WEEKEnD EDITIOn, JAnUARY 20-22, 2017 | WWW.x254.cO
EXIT OBAMA, ENTERS TRUMP
WASHINGTON PREPARES FOR INAUGURATION OF THE BUSINESS MOGUL AS THE 45TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS IT BIDS BY TO A BLACK MAN WHO SHOOK THE WORLD WHEN HE MADE HISTORY BY BECOMING AMERICAN LEADER EIGHT YEARS AGO
NEWS
STORY ON PAGE 5
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5000 METRES OLYMPIC CHAMPION VIVIAN CHERUIYOT IS KENYA’S BEST ATHLETE
MISFIRING IVORY COAST IN TRICKY CUP OF NATIONS TEST AGAINST CONGO REPUBLIC
New directive on ID cards to speed up voter registration
Gambia’s Jammeh given final ultimatum
I President Uhuru Kenyatta when he inspected a voter registration station in Muranga County yesterday. The President has today issued a directive for the processing of national identity cards within three days to ensure their owners register as voters in the ongoing countrywide voter listing drive.
solated Gambian strongman Yahya Jammeh has been given a new ultimatum to surrender power to his rival Adama Barrow by noon today or risk forceful ejection. West African leaders have gave the ultimatum last evening after Senegalese troops entered The Gambia ready to enforce a power transfer to Mr Barrow. The developments came after Mr Barrow took oath of office in a swearing in ceremony at his country’s embassy in Dakar, Senegal yesterday. He warned Gambian troops to remain in their barracks saying anyone found on the streets would be considered a rebel. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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NEWS
ID cards to be processed in three days in new presidential directive WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
President Uhuru Kenyatta has today issued a directive for the processing of national identity cards within three days of application First time applicants of national IDs should now be able to have their cards after just three days following the new directive to the National Registration Bureau. While issuing the directive today, President Uhuru Kenyatta said it will enable more youths who do not have the cards to register as voters during this ongoing mass listing. “It should not take new applicants weeks to get their IDs. It should be done within three days so that as many Kenyans can register and take part in their constitutional right,” he said during an interview with the media at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County today. He cautioned local administrators against denying the youth identity cards and harassing them. Mr Kenyatta who is on his second day of voter registration awareness campaign that began in Muranga County yesterday urged people to come out and register. But his new directive seemed to have been influenced by the decision of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to refuse to register those without ID cards but have received their waiting cards. “Section five of the law was amended hence people with waiting cards will not be allowed to register since the cards has no identification number,”
President Uhuru Kenyatta during the interview at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri earlier today. He ordered that processing of new ID cards to take three days.
IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba told journalists on Wednesday during a status update on the ongoing mass voter registration. But President Kenyatta said with the new directive, youths have no more reason to fail to register. “Your failure to register as a voter does not give you any right to complain about anything,” he said as he highlighted the importance of voters to register to enable them exercise
their democratic right. The new directive is set to reduce the waiting period after applying for IDs from three months for persons who have attained the age of 18 years. The NRB, which also deals with the production and issuance of secure identification documents and management of a comprehensive data base of all registered persons, usually processes identity cards for a minimum period of three months.
At least six million new voters are being targeted in the month long drive that began on Monday. President Kenyatta is leading the calls for people to come out in large numbers while Opposition chief Raila Odinga is also on a mobilizing campaign in his strongholds. The President will in the next seven days visit Isiolo, Meru, Samburu, Garissa, Kitui, Marsabit and Kajiado, before returning to Nairobi thereafter. @harrison_x254
12 million people not yet registered with NHIF
At least 12 million people in the informal sector are yet to register for the National Hospital Insurance fund (NHIF). In an interview with Capital FM News, CEO Geoffrey Mwangi said the statistics are worrying but they are working on programmes to capture all those not in the scheme. “The huge gap lies in the informal sector. We need to do more to increase the number of people in the health scheme,” said Mwangi. “That’s why we are rolling out programmes to create awareness and educate the public on the importance of insuring one’s health.” Currently only 6.2 million people are registered with NHIF. Of those only four million are consistent in their monthly contributions. Some 2.2 million people who are consistent in their contributions account for those in formal employment. “The figure for those registered with NHIF is over six million but that figure keeps changing because there are those who have registered but stop making their contributions along the way,” noted Mwangi. Last year NHIF reviewed its benefits introducing a new package that would see patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer get covered. The reviews to the NHIF benefits have tremendously helped address challenges in regards to access to medical treatment. MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke
School lands still at mercy of grabbers Established in 1969
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Some 29,151 public schools are still at risk of losing their lands through encroachment or outright grabbing, a new survey has revealed. The study released yesterday by Shule Yetu Alliance - a coalition of civil society organisations that champions protection of public schools against illegal land grabbing said public silence, corruption and collusion of public officials were at the heart of the land grabbing menace in public assets. It listed that 41% of public schools as being at risk of encroachment or grabbing even as 14% (about 4,100) of schools reported cases of land contestation, encroachment or grabbing to the National Land Commission. “In the absence of a systematic titling programme, demonstrations, wall demolitions, occupations, legal injunctions and media are the responses to encroachment, outright grabs, bribery, intimidation and legal challenges for our schools,” the report read in part. The findings captured six months after the 22nd January 2015 Presidential Directive to have all primary and secondary public schools in Kenya titled revealed that
Kenya confronted a vicious scramble for public land. “Administrative delays in the implementation of the Presidential Directive and community inaction perpetuate the problem,” said the report released exactly a year after reclamation of the Lang’ata Road Primary School. It noted: “Public officials and private businesspeople are actively undermining a moratorium on the transfer of assets during the transition to devolution,” In addition, it stated that the country faced an epic rush for land-based investments in a context of a fundamental breakdown in the value of public spaces. The research sampled in SeptemberNovember 2016 involved that some of the 15 schools where it was established some of them lost their parcels of land through contested ownership. The lobby groups estimated that government may lost more than Sh750 million due to land grabbing schemes targeting public schools countrywide. “Interviews with 3,400 Head Teachers reveals that 83% of public schools in Kenya are currently without title-deeds or lease certificates,” the report explained.
Naka Primary School emerged as the worst affected after it lost more than 10 acres, valued at approximately Sh320 million, to the schemes. Nairobi’s Langata primary school which lost 1.5 acres valued at over Sh80 million. “Taking into account that it cost Sh55,000 to put one child through secondary school in a year, the money lost through grabbing can pay fees for about 13, 636 students,” Victoria Green, Shule Yetu Alliance campaigns manager, told the press on yesterday. Lands Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi who was the chief guest in the forum said his ministry will de-register professionals who aid land grabbers to legalise ownership of such parcels. Kaimenyi warned that school heads and principals will be held liable for not providing the necessary documentation to the ministry so as to be issued title deeds. “The slow pace of issuing title deeds is because school administrators do not have the necessary documentation for the same,” Kaimenyi said. @hillary_x254
NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Be faithful to law, new IEBC team told
The new team that took over today at the helm of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been told to remain faithful to the constitution as they discharge their duties. Chief Justice David Maraga while witnessing the swearing in of new IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and his team asked them to remain true to the law. “Your obligation is not to the President who appointed you, but the Constitution,” the CJ told the new commissioners. The seven commissioners took oath of office today at a ceremony presided over by the CJ and which was also attended by Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai. Chebukati and his team already have their work cut out for them with restoring confidence in the commission and cleaning the voter register key among their priorities before the polls in August. Already, Opposition leaders have claimed there are many dead voters in the register which could be used to facilitate rigging. “You have your work cut out for you. Move with speed and clean up the register. That should be your first and urgent assignment,” Raild Odinga told the new IEBC boss when he mobilized for mass voter registration in Kisii yesterday. Mr Chebukati already assured that he deliver credible polls. “I pledge to work with all stakeholders within the law to deliver a credible election in August,” Mr Chebukati said.
New IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati (second right) shakes hands with Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai as Cheif Justice David Maraga looks on at the Supreme Court building ion Nairobi today. The new commissioners took oath of office today.
Observers including the vice chair of the defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), Gabriel Mukele said restoring confidence in the commission should be the first priority of Chebukati and his team. “The new team is inheriting a commission that Kenyans had lost faith in and going to elections, it’s critical that the commissioners led by Chebukati work on winning Kenyans confidence before doing any
other thing,” Mukele said. Mukele said the current commissioners must shed the tag that most Kenyans held that the outgoing commissioners were serving the interest of the government. The Issac Hassan led team were forced out to resign as opposition claimed that they could not conduct a free and fair elections as they were deemed to be an extension of the current government. Majority of the new commissioners
exhibited lack of experience in handling electoral matters during the vetting period but vowed to use their administrative skills gained in the corporate sector to deliver a credible polls in August. Ugunja MP said they just approved the new commissioners because they are ‘lesser devils’ compared to the Issac Hassan led team. “It is true that they lack certain skills and most qualified candidates were also left out but we supported them anyway because they are lesser devils and we don’t want the Hassan led team to be in office even for a day,” Wandayi said. During his vetting by the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs committee, Chebukati also emphatically indicated that voter clean up, restoring credibility to the commission and delivering of a free and fair elections will be on the top of his list upon assumption of office. Chebukati also vowed to streamline communication within the commission saying any announcement made will be an agreement of all commissioners and not the voice of only one person. The commissioners first task will be to see the electoral reach its target of registering at least six million people in the ongoing month long Mass Voter registration. Already the exercise has been marred by some technical challenges with 60 of the BVR kits deployed for registration failing to work.
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NEWS FRIDAY, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Gambia’s Jammeh given final ultimatum as rival Barrow takes oath of office West African leaders have given Yahya Jammeh a final opportunity to relinquish power after Senegalese troops entered The Gambia. Mr Jammeh has been given until noon on Friday to leave office or be forced out by UNbacked regional forces. Troops have been told to halt their advance until the deadline passes. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is acting in support of Adama Barrow, who was sworn in as the new Gambian president on Thursday. His legitimacy as president, after winning last month’s election, has been recognised internationally. Last-ditch mediation talks, led by Guinea’s President Alpha Conde, are due on Friday morning. Chairman of the Ecowas commission, Marcel Alain de Souza, said that if the meeting with Mr Conde proved unsuccessful, militarily action would follow. “If by midday, he [Mr Jammeh] doesn’t agree to leave The Gambia under the banner of President Conde, we really will intervene militarily,” he said. Ecowas said that its forces had encountered no resistance after entering The Gambia yesterday. Troops from Senegal and other West African countries crossed into The Gambia after an initial deadline for Mr Jammeh to stand down passed without his resignation. Mr Barrow, who remains in Senegal, has said that he will not return to Gambia’s capital, Banjul, until the military operation had ended. The threat by the West African regional bloc Ecowas to remove Mr Jammeh by force is supported by the 15-member UN Security
Council, although the council has stressed that a political solution should be the priority. The international community have already started announcing they don’t recognize Jammeh as president any more with most western diplomats in Banjul hailing Mr Barrow’s swearing in. “For us, it is very important to promote democracy in The Gambia. We are delighted to work with Mr Barrow for the good of Gambians,” US ambassador to Senegal Jim Zumwait said. A Senegalese army spokesman, Col Abdou Ndiaye, told the BBC that troops who were now in The Gambia were prepared to fight if necessary. “It is already war, if we find any resistance, we will fight it,” he said, adding: “If there are people who are fighting for the former president, we will fight them.” But Col Ndiaye said the main goal of Ecowas was to restore democracy and to allow the newly-elected president to take power. In his inaugural speech at the Gambian embassy in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, President Barrow ordered all members of The Gambia’s armed forces to remain in their barracks. Any found found illegally bearing arms would be considered “rebels”, he said. After first accepting defeat he reversed his position and said he would not step down. He declared a 90-day state of emergency, blaming irregularities in the electoral process. The electoral commission accepted that some of its early results had contained errors but said they would not have affected Mr Barrow’s win. Mr Jammeh has said he will stay in office until new elections are held. Remaining in power would also give him protection against prosecution for alleged abuses committed during his rule.
Mr Adama Barrow (C) waves to supporters after he was sworn in as president of Gambia at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, Senegal, yesterday. West African military forces entered the Gambia to enforce the transfer of power by removing President Yahya Jammeh following his refusal to accept election results. PHOTO: EPA
Drug lord Guzman ‘El Chapo’ extradited to US
Notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has been extradited to the US, the Mexican governments announced on Thursday. He arrived in New York on a flight from Ciudad Juarez. Mr Guzman (pictured) who could face life in a US prison, is wanted on charges of drug trafficking and smuggling vast amounts of drugs into the country. The leader of the Sinaloa cartel was facing two extradition requests - one from California and another from Texas. Last year he was moved to a prison in Ciudad Juarez, which lies just across the border from El Paso in Texas, but authorities at the time denied the transfer was a precursor to extradition. Mr Guzman has been fighting to stay in Mexico but his appeals were rejected. He was under close watch, having previously broken out of two Mexican
high-security jails. He is now expected to appear in a US federal court in Brooklyn on Friday. A federal indictment in the Eastern District of New York, where Guzman is expected to be prosecuted, accuses him of overseeing a trafficking cartel with thousands of members and billions of dollars in profits laundered back to Mexico, the Associated Press news agency reports. It says Guzman and other members of the Sinaloa cartel employed hit men who carried out murders, kidnappings and acts of torture. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto had initially resisted extraditing the cartel leader to the US, insisting that he should face justice at home. But after Guzman was recaptured in January 2016, Pena Nieto changed his mind on extradition and ordered officials to speed up the process.
Race to find Italy avalanche survivors Rescuers are still hopeful that they will find survivors after an avalanche at a mountain hotel in Italy left at least two people dead and dozens more buried under rubble and snow. Teams worked through the night in the search for at least 25 people believed to be missing. Two bodies were recovered from the ruins of the remote Rigopiano hotel, in the central Abruzzo region. The avalanche struck on Wednesday after multiple earthquakes in the region. Two people who were outside the hotel at the time of the avalanche survived. Children are among the missing. Searchers, who have been battling the elements to reach the site, said they had not given up hope of discovering more survivors, despite finding no signs of life. The earthquakes, four of which were stronger than magnitude 5, terrified residents of rural areas who were already struggling with harsh conditions after heavy snowfall buried phone lines and took out power cables.
