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SRC: This is why doctors cba cannot be implemented salaries and remuneration commission says agreement did not have commitment of payment from the employer - the government

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Wayne Rooney: Man United Striker now says he will remain at Old Trafford

Victor Wanyama’s tottenham knocked out of europe league by belgian side gent

Kenyans mourn death of Nyeri Governor Gachagua County Chief had been admitted to a London hospital with pancreatic cancer

STORY ON PAGE 4

BORN July 29, 1953

DIED

February 24, 2017

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

Kenyans mourn death of Nyeri Governor

Kenyans today woke up to sad news of the passing away of Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.

Mr Gachagua dies early today at a London Hospital where he has been undergoing treatment.

President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in paying tribute to the Governor, describing him as a noble and dedicated public servant.

“My family and I send our deepest condolences and sympathies to his wife Margaret, children, his siblings and family and Nyeri constituents,” President Kenyatta said in a Tweet today.

He said he had learnt of the death of Mr Gachagua with great sorrow and hoped to see his legacy continue.

“We honour his life, his achievements and the example which he has left with us. We pay tribute to his legacy which I hope will be carried on for generations,” he added.

Deputy President William Ruto also mourned the late Governor describing him as an astute politician who made significant contribution to the people of Nyeri and the country at large.

“The late Gachagua was a steadfast defender of interests of coffee farmers and championed reforms in the sector.

May his soul Rest In Peace,” DP Ruto tweeted.

Senate majority leader Kindiki Kithure said he had received news of Gachagua’s death with great shock.

“I have received news of Gov Gachagua’s death with shock. To his family especially my friend Rigathi, to Nyeri County, poleni,” he said.

Established in 1969

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua who died early today at a hospital in London. PHOTO: COURTESY

Gachagua has been suffering from pancreatic cancer and becomes the first governor to die while in office.

According to his brother, Rigathi Gachagua, the ailing governor died at 2.15am with close family members at his bedside.

“He has left us after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. It is very sad for the family but we have accepted God’s will,” Rigathi told the media today Morning.

He revealed that arrangements are under way to bring the body back home for burial.

He called his brother’s death a huge loss to the family and urged Kenyans to pray for them.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor Samuel Wamaathai has assured Nyeri

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“We will be reaching out to the office of the Attorney General to advise us on transition,” he said.

The constitution stipulates that when a governor is impeached, declared insane or dies, the deputy governor takes charge for the remainder of the term. That means Mr Wamaathai will automatically now be sworn in as governor of Nyeri.

Gachagua aged 64, has been battled cancer for almost half the tenure in office as governor of Nyeri County. His

sickness had rendered him bed ridden for almost a year now.

Last year, the governor missed most of the political functions including those held during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s week-long stay in the county in March.

The governor’s absence from public view due to ill health had triggered concern among county residents.

He travelled abroad for more than two months in December 2015 to receive treatment. During the period, his deputy was helping with his duties.

In March 2015, the governor moved worshippers to tears at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Karatina Town as he spoke of the two months he was bedridden in hospital.

He said while he was in the hospital, he

Gachagua was dedicated to devolution - Governors

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residents that there will no power vacuum and service delivery in the county will continue as normal.

Wamaathai said they will be consulting with Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai on how to deal with transition.

got a chance to know God more.

Gachagua, a former MP for Mathira Constituency, moved part of the congregation to tears as he spoke of God’s favour during the weakest moments in his life.

He led the church in singing a praise and worship hymn derived from Psalms 124.

“It was a transformational period for me as I got a chance to get closer to God,” he said then.

“We are back because of your prayers.

It is through God that I’m now back in my home county,” he stated.

After his return to the country from abroad, he launched his bid to defend his seat in the August 8, 2017 polls despite the troubles his administration was facing then.

The governor was facing a motion by MCAs to impeach him.

The MCAs accused Gachagua of misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office following recent revelations by the controller of budget that over Sh800 million could not be accounted for.

The MCAs also accused the Governor of dictatorial leadership claiming that he has refused to be questioned over his alleged financial improprieties. They eventually impeached him before there move was overturned by senators.

Mr Gachagua, who was elected on a Grand National Unity party – it has since merged into Jubilee- and was circled by elected Members of Parliament and MCAs from the defunct National Alliance (TNA), which was popular in the region.

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The Council of Governors (COG) has eulogised Nyeri Governor the late James Nderitu Gachagua as a dedicated and firm believer in devolution.

Led by the council chairman Peter Munya, the governors said they had lost a vibrant and valuable member.

“On behalf of the council of governors and the county governments, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family for the loss. To the relatives, friends and the people of Nyeri County, we share in the loss of a great leader. May our prayer serve as comfort for you during this trying time,” Munya said in a statement to newsrooms.

