TUesday, JULy 5, 2016 | www.x254.co
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EXPERT BLAMES IG FOR EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS SIMIYU WERUNGA ARGUES THAT LACK OF PROPER LEADERSHIP AT THE TOP HAS ENCOURAGED ROGUE OFFICERS TO COMMIT MURDERS, SAYS THE BUCK STOPS WITH POLICE BOSS BOINNET
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GARETH BALE PLAYS DOWN DUEL WITH RONALDO AS PORTUGAL, WALES CLASH
VICTOR WANYAMA TAKEN THROUGH HIS PACES AT IN FIRST SPURS TRAINING AS HOLIDAY ENDS
Angry MPs tell Kenyans to boycott Chinese fish Nairobi in gridlock as Netanyahu visits
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egislators from the Lake region have now urged Kenyans to boycott consumption of fish imported from China saying they pose health risks. While addressing a press conference at Parliament Buildings today, the MPs said the fish from China being sold in Kisumu and other parts of the country, have not been certified as safe. Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Olago Aluoch (Kisumu West), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East), Joseph Ndiege (Suna West) and James Nyikal of Seme have all protested why the government allowed fish from China to imported to Kenya instead of boosting the local production through provision of incentives. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspects a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Airforce at State House, Nairobi. He was welcomed by an elaborate state reception rounded off by a 19-gun salute in the presence of President Uhuru Kenyatta. Mr Netanyahu had earlier caused a gridlock in the city center when he visited the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta mausoleum where he laid a wreath.
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NEWS TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Lands officials colluding with cartels in shadowy deals to steal
Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo if flanked by his Kisumu East counterpart Shakil Shabir and Bondo’s Gedion Ochanda at a press conference at Parliament today. They called for a total boycott to imported Chinese fish citing health concerns.
MPs call for Chinese fish boycott, cite health risks From Page 1 Olago Aluoch said the government through the ministry of fisheries was not aware of any fish imports from China. “I have done my own investigations. I was at the ministry of fisheries yesterday and they told me they are not aware of any agreement with China to import fish and therefore what our people are consuming are not certified by the government and health officials,” Olago said. The MPs said they will petition the Speaker of the National Assembly so that the committee on Agriculture can investigate how fish from China was allowed in the country without the necessary certification and checks at the border points. “We are not stopping at this point, we are
going to petition the speaker. This matter must be investigated,” an angry Olago added. Nyikal said residents risk getting poisoned and get affected by the chemicals that comes with the fish from China. “China being a highly industrial country, there is a high risk of people getting lead poison and therefore people should not eat that fish for safety purposes,” he advised. He said the government has a responsibility to protect the economic activity of its people and the people from the Lake region should not be an exception. “Our own resources must be protected against the influx of resources from other countries, that’s the sole responsibility of the government,” Nyikal said. Gumbo said as leaders they will not allow the
lake region to be used as dumping ground by second hand goods from other countries. “Kisumu should not be used as dumping grounds for cheap fish from China. We want action from the government through investments of the fish processing factories in Kisumu,” he said. The Rarieda MP said by allowing fish from China to Kisumu, the government has continued with its systematic marginalization of the Nyanza region that it has perpetuated for the last 50 years. “Just a little investments in the fish processing industry and Kenya will be importing Fish. Why has the government been hesitant in investing in fish industry in this country? he posed? @sam_x254
Surveyors have raised a red flag over the numerous land compensation cases arising after the government acquires land for infrastructure development projects. They argue that the cases are as a result of unscrupulous entities colluding with the National Land Commission (NLC) during the acquisition process to create cash cows out of the taxpayers coffers. Addressing a press conference earlier today, the Institute of Surveyors chairman Stephen Ambani faulted the lands commission for disregarding the land acquisition law and holding contractors at ransom. “The law demands that NLC acquires land on behalf of the government to implement its mega infrastructural projects. The law also allows the state to access the acquired land awaiting the owners to be compensated. We are then questioning why the projects are delayed unless some cartels eager to loot,” said Ambani. He declined to name the cartels saying citing the sensitivity of the matter adding that investigations are still ongoing. Further, Ambani has accused the lands agency of colluding with land owners to inflate the prices of the land to be acquired where the demands are not met forcing the owners to seek legal redress. “We are informed of some collusions happening at the commission to inflate the prices of land. When expectations are not met everyone rushes to the court further delaying the projects,”he added. He has cited the Sh450 million compensation claims surrounding the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Sh20 million in the Langata Road expansion project among others. The compensations have threatened to derail the projects. The first phase of the SGR is expected to be completed by June 2017. Ambani now says his institution with the aid of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will carry out an audit at the lands commission to unearth whether the land values were fair to the owners. “With the help of the EACC, we shall conduct enquiries at the commission to establish whether values were fair and all owner compensated correctly,” he noted. They also want the Commission to finalize amendments to the land laws and gazette regulations that shall give a guideline to the process. On land boards, the surveyors have urged the Lands Cabinet Secretary to speed up their reconstitution to avert any further crisis at the ministry. “We are aware that the CS has reconstituted 20 boards but we want him to speed up the reconstitution of the remaining ones to avert more crisis in the ministry,”stated Ambani. @wilson_x254
Lawmakers now order CS Nkaissery to form team to probe mysterious killings
Tiaty MP and Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Security chairman Asman Kamama with Suna West MP Joseph Ndiege.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has been told to form a team of inquiry to unearth the mysterious circumstances behind the killing of lawyer Willie Kimani, his client and their taxi driver. The Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Security also wants the team to examine the circumstances that led to other murders that have been committee in similar fashions. While addressing a press conference at parliament buildings, Committee Chairperson Asman Kamama together with his committee members said cases of people being abducted and later found murdered has been increasing,
and that the MPs are now getting concerned. “A total of 71 cases of people killed in circumstances like this, have been reported to us. Apparently all these are murders executed by the men and women in uniform” Kamama said. “As a committee we demand a speedy investigation done as a matter of urgency” he added. He wants the Director of Criminal Investigation Ndegwa Muhoro to take charge of the matter and make sure that all the perpetrators involved in extra judicial killings are brought to book. He further told the Deputy Inspector General Samuel Arachi to give
firm instructions to his troops, the Administration Police, who he said were allegedly involved in a majority of the killings. The Tiaty lawmaker was accompanied by committee members Joseph Ndiege (Suna West) Fatuma Ibrahim (Wajir County MP), Njuguna Humprey (Gatanga), Dr Makau Mulu (Kitui Central), Wanjiku Muhia (Nyandarua County MP) and John Waluke of Sirisia. He said that the committee will be summoning the Interior Cabinet Secretary to explain to Kenyans steps he will be taking to secure the lives of Kenyans. @hillary_x254
NE WS 3 NEWS TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Fourth cop arrested over murder of lawyer
Lack of leadership to blame for extra judicial killings, say expert
Another police officer has been arrested over the killings of lawyer Willie Kimani, his client and two others. Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet told Capital FM News that the officer, a sergeant based at the Mlolongo AP camp was arrested Monday night after being implicated in the ongoing investigations. This brings to four the number of police officers in custody over the murders, which have shocked the nation and led to countrywide street protests by lawyers and activists. Police have been allowed to detain the other three who were arraigned in court Monday for a fortnight to facilitate investigations before they can plead to various charges, including murder and abduction of the slain men. www.capitalfm.co.ke
Unemployed youths to benefit from Sh15bn grant
More than 280, 000 youths who have experienced extended spells of unemployment will from August benefit from a Kshs 15 billion World Bank grant to finance activities aimed at cutting their joblessness. The funding will be channeled through a government initiative dubbed ‘Kenya Youth Empowerment and Opportunities Project (Kyep)’ which seeks to raise employability of young people. Treasury CS Henry Rotich explained that the beneficiaries must have experienced extended spell of unemployment or currently working in jobs classified as vulnerable by the International Labor Organization.
