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WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
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Church leaders in silent lobbying to end iebc stalemate the bishops have held a series of meetings with both the electoral body and the opposition in a bid to find a solution to the current standoff over the fate of agency’s commissioners
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Mathare host Gor mahia in sportpesa premier league match of the weekend
Manchester united will start winning Titles soon, says midfielder juan mata
Senators declare school calendar changes illegal S
enators have strongly opposed new school rules announced on Wednesday terming them illegal and arbitrary. Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i while unveiling the new changes said they are aimed at curbing cheating in national exams. But the move has since attracted opposition from stakeholders with leaders, parents the clergy describing the changes as subjective and cosmetic. And now, senators have vowed to summon the minister to explain how he arrived at the drastic changes ‘without consultation’.
The Senate education committee chaired by Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba said they will soon summon the CS. Nyamira Senator Kennedy Mong’are said the changes are illegal as they were not backed by any recommendation from an education committee as prescribed in the constitution. While announcing the changes, Dr Matiang’i explained that the move is aimed at curbing the rising cases of cheating especially in secondary schools. Last year, the results of over 5,000 KCSE candidates were cancelled over cheating. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Uhuru meets UN officials over Dadaab camp closure Kenya’s decision to shut down the Dadaab refugee camp was expected to headline the agenda as President Uhuru Kenyatta met with members of the United Nations Security Council in Nairobi today. The talks come in the wake of the formation of a 14-member taskforce – the National Taskforce on Repatriation of Refugees – whose role is to develop modalities, timelines and costs for the repatriation of refugees in Kenya. The body is also tasked with the setting up of refugee management and control strategies, during the period of repatriation. The talks with the 15 diplomats are a follow-up to UN Secretary-General
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Ban Ki-Moon’s call to President Kenyatta asking him not to shut down Dadaab Refugee Camp. According to a statement from State House, the discussions will also include the situation in Somalia and the work of AMISOM. “AMISOM has considerably degraded the capability of Al-Shabaab and liberated large areas previously held by the group. Somalia is now safer than it has ever been in 25 years,” the statement pointed out. “The liberation of these areas has altered the security landscape and offers a rare opportunity for the Government of Somalia to initiate the process of state building, and create public safety and
security for its people.” The statement further reveals that AMISOM faces several challenges one of them in particular being the absence of troops in the Gedo region. “The President will discuss other Kenyan concerns about AMISOM. Among them is the lack of critical components necessary to achieve the strategic objective of stabilizing Somalia, such as robust land, air and maritime capabilities and assets,” it stated. Mr Kenyatta was later scheduled to resume his visit to the North Eastern Region, on day two of a three-day tour that will focus on Wajir County.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in a meeting with top officials of the United Nations Security Council at State House, Nairobi today.
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NEWS
Church leaders in silent move to find solution to current IEBC stalemate WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
Church leaders have heightened their mediation efforts to find a solution to the current stalemate over the future of the current Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). While the opposition Cord insists that it will continue with its protests to force out IEBC commissioners, the ruling Jubilee alliance maintains that any attempt to force out the commissioners must follow the law. The commissioners themselves have vowed to stay put despite the pressure by Cord, workers and other organizations calling for their resignation. Yesterday while in Mandera, President Kenyatta told the opposition to follow the law in the push to have the commissioners quit saying any other means will be futile. “We have to respect the constitution. I have no enmity with the opposition but the law is clear as it binds us together as Kenyans,” he said. The constitution states that anyone who wants to force out the commissioners should file a petition to parliament detailing the accusations against the agency’s bosses. MPs will then discuss the accusations leveled against them before a tribunal if formed to probe those culpable. But such an attempt by Cord in 2014 was thwarted after Jubilee MPs shot down the petition. As such, Cord says it no longer trusts that route given Jubilee’s tyranny of numbers in Parliament and have consequently resorted to mass action. They want any negotiations about IEBC to involve civils societies, human rights groups and religious leaders among other stakeholders. It is this standoff which has prompted church leaders to seek a solution. The bishops who have also openly called on the commissioners to quit
IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan confers with Bishop Cornelius Korir during a meeting with the church leaders on Wednesday. The clergy are silently lobbying for a solution to the current stalemate on the fate of IEBC commissioners.
saying confidence levels in them by Kenyans has waned. Early this week, the church leaders met with the opposition before meeting IEBC bosses on Wednesday. But Kenyans will have to wait for at least one week before they make known the fruits of those efforts. XNews has learnt that several private meetings have been going on away from the glare of the media and a decision is yet to be found but the church will give its way forward after one week. The church has encountered tough talks and hardline stance from both the ruling coalition and the opposition
in their bid to get a solution over the IEBC standoff. A source within the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops told XNews that no solution has so far been found and the church has decided to keep negotiations private away from the media. “The church has had several talks with the politicians but no development so far. The Catholic Bishops has therefore resolved to keep off media as they try to broker a deal which will be communicated within one week,” the source said. Secretary General of the National Council of Churches (NCCK) Peter
Karanja however remained tight lipped over their next action on the raging debate about kicking out the commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Karanja said they have made significant progress even though he admitted that they encountered hardline stand from both the Jubilee and Cord coalition in resolving matter. “We don’t want to discuss a lot with the media at this moment over our next or the details of our talks with various because that will jeopardize the ongoing talks,” Karanja told XNews on phone. Karanja said despite the hard-line
positions by both the political divide, they remain optimistic of finding a solution over the matter. “It is a complex thing and we don’t want to undermine the nature of the talks by discussing every detail with the media. But we are robust, committed and must get peace for this country,” he said. “It is important to have a peaceful elections and at the same time the political class must also maintain peace,” he added. Addressing the press on Thursday, Siaya Senator James Orengo and his Machakos counterpart James Muthama said the Monday protests will continue as scheduled. The two said they are still waiting for an outcome between the church leaders and the President. “We understand the church leaders are yet to book an appointment with the President and therefore our protests will continue as usual until we get to know the outcome of their talks,” Orengo said. On Wednesday it was reported that no definite date has so far been given on the State House meeting between the religious leaders and President Uhuru Kenyatta over the fate of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Cord, led by Mr Raila Odinga and his co-principals Moses Wetang’ula and Kalonzo Musyoka, have demanded the dissolution of the IEBC, saying the current commissioners are biased and should not oversee next year’s elections. The opposition leaders have also defied the request by the church to call off their weekly protests. Even though the church leaders have also called for reforms at the IEBC, then want Cord to stop holding the Monday demonstrations. sam_x254
Senators declare school calendar changes illegal
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i who announced major changes to the school calendar on Wednesday.