He described Gachagua as an enthusiastic member of the council and a steady advocate of devolution.

Munya, who is also the Meru Governor said Gachagua will forever be remembered for his outstanding leadership in the agriculture committee odfthe council which he chaired with zeal and passion.

His colleague, Kisii’s James Ongwae joined in mourning. Ongwae described Gachagua’s death as a big loss not only to his family but to the country and devolved governments.

“His contribution will be greatly missed,” he said. Governors William Kabogo (Kiambu) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) also mourned their colleague.

“My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and the people of Nyeri County for loss of their beloved Governor

Eng. Nderitu Gachagua,” Mr Oparanya said in a tweet.

Kabogo said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss that the family of the late Hon. Gachagua has encountered. My deepest sympathies go out to you.”

Speaker of the National assembly Justin Muturi also celebrated the governor as a hardworking person who was always ready to serve the people of Nyeri. hillary_x254

Nyeri Governor James Nderitu Gachagua. Mr Gachagua dies early today at a London hospital where he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

PHOTO: COURTESY

NEWS 5 WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

SRC: Why we rejected 2013 doctors CBA The doctors Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2013 had major defects that were ignored before it was signed by the ministry of health, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has said.

SRC chairperson Sarah Serem (pictured), pointed out two major shortcomings of the CBA that she said have made it impossible to implement the CBA. Serem told the joint parliamentary committee of Labour and Health this week that the CBA failed to comply with the regulations of SRC on salary review of all civil servants.

“When the union officials presented the CBA to us in 2013, we looked at the document and realised that it failed to meet the basic threshold of a CBA as it did not comply with SRC regulations especially on salaries of civil servants,” Serem said.

She also pointed out that the employer (government) failed to show any commitment to pay the employee (doctors).

According to Serem, any CBA between an

CS Mailu slams doctors for ‘money only interest’ Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu (pictured) has today criticised the striking doctors for failing to provide Kenyans with even the most basic of medical services against their vow.

The CS said that it was unfortunate that the over 5000 medics have refuse to provide emergency services in the country’s public health institutions and are instead using the plight of suffering Kenyans to seek for more pay.

“It is regrettable they have chosen not to provide these services. The doctors are only seeking better pay for themselves which is right but they should still offer services,” Dr Mailu

said when he received a memorandum from frustrated Kenyans affected by the health crisis that is now in its 83rd day.

A visibly angry Mailu said it was unfair for doctors to use plight of others’ suffering to negotiate for better pay.

He noted that the government had an entire public sector to take care off with the need for resources to be equitably shared. “A dispute between an employer and employee should not infringe on the rights of others,” he said.

Mailu further faulted the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) for pushing the narrative that hospitals were ill-equipped to provide quality services saying the government had pumped billions into the sector.

“It is wrong for a doctor to lie that there are no equipment yet we signed a Sh38 billion lease deal that will benefit all counties besides continuous refurbishment that we do,” he added.

Mailu expressed optimism that negotiations currently being led by the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) would end the health impasse. “If the current round of talks do not yield fruit, other avenues will be sought,” he added.

The Court of Appeal yesterday granted a week-long extension of mediations between the government and doctors’ union officials.

The protestors marched from the historic Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park to the Ministry’s Afya House offices to seek direct audience with the CS.

employer and employee must have the former demonstrtate ability to pay the agreed amount.

“The basic tenet of any CBA is the ability to pay which must be clearly demonstrated by the employer, I realised this was lacking in the doctors CBA,” Serem said.

Consequently, the commission wrote to the ministry raising the concerns about the CBA but never got any feedback.

By then former PS Mark Bor who had signed the agreement had left office and Fred Segor had taken his place with James Macharia as the new head at Afya House.

The joint committee is considering to invite Mr Macharia (now Transport CS) in order to shed more light on who authorised Mark Bor to sign the CBA that has paralysed health sector for 81 days.

Serem warned that implementing the CBA in its current state would place an intern doctor at the same level with senior economist who have been in the civil service for between six to nine years.

“You can imagine how a senior economist

who has worked hard to be in group C3 for nine years would feel being placed in the same category with an intern with the latter earning more than him,” Serem told the committee. Chairperson Public Service Commission (PSC) Margaret Kobia also told the committee that her office all along knew the CBA was illegal as it was not registered.

“The union officials would from time to time come to my office asking about the status of their CBA but I knew it was an illegal document though the contents are valid,” Kobia said.

Chairman Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Samuel Oroko however said during a meeting between the union officials and President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mombasa, the head of state promised them that they will not be classified as other civil servants but will be given preferential grading.