@wilson_x254
Lawyers and human rights groups protests along the streets of Nairobi yesterday. They presented a petition to Inspector general of Police Joseph Boinnet in which they want the police boss to rein in rogue elements within the service. Security analyst Simiyu Werunga has attributed extra judicial killings to lack of proper leadership by Mr Boinnet. PhoTo: G Ikunda
Lack of proper leadership at the top of the National Police Service could be the reason behind the increase in extra judicial killings in the country, a security expert has said. Simiyu Werunga has also called on the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to rise to the occasion and take full charge of his officers. Police have been put on the spot following the abduction and eventual killing of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and their taxi driver Joseph Muiruri one week ago, a crime widely believed to have been committed by the men in uniform. Lawyers and human rights activists yesterday held countrywide demostrations to condemn the killings and called on Mr Boinnet to quit if he is unable to weed out the rogue elements among his officers. During the protests, Independent-
Medico Legal Unit (IMLU), a human rights organization said there has been a rise in extra judicial executions accusing the police of killing 143, 199, 125 people in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. It also claimed that a total of 53 were executed by police officers between January and April this year and put the total figure of those killed in extra judicial execution at 1873 during the period between 2009 and 2013. “What we are seeing as the rise in extrajudicial killings in the country especially by the Administration Police is purely due to lack of proper leadership and on this it’s only the Inspector General that can help,” Werunga said. “The buck stops with the Inspector General. He has the powers and resources to reign on the Administration Police unit and provide the much needed order
within the police service,” he added. Werunga accused the Administration Police unit of misusing their powers and always violating the law while carrying out their duties. He pointed out that APs nowadays detain suspects in their camps contrary to the law which allows the camps to only be transitory cells and not holding cells for suspects. “No suspect should be detained for even a day in an AP camp, such places are only transitory cells as suspects await to be taken to police station which are gazetted,” Werunga said. Referring to the recent killings, Werunga said the incident is another clear indication that APs use of guns is untamed by their bosses. Police officers suspected to have had a hand in the killings are Sergeant Fredrick Leliman, Corporal Stephen Chebulet and Constable Silvia Wanjiku all of whom are APs attached
to the Syokimau AP camp. “Unlike police officers who have strict rules on the use of guns, their AP counterparts lack accountability on the use of guns,” Werunga said. The three suspects were arraigned in court yesterday. The judge allowed detectives to detain them for 14 days as investigations are completed. The trio went missing moments after attending a court session on Thursday, June 23, at about 4.30pm. Kimani worked for International Justice Mission and was representing Mwenda, a boda boda rider, in a case where he complained of police harassment and attempted murder. Mwenda’s court case was against the police officer who shot him in the arm in 2015 albeit without provocation. @sam_x254
NTSA reaches out to insurers in efforts to curb road carnage The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced it will soon partner with insurance companies to ensure only inspected vehicles are covered. NTSA Director General Francis Meja syesterday aid his authority will sign an MoU with the insurance providers to provide covers to automobiles that have passed inspection checks by the agency. “We want to have an MoU with the insurance industry stating that no vehicles going forward will be insured
without confirming whether they are inspected or not,” Meja said. Meja said that the transport regulator would link its database with that of insurance providers to ensure vehicles which have not undergone inspection are not covered. The move comes amid tightening of rules by the regulator as it seeks to put a lid on the rising cases of accidents. Yesterday, the agency revoked the licence of a matatu belonging to Umowa Sacco for gross overloading. A total of 141 passengers, including 133
pupils, were squeezed into the matatu with a capacity of 40 in Machakos County. The bus driver of the matatu wass scheduled to appear in court today to answer to charges of ferrying excess passengers. Meja also expressed concern over the rising cases of road accidents in the recent past with over 30 lives lost in the past week alone. He however showed optimism that this partnership would rein on road carnage. “When the new licences are operational, motorists found calpable
of traffic offences will lose points or have their licences revoked,” Responding to questioning over the accident that happened over the weekend involving a lorry that did not possess a valid inspection sticker that claimed 4 lives, Meja also said NTSA was in the final stages of developing a framework of regulations that would govern the operation of heavy commercial vehicles. “In the recent past, we have witnessed accidents involving a heavy commercial vehicle including lorries
which operate without any form of regulation or even licensing and there is very little we can do about it,” he said. He criticised Kenyans’ use of social media such as Whatsapp and Twitter warning others of Alcoblow roadblocks set up by the state agency saying it was ridiculous to engage in the practice as it saves lives from drunk-driving accidents. Already, over 1500 people have lost their lives in the first six months alone of 2016. @harrison_x254
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Leaders in joint declaration to counter terrorism
FROM LEFT: Tanzania’s Foreign minister Augustine Mahiga, Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Salva Kiir Maryadit (South Sudan), Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), President Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and President Edgar Lungu of Zambia during the first IsraelEthiopia-Kenya-Rwanda-South Sudan-Tanzania-Zambia-Uganda summit meeting on countering terrorism in Entebbe, Uganda yesterday. They agreed on the need for increased regional and international cooperation in all fields, including cyber security and information gathering, to confront terrorism.
Netanyahu in Africa: A personal journey amid a diplomatic push
The allowances for African troops fighting alShabaab militants in Somalia have not been paid for at least six months, it has emerged. The 22,000-strong African Union force (Amisom) fighting the al-Qaeda-linked terror group is funded by the EU. A European Union source told the BBC that last six-month payment was being withheld over “accounting issues”. The head of Amisom told the BBC the correct papers to account for the last tranche had now been submitted. “These papers are on their way; the money is also on its way,” Francisco Madeira said. The EU provides $1,028 (£700) for each Amisom soldier each month; their respective governments then deduct around $200 for administrative costs meaning the soldiers are supposed to take home about $800. This deployment allowance is much more than the meagre salaries the soldiers receive from their governments. The funds are only released to Amisom by the EU once the accounts from the previous payment are signed off. There have been delays over the last two tranches - and last year’s June-November payment has only just arrived. So soldiers are now receiving money owed to them last year but have not received any of it owed to them this year. Ugandan military chief General Katumba Wamala said he unable to describe the extent of his frustration over the late payments.
Gen Wamala also said that Uganda would pull its soldiers out of Somalia by December 2017, because of frustrations with the Somali army and military advisers from the US, UK and Turkey. Uganda joined Amisom in 2007 and is the force’s biggest contributor, with more than 6,000 troops. Burundian military officials also said their troops had not been paid. Amisom officials fear that the late payments are having a negative impact have on troop morale. EU ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso said he was “concerned about the delay” in the stipend which he said was “essential for the motivation of soldiers”. In the past 12 months four Amisom bases manned by Burundian, Ugandan, Kenyan and Ethiopian troops have been attacked by the militants. President Uhuru Kenyatta early this year urged the United Nations to increase its funding to the mission if it is to achieve its mandate. rect papers to account for the last tranche had now been submitted. “These papers are on their way; the money is also on its way,” Francisco Madeira said. The EU provides $1,028 (£700) for each Amisom soldier each month; their respective governments then deduct around $200 for administrative costs meaning the soldiers are supposed to take home about $800. This deployment allowance is much more than the meagre salaries the soldiers receive from their governments. The funds are only released
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu arrive for the ceremony at Entebbe International Airport in Entebbe, Uganda at the start of his four-nation Africa visit yesterday. Netanyahu attended the ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the Entebbe Operation in which his brother was killed. He is currently in Kenya and is expected to fly out to Rwanda before concluding his visit in Ethiopia on Thursday. PHOTO: Ronald KABUUBI/EPA
to Amisom by the EU once the accounts from the previous payment are signed off. There have been delays over the last two tranches - and last year’s June-November payment has only just arrived. So soldiers are now receiving money owed to them last year but have not received any of it owed to them this year. Ugandan military chief General Katumba Wamala said he unable to describe the extent of his frustration over the late payments. Gen Wamala also said that Uganda would pull its soldiers out of Somalia by December 2017, because of frustrations with the Somali army and military advisers from the US, UK and Turkey. Uganda joined Amisom in 2007 and is the force’s biggest contributor, with more than 6,000 troops.
