued, a lorry approached and the militants ambushed it too, killing an off-duty policeman.

They then abandoned their attempt to kill the Christian bus passengers as the Muslims were refusing to co-operate with them.

Altogether three people died at the scene of the incident, including two passengers - one of whom had tried to run away. peter_x254

MPs forcefully ejected out of House as they attempt to Uhuru speech

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi is forced out of the House by Parliamentary orderlies yesteday. Right: Mbita’s Millie Odhiambo protests outside the chambers after she too was forcefully ejected out.

Court orders Zuma to pay back funds used to renovate his home

NEWS 5

WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

Friday couldn’t arrive soon enough for South African President Jacob Zuma.

When Zuma, 73, climbed out of bed Thursday morning he must have felt like the boy in Judith Viorst’s classic picture book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” It might qualify as the worst day of his troubled, seven-year presidency.

The nation’s highest court would deal him a humiliating blow, ruling that Zuma violated the constitution when he used $15 million in state funds to upgrade his private home.

“The constitution, rule of law and accountability is the sharp and mighty sword ready to chop off the ugly head of impunity,” the court said.

A politician loathed by many for his administration’s arrogance and corruption, Zuma’s day would only get worse: Zuma must repay money spent on renovations unrelated to security, the Constitutional Court said.

The National Treasury will determine the amount.

South Africans have been down this road before.

The controversy dates back nearly seven years, when Zuma first took office.

At one point, the Public Protector, an independent watchdog, ordered Zuma to pay “a reasonable percentage of the cost” for upgrades not related to security.

The office left it up to the National Treasury to determine the appropriate amount.

Zuma never repaid. He insisted the findings of the office tasked with investigating official misconduct were

President Jacob Zuma rural home in Nkandla. INSET: Zuma reacts as he answered questions from opposition politicians in parliament in February. South Africa’s highest court yesterday ordered him to pay back money that had been used to refurbish his home.

PHOTO: NIC BOTHMA/EPA

merely recommendations, not legal court orders.

Zuma, after all, is the President.

Also, he was later cleared of wrongdoing by a police inquiry, which said the upgrades -- including a swimming pool and chicken run -- were made in the interest of the President’s security.

But the latest order carried the weight of the top court.

The Treasury has 60 days to file a report detailing the amount he must pay back for the home improvements that are not security related.

Zuma then has 45 days to make good.

The home improvements on the sprawling presidential home in Nkandla, about 150 miles north of the city of Durban, will never feel the same.

A March 2014 investigation by the Public Protector found that Zuma had spent 246 million rand, or $15 million, renovating his place shortly after he was sworn into office.

The upgrades to the home some

people derisively refer to as “Zumaville” included a swimming pool, cattle kraal, a visitors center, an amphitheater and the chicken run.

A government statement yesterday said Zuma “noted and respects” the judgment.

But the President still needs a little time to figure out how to best proceed.

“The President will reflect on the judgment and its implications on the state and government, and will in consultation with other impacted institutions of state determine the appropriate action,” the statement said.

India ramps up rescue efforts after flyover sinks Rescuers worked throughout the night Thursday to reach dozens of people believed to be trapped under a collapsed flyover in the Indian city of Kolkata (Calcutta).

The bypass was under construction in the Girish Park area when it collapsed suddenly on Thursday night.

At least 23 people were killed and scores were injured.

The 2km-long flyover had been under construction since 2009 and missed several deadlines for completion.

Officials said more than 90 people have been rescued, some of whom where in hospital in a critical condition.

“Many of the people rescued have been seriously injured,” police chief Ajay Tyagi told the Reuters news agency.

“Many could still be buried below the debris.”

Rescue workers have struggled to get cranes and other machinery through the narrow and congested streets of Burrabazar area where the incident happened.

An injured construction worker said he had been working on the structure before it collapsed and added that he had seen bolts sticking out of the metal girders.

“We were cementing two iron girders for the pillars, but they couldn’t take the weight of the cement,” Milan Sheikh told the AFP news agency.

“The bolts started coming out this morning and then the flyover came crashing down.”

Top stories from X News global partners

‘Not fit to lead’; letter US Textile Industry Turns MetLife wins a legal battle attacking Xi Jinping sparks to Tech as Gateway to to be deemed important: companies usually go to panic in Beijing: It wasn’t a very Revival: Warwick Mills shows the Life-Insurance inordinate lengths to demonstrate their long letter - the equivalent of about 920 words in English and it appeared only briefly on a Chinese website. But its content was potentially incendiary. It called for president Xi Jinping to resign. Many China watchers initially dismissed it as a prank, as opposed to a sign of real dissension within the ruling Communist party. But only a few weeks later, the mysterious letter has taken on a life of its own – largely because of the government’s outsized reaction to it. State security agents have detained more than two dozen people thought linked to the letter’s distribution.

They scrubbed the Chinese internet of all search terms related to it. They have also detained and harassed family members of exiled journalists.

www.theguardian.com

kind of innovative know-how common among American textile companies that have survived the fierce global competition of recent years. The small private company in New Hampshire has climbed steadily up the economic ladder of its industry to produce specialized fabrics that weave in ceramics, metals and fiberglass. These high-value fabrics are used in products like safety gloves for industrial workers and body armor for the police and military. Now, Warwick Mills is joining the Defense Department, universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and nearly 50 other companies in an ambitious $320 million project to push the American textile industry into the digital age.

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dullness. That makes MetLife’s chief executive, Steven Kandarian, extraordinary. He did what the head of no other big American financial firm has dared to: challenge head-on the legitimacy of the business-shaping decisions made with increasing frequency by regulators in the wake of the financial crisis. More remarkable still, he won. On March 30th a federal court ordered the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), a new regulatory committee, to rescind its designation of MetLife as a “strategically important financial institution”—a label that required it to have a bigger, and thus more expensive, cushion of capital. www.economist.com

Anbang gives up on $14bn Starwood deal:

An investor consortium led by China’s Anbang Insurance has lost the bidding war for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, after a person directly involved said it had failed to demonstrate that it had the financing in place to back up its latest $14bn offer.

Starwood responded by confirming the cash and stock deal it had already agreed with Marriott International, its US rival.

