20170201 xnews

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | WWW.x254.co

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IEBC TO CHALLENGE ELECTION LAW ORDER

COMMISSION’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE EZRA CHILOBA SAYS THEY WILL MOVE TO COURT TO OPPOSE ORDERS SUSPENDING

NEWS

THE REQUIREMENT THAT PUBLIC SERVANTS SEEKING TO CONTEST QUIT SIX MONTHS BEFORE POLLS

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BUKINA FASO COACH PAULO DUARTE HAILS JOSE MOURIHNO AS A FATHER FIGURE

MPs trade blames over medics strike

Opposition MPs and their Jubilee counterparts yesterday traded blames over the ongoing strike by doctors.

While the opposition legislators accused President Kenyatta of failing to effectively address the problem, the Jubilee MPs said government remains committed to ending the strike.

The arguments emerged even as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Joyce Laboso referred the matter of doctors’ strike to the committee of Health and Labour.

The directive by the speaker follows a presentation of a petition by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) to the National Assembly yesterday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

AFC LEOPARDS SIGN MIDFIELDER KEVIN KIMANI AS TRANSFER WINDOW SHUTS

Uganda: We stood with Kenya in her AU bid to the end U ganda has strongly denied claims that President Yoweri Museveni abandoned Amina Mohamed after the first round of voting during the Africa Union Commission chairperson elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday.

There have been claims that Ms Mohamed’s loss to Chad’s Mahamat Faki was caused by last minute betrayal from neighbouring countries, particularly Uganda, which is said to have abandoned her in the subsequent rounds of voting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Country treading on dangerous path, NCIC warns

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised the red flag over the escalating political tension in the country warning that it could plunge Kenyans into chaos similar to the ones witnessed in 2007/2008.

The commission is worried that with six months to the August 8 polls, the political climate in Kenya seems to be at a peak.

It has asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to demonstrate CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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NEWS

Uganda denies claims it ‘betrayed’ CS Amina Mohamed’s bid at AU elections WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017

From Page 1

And the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary also told journalists that ‘our neighbours could have deceived us on support’.

“We have drawn very good lessons.

That appearance are deceptive. I think we are very honest people so it is difficult to deal with deceptive people,” Ms Mohamed told journalists in Addis Ababa without naming specific countries.

Ms Mohamed won the first round of voting with 16 votes against Mr Faki’s 14 with the rest shared among the trailing candidates.

But the Chadian Foreign minister gained the lead in the subsequent voting rounds to eventually floor ambassador Mohamed. Ms Mohamed was East Africa region’s candidate but when the results were announced, it turned out that Uganda and Burundi turned their back on Kenya, correspondents in Addis Ababa said.

Djibouti which had also pledged support for Kenya voted for another candidate to increase its chances of

getting the deputy chairman’s position.

But Uganda has denied the reports saying it stood with Kenya to the end.

“The media has been awash with unsubstantiated information accusing Uganda of not having supported Kenya’s candidature. Uganda wishes to state categorically that our support to the candidature of Amb. Amina Chawahir Mohamed, before and during elections was unequivocal,” Uganda’s Foreign ministry said in a statement. It added that Kampala’s support was based on the good bilateral relationship between Kenya and Uganda and that Amina was also the endorsed EAC candidate. “”Uganda therefore rejects any baseless assertions by some sectors of the media questioning out commitment to the said candidate,” it added.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s lack of clarity on the matter of Western Sahara and lukewarm relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC) could be the main reasons AU leaders rejected Ms Mohamed.

A senior AU official confided to Aljazeera that Kenya failed to make her position clear of the matter of the

Kenya’s Foreign minister Amina Mohamed (right) follows proceedings at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

PHOTO: COURTESY

disputed Western Sahara.

Most West Africa countries which were backing Morocco’s re-admission to the continental grouping thought Kenya was against the North African country’s welcome.

This is contrary to earlier speculation that most members were opposed to another female given that the outgoing chairperson, Dr Nkosazana DlaminiZuma of South Africa was a woman.

“Gender did not play a part. Many

IEBC to challenge election law order

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will move to court to challenge a petition seeking to reduce the sixmonth period for public officers to quit before seeking elective posts.

In an interview with Capital FM News, IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba said Section 43 (5) of the Elections Act allows the commission to disqualify candidates who will have not resigned from their public positions six months before an election and should not be barred from invoking the law as it is enshrined in the Constitution.

“We are appearing before the court to make our case. We are just going to state like it’s already in law and our job is to notify the concerned parties. We cannot say that the commission is doing wrong because if you fail to implement it, then you are simply abdicating your responsibilities to notify the concerned parties.”

IEBC’s stand stems from a petition that saw the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kericho temporarily block the commission from disqualifying public servants vying for elective posts who will not have resigned from office six months before the election.

On December 1, 2016 Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua directed public servants interested in vying for elective positions to resign from their current offices

by February 7 to allow the six months period ahead of the August 8 election.

Eric Cheruiyot, the petitioner argued that the directive was discriminatory as it awarded Governors, Senators, MPs and MCAs an advantage of being in office while other public offices were denied the chance.

It was his submission that public servants leave office after dissolution of Parliament to give them an equal advantage as elected members.

According to Chiloba, the commission’s

leaders were in favour of having a female leader at the top because the AU chairperson and deputy AU commissioner are both male”, the senior official, told Aljazeera before adding: “Amina winning would have brought some balance to the AU top table.”

Amina was also seen as a fierce critic of the International Criminal Court and this did not sit well with the countries who are in favour of the Hague-based court, Aljazeera reported.

She also felt short in terms of experience.

Kenya’s top diplomat is not a career politician like her competitors and is a first-term foreign minister with little weight and experience of dealing with major security matters, some analysts said.

The winner, Moussa Faki, is a former Chadian prime minister and is currently foreign affairs minister at a time when N’Djamena is leading the regional fight against the armed group Boko Haram.