Burundian military officials also said their troops had not been paid. Amisom officials fear that the late payments are having a negative impact have on troop morale. EU ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso said he was “concerned about the delay” in the stipend which he said was “essential for the motivation of soldiers”. In the past 12 months four Amisom bases manned by Burundian, Ugandan, Kenyan and Ethiopian troops have been attacked by the militants. President Uhuru Kenyatta early this year urged the United Nations to increase its funding to the mission if it is to achieve its mandate.
NEWS 5
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Morning newspaper summaries Uhuru, Ruto face headache Israel courts Kenya in Revealed; How they were over party nominations: new Africa agenda: Israeli PM brutally killed: A lawyer and his There are headaches and sleepless nights aplenty for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William as they prepare for party primaries next year. Crises are not out of the question as incumbents and hopefuls jockey for position after Jubilee declared there will be no direct nominations and the people’s choices will not be ignored. Eight important counties are considered hot spots where serious fallout is possible from competition for nominations.
Benjamin Netanyahu was expected in Nairobi last evening for the second leg of his fournation Africa tour. Netanyahu, who arrived in Kampala yesterday for functions marking the 40th anniversary of the rescue of Israeli hostages in 1976, and also met African leaders at a summit in Uganda, will hold bilateral talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta today and sign trade agreements between Nairobi and Tel Aviv. His visit would focus on closing the gap in the relations between the two countries.
two associates were killed with blows to their heads using blunt objects and strangulation, postmortem examinations have shown. An eight-hour autopsy led by Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor exposed the savagery meted out on lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. The post-mortem report indicated that Mr Kimani was smashed numerous times on the back of the head with a heavy blunt object.
Three police officers in Lawyers stage protests Israeli PM visits Kenya court for lawyer’s murder: over ‘police killings’: Hundreds as Entebbe raid marked: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says it has leads on the whereabouts of three other officers, believed to be the masterminds of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani’s murder. Three police officers linked to the killing of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client and his taxi driver will remain in custody for another 14 days. They are Fredrick Leliman, Stephen Chebulet and Silvia Wanjiku.
of protestors from human rights bodies carried out countrywide protests following the execution of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. In Nairobi, they marched with coffins, placards and other paraphernalia peacefully through various streets, stopping briefly at the monuments of Tom Mboya and Dedan Kimathi.
Operation Entebbe looked like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Under the cover of darkness, a plane carrying Israeli commandos escaped the enemy radar to land at the Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The men in uniform had a delicate mission. The commandos were here to rescue their citizens who were being held at the airport. Without wasting time, they raced across the airport, burst into the terminal building that was holding 103 passengers.
Mung’aro to be crowned Court allows release of Why top ODM leaders in region’s kingpin: Kilifi North Sh25 bn CDF cash: MPs Busia are rebelling: Wrangling MP Gideon Mung’aro is to be installed as a Mijikenda elder, effectively becoming the Coast’s new kingpin, a source close to the MP has disclosed. Mungaro’s ambition and elevation will heighten the rivalry between him and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho of ODM, long viewed as the Coast’s supremo. He is expected to be installed soon before President Uhuru Kenyatta visits next month, but the date has not been announced.
yesterday got a reprieve when the High Court allowed the National Treasury to release up to Sh 25 billion to the National Government Constituency Development Fund this financial year. In a ruling by Justice Joseph Onguto, the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary was however blocked from releasing any money above the said figure. The judge issued the temporary directive in a case filed by Ms Wanjiru Gikonyo and Mr Cornelius Opout.
in ODM yesterday escalated as pressure mounted on two top officials to quit. Secretary General Ababu Namwamba has threatened to resign if the party continues to disrespect him while Vice Chairman Paul Otuoma announced he would be resigning from his position. Otuoma blamed a section of ODM leaders who he accused of “thinking they are more ODM than others”.
Lawyers protesting over killings bring courts to a standstill: Business was Monday
brought to a standstill in Kenyan courts as lawyers kept away from courtrooms to demand the prosecution of police officers accused of abducting and murdering their colleague, his client and a taxi driver. The lawyers, through the Law Society of Kenya, had on Sunday announced a week-long boycott of the courts to protest the killings of colleague Willie Kimani.
Matiang’i rules out varsity fee rise in coursebased funding: The Ministry
of Education has ruled out increasing university tuition fee under a new funding formula that will make science-based subjects costlier than liberal arts subjects. The new formula will see universities receive State funding in proportion to the cost of courses being offered, Education CS Fred Matiang’i said Monday.
Firms slow down hiring as demand for local goods falls: International demand for Kenyan goods slumped in June forcing businesses to scale down plans to hire employees. The Standard Chartered business sentiment indicator (BSI), a survey that measures how optimistic businesses feel about current and future economic conditions, dropped to 59.9 from 63.9 points indicating a gloomy market.
Top stories from X News global partners Joy as Nasa spacecraft Suicide Bombers Strike in Property fund suspended successfully enters Jupiter’s Medina and Two Other in first signs of post-Brexit orbit: There was joy and cheers in Nasa Saudi Cities: Bombings rocked stress: After the initial post-Brexit
control room as Juno space probe enters planned orbit of Jupiter to study solar system’s largest planet. The Juno spacecraft announced on Twitter that it had completed its twist, so that it was now facing the sun, soaking up the solar energy it needs to continue its missions. At a jubilabnt press conference today, Diane Brown, Juno’s project manager from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said “It’s overwhelming.” “The risks that were overcome, it’s amazing. The more you know about the mission the more you know about how tricky it was. To know we can go to bed tonight not worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow, is just amazing,” she said. www.theguardian.com
three cities across Saudi Arabia on Monday, including near the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy city of Medina, raising the specter of increasingly coordinated attacks by militants seeking to destabilize the monarchy. A suicide bomber struck near the United States Consulate in the coastal city of Jidda in the morning, wounding two security officers. Then, near dusk, when Muslims were ending their daily Ramadan fasts, other blasts struck near a Shiite mosque in the country’s east and at a security post in Medina, killing four guards, according to the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television network. The blasts in Saudi Arabia followed a bloody week in which terrorist attacks caused mass casualties in the largest cities. www.nytimes.com
sell-off in sterling and equities, financial markets had quietened down in the wake of the shock referendum result. The FTSE 100 even moved ahead of its pre-Brexit level. But investor concerns have shown up in another market - property, Today Standard Life, the Scottish insurer, suspended redemptions in its UK Retail property fund, with £2.9 billion of assets under management. Commercial property values have come under pressure since the referendum result because of doubts about London’s attractiveness as an investment destination outside the EU. Given the uncertainties, Henderson, Aberdeen, Legal & General, M&G and Standard Life had all applied “fair value adjustments” to fund values of 4-5%. www.economist.com
NHS call for politicians to honour funding promises after Brexit:
The head of the National Health Service in England called for the government to honour existing NHS funding pledges after Brexit. Simon Stevens’ comments came as a leading think-tank warned that the forthcoming exit from Europe would pose “significant risks” to the sums available to the NHS which is already facing a historic financial squeeze. In a message to all NHS staff, Mr Stevens said that both Leave and Remain had campaigned for “a strong — and indeed a better funded — National Health Service”. “The public, regardless of how they voted, will rightly want our new political leaders to deliver on that promise,” he said. www.ft.com
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Kepsa-Konza Technopolis deal to up private sector investment The Konza Technopolis Development Authority has signed an agreement with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) in which the two organizations will work together to exchange skills in their respective areas of interest and the joint promotion of their common objectives. Kepsa is the private sector apex and umbrella body set up in 2003 to bring together the business community in a single voice to engage and influence public policy for an enabling business environment. Currently, the lobby group has over 100,000 direct and indirect members organized through Business Membership Organizations and Corporate Members. According to the agreement, the two will join hands to put in place a framework that will ensure adherence to safety, health and commerciallysound construction standards at the Konza Techno City. Additionally, the two will set up a committee that will hold quarterly meetings to discuss the opportunities available for Kepsa members at the tech hub. “Both KoTDA and Kepsa have a shared goal that is geared towards economic growth and today’s agreement will help remove impediments to private sector investment by supporting project design, conducting quality due diligence, and assisting with preparing, structuring and placing of projects with private investors,” said Eng. John
Tanui, CEO of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority. The Partners shall also share policies on attracting investment and support each other’s investment promotion activities. In addition they will support and connect businesses interested in pursuing available opportunities. “Kepsa is creating jobs in the engineering and science sectors. This
MoU underpins our commitment to working with stakeholders to promote policies that stimulate the growth not only in the private sector but also open up opportunities for us to plug into the country’s economy,” Kepsa CEO Carole Kariuki said. “Besides opening up the investment platforms, Kepsa will also establish a youth sponsorship programme for
@kevin_x254
KEPSA CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki (Left) moderating a session during a previous Ease of Doing Business Initiative Conference.
