201701031 xnews

TUesday, JanUaRy 31, 2017 | www.x254.co

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WHY MY AU BID FLOPPED, AMINA MOHAMED SPEAKS OUT KENYA’S CANDIDATE FOR AFRICA UNION’S TOP JOB BLAMES LINGUISTICS DIVISIONS IN THE CONTINENT FOR HER LOSS TO CHAD’S MAHAMAT FAKI MOUSSA

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NEWS

LEICESTER STRIKER LEONARDO ULLOA RILES AT COACH RANIERI’S BETRAYAL

ARSENAL TO FACE MINNOWS SUTTON IN FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW

Doctors to know fate Friday Judge defers ruling on jail sentence by three days as Governors push for medics to be locked in STORY PG 2

Opposition unveils technical committee

STORY ON PAGE 2

Opposition leaders among them Moses Wetangula (second from left), Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga (face hidden) and Musalia Mudavadi and other leaders at the Serena Hotel during the unveiling of a technical management committee that will among others advise on who is the coalition’s best candidate for presidency.

Photo:Gitobu Ikunda/X News 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE

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NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Linguistic divisions cost me top AU job, says Amina Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has cited Africa’s division along linguistic lines as the key reason she lost in her quest for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

The CS who had been widely tipped for the AU top job was yesterday floored

by Chad Foreign minister Moussa Mahamat after seven rounds of voting at the union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ambassador Mohamed has now attributed her loss to the continent’s division along language lines with West African countries, mainly Frenchspeaking nations, heavily backing the Chadian candidate.

Addressing her first interview after yesterday’s vote, Ms Mohamed said she would now focus on fulfilling her duties as Kenya’s foreign minister.

“It is sad that Africa is divided along language lines. It is a good lesson for us moving forward,” she said.

The soft-spoken ambassador also said that Kenya would investigate claims that member states of the East African Community (EAC) did not back its bid for the post.

“We have to interrogate the claims that some of our neighbours didn’t stand with us in AUC chair vote,” she added.

This comes after neighbours Uganda which was expected to back Mohammed, abandoned the CS after the first round of voting, further complicating her chances of becoming the continent’s top diplomat.

“Appearances are deceptive, it’s a good lesson to learn,” she added saying the country must question its neighbours’ lack of support.

Although the Foreign Affairs CS led in the third and fourth rounds, the seat slipped away from her in the fifth

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed in a past media briefing with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

round after three countries that had initially supported her withdrew their support in favour of her opponent.

She had been on a charm offensive traversing the continent often accompanied by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto in a bid to popularise her candidature.

That campaigns cost the country about Sh350 million.

Ms Mohamed was however humble enough to congratulate her opponent Mr Mahamat saying new AU Commission Chairman had the tough job of uniting the continent.

Key decisions within the organisation, including voting patterns, are

influenced by the dynamics between the Anglophone (English-speaking) and Francophone countries.

The two groups make up two-thirds of the member states of the AU with the other official languages of the AU being Portuguese and Arabic.

This divide mainly lies in the differing natures of the French and British colonial regimes, which saw direct (French) and indirect (British) rule.

The two main positions in the organisation, chairperson and deputy chairperson, cannot come from the same region with the latter going to Ghana’s Thomas Kwesi Quartey. @harrison_x254

Ruling on doctors’ union officials jail sentence on Friday Striking doctors’ union officials will know their fate on Friday when the court makes a ruling on their suspended one-month jail sentence.

Employment and Labour Relations Court judge Justice Hellen Wasilwa was to rule today on the matter after twice suspending the jail sentence but deferred her ruling to Friday.

She directed the seven Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials who were in court to again appear before her when the ruling is delivered on Friday.

In doing so, she extended the one month suspended sentence hanging on the officials for three more days to call off the strike that entered its 58th day today.

“This court will deliver a ruling a ruling on Friday. As such I have extended the suspension of the ruling to same date,” Justice Wasilwa directed.

The seven officials represented by lawyer Edgar Washika put up a spirited fight against their jailing arguing that they had done all that was in their jurisdiction to call of the strike but had been frustrated by government authorities who were non-committal to addressing issues raised by the striking doctors.

“My clients have done everything in their powers to end the strike but other parties have remained non-committal to their issues as expected. The court should not arrest them but compel other actors to act accordingly,” Washika told the court.

The seven officials facing the contempt of court charges include Secretary General Ouma Oluga, Samuel Oroko (Chairman), Titus Ondoro (National Treasurer), Allan Ochanji (Organising Secretary), Hamisi Mwachonda Chibanzi (Deputy Secretary General), Daisy Korir (Depurty Treasurer) and deputy organizing Secretary Evelyne Chege.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo who was present as a friend of the court urged the court not to jail the officials and instead asked that they be offered negotiations guidelines that will demand action by the Ministries of Health and Labour.

But the Council of Governors had demanded that the court enforces the jail term today arguing that the case before the court was of contempt and not negotiations surrounding the CBA. The doctors have remained adamant that they will not resume duty until their 2013 CBA was fully implemented.

In her ruling on January 12, the judge had faulted the union of adamantly disobeying orders of the court while referring to a CBA which she said she was not aware of since the eight had failed to turn up in court as requested to explain themselves.

Talks to end the strike have severally hit a snag with doctors remaining adamant that they will continue with the work boycott until their demands are met. @wilson_x254

NASA unveils technical committee

The much christened National Supper Alliance (NASA) has formally been formed with the outfit unveiling an 11-member technical committee to advise the coalition on who is best suited to vie for the presidency on its ticket.

The committee which starts its work immediately will also advise the coalition on ‘other’ issues, Nasa top leaders said today.

The team was unveiled today at Serena Hotel in Nairobi at a function attended

by ODM leader Raila Odinga, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress and Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya - all the four parties that form NASA. It came after the four leaders held a meeting in Nairobi yesterday, where they agreed that each party nominates two members to sit in the committee which will midwife the birth of the united opposition outfit to face President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee in the August 8, general election.

The eight members will be joined by three members of the Cord Management Committee, Senators James Orengo (Siaya, ODM), Johnstone Muthama (Machakos, Wiper) and Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu (Ford Kenya).

ODM settled on Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire and Nominated Senator Agnes Zani to represent its interests in the committee, while Wiper Party picked former deputy Speaker Farah Maalim and National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze. Former Cabinet minister Kipruto Kirwa and Kibisu Kabatesi will represent Mudavadi’s ANC while Ford Kenya will be represented by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa.

Speaking during the unveiling of the team, Wetangula said the move is a manifestation of cementing of opposition unity in the run-up to the general elections.

“This is the first formal commitment to a united opposition in this country

in order to liberate the country from the yoke of Jubilee,” said the Bungoma senator.

He described NASA as unified progressive outfit for change.

Mudavadi said the team will be tasked with preparing the coalition’s agreement after elections and will also work on bringing together all the manifestos of all the parties forming NASA among others.