Amina’s opponents hammered this point home when seeking the backing of undecided leaders, the report added. @peter_x254

Cord, Jubilee MPs trade blames over doctor’s strike From Page 1

IEBC chief executive Ezra Chiloba during a past press conference. Mr Chiloba has said the commission will move to court to challenge an order suspending the election requiring that civil servants seeking elective seats quit their jobs six months before polls. PHOTO: G. IKUNDA/X NEWS

position remains as stated in the Elections Act that public officers intending to vie for elective posts resign before Tuesday which will mark beginning of the six month period.

“Until the court declares the provision unconstitutional we have no choice but to implement it. If the law is unconstitutional,

then the court should deal with that matter as a constitutional matter but not that the commission should not implement that provision of the law,” he stated.

The matter will be heard next week on Monday.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

The officials want the National Assembly to wade into the matter to end the strike.

“I therefore direct that this matter be handled by the committee of Health and Labour in order to see if we can break the stalemate,” Laboso said.

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa had said it is embarrassing to see poor Kenyans dying while President Kenyatta is busy moving around the country telling people to register as voters.

“The buck stops with the President as he is the CEO of the country, he should stop everything he is doing and address the problem,” Wamalwa argued.

“Wake up Mr. President, people need answers from you,” he added.

Robert Pukose (Endebes) urged the doctors to end the strike while the government is looking for ways of implementing their contentious Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2013.

“Doctors must return to work as the issue of CBA is being addressed. The President is interested in this matter the question is whether the Cabinet Secretary concerned is also interested in ending the strike,” Pukose said.

Juja’s Francis Munyua said it was unfortunate for opposition MPs to blame the president yet the Head of State is not in the National Assembly.

“President Kenyatta does not sit in this house to make laws and therefore it is not right to accuse him,” Munyua said.

Kikuyu’s Kimani Ichungwa then urged the speaker to stop the discussion arguing that the matter is in court. He was however ruled out.

Ugenya’s David Ochieng said the country must find a solution to the doctors’ strike.

“How come we have time to talk about elections and not on an issue affecting the lives of Kenyans?”

Ochieng said parliament should allocate more money to the ministry this financial year to cater for all the needs of the doctors.

“This is the year of making budgets and as parliament we can make money available to the ministry of health, we must find money for doctors,” he said. @sam_x254

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

NCIC warns over escalating political tension Continued from page 1

It has asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to demonstrate leadership and impartiality to ensure the outcome of the elections is not disputed to avoid chaos. Speaking during Uwiano Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum at Silver Springs Hotel last evening, NCIC Chairperson Francis ole Kaparo told the electoral agency not be intimidated and instead act decisively to cases of electoral malpractices.

Politicians spreading hate speech and inciting Kenyans to violence during the electioneering period should be banned from running for any elective seats, he advised. “Politicians’ unchecked utterances in public forums and campaigns may plunge the country into chaos. Let the electoral body act in the best interest of Kenyans,” Kaparo warned.

“IEBC must act and apply the law to the latter. We want to see aspirants and politicians engaged in hate speech and violence banned from running for any elective seat,” he added.

The chairman disclosed that some utterance and misuse of social media

platforms by Kenyans is already fueling tribalism, hate among communities and could easily set up the country in flames.

He stated that in some counties, some ethnic communities are being threatened and intimidated to register as voters so as to vote particular candidates, failure to which they may face consequences.

“It is not acceptable in our country.

Such practises have no place in our modern society. Let everyone register so as to exercise his/her constitutional and democratic right,” he warned.

Kaparo urged polls team to ensure fairness in the ongoing Mass voter registration exercise and consequently anticipated August elections.

“Hatred paralyses love. Let us cultivate love for peace and prosperity for all.

Elections must not interfere with the verdict of the people,” Kaparo reckoned, even as he lamented that Kenya’s political circumstances involve extreme political and ethnic polarisation. At the same time, he condemned the recent heckling of several leaders in different forums across the country saying every leader or politician is entitled to popularize

NCIC chairman Francis Kaparo (left) during a past media briefing at the commission’s offices in Nairobi. PHOTO: G. IKUNDA/X NEWS

his or her manifesto in every part of the Kenya. He also cautioned leaders against engaging in violence during the mass voter registration. The ongoing national mass voter registration mobilization drive has significantly raised political temperatures. With elements of violence creeping into what should be a peaceful exercise.

In the past week, there have been cases of heckling, attempts to zone

some areas and even outright violence.

Considering that the registration will have an obvious impact on the outcome of the August election, the heightened political activity is to be expected even as it enters its second week. Last week, an entourage of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero including Mediamax journalists was attacked in Dandora area.

It will be recalled that on the same

week, Kidero’s convoy had met with similar, if less violent, resistance in Soweto slums.

In Kisumu, Ken Obura (Kisumu Central MP), had to flee from a hostile crowd he encountered during a voter registration mobilisation tour. The crowd, which accused him of not being loyal to ODM, damaged his car.

Deputy President William Ruto was also not spared either, he faced pockets of resistance and heckling in his votehunting forays in Western Kenya and parts of Rift Valley.

Similar incident was reported in Ukambani where Kitui Senator David Musila was heckled at a rally attended by among others Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Governor Julius Malombe.

And now, Kaparo says that while the incidents may appear isolated, in an election year, they have the potential of morphing into widespread political violence.

He pleaded with Kenyans to embrace tolerance to avoid confrontations that may cause chaos ahead of this year’s general election. @hillary_x254

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Nurses threaten to down tools again Nurses have threatened to down their tools once more, this time decrying the failure by the county governments to pay their nursing allowances as signed in their return to work formulae in December last year.

Led by their General Secretary Seth Panyako, the nurses have threatened to go on strike beginning tomorrow if they will not have received their pay by end of today.

Panyako claims that there was a deliberate move by some of the county governments to frustrate the efforts of the health workers who have been agitating for a better pay adding that the county bosses was soliciting for ‘cheap labour.’