Doctors also maintained that it was not the responsibility of the union to register the CBA but the government bears the responsibility of making the document legal.

Salaries body dismiss dons claim on job evaluation

The Salaries and Remunerations Commission (SRC) has dismissed claims by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) that the formula employed by the commission in conducting the ongoing job evaluation exercise for lecturers and workers in research and tertiary institutions is defective.

SRC Communications Officer Ali Chege has said the use of the Paterson Model of evaluation will not in any way disadvantage the lecturers.

“We have given a very heavy factor on knowledge and research considering the influence from university or research institutions is more on the knowledge they disseminate to the country,” he told Capital FM News in a telephone interview on Friday.

Chege brushed off allegations by university staff unions that the process being undertaken by SRC in collaboration with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) neglected other key roles of university dons such as research, consultancy and community service.

“It takes into consideration, the entire responsibility of a lecturer.

But the biggest weight is given to knowledge,” he said adding : “PwC has tailored the Paterson Model to suite the universities and we’re calling it sapiential or knowledge based authority.”

He noted that the evaluation which begun in January and is expected to end in June will also address concerns raised by lecturers regarding salary disparities among

It takes into consideration, the entire responsibility of a lecturer. But the biggest weight is given to knowledge’ — Ali Chege, Communications Officer SRC

university staff.

On Thursday, UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga discredited the evaluation saying it failed to take into consideration the entire scope of a lecturer’s job.

“The Paterson method evaluates level of decision making and responsibilities. In Universities we generate and disseminate knowledge. Paterson model is illsuited for that. I have no idea how they want to evaluate the thinking process,” Wasonga told Capital FM. Wasonga’s sentiments are also shared by UASU’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Chapter Secretary General Peterson Hinga who said the evaluation process should be halted until a suitable method of evaluation is identified.

In a letter to the JKUAT’s Vice Chancellor dated February 23, Hinga called for the suspension of the appraisal exercise until the employer (University Council) and the employee represented by

the union agree on factors to be considered in the assessment.

“After critical analysis of the tool being employed by the PwC on behalf of SRC, the union has unanimously agreed that the process should be stopped immediately as it does not take into consideration the factors that accurately access the worth of a university don,” Hinga wrote.

UASU together with the Kenya Universities Staff Academic (KUSA) have remained adamant on the negotiation, registration and implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2013-2017 cycle, before calling off the strike by university workers which begun on January 18 The two (UASU and KUSA) rejected a Sh 10 billion offer by the government, terming it as being inadequate, UASU saying it only amounted to a 3.2 and 1.6 percent increase on the basic salary and house allowance respectively.

UASU instead proposed a 30 and 20 percent increment on the two perk components to call of the strike, a proposal that the Inter Public University Consultative Council Forum (IPUCCF) is yet to respond to since it was tabled to them on February 10.

Talks between the council and the unions through a Joint Negotiation Committee constituted following directives from the Ministry of Education have since collapsed.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

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NEWS

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

Disability won’t stop me, says Isiolo man with big ambitions

M

ohammed Abdullahi might easily pass for any other begger in Nairobi.

But one immediately realises the man from Isiolo has bigger ambitions than to just sit down and plead for coins from passersby.

Born 29 years ago, Abdullahi was raised like any other normal child until after his eighth birthday when he was diagnosed with polio.

Life has never been the same since.

The disease left the second born in a family of eight siblings confined to a wheelchair.

But Abdullahi has since accepted the unfortunate turn of events and embraced his disability. Now he wants to lead the people of Isiolo North as their MP in the National Assembly.

“I am going for Isiolo North parliamentary seat not because I am disable and want sympathy from voters but because I believe disability is ability to lead others,” Abdulahi says with confidence written all over his face.

The constituency is currently represented in Parliament by Joseph Lomwa Samal who was elected in 2013. Before him was current area senator Mohamed Kuti who served as Isiolo North MP for two terms from 2002 to 2012.

A total of seven aspirants have already expressed interest in running for the seat.

But Abdullahi says he is not afraid and will welcome their challenge.

During this interview, he expressed confidence that he will trounce his rivals, his physical disability notwithstanding.

“I tell my opponents that I am the odd one out since I am disabled and therefore best suited to lead the people of Isiolo,” he says adding that those with disability have a unique way of leading their people. His confidence springs from the conviction that there exist a huge gap in the current political leadership and that it is time even the disabled offer themselves to lead. He is also buoyed by the win of current Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi in 2013.

When asked why he cannot seek to get to parliament through nomination under special interest category, Mr Abdulahi

Isiolo North MP aspirant Mohamed Abdulahi popularly known as ‘Medize in campign.

