weDnesDay, aUGUsT 3, 2016 | www.x254.co
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WAMALWA STEPS UP EFFORTS FOR GOVERNOR SEAT THE FORMER SABOTI MP HAS SCHEDULED A MEETING WITH NAIROBI MCAS AT HIS KILELESHWA HOME IN A BID TO WIN THEIR BACKING IN HIS QUEST TO UNSEAT INCUMBENT EVANS KIDERO
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IEBC bosses finally agree to quit office
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ommissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have finally agreed to vacate office and let a new team be formed to oversee next year’s general
election. IEBC Chairman Isaack Hassan today told the joint parliamentary committee on electoral reforms that he and his team have consulted and agreed not to stand on the way of reforms if they are given a ‘dignified pay deal’ to exit.
“We will not be a stumbling block to any political settlement, we are ready to vacate office in any agreement that will be reached,” Mr Hassan said on behalf of the commissioners. They said that they were convinced that they have served the country to the best of their ability and if the majority of the stakeholders feel they should go home, they were ready to do so in the best interest of the country. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
MPs now form team to probe betting in a move to control craze
Majority Leader Aden Duale
Parliament has this morning formed a committee to probe the multi-billion gambling industry in the country amid claims of financial impropriety by betting firms. The 11-member select committee to be co-chaired by House Majority Leader Aden Duale and Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo is expected to look into the increasing incidences of gambling. The committee is expected to begin investigations into the lucrative sector and table a report with recommendations on how to regulate it within 14 days. The parliamentarians are expected to also come up with a formula with which the state can seal loopholes that have enabled betting companies evade tax. Earlier, Mr Clinton shared the story of how he and his wife met at Yale Law School in the spring of 1971. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
www.x254.co Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo
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NEWS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3, 2016
IEBC wants elections held on separate days for efficiency The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) now wants the country’s elections split and be held on separate days to enhance efficiency. In a proposal made to the joint parliamentary select committee, IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan told MPs to separate the date of national elections from those of county leaders, arguing that the current six-tier voting system is tedious and subject to manipulation if done in one day. “I made this proposal long time ago and will repeat it to this committee that having six-tier elections in the same day is tedious and our presiding officers across the counties sometimes have difficulties in counting the votes till late in the night,” Hassan said. “We should consider having elections in two days--National elections and County election as it is done in other countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia,” he added. Hassan said sometimes there are more than 1,600 ballot boxes to be counted in a constituency and even at times candidates’ agents wants a recount of votes making the whole process cumbersome and subject to manipulation. “In Africa, very few countries hold elections on the same day,” Hassan said The commissioners appeared before
A voter casts his ballot at Moi Avenue Primary School polling station in march 2013. The electoral body IEBC has proposed that the general election be split into two.
the select committee for the second day after refusing to respond to questions on thematic. The committee is seeking legal and negotiated means of removal of the current commissioners from
office. On Monday, Hassan and his team forced the committee to adjourn till 3pm after they said the committee has no legal mandate to discuss their
removal from office as they don’t have any petition from a member of public as prescribed in article 251 of the Constitution. In yesterday’s session, the commissioners told the joint the committee that they would consider vacating office only if they cleared of any wrongdoing in their management of the 2013 General Elections. Sources who were in the private meeting between the electoral commissioners and members of the joint select committee told XNews that the commissioners also said that they would consider leaving if they were paid their full salaries plus allowances until the end of their term. The electoral commissioners however agreed to make their presentation on thematic areas three and four dealing with electoral reforms. Hassan warned the committee against recommending of having a fresh voters register, saying such a move would drag the preparation of the commission on elections way back. “If this committee decides that we have register that will set us back a long way. If we can, we should avoid that. Let us see whether we can clean the current one, update it and address the concerns of political players,” Hassan said. @sam_x254
Electoral bosses agree to quit From Page 1
“We want to put the interest of the country above our own interests, we are ready to give way to the political settlement of the issues,” commissioners Muthoni Wangai said. Commissioners Mohamed Alawi and Yusuf Nzibo said they are quitting with their heads held high after serving Kenyans with dignity. “I have served with dignity and I am leaving with dignity. I leave with my head high,” Nzibo said. “I am a nationalists and will always remain one,” commissioners Bwire said. Committee co-chair James Orengo praised the commissioners saying they had demonstrated selfless acts that will be remembered by Kenyans even for a hundred years to come. “Kenya has always been a great nation and these are acts that make us to be together. Many Kenyans will remember this day even in a 100 years to come. His commendation was also echoed by his co-chair Kiraitu Murungi who thanked the IEBC commissioners for their patriotism. “You may not know what you have done especially in the African culture. Many Kenyans would rather die than leave office,” the Meru senator said. “Thank you for voluntarily vacating office for the interests of the country and to have a free and fair election,” he added saying the commissioners will be given their full payment as if they served their full term in office. The joint committee also ended its sittings and will now retreat to write its report after interacting and getting views from 62 professional groups. @hillary_x254 @sam_x254
MPs form team to probe betting craze From Page 1
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The committee’s recommendations is expected to increase the government’s revenue from the practice while at the same time ensuring its growth and sustainability. “Regulation of the industry is crucial as the number of betting companies is increasing and gambling can easily be done through mobile phones,” Midiwo who is also the MP for Gem said. In a notice of motion to the House, Midiwo added that the industry is vulnerable to tax evasion and money laundering. Members of the committee include MPs Kanini Kega (Nyeri), Samuel Chepkonga (Ainamoi), Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi), Samuel Gichigi (Kipipiri) and Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi. The industry has seen the proliferation of new betting companies who have joined to cash in on the relatively new sector that has taken the country by storm. It is estimated to have over 5 million active subscribers who make bets of various denominations, raking in an estimated minimum of Sh3 billion per month. There have been growing calls for the regulation of the industry by various players who say gambling sets a bad precedence among the youth. They also argue it leads to the deploration of gamblers’ economic
status as they bet on their incomes and savings. This they say has led to people taking their own lives as a result of money lost from bets that did not yield expected outcomes. Students have been known to risk their school fees in anticipation of big winnings and then commit suicide when the unexpected losses happen. Just last , a Kenyatta University student committed suicide in Ondome village, Migori County, after losing Sh80,000 in a football bet. Eleven companies have emerged to compete for the growing pie in an industry that now occupies the top tier in terms of profitability in the country. Industry leader Sportpesa leads the roost
of the betting firms which has enabled it ink deals worth billions of shillings with different sporting organizations spread across the world. It recently penned a deal with newlypromoted English Premier League club Hull City worth Sh450 million over the next three years. Locally, the firm is the lead sponsor of the Kenya Premier League, the league’s top two sides Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, the Kenya Rugby Union and the Kenya Boxing Association. Other firms in the lucrative sector include Elitebet, Mcheza, Betway, and Justbet among others @harrison_x254
NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Wamalwa steps up efforts to become governor Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa is reportedly scaling up his efforts to win the Nairobi gubernatorial race in next year’s general election despite fierce protest by a section of Nairobi MPs who see him as an outsider. The minister elicited mixed reactions early this week following his endorsement by four Mt. Kenya legislators to unseat Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero. And now, X-News has established that the former Saboti MP has crafted an elaborate and all-inclusive plan to popularize his candidature and woo Nairobi electorates ahead of the 2017 polls. Mr Wamalwa has been reaching out to the Jubilee coalition elected and nominated MCAs as well as Nairobi branch officials of The National Alliance (TNA) party, women and youth groups in a bid to persuade them to support his quest. That plan has however left out all elected Nairobi MPs but surprisingly included aspirants in mega strategies to win the capital city’s top seat. This weekend, the former Justice Minister has scheduled a meeting with all the Nairobi City MCAs at his Nairobi residence in Kileleshwa. Sources have disclosed to X-News that the meeting is part of the CS’s plans to reach out to local leaders to back his bid. On Monday, Nairobi Jubilee MPs led by John Njoroge (Kasarani), James Gakuya (Embakasi Central) and Bernard Mutura (Makadara) dismissed Wamalwa’s candidature and warned that they will not allow any candidate to be imposed on Nairobi electorates. But a group of more than 20 Nairobi TNA Members of County Assembly swiftly defended
Water CS Eugene Wamalwa with Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi during a fundraising for Assumption High School in Embakasi East constituency in Nairobi. Mr Wamalwa is scaling up his efforts to become governor.