Odinga said NASA is the alternative vehicle for an alternative and responsible government to restore hope among Kenyans.

“This is the vehicle that will restore hope among Kenyans that has been lost under Jubilee government,” he said.

Musyoka said NASA is focused in upholding the rule of law and reclaim the glory of the country lost under Jubilee.

“We want to reclaim our country and bring happiness to our people and for that to happen Jubilee must go home,” Musyoka said. @sam_x254

Cord leaders Raila Odinga upon arrival at the Mombasa airport enroute to Kilifi County today. Mr Odinga has claimed that NIS is using BVR kits to register Ugandans and Ethiopians to vote in the August 8, general election.

Gender Bill flops again Women suffered another setback in their quest to have the contentious two-thirds gender bill pass in Parliament yesterday after it failed to go through for the third time in a row.

The death of the bill, which had been published by the Justice and Legal Affairs committee Chairperson Samuel Chepkonga, means it will have to be republished after six months for it to make its way back to the National Assembly.

House Standing Orders state that a bill whose second reading has not concluded after two consecutive sessions lapses at the end of the second session, meaning it has to be republished.

The bill was the only hope for women after a two previous attempts were thwarted essentially not to allow the nomination of more women to the Senate and National Assembly to meet the constitutional twothirds gender representation threshold.

But the Chepkonga bill was to have more women nominated to Parliament through party lists, progressively.

The bill drew passionate debate, especially from women lawmakers, who support affirmative action, to correct the skewed representation that stands at only 27 per cent compared to their male colleagues.

The collapse of the bill , has been heavily

criticized by Kiambu Women representative Annah Nyokabi (pictured) saying political intrigues, chauvinism and apathy have largely contributed to the shooting down

a bill every time it comes up for debate in parliament.

In an interview with X News, Nyokabi said despite the efforts of her female colleagues to lobby their male counterparts, they have ended up being disappointed.

“Those opposed to the Gender Bill have in past ganged up to boycott the vote or abstain, despite our months of lobbying for the proposal meant to comply with the Constitution. We feel let down by our male colleagues,” she said.

Last year, when the bill came up for debate in the National Assembly, Runyenjes MP Cecilia Mbarire who is also the chair of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) expressed disappointment over the same.

“As Kewopa (Kenya Women Parliamentary Association), we did our best to lobby members. However, this bill was presented as if it was a women-only bill which is not the case. Gender parity includes even men.

Everybody should have supported the bill,” she said.

The MPs defied President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga’s passionate appeals to pass the bill and instead chose to reject it. @hillary_x254

NEWS 3 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Only 1.5 million new voters registered so far A total of 1,539,879 voters have been listed since the mass registration kicked off two weeks ago.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati announced today that the new voters were listed in the first two weeks of the exercise.

But that is still behind the electoral commission’s target.

“Only 1.5 million new voters have registered since the mass voter registration exercise started, much has to be done to achieve target,” Chebukati said during a press briefing in Nairobi on the ongoing mass voter registration drive.

The IEBC’s goal is to register 22 million voters, up from the 15,857,185 who had been listed as of June 30, 2016.

Chebukati said some counties like Vihiga and Siaya were among the those with the least number of registered voters.

While Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Meru counties top in number of new voters. “Nairobi County has recorded the highest turnout of voters, followed by Nakuru and Kiambu Counties,” he disclosed.

Nairobi has registered 182,000 new voters but that is just some 21 percent of its total target.

To achieve the polls team target, Chebukati said all commissioners except the chairman right now are on the ground monitoring the Mass Voter Registration exercise. Prisoners are also being listed.

“Prisoners will only be allowed to vote for the presidential seat.

We are making proposals for regulation of their participation,” Chebukati said.

On voter transfer, IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba said the commission had received allegations of massive transfer of voters especially from aspirants and it was being probed. @hillary_x254

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NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Githu flies to The Hague as Kenya awaits ruling on contested waters with Somalia Kenya will on Thursday know its fate in securing its maritime borders when the International Court of Justice will rule on an application filed by Attorney General Githu Muigai seeking to dismiss the case lodged by Somalia.

Kenya had sought to have the case, filed

by Mogadishu in 2014, thrown out and a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2009 between the two neighbouring countries used to settle the maritime dispute.

Professor Muigai will be leading a high delegation to the court today to receive the ruling.

In the event that the court rules in favour of Somalia, Kenya will have to file a response to the petition filed by Somalia in 2014, and the matter will proceed before the court.

“The Attorney General will be leading a high powered delegation to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague to receive the ruling to receive the Ruling on the Preliminary Objection filed by Kenya in the Maritime Delimitation in the Indian Ocean (Somalia vs.

Kenya) Case,” reads parts a statement by the State Law office.

Kenya is defending up to 100,000 square kilometres of territorial waters that holds six oil blocks which are contested by the Somalia government.

Nairobi had on October 7 last year raised preliminary objections to the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and admissibility of the application filed by Somalia seeking to have

exercised uncontested jurisdiction over the disputed maritime areas since it first proclaimed its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under the Presidential Proclamation of 1979.

In the 2009 MOU, the two countries had agreed to delimit the maritime boundary by negotiation, and not by recourse to the Court, and to conclude a maritime boundary agreement only after the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) has made recommendations to the Parties on their respective outer limits of the continental shelf.

Article 15 of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea that stipulates, where the coasts of two states are opposite or adjacent to each other, neither of two states is entitled, failing agreement between them to the contrary, to extend its territorial sea beyond the median line every point of which is equidistant from the nearest point on the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial seas of each of the two states is to be measured. @wilson_x254

the Indian Ocean boundaries between them redrawn.

The six oil blocks include L-21, L-23, L-24, L-25, L-4 and L-5, which Somalia argues Kenya has awarded contracts to foreign prospecting firms even though they “lie entirely or predominantly on the Somali side”.

Somalia authorities wants its boundary adjusted to give Mogadishu a huge chunk of the sea, with significant oil deposits.

It also wants the Court to determine the precise geographical co-ordinates of the boundary in the Indian Ocean.

On the other hand, Kenya contends that it has

Politics: Lawyer Philip Murgor joins presidential race

Former Director of Public Prosecution Phillip Murgor joins dancers in a jig during the launch of his presidential candidature at the United Democratic Movement (UDM) headquarters in Nairobi’s Upper Hill yesterday. Mr Murgor is seeking the presidency in the August 8, general election. PHOTO: GITOBU IKUNDA: X NEWS

Attorney General Professor Githu Muigai.

He is leading the Kenyan delegation to The Hague to receive a ruling by the Internatiopnal Court of Justice on an application by Somalia. PHOTO: EPA

Trump sacks defiant US acting Attorney General Sally Yates

Donald Trump has fired the acting US attorney general, after she questioned the legality of his immigration ban.