The caregivers and the Council of Governors had settled for Sh 20, 000 monthly nursing allowance and a recognition agreement before they called off their strike in December Last year.

“We are aware what some governors are scheming against us and we shall not agree. I want to make it clear that if they shall not have remitted our nursing allowances as agreed in our return to work formulae by end of business Wednesday, we shall withdraw our members from duty,” Mr Panyako declared.

He added: “we signed the agreement in good faith and so they must honour every detail without further delay.”

He also said that the National Treasury had released the monies to meet their demands but the county bosses were adamant to pay them.

Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako (centre) and other union leaders address journalists at Railway Club in Nairobi yesterday.He said they will resume their job boycott today if their payslips do not reflect the allowances their employers promised last year. PHOTO: G. IKUNDA/X NEWS

“Treasury has released the monies to effect the payments but our employers are reluctant to do what they are supposed to do,” added Panyako.

X News has however learnt that Nairobi, Bomet, Vihiga, Machakos and Kiambu counties had honoured the agreement.

And on their four year Collective Bargaining Agreement, Mr Panyako noted that they had made several strides and hoped they would reach an amicable deal before the end of March later in the year.

Apart from demanding for a pay hike, the CBA will also be seeking harmonisation of salaries among the different job groups as well as demanding more caregivers to meet the World Health Organization standard.

According to Panyako, there were more than 75,000 nurses in Kenya in 2016, a majority being graduate and higher diploma holders, also referred to as registered nurses.

There are nearly another 6,000 that were in training in 2016 and are

expected to join service in the near future.

There are nine nurses per 10,000 patients, way below World Health Organisation recommended 23 per 10,000 patients.

These nurses’ new allowances alone will cost taxpayers approximately a maximum of Sh1.5 billion every month.

@wilson_x254

Government moves to control medical refferals abroad

Patients seeking specialised treatment will only be transferred to facilities with higher cadres abroad, only if it will be recommended by a practitioner in the same field from local health care which has the capacity to do, the Ministry of Health has said.

In the new regulations gazetted by Health Cabinet secretary Cleopa Mailu, known as the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (referral of patients abroad) the ministry will now allow medical doctors to publicly advertise their services.

The government said the regulations will enable the public to be better informed of medical services offered by the practitioners and health institutions in the country. At the moment, it is against the medical profession’s ethics to advertise a doctor’s service.

In addition to, condense the numbers and regulate exploitation of patients being referred for specialised treatment outside the country.

The Ministry has stipulated parameters in which a patient may be referred for further treatment.

“The rules will regulate the referral of patients abroad by setting out parameters in which practitioners may refer to a patient, requirements for the said referral and facilities where the patient can be referred,” Mailu said in the gazette notice.

Senators plead with court over doctors’ union officials fate Senate have made a passionate appeal to Court not to send officials of striking doctors’ union to jail.

The leaders are facing a one-month jail sentence for contempt of court.

Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Labour Relations Court is expected to deliver a ruling on Friday in which she will decide whether to have seven officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) serve the sentence or not.

That decision has been suspended on three occasions with the latest coming yesterday after she postponed her ruling.

But the senate committee on health wants the court not to send the officials to jail arguing that it will further escalate the issue.

The committee chairman senator Wilfred Machage said rushing to jail the doctors will only complicate ongoing talks.

“My appeal to the judiciary is to play their part carefully in order

not to escalate the situation,” Machage told a press conference today morning at Parliament Buildings.

“If you jail the officials who will participate in the negotiations?

And we also know doctors are very few in this country,” he added.

The Migori senator (pictured) urged doctors to stop insisting on the 2013 CBA that has already been declared illegal by the courts and draft another one.

“The CBA is now an illegal document as ruled by the courts and therefore doctors cannot over base their demands on it,” he said.

The senator however said the demands of doctors to the government are legitimate.

“Majority of Kenyans have turned to quacks, the old are dying before their time, mortality rate has indeed increased and this is indeed a crisis,” Machage who is a former assistant minister of Health added.

He said parliament is ready to arbitrate and has called for formation of a joint committee of

health from both the Senate and the National Assembly.

The committee has called on the health CS Cleopa Mailu and his Ps Nicholas Muraguri to appear before it on Tuesday next week.

“I will send letters to the CS and KMPDU officials to appear before us on Tuesday and Wednesday

next week respectively,” Machage said.

The senator also called on the national government and the county government to shelve their plan of sacking the striking doctors.

“Laying off doctors by the government and the Council of

Governors is very unfortunate and a total nonsense,” Machage said.

At the same time the senator appealed to the Doctors to live up to their calling and be patriotic.

“I want to appeal to Doctors to be patriotic and live up to their calling...this is our country and we must love it but we should be aware that they must also eat,” he cautioned.

He further appealed to the Doctors to take the offer presented by the government and go back to work as further negotiations goes on.

Machage said the current problem of doctors’ strike was caused by the new constitution which did not adequately address the transition of health services.

“The crisis we are having now is a problem created by the constitution as it did not fully address the transition well. Devolution means more than transferring medical personnel to counties,” he argued.

Attachments area @sam_x254

NEWS 5

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

NEWS PICTORIAL President Donald J. Trump (R) shakes hands with Neil Gorsuch (L), SUPREME US federal judge serving on the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals, after Gorsuch as his nominee for the Supreme Court in the East COURT announcing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, yesterday. Trump announced Neil Gorsuch as his nominee to fill the vacancy in the Supreme PICK: Court left by the death of late Justice Antonin Scalia.

PHOTO: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA

PUSH-UPS CHALLENGE:

Soldiers of the Multinational Brigade ‘Litpolukrbrig’ participate in the so-called ‘22 push-ups for veterans’ challenge at their base in Lublin, east Poland, yesterday.