Wamalwa and welcomed his political interest in Nairobi County. The MCAs led by chair of the Jubilee MCAs Kenneth Irungu told a press conference at City Hall that other gubernatorial aspirants should not feel intimidated by Mr Wamalwa’s entry into the race. “We are in full support of Wamalwa to join the race. His candidature is positive to Jubilee as he can consolidate Western region to vote for Jubilee as a bloc.” said Mr Irungu. On his part Ziwani MCA Milicent Mugendi
Changes on IFMIS slowing operations, governors say Changes on IFMIS slowing county operations: Governors Governors have criticized the National Treasury for introducing changes to the Integrated Financial Management System guidelines every year. They have complained that the Ministry under Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has been introducing new applications in the beginning of every financial year, hindering county operations. In a statement by the Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya, the county bosses claim the changes slowing operations as more time is used on training officials rather than implementing the policies. “The National Treasury has a tendency of introducing new applications in the system at the beginning of every financial year that they haven’t trained people on bringing a lot of havoc at the end of the month,” read part of the statement. He said five counties have been affected and are unable to pay salaries or upload their budgets since last month as county officials are unable to use the system. Affected counties include Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kiambu and Nyamira that have not paid their workers because of the new system or upload their budgets. Munya has said most of the counties are yet to fully adjust to the e-procurement process under IFMIS further derailing service delivery at the devolved units. “In some counties the e- procurement is still redundant as Treasury failed to train the persons who would operate the system on a day-to-day basis,” added Munya. @nderitu_x254
said, “Other contenders should not feel that he is being favoured, you can see he has delivered in his water docket, and we can see he is bringing value to the Jubilee party” Pundits see his entry into Nairobi politics as a Jubilee scheme to target the Luhya votes in the city and wrestle them from the opposition coalition, Cord. Dr Kidero beat his challenger in 2013, Ferdinand Waititu with a good chunk of votes coming from the Luhyas. But the ruling coalition through Deputy
President William Ruto, has vowed to do all that it can to wrestle the seat from Cord. Other reports also say that the DP met with Wamalwa yesterday over the matter. “This time round we will ensure Nairobi County has a Jubilee governor. It is not possible for the national government to be headed by Jubilee while the leading county is headed by a governor from a different coalition,” Mr Ruto told faithful at Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Dandora early this year. IEBC figures show that the Luhyas are the biggest voting bloc in the city with over 460,000 voters, followed by the Kikuyu community who are over slightly above 410, 000 voters followed by a distance third 390,000 votes of the Luo community. To consolidate the Luhya vote in Nairobi in favour of Jubilee, Wamalwa’s team as secured the political experience and expertise of shrewd former Minister for Regional Development Authorities and Westlands MP Fred Gumo. Gumo, who retired from active politics in 2013 has recently associated with the folded up New Ford Kenya, initially led by Wamalwa and which has since joined Jubilee Alliance. The soft-spoken cabinet secretary has reportedly captured Mutinda Kavemba, a former gubernatorial aspirant in the 2013 elections, now Jubilee aspirant for Nairobi senatorial seat. But he will have to fight it out with Senator Mike Sonko, Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru, nominated MP and TNA Chairman Johnston Sakaja and former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru who are all fighting for the Jubilee ticket in the Nairobi gubernatorial race. @hillary_x254
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NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Obama and Trump trade barbs as Hillary Clinton retakes lead in latest opinion poll President Barack Obama has given a blistering denunciation of Donald Trump saying the Republican presidential nominee is unfit to succeed him at the White House. But in a quick rejoinder, Mr Trump has hit back at Obama dismissing the US leader’s time in the White House as a “disaster.” Mr Obama had described Trump as “unfit” and “woefully unprepared” to be president while urging leaders of the Republican Party to take the unprecedented step of denouncing their nominee. Mr Obama’s comments, the harshest at the Republican flagbearer yet, came following outrageous statements made by the business mogul in the past week during which he has tangled with the parents of an American Muslim soldier k i l l e d
in Iraq and displayed worrying ignorance of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Yes, I think the Republican nominee is unfit to serve as president,” Obama said during a joint press conference Singapore’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, at the White House. “I said so last week at the Democratic national convention, and he keeps on proving it. The notion that he would attack a Gold Star family [the name for a family whose relative has died in service] that had made such extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country, the fact that he doesn’t appear to have basic knowledge around critical issues in Europe, in the Middle East, in Asia means that he’s woefully unprepared to do this job.” “There has to come a point at which you say: ‘Enough’,” Mr Obama added. But Trump swiftly dismisses those remarks and even mocked Obama’s handling of the crisis with Russia over Ukraine. “He’s been weak, he’s been ineffective,” Trump said of Mr Obama in a Fox News
Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks on stage during final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last week. New polls show she has regained the lead over rival Trump. PHOTO: SHAWN THEW/EPA
Trump
Obama
interview last night. French President Francois Hollande joined the chorus of criticism on Tuesday, saying that Mr Trump made people “feel nauseous”. He warned that a Trump presidential election victory could herald a very strong turn to the right around the world. Speaking to Fox, Mr Trump said Mr Obama had been “the worst president, maybe, in the history of our country”. Mr Trump has also been condemned for backing the Russian annexation of Crimea. But he retorted on Tuesday: “I believe I know far more about foreign policy than he Mr Obama knows. “Look at Ukraine. He talks about Ukraine and how tough
he is with Russia. In the meantime they took over Crimea.” Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton, his one-time secretary of state, had “destabilised the Middle East” while putting the “country at risk” with Mrs Clinton’s use of a private email server, he said. Mr Trump also turned on two senior figures in his own party who have publicly criticised him. In another interview for the Washington Post, he refused to endorse House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator John McCain, who are up for re-election in November. The developments came on a day new polls showed Hillary Clinton had retaken the lead over Donald Trump,
having earned a 7-point convention bounce from the democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week. In a two-way head-to-head matchup, new CNN/ORC Poll showed Clinton tops Trump 52% to 43%, and in a four-way matchup including third party candidates Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, Clinton leads 45% to 37% with Johnson at 9% and Stein at 5%. Besides improving her standing against Trump, Clinton’s convention appears to have boosted the share of Americans who think her policies will move the country in the right direction (from 43% before either convention to 48% now), while Trump’s right direction number held roughly steady following the back-toback political gatherings in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Further, a majority of Clinton’s backers now say their vote is more to show support for her than to oppose Trump, a sharp shift since early May. Back then, 48% said their vote was one of support for the former secretary of state, 58% say so now. While Trump also improved his numbers on that metric, his voters are more evenly divided, with 47% saying they’re backing him to show support and 50% saying it’s more to oppose Clinton.
