201701025 xnews

weDnesDay, JanUaRy 25, 2017 | www.x254.co

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ROTICH DASHES HOPES FOR DOCTORS SALARY INCREASE NATIONAL TREASURY CABINET SECRETARY SAYS GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY AFFORD THE 40 PER CENT INCREMENT OFFER WHICH THE MEDICS REJECTED EARLY THIS MONTH

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NEWS

HOLDERS IVORY COAST TOSSED OUT OF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS TOURNEY

ADEBAYO TO PONDER CAREER FUTURE AFTER TOGO IS ELIMINATED FROM AFCON

Jubilee MPs want IEBC to probe Raila rigging claim Kidero: I’m ready to change my name to Kariuki if that means more votes

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airobi Governor Evans Kidero has made a passionate plea to members of the Kikuyu community who live in the city to support his re-election bid.

And in a rare pledge, Dr Kidero promised to even change his name to Kariuki if that would give him the support he wants.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addresses the press in a past media briefing. Duale today led a host of Jubilee MPs in demanding that IEBC probe MR Odinga’s claims of NIS involvemnet on voter registration. STORY ON PAGE 2

NEWS

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Kidero: I’m ready to change my name if that means more votes WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

From Page 1

While on a meet-the-people tour of the city yesterday, Kidero accused his opponents of playing tribal politics to oust him.

He said his opponents were using the tribal card to mount a ‘continuous campaign’ of mudslinging.

“I have asked you if I should change my name to Kariuki but you have maintained that my development record is just enough for you to vote for me,” Kidero told residents of Embakasi East constituency yesterday.

“But if need be, I will change the name if that will make you vote for me for another term in office,” he added.

Kidero if facing what is shaping up to be a tough battle to retain his seat with several aspirants declaring interest in the Capital city’s top job.

Former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth is the latest entrant in the race which also has Senator Mike Sonko, Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru, Nominated MP Johson Sakaja and former MP Margaret Wanjiru.

Others are lawyer Miguna Miguna and Esther Passaris.

But Dr Kidero has welcomed the challenge and asked his opponents to engage in mature politics.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero (center) on a meet the people tour in Kariobangi. Dr Kidero has urged city residents to support his re-election bid.

“They have declared their interests.

Let them now put their house in order and face me at the ballot,” a confident Kidero said before adding: “Nairobians gave me an opportunity to serve them, which I believe I have done. They have the same power to do so in the coming election and I am confident they will give me a second chance.”

Only last month, Dr Kidero’s alleged that his opponents in the Jubilee Party were keen on scaring away his potential supporters using guerilla tactics.

But he said such maneuvers would fail as the city needs a mature leader who will address the most concerning issues.

“Nairobi needs someone who will look into the most burning issues of the county, not just any type of leader,” he said.

He reiterated that he was still the best choice for the governor’s position come the elections on August 8, and urged residents to take advantage of the countrywide mass voter listing to register in large numbers to vote for him.

Some 95, 966 new voters were registered by IEBC during the first week of the registration drive across all the 17 constituencies in Nairobi although that is still below the number targeted by the electoral commission.

A total of 500,000 new voters have been targeted in Nairobi alone to be listed by February 14.

The leadership of Nairobi City County remains a high stake for both Cord and Jubilee both of who are keen on entrenching their footholds in the capital. @hillary_x254

Government cautions against violence during campaigns The government has warned those stirring emotions ahead of the general elections with stern action.

Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe said they will not allow anyone to put the country in violence mode.

While acknowledging the democratic rights of any individual to support a political party of their choice, he cautioned against violating the rights of those in opposing camps.

While commenting in Monday’s heckling of the Deputy President William Ruto by unruly youths in Bungoma, Mr Kiraithe said it’s unfortunate that people decided to cause unnecessary mayhem.

“The behavior witnessed is setting stage for a precarious situation once main campaign sets in ahead of the elections,” he warned.

“Everyone has a right to freely support and join any political party without intimidation. It is alarming when the person involved is the Deputy President.

This needs to be condemned in strongest possible terms,” he said.

Kiraithe termed any form of violence as criminal and unconstitutional “Everyone has a right not to vote for a politician he doesn’t like but no one has a right to cause violence,” Kiraithe said security agencies will identify the perpetrators before taking them to court. @sam_x254

MPs want IEBC to probe Raila NIS rigging claim Established in 1969

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Jubilee MPs now want the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to launch investigations into claims by Cord leader Raila Odinga that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is interfering with voter registration.

Mr Odinga yesterday demanded the intelligence service come clean on alleged listing of foreigners to participate in the coming August 8, general election in a rigging scheme to favour the government.

MPs allied to Jubilee Party led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale now want Mr Odinga to provide evidence saying his claims are of grave concern.

“The claims made by Raila Odinga are very serious and he should be put to task to provide evidence. NIS has its mandate clearly spelt out and has no role whatsoever in voter registration,” Duale said at a press conference at parliament buildings today.

He asked the electoral commission to probe the Former Prime Minister further and get to the bottom of the matter.

“IEBC should challenge Odinga to provide evidence over his claims because that is their mandate,” he said.

The MPs claimed Mr Odinga has sensed defeat in the August polls and is therefore ‘psychologically preparing his supporters

for defeat’.

Duale said Odinga has realized that his strongholds are not doing well as far as voter registration is concerned going by the latest figures released by the electoral commission.

“Mr Odinga vowed to register over 11 million to send Jubilee government home… what has changed? He posed before adding; “he has realized Jubilee is doing well and is now preparing his supporters for violence and his party for a coalition government which we will not accept.”

Cord leader Raila Odinga yesterday claimed that the Jubilee administration is using the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to interfere with the ongoing voter registration exercise in a bid to influence the August 8 polls.

Odinga alleged that the intelligence unit has deployed Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits to Ethiopia and Uganda to register foreigners as voters.

“The agency is also assisting citizens of these neighboring countries to acquire Kenyan identification documents then helping them cross into Kenya and register as voters,” he claimed.

“The NIS is also interfering with the voter

registration process by having youths whose data were collected through the dubious National Youth Service exercise over the last few years and registering them as voters, without their knowledge,” he said.

Duale said the remarks made by the Cord leader are very serious as they also touch on the integrity of other countries; Ethiopia and Uganda.

“Odinga cannot use cheap propaganda and politics to discredit men and women of NIS who serve this country,” Duale said.

The majority leader told off Odinga telling him to stop threatening Kenyans with violence.

“Raila Odinga is no longer asking his supporters to register as voters he has instead resorted to inciting and scaring people. He should be reminded that he cannot threaten Kenyans, if he is not ready for this coming elections, he should prepare for the coming one,” Duale said.

The Garissa Township MP was accompanied by eleven of his colleagues among them Mpuri Aburi, Maina Kamanda, Rachael Shebesh, Wanjiku Muhia, George Theuri, Dan Wanyama, Njoroge Baiya and Cecilia Ng’etich. @sam_x254

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

Corruption in Kenya getting worse: Report

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking during last year’s State House Summit on Corruption and Governance. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

Corruption in the country could be moving from bad to worse according to a new report released today.

The Corruption Perception Index report by the Transparency International shows Kenya has dropped six places in global corruption survey, moving towards the list of the world’s most corrupt countries.

Kenya dropped from position 139 in 2015 to 145 in 2016 after garnering just 26 points out of a possible 100 in the process.

The survey was conducted in 176 countries with the index according a score of between 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

The global average score for 2016 was a paltry 43, indicating endemic corruption in almost all countries’ public sectors.