The ‘22 pushups’ challenge was launched a few years ago in the USA and aimed at drawing attention to the problems of soldiers suffering from the posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. Participants of the initiative perform 22 push-ups every day for 22 days, they film the implementation and nominate another group to join the challenge. The Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade (Litpolukrbrig) in Lublin was nominated by the Force Command Air Amphibious of Ukraine while they passed on the baton and nominated the South-East European Brigade comprised in Greece to join the initiative.

PHOTO: WOJCIECH PACEWICZ/EPA

LIBERIA ELECTIONS:

AUSTRALIA HOMELESS CAMP EVICTION: A homeless woman is arrested on the footpath after Victoria police evicted many from a makeshift camp outside Flinders St Station in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, early today. According to reports, at least five people were arrested after protesters confronted the police. PHOTO: JOE CASTRO/EPA

PRESIDENTIAL FOOTBALL: Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos (R) and his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (L) play table football during a visit to the Lisbon University Faculty of Law, in Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday. The Greek President is on an official visit to Portugal. PHOTO: NUNO FOX/EPA

Supporters cheer during the opening of the new Liberty Party (LP) headquarters in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia yesterday. Liberians will go to the polls on 10 October 2017 for the presidential and general elections as incumbent President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf serves her second and final term in office.

PHOTO: AHMED JALLANZO/EPA

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 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

Global uncertainties pose risk to economic growth, CBK warns Kenya’s economic growth is projected to sink by about 0.7 per cent this years to as low as 5.2 per cent from 5.9 per cent in 2016, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has said.

CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge has attributed the projected tumble to global uncertainties including the Britain’s exit from the European Union, as well as US President Donald Trump’s new policies.

Njoroge says the new US administration protectionist agenda poses a momentous risk to Kenya’s projected economic growth of just 5.7 per cent in 2017.

“If protectionist policies are put in place, first it will hurt the US, it will also hurt emerging markets and everyone else in the globe,” said Njoroge.

The Governor explained that global economic uncertainties create volatility in the global markets, causing investor to hold off on making key decisions, thus slowing economic growth in particular markets.

“If the new administration puts in place measures to ease financial regulations, we may risk going back where we were in 2007/2008…This has potential to create a financial crisis,” said Njoroge.

Kenya’s exports to the US are predominantly apparel through a deal known as the AGOA treaty, which will be at risk if Trump’s administration withdraws the agreement, essentially shutting down the Export Processing Zones. The Zones not only employ thousands of people, but also give

Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge speaking at a past event.

products from Kenya and other African markets access to the United States.

“What will happen if someone suddenly tore up the AGOA treaty? There will be no remedy,’’ Njoroge said referring to a deal that accounts for over 5.3 per cent of Kenya’s exports to the US. According to Njoroge, Trump’s

immigration policies could limit movement of labour and effectively reduce remittances, Kenya’s biggest source of foreign currency.

Trump, in his campaigns, promised to deport all illegal immigrants residing in the US. Financial analysts, on the other

Drought, high cost of electricity push January inflation up to 6.99 per cent Kenya’s year-on-year inflation rate rose to 6.99 per cent in January 2017, up from 6.35 per cent in December 2016, the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, (KNBS) has shown.

The Bureau attributed the increase to high food prices caused by drought and an increase in the cost of electricity.

“The consumer price index increased from 175.18 in December 2016 to 176.93 in January 2017. The overall inflation stood at 6.99 per cent in January 2017 versus 7.78 per cent same period last year,” KNBS said in a statement.

According to the statistics office, food stuffs and non-alcoholic beverages recorded the highest inflation rate during the period under review having been on the rise for nine consecutive months.

“Between December 2016 and January 2017, Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks’ Index increased by 1.66 per cent. This was

mainly attributed to increases in prices of cabbages, spinach, Sukuma wiki, maize flour, wheat flour, and maize grain which were partly contributed by prevailing drought conditions. The year on year food inflation stood at 12.54 per cent in January 2017,” the Bureau said.

Over the same review period, Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ Index, increased by 0.33 per cent.

This was partly due to increases in cost of electricity, house rents and charcoal, which outweighed price decreases in the cost of cooking gas and kerosene.

Despite a notable decrease in the cost of diesel, the Transport Index increased by 0.60 per cent in January 2017 compared to December 2016.

Similarly, the Education cost Index recorded a month to month inflation rate of 2.28 per cent within the same period. @enock_x254

hand,say the August general elections will greatly impact Kenya’s economic growth due to the fact that many of the country’s businesses have been negatively affected by past general elections. @enock_x254

MEAN 103.9556 130.0867 111.1583 7.6976 34.5341 21.4996

BUY SELL 103.8556 104.0556 129.9500 130.2233 111.0367 111.2800 7.6873 7.7078 34.4527 34.6154 21.4309 21.5684

Eveready posts Sh219m loss amid manufacturing sector crisis Battery maker, Eveready East Africa Ltd has posted a loss before tax of Sh219 million for the financial year ended September 2016 versus a loss of Sh161.4 million the previous year.

The group posted sales of Sh553.3 million versus Sh1.12 billion a year ago.

The manufacturer closed down its Ugandan warehouse. Eveready has now opted to supply the market through a distributor. The company said it ‘had experienced a challenging out of stock situation occasioned by lack of supplies from its global supplier.

The floundering firm is set to sell the Nakuru property in order to clear the debt and provide sufficient working capital to support its distribution business. The company’s net loss for the year to September has increased by 2.5 per cent to reach Sh206.5 million.

Eveready Managing Director Jackson Mutua said the company will now supply the Ugandan market through a local distributor after “cultural and structural hardships” impeded its operations in the neighbouring country.

In December, the struggling battery maker dissolved its partnership with US-based company, Energizer, stating that the contract was tilted in favour of the latter firm.

The company’s loss comes amid a series of job losses within variuos sectors of Kenya;’s economy. Eveready East Africa, Sameer Africa, and Cadbury are just some of the companies that have suspended operations in their manufacturing plants over the past three years.