The Marriott offer, which was worth $13.3bn would create the world’s largest hospitality company with 1.1m rooms in more than 5,500 hotels. The Anbang-led group said Starwood had met many of its acquisition criteria, but “due to various market considerations, the consortium has determined not to proceed further.” www.ft.com

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WEEKEnD EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

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

CBK to hold talks with Imperial Bank depositors in Nairobi The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is set to meet Imperial Bank Limited depositors this afternoon at a Nairobi hotel. The meeting is to allow greater discussion on developments following the failure by Imperial Bank Limited shareholders to provide adequate assurances to implement a proposal that would enable the prompt re-opening of the bank and resumption of normal activities.

Over the last five-and-a-half months since October 13, 2015, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) have been working to deal with matters relating to Imperial Bank Limited according to the provisions of the Banking Act and of the Kenya Deposit Insurance Act, with the intention of safeguarding the interest of IBL’s depositors and creditors, and the wider public interest.

Significant progress has been made so far. Depositors were paid by KDIC up to a maximum of Sh1 million each, subject to account and identity verifications, with the assistance of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB). On this basis, payments totaling Sh.8 billion have been made, with 39,860 depositors (equivalent to 80 per cent of depositors) paid in full or have not claimed their balance of less than Sh10, 000. Additionally, a due diligence review has been conducted on deposits and loans. While this exercise has provided greater assurance on the quality of the

balance sheet, it has also revealed some intricate and close connections that compel a thorough scrutiny by forensic auditors.

However, while this work is progressing at a good pace, the magnitude of what still needs to be done is substantial. For instance, over 700 accounts-of-interest have now been isolated for scrutiny, with some of them connected to a few dozen related accounts, while initial expectations were that there would be a few dozen accounts-of-interest; some 22,520 high-priority transactions need to be investigated; and about 1.2

Terabytes (TB) of electronic data needs to be interrogated.

Steps have been taken and additional measures are in train to facilitate the recovery of funds—locally and from foreign countries—that were obtained irregularly from IBL. KDIC has maintained management and control of all other assets and liabilities, as provided in the Kenya Deposit Insurance Act. In particular, KDIC has been in touch with IBL borrowers for them to continue making payments on their loans.

Several cases have however been filed in the High Court by Imperial Bank

Kenya Airways to send home 600 workers in new restructuring drive

A restructuring drive by flagship carrier, Kenya Airways seeking to bring the flyer back to profitability may result in about 600 job losses.

The turnaround programme dubbed ‘’Operation Pride’’ will, according to KQ, deliver over $200 million value across various initiatives.

“Last year we embarked on a turnaround program “Operation Pride” to improve our profitability, revisit our operating model and network, and seek a long term sustainable financial structure for our business. In the last few months, we have taken some hard decisions on the aircraft we fly as well as making substantial changes on other aspects of our business,” KQ said in a recent announcement.

The flyer intends to commence staff rationalisation by May 2016, which will cover unionisable and non-unionised members of staff.

“We are on track with our plan, having

successfully implemented some of the initiatives such as the sale and sublease of aircraft, the reduction of waste in catering, and renegotiation of some contracts so as to achieve targets Board has, after re-evaluating the various options, come to the painful decision that part of the required overhead savings will be derived from a decrease in staff headcount,” added the statement.

However, some of the 600 workers will totally lose their jobs whereas a majority of them will be redeployed elsewhere should their terms of service allow.

The exercise will affect various departments and all cadres of staff, details of positions and specific staff to be affected by this exercise are currently being worked on and will be released to those concerned in due course.

“These measures are among the

many that we are undertaking and accounts for 10 per cent of the overall turnaround plan,” the carrier added.

The redundancy process will be in full compliance with labour laws, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and individual staff members’ contracts as appropriate.

“The decision communicated above is not made lightly, and I want to thank all employees for their tremendous resilience and commitment in serving our guests in challenging times for the company,’’ said Groups Managing Director & CEO Mbuvi Ngunze. ‘’I am confident that with the support of all staff, unions, shareholders, creditors, financiers and all other stakeholders, Operation Pride will bring back the airline’s long term profitability and reconfirm our position as the Pride of Africa,” he concluded. enock_x254

Limited shareholders against CBK and KDIC, which have interfered with the work of the Receiver. A significant criminal case has been instituted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions against certain individuals and companies and former officers of Imperial Bank Limited. In order to secure the highest potential return to IBL’s depositors and creditors, and for the wider public interest, CBK has said that it is essential that the ongoing forensic audit and the related investigations proceed unimpeded.

MEAN 101.3339 145.3069 114.6939 6.7803 33.3058 21.5822

BUY SELL 101.2372 101.4306 145.1528 145.4611 114.5650 114.8228 6.7689 6.7916 33.2247 33.3869 21.5122 21.6521

Mauritius to sell stake seized from Britam shareholder

Mauritius has announced plans to sell a close to 25 per cent stake in Kenyan insurer British-American Investments Company (Britam) to the existing shareholders after seizing it from a disgraced tycoon, the country’s government said on Thursday.

The State seized the assets of Dawood Rawat, a Mauritius citizen, in April 2015 after accusing him of running a Ponzi-like scheme through a Mauritian insurer. Minister for Financial Services Sudarshan Bhadain told parliament that an offer from another operator “could not go through because the existing shareholders in Kenya were not willing to allow third parties into their company.”

“They came to Mauritius and they said to us that they are willing to buy those shares themselves, this has been done,” Bhadain said in comments posted on parliament’s website. According to a report from Reuters, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was singed between both parties where the Minister said the “money is going to hit the bank account this week and then there is a second part which is going to be paid by April 30.”

Rawat has since filed a case before the International Court of Arbitration against the government of Mauritius where he is asking for Sh 101 billion ($1 bn) in compensation, claiming illegal appropriation of Britam by the state.

Mauritius aims to use the funds from the sale to help repay those who lost money in the Ponzi-like scheme.

European Tour Company introduces charters in bid to boost tourism in Kenya The tourism industry has received a major boost following an announcement by a European charter company to commence operations in Kenya within the coming months. Tui Poland charter will, for the first time, be flying tourists to the Kenyan coast during the European summer season from July to October 2016. The flights will have a capacity of 180 passengers.

The deal was arrived at after consultations between Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and representatives of TUI which is one of the world’s largest tour operating company and Kenya’s leading international tour operator. It will be operating to Mombasa weekly with a possibility of continuing through the winter period to April 2017. TUI Europe and TUI UK also announced start of operations in the months of November and December.

The TUI representatives led by Mr.

Harry Kingma, Tim Ramberg and Mateusz Maszkiewics are already in Mombasa on a 5 days visit to inspect tourism products and engage stakeholders in business during this period.