From Page 1 In the changes, Matiang’i banned all social activities in the third term including prayer days, visiting, half term breaks, sports, prize-giving ceremonies and annual general meetings. He said the aim is to avoid unnecessary contact between candidates and outsiders during the exam period. He also shortened the period for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams from six weeks to four and put head teachers directly in charge of the tests in their respective schools. Mong’are however said such changes can only be done if an education committee instituted and parliament approves the recommendation.
“As a member of the Senate education committee, the changes remain illegal and we will summon him, I have already talked with the chairman senator Karaba and he has promised to act on it promptly,” Mong’are said. “We don’t want roadside declaration on important matters such as education, what the Cabinet Secretary is doing is illegal,” added the Nyamira Senator. Mong’are said there is freedom of association and that some schools are sponsored by churches and therefore prayers are important in such institutions. “Changing the education calendar has to be supported by serious evidence presented by a commission formed either by the
Cabinet Secretary or parliament, it’s not an individual decision,” Mong’are said. His sentiments were backed by Makueni’s Mutula Kilonzo Jnrwho asked the minister to instead focus his energies on the Kenya National Examinations Council if he wants to curb cheating in examinations. “It would have been preferable if the minister focused on Knec and updated the nation on the progress of the probe on Knec officials implicated in last year’s examination cheating,” Kilonzo Jnr said. Both teachers and parents have also accused Dr Matiang’i of overstepping his mandate by barring parents from schools and altering the calendar without their involvement. sam_x254
NEWS 5 WEEKEND EDITION MAY 20-22, 2016
Relief for tenants of Hazina houses as State confirms they are safe for human habitation The Building Inspectorate Department of the Ministry of Public Works has confirmed that the National Social Security (NSSF) houses in Hazina Estate in South B in Nairobi will not demolished. Speaking after the re-inspection of the building at Hazina estate, Engineer Samuel Charago stated that the initial inspection had identified some need for minor repairs and further structural inspection that do not warrant the demolition of the buildings as earlier stated. Eng. Charago who was accompanied by Architect Moturi Asati said his team has finally agreed with the developer of Hazina Estate the NSSF to undertake the exterior repairs and report back to the Inspectorate. It was a sigh of relief for Hazina Estate residents who asked the Inspectorate team to address the mushrooming unplanned structure around their estate. The residents wondered how their estate could have been harshly targeted by the Inspectorate yet there are so many structurally unsound buildings around South B.
Architect Asati assured the residents that report on Hazina Estate was about a routine inspection and that their houses don’t pose any risk for habitation. He said the estate developer; NSSF has assured their team that the repairs on some of the buildings in poor state will be done immediately. Earlier, there were reports that 19 houses developed by NSSF are among those lined up for demolition. NSSF’s Acting Manager Propety Management, Architect Daniel Kiilu assured the public and Hazina estate residents that the estate buildings are in sound structural state. He said NSSF is a reputable public institution with a track record in real estate development and only undertakes real estate development on legally acquired land with title deeds and approvals from authorities which is the case with NSSF Hazina Estate.
NSSF Hazina Estate Manager, Robert Mwangi of Seven Degrees North, welcomed the periodic inspections of the Building Inspectorate of the Ministry
Two Kangemi pupils drown as heavy rains hit Nairobi Two pupils drowned in Nairobi’s Kangemi area on Wednesday night following heavy rains. The body of one of them was recovered while the search for the second one was ongoing according to police. Both were pupils at Kanyorosha Primary School. “The incident occurred when one of them was trying to clean her shoes,” National Disaster Management Unit Communication Officer Pius Masai said. “The other pupil was swept by the floods when she tried to help her drowning colleague.” Masai urged the residents of Nairobi, living around and along Nairobi River
to be cautious. In Murang’a County, one person died after a wall collapsed on him due to the ongoing heavy downpour in various parts of the country. Masai said several vehicles were also damaged during the incident. He has urged property owners to check on the stability of their walls and houses more so during this rainy season, to avoid loss of life and destruction of property. He also asked the public to report to relevant authorities of any structure that appears or is suspected to be dangerous for speedy safety measures to be taken. www.capitalfm.co.ke
The site where the two pupils drowned as one of them was cleaning her shoes. The other was swept by the flashfloods as she tried to help her colleague.
of Public works. He however assure residents of the NSSF Hazina Estate South B that their houses are safe. @peter_x254
Part of the NSSF houses at the Hazina estate in South B. The ministry has since confirmed that the houses are safe for habitation and will not be demolished.
Opportunities plenty in ICT, women told Kenyan women have been advised to take up opportunities in the Information and Communication Technology sector. This was the message from Israel Ambassador to Kenya Yahel Vilan yesterday in Nairobi. The Ambassador who was speaking at the University of Nairobi encouraged women in start-up companies to be innovative and take up a competition his country has launched as part of improving the relations between Israel and Kenya. The global competition brings together start-ups from 30 different countries across the world. Dubbed “Start Tel Aviv”, the competition seeks to invite start-up founders in companies to interact with entrepreneurs and potential investors in their projects. The innovation competition’s theme this year emphasizes on women innovators. A company should have women in its top positions for their start-up to be considered viable for the competition. The founders with the winning start-up will take part in the 5 day DLD Festival start-up experience in Tel Aviv. “Israel is known as the start-up capital of the world while Kenya is Africa’s Silicon Savannah. Kenya has vibrant innovative opportunities. There is therefore need to nurture the innovative spirit,” Vilan said. “Israel is the second best innovative
Israeli ambassador to Kenya Yahel Vilan. He yesterday told women to venture into ICT and exploit the available opportunities.