Kofinaf appoints CMS to take over Kiambu coffee estates Kofinaf Company Limited, one of Kenya’s largest coffee growers, will transfer management of its coffee estates, including the Milling and Marketing Operations, to Coffee Management Services (CMS), a leading agribusiness service provider.

As part of its long-term commitment to coffee growing in Kiambu County, from today, Tuesday, February 1, 2017, Kofinaf ’s 3,326 acres (1,346 hectares) of coffee plantations will be taken over by CMS, providing Kofinaf ’s business with improved coffee productivity, quality and broader market linkages leading to better coffee prices.

The new arrangement will also lead to improved negotiating position for agro inputs and other services thereby increasing efficiencies.

Kofinaf Ltd is owned by Rendeavour, an urban land developer in Africa that is leading the development of Tatu City, a mixed-use satellite city project near Nairobi.

Kofinaf ’s management transfer to CMS does not

include the Eaagads estates.

Coffee Management Services Ltd (CMS) is a leading agribusiness service provider offering a variety of services in the coffee sector in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

“Since 2006, CMS has endeavoured to become the centre of excellence in agro- financial services and promote sustainably grown coffee in the region,” the service provider said in a statement issued earlier today.

“At CMS, production of good quality coffee begins at the farm. The company helps coffee farmers bear the challenges of the coffee industry by enhancing improved farm management practices, facilitating a stronger negotiation position and access to new and favourable markets. Through professional farmmanagement services, farmers can control costs of operations, improve profit margin and improve crop quality,” the statement added. @Dennis_x254

8

Motoring Deals WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Taxi service to set up shop in Rwanda as competition fears emerge in Kenya Volkswagen’s ride-hailing service in Rwanda will serve as a blueprint for the rest of Africa, the German car-maker has confirmed.

Volkswagen, which recently set up a plant in Kenya, plans to start assembling by the end of 2017 in Rwanda. However, the company has been somewhat reluctant to establish a ride-hailing service in Kenya due to what officials have described as intense competition.

The company rolled out the first set of

Kenyan-assembled units towards the end of 2016.

Volkswagen has already signed a memorandum of understanding in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.

“Volkswagen wants to strengthen its presence in emerging markets. That is why Africa ranks high on our agenda,” said Volkswagen Brand Chief Herbert Diess. Rwanda is seen as a good market because competition is less intense.

Uber operates in several African countries, including Kenya where it

launched in early 2015 and now faces local rivalry.

Uber Kenya recently launched an updated version of its taxi-hailing application. The updates are part of efforts to make users’ interactions with its app simpler. Among other upgrades, the app features a ‘Where to’ function that flips the script on interaction by asking for a destination. ‘Where to’ will now be at the core of users’ experience with the app. Uber Kenya hopes this will save time by automatically using geo-location to find out where they are.

This feature also comes with upfront

pricing that enables users to know how much a trip will cost ahead of time.

Volkswagen expanded into ridehailing in May, when it invested $300 million (Sh31.14 billion) in Gett, a firm that seeks to outmanoeuvre Uber by refusing to apply “surge” pricing at peak traffic times.

The German manufacturer also said it would look at using electric versions of the VW Golf in the Rwandan mobility services business.

Volkswagen said it had also agreed to set up a vehicle production facility in Rwanda, deepening its local

manufacturing operation in Africa where it expects vehicle sales to grow by 40 percent within the next five years.

“There will be an investigation phase which will go on from January until April and May until we have the final business model together and if all looks good we will move ahead and we will see the first cars being assembled by the end of year,” said VW’s South Africa Chief Executive Thomas Schaefer in a past news conference in Kigali.

Volkswagen has been producing cars in Africa since 1951, when it started making the VW Beetle in South Africa.

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Motoring Deals 9

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10

BUSINESS

Good governance to support economic growth - World Bank WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017

The World Bank has urged Kenya and other developing countries to rethink their approach towards governance, saying that is the only way that will save the country from a collapsing economy.

According to a 2017 World Development Report dubbed ‘Governance and the Law’, unequal distribution of power in a society interferes with policies’ effectiveness.

“Power asymmetries help explain why model anti-corruption laws and agencies often fail to curb corruption, why decentralization does not always improve municipal services; or why well-crafted fiscal policies may not reduce volatility and generate longterm savings,” reads the report.

The analysis notes that when policies and technical solutions fail to achieve intended outcomes, institutions often take the blame.

It finds that countries and donors need to think more broadly to improve governance so that policies succeed.

It defines better governance as the process through which state and nonstate groups interact to design and implement policies, working within a set of formal and informal rules that are shaped by power.

“As demand for effective service delivery, good infrastructure, and fair institutions continues to rise, it is vital that governments use scarce resources as efficiently and transparently as possible,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said.

“This means harnessing private sector expertise, working closely with civil society, and redoubling our efforts in the fight against corruption. Without

A file picture dated March 4, 2013 shows electoral officials counting votes at a polling station in the Kibera slum, Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya’s Supreme Court on March 25, 2013 ordered a partial recount of votes cast in the disputed presidential election, which presidentelect Uhuru Kenyatta narrowly won by 8,000 ballots.

EPA/DAI KUROKAWA

better governance, our goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity will be out of reach.”

World Bank Chief Economist, Paul Romer says good governance bolster commitment to policies in the face of changing circumstances, enhance coordination to change expectations and elicit social desirable actions by all as well as encourage cooperation’s.

“Government officials do not act in a vacuum. Their decisions reflect the

bargaining power of citizens who jockey with each other to advance competing interests,” said Paul Romer.

“We need to confront a complicated political process in every country where power can influence the outcome of that process and we have to ask how can make sure that process leads to progress for everyone,” he said.

A Kenya Economic Update (KEU) report, dubbed ‘Kazi ni Kazi – Informal Should Not be Normal’, notes that

Kenya’s economy remains vulnerable to domestic risks that could moderate the growth prospects. According to the World Bank these include the possibility that investors could defer investment decisions until after the elections, that election-related expenditure could result to a cut back in infrastructure spending, and that security remains a threat, not just in Kenya, but globally. @enock_x254

LG appoints new MD for East and Central Africa

Mr. Janghoon Chung, LG’s newly appointed Managing Director in charge of East and Central Africa.