Galana irrigation project fails to meet target, CS Wamalwa remains upbeat
The viability of a Sh7 billion Galana Kulalu irrigation project is still in doubt after the second crop failed to attain a targeted yield of 40 bags of maize per acre. The failure has been largely attributed to the El Nino rains that pounded the country, amid other challenges of capacity and crop variety. However, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has remained optimistic that the next crop planted on 500 acres of land set for harvest in August will attain the target, saying that weather condition has been favourable. “The project seems to be taking face. The second crop planted on 500 acres failed to meet its expectations due to El Nino rains. We are expecting that we should get at least 40 bags per acre on the August harvest based on what we have seen so far,” CS Wamalwa said. According to the CS, Sh3 billion out
purposes of promoting skills in ICT innovation and entrepreneurship,” she further explained. Konza Technopolis Development Authority recently announced that electricity has been connected to the city, paving the way for businesses to gain confidence about investing in the mega project(GDP), once phase one is operational.
of the Sh7 billion allocated for the scheme has been spent and 2,000 acres have been covered with crop. “From the experts, they have informed us that they did not achieve what they set to achieve but what we have now, the third and final run is what will give us a clear picture of what has been achieved here,” confirmed the Cabinet Secretary. Wamalwa spoke while he toured the project, which is being implemented by Green Arava of Israel ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 3 day state visit to Kenya that began yesterday. He urged Kenyans to support the project which is meant to ensure food security in the country without necessarily depending on rain fed agriculture. “The intention of the model farm was really to show the potential. We have shown that out of the shrubs of Galana, we can grow a beautiful
crop, we can feed this nation,” said Wamalwa. The Galana/Kulalu project is meant to provide the country with food security and aims to see Kenya stop importing 10 million bags of maize every year. At the same time, Kenya is implementing lessons learnt from Israel, which has remained food sufficient despite 80 per cent of its land being either arid or semi-arid. CS Wamalwa said that the project will not only look at the growth of maize but different varieties of crop as well. He however reassured maize farmers to continue growing their crop despite Galana’s failure, stating that Kenya’s food security will need them to continue playing their role. The varieties of maize currently planted on the 20, 000 acres include Pundamilia, DKC, Duma 43, pH4 among others. @wilson_x254
MEAN 101.0867 134.6553 112.6733 6.9644 33.5851 21.6646
BUY SELL 100.9950 101.1783 134.5083 134.8022 112.5339 112.7928 6.9485 6.9803 33.5052 33.6650 21.5955 21.7337
Kenya’s food security to remain stable until September
Kenya’s current level of food security will remain stable until September, a new report has revealed. The study, compiled by Famine Early Warning Systems (FEWS Net), an agency which provides early warnings and analysis on food insecurity, says the expected average long rains harvest period from September through to December will boost the country’s food security. FEWS Net projects that the long rains will largely be average, dismissing rumours that Kenya is facing a maize shortage. This comes after the government last week promised to release a total of one million bags of maize to the Cereal Millers Association (CMA) in a bid to curb the price of flour that has risen for the past two months. “Whereas the rains have been above average in high and medium potential agricultural areas, poor temporal distribution, which resulted in a lengthy dry spell in May and June, caused moisture stress to crops in the field,” FEWS Net said.According to the report, with the resumption of the rains, most of the crop in the field is expected to recover from moisture stress, but some plants are unlikely to recover and develop to maturity. “As a result, production is likely to be just average. In addition, the long rains harvest from the marginal agricultural areas, though expected to be below average, will also boost the national food stocks,” it said. @lenah_x254
Huawei kicks off plans to digitize counties with ‘smart solutions’ Huawei, a global information and communications technology solutions provider, has reiterated its commitment to accelerating ICT development in Kenya. Through an initiative dubbed: “Smart and Sustainable City” solutions, the drive seeks to improve Kenya’s critical incident management and crisis management capabilities. Speaking during the official launch of the Huawei ICT Road Show Festival yesterday, Huawei Kenya Vice General Manager Mr. Freddie Zhang said smart city solutions will help Kenya build safer and more harmonious urban residential, business and tourism environments to attract investment and increase employment for sustainable economic development. “Through our investment, we hope that we would complement the government through the ICT ministry to provide all the counties with innovative ICT infrastructure is
are foundation of building safe smart cities,” said Mr. Yu. With Huawei’s focus in Kenya’s county governments, the ‘Smart and Safe City’ solutions are further aimed at enabling counties to connect with each other through an integrated service architecture that allows for information sharing and provides advanced applications and services. The three-day festival which brings on board over 200 key industry players, will at its end, have discussed development trends and global success stories on public safety in cities and discuss ways to reduce crimes and reinforce city safety through establishing innovative ICT safe city solution. Since its formation, the drive has helped the government counter the menace of crime rates, reducing incidents by 46 per cent in areas that were covered. @enock_x254
BUSINESS 7
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Traders, consumers project improvement in economy Business owners across the country are optimistic that economic prospects are on an upward trajectory, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) report has revealed. According to the latest findings from the analysis which measures the degree of optimism on the state of the economy, consumer sentiment in Kenya increased to 108 in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 103 witnessed the same period last year. The Index uses a technique known as the Balance Score Method (net balance + 100), where an index above 100 points indicates optimism (positive responses) and vice versa. The findings confirm that consumers’ appraisal of current conditions improved in June, indicating that the number of people stating that business conditions are good increased slightly from 26.1 per cent to 26.9 per cent, while those saying business conditions are bad decreased from 21.4 per cent to 17.7 per cent. “Consumer confidence rebounded in June, after declining in May,” said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at the Conference Board. “Consumers were less negative about current business and labour market conditions, but only moderately more positive, suggesting no deterioration in economic conditions, but no
The proportion of consumers expecting their incomes to increase improved from 16.5 per cent to 18.2 percent, while the proportion expecting a reduction edged down from 12.6 percent to 11.5 per cent. strengthening either. Expectations regarding business and labour market conditions, as well as personal income prospects, improved moderately. Overall, consumers remain cautiously optimistic about economic growth in the short-term,” she added. The number of people claiming that jobs are “plentiful” declined from 24.5 per cent to 23.4 per cent, however those claiming jobs are “hard to get” also decreased from 24.5 percent to 23.3
percent. Consumers’ optimism regarding the short-term outlook improved in June. Those expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months increased from 15.0 per cent to 16.8 per cent, while those expecting business conditions to worsen decreased slightly, from 11.7 per cent to 11.4 per cent. Consumers’ outlook for the labour market was more favourable as compared to the month before. The
percentage anticipating more jobs in the months ahead increased from 12.5 per cent to 14.2 per cent, while those anticipating fewer jobs decreased marginally from 18.2 per cent to 17.9 per cent. The proportion of consumers expecting their incomes to increase improved from 16.5 per cent to 18.2 percent, while the proportion expecting a reduction edged down from 12.6 percent to 11.5 per cent. @enock_x254
BIZ BRIEFS Airtel’s humanitarian efforts now get Red Cross recognition Airtel, a leading telecommunication service provider in Kenya has bagged the Annual Kenya Red Cross Humanitarian Effort Award. The award is in recognition of Airtel’s continued support and contribution to the Kenya Red Cross Society’s work of alleviating human suffering and saving lives through the Short Message Service (SMS) based Trilogy Emergency Relief Application (TERA), the first of its kind public emergency information service in Kenya. The award was handed over to Airtel Kenya at this year’s Kenya Red Cross Volunteer Awards that seeks to recognize acts of great contribution by private organizations, youth groups, individuals as well as institutions such as Universities for their exceptional support to the organization’s humanitarian mission.