While welcoming this announcement , Cabinet Secretary Hon. Najib Balala said the charters will benefit from the recently announced charter incentive program that include , waiver of landing fee and a 30 US dollar subsidy to every passenger on the charters terminating in Mombasa and Malindi.

“This is a step in the right direction and a big boost to the tourism industry, we welcome these charters and many others willing to come. The action by TUI is a strong indicator that we are on the right path to tourism recovery,” said Hon. Balala. kevin_x254

BUSINESS 7

Congestion forces businesses out of CBD WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

Severe congestion in some parts of Nairobi is fuelling the move of some businesses to outer nodes around the city, seeing organisations migrate to offices in Karen, Thika Road, and Limuru Road to cut commuting and parking costs.

According to a 2015 report from leading project management company MML (Mentor Management Ltd), record levels of new office buildings are due to open in Nairobi in 2016. The surge in office completions, up 65 per cent on the previous record set in 2011, is now likely to create oversupply in Upper Hill, Westlands and Waiyaki Way which in total terms could take over 4 years for the market to absorb.

However, the long-term vacancies are likely to be concentrated in Grade B offices, MML reported. “The boom in completions this year is coming three years on from the record office space planning applications in 2013, delivering some 3.8m of new office space, compared with the previous 2011 record of 2.3m square feet,” said Mr James Hoddell, CEO of MML. In 2015, just over 2 million square feet of new office space was completed in the city. However, the demand for new office space has remained almost constant, rising from 1.3m square feet in 2014, to 1.33m square feet in 2015.

Moreover, despite the heavy levels of construction, there remains a shortage

KTB Ag Marketing Directo Fred Okeyo {Left{ and Managing Director at Sarova Hotels Mr. J.S. Vohra (Right) welcome the Royal Air Maroc officials at JKIA during the airline’s inaugural flight to Kenya.

Tourism board welcomes Morocco airline to Kenya The Kenya Tourism Board has welcomed Royal Air Maroc, the national flag carrier and one of the major airlines for the Kingdom of Morocco. The inaugural flight by Royal Air Maroc (RAM), touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) at 8:30 am yesterday.

The direct flight is poised to open up the Maghreb region to Kenya, and the wider East Africa, marking the airline to offer this connection between the two regions. The airline will fly two times per week to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from Mohammed V International Airport, in Casablanca.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Ag CEO Mrs Jacinta Nzioka –Mbithi led the Kenyan team to welcome the delegation from Morocco which included RAM officials, tour operators and media from the North African country. They are in the country to have a firsthand experience of Kenya’s tourism attractions and offerings.Royal Air Maroc’s entry is poised to grow tourism numbers from Northern Africa.

“This is indeed a significant moment for us as we move forward to strengthen ties between Kenya and Morocco.

Connectivity is, after all, the heart of tourism, and I am sure that the direct flights between Nairobi and Casablanca will open up the market, stimulate

travel and improve tourist arrivals and receipts as well as trade between us,” Jacinta said at JKIA during the welcoming ceremony “I believe that Moroccan tourists will appreciate what Kenya has to offer including our natural resources, wildlife Safaris and many more. Moreover, the warm, sunny weather year-round will make Moroccan tourists feel truly at home in our multi-cultural country,” she added.

KTB will work closely with the trade in Morocco to enable them to sell Kenya in their market as part of growing tourist numbers from across Africa. Kenya has rolled out various initiatives to support the tourism sector including the Charter Incentive Programme, waiver of visa fees for children under 16 and reduction of park fess among others.

“Morocco is an important emerging market for us, and naturally, we wish to strengthen our efforts to engage by showcasing Kenya as a safe and desirable destination for visitors.

Royal Air Maroc entry to Kenya demonstrates their confidence in our tourism industry despite difficulties in the recent past,” Jacinta further added.

Passengers on the inaugural flight were presented with gifts and souvenirs, while enjoying the melodic sounds of cultural dance troupes. kevin_x254

of top quality office space offering ample parking, easy access, and international quality finishings.

“The impact of the looming oversupply is set to be felt most heavily in Grade B office space, where the new space is more than doubling,” said Mr Hoddell.

On Mombasa Road, office space that had been hampered by road congestions may now be set to enjoy a revival on the opening of the Southern Bypass, MML reported. The supply of new Grade A space was constant in each of 2013, 2014, and 2015, at 1m sqft. But the supply of new Grade B space rose from 631,400 square feet in 2013, to 725,991 square feet in 2014, and 1 million square feet in 2015, and is now forecast to reach

2.24m of new space in 2016.

“It is these less-well-specified and under-parked office buildings that may now suffer from long term vacancies,” said Mr Hoddell.

By contrast, new Grade A offices, even in peak supply areas such as Upper Hill and Westlands, are still leasing at speed.

“The reality is that even in something of a building glut, developers are still offering very few office buildings that are the kind of offices that tenants want to lease,” added Mr Hoddell.

“With more than another 3 million square feet coming on stream this year, tenants have more choice and will shop around for convenience and quality at the best price, which, for many, is likely

to point them towards the city’s outer office nodes,” he said.

“Building huge volumes of the wrong kind of office space may turn out to be a painful lesson for some players in the real estate industry,” noted Mr Hoddell.

MML is the largest construction, project and development management firm in East Africa.

The firm has, for 27 years, focused on turning empty or under-utilised land into valuable assets, working on projects with many high profile clients, including ICEA, Bidco, Swiss Embassy, Village Market, KCB and Barclays.

Dennis_x254

8

BUSINESS WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

Boost flow of taxes to achieve sustainable development goals, World Bank urges state

KRA Commissioner General John Njiraini signs an MOU that seeks to combat corruption during a 2013 ceremony in Nairobi.

GlaxoSmithKline will not file patents in poor countries UK drugs manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has said it will not file patents for its products in the world’s poorest nations.

The step may make some important new medicines more affordable in the developing world by leaving the way clear for generic companies to make affordable copies of GSK’s drugs.

GSK said it would adopt a graduated approach linked to a country’s wealth.

It said it would still seek full patent protection in richer nations.

The company says the changes it is making should help people who currently cannot afford lifesaving medicine In the world’s poorest countries, it will allow other companies to make generics, the cheaper copies of its medicine.

In what it calls lower middle income countries it will continue to file patents but will grant licences to generic manufacturers in exchange for a royalty.