Leading electronics manufacturer, LG has today announced the appointment of Janghoon Chung, as its new managing Director in charge of East and Central Africa business.

Mr. Chung brings with him over 20 years’ experience in leadership and knowledge of the technology industry.

He is the immediate former General Manager of LG’s washing machine, sales team division and was based in South Korea.

His experience within LG spans over 20 years, having held various positions including product manager for home appliance in Indonesia, Panama and Columbia. He also played a key role in the restructuring of LG’s subsidiaries in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Additionally, Mr. Chung is also credited for developing and implementing the three subsidiaries’ successful turnaround strategy in 20018.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Chung to Kenya and look forward to using the breadth and depth of his experience to take our business to

the next stage, said Mr. Kevin Cha, President Middle East and Africa.

Mr. Chung replaces Mr. Tae-ick Son who has been at the helm since 2014.

He now takes up a bigger role in West Africa.

While recognizing the significant contribution of the outgoing Managing Director, Mr Cha added: “We would also like to thank Mr. Son for his dedication and hard work. Son has indeed played a significant part in the development of our Kenya office as part of LG’s global presence.”

Chung added that LG has a deserved reputation for providing innovative and customer centric solutions.

“We will continue bringing our strong business values and superior quality products to match the demands and rightly high expectations of our customers. I am excited to be on board and part of the great team that will take LG business in the East and Central Africa region to the next level,” Chung said. @kevin_x254

Kenya Pipeline Company to begin compensating Kibwezi oil leak victims in April

The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has announced that it will begin compensating residents of Thange valley in Kibwezi East Constituency who were affected by an oil leak two years ago. The operation is set to commence in April 2017.

The corporation is said to have already received 278 claim forms that are currently undergoing a verification process.

The verification process, according to officials, is at 80 per cent and each of the claimants will receive payment through its insurer, CIC Insurance Company.

The insurance firm will also engage with Panafcon - the company that carried out the impact assessment study in the area - with the aim of studying the ESEIA report to establish if there are matters that need further clarification.

“The Thange incident has profoundly impacted the lives of many residents. KPC is fully committed to supporting those affected to get back on their feet in the shortest time possible,” KPC Director Kemero Maisori said. The Director, this week met the Makueni Governor, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and the community members to resolve the matter. Maisori said the company has already spent over sh 22million in CSR support in terms of clean water, food aid, and bursaries for needy students from the affected area.

“This CSR support will continue as per needs assessment as we strive to finish up the clean-up and the compensation process.

KPC has invested heavily in the people of Thange because we want to transform people’s lives” said Maisori.

He urged those who haven’t filled the claim forms to fill them as soon as possible so that they are considered in Phase 2 of the compensation process. KPC has however assured Kenyans that a 450km Mombasa – Nairobi pipeline is currently being replaced to meet the region’s future petroleum needs. The new line, a Vision 2030 Sh 48 billion project, will include fire-fighting systems in new stations, installing energy efficient equipment and pipeline monitoring technology to ensure easy spotting of damages on the line. He added that KPC is committed to expedite compensation for residents whose lives were affected by the incident.

The ageing Nairobi-Mombasa pipeline passes through Thange. @kevin_x254

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

ACCESS

12

WITH THE NUMBER OF DRINKERS GOING UP EVERY YEAR SINCE 2003 IT APPEARS THAT TUSKER AND NOT OLD AGE WILL BE THE DEATH OF US. The ‘heckler’ making her point at the Churchill show

are the least of our problems when it comes to booze

Othuol Othuol

T

he average, well meaning, Kenyan would probably drink every night of the week if they could. A survey by the World Health Organisation on the country’s drinking habits stated that 1.2 per cent of the country’s drinking population binges, and is probably fueling an alcohol addiction. Out of 44 million, 528,000 people does not seem like it is necessarily a great amount and compared to developed countries our drinking habits are downright demure. A country like the USA has a binge drinking population percentage of 18.3, that’s almost 55 million people.

But Kenyans love their beer the way they love their nyama choma, which is a lot. We drink, and get drunk at every and any opportunity we get. Many streets in the CBD are a mess by Friday afternoon with loud music and loud voices sounding out of the cramped and congested clubs that pepper the streets. But somehow that still pales in comparison to club-central, Westlands.

The video of the ‘heckler’ interrupting Othuol Othuol’s stand up set at the Churchill Show is funny but incredibly out of place. The woman, making an important point that we need to do better by our Kenyan artistes, seemed to have forgotten that Othuol Othuol is not the authority in remunerating musicians in the country. After he mentioned that Chris Brown had been in the country for a show and walked away with Sh.90 million ($ 870,000) she stands up and makes an impassioned interjection, “Excuse me, you pay billions for this Chris Brown!” later adding, “I am a Kenyan and we pay our taxes and I support our Kenyan musicians!”

Even when Othuol Othuol agreed with her it seemed to go right over her head. It was obvious

Churchill

that something intoxicating had been consumed and her outburst made news.

This wasn’t somebody passed out in a muddy field after a concert but this was worse because everybody saw it.

Ironically enough there have been pictures of Othuol Othuol drunk and misbehaving circulating in the web, and they are relatively easy to find. The public are most probably introduced to alcohol when they are in their early teens and just like that it sticks. 56 per cent of people who consume alcohol favour beer and with the number of drinkers going up every year since 2003 it appears that Tusker and not old age will be the death of us.

Kenyans love their beer the way they love their nyama choma, which is a lot.

12

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

2017 SAG WORST DRESSED

JANELLE MONAE: Her look was too busy.

JESSICA PIMENTEL: She showed way too much.

KALEY CUOCO: She was too feathery.

DIANE GUERERRO: We loathed the netted veil.