South Sudan violence leads 60, 000 to flee, UN says Violence in South Sudan over the past three weeks has prompted a massive flight of refugees into neighboring countries, according to the United Nations. More than 60,000 people, most of whom are women and children, have fled the country since fighting began at the end of June, the U.N.’s refugee agency UNHCR reported on Tuesday. “The refugees have brought to us very disturbing reports,” UNHCR Spokesman Melissa Fleming said at a briefing in Geneva. Armed groups “are looting villages, murdering civilians, and forcibly recruiting young men and boys into their ranks,” Fleming said. “We are very concerned, and are appealing for parties to move back to the peace agreement.” Despite a peace deal brokered on July 11, clashes between forces loyal to the country’s President Salva Kiir and those allied with former Vice President Riek Machar seem to be ongoing. James Gatdet Dak, a spokesman for Machar, said at least 111 people died over the weekend in clashes outside Juba. Kiir’s camp denied this,
and said the peace deal is still in effect. The U.S. State Department condemned the continued fighting on Saturday, calling for “an immediate halt to combat operations.” Aid groups on the ground, such as Mercy Corps, reported there are hundreds of people wounded in Juba’s hospitals. “Whether or not the South Sudan peace deal can still take hold is today a serious concern,” the Mercy Corps said. The world’s newest country has been embroiled in one of the world’s most brutal conflicts since December 2013, when Kiir ousted Machar as South Sudan’s first vice president and accused soldiers loyal to his rival of staging a coup. Kiir reinstated Machar in February as part of a deal to end the country’s civil war. But after renewed fighting at the start of July, Machar fled the country and said he was being targeted by Kiir’s troops. Last week, Kiir decided to remove Machar from his post, replacing him with Taban Deng Gai, who previously served as the country’s mining
minister. “When [Machar] decided to leave Juba, he abandoned the whole leadership of his movement,” Kiir’s spokesman, Michael Makuei Lueth, said in a televised statement on Tuesday. “As such, he was removed.” Machar’s spokesman immediately called the replacement illegal in a Facebook post. Agriculture Minister Lam Akol announced his resignation from Kiir’s administration on Monday. He said the latest peace deal was dead, and said “one cannot with a clear conscience serve under such a regime.” Of the 60,000 people who have fled South Sudan during the latest fighting, 52,000 have crossed into Uganda. “Refugees are arriving tired and hungry, because of the precarious food situation in South Sudan,” said Charlie Yaxley, spokesman for the UNHCR in Uganda. “They are suffering from malnutrition, sometimes severely so, and that rate is going up.” A significant number of people remain in South
Sudan “because of the armed forces operating there, blocking roads,” Yaxley said. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is providing security for roughly 200,000 people in the country. The mission on Monday condemned “deeply disturbing reports” of widespread sexual violence against women and girls by soldiers, as well as unidentified armed men. The agency documented at least 120 cases of sexual violence in the past two weeks, with some incidents taking place near U.N. Protection of Civilian sites. Another concern is the recent cholera outbreak in and around Juba. Since July 25, UNICEF has reported close to 300 suspected cases of cholera. With the rainy season in full swing, the outlook for containing a waterborne disease is grim. “The constant rains are creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Mercy Corps Director Deepmala Mahla. “We’re worried about the disease’s spread.”
NEWS 5 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Morning newspaper summaries Angry MPs meet Ruto over Poll chiefs offer stark Raila allies trash poll as Eugene bid for governor: choices in IEBC crisis: Uhuru base steady: A poll Nairobi MPs have taken the battle over the next city governor to Deputy President William Ruto, demanding he stop trying to impose a candidate on them. When four Central region MPs on Sunday endorsed Water CS Eugene Wamalwa as the Jubilee candidate For Nairobi’s top job, the crowded race got more complicated and drew in President Uhuru Kenyatta. Jubilee city MPs demanded he “stop” the DP from interfering with the politics of the capital. Nairobi is the country’s jewel in the crown.
Electoral Commissioners yesterday opposed suggestions for a new voters’ register to replace the current one. They termed the proposal costly and time-consuming ahead of the General Election scheduled for August next year. And they told a joint committee of MPs deciding the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, that they would consider leaving if they were paid their full salaries plus allowances until the end of their term.
suggesting that majority of Kenyans don’t want Opposition leader Raila Odinga to vie for the presidency in next year’s elections has sparked uproar. The latest Ipsos survey suggests that a collective 61 per cent do not want Raila’s name on the ballot for the presidential vote. It showed that 35 per cent want Raila to retire from politics while 26 per cent still want him in active politics but not as a presidential candidate.
Three Kisii ODM officials Uhuru leads Raila in new Queries over fee limits stripped of roles, as some opinion poll ranking on for private hospitals: The yesterday introduced new leaders warm up to Jubilee: issues facing Kenya: President Government regulations to control the medical fees charged Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Senator Chris Obure and Deputy Governor Joash Maangi have been removed from their positions in the ODM’s County Coordinating Committee. They were removed on Monday, as party wrangles persisted owing to some leaders warming up to Jubilee.
Uhuru Kenyatta is ranked in a new opinion poll ahead of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the person best suited to deal with the main governance issues facing the country. The survey, by Synovate Ipsos, found that the President is favoured to bring about economic development.
by doctors and private hospitals. Those who defy the newly defined maximum curbs for various medical services will face penalties that include warnings, suspension of licences to deregistration depending on the magnitude of the offence.
Parent faints as students Varsity sues Moi in city Alarm as Al-Shabaab force reject exams, demand land row: Retired President Daniel youths to join: Al Shabaab is now balls and ropes: A parent fainted arap Moi has been sued in a land saga pitting forcibly recruiting youths at the Coast, Kenya
while others wept during a meeting at a school in Ol Kalou, where students boycotted exams and instead demanded balls, skipping ropes and other sporting equipment. Kiganjo Mixed Day Secondary School students demanded to be allowed to study less and play more. The administration called the meeting on Monday to respond to the students’ rebellion, which started last Thursday. The students rejected the end of term exams, saying they were very hard. They said their minds were exhausted and they need more time to relax. The form fours said they should only be given past papers to revise.
a university against a private developer who claims he bought the property from Mr Moi. The United States International University has sued Mr Moi together with Maestro Connections Health Systems Limited as well as the chief lands registrar. The university is questioning the legality of records purportedly reconstructed in favour of the retired president to show that he still owned the disputed property. It has also challenged Moi to table receipts of land rates paid to the Nairobi City Council since 1982 as proof of his ownership of the land.
Defence Forces (KDF) has said. Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe said the Somali-based Islamist group has lost its appeal to the youths and is now using force to recruit them. He, however, said that the country is still facing threats and urged parents and communities to remain vigilant. “Terror groups like Al Shaabab have changed their tactics of recruiting and training people. Apart from the normal process of radicalising the youth, the groups have now shifted to actually forcing the youths to join them,” said Mwathethe.
Kenya asks UN to map out sea border in search for oil riches: The government is
seeking the United Nations’ (UN) authority and expertise to map out Kenya’s territorial waters to enable the country exploit huge oil, natural gas and mineral reserves believed to be underneath the Indian Ocean sea bed. Attorney-General Githu Muigai on Monday told United Nation’s Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf to fast track the demarcation of the sea borders.
Safaricom now valued at record high Sh800bn:
Safaricom’s share price hit a new alltime high of Sh20 yesterday, lifting the telecommunications firm’s market value to a record Sh801.3 billion. The share price rally on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is driven by the telecom operator’s announcement on Tuesday last week of a special dividend of Sh0.68 per share, amounting to Sh27.5 billion.
Uber taxi fare cut triggers driver go-slow in Nairobi: Customers of the
American taxi-hailing app Uber Tuesday faced periodic price surges in Nairobi following a go-slow that saw hundreds of drivers abandon duty in protest of the rates cut that came into effect last week. At one point riders from the Central Business Districts to the Karen suburb paid Sh2,375, nearly double (about 1.9 times) the usual price of Sh1,250. The price surge lasted for the better part of yesterday morning before normal charges resumed.