Medize has vowed to floor his competitors in the forthcoming general elections despite his condition.

cringes with anger and gives a stern look at this writer. “I don’t believe that people with disability should just be given things because of their condition. want to prove to the world that we are able, intelligent and can do better than our counterparts who have no physical challenge,” he countered. “I will not accept anyone giving me Sh2 million or even Sh5 million to move out of this race. I am going all the way to the ballot,” he added.

Although he is yet to decide on which

I

political party to use, Abdulahi signals that in Isiolo County the people have decided they will support the National Supper Alliance (NASA) and therefore he will use one of the affiliate parties. Popularly known as Medize by his supporters, Abdulahi rides on women empowerment, youth empowerment, improvement of security, development of infrastructure and promotion of cohesion among different communities living in Isiolo as his core pillars.

It will be the second time Abdulahi is trying his hands in politics after his failed attempt to become a Member of the local County Assembly in 2013.

But there is one big hurdle on his way – his local community’s perception of those with disability. “Where I come from people with disability are seen as a curse and therefore not suitable to lead. I have however talked to religious leaders and they are helping me in telling people that the disabiled can also lead.

Among those campaigning against the negative perception are Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo, senator Mohamed Kuti and some MPs from the region and a section of MCAs, many of whom have endorsed his candidature.

And should things not go his way, Abdulahi says he is ready to support whoever will win.

He has also ruled out dating at this time until after elections. “I am single and not ready to mingle. For now I just want to concentrate on winning this seat,” he says. @sam_x254

Unions: ‘Errors’ in 2016 KCSE results will cost students

Students who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) last year stand to miss prestigious scholarships offered by International Universities due to poor performance in English, the National Union of Teachers claims.

Secretary General of Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Wilson yesterday raised an alarm that the mass failure in English in last year’s exams have condemned the students as failures.

There was no student who scored A (plain) in English in last year’s exams.

Appearing before the parliamentary committee on education, Sossion said English is the key subject that one must pass before being offered scholarships and other opportunities in foreign universities.

“Our students will now be condemned and forced to go for one year training before being admitted in any university abroad,” he said.

Sossion absolved the students from the failure saying the method used in marking last year’s exam was unfair and not recognized internationally.

Sossion said there was no normalization of grades, no standardization and the same grading system was used for humanities and sciences. As such, he called for the recall of the 2016 KCSE results for harmonisation.

“Kenyans students have done exceptionally well in English, therefore no one can tell us that all the students failed to score an A in English,” he said.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akelo Misori said the unfair marking formulae of exams last year has caused anxiety among students this year.

“There is anxiety among learners and that is why the number of students who have registered for this years’ KCSE have dropped,” Misori said.

Both Sossion and Misori wants Parliament to force the recall of the 2016 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, claiming that it was tailored to fail students.

“The thousands of students who failed have no future, thanks to the council,” secretary general Wilson Sossion told the MPs. “We want the examination council to explain the many errors made during the marking and grading of the exams,” he added. “As a country we cannot celebrate failure and say you have stopped cheating. All exams must be valid, objective and fair. Last year’s exams went against all fairness of education,” Misori said. The committee, through acting chairman Jared K’Opiyo (Awendo), assured the unions that, “Parliament will address the issues raised in the shortest time possible”.

“I want to assure that this committee does not sit in vain, we have listened to you and we will present our report to parliament,” @sam_x254 K’Opiyo said.

NEWS 7 WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

Kim Jong-nam ‘killed by VX nerve agent’ Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korea’s leader, was killed by a highly toxic nerve agent, says Malaysia.

Mr Kim died last week after two women accosted him briefly in a check-in hall at a Kuala Lumpur airport.

Malaysian toxicology reports indicate he was attacked using VX nerve agent, which is classified as a weapon of mass destruction by the United Nations.

There is widespread suspicion that North Korea was responsible for the attack, which it fiercely denies. It responded furiously to Malaysia’s insistence on conducting a post-mortem examination and has accused Malaysia of having “sinister” purposes.

Malaysia’s police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said on Friday that the presence of the nerve agent had been detected in swabs taken from Mr Kim’s eyes and face.

One of the women Mr Kim interacted with at the airport on 13 February had also fallen ill with vomiting afterwards, he added.

The authorities say they intend to decontaminate the airport and areas the suspects are known to have visited.

Mr Khalid said other exhibits were still under analysis and that police were investigating how the banned substance might have entered Malaysia. “If the amount of the chemical brought in was small, it would be difficult for us to detect,” he said. Bruce Bennett, a weapons expert at the research institute the Rand Corporation, told the BBC it would have taken only a tiny amount of the substance to kill Mr Kim. He suggests a small quantity of VX - just a drop - was likely put on cloths used by the attackers to touch his face. A separate spray may have been used as a diversion.