ecosystem in the world with Tel Aviv being named Europe’s leading tech hub by the Wall Street Journal,” the ambassador added. This year’s competition has special focus on women. Women who are on the senior management team of a start-up are eligible to apply. The winning model will be the top female start up founder or director. Eligibility for the competition also includes a viable business model and should also have a quality innovation. The event was held as part of the university’s Innovation Week public lecture series initiated by its technology start-up incubator C4D Lab. The innovation forums are conducted on a quarterly basis
in the build up to the Nairobi Innovation Week. Speaking on behalf of the vice chancellor, the university’s School of Economics Director Prof. Jane Mariara said that it was a visionary opportunity that the students ought to take up seriously. “The winners will be able to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists and entrepreneurs who could be interested in them,” Mariara said. The competition is done in collaboration with UN Women, iHub and the C4D Lab. Applications for the competition are on the embassy’s website and close on July 3. @harrison_x254
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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION MAY 20-22, 2016
Terrorism highly suspected as search for crashed EgyptAir flight MS804 continues The search for EgyptAir Flight 804 is continuing after reports that the plane’s wreckage had been found turned out to be false. When searchers got close to debris found in the Mediterranean Sea they realized it didn’t come from the missing airliner, EgyptAir’s Vice Chairman Ahmed Adel told CNN. The Airbus A320, which had 66 people on board, disappeared early Thursday as it flew from Paris to Cairo. Earlier, Adel told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that the plane’s wreckage had been found. “We stand corrected on finding the wreckage because what we identified is not a part of our plane. So the search and rescue is still going on,” Adel told CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” Adel said EgyptAir is not involved in the search and is getting its information from Greek authorities and the Egyptian military, but he didn’t give details on why the debris found in the water was said to be from the plane or how that information was gathered. The plane was carrying 56 passengers and 10 crew and security officers. Earlier, a spokesman for Greece’s Hellenic National Defense general staff had said an Egyptian search aircraft spotted two floating objects 210 nautical miles southeast of Crete. It’s unclear whether those objects were part of the wreckage described by Adel. Speculation has centered on the possibility of a terrorist attack. “It’s very difficult to come up with a scenario that jibes with some sort of catastrophic failure. (The evidence so far) leads us down the road to a deliberate act,” CNN aviation analyst Miles O’Brien said. Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sharif Fathi said technical failures and terror each are
Egyptian Civil Aviation minister Sharif Fathi addresses the media in Cairo on the missing EgyptAir that disappeared off radar on Thursday morning. Investigations have now centered on the possibility of a terrorist attack even as authorities pursue other angles.
possible explanations. “But if you analyze this situation properly, the possibility of having a different action aboard, of having a terror attack, is higher than having a technical problem,” Fathi said. The pilots have been identified to CNN as Mohamed Said Shoukair and Mohamed Mamdouh Ahmed Assem, according to an official close to the investigation and a security
source. The sources said Shoukair was the captain and Assem was the first officer. EgyptAir says the captain of Flight 804 had 6,275 flying hours, including 2,101 on the A320; the co-pilot had 2,766. They were both experienced. The head flight attendant was identified as Mirvat Zaharia Zaki Mohamed. Maintenance checks on the plane had been done on time and “no snags were reported,”
Adel told Amanpour. Checks of the passenger manifest have so far resulted in no hits on terror watch lists, officials with knowledge of the investigation told CNN. But U.S. government officials are operating on an initial theory that the plane was taken down by a bomb, two U.S. officials told CNN. Officials said the theory could change, with one senior administration official cautioning it is not yet supported by a “smoking gun.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to express his condolences. At 2:27 a.m., shortly before the aircraft was scheduled to exit Greek airspace, controllers tried to reach the pilots to transfer control to Cairo authorities. Despite repeated attempts, they received no response, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority said. Radar soon lost the plane’s signal, just after it entered Egyptian airspace, the authority said. At some point before dropping off radar, the plane swerved 90 degrees to the left, and then made a 360-degree turn to the right before plunging first to 15,000 feet, then 10,000 feet, Panos Kammenos, the Greek defense minister, told reporters. Weather conditions were clear at the time, CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri said. Investigators are now pursuing four possible scenarios into the crash. Apart from the possible terrorism link and smuggled bomb, there is also the possibility of a technical failure. Authorities are also examining the chances that any of the pilots might have made some error that caused the crash. The fourth theory is that of an insider threat.
Top stories from X News global partners G.O.P Voters Want Party Terrorism most likely cause to Support Trump, Poll Speculation about why EgyptAir flight MS804 of EgyptAir flight MS804 Shows: An overwhelming majority of EgyptAir flight 804 came made sharp turn before down is inevitable: Egyptian crashing into sea: Authorities crash: Egypt has said terrorism was more Republican voters say their party’s leaders offi cials have asked reporters not to speculate likely than a technical fault to have caused EgyptAir flight MS804 to swerve abruptly and fall out of the night sky on Thursday, plunging into the Mediterranean with 66 people onboard. The reason for the catastrophe – which occurred on a flight from Paris to Cairo, in perfect weather conditions and soon after the plane entered Egyptian airspace – remained unclear on Thursday night. France and Egypt said no theory could yet be ruled out. “The information we have gathered confirms, alas, that this plane has crashed, and it has disappeared,” the French president, François Hollande, said. “We have a duty to know everything about the cause and what has happened,” he added. www.theguardian.com
should get behind Donald J. Trump, even as he enters the general election saddled with toxic favorability ratings among the broader electorate, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. And as Mr. Trump faces deep skepticism with general election voters and some Republican holdouts, the Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton, is grappling with Senator Bernie Sanders and how to win over his impassioned supporters. Both parties thus approach their July nominating conventions with significant unease and hurdles to overcome. Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton are widely disliked by voters. www.nytimes.com
about the cause. But when an aeroplane drops out of the sky, as EgyptAir flight 804 did on the morning of May 19th, many will naturally assume foul play. Even Egypt’s civilaviation minister, Sherif Fathy, said that “the possibility of a terror attack is higher than the possibility of a technical failure.” The plane, which was carrying 66 people from Paris to Cairo, crashed into the Mediterranean shortly before it was to land. The authorities received no distress call from the pilots, who had brought the aircraft to a normal cruising altitude of 37,000 feet (11,300 metres). Panos Kammenos, Greece’s defence minister, says it turned “90 degrees left and 360 degrees to the right” before crashing. www.economist.com
are refusing to rule out that an EgyptAir passenger jet with 66 people on board that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea early on Thursday morning was brought down by an act of terrorism. There was confusion on Thursday evening about the progress of the search for the aircraft, which had been en route from Paris to Cairo. EgyptAir originally said that debris found in the sea off Crete had been confirmed as coming from the missing flight. Greece’s air safety authority, however, contradicted that, prompting EgyptAir to withdraw the claim. The search is expected to resume on Friday morning.