The report noted that Kenya has failed to improve its scores on the index along other big African nations such as South Africa and Nigeria.

“Kenya – despite the adoption of a few anti-corruption measures including passing a law on the right to information – has a long way to go,” the report states.

But the country is not alone in the list of those that failed to improve on their

scores. “More countries declined than improved in this year’s results, showing the urgent need for committed action to thwart corruption,” the report added.

It further noted that President Uhuru Kenyatta needed new strategies to fight the vice despite expressing frustrations that his anti-corruption efforts were not yielding much.

While addressing a State House Summit on Governance last year, Mr Kenyatta lamented about being frustrated by rampant corruption in the country despite his efforts to curb the vice.

He wondered why no progress had been made in the investigation of the public officials who had been named in a corruption list of shame, putting to task Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who were among the Summit attendees.

Recently appointed EACC chairman Eliud Wabukala took office with a vow to end graft cartels warning public officers to take accountability for their actions.

Kenya ranked behind Rwanda and Tanzania in the East African Community

with its regional neighbours scooping 54 points (50th position) and 32 points (116th position) respectively.

The country was however ahead of Uganda ranked at 151st position with 25 points. The survey proposes that African leaders that come to office on an “anticorruption ticket” needed to live up to their pledges to deliver corruption-free services to their citizens.

Scandinavian countries emerged as the list corrupt with Denmark, Finland and Sweden taking the first, third and fourth positions in that order.

Botswana was the least corrupt African country at position 35 overall while Cape Verde Island was second with a score of 59 points at position 38.

Regional neigbours South Sudan and Somalia emerged as the most corrupt nations globally with the world’s youngest country emerging at 175th position with 11 points while the Horn of Africa nation taking the last spot at 10 points.

Countries at the bottom of the index are characterised by widespread impunity for corruption, poor governance and weak institutions.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

Treasury: We don’t have money to pay doctors The Treasury has slammed the door shut on any hopes of doctors getting the salary increase they are demanding.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said today that they can only afford to give the striking medics a 40 percent pay increase which they rejected early this month.

Speaking during a breakfast interview on Citizen TV today, Mr Rotich asserted that the government was currently unable to give in to the doctors’ pay demands “Are you ready to be taxed more or should we borrow more to pay doctors?” Rotich quipped as he moved to correct the exchequer’s perceived purse-tightening statements.

This comes even as officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) remain adamant to have the government honour a collective bargaining agreement signed between the two parties in 2013.

The officials yesterday rejected an offer presented to them by the Ministry of Health that considered the 40 percent offer given by President Uhuru Kenyatta as the minimum requirement for doctors to resume work.

They have vowed to stay put despite having less than 24 hours to conclude negotiations with the government to end the medics strike, now in its 52nd day, or serve a suspended one-month jail term.

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleoppa Mailu yesterday tabled among other demands accepted by the government a new risk allowance of Sh10000 and a 100 percent increment of call allowance from Sh30,000 to Sh66,000.

“I want Kenyans to understand that we are not refusing to pay doctors. If everybody goes on strike and I pay what they demand, what will we

have in this country?” he added.

Rotich also defended the government’s perceived over-borrowing saying it needed to be done to achieve development projects necessary for the attainment of the country’s economic blueprint Vision 2030.

He dispelled the notion that the Jubilee administration’s appetite for loans had exceeded the debt to GDP ratio of 50%.

“Our debt target doesn’t exceed 50% of our GDP. There is a benchmark that we are looking at when it comes to borrowing,” he said.

Lawmakers call for peaceful campaigns ahead of polls Members of Parliament from across political divide were yesterday united in calling for peaceful in the run up, during and after the forthcoming elections on August 8, 2017.

The legislators urged one another to be agents of peace and unity while campaigning for their re-election in their various constituencies.

The calls were led by Nominated member Johnson Sakaja who also congratulated his colleagues for their service to the nation during their term which ends in three months-time.

“I know majority of us will not come back to this house as we are going for other seats but all of us have a duty to call for peace and unity among Kenyans ahead of the polls,” Sakaja said.

“As we move towards election, let us not raise political tensions in the country. Let us remember that at the end of the day we are one,” Sakaja added.

Bobasi’s Stephen Manoti urged MPs to play their role effectively in championing for peace in order to avoid plunging the country to violence as was witnessed in the 2007/08 elections.

“It is our duty to make sure peace all over to avoid the 2007 post-election violence which was caused by the loose mouths of politicians,” Manoti said.

Minority Whip Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi) bid his colleagues goodbye saying he will not be seeking to return to the August House.

“As many as 80 per cent of us will not be here. I wish you well for those will make it here but for me I am going to seek a higher office,” he said. @sam_x254

“If you are a ‘middle performer’ country, you can borrow up to 74% GDP. We currently at 48%.”

Rotich also accused the media for blowing the Sh1.8 billion National Youth Service (NYS) fraud out of proportion. “The country only says we are corrupt because the media keeps repeating the same thing about the NYS,” he said.

“The issue of the NYS has been repeated in the media for about two years, give us a list of what has gone wrong instead,”he added. @harrison_x254

Kenya Medical Practioners, Dentists, Pharmacists Union Ouma Oluga during the commencemnet of the ongoing doctors strike last month. Treasury Cabionet Secretary Henry Rotich has today said the government does not have more money to pay the medics as they have demanded. The doctors strike entered its 52nd day today with the union leaders facing a month-long jail term from tomorrow if they fail to call of the industrial action.

City pupils at exposure of drugs City pupils are at a high risk of being lured into smoking and use of other hard drugs, a new study has revealed.

The study by Consumer Information Network reveals that manufacturers of tobacco products have devised new schemes to gag the tobacco sale policies that are meant to regulate the sale of cigarettes.

The manufacturers are said to employ vendors and plant kiosks near schools within 200 metres radius, sell single sticks and give cigarettes as discounts to the pupils contrary to the Tobacco Control Act (2007) which came to enforcement in October last year.

According to the report, more than 80 per cent of the vendors display cigarettes next to children friendly snacks, sweets and soft drinks while avoiding to display warning signs as suggested by the Tobacco Act. Consumer Information Network acting director Samuel Ochieng

said that internal documents from British Americam Tobacco Kenya (BAT) and Mastermind Tobacco are purposely targeting young children in their products.

“We have documents revealing that purpose to promote their products to young children using outlets near schools,” Mr Ochieng said. They want the government to further investigate the matter and prohibit the selling of their products.

“We are appealing to the concerned authorities to dwell into the matter and enforce the law. There should be no room allowing anyone to kill our children,” he added.

BAT had contested the regulations in court but the court ruled in favour of the government after finding that the process of developing the regulations was constitutional and conducted with sufficient participation by the public. The court specifically noted that the Tobacco Control Regulations, which are designed

to implement the Tobacco Control Act, are intended to comply with the WHO FCTC which Kenya has ratified and is obligated to implement.

The court upheld nearly all elements of the Regulations, including graphic health warnings, ingredient disclosure, smoke-free environments in streets, walkways, verandas adjacent to public places, disclosure of annual tobacco sales and other industry disclosures and regulations for limiting interaction between the tobacco industry and public health officials and other public officers.

In addition, the court allowed the enforcement of the Tobacco Control Fund, to which the tobacco industry is obliged to pay annually 2% of the value of tobacco products manufactured or imported.