Pharmaceutical firms are often

criticised for not making their medicines affordable to people in developing countries, but the firms have argued that patenting their products is the only way to ensure research for new treatments can be funded.

One exception is HIV/AIDS, where the price of drugs for people in many poor nations who are living with the condition have been drastically reduced.

Sufferers of other serious illnesses though, for example, cancer, often cannot afford the drugs to treat them.

GSK says changes to the way it patents drugs will make its next generation of cancer drugs more affordable.

Recent figures showed GSK’s sales rose 2% to £6.29bn in the quarter.

However, the company fell to a pre-tax loss of £416m compared with a profit of £531m for the same period in 2014.

New treatments for HIV, respiratory conditions and meningitis vaccines had sales of £682 million (Sh99.3 billion) in the quarter.

Increasing the flow of taxes and other income into government treasuries is key to achieving the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), states a new report from the World Bank.

This process, known as Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM), indicates that in order to map their own futures and fund essential services such as education and healthcare, developing countries like Kenya need to collect more taxes. In fact, a country’s ability to collect domestic taxes and spend those resources effectively lies at the crux of financing for development.

“Yet the World Bank Group’s client countries, who are most in need of revenues to ensure the provision of basic services and to reduce poverty, often face steep challenges collecting taxes,” says the report.

The Bank Group has since stated that is committed to strengthening its clients’ capacity to develop and implement good tax policy. And it has affirmed that its people remain committed to amplifying its clients’ voices in increasingly important global tax discussions.

“Through our extensive experience and long-standing partnerships around the world, the Bank Group recognizes that developing countries face particular challenges in tax policy and administration, including improving tax compliance by businesses and professionals, high levels of informality,

weak revenue administrations and poor governance,” the World Bank said in a recently-released brief.

The brief explained that in addition to increasing the sheer volume of tax revenue, the mechanism of tax policy and collection matters. Fair, efficient tax systems are necessary for poverty alleviation and equitable growth. They ensure that even the powerful pay their fair share and that the poor see a path to economic improvement. We support tax reforms aimed at reducing income inequalities, improving inclusiveness, and promoting public goods such as better health and a cleaner environment.

This includes helping developing countries to tackle international tax issues by working with the OECD and other stakeholders on the agendas for Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and the effective exchange of information on taxes between countries.

Many developing countries have strengthened the foundation for economic growth while improving DRM. They have done this through adopting tax policies, following good administrative procedures, and building capacity to combat domestic and foreign sources of tax base erosion.

The Bank Group is working with other international organizations to develop a tax policy assessment framework and to increase the voice of developing countries in the global discussion on

tax issues.

“We believe that effective collection of government revenue can strengthen the social contract between citizens, companies and government. In many developing countries, including many middle-income countries, basic weaknesses in public financial management are an immediate obstacle to spending better. These weaknesses can lead to inefficiency,” says the Brief.

At the United Nations Financing for Development conference in Addis Ababa in Julylast year, the Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) committed to a joint initiative to help client countries strengthen their tax systems. In addition to its work with individual countries, the Bank Group recently launched a Global Tax Team to bolster the institution’s cutting-edge work on tax and to liaise with other global institutions and build a more coordinated dialogue on important international tax issues.

The Bank Group has worked with Kenya to build capacity within the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to identify and prevent illegal transfer pricing. The program has led to an increase in the number of audit cases completed, revenue collected, and number of cases going to dispute resolution.

A transfer pricing adjustment based on advice given by the program resulted in additional tax revenue of $12.9 million (Sh1.3 billion).

Dennis_x254

Tesla unveils ‘affordable’ electric car as firm targets larger market segment Tesla Motors has unveiled its muchanticipated Model 3 electric car, its lowest-cost vehicle to date.

According to company’s chief executive Elon Musk, the five-seater would start at (Sh3.55 million) and have a range of at least 215 miles (346km) per charge.

He said that his goal was to produce about 500,000 vehicles a year once production got up to full speed.

The California-based company, which designs, manufactures, and sells luxury electric cars, and battery products, needs the vehicle to prove popular if it is to stay in business, BBC reports.

The first deliveries of the vehicle are scheduled to start in late 2017, though the car can be ordered in advance in dozens of countries, including the UK, Ireland, Brazil, India, China and New Zealand.

The firm has so far delivered 50,580 vehicles since last year where most of those were its Model S saloon, which overtook Nissan’s Leaf to become

the world’s best-selling pure-electric vehicle.

However, the American automotive and energy Storage Company still posted a net loss of $889 million (Sh90.2 billion) for 2015, partly because it spent $718 million (Sh72.8 billion) on research and development over the period.

“For a long time there had been questions about the long term viability of Tesla,” commented Jessica Caldwell, an industry analyst at the car research

site Edmunds.

“With niche products like the Model S and the Model X, it hasn’t been hitting any sales targets that would sustain its business. So, launching what it hopes will be high-volume vehicle is going to show if it can become a fully-fledged auto company that will succeed in the long-term rather than one that pumps out a few cool cars and then goes bust, as we’ve seen happen with other electric car start-ups such as Fisker,” she added.

WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

ACCESS frasha speaks to Us aboUt his solo ventUre and demystifies left-right-centre rUmoUrs aboUt p-Unit @duncan_x254

celeb chat

P-Unit is not dead

R

apper Frasha is making his debut as a solo entity away from hip hop clique P-Unit.

He will be releasing his new album Dakitare later this month.

He gives his thoughts on this new career move.

How long have you been a solo act after your stint in P-Unit?

From last year. Going solo has being an interesting experience.

So, is P-Unit dead?

P-Unit is not dead. First of all, I have a song I’m releasing with Gabu, it is called Wabeh. We recorded the song when Bon Eye was in the UK. But now that he is back, P Unit is back and we will be releasing stuff at the end of this month. Again, I repeat, P Unit is not dead. We are still together, we took time apart to do our solo things and Bon Eye had a kid. We gave him time to settle down.

Now that he has, we can get back to business.

But we heard P-Unit members are not even on talking terms?

I don’t know which P-Unit you are talking about because us guys are still going strong.

As P-Unit we are first friends before we are artistes. We have known each other since we were

kids. Someone like Bon Eye; we have grown up together, nitakosa kumuongelesha aje?

In your opinion who is the best act in P-Unit?

I’m the definition of the best artiste in Kenya, not even in P-Unit . On a serious note though, everyone in P Unit has their own talent and strong points.

Why is it that P-Unit members get along so well?