NEWS 5
Trump enters stage as Obama exits WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Donald Trump has arrived in Washington - and he’s going to be there for at least four years. The reality of the moment, that the real estate mogul and reality show star will recite the oath of office today, is finally taking hold. At noon (about 8pm Kenyan time), the most divisive campaign in recent American history and a similarly contentious transition period, marked by Trump’s attacks on Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon, and dozens of House Democrats saying they’ll boycott Trump’s swearing-in over it - reaches its end. Trump’s brash statements about ISIS, his cozy relationship with Russia and his criticism of NATO have the world bracing for a new type of American president. But before all that, Republicans and Trump’s still-growing staff are set for a celebration. Trump and Vice-President elect Mike Pence go through the ceremony at the Capitol at noon, followed by a parade up Pennsylvania Avenue -- and past Trump’s new hotel - to be followed by a weekend of balls and an anticipated flurry of new executive actions Monday. Speaking at a pre-inauguration concert last night at the Lincoln Memorial, which featured performances by Lee Greenwood, Toby Keith and 3 Doors Down, Trump told the crowd he vowed to be a president “for all our people.” “It’s a movement like we’ve never seen anywhere in the world, they say. There’s never been a movement like this. And it’s something very, very special,” Trump said. “And we’re going to unify our country. And our phrase, you all know it - half of you are wearing the hat, ‘Make America great again.’ But we’re going to make America great for all our people, everybody. Everybody throughout our country. That includes the inner cities. That includes everybody.” Later, speaking at a dinner held at Washington’s Union Station, Trump thanked Pence, his top advisers and his family as he reflected on his election victory. “That was some big victory. That was some victory,” said Trump, who also mused that “next time, we’re going to win the old fashioned way,” an apparent reference to victory in the popular vote as well as the Electoral College. Protesters and Washington police scuffled Thursday night outside a
Incoming US President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with his predecessor Barack Obama when they met at the White House in Washington DC in November following the former’s win in the elections. Mr Trump is set to be sworn in today. PHOTO: CHRIS KLEPONIS/EPA meeting of pro-Trump conservatives, the first of several demonstrations aimed at disrupting the new administration’s inaugural weekend. Protesters gathered on 14th Street outside the National Press Club to demonstrate against “DeploraBall,” an event organized by some of Trump’s most fervent supporters. The name riffs off the campaign description of some Trump backers by his defeated opponent, Hillary Clinton, as a “basket of deplorables.” As attendees - some of whom were clad in suits and red hats, others dressed in gowns - entered the event, demonstrators chanted “Shame” and “Nazis go home” behind a phalanx of police. Some held signs that read “No Alt Reich” and “No Nazi USA.” Other protesters chanted against the
Obama thanks Americans in emotional public letter
“alt-right,” “fascists” and “Nazi scum,” though it could not be immediately determined who was attending the event. Some protesters could be seen setting small fires in the streets, though it was unclear what was set ablaze. A motorcycle was damaged on the street, and police could be seen pepperspraying some protesters. Meanwhile, the transition of power - from a Democratic president to a Republican one - has shut down much of Washington and left its thousands of political staffers in quiet anticipation. At the same time, President Barack Obama’s last boxes are being packed and his few remaining aides are preparing to move out as they enter their last moments hours of Obama’s eight years in the White House.
President Barack Obama penned an emotional public letter, published Thursday, thanking Americans and encouraging them to participate into “daily acts of citizenship.” “Before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th,” he wrote. “Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better president, and you made me a better man.” The President recalled tragedies such as the Charleston church massacre and celebrations such as military graduations. He also celebrated
Obama is spending the last full day of his presidency in the White House on Thursday, where staffers are saying their wistful goodbyes. “After six years here, walking through these doors for the final time,” White House deputy press secretary Eric Schultz tweeted. Outgoing White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest tweeted his thanks to the press corps. “It’s been an honor to serve. And to all those fighting for a better future, I’ll see you on the other side. Thanks,” he wrote. All around them, Washington is hustling to prepare for Trump’s swearing-in on the steps of the Capitol. Barricades are up all around the Capitol building and traffic has ground to a halt through downtown Washington, as the Secret Service restricts access
gay and lesbian Americans who now have their marriages recognized and ill people who now have access to health care. Obama went on to challenge voters -- regardless of political affiliation -- to commit themselves to improving the common good. “I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding,” he said. “All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work -- the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when
to an event where the President-elect, outgoing President, much of Congress and the Supreme Court will be onhand. DC workers are also navigating around the closures of five Metro stops -Mount Vernon Square, Archives, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian and the Pentagon. Out-of-towners are streaming into Washington hotels, and small protests are popping up day and night around the Capitol complex. One unexpected bit of inaugurationweek drama: Questions over whether the National Park Service would set aside its ban on umbrellas, with rain forecast for Friday’s inauguration. The decision: Long umbrellas still won’t be allowed. But attendees can bring small, collapsible umbrellas.
our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.” Obama has said he will remain engaged in issues he cares about in his post-White House life. “I’ll be right there with you every step of the way,” he wrote. “And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’ “ “Yes, we can,” he added.
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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
WEEKEnD EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH
Kenya ranked Africa’s second most popular tech investment destination
Kenya emerged second in terms of African tech startups that received funding for the year 2016 with the number of startups securing financing up 16.8 per cent from the previous year. This is according to an analysis dubbed the ‘Disrupt African Tech Startups Funding Report 2016’. South Africa emerged the top destination in tech investment in Africa while Nigeria came third after a defeat from Kenya. During the period under review, 26 startups from Kenya fully participated in tech funding. “South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya remained the three most popular investment destinations on the continent, accounting for 80.3 per cent of funds secured. Meanwhile, Egypt experienced over 100 per cent growth in fundraising, making it the fourth ranked destination,” read the report in part. Of the nine sectors analyzed in the report, research shows that the financial tech industry received the most funding while the Agri-tech sector saw the biggest percentage growth as compared to the previous year. The report shows that African tech startups raised funding in excess of $129 million (Sh13.4 billion) in 2016. Gabriella Mulligan, co-founder of Disrupt Africa, says the year the continent experienced strong growth in the number of startups raising funds thus encouraging expansion of ecosystem across the continent. “2016 was another great year for African tech startups and investors. Our ecosystem
Startups have remained resilient during the period under review despite economic pressure faced by other sectors. progressed in leaps and bounds over the course of the year, which is evidenced by strong growth in the number of startups raising funding, and an encouraging expansion of ecosystem activity across the continent. We’re excited to present the Disrupt Africa Tech Startups Funding
Report 2016, and hope it helps chart the rise of Africa’s entrepreneurs,” she said. Tom Jackson, co-founder of Disrupt Africa, noted that startups remained resilient during the period under review despite economic pressure experienced by other sectors.