These funds are meant to support education and research related to tobacco as well as cessation activities. @wilson_x254

xnews | WEDNESday, JANUARY 25, 2017 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

CBK EXCHANGE RATES

Tourism industry eyes recovery as 58 million visit Africa in 2016 Kenya’s troubled tourism sector is set to benefit from what experts have termed as unprecedented growth within the global industry.

Destinations worldwide welcomed more than 1.2 billion people in 2016 while 6 billion people toured within their borders.

This is according to the latest tourist barometer report released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Africa showed great recovery after two weak years, plagued by the Ebola pandemic and rampant terrorist attacks.

The continent welcomed 58 million tourists, a remarkable 8 per cent growth compared to what was recorded in 2015, figure that is projected to hit 134 million by 2030.

Compared to the rest of the regions, the continent edged a step closer to Asia and the pacific who led the numbers in 2016 arrivals despite maintaining a matching growth trajectory at over 8 per cent.

Africa as a whole has seen a rising interest in tourism business from different corners of the globe, owing to the fast economic growth across her nations and improved business environment.

The robust growth in international arrivals maintained a steady upward

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

Traditional Kenyan Masaai dancers welcome Chinese tourists disembarking from a China Southern Airline plane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, 05 August 2015 after China Southern Airline made its maiden flight from Guangzhou, China, to Nairobi, Kenya, launching a regular service between the two cities. Under a codeshare with Kenya Airways, both airlines will provide 20 flights per week making it more convenient for passengers on transit to and from other African countries to China, South East Asia, North East Asia and Australasia through its extensive route network. EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU trajectory, to mark a 3.9 per cent growth, which translates to some 46 million more overnight visitors as compared to the previous year 2015.

According to the statistics, 2016 was the seventh consecutive year of sustained growth after the 2009 global economic financial crisis that majorly affected the travel sector.

“Tourism has shown extraordinary strength and resilience in recent years,

despite many challenges, particularly those related to safety and security,” said outgoing Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai in a statement. “Yet, international travel continues to grow strongly and contribute to job creation and the well-being of communities around the world.”

As declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2015, 2017 will mark 12 months of celebrating

Stanbic Bank targets groups with ‘Lipa360’ payments, collections solution Stanbic Bank hastoday launched a new suite of financial solutions designed to make cash collections and payments more efficient for organizations and to help them streamline their supply chains.

Unveiling the solution dubbed Lipa 360, Stanbic Bank Head of Business Banking Ben Wandawanda said the new platform will offer the bank’s clients across various sectors, an end-to-end platform to better reconcile and manage their funds and cash flow in real time.

“These solutions may be holistic in the case of schools collections and payment solution or will be specific to certain collection and payment capabilities such as tax payments, utility payments e.t.c. What the bank does at the onset is look at the entire value chain and identify opportunities to facilitate better cash management solutions,” he said.

Mr. Wandawanda said the solution is applicable across sectors and has already been successfully deployed at Strathmore University, KenolKobil, Meru Dairy Farmers and at several flower farms in Naivasha, with significant benefits to the organizations.

This new solution is set to change the way

organizations track payments made and received. “This process has several flaws and is time consuming to both the parent and school accountant. Reconciliation more so for students who pay partially as per prior agreements with the school becomes a recurring nightmare for both parties,” said Mr Wandawanda.

“Payments are validated electronically and reconciliation with the student account is done automatically in real time eliminating the tedious manual reconciliation inherent in the current set-up,” he said.

The process applies when dealing with organizations in sectors like Oil and Gas as well as Agriculture where organizations such KenolKobil and Meru Dairy Farmers, use the client number as reference.

Stanbic Bank Head of Transactional Products and Services Joe Alaro believes this platform will go a long way in streamlining transactional flows.

“In today’s business environment where cost management is a high priority, it is our aspiration to help organisations to significantly improve their operational and cost efficiency by automating their transactional flows.” @Dennis_x254

and promoting the contribution of tourism to the building of a better world, which is the major goal of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

This is expected to reinforce the Vision 2030 Agenda that seeks to ensure the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). @enock_x254

MEAN 103.9511 130.0389 111.7789 7.7368 34.5836 21.7411

BUY SELL 103.8511 104.0511 129.8978 130.1800 111.6522 111.9056 7.7270 7.7467 34.5023 34.6650 21.6720 21.8101

Certiorari in deal with BuyRent Kenya as group seeks to grow revenue Certiorari, a real estate management firm founded in 2014 has signed a deal with BuyRent Kenya, one of the largest property search engine websites in East Africa as it moves to expand its presence in the Kenyan property market.

“We have also signed up with BuyRent Kenya... and are currently in the process of cross listing our properties on their site,” the realtor said in a statement yesterday.

Certiorari has expressed confidence that 2017 will offer new opportunities for growth and expansion within the sector.

The group recently unveiled a number of development projects, including Inka Homes, upcoming holiday homes in Naivasha which will have a total of 25 bungalows priced at Sh13 million and a clubhouse. Certiorari has also set up projects in Kitengela, Kitusuru and Westlands.

The firm’s move to set up residential and commercial properties comes at a time when Nairobi has overtaken other sub-Saharan African cities, to become the most preferred regional destination for mall developers. This is according to a report by real estate experts, Knight Frank, who state that Nairobi has 391,000 square metres of mall space with an additional 470,000 in the pipeline. By comparison, Lagos has 121,000 square metres with 240,000 under development. @Dennis_x254

Real estate dealers banking on e-commerce to drive up sales Real estate dealers are banking on electronic commerce and online platforms to drive up revenue, a new report has revealed Managing Director for Jumia House Kenya, Dan Karua notes that “corporates, clients, agents among others are now able to optimize their business strategies, and in turn maximize on the various opportunities available in the industry”.

Kenya for instance, is a highly-favored location for real estate investors, specially attributed to its fast-growing economy, “increased government investment, and a booming property market attributed to an increasingly growing middle class that has home ownership as a priority and a necessity, rather than luxury”, notes Karua.

Data by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that by the end of third quarter 2015, the real estate sector contributed approximately 8 per cent to the country’s GDP; with a year-on-year growth of 5.4 per cent. This rates the industry as one of the fastest growing sectors in Kenya, contributing immensely to the growth of the entire economy.

Further, the impact has also been contributed by the high rate of internet penetration in the country, with 74 per cent of Kenyans having internet connection. The digitalization of the Real Estate

is however being deferred by several real estate companies, and investors that are yet to embrace the integration of technology and innovation in the real estate business.

Online real estate marketplace Jumia House, is among companies taking lead in leveraging on e-commerce to drive the Real Estate sector in emerging markets especially in Kenya. The company’s MD goes on to reiterate that “staying atop on technology and market changes is a major prerequisite to any business success, while the lack of it is a likely cause of failure among companies.”

Whether at the company or industry level, developing countries should go beyond the status quo if they are to beat universal competition brought about by globalization. This, says Jumia, will go a long way in capitalizing on the high number of foreign investments in the African Real Estate marketplace, while at the same time focusing on individual countries’ market demands.

It has since emerged that evaluating tools such as ‘Market Maturity’ is one of the ways that can close the gap between investment opportunities, and the small scale of Real Estate investment activity in developing countries. @Dennis_x254

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BUSINESS

Farmers hoarding maize risk huge losses, Ministry warns WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

Farmers who are still hoarding maize while millions of Kenyans starve are at risk huge losses, Ministry of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Willy Bett has said.

The CS says the government is in the final stages of bringing into the market cheap and affordable maize from neighbouring countries to shield millions of Kenyans from hunger.