Top stories from X News global partners Unfit to be president’: Obama Trump Steps Up His Tokyo gets its first female hammers Trump with harshest comments Criticism of Khans and governor; Feminist, yet: Donald Trump is “unfit” and “woefully patriot, opportunist: Yuriko unprepared” to be president, Barack Obama G.O.P Leaders: Donald J. Trump’s
Clinton adds $63m funds firepower in July:
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said on Tuesday, urging leaders of the Republican party to take the unprecedented step of denouncing their nominee. Facing Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November election, Trump has overturned conventional political wisdom this year with a series of outlandish and outrageous statements. In the past week alone Trump has tangled with the parents of an American Muslim soldier killed in Iraq and displayed worrying ignorance of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Yes, I think the Republican nominee is unfit to serve as president,” Obama said during a joint press conference with Singapore’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, at the White House. www.theguardian.com
unabashed and continuing hostility toward the parents of a slain Muslim American soldier, and his attacks on Republican leaders who have rebuked him for it, threaten to shatter his uneasy alliance with the Republican Party at the outset of the general election campaign. Ignoring the pleas of his advisers and entreaties from party leaders in Washington, Mr. Trump only dug in further on Tuesday. He told a Virginia television station that he had no regrets about his clash with Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of an Army captain killed in Iraq. And in an extraordinarily provocative interview with The Washington Post, Mr. Trump declined to endorse for re-election several Republicans who had criticized him. www.nytimes.com
Koike, who was elected governor of Tokyo on July 31st, has been dubbed many things, not all of them flattering. A career of cycling through political parties without committing to any earned her the moniker Madam Kaiten Sushi, after restaurants where plates of raw fish go around on a conveyor belt, waiting to be plucked off. Her defining characteristic, however, may be her ambition. Like Margaret Thatcher, whom she admires, Ms Koike is self-made and has battled through the nearly all-male ranks of her profession. Just 9.3% of lawmakers in Japan’s lower house are female, putting it 155th in the world.
Hillary Clinton raised $63m for her campaign and $26m for the Democratic party in July, bolstering her financial firepower against Donald Trump as the two candidates move into the general election. The figures suggest that Mrs Clinton has enjoyed a significant bump in fundraising against the backdrop of last week’s Democratic convention, and is attracting more campaign contributors following the Democratic primary. Her campaign said she had started August with $58m cash on hand, or $14m more than she had at the beginning of last month. Overall, she raised $23m more for the campaign than in June, but $2m less for the Democratic National Committee and state parties.
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NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
NEWS PICTORIAL
SOUTH AFRICANS CAST BALLOT: People stand in a queue to cast their vote during the municipal elections in Alexandra township, Johannesburg, South Africa, early 2016. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is expected to lose ground against the opposition parties in a vote which many observers consider the most important since the country’s first free and fair elections in 1994. PHOTO: KIM LUDBROOK/EPA
A hand out picture made available by the Ministry of Defense of India shows an aerial view of a flooded river and a colonial era partially collapsed bridge in Malad, India. At least 22 people traveling in two buses were reported missing today after their vehicles disappeared after they were swept awat while attempting to cross the bridge. PHOTO/EPA
French Military Chief of Staff General Pierre de Villiers arrives for a Defence Council meeting with French President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday August 3, 2016. France is stepping up its security measures following recent terror attacks in the European nation that has claimed hundreds of lives. PHOTO: ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA
xnews | WEDNESday, AUGUST 3, 2016 | www.x254.co
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Kenyans want President to pass Bill seeking to cap interest on bank loans Kenyans want President Uhuru Kenyatta to approve a Bill that may amend the country’s Banking Law Act, thereby putting a cap on interest rates. The Bill states that high interest rates have hindered economic growth. However, industry players have warned that millions of Kenyans will be affected should the president pass the bill into law. Experts say Kenyans will eventually be locked out of formal credit channels as banks will only give lending priority to institutions, companies and individuals who, over time, have shown reliability and are deemed to have a better credit score. The Kenya Bankers Association, through its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Habil Olaka has however today said that banks will have no other option but to rollover individuals and institutions with poor credit scores if the bill is passed into law. Kenyans have for a long time vouched for lower interest rates as the high cost of borrowing has often impacted negatively on their businesses, especially in the SME sector. “There are Kenyans who are suffering. Nairobi is bad, but the countryside is even worse since interest rates are stifling devolution. Banks are here to help create employment, but all the profits businesses are getting are finding their ways bank to the banks,” said Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo said in a statement just days ago. “Borrowers who are above the cap will be released into the market and they’ll
have to get alternative funding from individual loan sharks who are not regulated,” said Olaka today. He further stressed that industry players need to come together to address the underlying challenges that have kept interest rates high. The Bill seeking to cap interest rates was sponsored in Parliament by Kiambu law maker Jude Njomo who together with other legislators have insisted that the President should sign the bill into law. The law makers argue that Kenyan banks have for far too long taken
On average, banks currently charge an interest rate of about 19 per cent, with some high-end banks charging interest rates as high as 24 per cent. Economic experts have equally argued that the high interest rates charged by banks are part of the reason the country is experiencing somewhat motionless economic growth. The experts say that when interest rates are too high, there are bound to be some constraints within the economy. @kevin_x254
President Uhuru Kenyatta. The Bill seeking to cap interest rates was sponsored in Parliament by Kiambu law maker Jude Njomo
Nairobi businesses hit hard by antiIEBC demos, Kepsa research reveals Kenya’s banking and financial sectors were greatly affected by the anti- IEBC demos where the two sectors lost an average of Sh166,727 per day, the latest study from the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has revealed. KEPSA, in partnership with research group Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA), have confirmed that each business within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) lost at least Sh48,000 every time there was an antiIEBC protest. The research, which covered 509 businesses last month, revealed that the highest loss recorded by a bank was Sh900,000, a restaurant in the CBD Sh150,000 and forex bureaus, Sh 60,000. Presenting the report on the demos, which took place in May and June, TIFA Director Maggie Ireri noted that a lot of businesses made losses as most of them were not prepared for the demonstrations or never expected that they would be chaotic.
advantage of borrowers. They maintain the capping of the lending rates will be advantageous to common consumers whose businesses and livelihoods depend on loans from banks. “We have suffered for way too long in the hands of banks that make billions in profits while our businesses make very little as we service loans. The President should take this opportunity to ensure the business people in this country are comfortable,” said a Nairobi business man.
“The Nairobi City demonstrations have left a financial toll on the business community. For every day there was a demonstration, businesses registered reduced sales as they remained closed or experienced a reduction in the number of customers,” she said. The report further found that newspaper vendors reported a daily loss of Sh10,000, boda-boda riders, Sh5, 000, and hawkers, Sh3,000 each time there was a demo. The study indicated that 85 per cent of businesses said they were directly affected by the demonstrations in terms of lost revenue, low customer numbers, closing of businesses, looting and destruction. “The study also found out that 68 per cent lost revenue due to closure. The employees missed work due to inaccessibility and there was destruction of property and looting,” Ireri explained. @enock_x254
MEAN 101.4111 133.8350 113.2647 7.2801 33.3988 21.5855
BUY SELL 101.3111 101.5111 133.6856 133.9844 113.1428 113.3867 7.2677 7.2925 33.3165 33.4810 21.5149 21.6561