Government pushes for automobile sector investments at Davos economic forum
The government of Kenya, in conjunction with industry players, is accelerating its push to make the country a hub for the Automobile sector. Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed revealed this during a meeting with the Chairman of Ashok Leyland Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, which is part of the Hindujah Group of India, on the side-lines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss non-profit foundation recognized by the Swiss authorities as an international body whose mission is cited as “committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas”. “The Hindiuja Group is renowned for the Ashok Leyland Brand and we are keen to have them invest in manufacturing their globally renowned Ashok Leyland Brand in Kenya”, said Mr. Mohamed. The meeting in Davos brings together some 2,500 top business leaders, international political leaders, economists, and journalists for up to four days to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world. This meeting between CS Adan Mohamed and
Dheeraj Hinduja follows the recent state visit to India by President Kenyatta that focused amongst other areas on the growth of Indian investments in the Automobile Sector. The Hindujah Group is a multi-Billion dollar business that employs over 100,000 employees globally and operates in more than 100 countries and has interests in over 10 sectors including energy, healthcare, financial services, oil and gas amongst others. Its subsidiary; Ashok Leyland is the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world and the sixteenth largest manufacturer of trucks globally. Operating six plants, Ashok Leyland also makes spare parts and engines for industrial and marine applications. It sells about 60,000 vehicles and about 7,000 engines annually. The Cabinet Secretary is also meeting the Indian Minister for Trade and Industry to discuss other bilateral and trade issues for potential partnerships between both nations moving forward. The economic conference comes to a close today with sessions on science, the global economy and international security. @kevin _x254
“The fact more startups raised funding in 2016 than ever before demonstrates the vitality of this sector, and we expect investor interest to grow and grow over the course of 2017,” said Jackson. @enock _x254
MEAN 103.9494 127.6242 110.5861 7.6571 34.6323 21.5009
BUY SELL 103.8494 104.0494 127.4822 127.7661 110.4722 110.7000 7.6469 7.6673 34.5509 34.7137 21.4321 21.5697
Rise in tea export prices to offset effects of drought
Kenyan tea and coffee exports have seen a jump in prices that experts say will help offset the impact of a drought that has wreaked havoc on the country’s agriculture sector. The average price of coffee rose by 30 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year from a year earlier, driving up total earnings by 69 per cent in the period under review. The average tea price has risen 10 per cent this year compared to a year ago. Kenyan tea has been the leading major foreign exchange earner for the country. Most tea produced in Kenya is black tea, with green tea, yellow tea, and white tea produced on order by major tea producers. Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Richard Lesiyampe said farmers have been hurt by inadequate rainfall during the usual October to December short rains. “Because of the depressed rainfall, definitely we are going to have a challenge on all our crops including the cash crops. The short rains failed us,” he said. But he said improving coffee and tea prices at the locally held auctions help offset impact. The Nairobi Coffee Exchange reported a 30 per cent jump in average coffee prices yearon-year to $228.64 (Sh23,700) per 50 kg bag in the three months to end-December and said the trend continued. “We have seen an upsurge,” said Daniel Mbithi, Chief Executive of the exchange, attributing the rise to high quality beans and depressed output from Brazil and other rivals. Kenyan tea is one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners, alongside tourism, horticulture, and Kenyan coffee. The task of managing the small scale holder lies with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
Insurers urged to create employment opportunities amid massive layoffs As job opportunities in Kenya dwindle, insurance sector stakeholders have been urged to remain optimistic and create job opportunities not only for the Kenyan youth, but for the entire East African region as well. Geoffrey Nzau, Group Chief Executive Officer at AAR Insurance Holdings said there are opportunities within the country that are still untapped. Speaking during a recent exchange, he added that once exploited, these opportunities might create thousands of jobs to the youth. “We have tremendous opportunities not only in Kenya but across the East African region,” said Mr. Nzau. “We should, as an insurance sector, create employment opportunities to counter the massive job losses Nzau stated that the government alone cannot and will never create enough opportunities to reach to every vulnerable Kenyan in search of employment. Speaking during the official launch of an online marine cargo insurance product seeking to tap into the lucrative segment, Nzau expressed dissatisfaction that East Africa is among the world’s fastest growing regions yet job opportunities remain scarce. “The East African region, specifically Kenya is among the world’s fastest growing economies. How can we sit and
watch our young people lose their jobs? I challenge all industry players to come up with innovate opportunities that will see our youth tapped into employment brackets,” he said. This year alone, Airtel Kenya has announced plans to fire over a third of its employees in what the management has called a turnaround strategy. Close to two million Kenyans have become jobless in the last five years following the closure of small businesses. According to a survey conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), 2.21 million businesses with an average of 1.6 employees closed down during the period. In the final quarter of 2016, thousands of youth lost their jobs with the banking sector being the hardest hit, accounting for over 1,000 jobs lost. The retrenchment was attributed to a September cap in cost of loans and exceeds the 711 bank employees who lost their jobs in the whole of last year. Meanwhile, national carrier, Kenya Airways laid off hundreds of its employees as it grappled with a tough economic environment. @enock _x254
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BUSINESS
Luxury retail sector expands despite slowing economy WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Despite slow growth in Kenya’s economy, the number of investors seeking a piece of the ever growing luxury retail sector is on the rise. Statistics indicate that the uptake of luxury items ranging from clothing, cars and household accessories has placed the country as a good investment destination for foreign brands. Among the factors that have been key in driving the luxury market are: the rise of the middle-class, existence of a sizeable number of expatriates and the rise of dollar millionaires- who have a taste for luxury brands. A 2016 Knight Frank wealth report indicates that dollar millionaires in Kenya rose from 8,760 in 2014 to 8,962 in 2015. With the witnessed trend in the past year, experts say 2017 will see a rise in the number of international luxury brands setting up shop in the country, whether through partnerships with local operators or through franchises. Some of the brands opening in the Q1 part of 2017 are: French retailer Carrefour, Fochini Group of South Africa, LC Wakiki-a Turkish luxury clothing line- and Virgin Active, a platinum health club founded by billionaire Richard Branson. Kenyan’s international outlook on fashion and entertainment drives them to look across the border for a great deals and diversity when it comes to their luxury brands. E-Commerce has greatly boosted brand retail uptake for those who cannot travel to Dubai, New York or other destinations for shopping. A trend among the Kenyan rich when it comes to purchasing cars is buying armored vehicles. Dubai based Joz Group has sold over 1,000 of the luxury vehicles to Kenyans who buy them as an added security measure. Although spending on luxury items could be considered an investment in non-productive items by many, Kenya can take advantage of the new trend by establishing itself as a shopping