Bett expressed his dissatisfaction in the way farmers are hoarding maize, waiting for the price of the staple food to shoot up. In a recent address, the CS said farmers may face losses they have never experienced before.

“I urge farmers, especially in maize growing regions, to release the cereal at this time when both the prices and demand are still high...Once we start bringing in maize, whoever is still hoarding their stocks will suffer low prices,” he said.

“The major challenge we as the government are facing is that farmers are hoarding maize for various reasons.

I believe the Sh3,000 price we have offered for a 90kg bag is fair enough,’’ he explained.

Bett added what the government has offered in fair enough and will not negotiate with them for a further increase in the stated price.

A spot check by the X News business desk has established that flour prices have skyrocketed, forcing Kenyans to dig deeper into their pockets.

The last time Kenya was last hit by a maize flour crisis was in 2011 when a 2kg packet retailed at Sh140, the highest price to have been registered in a decade.

Millers have attributed the hike in flour prices to a current Sh600 increase in

A woman removes maize from husks at at a school where hundreds displaced families have camped out for safety with little food or shelter in Burnt Forest, Kenya on 06 January 2008. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Willy Bett has expressed dissatisfaction over the way farmers are hoarding maize, waiting for the price of the staple food to shoot up.

EPA/STEPHEN MORRISON the cost of maize.

The crisis comes at a time when close to 2 million Kenyans are food insecure.

“We have further established that the

reason why farmers are not releasing maize until the price hikes is the fact that Tanzania has suspended maize exports while our neigbouring Uganda

recorded the worst harvest in 2016 thus the country might lack where to source its imports,” Bett explained. @enock_x254

Low income earners to feel the pinch over projected surge in commodity prices

Energy and non-energy commodity price indices are projected to increase by 26 and 3 per cent respectively in 2017, a move that might force low income earners across the country to make tough budgetary adjustments.

According to the latest World Bank research, prices for industrial commodities such as energy and metals appear to have bottomed out in 2016, and are forecast to rise substantially this year due to strong demand and tight supplies while Agricultural Price Index is expected to remain stable.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently warned that economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will slow to 3 per cent this year due to low commodity prices urging them to diversify away from an over-reliance on revenues from natural resources and transition to services and knowledge based economies to ensure sustainable

progress.

The warning came just as Kenya is set to host a summit organised by The Economist Events on February 1 in Nairobi. The day long summit themed ‘Driving economic and health-care innovation for tomorrow’s Africa’ is expected to bring together local and international delegates drawn from the private sector, the business community, African governments, media and international bodies.

“There is a need for innovation in the literal sense: a need to make changes to established economies and their frameworks by introducing new methods, ideas, and products. These are some of the areas to be deliberated upon in the Nairobi summit,” said Sunayna Sethi, Senior Programme Editor EMEA at The Economist.

Agricultural commodity prices are anticipated to rise slightly in 2017,

with increases in oils and meals and raw materials, offset by declines in grains following favourable weather conditions.

“Prices for most industrial commodities continued to rise in the fourth quarter from their lows in early 2016, while most agricultural prices declined,’’ read the report in part.

Crude oil prices are forecast to rise to $55 (Sh5,700) per barrel in 2017 from $43 (Sh4,500) per barrel in 2016 following agreements among Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), producers and non-OPEC producers to limit output in the first half of 2017.

Metals prices are projected to rise 11 per cent as a result of supply constraints, including large lead and zinc mine closures.

Energy prices rose 11 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the

previous quarter with strong gains in all fuels.

During the same period, crude oil prices jumped 10 per cent in the fourth quarter, averaging $49.1 billion per barrels following agreements by both OPEC and non-OPEC producers to reduce output by nearly 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017.

However, the Non-Energy Commodity Price Index rose just 1 per cent in the fourth quarter with large variations among major groups.

The report further says that private credit in commodity exporters has increased by nearly 20 percentage points of GDP from 2000 to 2015. In about half of these economies credit to the non-financial private sector grew more than 4 percentage points from second quarter of compared to the second quarter of 2016. @enock_x254

Innovators roll out smart irrigation system as drought crisis worsens Scientists from Meru University of Science and Technology have come up with a mobile app that monitors the need for water in fields and controls irrigation equipment to deliver just what is needed.

“Farmers in the region traditionally water crops with cans or buckets”, an inefficient way of getting water to plants, said Daniel Maitethia, an electronics lecturer at Meru University. “The lack of measuring also means they water crops unevenly - so some may get too much water, and others not enough,” he said. The “sensor-based automatic irrigation system” app, launched last year, uses senors placed throughout a field to determine if soil is moist enough. If it’s too dry, a control unit uses solar panels to open the valve of a water tank, then close it again when the soil is damp enough. the irrigation system is now being rolled out to the public.

“We can’t yet quantify how many farmers are using the app, but hope to expand it to thousands across Meru County - and potentially the rest of the country if the system proves successful,” Maitethia said. The combined app and irrigation system cost Sh50,000 per quarter of an acre, including solar panels and two drip irrigation lines.

The system can be expanded to an additional quarter acre for Sh5,00.

“If there is a glitch in the system, the farmer receives a text message notifying him of the problem,” Maitethia explained. “A technician employed by the university will then help the farmer remotely with instructions, or physically come to the farm if needed.”

Depending on the severity of the problem, a consultation with a technician can cost the farmer up to Sh500.

The project comes at a time when Kenya is facing severe drought, which has left millions of people in arid regions food insecure while reducing water resources for those in urban areas. The drought has also caused Kenya to reduce its reliance on hydropower, forcing the government to bank on more costly sources of energy, including dies

TFA deal to streamline, standardize global trade, business, says Kituyi

NEWS 7

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), a deal brokered by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2013, will “streamline, standardize and simplify” passage of goods across borders, UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi has said.

The deal will add $1 trillion (Sh104 trillion) to global trade output and help end the sixth straight year of sluggish trade growth.

More than 300 officials from some 70 countries gathered for the first time at an UNCTAD-organized forum with a major global agreement on making international trade faster, cheaper and easier.

The week-long meeting allowed leaders to share good practices and provide opportunities to access funding for the implementation of the TFA. “Supporting partnerships in trade is important during the present trade slow down and the increasing antiglobalization trend globally,” Dr. Kituyi said in a statement issued just hours ago.

“Through well-functioning and sustainable committees, countries will be able to make trade, easier, faster and cheaper. Trade facilitation can play an important role to turn-around the international trade slump and boost their development agenda,” he added.

According to Dr. Kituyi, UNCTAD has for many years, supported inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnership with a view to promoting trade, improving trade compliance and revenue collection as well as promoting good governance.

“In this context, it is important to align trade facilitation and investment facilitation to work in tandem focusing also on developing infrastructure, technical skills, entrepreneurship, thus leading to building productive capacity, in developing and least developed countries,” he said.

UNCTAD SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi presening the World Investment Report 2016, during a press conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, 17 June 2016. EPA/ SALVATORE DI NOLFI

He said the forum further aims at producing an overview of the implications and implementation requirements for the TFA, establishment and outline of the tools and good practices for the effective and efficient establishment and operation of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) as well as to find synergies for development and inclusive prosperity for all through trade facilitation “UNCTAD, together with the other development partners, stand ready to continue our close collaboration with developing and least developed countries to successfully implement

the TFA and ensure the successful establishment of NTFCs, thereby boosting partnerships both at national, regional and international levels,” Dr Kituyi said.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said the timing of this meeting could not be better as the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement will be coming into force “very soon.”