Kenyans borrowed Sh2 trillion in 2015
Kenyans borrowed Sh2.17 trillion in 2015, as customer deposits increased to Sh 2.49 trillion, thereby safeguarding the stability of the country’s banking sector. The latest research from the Central Bank (CBK) has shown that the Kenyan banking industry registered a robust performance in 2015 as various economic sectors were supported by the sector through provision of loans and advances. Based on the data, gross loans increased from Sh1.94 trillion in December 2014 to Sh2.17 trillion in December 2015. Director of the CBK’s Bank Supervision Department Gerald Nyaoma noted that the Personal/ Household, Trade, Real Estate and Manufacturing economic segments were just some of the economic sectors that received the highest growth in demand for credit in 2015. “Total net assets grew by 9.2 per cent from Sh 3.2 trillion in December 2014 to Sh 3.5 trillion in December 2015, with the growth being supported by the increase in loans and advances,” Nyaoma said. Customer deposits increased by 8.73 per cent from Sh2.29 trillion in December 2014 to Sh 2.49 trillion in December 2015. The growth was attributed to increased deposit mobilization by banks as they expanded their outreach and leveraging on mobile platforms to mobilise lower cost deposits. The pre-tax profit for the sector decreased by 5.03 per cent from Sh141.1 billion in December 2014 to Sh134.0 billion in December 2015. The decline in profitability in 2015 was mainly attributable to a faster growth in expenses compared to the growth in income. @Dennis_x254
Banking sector remains stable in spite of volatile global economy
The Kenyan banking sector remained stable and resilient in 2015 in spite of a volatile global market and a slowdown in global economic growth, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has said. CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge said the stability was demonstrated by a 9.2 per cent growth in the banking sector’s balance sheet from Sh3.2 trillion in December 2014 to Sh 3.5 trillion recorded in 2015. “This growth was mainly supported by a stable macroeconomic environment and improvement in outputs of agriculture, construction, finance and insurance and real estate sectors,” said Dr Njoroge. However, Njoroge attributes the sluggish global economic growth to a slowdown growth in China and the dawdling recovery in the Eurozone. “Global financial markets were volatile in most of 2015 following uncertainty in respect of the timing of the increase in U.S. interest rates, and the easing of
monetary policy in the Eurozone,” Dr Njoroge added. He said the impact of adverse global developments on Kenya was minimal due to the diversification of its economy and a stable financial sector. The Governor stated that the key macroeconomic indicators remained relatively steady and supportive of the growth in 2015. Dr Njoroge attributed a reduction in overall inflation (which eased from 6.9 per cent in 2014 to 6.6 per cent in 2015) mainly to lower prices of energy and transport. CBK commenced efforts to upgrade its supervisory regime and human resource capabilities. “In November 2015, CBK issued a temporary moratorium on licensing of new commercial banks to allow existing banks to review their business models and consolidate their operations while CBK strengthens its supervisory regimes,” he said. Dr Njoroge is optimistic that 2016 will
give rise to a stronger and more resilient banking sector. “2016 will be a year of transition seizing on the lessons and challenges in 2015. In this regard, CBK is working towards ushering in a new normal in the banking sector underpinned by three key pillars,” he said. The three pillars include greater transparency supported by accurate data, stronger governance with clear demarcation of responsibilities, greater accountability, fair market conduct and stronger supervision and effective business models, as well as reducing costs and supporting innovation. He said they will underpin the emergence of a stronger, resilient banking sector to finance Kenya’s developmental aspirations pursuant to Vision 2030 supporting Kenya’s aspiration of being an international financial centre. @enock_x254
8
Motoring Deals
Engen targets matatu market segment with launch of new petroleum product WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Africa based energy company Engen has launched a petroleum product dubbed Engen Dieselube targeting matatus to meet demand for high engine performance products. The product, which is specifically manufactured for the PSV’s and based on their hectic schedules, will retail
at what the firm terms as a more affordable price than market rates to ensure matatus have access to quality petroleum tailor made for their engines. “Engen recognizes that Matatu Owners are making huge investments in these vehicles therefore we understand that these vehicles need to operate and
maintain their engines at optimum performance level,” said Ag Managing Director Anthony Mbugua. He added that Engen has in light of this introduced a lubricant that is both affordable and quality guaranteed. The product offers matatus best ingredients, best protection. The industry has had its share of challenges with players currently facing an influx of substandard lubricants, repacking of recycled lubricants and counterfeiting of genuine lubricants brands.
“Adultrated products are indeed ailing the industry therefore industry players and relevant authorities should unite in this fight to curb the scourge,” reiterated Chairman Matatu Owners Association Simon Kimutai. Speaking during a launch ceremony last Friday, he added that without counterfeit products, matatus owners would not suffer the losses they are currently facing due to damages. Measures have already been put in place by authorities, including compulsory inspection to curb this with Engen
further investing in unique packaging and labels to ensure the integrity of quality guaranteed products. Early in the year, Engen also signed a deal with the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association (KIPEDA) to overcome irregular fuel and lubricant supply concerns, among other issues. The agreement made Engen the largest oil retailer in East Africa’s biggest economy. @Dennis_x254
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Engen Kenya Managing Director Anthony Mbugua (right) pose for a photo with Matatu Owners Association Chairman, Simon Kimutai (center) and IBD Business Development Manager Hassen Zalgaonker after the unveiling of Engen Dieselube products at the Carnivore Grounds. The product will target the matatu industry.
James Gichuru & Mugumo Rds Lavington, Tel:+254 715 00 23 23, +254 020 2308779 Fax:+254 20 2308778 Email: sean@seangarstinmotors.com
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DISCO 3 2005 2.15M
VW VARIANT 2009 1.22M
MERCDESC200 2010 2.55M
MAUDI A4 2008 1.85M
NISSAN PATROL 2000 750K
DYNA 2009 1.95M
MERCEDESE350 2010 4.5M
LEXUS LX570 2008 8.8M
NISSAN FUGA 2007 930K
SERENA 2007 795K
PREMIO2008 1.550M
TOYOTA MARKX 2008 1.38M
Landcruiser zx 2015 15M
TOYOTA AURIS2008 1.18M
NOTE 2008 680K
LEGACY 2009 1.55M
PRADO20052.5M
Range rover TDV8 2009 6.55 VW GTI 2008 1.45M
MERCEDES B CLASS 2009 1.45M
HONDA CRV 2008 2.2M
IMPREZA 2000 500K
TOYOTA SURF 2004 1.6M
MAZDA DEMIO 2008 685
A-PLUS MOTORS LTD Bmw X5 KBU diesel grey fully loaded 1.99M also BMW 320i series 06 mdl N/shape P/White 1.24M also KBK black manual 690K Trade in OK 0701656750 Mitsubishi Lancer KAJ manual Silver v/clean Asian owner 329K Trade in OK 0727515312 Nissan bluebird Sylphy 09 mdl KCH Light blue 1.13M also Nissan slylphy KBM Silver V/clean 520K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0701565750 Nissan B14 & B15 KAL,KAY,KBN,KBP & KBQ Manual & Auto V/clean from 340K Trade in OK 0724571990 Nissan wingroad KBN 450K also 08 mdl Silver 790K 0722772433 Nissan Datsun 1200 pickup 07 mdl local manual petrol v/clean 495K Trade in OK 0723577726 Nissan Teana 08 mdl black KCG 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012 Nissan Navara double cab pick up KBW Black with alloy rims V/clean1.63M Trade in OK 0725928084 Nissan Note 08 mdl Black 790K also KBU 06 mdls 490K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0727515312 Toyota Landcruiser pickup 06 & 09 mdls local white & beige from 1.99M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012
“Driving that suits you”
Nissan Xtrail 08 mdl Red with alloy rims 1.58M also KBM silver V/clean 750K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722772433
Subaru Forester 08 mdl black with Sun/Moon roof 1.85M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725563142
Honda CRV 08 mdl P/white 2.1M also RD2 KAW Gold/ black V/clean from 650K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0724571990
Subaru Outback 09 mdl Grey 1.75M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606
Honda fit 09 mdl new shape KCH Silver 849K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0701656750 Hino Dutro truck hybrid engine very economical with freezer body 2.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0724571990 Isuzu D-Max Pick Up 09 & 2010mdls from 1.65M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606 Isuzu NPR KBX local 2013 mdl like new high sided v/clean 2.29M also KBP with freezer body 1.49M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725563142 Subaru Legacy new shape 09 mdl black 1.82M also KBA, KBF & KBL White/Orange/Pearl v/ clean from 550K Trade in OK 0725928084