A shopper examines clothes at a local store. Statistics indicate that the uptake of luxury items ranging from clothing, cars and household accessories has positioned the country as a viable investment destination for foreign brands. destination in East Africa. Compared to her neighbors, the country has enjoyed a considerable political and economic environment. Creating a conducive environment for investors in such high end products would place the country in the leagues of nations such as Dubai, and offer an alternative offering for those seeking to market the country as a regional tourism destination. Dubai has also positioned itself as a commercial hub for foreign trade and investments in the Middle East due to its geographical and strategic location, with massive re-export to Asia and Africa. Luxury brands like Alexander
MacQueen, Calvin Klein, Billionaire, Bugatti and Givenchy have set up business there. The ease in transport and traveling requirements has made the country popular with Kenyan private shoppers and retailers seeking to buy house old items, automobile spare parts, cars and jewelry at wholesale prices. Because of established ethical ways of doing business, Kenyan traders in items that require high levels of investments such as gold have confidently injected their money without the fear of losing out to unscrupulous business men. The Deira Gold Souk is lined with hundreds of shops selling gold; everything from gold jewelry to gold bars at some of the
best bargains in the world. Dubai based real estate Company Emaar Group set office in Nairobi seeking buyers for its over the top development in Dubai, joining the list of foreign realtors who have seen a potential in Kenya’s rich. As a known shopping destination, Dubai has perfected the art of luxury shopping and experiences. In a city where the police patrols in Lamborghinis, more effort has been put to ensure exclusivity for local and international shoppers. Research indicates that the entry of luxury brands in Kenya can provide the country with an opportunity to cash in and replicate the Dubai success story. @Dennis_x254
Telkom Kenya taps new senior talent from Airtel, MultiChoice
Telkom Kenya has announced more executive appointments aimed at building its leadership bench strength; fortifying its operations and customer service excellence aligning it to its transformation agenda. Under the new arrangement, Clare Ruto is now the company’s new Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer and Nicholas Mruttu, has been appointed as the Chief Sales Officer, Mobile Division. “Clare has over 20 years’ experience in the legal and regulatory environment in Africa with demonstrable experience in formulation and successful implementation of strategy,” Telkom said in a recently-released statement “She brings with her a wealth of experience in the telecommunication industry: Safaricom where she was the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and at Celtel Kenya (now Airtel Kenya) serving in various capacities: Company Secretary and Director Regulatory Affairs, Regional Regulatory Affairs Director for Celtel International B.V. in charge of 6 operations and Corporate Affairs Director for Celtel Kenya Limited,” the Telecommunication firm added. Prior to her appointment, Clare was the General Manager for Regulatory Affairs, East Africa at Multichoice Africa. As part of Telkom’s transformation agenda Nicholas Mruttu will join Telkom Kenya as the firm’snew Chief Sales Officer, Mobile Division Prior to joining Telkom Kenya, Nicholas held senior leadership roles in the telecommunications sector.
Nakumatt bolsters management team to boost corporate efficiency
Nakumatt Chief Marketing Officer Mr Andrew Dixon.
Regional retailer, Nakumatt Holdings has moved to beef up its management capacity with the appointment of key executives in its C-suites. As part of an ongoing corporate restructuring programme, Nakumatt Holdings has appointed substantive executives to spearhead operations in its Marketing, Information Technology and Risk Management functions. The new appointments will join an existing team of experienced executives led by Managing Director, Atul Shah and long serving Regional Operations and Strategy Director, Mr. Thiagarajan Ramamurthy and Chief Business Development Officer Neel Shah among others on the firm’s C-suite. Speaking when he confirmed the appointments, Shah explained that the new executives will be charged with the responsibility of reinvigorating key dockets
as the retailer seeks to scale to new heights. The appointments, Shah added, are also geared at enhancing Nakumatt’s corporate governance standards in line with the retailer’s ongoing organizational restructuring demands. “Consequently, Nakumatt Holdings is happy to announce the appointment of Mr. Andrew Dixon, Mr. Manoj Warrier and Mr. James Gakumo as the new Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer and Chief Risk Officer respectively,” Shah announced. He added that Nakumatt will be seeking to tap the three executives’ vast experience in retail operations, gained from their previous local and international postings. Newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Dixon had previously served as an executive director at leading retail giants Tesco and Boots. Armed with a more than three decades worth of experience, Dixon
developed the Tesco Health & Beauty in store concept, led the development of Tesco’s core private label brands, launched and operated the Tesco Express convenience store format, launched the Tesco brand in Poland, and also managed the largest loyalty programme in Europe, the Tesco Clubcard. Newly appointed Risk Management Lead, Mr. Gakumo joined Nakumatt with a clear brief to streamline the firm’s risk control functions as the company steps up its cost and overall financial management strategies. Newly appointed Chief Information Officer Mr. Warrier previously served as the retailer’s Information Technology Manager in the last three years. Prior to joining Nakumatt, Mr. Warrier served in various ICT postings at Reliance Retail, Essar IT, Shoppers Stop and Globus Stores in India. @enock_x254
Kenya set to receive SGR passenger trains in February
BUSINESS 9
WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Kenya will become the first country in Africa to receive the modern hybrid long-distance passenger trains in February this year. The five passenger locomotives are part of 56 locomotives expected in the country prior to the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in June 2017. The ultra-modern 6,000 litre dieselpowered vehicles can run at a top speed of 158 kilometres per hour and have an overall length of 220 meters. Kenya Railways will receive forty passenger coaches, which will have varying capacities with the economy class accommodating 118 passengers in each coach and 72 in the First-Class coach. Its low-weight and optimised aerodynamic design will reduce fuel consumption substantially. The locomotives and rolling stock of the SGR project have been manufactured by CRRC Qishuyan Corporation Limited, which is the largest locomotive manufacturer in the world. CRRC’s market share is over 60 per cent in China, and has also already exported locomotives, rolling stock and related products to other countries such as Venezuela, Tanzania, Guinea, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, etc. “These passenger locos will usher Kenya into in a new era: it is the backbone of our future long-distance transport system, linking up more and more, towns, cities and countries,” said Kenya Railways Managing Director, Atanas Maina. “These passenger locomotives will cut down a twelve-hour journey from Nairobi to Mombasa to just over four hours. Furthermore, the line will result in significant cuts in journey times between Kenya, Uganda and eventually to Kigali, in Rwanda,” he said. “With these passenger locomotives, we are crossing technical and geographic borders. The powerful engine with nominal power of up to 3040 kW offers the traction that we need on the East African terrains.”
The first batch of the SGR locomotives unveiled in Mombasa. New passenger locomotives will cut down a twelve-hour journey from Nairobi to Mombasa to just over four hours. Apart from an excellent interior, passengers on both First Class and Economy will enjoy air conditioning, Wi-Fi, social amenities and catering facilities, among other comforts. At present, Phase One of the SGR project is in the completion stage of the ancillary works, which includes slope protection and drainage systems along sections of the line and fencing of the key facilities in the stations.