World Bank, StanChart deal to boost Kenya Power The government of Kenya, the World Bank, energy provider Kenya Power and Standard Chartered Bank of London have signed a set of agreements that will allow the power and lighting company to restructure its debt through access to long-term commercial financing. Kenya Power plans to invest at least a billion dollars (Sh101 billion) in the next five years in its distribution and transmission network to ensure reliable and affordable service delivery for the existing and new customers. As such, the debt restructuring facility is part of a $500 million (Sh50.5 billion) tranche of new commercial financing that will be used to refinance Kenya Power’s existing debt with a much longer tenor loan and with lower interest rate.
Brand Kenya seeks new chief executive
Courting the Chinese for housing Solutions Deputy President William Ruto with China-Africa Development Fund (CADF) president Chi Jianxin in Beijing, China earlier today. Ruto urged the company to partner with Kenya’s private sector and develop Kenya’s housing sector saying there exists a huge opportunity given the huge number of mortgages by Kenyans.
The Brand Kenya Board (BKB) is looking to fill the vacant position of Chief Executive within its ranks. The Board, a State Corporation under the State Corporations Act, made the announcement as it gave candidates a July 25th deadline to submit their applications. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala earlier this year appointed Mary Luseka as the acting Chief Executive Officer of Brand Kenya Boar. At the time, it was stated that Ms Luseka would serve in an acting capacity until the position was competitively filled. In order to fulfill its mandate, the Board wishes to recruit a suitably qualified candidate who meets the specified job requirements as well as requirements of Chapter 6 of the Kenya Constitution 2010 for the position of Chief Executive Officer.
8
BUSINESS
ECB now Spire Bank, target teachers an TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Equatorial Commercial Bank (ECB) has rebranded to Spire Bank as the lender seeks to enhance access to financial inclusion among teachers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s). To enhance service delivery, the lender has received Sh1 billion in capital infusion from its anchor shareholders, Mwalimu National Sacco and Sammer Investment Group, bringing to over Sh2.6 billion the total amount of shareholder investment in the newly-rebranded bank. Speaking during the official launch ceremony this morning, Managing Director Tim Gitonga said SMEs will benefit from the plan, given that it will offer credit facilities at lower interest rates. He said the lender’s strategy is to grow its banking products and services, supported by technology to meet the ever-changing needs of its clients. “Spire Bank is a fresh brand with renewed energy and motivation for growth. It reflects the bank’s ambition to simplify process, improve branch productivity and provide best-in-class service to its customers,” said Gitonga. Commenting on the move, Treasury Cabinet
Secretary Henry Rotich lauded the lender for its continued support in strengthening the banking sector. He said the government of Kenya, through his Ministry, will give support to private sector players and investors seeking to offer financial access to SME’s since they are the drivers of Kenya’s economy. “SME’s provide job opportunities to over 80 per cent of our youth and women accounting for over 45 per cent of the total country’s GDP,’’ said CS Henry Rotich. The CS however expressed his concerns over inaccessibility to financial services by SME’s saying that is the major challenge the banking sector is experiencing. Gitonga said the amendments the lender is implementing are aimed at improving customer interaction, reducing operational costs as well as developing new business opportunities. Kenya’s banking sector remains strong given the entrance of new ending firms, which are competing for a share of the market, especially those targeting low and medium enterprises. @enock_x254
Finnish messenger service to compliment WhatsApp, target users with lesser data costs WhatsApp users in Africa are set to save substantial amounts of cash following the recent launch of Jongla Social Messenger, a product from a Finishbased Company that uses fewer data bundles but resembles WhatsApp. Specifically developed for people living and working in Africa, the social messaging service has been designed to be the most data-light Instant Messaging (IM) app in the world so it can help people save money and data. “Those already using WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber and other messaging apps in Africa will find that Jongla can be used more often and in more places as it uses innovative technology to reduce bandwidth usage, so it helps people save their data plan and money,” the company said in a recent statement The application is also fit for other emerging markets where data costs are high and coverage is unreliable. Unlike WhatsApp, Jongla takes only 3.4MB to download on Android phones compared to WhatsApp (23.7MB), Facebook’s Messenger (30.2MB) and more than20MB for most other messaging apps. Once downloaded, Jongla uses just 10 per cent of the handset’s memory as other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. It also enables users to share thumbnails of photos so their friends only download when they want, saving valuable data and money.
Jongla enables users to send and receive unlimited free text messages, stickers, photos, videos and funny voice messages over the Internet using lowspeed Wi-Fi networks as well as 4G, 3G, EDGE and GPRS. “Jongla remains very economical in terms of data usage and the cost related to this. From download to daily use, Jongla saves people money,” Riku Salminen, CEO of Jongla, said. “According to our studies, Jongla uses 80 per cent less data compared to Viber and 25 per cent less data compared to Facebook Messenger when you use itmaking it a tick for the people living in countries where data is expensive,” he added. In addition to chatting, Jongla users can now discover and interact with new friends based on their location with a built-in community feature called ‘People’. The feature was designed to enable users to be able to discover interesting new people around them. To protect user privacy, only an approximate location is given and the feature is optional. “We are continuing to make Jongla more social without sacrificing the essence of it all - private messaging”, added Salminen. “For those who want to broaden their horizons to discover and interact with new friends, the community of nearby people is only one tap away.” @enock_x254
Spire Bank Managing Director Tim Gitonga (centre) with Mwalimu National Sacco CEO, Robert Sh and Sectoral Affairs Acting Director Mr.Nzomo Mutuku during its rebrand today.
Housing Finance eyes top tier bank t
Housing Finance Company has set its sights on becoming one of the country’s top tier banks within the next four years. The banking and property finance subsidiary of HF Group is currently implementing a strategic plan that will inform its targets as it also seeks to become a leading commercial lender. Managing Director Sam Waweru says HFC has over the past one year laid a solid
foundation that will propel it to the list of tier one banks by the year 2020. “In the first half of this year, we have achieved some major milestones including growing customer numbers and deposits as well as roll out of new products. I believe that HFC is now on track to achieve our Vision 2020 ahead of the schedule,” Waweru explained. He spoke while touring the realtor’s yet-to-
be-opened branches in Nairobi’s Centra Business District (CBD). Other than an aggressive branc expansion plan, HFC will also be rollin out alternative channels of trade an profitability to solidify its position in th area of property financing. In its plan, the bank will seek a strong team as evidence of a solid foundation capabl of propelling the banking services arm
Housing Finance Managing Director, Frank Ireri with Nairobi Securities Exchange Chairman Mr. Eddy Njoroge and Chairman of the Housing Finance Board, Steve Mainda during an April 2015 event to list 116 million shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
UAP Old Mutual to give investors access to property markets in E Diversified Financial Services Group UAP Old Mutual has announced a regional combined real estate portfolio worth over Sh25 billion. The portfolio will give investors exposure to different property markets across the Eastern and Central Africa. UAP Old Mutual Group Asset Management Managing Director Patricia Kiwanuka said the combined portfolio of high-quality building properties will offer investors in the region rental returns in more than one currency, thereby reducing risk while maximizing return. Following the successful merger of UAP and Old Mutual in 2015, the group has a presence in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Rwandan property
markets, owning a total of 14 properties. “Investors will benefit from the expanded property portfolio through exposure to different markets that will in turn offer high returns that are in both Kenyan Shillings and US dollars. Additionally, the investors stand to gain from combined investment experience and lower costs through shared services,” said Ms. Kiwanuka. The group has additionally announced that the iconic UAP Old Mutual Tower, the highest building to dot the Nairobi skyline, is ready for occupation. “The UAP Old Mutual Tower is a testament of the group’s commitment to investing in East and Central Africa as
a dominan Patricia. UA building in group’s big to invest i Kenya, Ug A propert Region in developme design and environme .