Sally Yates, who had been appointed under Barack Obama, earlier ordered justice department lawyers not to enforce the president’s executive order. Dana Boente, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replaced her as acting attorney general. He has directed the department to enforce Mr Trump’s order. In a statement, the White House said Ms Yates had “betrayed” the department. Mr Trump’s order temporarily banned nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US, and sparked street protests in the US and abroad.

In a letter, Ms Yates had said she was “not convinced” that the president’s order was lawful.

“As long as I am the acting attorney general, the department of justice will not present arguments in defence of the Executive Order,” she said. Within hours, the White House announced: “President Trump relieved Ms Yates of her duties.” She had “betrayed the department of justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States”, a statement from the press secretary said.

Her replacement, Mr Boente, was also appointed by Barack Obama, in 2015. He was confirmed by the US Senate - making him eligible for appointment while Mr Trump waits for his own nominee to be approved. Senator Jeff Sessions is awaiting a confirmation hearing for the role later this week.

xnews | TUESday, JANUARY 31, 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

Nairobi tenants told to brace for possible rent increase

Tenants in Nairobi County should expect a hike in rent prices in the near future following recent sluggish in growth in the property market.

According to the HassConsult property index for the fourth quarter of 2016, rentaldevelopment in Nairobi experienced sluggish growth as a result of a new law which capped interest rate at 14.5 per cent. This, in turn, caused lending institutions to lock out a majority of potential investors from accessing credit for the sake of real estate development.

The slow growth rate in rentals and property prices means there will be a shortage of rental houses while demand will grow, a move that would force landlords to increase the amount of rent.

According to Sakina Hassanali, HassConsult Head of Research & Marketing, both sale and rental prices in satellite towns in 2016 have witnessed the lowest annual increase since 2008 attributable to an economic downturn that saw a cooling down of transaction numbers in these areas, “In the last quarter, the market was optimistic that the interest rate cap law would result in advancing more affordable credit which was expected to increase loan uptake and spur the property market. Unfortunately this has not been witnessed as commercial banks are more cautious in lending and this continues to hamper the potential growth in Nairobi’s property market,” said Ms. Hassanali.

Families carry their belongings into their new homes purpose built for residents being moved from the Soweto area of Kibera, Africa’s most populous slum, in Nairobi, Kenya, September 24, 2009.

EPA/STEPHEN MORRISON Analysts at real estate development firm, Cytonn Investments say the upcoming general elections have also contributed to the declining rate of real estate developments as investors have withheld their projects, waiting for

election fever to calm down.

Fresh data from the Housing Ministry reveals that Kenya currently faces a housing deficit of over 200,000 units per year yet only 50,000 units are being constructed annually.

Management interventions help Uchumi narrow loss to Sh2.67 billion Troubled retailer, Uchumi Supermarkets has narrowed its pretax loss to Sh2.67 billion for the year ended June 2016 from Sh3.51 billion.

The retailer closed some outlets last year, and is selling assets like land, after it sunk into deep losses due to mismanagement. Uchumi is also seeking fresh funds from shareholders who include the Kenyan government.

Several past Uchumi directors and executives are facing charges brought by the market regulator. Its results for the period, published in a local daily, were delayed by months over the scandal.

Net sales fell by half to Sh6.4 billion during the year, Uchumi said.

The retailer said the narrower loss was caused by management interventions.

It did not offer specifics. KPMG Kenya, the auditor, issued a qualified opinion of the results, saying there was no audit evidence on property and equipment’s opening balances.

Last August, the government announced plans to revive Uchumi. At the time, State house spokesman Manoah Esipisu said the government was ready to inject Sh1.2

billion into the troubled retail chain once individuals accused of mismanaging Uchumi Supermarkets thereby contributing to its downfall were prosecuted.

He said the state has collected enough evidence to press charges against the culprits that led to the collapse of the chain.

“Uchumi has provided us with enough evidence to nail those who mismanaged the retail chain,” Esipisu explained during a press briefing mid-last year.

Esipisu however cautioned the management of Uchumi, stating that the kitty must be used in a wellstructured manner.

“The money going into Uchumi comes from the hardearned taxes of Kenyans,” he said.

In December, the National Treasury set aside a Sh500 million bailout package for Uchumi Supermarkets, representing yet another government-backed strategy to save the floundering retailer. Between 2006 and 2011, Uchumi was placed under statutory management due in part to a Sh956 million debt owed to various creditors.

The retailer had resorted to selling off some of its assets, including a 20-acre plot in Kasarani, to offset the debt.

According to Land Cabinet Secretary, Jacob Kaimenyi, the increasing house deficit is due to the fact that there are more people are travelling to urban areas than those travelling to rural areas. @enock_x254

MEAN 103.9667 130.6933 111.2458 7.7208 34.6073 21.4685

BUY SELL 103.8667 104.0667 130.5600 130.8267 111.1317 111.3600 7.7092 7.7325 34.5259 34.6887 21.3997 21.5372

Travellers to buy air tickets via mobile phone as Equity Bank partners with Jambojet

Equity Bank has partnered with Jambojet in a move that will help travellers sav buy their tickets using their mobile phone.

The deal, which will help travellers save time and resources, will see Equity Bank customers buy Jambojet air tickets through the EazzyPay service via their Eazzy Banking App or Equitel Lines.

Jambojet now joins its sister company Kenya Airways at having an EazzyPay Paybill number, allowing customers to buy air tickets for the two carriers using their Eazzy Banking App or Equitel lines. The EazzyPay service is targeting to register over 1 million merchants in the next three years as part of Equity’s digital banking strategy that was unveiled in late 2016. The latest quarterly statistics report from the Communication Authority (CA) shows that the value of transactions processed through Equitel stood at Sh219.6 billion out of Sh1.08 trillion that was transacted between July and September 2016, which translates to a 20 per cent market share.

This marked a 6 percentage point increase in market share from the preceding quarter which stood at 14 per cent which represents Sh39 billions of Sh957 billion that was transacted overall. The number of Equitel subscribers as at September 2016 stood at 2.09 million, making Equitel the country’s fastest growing mobile service. @enock_x254

Satellite towns record lowest annual growth rate in 8 years Satellite towns recorded an 8.6 per cent increase in asking property prices and a 4 per cent increase in asking rental prices in 2016, both the lowest annual increase witnessed in 8 yearrs, a property report by real estate expert, HassConsult reveals.

According to the report, property prices in Nairobi’s suburbs increased by just 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016 posting a 7.6 per cent turn over the year.

Detached houses in satellite towns drove prices in low density suburbs up as they recorded the best performance with house asking prices for these property types increasing by 11.33 per cent in 2016 despite a slight dip of 0.21 per cent for the fourth quarter.

Muthaiga was the best performing suburb in the fourth quarter and in 2016 with asking property prices increasing by 4.9 per cent and 15.8 per cent respectively.