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WEEKEnD EDITION, MAY 13-15, 2016 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
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‘Tobacco farming going up in smoke over meager earnings’ Tobacco farming in Kenya is not profitable and gives farmers minimal returns at best, a new survey has found. The report dubbed ‘The Economics of Tobacco Farming in Kenya’ has thus demystified claims by players in the industry that tobacco farming is a prosperous economic endeavor for most farmers. The survey, conducted by the International Institute for Legislative Affairs in conjunction with other agencies on 585 smallholder tobacco farmers in three main tobacco growing regions, found out that when you subtract the total cost of physical inputs from the farmers tobacco sales, most experience only a small profit of an average of Sh22, 084.61 (about $253.78) per acre for contract farmers and Sh34,305.20 (about $394.21) per acre for independent farmers. Importantly and unfortunately, these profit perceptions are actually illusions because they do not account for the cost of the farmers labour. The farmers labour require 476.21 to 637.89 hours of labour to produce just one acre of tobacco. With labour included, contract farmers experience an average net loss of Sh1, 113.02 (about $12.79) per acre while independent farmers experience a paltry profit of about Sh3, 712.39 per acre. The research also found out that most farmers enter into contracts with leaf buying companies because they are attracted to the fact that they have a guaranteed buyer for their tobacco leaf. They also get to receive agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, seeds and herbicides without paying cash up front. It is, however, important to note that these arrangements often plunge
1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH
is absolutely no price competition, so it is perhaps little surprise that the economic rewards are so poor. Based on these findings, the institute advises that moving forward, development of markets especially improved supply chains for other viable products would help farmers in the surveyed regions. It also recommends that the extension and increase of agricultural services can be used to maximize the cultivation of other crops. Kenya is widely seen as a regional leader
Consumers to pay less as Kenya power introduces new power grid system Consumers are set to benefit from a new power grid system that will reduce power costs by up to 50 per cent. The system, dubbed ’Power Grid Tie System’, comprises 160 solar modules and 2 pieces of 20kW grid inverters, systems that seek to drive down the cost of power. The solar modules, once connected to the grid inverters, produce direct current power when hit by sunlight, which is then inverted to alternating current. This replaces an equivalent amount of power from the national grid, enabling electrical appliances to continue working normally. The new product from Chloride Exide mainly targets industries, institutions, hotels and residential establishments, among others.
To tap cleaner sources of energy, Chloride Exide has introduced a new power grid tie system, targeting consumers whose power consumption is higher during the day. This includes industries, institutions, hotels and residential establishment who can now reduce power cost by up to 50 per cent. According to Chloride Excide officials, the system can also be a revenue earner for consumers who install it through the FeedIn Tariff system recently adopted by the government, as it allows one to sell excess power to the national grid. The system also helps users recoup their investments through power costs saving after five years. @Lenah _x254
BUY SELL 100.8778 101.0647 147.2400 147.5711 113.6922 113.9444 6.6.4080 6.4219 33.1273 33.2878 21.6297 21.7689
Top officers suspended in fertilser theft investigation
Tobacco Control Board Secretariat Caren Sang, Peter Magati from International Institute of Legislative Affairs and Dr. Jeffrey Drope of American Cancer Society during the launch of the Research on Economic of tobacco farming in Kenya yesterday at Stanley Hotel. Photo: Edwin Gitobu/X news these farmers into an increasing and deepening cycle of debt because the cash payments plus their revenue at harvest are not sufficient. More than 40 per cent of surveyed farmers remained in debt after selling their tobacco and have to grow tobacco again to repay the leaf buying companies despite having just experienced serious financial losses growing tobacco. Most farmers also indicated significant dissatisfaction with the price that they received for the leaf that they sold. There
MEAN 100.9712 147.4056 113.8083 6.4149 33.2075 21.6993
in implementing effective policies to protect the public from the growing threat of a tobacco epidemic. Kenya is also a party to the World Health Organization (WHO) framework convention on Tobacco Control, a global health treaty to address the epidemic now ratified by 180 countries. Under the treaty, Kenya is obligated to implement comprehensive tobacco control laws, including helping small holder tobacco farmers to find alternative livelihoods. @kevin_x254
The government has suspended 22 top officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) over rebranding and repackaging of government subsidized fertilizer. Speaking yesterday in Nairobi, State Department of Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe said that the government initiated the fertilizer subsidy programme in 2009 to stabilize fertilizer prices and enable easy access to small scale farmers. “There have been reported cases of abuse of the programme and the government is finding its way into the hands of unscrupulous traders who have been found repackaging and rebranding the fertilizer,” said Lesiyampe. Lesiyampe said that already 10,000 bags of the stolen fertilizer have been intercepted and returned to NCPB stores. This year, the government has released 137,926 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizer that is currently distributed through the NCPB depot network to help lower the cost of food production. Through the programme, the cost of a bag of fertilizer has reduced from Sh6, 000 to Sh3,000 in the open market while farmers are accessing the fertilizer at subsidized price of Sh 1,800 per planting bag and Sh 1,500 per top dressing bag. Cases have been reported in Kitale, Meru and Thika and the culprits are under police investigation. “Those found to have executed their duties diligently and efficiently will be allowed to resume duty while those who will be found culpable will have to face prosecution,” reiterated Lesiyampe. @Lenah _x254
More ICT experts needed to boost sector’s development, State says The Government through the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (ICT), has urged stakeholders to invest more in the sector to facilitate training of more ICT experts. According to ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, training of more professionals will build a pool of ICT experts hence proving both technical and managerial skills, which are vital to the growth of the country’s sector. “Creating a well-balanced skill base across the ICT ecosystem will develop sustainable ICT enterprise, would spur creation of employment and wealth across the country,” said Mucheru. Addressing participants during a fou- day ICT forum at a Nairobi Hotel, Mucheru said through an initiative dubbed, ‘The Presidential Digital Talent’, the government will develop capacity building among the youths enabling them meet service delivery through Huduma centres, i-Tax, and e-citizen among others. “The government is committed to expediting a healthier business competition across the sector to not only limb innovations but also create
investment opportunities among the youths,” the CS said. He ascertained that the recent developments of incubators such as iHub and Nailab through collaborative efforts of those in academia, innovators and software designers have been critical in nurturing investment and growth of technology ecosystem. Mucheru emphasized on the need to reinforce governance and market driven initiatives for efficient commercial operations of ICT services. It is clear that ICT entrepreneurs, start-ups as well as small and medium entrepreneurs are the country’s economic driving forces. The Chairman of the Communications Authority of Kenya Mr Ngene Gituku echoed the call to train more ICT experts saying it is only through them the country will develop progress in network and transport among other sectors. “The vision of the ICT sector in the country is to develop smart network, smart cities and smart transport systems,” concluded Gituku. @enock _x254
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NEWS
Mohammed calls on Italian investors to bank on infrastructure and ICT WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed has Urged Italian investors to boost Africa’s growing investments in infrastructure, ICT and a low-carbon future Mohammed, who participated in panel discussion on economic sustainability at the just concluded First Italy Africa Ministerial Conference in Rome, held talks with Hon. Paolo Gentiloni, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation “Our talks focussed on key issues of bilateral engagement between Kenya and Italy,” the CS said. She noted that Africa is seeking partnerships that will facilitate the realization of Agenda 2063 & UN Agenda 2030, initiatives aimed at spurring development across the continent. The Conference, which kicked off on Wednesday, highlighted opportunities available in Kenya for partnership in the development of renewable energy.