nd SMEs
hibutse (left) present a gift to Financial Photo: Edwin/Xnews
title by 2020
al
ch ng nd he
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of HF Group to the top ten spot in the industry. “When we launched full banking services, we knew we were entering a highly competitive market with many dynamics for sustenance and success. However the move was driven by the need to provide our customers with a one stop shop for all their banking and property finance needs,” added the MD. Last year, HFC was ranked among the cheapest lenders by the Central Bank of Kenya in the month of December, a factor Mr Waweru emphasizes has enabled them to retain a broad base of loyal customers as benefits of low and favorable interest rates are always passed on to customers. Going forward, Mr Waweru said HFC would continue to develop tailor-made solutions and invest in information and communications technology (ICT) in order to deliver enhanced value to customers. The finance company, which is currently undertaking a rights issue, intends to raise its involvement in the supply side of middle and lower income housing, which in turn is expected to create significant mortgage lending opportunities for the company. @wilson_x254
East and Central Africa
nt diversified financial services group,” added UAP Old Mutual Tower is a 33-storey commercial n Upper Hill, Nairobi and at Sh4 billion is the ggest property investment. The group plans in high-rent yielding mixed developments in ganda and Rwanda. The group provides Grade ty developments across the Eastern Africa ncluding completed and ongoing commercial ents in Nairobi, Kampala, Juba and Kigali, with d space layouts that create an enabling working ent. @kevin_x254
BUSINESS 9
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Canada faces economic crisis as environmentalists protest move to save country’s oil sector A move by the Canadian government to save the nation’s floundering oil sector is facing opposition from environmental groups, who claim that it will delay the country’s plans to adopt renewable sources of energy. The discovery of abundant bitumen (residue from petroleum distillation) deposits let Canada claim the world’s third-largest recoverable reserves of crude oil, Bloomberg reports. Because there’s so much less of it than conventional oil, coal and natural gas, oil from Canadian tar sands accounts for 0.1 per cent of the world’s greenhouse-gas emissions and has a smaller potential to warm the planet than other fossil fuels. The industry and the Alberta government say oil sands producers release 6 per cent more greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. This is partly because it takes more energy to extract and refine bitumen than lighter forms of crude. US President Barack Obama said Keystone XL would not make a meaningful contribution to the US economy, lower fuel prices or enhance the nation’s energy security. It also would have undercut US global
leadership on climate change, he said. Hillary Clinton, a Democratic presidential candidate who oversaw the review process when she was Secretary of State, said in September 2015 that she opposed the pipeline. Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, a Liberal elected in 2015, favours construction of new pipelines, including one named Keystone XL. The PM has on the other hand, taken steps to do more on climate issues in the hope of winning over pipeline opponents, Bloomberg reports. Experts argue that with the country facing an economic downturn, it would be difficult for Trudeau to turn his back on the oil industry. Three Canadian pipeline proposals remain under consideration, two to the Pacific (the largest of the Earth’s oceanic divisions) and one to the Atlantic. The country’s government notes that the biggest factor in the industry’s future, however, may be the price of oil, which has dropped dramatically since Keystone was proposed. Most of Canada’s oil companies are gearing up to expand production modestly if oil stays close to $50 a barrel.
The government has made sweeping changes, including the introduction of an economy-wide tax on carbon and limits on emissions from the oil sands, in a bid to make the energy source less controversial. Environmental groups said that the Keystone pipeline would have helped lock in dependency on oil for decades and delay a transition to renewable energy. They have also quarreled with oil producers over the best way to compare emissions from tar-sands to those from other pollutants. Oil companies say coal plants pump much more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while environmentalists say the appropriate comparison is to conventional oil because, unlike coal, both kinds of crude are primarily used to make transportation fuel. Environmental groups said that stopping Keystone XL would slow tar sands development, while proKeystone forces argued that the bitumen will still be produced and shipped either by other pipelines or rail, increasing the risk of spills and other accidents. @Dennis_x254
US Republicans intensify fight to close down abortion clinics Abortion access in the U.S. has been vanishing at the fastest annual pace on record, propelled by a push from Republican state lawmakers to legislate the industry out of existence. Since 2011, at least 162 abortion providers have shut or stopped offering the procedure, while just 21 opened. According to the latest data, at no time since before 1973 -- when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion -has a woman’s ability to terminate a pregnancy been more dependent on her zip code or financial resources to travel. The drop-off in providers (more than one every two weeks) occurred in 35 U.S. states, in both small towns and big cities that are home to more than 30 million women of reproductive age. Barely a week ago the United States Supreme Court, the highest-ranked regulator within its sphere, upheld the constitutional right to abortion -- and laid down a new framework for how courts should evaluate future legislation limiting it. For the first time, the court expressly held that laws limiting access to abortion must be evaluated on a costbenefit basis, to see if health benefits to women outweigh the costs in making abortion less available. No region was exempt, though some states lost more than others. Texas, which in 2013 passed sweeping clinic regulations that are under scrutiny by the Supreme Court, saw the most: at least 30. It was followed by Iowa, with 14, and Michigan, with 13. California’s loss of a dozen providers shows how availability declined, even in states led by Democrats, who tend to be friendly to abortion rights. Standalone clinics, not doctors’ offices or hospitals, perform the vast majority of pregnancy terminations. They account for the vast majority of the tally, which was compiled by Bloomberg News over the past three months and builds on a similar undertaking from 2013. @Dennis_x254
Boost to tree farmers as Kenya Power buys 377,000 poles Kenya Power has purchased 377,000 poles from more than 40 local companies involved in the treatment of wooden poles and production of concrete ones in support of the government’s “Buy Kenya Build Kenya” initiative. Procurement of poles is expected to increase significantly in the next four years with the implementation of the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP), which is aimed at accelerating electricity access to 70 per cent by the end of next year, up from the current 55 per cent. “Under the first phase of Last Mile, we expect to procure over 350, 000 poles”, said Kenya Power Managing Director Dr. Ben Chumo. “The growth in customer base is part of our strategy to grow electricity sales and ensure the company’s long
term financial viability. We aim to connect over one million new customers every year going forward in order to achieve the targeted milestones,” he added. Consumption of poles has surged due to ongoing projects that the Company has undertaken to intensify connections as well as upgrade the existing power network to improve quality of electricity. “We are implementing a network upgrade program across the country at a cost of Sh10 billion which involves replacement of wooden poles with concrete poles, maintenance of way leaves through vegetation management, replacement of broken parts such as fuse carriers, extension of medium and low voltage lines and enhancement of conductor capacity to carry more loads,” said Chumo. The programme is expected to avail better and reliable
power supply to Kenya Power’s 4.9 million customers. Other major projects that have been undertaken by the Company include the government-financed National Street Lighting program, which involves rehabilitation of existing street lighting masts and installation of new ones to be implemented in 52 towns across the country at a cost of Sh7.6 billion. Some of the poles have been used to implement the Global Partnership on Output- Based Aid (GPOBA) programme funded by the World Bank to aid cheap connections, mainly in slum areas. A total of 314,000 customers are targeted to be connected during the first phase of the Last Mile Connectivity Project, which is funded by the African Development Bank. @enock_x254
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
ACCESS
FILM
12
This is not a meme, it is not a joke, a grandfather somewhere looks better than your 26 year old boyfriend!