“Most of these suburbs are exclusively high end and just like other markets globally, high-end areas tend to be least affected in a sluggish economy whereas the areas with

middle market properties which in Kenya constitute property in the satellite areas generally witness a marked slowdown,” said Ms. Sakina Hassanali, Head of Research and Marketing at Hass Consult.

Also affected by the macro economic environment in 2016 were Nairobi’s high density suburbs. Kilimani posted the biggest annual price drop of 3.5 per cent. Data analysis shows this drop to be due to the price correction of recently oversupplied large apartments.

Average asking property prices for satellite towns increased by 1.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 8.6 per cent for the year ended 2016.

Similarly, rents increased by just 0.2 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2016 and by 4 per cent over the year.

Both sale and rental prices in satellite towns in 2016 have witnessed the lowest annual increase since 2008, attributable to the economic downturn that saw a cooling down of transaction numbers in these areas. @enock_x254

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BUSINESS

Cytonn Investments Ltd buys 25 pc stake in Superior Homes TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Independent investment management firm Cytonn, has today announced a partnership with Superior Homes, a leading real estate developer and the purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the leading real estate developer with an option for further purchase over the near term.

The investment in Superior Homes is in line with Cytonn’s strategy of connecting capital from global and institutional investors - such as Taaleri of Finland who are Cytonn’s development financing partners - with attractive returns in real estate, supplied by world class developers such as Superior Homes.

“Superior Homes is a leading real estate developer in Kenya, most notably known for being a pioneer in the execution of master-planned gated communities in the Nairobi Metropolis, namely the Greenpark Estate in Athi River” said Elizabeth N. Nkukuu, CFA, Cytonn’s Chief Investment Officer.

“More than a gated community, Superior Homes has established a community and neighbourhood presence in their developments, which have provided secure, institutional grade and lifestyle living. This enables us to provide to our investors yet another segment of exposure in real estate,” added Nkukuu.

Superior Homes has established itself as a strong brand in real estate, with a track record of delivering the most comprehensive master-planned gated community in Kenya, with a strong deal pipeline in both Athi River and the Nairobi Metropolis.

“In Cytonn we have found an exceptional real estate investments structuring partner to work together as we execute our real estate development strategy for our next period of growth. After a strong 10-year track record, it was important to tie up with a partner with shared values, aspirations and complementary capabilities” said Ian Henderson, Managing Director of Superior Homes.

“Through this partnership and the

Cytonn Investments Managing Partner and CEO, Edwin H. Dande exchanges a signed partnership document with Superior Homes Kenya MD, Ian Henderson at the Stanley Hotel today.

Photo:Edwin/X-News investment, we shall work to grow our deal pipeline, drive the company towards listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, subject to regulatory approval, during the course of 2017, and continue delivering aspirational neighbourhoods to all our home owners and make our contribution to growing the Kenyan economy” added Mr. Henderson.

“The deal is complementary and compelling. In Superior Homes, Cytonn gets a partner that has a strong track record in master-planned developments

and also construction capabilities, and in Cytonn, Superior Homes gets a partner that has a strong track record in structuring real estate investment products, and they also complement our development affiliates. Above all is our shared values, operating principles and vision.” said Edwin H. Dande, Cytonn’s Managing Partner & Chief Executive Officer.

“Beyond the acquisition, the bigger deal here is the partnership. Together we are going to move faster and more

significantly in providing housing for families, create jobs, grow the economy and uplift the standards of living,” added Dande.

The series of transactions as structured values Superior Homes at about sh.

4 billion; hence valuing the stake of Cytonn, upon successful completion of the series of transactions, at about Sh1 billion upon the successful completion of the transaction. @kevin_x254

Central Bank maintains benchmark lending rate at 10 per cent

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) held its benchmark lending rate at 10 per cent on Monday, saying inflation was expected to remain in the government’s preferred band in the short term.

CBK’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said yesterday that the rate has been maintained to buffer inflation expectations after increased uncertainties with regard to the prevailing drought conditions and risks in the global markets.

“Food inflation remained elevated in December, particularly for tomatoes, sugar, cabbages, kales (sukuma wiki), and maize flour, due to the prevailing unusually dry weather conditions.

Food and electricity prices are expected to remain elevated in the near term,” said a statement from the Committee.

Month-on-month inflation declined to 6.4 per cent in December from 6.7 per cent in November 2016. The regulator has also suspended the Kenya Bankers Reference Rate which was introduced to control interest rates in view of the enactment of the Banking Amendment Act which caps commercial interest rates at 4 per cent above the CBK rate.

The Central Bank says it will continue to closely monitor and assess the impact of the interest rate caps as the available data is inconclusive for evaluating full impact in the banking sector. A notable concern with the interest rate capping is the reduced lending to the productive private sector which the committee termed as ‘stable’. “Private sector credit growth stabilized at 4.3 percent in December, 2016 driven by lending to trade, real estate, private households and consumer durables. The CBK will continue to closely monitor credit and liquidity risks in the sector,” notes the committee. The average commercial banks’ liquidity ratio and capital adequacy ratios stood at 41.4 percent and 18.7 percent, respectively, in December 2016.

KAM, stakeholders hustle to jump start manufacturing sector Manufacturers in Kenya have listed five priority areas to jump start a sector that has experienced a slump in the recent past, growing slower than the GDP since 2014. At the top of the manufacturer’s agenda is a review of the regulatory policy framework that will support the sector under the devolved system.

Other focus areas unveiled by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) include infrastructure expansion, enhancing local content, long-term financing access and SME expansion. The priority areas, if pushed through, aims to increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP, spur job creation and increase foreign exchange earnings.

Growth in Kenya’s manufacturing sector has been seen as slow in the first quarter of 2017 due to drought. KAM says it will also be slow in the second quarter as companies adopt a more hesitant attitude ahead of elections in August. The sector contributes between 10 and 11 per cent to Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The country is currently experiencing a drought that has left at least 1.5 million people in dire need of food and water.

“The year has started with a drought.

That is also going to have an impact in terms of raw materials in sectors that rely on agricultural products,” KAM Chief Executive, Phyllis Wakiaga said in a recent statement.

The manufacturing sector grew at a dismal rate of 1.9 per cent in the last quarter of 2016 against a target of 8.7 per cent set by the Vision 2030’s Medium-term Plan II. “When compared to other rapidly industrialising nations, Kenya’s manufacturing sector growth rate is the lowest. Vietnam has grown at its highest ever rate in the last five years but it still falls short of Ethiopia which grew at 15.8 percent,” notes KAM’s 2017 Agenda report.

The report further says Kenya’s service-driven economic growth could lead to a jobless growth, which is unsustainable in the long term.

Wakiaga says creating and expanding markets locally and internationally

remains a crucial factor to grow the country’s manufacturing output.

“We also want to see improved operational excellence within the sector and grow the number of manufacturers in the country,” says Wakiaga.