During the forum, CS Mohammed: Urged Italian investors to boost Africa’s growing investments in a low-carbon future The meeting also served to highlight key areas through which Italy and Africa can formulate partnerships in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development and ICT “It marks a watershed in Italy-Africa relations & opens a new window of opportunity for investors,” the Cabinet Secretary affirmed. The conference united 45 ministers from an equal number of African Countries, their Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York and the top representatives of around 15 International and Regional Organisations of the UN System. It was organised in partnership with the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) and was attended by top-ranking institutional officials, spanning from the President of the
Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and Ministers Paolo Gentiloni, Angelino Alfano, Maurizio Martina e Gian Luca Galletti. Italy has been an active supporter of Africa in terms of contributing to the continent’s continued development. Partnerships between the two regions date back to as early as 2013, when policy makers launched an initative dubbed ‘Italy and Africa: Working Together for a Sustainable Energy Future. The 2013 conference, organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explored prospects for investment in power generation, and the development of renewable energy and transmission networks. The conference encouraged the engagement of the Italian and African private sectors in the deployment of renewable energy in Africa, and the strengthening of African energy markets. @Dennis_x254
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed.
Abolish travel advisories against Kenya, Balala to developed countries Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Najib Balala has urged developed countries to abolish travel advisories, which have been detrimental to the country’s tourism sector. Speaking at the First World Conference on Tourism for Development in Beijing China yesterday, added that immigration laws should be relaxed and proper analysis done before any advisory is imposed. The CS received a round of applause from delegates attending the Conference. Balala stated that travel advisories were hurting economies and called for their total obliteration. About 2000 delegates are attending the conference from around the world, including the President of China. Balala took this moment, to tell the world that Kenya has a fortune of opportunities in the Tourism sector. The CS’s sentiments echo those of Tourism Principal Secretary Fatuma Hirsi, who also called for the abolishment of said advisories. “Germany has been the latest country to downgrade her travel advisory and this is good
for Kenya,” PS,” Hirsi stated in a recent address. World Tourism Ministers are currently meeting in Beijing to discuss ways of dealing with sustainable development through tourism. In a bid to support the country’s slowlyrecovering sector, Kenya’s Tourism Ministry has been taking steps to ensure the resuscitation of the industry, which has suffered major losses in recent years due to travel advisories caused by a spat of terror attacks and Ebola virus scares in parts of the African continent. The sector is a major foreign exchange earner and employs tens of thousands of people directly and thousands more across the value chain. By 2015, the industry had seen the closure of several hotels and at least 7,000 lost jobs due in part to advisories from European governments. The sector has since moved to dispel said advisories and is looking to keep its number high. The PS was speaking during a luncheon by the American Chamber of Commerce, at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nairobi. @Dennis_x254
BUSINESS 9
WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
Russia’s Rosatom eyes Kenya as firm seeks to tap nuclear power
Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom is set to sign a cooperation treaty with Kenya, Uganda and Zambia to lay the groundwork for its planned bid to build nuclear power plants in South Africa. The announcement comes just a month after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) endorsed Kenya’s application to tap nuclear power in its energy mix. Last month, IAEA presented a four-year long nuclear energy review on Kenya’s nuclear power application to the Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu. Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA’s Deputy Director General said for the country to become a middle-income, then it should utilize nuclear power. “Kenya should utilise nuclear power for it to become a middle-income country in the future,” he said. Rosatom has already voiced confidence in its ability to see off competition from China, France and South Korea in a planned South African tender to build a 9,600 megawatts (MW) nuclear power fleet in the continent’s most industrialised country. The mooted framework cooperation agreements would set up strategies explaining how the parties will cooperate on peaceful uses of nuclear science in the medical, agricultural and energy fields, among others. Once successful it would become the first step towards closer ties with Africa and closer cooperation with a view to someday build nuclear power plants, Victor Polikarpov, Rosatom’s regional vice-president for Sub-Saharan Africa explained.
“We want South Africa to become our springboard for the rest of Africa. We want to create a nuclear cluster, a group of companies here that can operate with us in Africa,” he added. Meanwhile, South Africa’s nuclear
energy corporation Necsa is being encouraged by the country’s government to revive nuclear enrichment and conversion facilities to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported reactor fuels.
South Africa has some of the world’s largest uranium deposits and the proposed nuclear fleet is likely to use 465 metric tonnes of enriched uranium a year by 2030, officials say. @enock_x254
Chase Bank resumes processing of Standing Instructions Chase Bank Kenya Ltd has resumed processing Standing Instructions, the lender, which is currently under receivership, has said. In a statement to its customers released yesterday, Chase Bank assured depositors that their money is safe. The lender noted that its administration recognized the fact that customers had been inconvenienced and that the bank will remain committed to supporting its clients. “We have resumed processing of Standing Instructions. You do not need to reactivate the Standing Instructions, they shall continue to run as scheduled. We remain deeply committed to our promise as your relationship bank, enabling you achieve what matters to you most,” the bank added.