“This is great news for a number of reasons. First, the TFA is the biggest global trade deal in two decades and as such it is essential that it is delivered in full. By ratifying the agreement members are showing their

commitment to the trading system, and also following through on the promises made when this deal was struck in Bali in 2013. Second, bringing the deal into force means that we can turn its benefits into reality,” he said.

“The Agreement aims to streamline, simplify and standardize customs procedures, thereby reducing the time and cost of moving goods across borders. By doing so, it will help to cut trade costs around the world. The national trade facilitation committees will have a central role in driving these reforms at the domestic level,” Mr. Azevedo said. @enock_x254

LG moves to control smartphone market as tech-maker eyes Africa expansion Electronics manufacturer, LG will be counting on durability to further penetrate the smartphones market.

LG has been expanding its footprint in Kenya and other parts of Africa as part of its aggressive bid to find its next revenue sources amid market saturation in Asia’s economic powerhouses, China and India.

A new report has found that SubSaharan Africa is especially perceived as the world’s fastest-growing market. Global market researcher Euromonitor forecasts consumer spending there to exceed some $1 trillion (Sh104 trillion) in 2020.

Since 2000, Africa has grown rapidly at an annual rate of four per cent in customer spending.

“In spite of the evolution of smartphones, there are still a number of issues that plague handsets in general. One is actually the durability of smartphones. Which seems as though it is getting worse as smartphones evolve. As they become more stylish, they have also become more brittle and more prone to breaking or becoming damaged during normal everyday usage,” explained Moses Marji, General Manager Marketing LG Electronics.

The move comes after the successful debut of the LG V20 smartphone that was ranked among the most durable phones in 2016. Last year, it was revealed that the company is seeking to differentiate itself from its rivals by adopting a specific localization policy in Africa. LG has been running a prosthetic limb donation project in Kenya for ten consecutive years.

Through the initiative, more than 700 patients have been given the artificial limbs. The company has also been helping the poor and elderly by donating solar powered refrigerators for local health centers to store vaccines at the proper temperature. @kevin_x254

Peugeot on track to set up new production plant in Kenya Peugeot plans to set up a new production facility in Kenya, to facilitate local assembly of its cars later this year.

The French company has been making moves to boost sales and expand its global footprint over the past ten or so years. Peugeot set an ambitious target of selling 4 million units annually by the end of the decade. However, in 2008, its sales stayed below the 2 million mark.

In mid-2009, adverse market and industry conditions were blamed for falls in sales and operating losses.

In 2009, Peugeot returned to the Canadian market with the scooter brand only. Peugeot still plans on developing new models to compete in segments where it currently does not compete. President Uhuru Kenyatta revealed the Peugeot’s plans in his Jamhuri Day speech, indicating that

the company was holding talks with the government.

Urysia, Peugeot’s local dealer has been importing fully-built models including ambulances, utility and passenger cars but this will change once the local assembly starts production.

It has emerged that Mombasa-based Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) and Thika-based Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) are the only facilities that offer contract production.

General Motors East Africa currently runs a facility exclusively for its Isuzu brands.

KVM has been contracted to assemble the Polo Vivo vehicle. The car will be priced at below Sh2 million.

Peugeot’s move comes just as other international vehicle assemblers have confirmed plans to branch deeper into the Kenyan market.

German carmaker, Volkswagen has already set up an assembly plant in Kenya to commence production of its Vivo model vehicles.

Making the announcement late last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that VW’s assembly plant would begin with the Vivo and expand to a range of other vehicles, with the first car expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.

Peugeot’s move also comes as the company has been struggling to build its sports racing division.

Despite Peugeot’s sportscar racing programme, experts say the company is not prepared to build a pure sportscar.

It is also pursuing government funding to develop a diesel-hybrid drivetrain, which might be key to its expansion.

By 2010, Peugeot planned on pursuing new markets, mainly in China, Russia,

and South America. In 2011 it decided to re-enter India after 14 years with a new factory at Sanand, Gujarat.

Peugeot re-entered the Philippines in 2012 after having a short presence in 2005 with distribution done by the Alvarez Group.

In March 2012, General Motors (GM), which also has operations in Kenya, purchased a 7 per cent share in Peugeot for 320 million euros as part of a cooperation aimed at finding savings through joint purchasing and product development. In December 2013, GM sold its entire Peugeot stake, taking a loss of about 70 million euros (Sh7.8 trillion).

Peugeot’s move follows a 30 per cent fall in Kenya’s vehicle sales over the past year. A report by General Motors East Africa revealed that the volume of vehicles sold last year plunged 30 per cent, with the industry selling about

13,535 vehicles compared with 19,523 units sold in 2015. The analysis, dubbed the December 2016 Hot Report, shows all the major car dealers in the country experienced a sharp decline in sales last year, signalling suppressed consumption of luxury cars. This is the first time sales have plunged since 2009, with all the major dealers, including DT Dobie, General Motors East Africa, CMC, Simba Colt, Toyota, and Tata, recording slower demand with the exception of Nissan dealer Crown Motors whose sales went up.

Ford distributor, CMC experienced the sharpest drop with a decline of 38 per cent in total sales. The festive month of December was the worst, with the industry recording sales of 925 units.

During the period in review, Simba Colt led the market with a market share of 27.91 per cent .

8

NEWS

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

My Phone My Bank Do all your banking right on your phone

Enjoy the convenience of banking straight from your phone. With Equitel, you now have your Bank in your hand. My Phone, My Bank.

Use your mobile phone to send money for free, apply and get a loan, pay bills for free, check your account balance, make calls, send SMS and browse the internet.

Send money Sending money to any Equity Bank account is FREE! You can also send money to other banks and other mobile money networks (M-PESA, Airtel Money and Orange Money). Simply go to the Equitel Menu> My Money > Send/Pay> Account and follow the easy steps.

Apply and get a loan You can get a loan of up to Kshs. 3M instantly on your phone.

You don’t have to fill in any forms. Simply go to Equitel menu> My Money> Eazzy Loan> Get Loan and follow the simple steps. What’s more, you can monitor your loan balance and make repayments through your Equitel line.

Pay your bills You do not need to pay extra when paying your bills. Pay your KPLC, Water bills, DSTV, Startimes and other bills for FREE. Just go to your Equitel Menu>My Money>EazzyPay>Pay Bill>Select Account>Select Business or Enter Business number and follow the easy steps. Do not pay to pay your bills!

Browse, SMS and make calls Make and receive calls, send SMS messages across mobile networks and access the internet at any time of day or night at affordable rates using your Equitel line. Whenever your airtime is about to run out, you can top up straight from your account. You can also buy airtime from Equity Agents.

Check your account balance Check your account balance on your phone free of charge.

To check your account balance, go to My Money>select My Account>Bank Balances>select Account>Select either Show on screen or Send by SMS>Enter PIN and you will receive a confirmation message with your balance.

NEWS 15 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

Pay for goods & services With EazzyPay, you can now pay for goods and services straight from your phone using your Equitel line for FREE and also access cash back services. So next time you go shopping, simply look out for an EazzyPay sign, at shops, supermarkets, airlines, petrol stations, hotels as well as online, to enjoy this service.

Card less banking No ATM card, don’t worry. Use your Equitel Line to withdraw money from any Equity Bank ATM. Select the Equitel icon on any Equity ATM and follow the easy steps. It’s quick, safe, and easy.

Access information and knowledge You can access useful and exciting information on your phone. Click on “My Life” to access a variety of topics including: Agriculture; Education & Learning; Energy & Environment; Entrepreneurship & Jobs; Grow Your Money: Healthy Living and News & Entertainment, for FREE!