Suzuki Escudo KBQ auto Pearl 7 seater V/clean 890K Trade in OK 0727515312 Tata Super ace pickup 2010 mdl local diesel manual 450K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725928084 T/Ractis 09 mdl Silver 890K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0723577726 Toyota Carib Silver Manual KAQ One owner v/clean 450K Trade in OK 0727515312 Toyota NZE Silver KBH V/Clean 690K Trade in OK 0722772433. owner v/clean 450K Trade in OK 0727515312 Toyota Harrier new import 09 & 2010 mdl black & white 2.65M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722772433
Subaru Impreza n/shape 09 mdls silver 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606
Toyota Axio 08 mdl p/white with alloy rims from 1.12M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012
Toyota Premio Corona 7A engine KAY Grey V/clean 550K also 08 & 09 mdls from 1.42M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606
Toyota Chaser P/white KAZ V/Clean 550K Trade in OK 0714903606e KAY Grey V/clean 550K also 08 & 09 mdls from 1.42M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606
Motoring Deals 9
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Toyota Probox 08 & 2010 White & Blue from 840K also KBU p/ white v/clean 540K also T/Succeed KBX diesel manual 620K Trade in OK 0725928084 Toyota wish 09 mdl grey latest shape from 1.49M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725928084 Toyota Rav4 05,08 & 09 mdls auto Green,Black & Sky Blue from 1.35M Trade in OK 80% Finance 0710656750 Toyota Land cruiser VX KBE P/white fully loaded with height control & Sun/moon roof V/clean 2.49M also KAV VX with leather interior & alloy rims 2.39M Trade in OK 0724571990 Toyota Mark X 2010 mdl latest shape P/white 1.89M also 08 mdl Silver & Pearl fully loaded from 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725928084 Toyota hilux double cabs 08,09 & 2010 mdls auto & manual Black, Silver & White with canopy/ facelifted to 2016 shape from 3.09M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0720217583
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10
BUSINESS
Amref partners with Danish agency to boost healthcare WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3, 2016
Amref Health Africa in Kenya, a subsidiary of the continent’s largest non-governmental health development organisation, has today partnered with a Danish development agency as part of an ongoing drive to develop medical care solutions across the country. Amref ’s latest move involves the donation of a Sh7.8 million state-ofthe-art ambulance to Mandera County, through a partnership with the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), at the Department of Family Health offices, Kenya Medical Training Centre, Nairobi. Amref Health Africa in Kenya was acting in its capacity as project implementer of the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as part on an initiative dubbed the Hard to Reach Areas programme, which is financed by DANDIA. The SRHR programme aims to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in target counties through facilitation of timely and efficient referrals of emergency obstetric cases. Mandera County has the highest maternal and child mortality rates in Kenya with over 3795 per 100,000 live births against a national average of 488 per 100,000 live births. “Health indicators in Mandera are unacceptably low. This ambulance will, therefore, go a long way in reversing the indicators and saving lives of women and children,” observed Hon Ahmed Sheikh Mohammed, Mandera County Health Executive, who was present at the ambulance handing-over ceremony. “We are delighted that we have played an instrumental role in ensuring quality
L-R: Dr. Patrick Amoth, head of Division of Family Health; Ahmed Mohamed, Mandera County Health Executive; and Dr. Abdi Maali, Mandera County Health County Director, inspect medical equipment and ambulance donated to Mandera by Amref Health Africa. Amref Health Africa has so far donated five Ksh 7.8 million state of the art ambulances to marginalized counties, including Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir and Isiolo. maternal, child and reproductive health services in hard to reach areas,” said Peter Ofware, Programme Manager at Amref Health Africa in Kenya, who was also present at the event. The SRHR programme targets five counties, namely: Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera. All five hard to reach counties have now received a Ksh 7.8 million ambulance each, through the project, with Mandera being the latest recipient. This brings the total
spending to Sh39 million, underscoring Amref Health Africa’s commitment to improving health outcomes for marginalized communities. Stefan Andersson, who was representing DANIDA, also noted that the ambulance should be maintained and well used by the county government of Mandera to ensure quality health to mothers and children in the region. The purchase of all the five ambulances was made possible by the generosity
of DANIDA. Amref Health Africa in Kenya was awarded the grant to implement the five-year SRHR project in 2012. The procurement and provision of the five ambulances was one of the key deliverables of the grant. So far a total of 490 obstetric cases have been referred in the SRHR target counties. In addition to these, an additional 251 other referrals have been made. @Dennis_x254
Keroche CEO Tabitha Karanja challenges other entrepreneurs to list on Nairobi Security Exchange Tabitha Karanja, the founder and CEO Keroche Breweries, has called on other entrepreneurs to follow suit and be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) “Deacons has shown what focus, dedication and resilience can achieve. Today’s listing should catalyze other entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and in turn list, giving other stakeholders a chance to share in their success,” said Mrs. Karanja. Karanja was speaking yesterday at NSE headquarters during the listing of the leading fashion and lifestyle retailer Deacons (East Africa) PLC. She said she recognised Deacons’ resilience in effectively growing its brand, which can comfortably compete with other brands locally and internationally. She urged local fashion designers and lifestyle goods producers to take advantage of the window Deacons has opened for local producers. “Kenyan and East African fashion designers and home accessories manufacturers have the skills to
produce high-quality goods that match international standards and at an affordable price. Today’s bell ringing is a call to action for home-grown brands to stock goods at Deacons’ stores across the region,” Mrs. Karanja said. Listing on the NSE now paves the way for Deacons’ five-year strategic plan that aims to expand its regional store count to 60 and grow annual revenues to Sh6 billion. This, said Karanja, will be achieved by charting new territories and forging partnerships. “We have identified Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Naivasha, Nyeri and Nanyuki as towns with a vibrant middle class that can be served by diverse brands that are offered under the Deacons umbrella as we actively pursue opportunities in Rwanda and Uganda,” said Deacons Chief Executive Officer Mr. Muchiri Wahome. Deacons plans to expand in the counties by partnering with entrepreneurs through a franchising model. Deacons, which now becomes the first fashion retailer to list on the NSE, plans to continue actively looking for trendy
and fashionable brands to add to its mix and is committed to adding local brands that fit into this mix. The Company plans to open an
additional five new stores this year in Kenya and Rwanda as part of the retailer’s five year strategic plan. @lenah_x254
Keroche Breweries CEO Tabitha Karanja speaking at a ceremony to commemorate Deacons’ listing on the NSE.
BIZ BRIEFS UAP Old mutual opens integrated customer service centre in city UAP Old Mutual Group has unveiled its first Integrated Customer Service Centre in Nairobi that will avail all its financial services under one roof. The service is located along Kimathi Street in Nairobi where its customers will receive the Group’s integrated financial services including banking, insurance, investment management and brokerage services in the same location. Speaking yesterday in Nairobi during the opening of the service, Peter Mwangi the group CEO said that the right way to approach customers and their needs is through an Integrated Customer Service Centre that brings all their needs under one roof. This service is part of the Group’s strategy to consolidate all its branches countrywide into one integrated services by 2018. Mwangi added that customers can now access services from one service point.
Deacons lists 123 million shares on the bourse
Fashion and lifestyle retailer Deacons (East Africa) PLC has listed 123,558,228 shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) at an offer price of Sh15.00, paving the way for the chain’s expansion plan that will result in 60 stores across three countries. The retailer has identified Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Naivasha, Nyeri and Nanyuki as towns with a vibrant middle class that can be served by diverse brands that are offered under the Deacons umbrella as the group actively pursues opportunities in Rwanda and Uganda, Deacons Chief Executive Officer Mr. Muchiri Wahome said. Listing on the NSE now paves the way for Deacons five-year strategic plan that aims to expand the regional store count to 60 and grow annual revenues to Sh6 billion.