How stylish stole the internet @christine_x254
Irvin Randle aka #MrStealYourGrandma has been breaking the internet one site at a time with his unbelievable facial hair, hair style and physique. The 54-year old grandfather from Houston, Texas could definitely teach most youngsters a thing or two about style and hitting the gym seems to be taking his new found internet fame in stride. After his social media pics were shared by a stranger on the internet they quickly started trending and Irvin Randle only found out about this after his daughter told him about it. What seems to amaze people about this story is his age. At 54 most of us have
already settled into our senior citizen bodies and probably have no plans to step into a gym for fear pf breaking one of our hips. Frankly, most twentysomethings do not even look anything close to Mr Randle but the grandfather of two maintains that he keeps his body in check by eating well and exercising. On to the other thing that makes him such a stand-out, his impressive style. It’s not every day you see somebody his age dressed like they are about to shake up the scene. His contemporary manner
@kevin_x254
HOT
AKOTHEE AND HUSBAND
TOPICS
For richer and richest #madamboss Akothee Says ‘I do’ My Sweet love singer Akothee is once again taken! The lavish wedding that entailed top of the range cars and a chopper saw the singer say ‘I do’ to her new love interest. ‘I am that woman who goes for what I want & not what’s available, it’s my black beauty that caught his mouth Zero , irrespective of the number of children I have , he has taken me wholesale and I have welcomed him in my family,’ she said.
of dress definitely raised a few eyebrows. Irvin Randle mentions that cleaning up nice is nothing new to him, “I’ve always dressed like this. I’ve just been wearing things a little tighter that’s all.” It is worth noting that the 54year old is an elementary school teacher, so if there wasn’t enough reason to fall in love with him, there it is. When asked about the secret to his apparent eternal youth, there was no fountain of youth the man is drinking from. It’s down to hard work and the basic
Kenyan producer in Alicia Keys hit single remix
Radio and Weasel Madtraxx collabo Radio & Weasel, the Edagala and Juice hit makers are set to feature on the upcoming new season of Coke Studio Africa. The duo exclusively revealed that they will be working with Kenyan top producer of The Kansoul: Madtraxx, and Togolese star group: Toofan of the hit song Eledji. “Good music like ours has no genre or one style and it’s a good feeling to be paired with French speaking artistes. Toofan’s music is fast and ours has different tempos, sometimes it can be slow. Thankfully Madtraxx is very
rules of maintaining a healthy lifestyle ‘Drink plenty of water, don’t smoke, have protected sex, drink natural juice mostly, a lot of vegetables healthy food, sleep early wake up early. The same way our body needs water every day is the same way it needs exercises. U can do it too. A healthy life is all you need.’ He wrote on his Facebook page. Back home however the memes have taken a different turn with #sponsor being attached to it.Nigerians and Ghanaians even went on a whole tweeter war claiming ownership of the dapper gramps while Kenyan light skin(s) have agreed to be seen in public with the hot sponsor!
RADIO AND WEASEL
good with the tracks and has created something related to the two of us without corrupting his beats.” While in Kenya, Radio & Weasel have also bonded with Toofan and got a chance to discover culture exchange through sharing Ugandan and West African food. “They ate Matoke and we had their Togolese dish.
Xpect, a renown Kenyan DJ/Producer based in USA has produced one of only three official remixes of Alicia Keys’ latest hit single In Common for her remixes EP Album. Xpect has consistently produced remixes of pop and urban music to a signature sound he coined as ‘AfroElectronic’ since the early 2000s and recent remixes of his have been of hit songs such as Fat Joe’s “All The Way Up” and Desiigner’s Panda hit song. Xpect is one of the first African Deejays to spin on urban radio in the US as a live mix show turntablist. He has also manned the turntables live in concert for Hip-hop legend KRS One, and deejayed alongside other DJ XPECT notable acts such as Questlove of the Legendary Roots crew.
11
ACCESS
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
OUR ROOTS
NOBODY WANTS TO LIVE WITH A THIEF
Dear Keith,
Dear
BREAKING DOWN THE
D
r X, I hav e bee n dati month ng s me fo now and o this girl fo r mon r a fe ccasio e w n y when I can b . I’m happy ally she as ks ut I do to help spare n’t alw .A her ou ay me an few days ago s s have a lo t d whil t to he e we w living ere ha came to v room isit on ng After I wen e of my frie ing out in th t to a back a nswer nds came o e n ver. the do I had d realized b or left it. y I waite wallet was I came look a n d unti t it an l after ’t where d of mo she le ney th I found out ft to a a t was sure h missin large amou ow nt g. I’m sure m to bring th no is up w y girlf riend ith he t quite has b h r. ee as B her ab n stealing fr stolen mo ut I’m n o om m e.How ey and -Keith ut it? do I a sk
My girlfriend is stealing from me
I you are complete certain that your girlfriend is the one who took the money from you then the only thing left to do would be to approach her about it. If she has stolen money from you once and you let it go then she might do it again. Nobody wants to live with a thief. And who knows what she might steal next? You could be dating a klepto and end up embarrassed one day with friends and family. Approach the matter slowly if you still want to be in the relationship. If not find an exit!
-Dr X
@christine_x254
@christine_x254
DANCE COSTUME
Break ups are not easy and are hardly mutual. Here’s how to check yourself before turning kuku!
HOW TO KNOW YOU ARE THE The Luo community are big on celebrations. Coming together as a community always meant dancing and they had different varieties and genres. One such dance was the Ramogi dance, performed particularly by men. Our attention today is on the dance costume and its meaning. THE HEADDRESS: This is usually made from Ostrich feathers because to the Luo community the Ostrich is a bird of great beauty and courage and this presented them with the courage they needed when dancing. The Flywhisk (orengo): This was made from the Buffalo tail. It always serves as a visual cue during the dancing occasions. THE ANKLE SHAKERS: These are the frenzied jingling and percussion worn around the ankles during the dance. Some of the Ramogi dance movements mimic a bird taking off or circling in the flight, part of the ramogi dance is usually inspired by the crested crane and the ostrich bird. @mary_x254
You are constantly trying to communicate
You are trying to win your ex back
If your ex has already moved on
Your ex’s friends avoid you
Calls, texts and emails will be sent all with increasing intensity and frequency. Rest assured those calls are not being answered for a reason and this might actually lead to a change in cell phone numbers. If your ex has quickly found somebody else then that might indicate that something is definitely wrong. He/she might just be trying to erase you from their memory and it might not necessarily be a serious relationship but maybe the new catch could be a not-so-subtle sign to leave them alone.
You are incessantly cyber stalking
Are you always checking up on their moves and updates online? For a broken relationship, even the odd online update might result in a lot of hurt feelings. It’s better to just leave it alone.
Win is putting it mildly, leaving out just plain old seducing them, what this usually resembles is somehow luring the person back into your life. Which mostly involves lying about random things just to make them get your attention. Since it will reach a point that the only thing you even want to talk about anymore is your ex, his/her friends might avoid you at all costs because they know you want to fish for or use them to pass information. This does not look good for anyone involved.
Your own friends avoid you
Again, the only thing that will be on your mind is your ex, your friends might get tired of talking about one topic all the time and might look for ways to dodge all interactions with you. We dint promise it will be easy but getting back together could be in the cards but not if you go crazy firsty!
@christine_x254
Send your agonising queries to adhyambo@x254.co
12
ACCESS TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
@ PARIS FASHION WEEK
Arya Hargate: Natural touch to animal print.
Deborah Hung: Her boots bettered her look.
Miroslava Duma: Red is definitely her color. Elena Perminova: Russian beauty.
@mercy_x254
Jeniffer Garner: Simple with a classy touch.
Rating:R Genre:Comedy Cast:Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza Runtime:98 minutes.
MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES
@mercy_x254
H
ard-partying brothers Mike and Dave place an online ad to find the perfect dates for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo.
The sun is finally out in other parts of the world, and so are international fashion designers who are currently gathered in France for the Paris Fashion Week. The weeklong affair will see tens of fashion houses showcase their recent collections on colorful runways and red carpets. We singled out the Atelier Versace Haute Couture show’s red carpet, which was one of the main shows on day 1 of Paris Fashion Week.
Our rating: ★ ★ ★
BEST Our rating: ★ ★ ★
Rating: PG Genre: Drama Cast: Haruka Ayase, Kaho, Ryo Kase Runtime: 128 minutes.
Our Little Sister
Praya Lundberg: Simplicity is the best policy.
Three sisters Sachi, Yoshino and Chika live together in a large house in the city of Kamakura. When their father who was absent from the family home for the last 15 years dies, they travel to the countryside for his funeral and meet their shy teenage half-sister. Bonding quickly with the orphaned Suzu, they invite her to live with them. Suzu eagerly agrees, and a new life of joyful discovery begins for the four siblings.