Getting Started

1

How do I get an Equitel SIM To get a SIM card, simply visit any of our branches and selected Agents countrywide and get your SIM card instantly! You will require your original National identity card for Kenyan citizens or an original valid passport, original & valid alien card and a valid work permit for foreigners.

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What types of SIM Cards are available on Equitel?

We have various SIM cards to suit any type of phone, that is, Normal SIM,Micro SIM, Nano SIM and Thin SIM. Visit any Equity Bank Branch to pick a SIM card of your choice FOR FREE!

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Do I need to be an Equity Bank customer to qualify for an Equitel Line?

Yes, you will require an active Equity Bank account in order to access and enjoy mobile banking. However, if you do not have an account, simply dial *247# from your existing line to open an Equity bank account instantly, Hapo Hapo.

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How do I top up my Equitel line?

You can top up your Equitel line directly from your account or at any Equity branch or Equity Agent.

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What happens if I lose my mobile phone with my Equitel line?

Please report to our contact center by dialing 100 for free from an Equitel Line or +254 763 000100 from a different network.

Our customer care representative will guide you on how to block your number, protect your account and replace your SIM card.

Pick your FREE Equitel line today

10

Motoring Deals

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

A-PLUS MOTORS LTD Bmw X5 KBU diesel grey fully loaded 1.99M also BMW 320i series 06 mdl N/shape P/White 1.24M also KBK black manual 690K Trade in OK 0701656750 Mitsubishi Lancer KAJ manual Silver v/clean Asian owner 329K Trade in OK 0727515312 Nissan bluebird Sylphy 09 mdl KCH Light blue 1.13M also Nissan slylphy KBM Silver V/clean 520K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0701565750 Nissan B14 & B15 KAL,KAY,KBN,KBP & KBQ Manual & Auto V/clean from 340K Trade in OK 0724571990 Nissan wingroad KBN 450K also 08 mdl Silver 790K 0722772433 Nissan Datsun 1200 pickup 07 mdl local manual petrol v/clean 495K Trade in OK 0723577726 Nissan Teana 08 mdl black KCG 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012 Nissan Navara double cab pick up KBW Black with alloy rims V/clean1.63M Trade in OK 0725928084 Nissan Note 08 mdl Black 790K also KBU 06 mdls 490K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0727515312 Toyota Landcruiser pickup 06 & 09 mdls local white & beige from 1.99M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012

“Driving that suits you”

Nissan Xtrail 08 mdl Red with alloy rims 1.58M also KBM silver V/clean 750K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722772433

Subaru Forester 08 mdl black with Sun/Moon roof 1.85M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725563142

Honda CRV 08 mdl P/white 2.1M also RD2 KAW Gold/ black V/clean from 650K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0724571990

Subaru Outback 09 mdl Grey 1.75M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606

Honda fit 09 mdl new shape KCH Silver 849K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0701656750 Hino Dutro truck hybrid engine very economical with freezer body 2.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0724571990 Isuzu D-Max Pick Up 09 & 2010mdls from 1.65M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606 Isuzu NPR KBX local 2013 mdl like new high sided v/clean 2.29M also KBP with freezer body 1.49M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725563142 Subaru Legacy new shape 09 mdl black 1.82M also KBA, KBF & KBL White/Orange/Pearl v/ clean from 550K Trade in OK 0725928084

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

ACCESS Kellyanne

THE MORE YOU SAY SOMETHING IS TRUE, THE MORE IT WILL BE REGARDED AS THE TRUTH Spicer

Fake it till you make it: S

o Donald Trump’s inauguration was last week and we have all seen the image comparing the turnout from Barack Obama’s 2009 event to this obvious to anyone watching and to everyone who has seen the collage that the crowd was middling in comparison. Not to Trump though, no. And nobody will prove him otherwise.

the run of Trump’s campaign and subsequent win was that no matter what anybody says, he’s right and everyone else is wrong. Well he did win, so that part was accurate but more than that the 2016 election showed us that the more you say something is true, the more it will be so despite the actual facts.

Sean Spicer, White House press secretary, who will apparently now be termed as ‘Scary Spice’ had the unfortunate job of holding the

Presidet Trump and his wife Melania

vows to keep off drugs

@kevin_x254

Veteran mellow-voiced Bongo music star Ray C has vowed to keep off drugs. The 33-year-old, who has been off the music scene says she is now set for a major comeback. Having founded the Ray C Foundation that rehabilitates drug addicts, Rehema Chalamila is keenly walking the sobriety path while making an impact to the society. While on drugs, she lost touch with her musicality and gained a lot of weight which she has since shed off. “I have started liking this lady Ray C, I don’t want to ever again hurt her with ‘poison’, I want to continue liking her when I look into the mirror,” the ‘Moto Moto’ singer said in regards to her weight loss. Ray C is currently recording new music with Wanene Entertainment, a local record label and will be releasing her works soon.

HOT TOPICS

Bongo star

conference last weekend. It’s not

THE TRUMP WAY

hard to see how his job will be a tough one during the next 4 years and this in many ways should mark the trend. Sean Spicer told multiple lies during this presser (read: scolding session) but the one that the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration — period — both in person and around the globe.”

evidence proving this wrong, but as mentioned above the more you say something is true, the more it will be regarded as the truth. In enters Kellyanne Conway--with one of the most ‘American’ names America could conjure up--who is serving as an adviser to Trump, on Meet with journalist Chuck Todd about the blatant lies Spicer had feed the press.

“Don’t be so overly dramatic about it, Chuck, “she said. “You’re saying it’s a falsehood, and they’re giving — our press secretary, Sean Spicer, gave alternative facts to that.” And a meme was born.

61-year-old Mel Gibson gets first Oscar nomination in 21 years

Mel Gibson has a lot to celebrate. The filmmaker is up for an Oscar just a few days after welcoming his ninth child, a son named Lars Gerard Gibson with girlfriend Rosalind Ross.

The veteran made his return to movies last year when he directed Andrew Garfield in the war drama, Hacksaw Ridge. The nominations were announced while Mel held his son making the nomination a one of a kind.

Hacksaw Ridge is up for six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Achievement in Film Editing, Achievement in Sound Editing and Achievement in Sound Mixing. Mel in 1996, won for Best Picture and Best Director for 1995’s Braveheart.

fact and as Todd added, “Alternative facts are not facts; they’re falsehoods.” If this is the way things will shape up as the Trump administration takes form it’s sure to be a bumpy ride. Trump already had an antagonistic relationship with the media, but outright lying to the people is one thing and lying to the press is a whole other ball game. tedlieu writes, “Note to @seanspicer: If the American President believes in a lie, that doesn’t turn the lie into truth. It’s still a lie. #alternativefacts.” @EricWolfson posts, ““Donald Trump has gotten more #OscarNoms than anyone else in history.”— Sean Spicer as @SNAKE81 posits “It’s not an alternative fact, if you believe it.”

@christine_x254

An independent body language expert who analysed Melania Trump at the US Presidential inauguration fete now says she is an ‘object’ to President Donald Trump. The body language expert; Susan Constantine boasts of vast experience and has trained government departments and top lawyers. The cold nature of the couple’s relationship was observed with Susan noting a lack of warmth or true love in the relationship. While dancing, it was observed that the President pulled Melania close while she pulled away in ‘rejection’. It is also interesting that on arrival, President Trump got out of the car and went ahead instead of helping his wife out of the car, waiting for her, or even looking back for her.