The turnaround plan comes as exports to the key East African Community markets declined by 23 per cent, a factor that contributed to the dwindling manufacturing sector over the last two years.

The association says the Buy-Kenya, Build-Kenya policy through the preference and reservation regulations will tighten the 40 per cent local content requiring the government to buy goods made in Kenya.

According to the Ministry of Industrialisation, the role of the manufacturing sector as stated in Kenya’s Vision 2030 bluerint is to create wealth and employment.

The sectors overall goal in the is to increase its contribution to the GDP by at least 10 per cent per annum.

“A number of interventions are proposed in the Vision which will lead Kenya to be globally competitive and prosperous,” the Ministry said in a past statement.

The objectives to be pursued are to, among other incentives, strengthen the capacity of domestically manufactured goods and to develop niche products for existing and new markets.

BUSINESS 7

KQ passenger numbers jump 5 per cent to reach 1.12 million

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has seen its passenger numbers increase by 4.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2016 to stand at 1.12 million as the troubled airline continues its turnaround strategy.

Kenya Airways has continued to reaffirm its progress towards recovery with its third quarter operating results ended 31 December, 2016. The airline put into the market a total capacity of 3,553 million seat kilometres compared to 3,676 million offered in a similar period prior year, representing a 3.4 per cent reduction year on year.

The flier in a statement attributed the numbers to a smaller fleet number it operated during the period under review.

“During this quarter the airline continued to operate a smaller fleet more efficiently, as part of its recovery strategy. During the period under review, total passengers uplifted by the more efficient airline stood at 1.12 million, 4.8 per cent growth, achieving a cabin factor of 72 per cent compared to 68 per cent achieved during the same period last year,” the carrier said.

In the East African region, capacity grew by 7.1 per cent driven by more operations on the Boeing 737-800, which has a higher capacity, and additional frequencies.

Capacity offered into West, South and Central African regions grew by 2.5 per cent compared to same period in the prior year with the introduction of the Nairobi-Entebbe-Bangui route, as well as the Nairobi-Doula-Bangui flight.

Passenger traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres grew by 2.3 per cent to hit 2,556 million compared to the same quarter previous year.

The passenger uplift to Europe stood at 102,749, a growth of 2.8 per cent despite

Passengers use their phones onboard of a Kenya Airways (KQ) Boeing Dreamliner plane before its departure to South Africa from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, 22 January 2017. EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU a 0.7 per cent capacity decline, driving the seat occupancy level to a higher Cabin Factor of 83 per cent compared to prior year’s 80 per cent.

“Despite a reduction of 15.6 per cent in capacity, the uplifted passenger traffic stood at 138,700 in the Middle East and Far East regions showed a decline of 6.8 per cent on prior year level, but an improvement of 5.3 per cent from 65.9 per cent to 71.2 per cent cabin factor,” the airline said in a statement.

Passenger numbers in Africa, excluding

Kenya, continued to grow. Passengers uplifted stood at 530,842, a 5.2 per cent growth, during the quarter compared to same period the prior year.

The achieved passenger Cabin Factor improved by 3.4 per cent to 65.6 per cent compared to what was recorded in 2015.

In Kenya, passenger uplift grew to 347,136, a 10.3 per cent increase, driving Cabin Factor up by 3.3 per cent to 79.0 per cent though the reduced capacity in the network impacted cargo.

In the East African region, capacity grew by 7.1 per cent driven by more operations on the Boeing 737-800, which has a higher capacity, and additional frequencies.

Capacity offered into West, South and Central African regions grew by 2.5 per cent compared to same period in the preceding year with the introduction of the Nairobi-Entebbe-Bangui route, as well as the Nairobi-Doula-Bangui flight. @enock_x254

Equity Bank Sponsors ‘TVET’ conference, Kenya Skills Show in bid to empower country’s youth Equity Bank was the main sponsor of The Hands of the Future and Kenya Skill Show that took place at the Kenyatta International Conference Center. The event which took place last week consisted of three distinct events which were the National TVET Conference that was held on Thursday, the Kenya Skills Show held on Friday and an exhibition on Saturday.

The conference came soon after Equity Group Foundation (EGF) with its partners; the German Government through its implementing agency KfW, Equity Bank, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), recently launched a youth empowerment programme that will see a group of nearly 3,000 Wings to Fly 2016 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (K.C.S.E.)

graduates transition into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions countrywide.

Equity Group Foundation General Manager for Climate Change, Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration, Dr. Beth Waweru was one of the moderators on the session focusing on TVET Education financing: Private Sector Involvement, Loans, Grants, Vouchers and Scholarships.

The event was convened by the Permanent Working Group on Technical Vocational Education Training (referred to as the PWG), in conjunction with the TVET Authority (TVETA) of the Ministry of Education, under the docket of the Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training, Dr. Dinah Mwinzi. The conference sought to redefine roles and

nurture partnerships among TVET stakeholders in the country.

Equity Bank has played an integral role in youth empowerment mostly through its Equity Group Foundation (EGF), a not-for-profit organisation based in Nairobi that champions the social and economic transformation of the people of Africa.

Born out of Equity Bank commitment to servicing the poor as part of its core business model and through its long-standing corporate social responsibility initiatives, EGF designs and delivers high-impact social development programmes across seven strategic pillars: Education and Leadership Development; Financial Inclusion and Literacy; Innovation; Entrepreneurship; Agriculture, Health and Environment.

“Since its founding, EGF’s programmes have helped over six million Kenyans advance on journeys to more secure and productive futures. EGF has demonstrated social impact across Kenya by leveraging Equity Bank’s extensive infrastructure and through strategic partnerships with government as well as local and international actors. In the coming years, EGF looks forward to expanding its programmes and each pillar’s reach to Equity Bank’s other markets, including South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and beyond, as part of EGF and Equity Bank Group’s commitment to socioeconomic transformation throughout Africa. EGF is committed to impacting the lives of 100 million Africans by 2024,” the group said in a past statement. @kevin_x254

Pay TV provider DStv to extend ‘NjaaSanta’ rewards program beyond January DStv Kenya has been conducting a reward campaign across the country aimed at easing financial constraints usually experienced by many Kenyans in the month of January. The campaign, dubbed ‘NjaaSanta’, is rewarding both subscribers and non-subscribers of DStv in an effort to make the month more financially bearable for consumers.

“DStv knows that entertainment is a powerful way to tell stories that bring people together around shared passions.

As a video entertainment company, our main aim is to enrich lives. We aspire to this through our channel offering as well as creating a tangible benefit in the lives of our subscribers and in the communities where we operate. We understand that January comes with a lot of challenges for most people and we hope to enrich the lives of Kenyans through the NjaaSanta campaign by easing the financial burden for some Kenyans across the country,” said Philip Wahome, Multichoice Kenya Corporate Communications Manager.

The campaign, which continues through the month of February, is awarding people randomly as they go about their daily lives by not only paying subscriptions and giving DStv decoders, but also fueling cars, paying for meals, paying for shopping in supermarkets and even buying school uniform and school shoes and giving various branded goodies.