Signaling, communication and electric works have already been completed with the line testing exercise expected to commence in March, in preparation for official launch on June 1, 2017. Once completed, the modern, high capacity Standard Gauge Railway will carry up to 1,000,000 passengers per annum, with two pairs of trains running per day, for the first four years. The number of trips from the fourth
year of operation will increase to three pairs of trains per day, giving a total of 1,500,000 passengers per year. SGR will also run freight trains with 54 double stack flat wagons, carrying 216 twentyfoot equivalent units (TEUs) per trip and a trailing load of 4,000 tonnes on each train, thus raising Kenya’s total economic production by at least 1.5 per cent. @kevin_x254
Emirates to introduce third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi Dubai-based airline, Emirates has announced that it will introduce a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi from June 1, 2017. The additional flight will increase the number of scheduled Emirates flights between the two cities to 21 a week and give customers greater flexibility and choice when planning their travel. Emirates says the Nairobi route has grown to become one of the airline’s busiest routes in Africa since it first launched flights to Kenyan Kenin October 1995. As with its other two daily flights between Dubai and Nairobi, Emirates will also operate its popular Boeing 777-300ER in a three class configuration. The aircraft will have eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. The aircraft will have eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. Flight EK717 will become the first of the three daily departures from Dubai and leave at 0140hrs and arrive in Nairobi at 0540hrs, enabling customers arriving on Emirates’ flights from India, the UK and many European countries such as France, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Netherlands and Italy to connect to the Nairobi flight within three hours. The return flight EK718 is also conveniently timed and will depart Nairobi at 0710hrs and land in Dubai at 1315hrs, ahead of Emirates’ afternoon European flights and its fourth daily flight to New York, a popular destination for Kenyan travellers. The flight will also provide 16 tonnes of additional cargo capacity on the route for Kenya’s main export products such as flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as key imports such as mobile phones, pharmaceuticals and readymade garments, amongst others.
WBG unveils new tool to bolster green energy production
Production of green energy has received a major boost from a World Bank initiative dubbed Global Solar Atlas, a web-based tool created to help investors and policy makers identify potential sites for production of green energy. The unveiling comes just as Kenya is set to launch Africa’s largest wind power farm later this year, a move that is aimed at driving the country deeper into the green energy production sector. The World Bank’s move will help governments save millions on their own research and provide investors and solar developers with an easily-
accessible and uniform platform to compare resource potential between sites in one region or across multiple countries. The tool displays annual average solar power potential, and has the capacity to zoom into areas in great detail, providing access to high resolution global and regional maps and geographic information system (GIS) data, enabling users to print poster maps and utilize the data in other applications. “The World Bank is seeing a surge of interest from our clients in solar power as a result of the dramatic cost decreases over the past few years. We
hope that the Global Solar Atlas will help inform the crucial planning and investment decisions that will need to be taken over the next decade to shift to more sustainable forms of energy,” said Riccardo Puliti, Senior Director and Head of the World Bank’s Energy & Extractives Global Practice. The Atlas was unveiled at an the International Solar Alliance (ISA) event at the World Future Energy Summit showing World Bank’s commitment to ISA and to scaling up renewable energy in client countries. “This new tool will assist governments and investors to obtain an initial indication of solar resource potential
before carrying out their own more detailed analysis,” said Piyush Goyal, Minister of State at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in the Government of India. “I am grateful to the World Bank for providing this tool, and have no doubt it will be accessed regularly by many users.” The tool is an underlying solar resource database based on up to 22 years of satellite data, and has been validated using high quality groundbased measurement data where this exists. While the data powering the Global Solar Atlas is the most recent and most accurate currently available, it is
not fully validated in many developing countries due to a lack of groundbased measurement data from high precision solar radiation sensors. To reduce the risks associated with higher margins of uncertainty, the World Bank, with funding from ESMAP, intends to install solar measurement stations in at least 20 developing countries over the next four years. All data will be made publicly available, and is currently being published via the Energydata. info platform. @enock_x254
WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
ACCESS
P
eople know about the origin of the name
author who used to write books a long time ago called Diligon. Back in high school I used to love reading his novels, they would inspire me a
myself Diligon because I liked his work. Considering what a hassle living in a big city can be, why did you move to Nairobi? made me move here. When I decided to get serious with my music I realized that there was no way I could make good tunes that would hit here while I was still living in Samburu. It’s a remote place and there is nothing like commuting to Nairobi while living over there. How did you end up in Grandpa Records? Mzazi Willy Tuva hooked me up with Grandpa. He had come for a roadshow where I was living at the time. I approached him and told him I had the talent and passion for performing and told
seriously, unless you are always at the top spot in class, you might not get the chance to get very time Mzazi would come those sides. I heard he was in Laikipia, so I had to go from Samburu to Laikipia just to meet him and that’s where my story started. Why did you decide to do dancehall music? I love dancehall music, I’ve been listening and performing it for a long time now. I’m a big fan of Beenie Man, Konshens, Yellow Man; a lot of the type of music that I would be able to pass my message through because many young people respond to it.
HOT TOPICS
Have your parents ever heard your music?
Dancehall star Dufla Diligon’s origin story is like something out of a novel. The Samburu artiste might be enjoying success from his single ‘Biringisha’ but he is also very aware of where he came from and has nothing but pride as he sat down with XACCESS and charted his rise to fame.
of music. Probably the only song they know is the one on Skiza Tunes. Neither of them has ever sat down and listened to my music or watched any of my they don’t know the kind of music that I there’s a project I’m doing and I want to at least move my mother out of there. Where do you get inspiration from while When I write music I like to keep it current. I like to watch what’s happening around me, in my life and the people around me then I work from there. I also like to play around with the song. People thought ‘Tempo’ was about a woman’s backside but it’s not, it’s about the pace of a song but I framed it like ‘tempo’ was a tangible thing. Do you have any advice for upcoming artistes? I don’t like calling them ‘upcoming’, I call
Dufla Diligon
I can tell them is that in this game, there is no shortcut. You have to be hardworking,
Dancehall legend in the making
also have to keep your character in check, because a bad attitude could mess you up. What about the Tanzanian artiste [Dj Davizo] that was claiming you copied his video concept? I think he was just looking for a big up. Using a white screen is popular and my song has blown up. Plus I put some of my culture in all of my songs, the Maasai shuka must always feature in all my videos. @christine_x254
@kevin_x254
C
ongolese Lingala maestro Antoine Christophe Agbepa popularly known as Koffi Olomide will be performing at an invite only private party in Kampala in the first week of February. Following a recent online hoax that the singer had passed on, his management has affirmed that the star is alive and in good health. Koffi failed to perform in Kenya last year after he was deported following a leaked footage in which he appeared to have assaulted a female member of his band at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A source close to his management has however revealed that the singer, composer and music producer will entertain guests at a Kampala tycoon’s birthday party.
to stay alive for Kampala show
Sensational Kaka empire female rapper Femi One has teamed up with rapper Kristoff in the new single ‘Tippy Toe’. This is a feel good song that will keep one on their toes all through. The song has also inspired the creation of the dance, Tippy Toe. “Tippy Toe is something different from what I have been doing. I always go ham on all my songs, for this one I toned it down a bit,” says Femi One. “Tippy Toe is a dance that we are hoping will capture the attention of guys and become one hell of a dance.” says Kristoff. This is the first time both Femi One and Kristoff are working together. “Working with Femi One was a great experience. She is talented, cool and fun,” says Kristoff. The song was produced by talented producer Jack of ‘Jack on the Beat’ and recorded at Pacho Studios. Johnson Kyalo directed the video for Empire Films.