NICOLE KIDMAN: She won the worst dressed award.

elebrities see red carpet events as a chance to showcase their fashion prowess but sometimes, they go overboard with the effort and end up looking out of place or hideous altogether. This was the case with Sunday’s SAG Awards where despite many stars sparkling in their high fashion ensembles, others just dimmed out.

See who the culprits were:

C

@kevin_x254

harles Kanyi popularly known as Jaguar may just be joining politics after all even though he has denied it severally. Following a recent endorsement of the artiste for Member of Parliament Starehe constituency

by Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, Jaguar is said to have resigned from NACADA. Jaguar, a close associate of Senator Mike Sonko and President Uhuru Kenyatta was appointed a board member of NACADA but it seems he may be soon assuming a new role either as a chief campaigner targeting youth or as a candidate.

HOT TOPICS

leaves NACADA

Diamond likely to suffer corporate backlash after Instagram rant goes viral anzanian music industry don Naseeb Abdul Juma, popularly known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz, may have gone overboard in a recent Instagram video that has now gone viral.

The Wasafi records CEO in the video, insulted ‘haters’ and told them to keep off his life because he has money. Known for his humble beginnings, social media was shocked and watched the video in dismay as the bongo star ranted in unprintable words. “I only know people who love me because I always concentrate with people who love me, who support me, if you hate me f**k you, I don’t know you,” he said in a section of the video.

Corporate insiders now say the artiste is increasingly heightening his arrogance levels and are considering not working with him in the future if he continues to insult the general public.

It’s a triple blessing for Pharell and Hellen ‘Happy’ singer Pharell Williams and wife Helen Lasichanh have welcomed triplets. The duo, who were married in October 2013, broke the news about the pregnancy in September last year, but did not reveal they expected three bundles of joy. It has also been revealed that the triplets were born early January but the Williams somehow kept the news to themselves.

The trio now make the couple’s 8-year-old son Rocket an elder brother. The sexes and names of the newborns have not yet been released. Pharrell’s publicists however said the family was healthy and happy.

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29

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

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

Time is limited, first come first served.

14

SPORT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Bukina Faso’s Duarte hails father figure Mourihno a head of Egypt clash Burkina Faso coach Paulo Duarte has revealed Jose Mourinho has phoned him ahead of Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt.

Duarte played under Mourinho when he began his career with Uniao Leiria in 2001 and has been strongly influenced by his fellow Portuguese.

“He congratulated me and said he is not surprised (that we reached the semis),” Duarte told BBC Sport.

“He is like a father for me, and for the young Portuguese coaches.”

Duarte added: “For me, for us, Mourinho is a good reference so when he called me I was very happy.”

Although Duarte is still searching for a first trophy while Manchester United boss Mourinho boasts 23, what do they have in common is that both began their coaching career with Uniao Leiria.

Duarte, who spent a decade at the club between 1995 and 2004, was Mourinho’s centre-back as Uniao Leiria finished seventh in 2002.

“Mourinho is very important in my career because 15 years ago, he changed the mentality of Portuguese football. The training and the mentality of the players changed,” Duarte said.

Neither team have tasted defeat in Gabon and seven-time champions Egypt have yet to concede goal.

Having played their semi-final 24 hours earlier than Egypt, the Burkinabe may benefit from extra rest and preparation time.

“It is not an ideal situation, but we have no choice but to adapt,” said Egypt coach Hector Cuper.

“The players will be given time to rehabilitate and hopefully they will be ready come Wednesday night.”

A calf injury rules out Egypt’s Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny and striker Marwan Mohsen is a doubtful starter because of a knee problem.

Despite the disadvantages, Egypt will be expected to continue a remarkably successful semi-finals run spanning 31

years.

The Pharaohs eliminated Morocco (1986), Burkina Faso (1998), Senegal (2006), the Ivory Coast (2008) and Algeria (2010) to reach finals, all of which they won.

Egypt have reserved some of their finest performances for the last-four stage, thrashing Didier Drogba-led Ivory Coast 4-1 in Ghana and Algeria 4-0 in Angola.

A wide winning margin against the Burkinabe Stallions is unlikely, however, as Egypt have clawed rather than cruised past opponents in Gabon.

Bukina Faso coach Paulo Duarte has hailed manchester United’s Jose Mourihno as a father figure. His side play Egypt in the 2017 AFCON semi-finals tonightPHOTO:EPA

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Daughter to Kenya Olympic Champion Korir murdered in Switzerland Switzerland is investigating the murder of the daughter to Kenya’s 1984 Olympic men 3000m steeplechase champion, Julius Korir after she was found dead January 25 in Switzerland.

According to reports, she was found dead in her apartment in Reconvilier, stabbed severally, after police were called in by neighbours before the perpetrator was arrested at the scene.

It’s reported that last week Wednesday night shortly before 7pm, the Bernese cantonal police were called in by neighbours following a violent dispute at the Rue Jolimont in Reconvilier and on arrival they found the lifeless body of a woman in the apartment.

The relationship between the victim and the perpetrator has not been established but the police confirmed that the victim knew the perpetrator.

The 30 year old geriatric nurse was married to a Swiss and the couple was well known for their love for running and for hosting most of Kenya’s elite runners coming to attend the Morat-Friborg Marathon.

Kimani wants to leave mark at Ingwe as club registers up to 14 new faces The 2011 Kenyan Premier League Player of the Year Kevin Kimani has a target of helping his new club AFC Leopards to win silverware after the falling giants acquired his signature on the last day of the transfer window.

The player will not be the only new face at the den with the club having secured up to 14 new player ahead of the new season to get underway in a fortnight.

“I am happy to join such a big club with long history. My desire is to help them back to winning trophies,” Kimani said.

Club Secretary General Oscar Igadia confirmed that Kimani, who joins Ingwe as a free agent from South African outfit Jomo Cosmos, has penned a one-year deal to see him become the final player to be signed at the den.