BMW targets Kenya, Nigeria as it kicks off Sh38bn body-shop
IAEA Deputy Director General Mr Mikhail Chudakov opens the 3rd Conference on Energy Planning and Nuclear Power in Africa, in Mombasa, Kenya, on 13 April 2015.
Rice farmers reap big with water-saving technology Rice farmers, growers of Kenya’s third-most popular staple, are reaping rewards from a water saving system that produces up to 50 per cent higher yields. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), introduced for the first time at Ahero Irrigation Scheme in 2011, has finally forayed into West Kano Irrigation Scheme, raising hope for farmers in the region. The system has been a welcome relief for farmers like one Francis Abuya Odidi, who for 36 years, drudged in his rice fields, shedding his youth in an enterprise whose socio-economic benefits remained elusive. Despite the intense labour, yields for farmers like Odidi were often disappointing, while prices were dismal. Like other farmers in West Kano Irrigation Scheme, Francis started shopping for alternative crops. Rice farming was not the gem it was billed to be. It simply had become untenable. On the verge of abandoning Kenya’s third most popular staple, however, Odidi heard of a new technology that could reverse his dwindling fortunes. In the morning of May 13, 2016, Odidi joined other farmers at the West Kano Irrigation Scheme, Block C to tend to
BIZ BRIEFS
his one month old paddy. Ordinarily, one would not find farmers in the field at that time of the year as irrigation would not be possible. According to Prof. Bancy Mati who pioneered SRI research in Kenya at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, the innovation combines a number of agronomic practices to boost yields while cutting back on inputs and water. “The idea is to differently manage water, soil, nutrients and the rice plant to achieve higher yields. This allows us to grow more rice with available water and land,” explains Prof. Mati. “The idea is to differently manage water, soil, nutrients and the rice plant to achieve higher yields. This allows us to grow more rice with available water and land,” explains Prof. Mati. Contrary to the water intensive continuous flooding method, under SRI, farmers can practice alternate wetting and drying; fostering air retention capacity of the soil. The technology equally makes it possible to transplant 8-12 day old rice in square patterned lines instead of broadcast. This maximally exposes the plants to nutrients and sunlight, producing to
stronger stalks and more tillers. Managed well, paddy under SRI matures three weeks earlier with 25-50% increase in yields. Prof. Mati believes that SRI can be deployed to bridge the gap between consumption and production patterns of the commodity in the country. The don says Kenya currently produces
80,000 metric tonnes of rice annually against an increasing consumption rate of 400,000 metric tonnes. The technology was first introduced in Kenya at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in 2009 with support of the National Irrigation Board; the African Institute for Capacity Development, World Bank and JKUAT
Prof. Mati explains to farmers in West Kano how to make organic fertilizer (biochar) using rice husks.
German car manufacturer, BMW has announced the construction of a 26,000 square-metre body-shop in Rosslyn, Pretoria, as the company seeks to branch further into the SubSaharan market. The body-shop is part of a $377 million (Sh38 billion) initiative the German manufacturer has invested into the country as it targets buyers from Kenya, Nigeria and beyond. It will produce and export the next generation of the BMW X3, part of the X series that has proven to be popular among Kenya’s elite. “This body-shop will be a state of the art facility, not only just in South Africa but across the world. It means job creation and it will mean upscaling for our staff as well,” CEO of BMW South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Tim Abbott said.
Google’s ‘Allo’ set to rival WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger Google has unveiled a new application (app) that is likely to rival WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, among other text-based social media platforms. The app, dubbed, ‘Allo’, will allow users to ‘speak’ to their phones, effectively removing the need to key in text messages. The new messaging app was unveiled at the technology giant’s annual developers’ conference. Alongside Allo, Google launched new video messaging app dubbed ‘Duo’, which provides a live video preview of the caller in order to make the call feel less intrusive. The app comes at a time when a majority of internet users in Kenya rely heavily on their smartphones to access the web, with many relying on platforms such as WhatsApp to keep in touch with their peers.
WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
ACCESS
11 fashion Parade
celeb chat SINCE THE SHOW BECAME POPULAR OF COURSE I’M ENJOYING IT BUT OBVIOUSLY NOTHING COMES WITHOUT A PRICE.
TIMOTHY NDEGWA AKA
HAS BEEN GRACING OUR SCREENS Why did you leave the show? Simply because the script writer (Abel Mutua) and the director (Philip Karanja) a very personal thing to me and I wouldn’t want to continue to do it without them. Will you be joining Philip and Abel in their new endeavours? Sisi watatu we’ll be doing many things together in the future. Did the Real Househelps live up to your expectations personally?
the last season. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. Everything I have right now is because of the show and its success. Are you enjoying your celebrity status? Since the show became popular of course I’m enjoying it but obviously nothing comes without a
Juliani
TOPICS
Popular rapper Juliani recently divulged that he popped his cherry when he was just 12 years old. During a routine cleaning exercise at his primary school he and his then girlfriend snuck off to the washrooms and got busy doing things a 12 year old has no business doing. We are sure growing up in the tough neighbourhood that he did exposed him to a lot things and made him grow up fast but that was unexpected. Although it is refreshing that a national celeb be so candid and forthright about his upbringing and childhood.
HOT
Juiani lost his virginity where?
price. I’m not able to live the private life I once had before but it’s all good. Where did the name ‘Njugush’ come from? For one it’s a stage name. Also it’s actually Abel who gave me the name and it just stuck. Now everyone knows me by Njugush. What else do you have lined up now I’m venturing back into Hapa Kule News. Hapa Kule will be back on
so watch out for that. Plus a few other projects that I can’t say too much about right now because they are still in the development stages. Are you going to concentrate on TV or other avenues? I’ll mostly be doing Film and TV production. Since I was under some contractual obligations before and I’m not anymore, right now I want to expand my horizons and do so much more. Sai ndo Njugush ameanza! @christine_x254
Ali Kiba signs with Sony Music Tanzanian artist Ali Kiba has done what only one other artist in East Africa has managed to do and that is get signed to major record label Sony Music. Last year Nigerian rapper Davido received this great honour and it’ll be great to see what comes next for the bongo music maestro now that the of excitement about the signing and the reach African music will have with the new opportunity.