NjaaSanta also comes strapped with a 90 day ‘NjaanuarySurvivalKit’, with tips and tricks to guide customers to their favorite shows on DStv. “It doesn’t have to be ‘Njaanuary’.

We are taking away the blues and promise to make you laugh, leave you changed and enriched and ensure you #FeelEveryMoment with DStv,” added Mr. Wahome.

Late last year, MultiChoice, which bills its customers in dollars, reduced its bouquet prices by between five and 15 per cent in response to customer needs and the current tough economic environment.

The service provider said in October that subscribers on the Premium (most expensive) tariff plan will pay Sh 8,180, down from Sh9,400 per month, reflecting a 13 per cent drop, while Compact Plus users will part with Sh5,425 every month, down from Sh6,400. Customers on the Compact Plan saw a Sh200 drop in monthly charges to Sh3,550 while those on the Family Bouquet will pay Sh1,900, representing a decrease of Sh250.

Subscription fees for the cheapest package, Access, remained unchanged at Sh1,050 per month. MultiChoice has been working to grow its customer numbers as the fight for Pay TV subscribers intensifies among service providers. @kevin_x254

8

NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 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 9

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

ACCESS

Valentine’s

DAY

12

MY FATHER FLED RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN NAZI OCCUPIED FRANCE.

W

to take some sort government has changed and politicians are full of rhetoric but Donald Trump. He’s setting

o

f

MAHERSHALA ALI

WILLIAM H MACY

ith increasing frequency award shows are in America usually n o t

and say what you will about him, the man sticks to his guns.

He recently declared a travel ban on citizens of this move were oddly enough felt even to the Screen Actors Guild stage. Ashton Kutcher, who is best known for the movie ‘Dude Where’s my car?’ and the show ‘Two and A Half Men’ while on its last feet, decide to open the show with some choice words, “Good evening, fellow SAG-AFTRA members and everyone at home.

And everyone in airports that belong in my America.”

You know it’s serious when an actor who is best known for uttering the word “dude’ in his movies occasionally gets political.

‘Veep’ star and winner of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, Julia Louis-Dreyfus “I want you all to know that I’m the daughter of an occupied France. I’m an American patriot [and] love this country,” she added, “Because I love this country, I am blemish and it’s un-American.”

But the most sincere statement had to come from ‘Moonlight’ actor, who is also on the show ‘House of making his acceptance speech stating, “My mother is an when I called her to tell her I converted 17 years ago. You put things to the side and I’m able to see her and she’s

place on the red carpet and that overshadowed what was supposed to be a humdrum show. Right from the Golden Globes that happened earlier in the month this is an indication of America’s tumultuous political climate right now. It will be interesting to see if this spills over to the BAFTA Awards in February. At the end of the day, we just want our boring old award shows back.

@kevin_x254

YBNL Nation Nigerian artiste Adekunle Gold of the acclaimed ‘Gold’ album will be in Nairobi, starting February 1st to launch his debut East African media tour - to start in Nairobi before heading to Tanzania. Adekunle has emerged as one of the fastest rising Nigerian music stars in the continent, celebrated for his unique style of music - Urban Highlife. Releasing his debut album GOLD last year, the songs: Orente, Pick Up, and Ready emerged as some of the leading and successful hit singles.

get worse before they get better

HOT TOPICS

Nigerian star Adekunle Gold to launch E.A media tour in Kenya

SAG AWARDS only show things will

ASHTON KUTCHER

Activist opens up on ‘deadly’ threats on his life as he jets back into the country Award-winning photojournalist and human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has penned a heartfelt piece in which he has broken his silence on death threats to his life as well as that of his family. The husband and father of three, who has been on tour in the US to publicise his book ‘Unbounded,’ in the piece revealed that the threats have escalated to include his family. The Starehe constituency MP hopeful who jetted into the country today has however vowed to continue the fight to free Kenya from corrupt individuals.

Ariana Grande and John Legend are ‘Beauty and the Beast’ duet Disney’s upcoming Beauty and the Beast reboot trailer has been released and it features one beauty of a duet in Ariana Grande and John Legend.

Pop princess Ariana Grande and GRAMMY-winning crooner John Legend teamed up to record the beloved title track for the live action film’s soundtrack which is about two-and-ahalf minutes. The theme song became a Disney classic after Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson performed it in the original 1991 animated film. While Legend and Grande may have taken over the song, Dion will still be making her mark on the movie, which opens on Mar. 17.

ACCESS ‘EMOTION’

TO BE HONEST I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD JUST STOP BEING FRIENDS WITH HER.

Dear Stacy,

S

Dear Dr X,

tit io

hotography competitions are becoming more common as the profession becomes more mainstream. Although it has been said that everybody with a camera phone is a photographer there are some real wizards with cameras out there. The Nikon Kenya 2016 Photography Competition highlighted the great talent, feeling and moments that Kenya’s photographers captured. Here are the winners.

FIRST PLACE ABDULRAHMAN MUTUMA: ‘ROBBER FLY’ Taking on nature as his subject photographer Abdulrahman Mutuma submitted a high res image of a fly perched on a stick. Walking home with a Sh.50000 voucher, he had this to say about the image, “Overtime I’ve gotten used to flies and other bugs and learned about their behavior. With robber flies if you wake up early in the morning they’re kind of dormant and they sit still. Usually during the day they move around too much.”

SECOND PLACE DAVID MUTUA: ‘STRINGS MASTER’ Avid Mutua’s entry was a powerful but dynamic photo of a guitarist at 2016’s Safaricom Jazz Festival. The second place winner used the dark lighting used in concerts to full effect, “I usually appreciate dark silhouettes and outlines. For this shot, I was working with dark shadows and playing around with light.”

THIRD PLACE JONATHON OKELLO: ‘EMOTION’ The aptly titled emotion is another stirring but ostensibly serene entry by Jonathon Okello. A simple photo of a woman’s face covered in water, ““I put Vaseline on her face and poured water so it would reflect. I wanted to showcase e m o t i o n s , especially in her eyes,” he said. @chrstine_x254

y best friend of nine years had been hiding a big secret from me a very long time. I had been dating my boyfriend for 3 of those years and I thought that we were happy. It turns out he was cheating on me the entire time we were together and my best friend knew but she did nothing about it. She should have told me and I felt so foolish about it because I was the last person to know. To be honest I feel like I should just stop being friends with her because with friends like these who needs enemies. She says that she didn’t want me to get hurt and 9 years is a long time but I can’t imagine keeping a secret like that from her for so long.