Igadia believes the former Mathare United and Tusker FC player will inspire AFC Leopards back to its glory days after struggling in the past three seasons where they failed to finish in the top five.

The 27-year-old becomes the 14th player to sign for AFC Leopards under the tutelage of head coach Stewart Hall and is expected to replace John

2011 KPL player of the year Kevin Kimani is sandwiched between sister Janeth Wanja and then Sports minister Paul Otuoma. The midfilder joined AFC Leopards yesterday.

Ndirangu who decamped to rivals Gor Mahia.

Kimani, who returns to the Kenyan Premier League for the first time since June, 2016 after turning out for champions Tusker FC, missed the club’s pre-season tour to Eastern and Central

955700

Kenya where they thrashed Embu Combined 3-0 before demolishing Tetu Combined 5-0 in build-up matches over the weekend.

The Harambee Stars winger had stints with Greece based side APO Fostiras in 2014 after moving from German club

Bocholt VV. Other experienced new signings include goal keeper Gabriel Andika who was signed from Western Stima as well as former Mathare United duo of defender Robinson Kamura and midfielder Wyvonne Isuza.

Also joining the 13-time Kenyan Premier League champions are midfielder Duncan Otieno who returned after a spell at Posta Rangers, Salim Abdallah (Posta Rangers), former Muhoroni Youth defender Samwel Ndung’u, Dennis Sikhayi, Marcus Abwao, Michael Kibwage and Ibrahim Mao. Vincent Ouma, Austin Odhiambo and Jackson Juma were promoted from the junior team that reached the finals of the KPL Under-20 tournament.

AFC Leopards have gone three seasons without any silverware, with their last title coming in 2013 when they lifted the GOtv Shield.

This season they will be looking to win all the three trophies available; quenching a 19-year KPL title thirst as well as taking the GOtv Shield and KPL Top 8.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

KEVIN KIMANI BECOMES THE 14TH SIGNING FOR AFC LEOPARDS Palace earn first league win under Allardyce

Watford’s Younes Kaboul (C) is congratulated by teammates as he celebrates after scoring against Arsenal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, 31 January 2017.

PHOTO: EPA

C

rystal Palace finally earned a Premier League victory under Sam Allardyce as goals by Scott Dann and Christian Benteke secured the points against Bournemouth at a rain-swept Vitality Stadium.

After a goalless first half, Dann broke the deadlock shortly after the restart from Damien Delaney’s flick-on to set Allardyce on his way to a first league win as Eagles boss at the sixth attempt.

Benteke added a second in the closing moments, heading home a pinpoint cross

by Andros Townsend, who before kick-off had been strongly linked with a deadlineday move back to Newcastle.

Palace will also take heart from a first away clean sheet in the Premier League since Boxing Day 2015, although the hosts were unlucky to draw a blank with Joshua King and Junior Stanislas both seeing well-hit efforts deflect narrowly wide.

Palace had only earned two points from the last available 24 before this result and remain inside the relegation zone, two points behind Swansea.

The result also brings the relegation dogfight a little closer to Bournemouth’s door. Eddie Howe’s side drop to 14th place and are now seven points above the drop zone after a run of just one win in seven.

Former England boss Allardyce has built his reputation on teams that are hard to break down, so improving Palace’s defensive solidity has been a priority since his arrival at Selhurst Park in December.

INSIDE Duarte hails father figure Mourihno p

14

P15

Arsenal gunned down as Chelsea is held at Anfield

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a huge blow with a shock home defeat as Watford secured their first top-flight win over the Gunners since 1988.

Former Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul lashed in the opener within 10 minutes for Watford with a shot from outside the area which deflected off Aaron Ramsey.

Just two minutes and 57 seconds later, the visitors doubled their lead as Troy Deeney tapped in the rebound after Etienne Capoue’s fine run ended with his shot being saved by Petr Cech.

The Arsenal goalkeeper was called into action again as he tipped Sebastian Prodl’s header over the crossbar and pushed away Daryl Janmaat’s curling strike. The hosts improved significantly in the second half and Alex Iwobi pulled a goal back by steering Alexis Sanchez’s cross home.

Lucas Perez struck the crossbar with a powerful drive, but they could not find the equaliser.

Chelsea had to settle for a draw against a muchimproved Liverpool at Anfield after Diego Costa’s late penalty was saved by Simon Mignolet - but

still extended their lead at top of the Premier League to nine points.

Liverpool keeper Mignolet made amends for his first-half embarrassment when he had been caught off guard by David Luiz’s superb freekick from 25 yards. Arsenal last won the title in the 2003-04 season and face clawing back a nine-point deficit on London rivals and leaders Chelsea, who drew 1-1 with Liverpool.

And their task is made more difficult as they still face trips to play Antonio Conte’s side as well as Liverpool and Tottenham - the other three teams in the top four - between now and the end of the season. Going into this game they were unbeaten in their last five league fixtures, but a desperately poor first half showing - with manager Arsene Wenger watching powerless from the stands as he served the second of a four-match touchline ban - cost them dearly.

The Gunners failed to get a shot on target in the first 45 minutes, but forced Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes into sharp saves from substitute Theo Walcott and Iwobi after the break, while the

Brazilian pushed away Mesut Ozil’s snap shot.

But they suffered their first defeat at the Emirates Stadium since the opening day against Liverpool, ending a run of eight victories and two draws.

Georginio Wijnaldum’s close-range header 11 minutes after the break gave Liverpool a draw they fully deserved, ending a run of three successive home losses, two of which knocked them out of the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. However, it could have been much better for Chelsea and worse for Liverpool when Costa went to ground under challenge from Joel Matip 14 minutes from the end. Referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot but Mignolet dived low to his right to save the Spain striker’s spot-kick.

Roberto Firmino wasted Liverpool’s two best chances, shooting high over an open goal and heading straight at Thibaut Courtois in the closing seconds. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte disguised his disappointment about Costa’s late penalty being saved by Mignolet with his reaction at the final whistle.

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