The reason why we get along so well as a unit is because everyone brings something unique to the group that the other person doesn’t. We are multi talented.

As a solo act, what projects are you working on?

My next top project is the release of my album, Dakitare which is set for April 29.

What is the album all about?

The album is a fusion of different genres. I have collaborated a lot because for me I think a song is like a flower; the more different types you have the better the bouquet.

Why all the collabos?

I take my lessons from someone like Akon, his success came out of the many collaborations that he did.

10 fashion Parade

10

ACCESS

WEEKEND WEDNESDAY EDITION, 26th NOVEMBER APRIL 1-3, 2016 2014

FASHIONScoop

INSIDE YOUR CLOSET

DRessinG FOR a WeDDinG

T

he weekend is finally here and while some are looking to get into couch potato mode, some are gearing up towards their D-day in matters love. Attending a wedding can be quite a headache especially when it comes to choosing what to wear particularly if you are not part of the bridal party, and keeping in mind that most brides keep their wedding theme color a secret.

So, what to wear? Here is an easy to follow guide for those wedding ceremonies: lWhile you want to look your best, be careful as to not draw attention from the bride.

lWear something dynamic so

that you don’t have to go home to change for the after party. lRain is notorious for pouring during weddings so bring along a coat or a shawl just incase. lBe moderate on the heels. Weddings involve a long standing and dance sessions. You don’t want to miss out because you wore Lady Gaga pumps! lCarry a small to medium size bag to fit your phone, purse and makeup kit.

@mercy_x254

Only show skin in liberal settings.

Upcountry weddings demand a full cover-up.

Weddings are all about the cheer so go for something ‘happy’. Floral dresses work wonders.

You might meet a potential suitor during the ceremony so keep it neat and flirty.

inTeRnaTiOnal

Rank

rihanna

TOP

Don’t show up in dull colors.

Weddings are your chance to wear neon and screaming colors.

Long and fitting slip-ons have always been viewed as wedding day attire so you have that option.

TiTle

aRTisTe

1 2

Work Same Old Love

Rihanna Ft Drake Selena Gomez

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stonecold

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

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

11

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

WEEKEND PLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide SATURDAY

SATURDAY

ToDAY

ILY FAM DAY

FUN

Where: Arboretum TIMe: 1Pm eNTrY: From Sh150.

Where: Galleria TIMe: 9:30Am.

LIVE

Where: Ignition WhO: The Kansoul TIMe: 6 Pm.

NIGHT

I was not on drugs-Ray C

Moto Moto hit maker Ray C has rubbished claims that she had fainted after a drug overdose. The Tanzanian song bird was allegedly spotted as high as a kite and later fainted alongside her boyfriend in Dar. Nonetheless Ray C wishes to mention that she was not high!

EDITIoN

URBAN

HOT

Where: Michael Joseph Centre WhO: Anita Nderu, Dj Drew TIMe: 7Pm eNTrY: From Sh1500.

TOPICS

@ SUN GLASSES

KANSoUL

Go NUTS WITH DoNUTS

ToDAY

SATURDAY Where: Simba Saloon TIMe: 9Pm eNTrY: From Sh1500.

THE

Out&About

raY c

P-Unit Is not Dead After a long hiatus and the thought that P-Unit is no longer in existence, we can exclusively say that P-Unit is still alive.

According to Frasha while speaking exclusively to X-Access, P-Unit is not dead.

The group is expected to release a hit by end of next month.

TRUTH MEETS THE BAR AND LoUNGE

p-uNIT

@duncan_x254

H

aving a drink in a nice place is always refreshing.

It always brings out the worth of your spending having had an additional value of peace an quite.

However, too much silence is sometimes boring. The gist here is to blend both the silence and a little noise to come up with a perfect soothing mood.

There are places of this ilk and indeed, Truth Bar and Sports Lounge offers such serenity.

Located along the Thika

Highway a few minutes’ drive from Roysambu on your way to Thika, it offers convenience in access and sufficient parking.

The lounge is made of pure wood with a nice polish finish that makes it radiate with life.

Inside, comfort is in abundance, you will get the feel good Nairobi mood with a touch of peace of mind.

The lounge, not only focuses on the adults it has a kids play area located few meters away from the bar. In addition, you can

have your car washed, buffed or dusting of seats while you have one or two.

Truth Lounge has A weekday themed nights which culminate with a Friday that is taken over

by Reggae.

All these with sumptuous grilled beef and enough screen for to witness live football is good enough for relaxation.

And to wind it all up the lounge is not expensive for a beer goes for 200 bob only.

Avril pens heartfelt letter to late dad Songtress Avril has penned down a heartfelt letter to her late father.

Avril who lost her dad last week noted that “thank you is not enough and that she shall truly be indebted to her late father.”

Her dad was laid to rest in their family homeavrIl

12

CLASSIFIED WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

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An expert in removing black magic, evil spirits & bringing back an explanation of your past, present, future by book, date of birth reading, photo reading.

Sickness, enemies, court case, bad luck on peace of mind, husband-wife problems, and sexual problems – All religions are welcome.Your visit will be kept PRIVATE &

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DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Unexpected, discouraging glitches could interfere with your plans, which could have you thinking that you’ll just cancel the trip. You might be tempted to pick up the phone and do it. Take no action today. The entire situation should be straightened out by tomorrow, and you’ll look forward to your trip again.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 On the surface it might seem like you’ll never be able to sort through all the paperwork, but you will. Don’t give up. Stay focused on the task and take one step at a time. Before you know it, your efficiency and practicality should have it sorted out and behind you. Cheer up, and plan a great evening!

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

WEATHERFORECAST TUday 01/4/2016

sunny

26

26ºC 61%

TUEday 02/4/2016

More sun than clouds

25 6:34 am 6:39 pm

25ºC 62%

6:33 am 6: 39 pm

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 You need to ignore those fantasies of your beloved out on the town having a great time with lots of glamorous people. Your friend is most likely as bored as you are, either transacting business or fulfilling family obligations. Relax, find something to do, and the time will pass before you know it.

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 It’s best to concentrate on routines or mundane chores you can do automatically on days like this. Put on your headphones. Take a long, leisurely lunch or perhaps brunch with friends. It’s important to have some fun. Think of it as an exercise to balance your usually serious self!