My best friend kept my boyfriend’s dirty secretes from me

-Stacy

Doing things alone might also make you gain an appreciation for yourself as an individual. Take Valentine’s Day as the day to love yourself a little more.

he broke girl-code or whatever it’s called. The second she smelt something fishy she should have told you about it. It doesn’t really matter about what she thought you would or would not feel. Thinking about it if she had told you immediately she would have saved you from all the heartache and wasting 3 years of your life on someone who didn’t care about you. Please find other people to spend your time with because 9 years might be a long time but no friends are better than fake friends.

-Dr X

@christine_x254

Valentine’s Day is a cheapskate’s holiday, it’s been said before. For the single people

like going to the museum or a safari through the Nairobi National Park, chill with and

to shine and laugh at all the wallets as they empty during the day. It’s a day like any other and that should be attitude to adopt to get through this consumerist dream.

have them interrupt your brunch at the Gi-

Treat yo’self

Go shopping, go to the spa, go to the nail salon or go out. Everyone else will be doing the same things anyway and you don’t have to be with somebody to make yourself feel special. Doing things alone might also make you gain an appreciation for yourself as an individual. Take Valentine’s Day as the day to love yourself a little more.

Indulge to your heart’s content

facts show that there really is no concrete evidence to support this claim despite the Nigeria Federal Agency for Food and Medicine advising Nigerians to opt for chocolate instead of Viagra. People just like eating chocolate because it’s a lush treat and don’t leave yourself out of the equation. Your diet might take a hit but it’s all for a good cause, self-love.

you won’t have to deal with crowds, or go to an art gallery and take in some culture. It can even be as simple as going to a restaurant and ordering something you haven’t eaten before.

Buy something expensive

Hey, if anyone deserves good things it’s you don’t forget that. It might end up in regret the following day but at least you have something fancy to show for Valentine’s Day. So if you were angling for some upgrade in furniture, appliances, entertainment and if Christmas came and went without much fanfare.

Try something new

things you could instead of celebrating

Valentine’s DAY

Since you are on a mission to raise your spirts take it as a chance to do something new. You could opt for something tourist-y

@christine_x254

Send your agonising queries to christine@x254.co

‘ROBBER FLY’

Co

m pe

of Winners Nikon Kenya 2016 Photography

n

NGS ‘STRI ER’ MAST

11

CLASSIFIED TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017 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

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180 litre

3000 USD 10

Brand new

350 litre

5000 USD 10

Brand new

350 litre

500 USD

Name Duvet

Mattress

10

Capacity

Price USD

Photos

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

Duvet and mattress Quantity

size

Photos

20 USD

300

2.3m*2.5m

200 USD

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

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WEATHERFORECAST TUESDAY 31/1/2017

SUNNY

27

26ºC 51%

WEDNESDAY 1/2/2017

MORE SUN THAN CLOUDS

27 6:41 AM 6:51 PM

26ºC 47%

6:41 AM 6: 51 PM

THURSDAY

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

SUDOKU

12

West Ham players wanted Dimitri Payet out before Marseille move W

est Ham’s players wanted Dimitri Payet out of the club prior to his move back to Marseille, says the club’s joint-chairman David Sullivan.

France forward Payet, 29, rejoined the Ligue 1 club on Sunday for £25m,after allegedly refusing to play for the Hammers for the past month.

“As much as we didn’t want him out, you can’t go against the consensus of the team,” Sullivan told BBC Radio 5 live.

Sullivan went on to reveal that Payet sacrificed his wages for January.

“He’s not been talking to anyone in the squad,” said Sullivan of Payet, who joined West Ham in June 2015.

“He’s been sitting in the corner of the room for his meals and he’s isolated himself. Before that he was bubbly, happy, shaking everyone’s hand before the match.

“Either it was a tactic or something

in his head had changed.

“The team wanted him out, the manager - with great reluctance - wanted him out. We think it’s bonded the team better together.”

West Ham paid Marseille £10.7m for the attacking midfielder in 2015 and he signed a new five-anda-half-year contract in February 2016.

He excelled in his first season in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and earning a nomination for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

However, Payet scored only three goals from September to December last year, and manager Slaven Bilic said earlier this month that he did not want to play for the club any more.

“You could make him sit in the reserves for six months, and cost you another two or three million pounds in wages, and we thought about it because what we got out of Marseille wasn’t our valuation

of the player,” said Sullivan, who rejected two initial bids for Payet.

“The player’s surrendered his January wages, so there’s a bit of dignity we got with that.

“You’ve got to take a sensible view - the offer was just about what we could accept. I can’t say I’m pleased with it. It’s a damage limitation deal.”

After re-signing for Marseille, where he had previously spent two years, Payet said it was a “personal choice” to return and he needed to go “back to his roots”.

Sullivan added: “We tried to talk him round but we accepted we weren’t going to be able to. We offered free flights home, help for his wife, everything we could possibly do - but he wanted to go back to Marseille.

“On his day he’s an outstanding player. I feel very sad he’s no longer a West Ham player.”

SPORT NE WS133

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan says club players wanted forward Dimitri Payet out prior to his Marseille move. The 29-yearold rejoined the Ligue 1 club on Sunday.

14

SPORT

Leicester’s Leonardo Ulloa riles at Ranieri’s ‘betrayal’ TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Leicester forward Leonardo Ulloa has vowed never to play for the club again and says he feels “betrayed” by Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri.

The 30-year-old joined from Brighton in 2014 but handed in a transfer request this month and said on social media he had been “let down by the club”.

Leicester have reportedly rejected a bid from Sunderland with Ranieri saying he does not want to sell the striker.

Ulloa has started only one league match this season and has scored one goal.

The Argentine, who has 18 months left on his contract, started seven league games last season as Leicester won the Premier League for the first time.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “I am sad about the current situation because it’s been two wonderful years here.

“But now in my situation, with me not being part of the plans, I feel that the best way forward is that I leave and I can be happy somewhere else.

“The manager has been telling me for the last three months that if an offer of £4m or £5m was arriving he would help me to leave.

“My understanding is that there are offers bigger than that which are not being

considered. Today he tells me he wants me to stay. If I stay at the club it’s going to affect my future and my career.”

The Leicester website said Ulloa would not be available for Tuesday’s league match at Burnley because of injury.

Ulloa joined Brighton from Spanish side Almeria in January 2013 and scored 26 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions before he became Leicester’s record signing, moving for £8m on a four-year deal.

He started 29 league games in his first season with the Foxes, scoring 11 times, and added six more goals in last season’s title-winning campaign.

However, the arrival of Islam Slimani for a fee believed to be a club-record £29m has limited his chances.

Ranieri said: “We don’t want to sell him. Also I don’t want to because I have just Slimani as a target man and I need another target man.

“I want Leo here and I hope he can be calm and understand my position. Of course he’s not happy and I understand him.

“The club know my idea very well and also Leo knows very well my idea. He is a fantastic player, a fantastic man and I believe in him.”

Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa celebrates after scoring the 2-2 equalizer from the penalty spot during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium in Leicester, Britain, 17 April 2016. The match ended 2-2. Leicester play Burnley tonight PHOTO:EPA

Sunderland sign Gibson and Oviedo from Everton

Sunderland have signed Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson and Costa Rica leftback Bryan Oviedo from Premier League rivals Everton.

Oviedo, 26, has agreed a contract until 2020, while Gibson, 29, joins on an 18-month deal both for undisclosed fees.

The pair have been fringe players under Toffees boss Ronald Koeman this season.

Sunderland’s David Moyes has now brought in three players this month - including defender Joleon Lescott - who he also signed when he managed Everton.

Midfielder Steven Pienaar and forward Victor Anichebe, who also played under Moyes at Goodison Park, have already moved to Wearside this season.

Another former Everton player, Jack Rodwell, who Moyes sold to Manchester City before he was transferred to Sunderland, was already at The Stadium Of Light.

The Black Cats - who are bottom of the Premier League, three points adrift of safety - host thirdplaced Tottenham on Tuesday (19:45 GMT kickoff).

Gibson has made just one appearance for Everton this season - as a substitute against Yeovil in the EFL Cup - while Oviedo has played seven times.

Koeman said he was keen to keep hold of Oviedo, but has allowed him to leave after talks with the player.

He said: “With Oviedo it was difficult. He is the back-up for Leighton Baines. He is a perfect professional. He wants a new challenge to play at Sunderland.

Sutton Utd face Arsenal, Blackburn host Man Utd

Non-league Sutton United will host 12-time winners Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while Lincoln City are at Premier League Burnley.

In a draw that produced no allPremier League ties, holders Manchester United will go to Blackburn Rovers, while top-flight leaders Chelsea also face a trip to a Championship club after drawing Wolves.

Manchester City are away to Huddersfield, fifth in the Championship, and Fulham host Spurs, who are third in the Premier League.

Top-flight Middlesbrough will welcome Oxford United to the Riverside Stadium, while League One side Millwall will host Derby, chasing a Championship playoff place, or Premier League champions Leicester.

The fifth round represents the last16 stage of the competition and all ties are scheduled to be played from 17-20 February.

Sutton United are 16th in the National League, English football’s fifth tier, and play at Gander Green

Non-League side Sutton United’s fans react have they were drawn against 12 time champions Arsenal in the 5th round of the fa Cup. The ties are scheduled to be played from 17-20 February.

Lane, which has a 5,000 capacity 55,000 less than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

They have beaten League Two Cheltenham Town, League One AFC Wimbledon and Championship Leeds United to get this far.

Assistant manager Micky Stephens said: “I’ve had to come and sit

down, I can’t quite believe that.

“I’m a lifelong Chelsea fan so I had my fingers crossed for that - but it can’t be much better.

“Craig Eastmond and Roarie Deacon have both been involved at Arsenal in their younger days and I’ve never seen them jump up and down as much.

“It’s a fantastic draw.”

Lincoln City, top of the National League, have beaten Championship Brighton and Ipswich in the past two rounds. Their match against Burnley will be their eighth in this season’s FA Cup. “It’s a great draw to pit our wits against Sean Dyche and hopefully something we’ll learn a lot from,” said manager Danny Cowley.

SPORT 15 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Ryan Mason out of hospital after fracturing skull

Hull City’s Ryan Mason has been discharged from hospital a week after fracturing his skull against Chelsea.

Midfielder Mason, 25, clashed heads with Blues defender Gary Cahill 13 minutes into the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on 22 January.

He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in London, where he had surgery.

“The number of messages offering support during Ryan’s recovery has been quite overwhelming,” said Hull club doctor Mark Waller.

Well-wishes flooded in for the England international, and both Hull and his former club Tottenham wore training shirts with Mason printed on the back before last week’s fixtures.

Mason, who joined Hull from Spurs last August for a club-record undisclosed fee, has scored one goal in 16 Premier League appearances for the Tigers.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

LEAGUE EXPANSION TALKS HIT DEADLOCK AS SIDES WRANGLE

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Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny ruled out of Egypt’s semis date with Burkina Faso

Mohamed Elneny will not recover from injury in time to ace Burkina Faso in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

The 24-year-old is still nursing a calf problem that kept him out Sunday’s 1-0 quarter-final win over Morocco.

“Elneny has a bad calf strain. We will send a medical report to his club,” said coach Hector Cuper.

“He will have tests and we hope that if we manage to reach the final he will be able to return.”

Egypt will face Burkina Faso in their semi-final in Libreville on Wednesday and they are likely to be without striker Marwan Mohsen for that game, too.

Mohsen came off in the first half against Morocco.

Cuper said: “Mohsen looks to have a serious problem with a knee but we will need to carry out more detailed tests.” Egypt’s progress to the last four keeps them on course to win a record-extending eight Nations Cup title, and their first since 2010.

It would also be a remarkable return for the Pharaohs, who are at the finals for first time since that success seven years ago. But they were perhaps fortunate to get past Morocco, who missed a host of good chances, and edged to victory with an 87th-minute winner from AbdelMoneim.

INSIDE Gunners draw Sutton in FA Cup fifth round

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (R) vies for the ball with Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta (L) during English Premier League soccer match Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London, Britain, 16 September 2016.

Chelsea ready to finish off Liverpool’s title challenge

Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea can kill off Liverpool’s title chances at Anfield by delivering a huge psychological blow.

New Blues boss Conte claims it would be a “hard hit” if Tonight’s hosts, on the ropes after a disastrous January, suffer a fourth straight home defeat.

The Stamford Bridge club are already eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal and ten ahead of Liverpool, and the Italian has warned his team will be going for the jugular on Merseyside.

Conte said: “For sure, it would be a hard hit, mentally, for them (if they lose).

“It’s important to beat them and win this type of game to increase your confidence and take three points off your rival. It’s very important, this. “I repeat: when there are

these games between two great opponents, it’s important to win to increase your confidence and to keep them behind us with the right distance.

“I want my players and my team to fight to win every game. I think Liverpool and Chelsea want to win the game, and we will see an open game. Not a tactical game “It will be a very tough game.

“We know this, above all, because they have just had three defeats. We must pay great attention because Liverpool are a really good team and are in the six teams who can fight until the end to win the title or find a place in the Champions League.

“For us, it’s a really good test, a really tough test, against a tough team.

“Liverpool are a really good team, with a

good coach and good players. They have good experience to fight for the best, for the title, and I’m sure it’ll be a really tough game.” Liverpool forward Sadio Mane may get a place on the bench to face Chelsea after flying home from the African Nations Cup following Senegal’s exit.

However, the winger’s late arrival on Monday meant he missed training and will have just one session just hours before the game for manager Jurgen Klopp to make a decision on his involvement.

Right-back Nathaniel Clyne is still absent with a rib injury and Ovie Ejaria is sidelined after rupturing ankle ligaments at the weekend, but midfielder Adam Lallana is set to play after sitting out the FA Cup defeat to Wolves.

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