Our rating: ★ ★ ★ Rating:R Genre: Drama Cast: Steve Zahn, Frank Langella, Viggo Mortensen Runtime: 119 minutes
Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, isolated from society, a devoted father (Viggo Mortensen) dedicates his life to transforming his six young children into extraordinary adults. But when a tragedy strikes the family,
Captain Fantastic
they are forced to leave this self-created paradise and begin a journey into the outside world that challenges his idea of what it means to be a parent and brings into question everything he’s taught them.
CLASSIFIED 13 TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Party tonight
BABY DOLLS All the beautiful ladies 3rd Floor, Ngong Road.
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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 5/7/2016
14
SPORT TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Gareth Bale plays down duel with Ronaldo ahead of Portugal, Wales semifinal clash Gareth Bale has played down the significance of his duel with Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Wales’ Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal. Their relationship has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, with both insisting there is no rift. They meet in Lyon on Wednesday, Wales’ first semi-final at a major tournament. “It’s not about two players, it is about two nations in a semi-final, 11 men against 11 men,” said Wales’ Bale. “Everybody knows that really.” Bale became the world’s most expensive footballer when he joined Real from Tottenham for £85m in 2013, surpassing the £80m the Spanish club paid Manchester United for Ronaldo in 2009. The two players have formed a potent attacking three with French striker Karim Benzema, helping Real to win two Champions League titles in the past three seasons. However, the relationship between Bale and Ronaldo has not always been harmonious. The Portugal captain was pictured gesticulating angrily when Bale did not pass to him during a game in 2015, prompting speculation of discord between the pair. Both have dismissed such talk, while former Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said in a recent BBC Wales documentary about Bale that the two players are “really close”. “Of course we get on very well at
Madrid, we enjoy playing with each other,” said Bale. “He’s a fantastic player, everybody knows what he can do. But we have always spoken about what we do, what we do ourselves as a team. We don’t worry about the opposition.” Wednesday’s match in Lyon will be Ronaldo’s third European Championship semi-final, and he was part of the Portugal side which lost the 2004 final to Greece. Bale’s three goals have helped Wales reach the last four of a major tournament for the first time, and he has reiterated his belief that Chris Coleman’s men could be crowned champions. “We all believed from the start. As we have said many times, we didn’t come here to make up the numbers,” he added. “We came here to do a job, we came to do the business. Ultimately we want to win the tournament. “We know we’re a step closer again but, the thing we keep saying time and time again, we can’t think past the semi-final now. “We have to concentrate everything on the semi. If we can get the job done, then we can look forward to the final.” With Wales making their first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, Bale is glad he no longer has to endure taunts from his Real team-mates. “I remember (Germany midfielder) Toni Kroos saying we would only have three games. So it would be nice to
Wales Gareth Bale and his Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. The two La Liga players clash tomorrow in the Euro 2016 semifinal between Portugal and Wales in Lyon, France. PHOTOS: EPA
meet him in the final,” he said. “It was a good laugh and a joke - a bit of banter. I have had a lot of abuse over the years, when we used to lose and when we were 100th in the world. You have nine weeks’ holiday instead of two.
“It is good to finally be in a major tournament actually doing great things with our national team. It is great to be part of and we have loved every moment of it and we will continue to do that.”
While Kroos may await in the final if Wales make it, Bale can look forward to facing Real centre-back Pepe - if fit - as well as Ronaldo in Wednesday’s semifinal against Portugal.
SPORT 15
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016
Wanyama in first Spurs training as holiday ends Victor Wanyama yesterday spent his first day at his new club Tottenham Hotspurs ahead of the new campaign. The tough-tackling midfielder, who signed a fiveyear deal at White Hart Lane after joining from Southampton last month, was put through his paces at Spurs’ state-of-the-art training complex at Hotspur Way. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino’s admiration for Wanyama has never been in doubt after he bought the Kenyan from in 2013. And Wanyama says he is happy to be re-united with the man who gave him the biggest breakthrough in his professional life.“We have a good relationship because I trusted the manager when he brought me here. He really helped me to settle in. He is a good coach; he’s not only a good manager but also a great man outside of football. He helps his players whenever he can. As a footballer, I just appreciate what he has done for me and everyone else. It is my forward to yet another phase in life.” Pochettino may have come calling last season for the 25-year-old Kenya captain, though he couldn’t have it his way back then. However Wanyama is thrilled that the two will be working together again and playing at the biggest stage of club football, the Uefa Champions League. “I have said it before, he (Pochettino) is very professional. He has a great philosophy of how to play football, and you can see that in how his teams plays.
It was good working under him. It will be greater working under him again,” he explained. Wanyama recalled how the Argentine coach despite having an interpreter back at Southampton, always tried to speak in English whenever he wanted to pass a message. “He liked to speak to us directly, which is a very good thing for football players. You know the football message is one that everybody understands,” Wanyama who left Nairobi on Saturday said. Spurs finished third in the Premier League last season to book their slot in the Champions League next season. They get the 2016-2017 league campaign underway away to Everton next month. Wanyama will be no stranger to Mauricio Pochettino’s punishing pre-season regime, which often includes double sessions in a bid to get the players ready for his preferred high-press system, after their time together on the south coast. And he was joined on Monday by Christian Eriksen, who enjoyed a summer without international football following Denmark’s failure to qualify for Euro 2016. Spurs are still hopeful of doing a deal to sign Dutch striker Vincent Janssen to help ease the burden on Harry Kane. The 21-year old last month held talks with Spurs in London after AZ Alkmaar gave permission, but a fee has not been agreed. @amos_x254
Victor Wanyama being taken through his paces at Tottenham Hotspurs training complex at Hotspur Way yesterday. PHOTO: COURTESY
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The cruelty of yellow card bans to hit Wales Wales will be without two of their key players when they square off with Portugal in Lyon tomorrow in the first of the Euro 2016 semi-finals as both Aaron Ramsey and left-center back Ben Davies serve suspensions of accrued yellow cards. It will be a cruel punishment for the only underdogs remaining in the tournament as the two players, especially Ramsey has been key to the push by Chris Coleman’s side so far. While Portugal will also miss their holding midfielder William Carvalho, the gap is not as huge as that left by Ramsey. The talented Arsenal midfielder has been versatile and hard-working for his side, lighting up the competition with some decisive contributions in the final third. And in the five games he has played so far, he has found the back of the net once and recorded four assists, the highest number. His performance against Belgium in the quarterfinal was near excellent. It is hard to clearly tell which position he was playing, but Ramsey was precisely everywhere, running from box to box, falling deep when his team without the ball and creating spaces when they are in possession. He continually made dangerous runs into the right-hand channel, partly benefiting from all the attention that was on Bale. He created three chances in open play from that right flank, including the pass for Hal Robson-Kanu’s superb goal, and three chances from set pieces, including the out-swinging corner that Ashley Williams powered home. Such is the void Coleman must fill as he prepares his team to tackle Portugal which boast of several star names in their squad. “We are so disappointed for both players because they deserved as much as anybody to be in the semi-final, because they have been outstanding, both players,” said Cole-
man, who admitted that being banned for a semi-final for two bookings in five matches was harsh. “They did what the team needed from them. It is a bit tough at this level when there is so much pressure on the players. And with a tone of resignation, the manager thanked the duo saying Wales would not have made it without their vital contribution. “I am very proud of both players and their contribution and we wouldn’t be sitting here without those players but the rules are the rules,” he said. While the manager is likely to turn to West Ham’s James Collins in defence, his choice to replace Ramsey would be a secret affair. Crystal Palace’s Jonny Williams seems like an obvious solution but he faces competition from Leicester City’s Andy King. However, both players lack the stamina to play from box-to-box as Ramsey does with support of play at both phases. Williams started Wales opening game against Slovakia and was impressive, accelerating the play with quick bursts past opponents until his withdrawal in the 71st minute when eventual match winner Robson-Kanu replaced him. His contribution was the foul that resulted in the free-kick that Bale scored. He swapped places with Robson-Kanu again in their second game, replacing the center-forward with 19 minutes to go in their 2-1 loss to England before sitting out as an unused substitute in their 3-0 demolition of Russia. Andy King made a cameo in that game. He was also involved in their quarterfinal victory over Northern Ireland replacing Ledley King in the heart of midfield in the second half. @peter_x254
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