Femi One teams up with
in
Tippy Toe
US varsity offering Kanye West 14-week course
Rapper Kanye West is being studied as the embodiment of black genius at Washington University. Topics on the 14-week course syllabus include “Who is Kanye West and Why Is He in the Flashing Lights?” and “I Love Kanye, or How Critique Slips Into Hate.” About 75 students are registered for the c o u r s e entitled “Politics of Kanye West: Black Genius and Sonic Aesthetics,” which began this week and is being taught by Professor Jeffrey McCune. It’s not the first time West has been the subject of university studies. Students at Georgia State University and the University of Missouri also examined the artist’s influence in the world of music and pop culture.
ACCESS
WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
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SPORT 13 WEEKEND EDITION JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Vivian Cheruiyot is Kenya’s best Athlete
Olympic 5000 metres champion Vivian Cheruiyot (second from left) recieves her trophy for being named the overall best athlete of the year 2016 at a gala in Nairobi last evening. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM
A
smiling Vivian Cheruiyot, clad in a crisp shiny purple and black flowing dress, marked the end of her glitzy career on track by bagging the 2016 overall Sports Personality of the Year Award (SOYA) on Thursday night. Cheruiyot who is transiting to road racing this year had a superb season in 2016 crowned with her first ever 5000m Olympic medal. She received Sh1m for winning the overall title and a glittering trophy. The ‘pocket rocket’ as she is fondly referred picked a double at the 13th edition of the SOYA awards after also being named Female Sports Personality of the Year, coming less than two months after being named the Athletics Kenya Female Athlete of the year. “I feel honored to get this award coming after putting in so much hard work in 2016 which was my 17th year in track running. It is a huge morale booster for me and I now hope I can transit that same form to road running,” Cheruiyot said shortly after receiving her twin awards. While making her remarks on the podium, the Olympic 10,000m silver medallist challenged the upcoming athletes to put in some extra hard work to ensure they emulate her. “This is my 17th year in athletics and I am still here winning awards. I ask, where are the young upcoming athletes? I want to challenge them to work hard and get to where I am,” Cheruiyot commented. On her path to be crowned the Female Sports Personality of the Year, Cheruiyot beat compatriots Faith Chepng’etich and Jemimah Sumgong both Olympic champions as well. Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was named Male Sports Personality of the Year pushing aside competition from World Rugby Sevens Series top try scorer Collins Injera and fellow Olympic gold medalists Conseslus Kipruto and world record holder David Rudisha. Kipchoge wowed the crowd with his moving acceptance speech where he asked them to pray for him as he undertakes on a mission to lower the world record to below two hours. The 31-year old spoke of how he was anchoring his strength to break a barrier that seems impossible with the history making race set to be run in a yet to be disclosed venue in May. National women football team Harambee Starlets
who made it to the African Women’s Cup of Nations for the first time ever in 2016 were named the best women’s sports team while the Kenya Sevens rugby team was named the best male team ahead of Tusker FC and the Kenya 15’s. Starlets striker Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Adam completed the victorious day for the team after she was named as the best young sportswoman while World Junior 800m champion Kipyegon Bett claimed the corresponding boys’ crown. In the schools category, Kwale based Kaya Tiwi basketball team was the big winner, bagging the school team of the year award while their coach Philip Onyango was named the school coach of the year. Onyango who is also a journalist by profession joined the school from Shimba Hills and managed to historically pull them to the national and East African titles on their debut, having never made it past the regional levels before. “I feel happy and honored to receive this award. I was given an opportunity at Kaya Tiwi and together with the girls we managed to achieve whatever we did. It has been through dedication and hard work and there is more that should be expected from this team,” Onyango said. The ceremony was graced by former marathon world record holder and multiple Olympic champion Haille Gabresellasie who is the head of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation. “I am very pleased with what you Kenyans and my friend Paul (Tergat) is doing recognizing sportsmen who have done well. This is something that we as Ethiopia will try and borrow,” the Ethiopian athletics legend said.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Overall Sports Personality of the Year – Vivian Cheruiyot (Athletics) Sportsman of the Year- Eliud Kipchoge (Athletics, Marathon) Sportswoman of the Year – Vivian Cheruiyot (Athletics, 10,000m, 5,000m) Sportsman of the year living with disability: Samuel Muchai (Athletics, T11- 1,500m, 5,000m) Sportswoman of the year living with disability – Nancy Koech (Athletics) Most promising boy – Kipyegon Bett (Athletics) Most promising girl – Mwanahalima Adam (Football) Men team of the year – Kenya Sevens (Rugby) Women team of the year – Harambee Starlets Sports federation of the year – Tennis Kenya Boys school team of the year – Kamusinga (Hockey) Girls school Team of the year – Kaya Tiwi (Basketball), School Player of the Year Girls – Haddasah Gichovi (Athletics) School Player of the Year Boys – Allan Singar (Table Tennis, Menengai High School, Nakuru) School Coach of the Year – Philip Onyango (Kaya Tiwi, Baketball) Coach of the Year – Jos Openda (Telkom Orange) Hall of Fame – Jackson Omaido (Rugby), Naftali Temu (Athletics) Community Hero – Felix Oloo (Rugby, New Life International School, Nakuru). Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot reacts after winning the women’s 5000m final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Athletics, Track and Field events at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last summer. PHOTO: EPA
14
SPORT
Wanyama’s Spurs look to add more misery on City WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Two of the Premier League’s top five will do battle on Saturday evening as Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur meet at the Etihad Stadium. Just three points separate the two sides in the table as things stand, but they will go into the game in contrasting moods after one was on the right end of a 4-0 win last time out while the other was on the wrong end of the same scoreline. The challenge of the Premier League appears to be getting to Pep Guardiola, with his managerial career threatening to turn from Messi to simply messy. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss can be forgiven for any wistful glances back to the past last weekend as he watched his Man City side fall to the most chastening and humbling defeat of The Citizens have also won their last three home matches and have only been beaten once in front of their own fans across all competitions since March of last year. There are still definite areas of improvement needed at both ends of the field, though, with City scoring fewer goals than any other side in the top five and conceding more than any team in the top seven. Indeed, they have shipped four more goals than 16th-placed
Midfielder Victor Wanyama is expected to play a crucial role for Spurs in Saturday’s encounter with Man City.
Middlesbrough this season. Guardiola has never lost more than five league games in a season as a manager, and if he is to maintain that record this term then he will need to go through the rest of the campaign unbeaten, something which could also be the only way they are able to haul themselves back into the title race. A match against an in-form Tottenham side is not the ideal game to come after that loss at
Goodison, though, and anything other than a substantial improvement this weekend could see them end the gameweek sixth in the table. A win on Saturday would make it three league away triumphs on the bounce for the first time since February, though, when incidentally their third victory came against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Jesus cleared to play for Man City
Manchester City have been cleared to play 19-year-old Brazilian winger Gabriel Jesus against Tottenham on Saturday after formally completing his £27m move from Palmeiras. Brazil international Jesus agreed a five-year deal with City in August. He stayed with Palmeiras until the end of the Brazilian season in December. “He has the potential to become one of the best attacking players in the game,” said City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain. Jesus arrived at City at the start of the month but registration to play for his new club was reportedly delayed while the Football Association examined documents relating to his move. City regard the player as the best young talent in South America and fought off interest from Barcelona. Jesus was voted the best newcomer in the Brazilian top flight last season and was part of his country’s squad at the Rio Olympics. The teenager said City boss Pep Guardiola was a huge influence in his decision to join. Jesus added: “City is a club that always competes for the title in the competitions it enters, so that was an important factor, and because of the manager, Guardiola, and the squad.” City are fifth in the Premier League table, 10 points behind leaders Chelsea, after two defeats in the last three games. Jesus was known as Gabriel Fernando when he made his senior debut for Palmeiras at the age of 17. A City statement said: “Known then as Gabriel Fernando, he was given the No 33 shirt - the age of Christ - and a shrewd Palmeiras press officer encouraged him to take the name Gabriel Jesus. “He was handed his senior debut by Oswaldo de Oliveira on 7 March 2015, coming on in the 73rd minute of a 1-0 win over CA Bragantino at Allianz Parque.”
SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017
Misfiring Ivory coast take on DR CONGO Ivory Coast boss Michel Dussuyer says there is no room for complacency when his side meet DR Congo in their second Africa Cup of Nations clash tonight. Dussuyer says only a performance worthy of the champions can swing the group back to thier favour against thier Central African Opponents who beat were surprise winners against Morocco in their first match. The holders were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Togo in their opening Group C match at Stade d’Oyem, while their opponents on Friday sprang a shock by beating Morocco 1-0 to go top. Ivory Coast dominated possession but managed only two shots on target against Togo - both of which came in the first half - and Dussuyer described the performance as “a pale copy” of their true potential. “It is not the start that we would have liked,” said Dussuyer, who succeeded Herve Renard after the triumph of 2015. “We expect more from ourselves. We did not manage to put intensity into our game. We played at 1700 local time
Oyem with nine men following Joyce Lomalisa Mutambala’s red card and an injury to captain Gabriel Zakuani. The Northampton Town defender, who hopes to be fit for Friday’s match, was delighted to take charge of the group but warned his side to sharpen up their defensive play if they are to claim a second win that would send them into the quarter-finals. “We saw the other result and we wanted to stamp our authority on the group,” he said. “That was the main thing. We managed to come through unscathed with three points. “Morocco had too many chances from crosses, so we need to stop crosses a bit better. Ivory Coast have a very good attacking team, so our shape needs to be a bit better.”
and it was very hot. “We did not know how to destabilise Togo. In the end, it was a pale copy of
what we can do. We are all aware of this, me more so than anyone.” DR Congo’s opening victory came
despite their preparations having been marred by a dispute over bonuses, while they were forced to finish the game in
A visibly dejected Ivory Coast fan watches after the champions played to a bore barren draw with Togo in thier opening group match. The Elephants play DR Congo tonight. PHOTO: ANDY RAIN/EPA
WEEKEND EDITION, JANUARY 20-22, 2017 | WWW.X254.CO
MISFIRING CHAMPIONS IVORY COAST IN TRICKY DR CONGO TEST TODAY
Gabon’s Mario Lemina ruled out of tournament H
osts Gabon will be without Mario Lemina for the rest of the Africa Cup of Nations because of a back injury. The 23-year-old Juventus midfielder not did not play in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso. Lemina’s absence is a major blow to the Panthers, whose hopes of progressing at the tournament hang in the balance. Gabon face Group A leaders Cameroon on Sunday and must win to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals. Defeat would eliminate them. Burkina Faso, who are level with Gabon on two points - two points behind Cameroon, take on bottom-of-the-group Guinea-Bissau in the other match. Panthers’ coach Jose Antonio Camacho said Johann Obiang would not fit to face Cameroon after the full-back was forced off injured in Wednesday’s game. The match also took its toll on 2013 runnersup Burkina Faso, with star man Jonathan Pitroipa a nd Jonathan Zongo both suffering injuries that have brought their tournaments to premature ends. “We have lost Pitroipa, who is a fundamental part of our strategy, and Zongo, who does not play much but was the best player at our pretournament training camp,” said c o a c h Paulo Duarte.
Algeria Riyad Mahrez in action against Tunisia during their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Gabon last evening. The African player of the Year failed to inspire his country to a win over their North African neighbopurs with the defeat leaving them at serious risk of eraly elimination. PHOTO: EPA
Mahrez’s Algeria faces early elimination as Senegal stars in Afcon A
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lgeria are on the verge of an early exit from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabob after going down 2-1 against neighbours Tunisia in their second Group B game last evening. The Desert Warriors are third in their group standings after being held by minnows Zimbabwe in their opening match. It means they have to convincingly beat runaway group leaders Senegal who won 2-0 against Zimbabwe later last night and hope Zimbabwe upset Tunisia to stand any real chance of progressing to the quarter finals. Tunisia took the lead when Algeria’s Aissa Mandi directed Youssef Msakni’s left-wing cross into his own net. And some dreadful defending by Faouzi Ghoulam led to him bringing down Wahbi Khazri for a penalty which Naim Sliti coolly slotted into the right corner. Algeria pulled a goal back when Sofiane Hanni struck from the edge of the area. Tunisia’s victory takes them to three points and second place in Group B and leaves Algeria with only one point. Group leaders Senegal already qualified for the quarterfinals. It means Algeria, who had been one of the pre-tournament favourites, will have to rely on other results going their way if they are to qualify from the
group - and they have to face Senegal in their final match. Tunisia went into the game off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Senegal and anything other than victory against Algeria would have left them in serious trouble. They were fortunate with their first goal, the ball looping off Mandi’s foot to deceive Algerian goalkeeper Malik Asselah, who was playing in place of injured first-choice stopper Rais M’bolhi. And they were gifted their second when Algeria defender Ghoulam sent an underpowered header back towards his goal and then fouled Khazri who had nipped ahead of him to collect the ball and bear down on goal. Sliti confidently struck home the spot-kick. Algeria started the match well and Islam Slimani’s point-blank header brought an excellent save from Aymen Mathlouthi, while Riyad Mahrez should have done better with a shot from the edge of the area. Much of Tunisia’s best work involved Kazri starting for the first time at the tournament - and the Sunderland midfielder tested Asselah early on with a free-kick. Algeria struggled to rouse themselves after going behind and although substitute Hanni
took his chance well, sending a curling shot into the corner, their largely toothless display leaving them on the brink of early elimination. Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scored his second goal at the tournament as Senegal beat Zimbabwe to become the first team to reach the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals. Mane tapped in the opener from close range in the ninth minute from Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao’s low cross. Henri Saivet, on loan at St Etienne from Newcastle, then struck home a brilliant 20 yard free-kick four minutes later. Mane also had a lob cleared off the line by Costa Nhamoinesu. Stoke’s Mame Biram Diouf should have increased Senegal’s advantage, but blazed his left-foot shot over the crossbar. Khama Billiat wasted a good chance for Zimbabwe just before half-time when he fired tamely at Abdoulaye Diallo. The keeper also produced a good block to keep out Nyasha Mushekwi’s drive. The Lions of Teranga have a maximum six points from two games in Group B after identical 2-0 wins against Tunisia who are second with three points and Zimbabwe which has just a point and sits at the bottom.
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