Ali Kiba
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WEEKEND WEDNESDAY EDITION, 26th NOVEMBER MAY 20-22, 2014 2016
IT’S NANCIE’S WORLD, WE ALL JUST LIVE IN IT
11
fashion scoop
In a perfect getup for going out when it’s cold but still looking fabulous in her camo jacket and white jeans combo.
Monochrome capris accented by a forest green button down and a tan clutch. Let’s not forget to mention the metallic tipped heels.
Never one to leave the house without her signature gold tinted shades she pairs this with a yellow scoop neck shirt and swirly patterned high-waist shorts.
Doing it up with a crushed fabric peplum and a cutout petal pencil skirt.
CLOSET RAID
Nancie Mwai Just a little touch of drama in a floor length fur trimmed gown and deep purple multistrap heels.
Nancie Mwai breathes life into us with her killer closet. You would be hard pressed to find another name that clearly embodies the Kenyan fashion blogging world more succinctly than Nancie Mwai. From its infancy in 2010, her blog The Fashion Notebook to the sleek and stylish newer nanciemwai. co.ke she gives us something to aspire to be. Here she provides a little glimpse of what’s it’s like to be at the top her game.
Making an entrance in cat eye shades, an indigo square neck halter gown and topping it off with a proper fascinator.
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SPORT 13 WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
Roger Federer to miss French Open, ending 16-year grand slam streak Of all the records Roger Federer holds, they include the most major titles among the men at 17 and 23 grand slam semifinals in a row, the one that may last indefinitely is the Swiss’ streak of consecutive appearances at the sport’s four biggest tournaments. But Federer’s run of 65 straight majors came to an end on Thursday when he pulled out of the French Open. “I regret to announce that I have made the decision not to play in this year’s French Open,” the former world No. 1 announced on his Facebook page. “I have been making steady progress with my overall fitness, but I am still not 100% and feel I might be taking an unnecessary risk by playing in this event before I am really ready. “This decision was not easy to make, but I took it to ensure I could play the remainder of the season and help to extend the rest of my career. I remain as motivated and excited as ever and my plan is to achieve the highest level of fitness before returning to the ATP World Tour for the upcoming grass court season. “I am sorry for my fans in Paris but I very much look forward to returning to Roland Garros in 2017.” The last time Federer didn’t compete in a grand slam main draw was at the U.S. Open in 1999, when his fitness wasn’t a consideration. He lost in the second round of qualifying to countryman Ivo Heuberger before commencing his impressive, unblemished stretch at the 2000 Australian Open. Federer’s participation at the French
Open was in doubt after he skipped the Madrid Masters this month with the back problem. Even though Federer played at the following week’s Rome Masters, just hours prior to his opening encounter he wasn’t sure if he would be able to take to the court. Federer won a round over Alexander Zverev but then exited to Dominic Thiem, looking uncomfortable on court. “Clearly the way I’m playing right now is never going to be enough for any good run in Paris,” he told reporters after the match. Federer, perhaps, has an eye on the grass-court swing and August’s Rio Olympics. His best opportunity to win a record-extending 18th major -and first grand slam title since 2012 -- continues to come at Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time champion. Less than a month after Wimbledon concludes, Rio begins. Federer has never won an Olympic gold in singles and he is expected to partner Martina Hingis in mixed doubles. Healthy for the majority of his career, if there’s one part of his body that has let Federer down, it has been the back. Issues noticeably took a toll on Federer in 2013 and he bailed from the final of the 2014 World Tour Finals because of the back, giving world No. 1 Novak Djokovic a walkover. This season, Federer also underwent knee surgery, sustaining an injury while running a bath for his twin daughters the day after he lost to Djokovic at the Australian Open. Having recovered in
time for March’s Miami Masters, he pulled out with a stomach illness. Federer’s omission from the French Open means two of the most recognizable names in sports won’t be at the clay-court tournament -- Maria Sharapova, long the world’s richest female athlete,
is serving a provisional ban after testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open. Caroline Wozniacki, the former No. 1, pulled out in the aftermath of an ankle injury and Belinda Bencic, one
Roger Federer after a past match. He has pulled out of the French Open to bring to an end a run of 65 straight appearances at major tournaments.
of tennis’ youngest stars, is missing thanks to a back injury. Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber and two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka, meanwhile, enter the event with their
fitness in question. Azarenka has been women’s tennis’ most in-form player in 2016, compiling a 26-2 record.