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Both you and your romantic interest may be overloaded with responsibilities now and unable to see each other much. It’s frustrating, but you’ll get through it. In the meantime, don’t let your insecurities get the better of you. Just because your friend is busy doesn’t mean that your relationship is on the rocks. Be patient!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Today’s planetary configuration will give you a strong urge to be out and about, Gemini, but responsibilities could keep you at home or the office. Perhaps you’re waiting for a delivery or an important phone call or visitor. Find something to do that engrosses you, even if it’s only reading or catching up on paperwork.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Traditional values and ideas could seem especially attractive to you today, so your resistance could be greater than normal. Yet you know you can’t stay the same way forever. Give yourself a break today.

Tomorrow you’ll be back in the groove and on your way to transforming.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Business success may have come your way, Leo, but today you could find yourself feeling a little sad and wondering why, since there’s no real reason to feel this way. Second, you may be wondering where you go from here. Only you can decide that. Set a new goal and move on.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 21 Today you could feel torn between the desire to get a little exercise and a powerful inclination to curl up in your favorite chair and catch up on some reading, Virgo. Go out for a brisk walk and then reach for a favorite book when you return. The key isn’t giving up on one, but attaining a balance between the two.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Are you haunted by the memory of a seemingly insignificant past event, but can’t figure out why? It isn’t a good idea to obsess over either. You’ll remember whatever it is eventually. You’ll soon realize the significance of the memory. Your subconscious is trying to tell you something. You can’t rush it, so relax!

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Friends and family could vie for your attention and distract you. Other responsibilities could interfere with your desire to get going on it now. Don’t hesitate to try to come up with ideas, but you might have to wait until tomorrow to start the work. Tomorrow you should be raring to go. Be patient!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Business might be going very well for you, Sagittarius, but intense changes on the job could have you feeling stressed. Delays in starting new projects could prove frustrating. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this is going to be a trend. All should be brought back into focus tomorrow. frustration. You’ll be fresh in the morning.

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

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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

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PLAY

13

WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Woman’s address 5. “____ Really Going Out With Him?” (Joe Jackson hit) 10. Miner’s nail 14. Database contents 15. Heats up in a microwave 16. Fashionable Chanel 17. Medicine cabinet item 19. Chug-____ (train sound) 20. Dead Sea ascetics 21. Whack, biblically 22. Bad faucet sound 26. “Take ___!” (“Beat it!”)

30. Lowerings in rank 34. Stand-up person 35. ___-E (late rapper) 36. Aficionado 37. “I appreciate it” 39. Urban complex near Johannesburg 42. Follower of Einstein?

43. Sings wordlessly 47. Discover 48. Heartfelt apology 51. Throw off schedule 52. Stymie the feds, in a way 54. Do-or-die poker bet 57. The “I” of MRI 62. Pope before Sergius III 63. Horatio ____ 66. Tall story 67. Copy editor’s concern

68. Catafalque 69. ____-pei (wrinkly dog) 70. Onetime anesthetic 71. Middle-of-the-roaders, shortly Down 1. Blind trio of rhyme 2. Years in Cuba 3. Early p.m.’s 4. Iota 5. “The ___ Sanctum” 6. Abate 7. Reggae cousin 8. Daughter of Loki 9. Immigrant’s subj.

10. Shrimp sauteed in garlic 11. ____ sci (coll. course) 12. “____ Above the Rest” (Disney tune) 13. Venetian bigwig 18. Not quite up yet 21. Make a lap?

23. Spherical veggie 24. Neutral area, for short 25. Orbison and Acuff 26. Brand of microwave popcorn 27. Uninteresting 28. Muslim clerics 29. Kith’s partner 31. N.B.A.’s Shaquille 32. Diet product prefix 33. Pitiless 38. It must go on

40. Friend since high school, say 41. Itsy-bitsy 44. Ending with cent or pen 45. G.I. chow 46. Needle 49. Dickens waif 50. ____ Salvador 53. Earth tone 54. Relief map figs.

55. First wife of Jacob 56. Kinks song of 1970 58. Desert in east Asia 59. Cry of triumph 60. Urgent want 61. Threatening sounds 63. Spectrum part 64. Direction, in Deutschland 65. Pep squad shout

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY Refined democracy is key economic growth Democracy in all of its classical and contemporary forms, has played a pivotal role in shaping conceptions of public education. The importance of education is implicit in the history of democracy itself.

Some of the earliest philosophers, Plato and Aristotle among them, shared a concern (born of elitism as much as intellect) about rule by those deemed less qualified to make decisions - the poor.

Over time, these concerns were muted by an understanding of the larger conditions necessary for a just democracy, including respect for minority rights, support of basic economic and personal freedoms, and the need for an educated citizenry.

For if such decisions as affairs of state are to be left directly to citizens or their elected representatives, the need for citizens to be educated assumes profound importance.

Education in this vision of democracy calls on the classical notion of an informed citizenryindividuals who are able to think, reason, analyse and reflect without discrimination and care.

Kenya and some African countries have poor education systems which have left more than 75 per cent of our graduates unemployed. Any schooling system should at the

bare minimum produce a pool of well-informed scholars, not ‘crammers’. There is need for more fluid investment capital to ease social mobility and create a set of youth entrepreneurs. As against this, the less educated or the illiterate make it a point to cast vote.

But they are also easy prey to bribery by politicians. With a majority of the illiterate casting vote, there are strong possibilities of tainted and corrupt leaders being elected to office. It is the high time the educated elite realised that better people, when elected, can reduce the level of corruption and malpractices in the system.

So instead of just putting blame on the system, people should come out and vote, exercise their right and express their views. By casting your vote you would help elect a good leader who will put the interests of the public first. Democracy in our country will be effective only when people will vote wisely.

Education and democracy will actively and meaningful give citizens participation and complicity in public affairs meaning that citizens will in Kenya and Africa will change their mind set and start demanding for increased space and public participation.

And as we approach the next general elections, it is our

responsibility to elect the right set of people to lead the country.

Only those who perform their duty towards the nation have the right to raise their voices against the system. It is our duty to vote for our representatives.

Voting is the most effective medium of communicating our grievances about the system.

We should never allow anyone to bribe their way into office so that we can be accountable and ready to ask for better service from our leaders. We should elect leaders who believe in the fundamental goodness, freedom and dignity of all people.

Leaders must be keen to work with others to create opportunities for the youth to allow them to participate in nation building.

Genuine democratic leaders will often consult and listen to others, they will appropriately delegate, share power, make corporate decisions and give credit where it is due. It is good to remember how Jesus corrected his disciples who wanted to wield all power and have all credit come to them.