Body language experts say Melania is an ‘object’

12

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

ON THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM, CITRUS FRUITS ARE CELEBRATED FOR BEING A DIY-ER’S DREAM

Eating

by Colour:

Yellow foods

Foods

This week we tick off bright yellows off our your diet.

PINEAPPLE This, sometimes gigantic, fruit gets a bad rap for being overly acidic and irritating the insides of people’s mouths. Well, that may be so but consumed in other ways pineapples can be absolutely delightful in their mission to make us healthier. Pineapple can be used as a natural meat tenderizer because of the substance bromelain—the same one which causes cuts in your mouth, they contain calcium, Vitamin c and

potassium which are all necessary to build a healthy body.

CITRUS On the other end of the spectrum, citrus fruits are celebrated for being a DIYer’s dream. Lemons can do much more than just clean your sink, they are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C which help in healthy body cells. When applied to skin, they can help brighten and tone complexion naturally, they can also be added to almost any smoothie combination.

BANANAS Bananas hit a little too close to home in

this country but do not overlook this fruit just because it reminds you of high school lunch. The number one selling point of bananas has to be the copious amounts of potassium which is essential in maintaining heart health and stave off the production of kidney stones.

MAIZE Our national food is on to something.

Naturally as with any carbohydrate, maize is high in energy and is the body’s primary fuel. Maize also contains a fair amount of maintaining a healthy weight.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

T

best free online workout websites

he internet is a huge place and it can also be useful when you are searching for the right stuff. Here are 4 to get you started on your

WORKOUT

Fitness Blender workout routines to downloadable books, recipes and advice. Workout plans are categorized

which means they they are catered to the user’s needs and abilities. Videos on the website’s YouTube channel cover entire routines that you can view at your convenience.

Popsugar Fitness Although Popsugar might be popular as an

section is thriving. This is primarily due to the free videos they offer showing whole routines that cover cardio, celebrity workouts, recipes, dancing for the same information but in a fun and engaging way.

Be Fit Be Fit offers a practical approach to health and is broken down to its bare bones. The site not only meditation and holistic healing to not only keep your body in check but your mind too.

Do Yoga With Me If Yoga is your preference then Do Yoga With Me is your best bet. The website and YouTube channel have nothing but simply the most calming and relaxing atmosphere and the most enlightening instructors around. The site has everything covered starting with Yoga for beginners to Yoga for runners including relaxation and meditation courses. @christine_x254

renovations that are not worth the trouble

Making home improvements is always a good thing, except for the times that it’s not.

SWIMMING POOL Swimming pools seem like fun investments especially where children and dogs are concerned but they also cost a pretty penny to maintain and can run up your monthly bill to epic proportions. If a home comes with a pool already installed, that’s great but there is really no need to build one. Don’t forget that a pool could also be considered a liability to some buyers.

ELABORATE LANDSCAPING Nobody likes their yards looking messy but a quick mow could solve many landscaping problems. Planting exotic

DIY

foliage and adding water features also comes down to maintenance. If it will cost much more in upkeep than adding value to the house then it’s not worth it.

BUILT-IN APPLIANCES Many homes come with appliances already installed into the framework and it admittedly does provide a rather put together aesthetic, but changing a headache. The price of the devices might also be something to consider.

WALL-TO-WALL CARPETING It’s a good thing it’s not the 70s anymore because that’s where wall-to-wall

carpets belong. They can make a room look dowdy and dark and are a complete hassle to install and rip out. Use area rugs instead they are so much easier to manage.

WALLPAPER wallpaper pasted on your walls. It does save you money on paint but what of changing the colour of the walls? Tastes are constantly changing and you might think damask wallpaper might look great today but will it tomorrow?

HOW TO MAKE A MINI NOTEBOOK FROM A CEREAL BOX

notebook when shopping? Good news is

the cereal box to create the cover for your notebook. Fold it in half so that the blank

easy and fun to make. Follow the directions below to make your own personalized, budget-friendly pocket journal out of cereal boxes. You need, a cereal box (1 cereal box makes 2 notebooks), a piece of decorative paper (to cover the spine) scissors, ruler, pen, glue, stick, tape runner or doublesided tape needle and a button. Cut out

through the needle and sew on the button to the front of the notebook. Leave about 20 inches of the thread hanging to be be used when wrapping around the notebook to close. Apply glue or tape to the inside of the notebook and place a piece of paper on top to attach. Cut around the edges to remove any excess paper. Grab your

@christine_x254

@mercy_x254

paper for the inside pages and trim them down so they are slightly smaller than the notebook. With the needle and paper to the notebook down the spine. Apply glue or tape to your decorative paper and attach it to the spine of the notebook. For a corners on all four edges of the notebook.

CLASSIFIED 13 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

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Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#.

A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

Due to the relocation of our warehouse, our company is selling cargos with a surprising price.

Time is limited, first come first served.

concrete mixer

PRICEUSD Quantity Conditions

Capacity

Used

180 litre

3000 USD 10

Brand new

350 litre

5000 USD 10

Brand new

350 litre

Name Duvet

Mattress

10

Price USD

WEDNESDAY 25/1/2017

29

27ºC 31% Configuring the vertical lift system. The railway can rise to 10-floor high, 30 meters height.

SUNNY

THURSDAY 26/1/2017

MORE SUN THAN CLOUDS

28 6:40 AM 6:50 PM

26ºC 28%

6: 40 AM 6: 51 PM

FRIDAY

28

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

Duvet and mattress Quantity

size

20 USD

300

2.3m*2.5m

200 USD

200

1.5m * 2m

Do not accept the bargain Retail does not accept

Photos

double-sided mattress with heating and cooling function, Composite with coconut palm mattress and spring

Contact: Mr. Lin: 0710578076

SUDOKU

500 USD

Photos

WEATHERFORECAST

14

SPORT

Liverpool in Anfield comeback search WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their surprise 3-2 defeat to Swansea in the League last weekend when they host Southampton in the EFL Cup semifinal tonight.

The Reds dropped to fourth in the League standings following the shock defeat and a loss against the Saints could plunge them into further jeopardy.

They are already trailing 1-0 following Nathan Redmond’s strike at the St Mary’s two weeks ago.

Joel Matip is expected to start for the first time in six weeks as hosts look to overturn the deficit reach the EFL Cup final.

The defender had been missing because of confusion over his eligibility but he has since been cleared to play.

Southampton could be without key defender Virgil van Dijk (ankle).

Jack Stephens may start in his place as the Saints aim for a first major cup final since 2003.

Matip was included in the provisional Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but was one of seven players to say they did not want to play.

Cameroon said he had refused a callup, and Fifa rules state a player may be blocked from featuring for his club if he refuses to play for his country. But he has now been cleared.

Klopp is expected to field a strong team

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. He will look to guide his team against Southampton tonight. PHOTO: EPA

like he did in the previous encounter with Daniel Sturridge expected to start upfront as the Reds go all out in search of goals.

“If we had been down 3-0 we would have to think about a few things but it is only 1-0 and so still everything is possible for us,” said the German tactician. Van Dijk limped off after

Sunderland sign defender Lescott

Sunderland have signed former Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott on a short-term contract.

The 34-year-old, who played under Black Cats boss David Moyes at Everton between 2006 and 2009, has joined until the end of the season.

Lescott left Aston Villa last summer after one season at the club.

He then joined AEK Athens, making four appearances for the Greek side before suffering an injury and had his contract cancelled in November.

Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League, three points from safety.