Injury rules our Olando from World Series debut
Kenya Lionesses Philadelphia Olando (with ball) in a past match. She will miss Kenya’s maiden appearance at the HSB World Series in France after being ruled out by Injury. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM
Injury has ruled out experienced Philadelphia Olando out of the invitational tournament at the final leg of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Clermont-Ferrand, France, where Kenya will be making her maiden appearance. Olando, who plays for KCB RFC and Kenya Harlequin’s Linet Moraa, were not part of the squad named Thursday by head coach Mike Shamiah ahead of the tournament that take place on the weekend of May 28 and 29. The two are the only changes made by Shamiah from the squad that lifted Bowl title at last month’s Hong Kong Sevens with Mwamba RFC’s Sinaida Aura returning from injury and debutant Grace Adhiambo taking their places. “Sinaida returns for the first time since the Olympic qualifiers. She has had bad luck with injury but she is finally in good shape and this is an opportunity for her to prove her worth once again on the big stage. “Grace has shown a lot of potential and has been knocking on the doors. This is
an opportunity for her to get exposure,” Shamiah underscored. Kenya, who will use the tournament as part of their Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games preparations, are drawn in a tough Pool A against England, Spain and USA with Shamiah disclosing they are out to get the exposure. “Like I have said before, playing a leg of the series is great exposure for the team. I think we will be able to get taste of what the competition will be like at the Olympics. We will also be able to feel the intensity and know what it takes to perform at this level.” Kenya Lionesses squad; Stacey Awuor, Janet Owino, Doreen Remour, Grace Adhiambo, Celestine Masinde, Cynthia Camilla Atieno, Sinaida Aura, Sheila Chajira, Irene Otieno, Rachel Mbogo, Kate Abilla (captain) Management: Mike Shamiah (Head Coach), Ben Mahinda (Physio), Sarah Otieno (Team Manager). MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke
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SPORT
Mathare host Gor in weekend highlight WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
Sportpesa Premier League’s penultimate round of the first half of the season kicks off tomorrow with Tusker seeking to stretch their lead at the top when they host Sony Sugar at Kasarani. The brewers are perched atop the standings with 27 points and could extend their
lead with a win over the sugar millers in the early kick off. Their closest challengers Mathare United and Champions Gor Mahia will wait until Sunday when they lock horns against each other at Nyayo National Stadium at 4:15pm. Gor are currently on a fine form after struggling at the beginning of the season and will seek to continue their winning streak against the Francis Kimanzi coached slum boys. The encounter will be preceded by another in which strugglers City Stars will host fifth placed Posta Rangers currently managed by April coach of the month Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno. Mathare are currently second with 26 points, one behind leaders Tusker but three ahead of their Sunday opponents. But the desire to close the gap on the top teams should inspire coach Ze Maria and the Green Army to a win on Sunday. Both sides have no injury worries ahead of the match. Francis Kahata who came off the bench in Gor’s last outing in Kisumu to score the winner against Western Stima might get a recall to the starting line up. Strikers Jacques Tuyisenge and George Odhiambo are sure to start as does captain
Musa Mohamed and new boy Marcelo in defence. A total of six matches are lined up for tomorrow with Ushuru set to host Bandari at Kasarani after the Tusker, Sony Sugar match. The Mombasa based side will travel to the capital without coach Twahir Muhidin who was sacked on Wednesday evening. Muhiddin was notified of his sacking by the club’s Technical Director Edward Oduor following a Bandari FC board meeting. Oduor said that the board members felt that the club was performing dismally under Muhiddin’s tutelage. “There was a meeting on Wednesday and it was agreed that he (Muhiddin) leaves the club immediately. The board members were not happy with the results that Muhiddin had posted and they were dissatisfied that we hadn’t achieved any of our short term targets. “I was told to notify him of the decision and I did that immediately after the meeting. We are now brain storming on possible replacements,” he said. Oduor said that assistant coach Ken Odhiambo has been given the responsibility of managing the team for the next two games. “The assistant coach will take charge of the
team until the midseason break. By that time, we shall have appointed a new coach,” he said. In other fixtures for tomorrow, Chemelil Sugar will be at home to Western Stima while bottom placed Sofapaka will host fourth placed Ulinzi Stars at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos in a fixture scheduled to start at 3pm. Muhoroni Youth travel to Kakamega where they will be hosted by Homeboyz at the Mumias Complex stadium while Thika United host AFC Leopards at the Thika Municipal Stadium. Both matches are scheduled to start at 3pm.
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MAY 2016 60 certified Kenyan coaches from both K.P.L under 19 championship and grassroots football clubs will undergo the training from Arsenal’s best coaching team, comprising of Paul Drew Tyler ,Rupen Shah and Mohammed Moaz Awadelkarim .
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SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 20-22, 2016
Man United will fight for titles, says Mata Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has no doubt the team will be lifting trophies within the next 12 months because of its winning mentality. The Red Devils have not won major silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. However, United - who finished fifth in the Premier League - could end the season with a trophy by beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final tomorrow. “This club is going to be fighting for titles,” Mata told BBC Sport. “Manchester United is all about winning and having that mentality and winning in style. I am sure this club is going to be fighting for trophies again.” Mata accepted that failure to qualify for the Champions League for next season was a disappointment but believes there have been positives to take from the current campaign. The Spain international highlighted the emergence of Marcus Rashford, who has scored eight goals in 17 appearances for the club, and the form of £36m signing Anthony Martial as reasons to be optimistic about the future. “They are both exciting players,” added Mata. “Anthony has done great since the first day he arrived at the club. He has been very important for us. He is showing his talent to everyone in the world. “Marcus is very good news for the club. We had some injuries and then the manager believed in
someone who had come through from the academy. “It is very important to grow in your confidence at the start of your career. He is Manchester born. He has known the club since he was a kid. We are very happy for him.”
Manchester United’s Juan Mata celebrates with youngster Marcus Rashford after the teenage scored in a Premier League match. The Spanish midfielder believes his team will soon be lifting trophies.
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MATHARE HOST GOR IN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHT
Cup finals close thrilling season for top leagues
The curtains will officially come down tomorrow for top leagues across Europe when Cup finals are played. German heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund clash at the Olympic stadium in berlin for the DFB Pokal final while AC Milan and Juventus meet in Rome to square out for the Coppa Italia. In England, Manchester United and Crystal Palace will be searching for silverware when they clash for the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London. A similar cup final will also be taking place in Paris at the Stade de France arena where Olympic Marseille take on French Champions PSG in the Coupe de France final. On Sunday, Spanish Champions Barcelona will travel to the capital Madrid to play Europa League Champions Sevilla for the Copa Del Rey final at the Vincente Calderon stadium, home of Atletico Madrid. The match was push backward by a day to allow Sevilla more time to rest after their Wednesday night final victory over Liverpool in Europe’s second tier club competition. United Captain Wayne Rooney is looking
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to ending the FA Cup wait with a win over Palace. The 30-year-old striker has never won the title despite playing at two finals in his first three seasons at Manchester United. Coach Louis Van Gaal will also seek to win the cup and make United faithful taste silverware for the first time since the exit of Alex Ferguson in 2013. Across in Germany, Pep Guardiola will be seeking to sign out in good stead after losing out in the Champions League to finalists Atletico Madrid. The pre-match build-up has re-calibrated away from the bench and back toward the players on the pitch. It has focused on the pressure upon soon-to-be Bayern centre-back Mats Hummels, the battle of the two best strikers in the league, Robert Lewandowski (30 goals) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (25 goals), and the chances of Mario Götze getting involved and maybe staying in Munich beyond the summer after all. It is the same feeling for Ibrahimovic in France. The Swedish veteran striker will also be signing out after four stellar seasons in the French capital.
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