Truly democratic leaders welcome the emergence of young leaders and do not sack those who are courageous enough to express their dissenting personal view.

— Kibet Benard, Mwiki.

Address the shrinking trust of state organs

Grave political consequences are spiraling up with the shrinking confidence of the judiciary and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2017 General Election. In a survey conducted by Infortrak, the two key institutions performed dismally displaying dwindling hope of their abilities to referee credible elections.

According to the poll, only 23.8 per cent of Kenyans believe that the IEBC can be trusted to conduct free and fair elections in 2017.

There are integrity and administrative issues facing this key institution which, if not resolved sooner rather than later, might lead to a lessthan-perfect outcome in next year’s elections.

And as we head into the homestretch for the 2017 General Election, this is indeed enough reason for worry.

Parliament’s Public Accounts report on the shady deals at IEBC, which revealed the loss of Sh4.1 billion in the purchase of 1,500 BVR’s kits that malfunctioned, intricacies surrounding the Chickengate scandal in which former and current electoral commissioners were adversely mentioned in bribery claims involving British firm Smith and Ouzman and the succession of IEBC commissioners do not inspire confidence in the electoral body.

The Judiciary, whose conduct should never come into question, has also been the subject of a national debate with regard to integrity.

Questions over the conduct of some judges and allegations that they may have received bribes inspire no confidence at all.

A combination of these factors makes the situation within the Judiciary and the IEBC fluid, at the very least. A political class that has affected a permanent war mode across the political divide doesn’t help matters either.

By locking themselves in eternal turf wars, our elected leaders have failed to address key national issues. Politics of selfish interest have taken shape where Judiciary and IEBC are a rot if they do not rule in your favour. In selfseeking to brand the institutions in bad shape to seek political ground, our political class has disseminated the same to the citizenry who hav now ben brain washed.

In short, they have failed to grasp the big issues that Kenyans grapple with every day; corruption in public offices, rising unemployment, poverty, insecurity and poor leadership.

There is a growing feeling of exclusivity and a sense that a poor Kenyan’s life is one of wretched injustice meted out by an uncaring, self-preserving elite. President Uhuru Kenyatta must tackle this issues as a matter of agency in his State of the Nation Address in the national assembly.

The narrative that has been created by our selfseeking politicians must be changed to avert the impending electoral crisis. — Nderitu, Kasarani

Time for the youth to take charge is ripe

Dear youth, I know this is not the first time you are hearing this, but I will tell you again, you are the future of this country. I urge you to register as voters in the 2017 General Election. You are the majority and you will be the decision makers.

You may be bitter and not want to participate in what is often an incorrect voting exercise, but if you do not take control of the situation at hand, your later years will be a problem.

There are good reasons to register as voters

even though Kenya is riddled with countless corruption cases. Also, do not be confused by the many political parties and sometimes confusing political slogans. Forge on.

What you saw on TV during the just ended byelections in Kericho and Malindi is the progressive Kenya; it is your chance to change all what you do not like through voting. Note that, if you chase the wrong things, you will not give the right things a chance to catch you. — Veronica Onjoro, Kibera.

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

14

SPORT

West Indies stun India, set Final date with England WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

West Indies will meet England in the final of the World Twenty20 on Sunday after stunning hosts India with a seven-wicket win in the semi-final.

India looked in complete control after Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 89 took them to 192-2 and Chris Gayle fell for five.

But Lendl Simmons, who was twice caught off no-balls and held on the boundary only for Ravindra Jadeja to step on the rope, clubbed 82 from 51 balls. Then Andre Russell won it with a six with two balls to spare in Mumbai.

West Indies, champions in 2012, follow their women’s team which defeated New Zealand earlier on Thursday to the finals.

The meeting with 2010 winners England in Kolkata will see a two-time World T20 champion crowned for the first time, while India’s exit extends the wait for a host nation to lift the trophy.

Simmons, who had to pull out of the West Indies squad before the tournament began because of an injury, only arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday as a replacement for Andre Fletcher.

When he got to the crease at the end of the third over, West Indies already looked out of the chase after opener Gayle was bowled

by Jasprit Bumrah and Marlon Samuels was tamely caught at cover.

Three times he could have been out.

Ravichandran Ashwin overstepped when he was caught on 18 and Hardik Pandya did the same at 50, the latter being heaved for six from the resulting free hit. Then, on 69, Simmons was held on the long-on boundary, only for Jadeja to step on the rope as he was trying to offload the ball to Kohli.

Reprieved, Simmons slapped boundaries through the off side and hammered five sixes straight and to the leg, sharing 97 with Johnson Charles and an unbroken 80 with Russell.

It was an astonishing chase by West Indies, their second highest in T20 internationals and the second largest by any side to defeat India.

While India grew their total by breathlessly scampering between the wickets, West Indies pummeled the boundary in the same runfilled Wankhede Stadium at which England made 230 to beat South Africa.

West Indies Chris Gayle celebrates.

PHOTO: EPA

Squabbles haunt Tae Kwondo at Sports awards Kenya Tae-Kwondo Federation was awarded a certificate for good governance but lost it immediately because of the squabbles at the federation.

Centre for Multi-Party Democracy (CMD) which runs a sports governance and integrity programme in conjunction with Sports International and Strathmore University with financial aid from the Dutch embassy in Nairobi withdrew the certificate after it emerged that there are two splinter groups fighting to control the sport.

“Please step forward with the certificates,” said CMD –Sports Coordinator Irene Tindi during the Certifications that recognises over 10 sports Federations that took part in the programme.

“Sorry but I have to withdraw the certificates. This programme is designed for good governance,” Tindi told the representative of one of the splinter group who had picked the certificates in a gathering that brought together 35 local sports federations.

Tindi appealed to all federations to open up offices at the county levels to help with easy implementation of programs rolled out to the regional units.

Big Sam hopes Eboue’s ban can be rescinded

Former Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue’s one year suspension

by Fifa from all football activities can be reversed if he pays his former agent the money owed to him.

The 32-year-old defender who signed for Sunderland just a few weeks ago was given the ban on Tuesday after being found guilty of failing to pay money owed to a former agent.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce however believes the ban can be rescinded if the player pays up the debt.

“There could be a way back,” Allardyce said. Eboue has two weeks to appeal against the decision.

Allardyce said the club were “completely in the dark” over the dispute which started in July 2013.