Facebook signs up half of Africa’s countries to free internet service
Facebook has signed up almost half the countries in Africa to its free internet service in a controversial move to corner the market. Facebook’s Co-founder and Chairman, Mark Zuckerberg, has made it clear that he wants to connect the whole world to the internet, describing access as a basic human right. His ‘Free Basics’ initiative, in which mobile users are able to access the site free of data charges, is available in 42 countries out of the 54 countries in Africa. But digital campaigners and internet freedom advocates argue that Facebook’s expansion is a thinly veiled marketing ploy.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
ACCESS Are problems going to be the highlight of the
OLYMPICS? @christine_x254
T
he Olympic Games are meant to be a time for sportsmen and women to come together to celebrate their immense talents while battling each other for dominance.
such as golfers Jason Day and Rory McIlroy, basketball star Steph Curry and US goalkeeper Hope Solo. Another issue that has plagued the
of the few platforms where the entire world gets the opportunity to gather and truly show our unity in diversity.
waterways and channels, particularly the Guanabara Bay, where many water sports will take place are heavily contaminated
have not been without much controversy.
can cause viruses and disease. ABC News reports that up to 90 per cent of the test sites that were under review carried infectious adenovirus readings. Swimmers are at an especially great risk because of their contact with the water
that only the 2022 Qatar World Cup can measure up in terms of high drama and gritty news. For one, the unexpected threat of the Zika virus that seemed to crop up from seemingly nowhere has now become imminent. While the newest and most prominent recipient of the disease has been Jamaican dancehall star Beenie Man the for pregnant women. Expectant mothers who contract the virus give birth to babies with microcephaly which is manifested by other babies of the same age. As the virus spreads into the southern USA from South America, competitors have taken drastic measures to prevent infection. South Korean athletes have taken to wearing Zika-proof suits, the Chinese team travel with mosquito nets wherever they choose to sleep, Great Britain long jump gold medalist Greg Rutherford has reportedly frozen his sperm and still some have opted out of the games all together,
Independent swimmers need to ingest only three teaspoons of water before becoming violently ill. It’s not just the water that’s a cause for concern, Rio’s famed beaches have also shown signs of heavy pollution which is a hazard to tourists and the air is severely clogged with a pollutant known as particulate matter which poses serious health concerns for anyone residing or which is usually a highpoint of the games, domiciles where athletes will stay during the nearly month-long events have been called uninhabitable by multiple sources. Facilities have broken down and others With only a few days to go before the opening ceremony this is set to be an interesting Olympic Games.
12
ACCESS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
@SUICIDE SQUAD WORLD PREMIERE
CORINA CALDERON: Striking the perfect pose. LEVIN RAMBIN: Lovely dress detail.
MARGOT ROBBIE: Looking racy in lace.
AKEMI DARENOGARE: Mashing it all up.
@mercy_x254
PIERRE DIXON: Acing the floral trend.
Suicide of 2016, and with good reason. From the plot to the cast, fans could not wait for the movie to hit theatres, and Squad locally, movie shops. world although the critics seem to have a lot of nasty reviews, premiere
P
Artivists expose drunk breakdown car driver
eter Mbau a SARABI band member who was arrested yesterday for a minor traffic offence as he drove his band SARABI BAND members to the studio has exposed the police service for incompetence. By law, a minor traffic offence does not warrant an arrest. Instead he should have been fined.The traffic officer instead summoned a breakdown vehicle to tow Mbau’s car but in a twist of events the tow car driver was drunk and wasn’t afraid to admit it on camera. Opposing the towing of his car, Mbau was arrested, bundled into a police car and booked at Buru Buru Police Station. He was later released. The Sarabi band members, popularly known for music that touch on social justice recorded the ordeal on their phones and posted the video on social media shaming the police and the drunk driver.
@kevin_x254
HOT
TOPICS
the wait or not. Meanwhile, sample the fashion from the premiere’s red carpet.
Jaguar to sue website that claimed he had died in road accident
K
igeugeu singer Ch arles Njagua aka Jaguar is now seeking to sue a news website tha t claimed he had died in a car accident yesterday. The we bsite www.thestarnews paper.info reported that the musician had passed on in a grisly road accid ent causing panic and anxiety amon g Kenyans. ‘Let me start by apolo gizing to all who may have been affected by the rumors that I died in a car accident. I would like to assure you that I am alive and well,’ said Jaguar in a statement. Jaguar said that he was in contact with au thorities who were investigating the matter and tha t the owners of the JUSTINE website would be TIMBERLAKE pursued and sued . JAGUAR
Enos Olik ‘provokes’ Octopizzo’s Audio producer
M
usic producer Kevin Provoke is not a happy man after videos producer Enos Olik failed to credit him for producing the audio to Octopizzo’s new video ‘Butere’. ‘Octopizzo is doing a great job and is one of Kenya’s biggest artists but when you release a song without production credits that seems like you are exploiting my talent to your advantage. I respect your work but please respect mine. Producing music is what I do, Enos Olik, you know about this too and I am saddened that it slipped your mind...All in all good job on the video,’ Kevin lamented. It is not clear why he was not credited even though music critics say the new jam is not top notch and Octopizzo doesn’t sound good in it. KEVIN
CLASSIFIED 13
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MORE SUN THAN CLOUDS
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THURSDAY
22
Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number. Yesterday’s Solution
SUDOKU
TUESDAY 3/8/2016
14
SPORT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Rooney testimonial to make Facebook ‘livestream’ history
Wayne Rooney’s testimonial match between Manchester United and Everton on Wednesday will make history as the first ever game between Premier League teams to be streamed live on Facebook. It will be available to 1.7bn people on the platform worldwide via Rooney’s and the Manchester United Facebook pages. Proceeds will be distributed to Rooney’s four chosen charities. The game at Old Trafford, between Rooney’s only two professional clubs, marks his 12 years’ service at United. Rooney said: “I am delighted my testimonial game will be streamed globally, which will hopefully raise awareness and increase donations.” It is expected to mark the first home appearances for Jose Mourinho’s three summer signings; Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly. Elsewhere, Sir Alex Ferguson has made his peace with Wayne Rooney ahead of the Manchester United striker’s testimonial. The pair were barely on speaking terms when Ferguson retired three years ago as Rooney’s future at the club hung in the balance for a second time. Although Rooney buried the hatchet when he paid tribute to Ferguson in an interview to mark a decade at United two years ago, Gary Lineker revealed in October that the Scot pulled out of a BBC documentary he was making about the player. However, in the match programme for Rooney’s testimonial against his old club Everton on Wednesday, Ferguson praised the 30-year-old for breathing new life into United when he arrived from Goodison Park in a £30million
Sane completes Man City move
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney with teammates applaud fans at the end of their training session in China last week. Rooney will hold a testimonial tonight in what will be the first match against two Premier League sides to be live on Facebook. Photo/EPA
deal in 2004, having failed to sign him four years earlier at the age of 14. “He was an exciting signing,” said Ferguson. ‘It was fairly shortly after I’d got rid of the idea of retiring and changed my mind, and I had to rethink about how we were going to take the club forward. “When you make the decision to retire, you stop thinking, but once I decided to stay I started thinking again and it was really centred around bringing energy
back into the team by looking at young players. Of course there was Cristiano Ronaldo, then there was Rooney, and it was a fantastic period. The two of them were unbelievable. “Wayne came in as a first-team player right away, even though he was only 18, and he’s gone on to play for Manchester United for 12 years, which is very difficult in the present day. “I always think that great players can play in any era. Bobby Charlton would
have been a great player today and Wayne Rooney would have been a great player back then.’ New manager Jose Mourinho described Rooney’s success at United as ‘simply incredible’, while his predecessor Louis van Gaal added: ‘I quickly decided he would be my captain because I saw also the attitude of his fellow players towards him … there is no question that he’s very important at United
HARD GAME: Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (R) loses the ball as he attempts to tag out Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler as Fowler scores on a sacrifice fly ball hit by Chicago Cubs infielder Anthony Rizzo in the third inning of their MLB game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA, 02 August 2016. PHOTO: TANNEN MAURY/EPA
Germany midfielder Leroy Sane has completed his move to Manchester City for a fee of £37m plus add-ons. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract after leaving Schalke. City manager Pep Guardiola said: “He is a special talent and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching.” Sane, (pictured above) helped Germany reach the semi-finals at Euro 2016, and scored eight goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season as Schalke finished fifth. “He has great technical ability, is comfortable on the ball and there is much to admire about the way he plays football,” Guardiola added. Meanwhile Schalke have signed Chelsea defender Baba Rahman on a seasonlong loan. The Ghana international, 22, made 51 appearances for Bundesliga side Augsburg before moving to Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal last August. Raman made his Chelsea debut in the Champions League and went on to make 23 appearances for the Blues. His return to Germany reunites him with former Augsburg manager Markus Weinzierl, who took over as Schalke manager in June. Elsewhere, Everton have signed Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Championship side Aston Villa on a four-year deal. Gueye joined Villa for £9m from French side Lille in July 2015 and made 35 Premier League appearances as they were relegated last season. Villa were unable to retain him after the Toffees triggered a release clause in the 26-yearold’s contract. New Everton manager Ronald Koeman said: “Idrissa will provide quality in our squad in the midfield.” Koeman, who was appointed as Roberto Martinez’s successor in June, added: “He was one of the players last season with the best record in interceptions and pressing in the midfield. We need this kind of quality and I’m happy to have him joining our club.” Gueye made made 134 appearances for Lille, having emerged from the Diambars Academy in Senegal, and helped them to the French title in 2011.
SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
Posta Rangers head Coach Zedekiah Otieno. He has called on the officials to ensure fairness in his side’s league clash with AFC leopards this evening at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO: Courtesy
Zico wants fair refereeing in tests against Leopards Posta Rangers are plotting the downfall of AFC leopards this evening at the Nyayo national Stadium as Sportpesa Premier League action resumes. Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is buoyant ahead of the tie as his side is one of the seven top-flight teams that were not in action over the weekend in the GOtv shield competition. That means they have rested enough to face their opponents today. He has however voiced concerns with the officiating fearing that his boys could be victims of poor refereeing that has dotted the league so far this season. “I would like to emphasize referees should watch what calls they make because these crucial decisions end up influencing the outcome of the game and as a coach, it becomes very frustrating,” said a visibly agitated Zico. The former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars tactician is however optimistic of a win over Leopards under floodlights saying it will get their season back on track. Posta Rangers currently lie seventh in the league. “My players are focused and have been giving their all in training so you never know. Our winning streak might start with them. This is what football is about and there can only be three outcomes,” the gaffer underscored. “The teams above us are also going through hard times. In the first leg of the season, we enjoyed a good run and it is just a matter of time before we get back to our best,” he added. The Mailmen have missed the services of top scorer Timothy Otieno who has netted four due to injury
and should be wary of a Leopards side that is enjoying a resurgence, picking up seven points in their last three games. Ingwe is ninth on the table with 24 points and will be hoping to get a first league win since they elected their new Chairman Dan Mule into office. At the same time, champions Gor Mahia’s assistant coach, Tom Ogweno, has warned against overlooking teams in the bottom half ahead of their crunch clash against Sony Sugar in Awendo. “At the moment there are no small teams in the league and playing Sony away has always been a tough fixture. If you focus on the teams at the top you end up ignoring the other teams which at the end of the day comes back to bite you,” he added. “Our players are versatile that’s why we have been using different styles of play, deploying Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma and Godfrey Walusimbi as wingers so we can figure out their best positions. Other matches lined up for today will see Ushuru FC host Western Stima in Machakos while Muhoroni Youth will welcome visiting Ulinzi Stars in Muhoroni. Kakamega Homeboyz will be at home against Mathare United at the Mumias Complex while coastal side Bandari host bottom side Sofapaka at the Mbaraki Sports Complex in Mombasa. City Stars will take on Chemelil Sugar in the curtain raiser to the Posta vs Leopards clash at Nyayo with Tusker hosting Thika United in another late kick off at Machakos. @amos_x254
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016 | WWW.X254.CO
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Harambee Starlets Esse Akida in action against Espanyol last night.
Impressive Akida carries Starlets into COTIF semis
O
n form Esse Akida struck twice as the national women’s football team Harambee Starlets continued their impressive run at COTIF tournament in Spain, following their 3-1 victory over hosts Espanyol to storm the semi-finals. Neddy Atieno rounded off the win that meant Kenya will face either Spanish side Real Betis in the semi-final on Wednesday ahead of the Saturday final. This is an impressive display from the Starlets who kept their unbeaten campaign after launching their journey on a bang, thrashing Portuguese champions Benfica 3-0 in a match where Akida netted a hat-trick.
This is a perfect platform for the David Ouma charges, who are using the tournament as part of their preparations for the inaugural CECAFA Women’s tournament scheduled for Uganda before making a debut for the biggest tournament in Africa, the Nations Cup slated for November in Cameroon. Akida broke the deadlock but it didn’t last long before Espanyol cancelled out the lead at the half hour mark to see both sides share spoils at the interval. Returning for the last period, Akida completed her brace before Atieno, who has had stint in Nigeria made her experience count when she extended the lead. www.capitalfm.co.ke
Swansea reject £10m Everton bid for Williams
Swansea City have rejected a £10m bid from Premier League rivals Everton for central defender Ashley Williams. The Wales and Swans captain was reported to be close to agreeing a move to Goodison Park. Williams, who turns 32 later this month, is under contract at the Liberty Stadium until 2018. A club spokesman said: “We are not looking to sell him and therefore we have turned down the offer currently on the table.” Williams has played more than 300 games for the Swans since joining for £300,000 from Stockport in March 2008. He has not played in any pre-season matches having been given an extended break after leading Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. There was reported Everton interest in Williams last summer when the Toffees’ England international John Stones was being linked heavily with Chelsea and Manchester City. With City still hopeful of signing the 22-year-old - valued at £50m by his club - Everton are seeking replacements in central defence.
Published By Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road, Nairobi | Printed at The Standard Group Centre, Mombasa Road, Nairobi. Paul Marshall-CEO, Fred Bunei-Finance Manager, Josiah Musee-Advertising Manager, Peter Obuya-Editor
PAYBILL NO. 295525
21,161,909 1
DATE
TIME
LEAGUE
HOME TEAM
AWAY TEAM
FINAL RESULTS : ODDS 1
X
2
8/7/2016
16:30
Germany
1 FC Heidenheim
Erzgebirge Aue
2.10
3.10
3.45
2
8/7/2016
16:30
Germany
Arminia Bielefeld
Karlsruher SC
2.65
3.05
2.70
3
8/7/2016
16:30
Germany
Eintracht Braunschweig
FC Kickers Wurzburg
1.85
3.35
4.20
4
8/7/2016
16:30
Sweden
Hammarby IF
Kalmar FF
2.30
3.35
2.90
5
8/7/2016
16:30
Norway
Stabaek Fotball
Haugesund FK
2.60
3.30
2.55
6
8/7/2016
17:45
Netherlands
Roda JC Kerkrade
Heracles Almelo
2.40
3.35
2.75
7
8/7/2016
18:00
England
Leicester City
Manchester United
4.10
3.50
1.90
8
8/7/2016
18:30
England
Sheffield Wednesday
Aston Villa
2.25
3.15
3.15
9
8/7/2016
19:00
Denmark
FC Midtjylland
Brondby IF
2.05
3.25
3.50
10
8/7/2016
19:00
Norway
SK Brann
Stromsgodset IF
2.30
3.30
2.90
11
8/7/2016
19:00
Belgium
Sporting Lokeren
KVC Westerlo
1.80
3.50
4.10
12
8/7/2016
21:00
Belgium
KAA Gent
KRC Genk
1.85
3.50
4.10
13
8/7/2016
21:00
Norway
Sogndal IL
Viking FK
2.10
3.30
3.30
DATE
TIME
GAME ID
HOME TEAM
AWAY TEAM
FINAL RESULTS : ODDS 1 X 2
4/8/2016
02:30
3025
BAYERN MUNICH
REAL MADRID
2.15
3.45
3.05
4/8/2016
02:30
3035
MONTREAL IMPACT
AS ROMA
3.45
3.25
1.90
4/8/2016
04:35
3026
AC MILAN
CHELSEA FC
3.65
3.55
1.90
4/8/2016
21:15
4026
BRONDBY IF
HERTHA BSC
3.35
3.30
2.00
4/8/2016
21:45
4014
WEST HAM UNITED
NK DOMZALE
1.18
5.80
13.25
LAST WEEK’S JACKPOT RESULTS : 2 X X 2 2 2 X 1 1 1 2 1 X 12/13 PREDICTIONS 11/13 PREDICTIONS 10/13 PREDICTIONS 18+
No Winner Kshs 64,926 Each Kshs 9,690 Each
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BCLB : 780