55 minutes of Southampton’s 3-0 win over Leicester at the weekend and was replaced by Stephens.

The England Under-21 international will play if Van Dijk is not fit, and manager Claude Puel says he has no fears going into the second leg at Anfield defending a lead.

“Of course, it is special to play at

Liverpool but I think it will be an exciting game,” Puel said.

“It is important for all of the players, the squad, to play this game with a positive attitude. It will be dangerous and not good to just defend and try to preserve this lead.”

Forward Josh Sims could feature after signing a new three-year deal this week.

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Holders Ivory Coast knocked out of Afcon WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 2017

Defending champions Ivory Coast were unceremoniously eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations without winning a single match in the 2017 edition.

The Elephants fell 1-0 to Morocco following a terrific Rachid Alioui shot from 25 yards on the 64th minute at the Oyem Stadium in Gabon.

Morocco is coached by former Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard, who led the Ivorians to the 2015 title.

The West Africans needed a win to go through but gave a listless performance, creating only two chances of note.

Wilfried Zaha shot weakly from 12 yards, while Salomon Kalou’s header from a tight angle clipped a post.

Overall, they lacked urgency in their play and go home after appearing not to put up a fight.

Even after going behind they were unable to cause the organised and disciplined Morocco defence any problems.

Morocco went into the game knowing that a draw was very likely to be enough for them to

qualify from Group C and their game plan from the start was to stay compact and hit on the counter-attack.

It served to frustrate their opponents, who opted for the longball approach on a shocking pitch and failed to find any penetration.

Morocco could have added a second on the counter-attack but 19-year-old full-back Hamza Mendyl shot into the side netting after running half the length of the pitch.

They will play the winner of Group D in the last eight on Sunday.

In the other match played last night, DR Congo saw off Togo 3-1 to finish top of Group C. Tournament top scorer Junior Kabananga converted Chancel Mbemba’s pass for the opener, his third goal in three games.

Kabananga hit the post with a flicked header before Ndombe Mubele doubled the lead after the break, looping the ball over the keeper amid static defending.

Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba’s tidy finish gave Togo hope, but Paul-Jose M’Poku’s free-kick secured a deserved DR Congo win.

DR Congo go on to play the Group D runners-up in the quarter-finals, which will be one of Mali, Ghana or - most likely - Egypt.

Togo had to beat DR Congo to go through and the game began with ill fortune as goalkeeper Baba Tchagouni was forced off injured.

He had to be replaced by thirdchoice stopper Cedric Mensah as first-choice Kossi Agassa had been allowed to return home after his house was vandalised by fans angry with his performance in the previous game, a 3-1 defeat by Morocco.

After Fo-Doh Laba’s goal, former Arsenal and Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor blasted a chance for an equaliser straight at the keeper and was denied by a goalline clearance in injury time, but DR Congo were comfortable for the majority of the match.

Jonathan Bolingi had a goal ruled out for offside, and the striker might have wrapped the result up sooner with a shot deflected just wide before M’Poku’s free-kick swerved in off the underside of the bar.

Ivory Coast’s Wilfried Kanon reacts as he leaves the pitch after their eliminations from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in the hands of Morocco at the Oyem Stadium in Gabon last night.

PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/EPA

wednesday 25th january 2017

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

LEAGUE EXPANSION TALKS HIT DEADLOCK AS SIDES WRANGLE

Adebayo to ponder future after Afcon exit

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ogo captain Emmanuel Adebayor will begin looking at options for his future when he returns home from Gabon. Togo was last night eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon after failing to win in all their three group matches; falling by identical 3-1 defeats to both Morocco and DR Congo following a barren draw with Ivory Coast in their opening fixture. And now, the 32-year-old former Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur forward will have to think about his career. He has been without a club since leaving Crystal Palace in the summer. However, he still maintained his position in the national team and skippered his country at the Cup of Nations, although he could not stop their exit at the group stage. But the lanky forward is happy about his performance in Gabon.

“I didn’t come here to search for a club. I came here to play and represent my country and I think I’ve done that quite well,” he said after their 3-1 defeat to DR Congo last night.

“Now we are out I am just going home and I’ll call my manager and see if there are some clubs that are interested in me. Let’s take it step by step and see how it goes,” he added.

Ferguson backs Mourinho Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during a past interview.

PHOTO: EPA

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Liverpool in search for Cup redemption

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ormer Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on current manager Jose Mourinho backing him to succeed at the club.

United are currently sixth on the Premier League table after a string of poor performances in the first half of the season but Ferguson believes they are making progress under Jose Mourinho and are “unlucky” not to be challenging leaders Chelsea.

Ferguson, 75, stepped down in 2013 but retains close ties to Old Trafford and attends most games. “I think he has done a great job,” said the Scot in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport.

Ferguson also explained why he thinks Wayne Rooney’s United goal scoring record will never be broken.

Jose Mourinho became Manchester United’s third manager since Ferguson retired when he replaced Louis van Gaal in May. Although he won his opening three games in charge, Mourinho’s team collected just six points from their next seven Premier League matches.

They have been sixth after every round of matches since the end of October and stayed in that position after the 1-1 draw at Stoke on 21 January, when Rooney scored an injury-time equaliser to become United’s record goalscorer, with 250. Nevertheless, Ferguson can see signs of progress under the Portuguese. And though Chelsea are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League - and 14 points ahead of the Old Trafford club - he believes his former side are “unlucky” not to be up there with them.

“You can see he has got to grips with the club,”

he said. “The team is playing really well and he has been very unlucky. He has had six 1-1 draws and in every game he has battered the opposition.

“If they hadn’t had all these draws, they would be there challenging Chelsea. That is the unfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that.”

Mourinho has been sent to the stands twice this season, against Burnley and West Ham, as his side struggled to overcome supposedly inferior opposition at Old Trafford.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager seems far more relaxed now though.

United go to Hull on Thursday for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final unbeaten in 17 games. That run encompassed nine successive wins, including a 2-0 triumph in the first leg at Old Trafford, their longest-winning sequence since Ferguson called time on his illustrious career. Ferguson said: “I was a little bit different from Jose in the respect that I wanted to build the football club and wanted young players to be part of that. “Nonetheless, the first team weren’t doing great and you have to find solutions to correct that. I think Jose is finding solutions now. There was a period earlier in the season when he wasn’t getting the decisions and his emotions boiled over. You see him now - he is calm and in control.

“That is the obvious observation I am making of the team now. The team is mirroring its manager.

“On Saturday at Stoke, they played to the last kick of the ball. They never gave in and got their

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson looks on as Mourinho issues instructions from the touchline during a past EPL encounter. PHOTO: EPA

rewards to take something from the game with that great Rooney goal.

“And did you see what he did? Ran to the halfway line. No celebration. Pointed to the ball as if to say ‘get it, we are going to win this’. That is exactly the spirit Jose has created.”

Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record of 249 Manchester United goals had stood for 44 years until Rooney went past it at the Britannia Stadium.

Charlton amassed his tally in 758 appearances for the club. Rooney, 31, has gone one better in 546 games since moving from Everton for £27m as an 18-year-old in 2004.

With the chance to score even more this season and a contract that runs to 2018 if the Liverpool-born player remains at Old Trafford until its conclusion, Rooney has set a record that is unlikely ever to be beaten, according to Ferguson. “In the present-day game, it is difficult to see any club having players who can stay with them for 10 years. Bobby Charlton’s record was quite substantial. I couldn’t think anybody would beat that. It is an achievement par excellence.”

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