“I’m massively disappointed like everyone else is,” said Allardyce adding that “The problem is what has happened in the past has caught up with Emmanuel, for whatever the reason.

“He has got a ban and the contract gets terminated on that basis.”

Sunderland are 18th in the Premier League, two points from safety with eight games left, and face West Brom at the Stadium of Light tomorrow.

Eboue, who has not made a first team

Former Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue shows his jersey after signing with Premier League side Sunderland last month. The player has been banned by Fifa for a year but manager Sam Allardyce believes the former Arsenal full-back can get a reprieve.

appearance for the Black Cats, had been ordered by Fifa to pay agent Sebastien Boisseau an undisclosed amount he was entitled to under the terms of an agreement between the pair.

The former Arsenal full-back was fined Sh3, 170, 703 in September 2014 and given four months to settle the matter.

Eboue spent eight seasons at the Gunners after arriving from Belgian side Beveren in 2004, before moving to Turkey, where he won three Super Lig titles and five domestic trophies with Galatasaray.

Ghanaian football agent Oliver said the ban was “fantastic” news for agents “Now it’s very easy to refer a player to a case like this and it’s easy for them to understand. A lot of players will now think twice in their decisions, think twice in keeping money and waiting to pay. Agents fees aren’t so big that players should get themselves into this mess.”

Eboue became the second Sunderland player to have tasted the bitter lip of the legal system after ex-Sunderland winger Adam Johnson was jailed for child sex offences last week.

SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016

Gor take search for first league win to Kakamega SportPesa Premier League defending champions, Gor Mahia travels to Kakamega this weekend in search for their first win of the season when they play Kakamega Homeboyz tomorrow.

Gor who won the league title last season unbeaten is yet to register a win in this campaign and is currently just two places above relegation zone with fifth matches already played.

From those games, they have collected just four points having recorded a loss as well.

And New coach Marcelo Ferreira knows a trip to Kakamega, about 400 kilometers from Nairobi with at least eight hours on the road will not make it any better for the struggling champions who are also still trying to adopt to a cocktail of Samba style.

The hosts, 10th on the log with seven points goes into the match with a dented ego and a little of fatigue after they lost 2-1 to AFC Leopards in a mid-week fixture in Nairobi.

Unlike Gor, Kakamega has won two of their last six matches which leaves them three places on the log, above the defending champions.

Charles Momanyi who scored

Homeboyz’ lone goal will be a man under tight watch of K’ogalo although Moses Mudavadi and Jeremiah Wanjala are also expected to course some trouble to the sometimes sloppy Gor defense should the duo be selected. League leaders AFC Leopards with 14points will take on Nairobi City Stars at Nyayo stadium while Tusker, second on the table with 13 points will host at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos.

Francis Kimanzi’s Mathare United who are two points behind Tusker will play Ushuru on Saturday.

Bottom team Sony Sugar will host Western Stima at the Awendo Green stadium while, Sofapaka a place below Gor Mahia welcome visiting Chemelil Sugar at Machakos stadium.

Meanwhile K’ogalo’s rivalry with Ingwe will go a notch higher after the two were pooled together in Group A of the third edition of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Under-20 Tournament set for April 17-30 in Nairobi.

The tournament will be staged during April, August and December holidays to allow school going players take part in the youth competition.

PREMIER LEAGUE

WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 1-3, 2016 | WWW.x254.cO

CHAMPIONS GOR MAHIA TAKES SEARCH FOR FIRST LEAGUE WIN TO KAKAMEGA

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Zizou seeks el-Clasico revival

inedine Zidane will make his el Clasico debut at Camp Nou tomorrow when Real Madrid clashes with Barcelona in match the Madridistas hope to win to kick-start their season.

Real Madrid will also be seeking to revenge the 4-0 defeat suffered at the hands of their fiercest rivals back in November at the Bernabeu.

With 10 points separating league leaders Barcelona and their third placed opponents, the clásico habit of defining the season will be missing this time round.

And Real will hope to win and redefine their season and possible build momentum for a record 11 Champions League title chase.

While Madrid win would hardly prevent Barcelona from winning another Spanish title, tomorrow’s clash will be about confidence heading into Champions League action next week and the obvi-

ous bragging rights. Luis Suarez scored a brace and a goal apiece from midfield maestro Andreas Iniesta and attacker Neymar completed the rout in November.

But Real Madrid Captain Sergio Ramos says his teammates are hungry for a revenge.

“After the bad result in the first Clasico, football gives you the chance for revenge,” he said on Thursday.

Although Zidane hinted at making changes to the starting line-up, it is expected that the attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim

Benzema and Gareth Bale will all start at the Camp Nou. The match comes at a very good time for both teams as they currently have no injury concerns.

But the capital club faces an uphill task with no wins in La Liga from Camp Nou over the last four seasons.

Moreover, Luis Enrique’s men are also enjoying an imperious form that has seen them go 39 games unbeaten in all competitions.

With just eight games left to play in Spain’s top flight division, Barcelona are nine-point clear at the

top of the table. That gap would become six if Atletico Madrid beat Real Betis in Saturday’s early start, but it is going to take some effort from Atletico or third-place Real Madrid to prevent Barcelona from holding on to their league crown.

Europe’s ultimate prize can still be claimed by Madrid, who face Wolfsburg in the first leg of Champions League quarterfinal action next Tuesday. Barcelona face a much tougher challenge in Atletico Madrid, and that fixture may loom heavily despite the fanfare of el Clasico.

Zidane will reportedly field a previously unused starting XI according to Marca. There will be no place for Isco or James Rodriguez in midfield, while Pepe is largely expected to replace Raphael Varane in defence.

That specific combination of players has not been used this season by either Zidane or his predeces-

sor Rafa Benitez. Casemiro is the most notable inclusion, with Polo adding: “he returned to train with the group after a special training plan following five consecutive games in the team.”

Benitez left out the Brazilian in favour of Rodriguez in November’s el Clasico at the Bernabeu—a move that backfired spectacularly, as Barca dominated the midfield and isolated Real’s attacking stars from the rest of their team, as noted by journalists Sid Lowe and Dermot Corrigan.

The game will be preceded by a visit to the cemetery of Las Corts by the north end of the Camp Nou, where some of the club’s most historic players lie. The visiting team players will be clutching flowers, visiting graves and possibly ask for a victory. When kickoff comes, it will be as huge as ever, while the symbolism will feel even greater for the homage to Johan Cruyff.

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