Mr Khalid has previously said the fact the woman who accosted Mr Kim immediately went to wash her hands showed she was “very aware” that she had been handling a toxin.

What is VX nerve agent?

lThe most potent of the known chemical warfare agents, it is a clear, amber-coloured, oily liquid which is tasteless and odourless lWorks by penetrating the skin and disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses - a drop on the skin can kill in minutes.

Low doses can cause eye pain, blurred vision, drowsiness and vomiting lIt can be disseminated in a spray or vapour when used as KIm Jong-nam who was killed in Malaysia last week. A toxicology report indicates he was killed by a highlt toxic nerve agent. PHOTO: COURTESY

It would have begun affecting his nervous system immediately, causing first shaking and then death within minutes.

The well-travelled and multilingual oldest son of late North Korean leader Kim Jongil, he was once considered a potential future leader. He has lived abroad for years and was bypassed in favour of his half-brother, Kim Jong-un. A woman was seen in CCTV footage approaching Mr Kim and wiping something across his face. He sought medical help at the airport, saying someone had splashed or sprayed him with liquid.

He had a seizure and died on the way to hospital. His body remains in the hospital’s mortuary, amid a diplomatic dispute over who should claim it. Malaysia says it was clearly an

attack by North Korean agents. Four people are in custody, including one North Korean and the two women he interacted with at the airport. Seven North Koreans are being sought, including a diplomat.

Mr Kim had been travelling on a passport under the name Kim Chol. North Korea has yet to confirm that the deceased was actually Kim Jong-nam.

On what seemed to be the first reference to the case in the North’s state media, Pyongyang said on Thursday only that Malaysia was responsible for the death of one of its citizens.

It also accused Malaysia of trying to politicise the return of his body, saying its insistence on securing DNA samples from Mr Kim’s family before handing the body over was “absurd”.

South Africa targets illegal foreign workers

South African officials will inspect workplaces to see if firms are employing undocumented foreigners, the home affairs minister says.

Malusi Gigaba added that more than 60 employees of retail chain Spar “without documentation” had been arrested.

Mr Gigaba warned that firms would be “penalised” if they breached the law, and said they should not fuel tensions by “playing locals against foreigners”.

His comments come amid concern that xenophobia is rising in South Africa.

Many unemployed South Africans accuse foreigners of taking their jobs.

In the past week, Nigerian nationals have been attacked in the capital Pretoria. On Monday, 34 foreign-owned shops were looted in parts of the town and a local group

Foreign nationals and members of various South African civil society groups take part in an anti-xenophobia march through Cape Town, South Africa, 22 April 2015. The government of South Africa is now targeting illegal foreign workers in the country. PHOTO: NIC BOTHMA/EPA

has called for a march for Friday to protest at immigrants it says are taking their jobs.

The attacks triggered condemnation by the Nigerian government and a call by MPs for Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa to be

recalled. But South Africa’s foreign affairs department dismissed claims that Nigerian nationals were targets of xenophobic violence. Spokesperson Clayson Monyela said the attacks were nothing more

a chemical weapon, or used to contaminate water, food, and agricultural products lVX can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact lClothing can carry VX for about 30 minutes after contact with the vapour, which can expose other people lOfficial S-2

chemical

name

is

Diisoprophylaminoethyl

methylphosphonothiolate and it is banned by the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention of the UN.

than sporadic criminal incidents. The government also said inflammatory social media statements by South Africans and foreign nationals against each other were unnecessary.

However, Thursday saw protesters in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, target the head office of South African telecoms company MTN in apparent retaliation for violence against Nigerians in South Africa.

Mr Gigaba, whose comments have been published on the government’s Twitter account, said South Africans should not be portrayed as “mere xenophobes”.

He added that 33,339 people had been deported in 2015-16.

In his budget speech on Wednesday, South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said that 35% of the labour force was unemployed or had given up looking for work. South Africa experienced its worst outbreak of violence against foreigners in 2008, when more than 60 people died.

Two years ago, similar unrest in the cities of Johannesburg and Durban claimed seven lives as African immigrants were hunted down and attacked by gangs.

WEEKEnD EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 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

Business leaders form outfit to address socio-economic challenges

The B Team and Safaricom have announced plans to create ‘The B Team - Eastern Africa’, a new not-for-profit initiative, created by regional business leaders to catalyse a better way of doing business for the wellbeing of people and the planet - and responding to the specific challenges and opportunities of the Eastern African market.

By raising their collective voice and leading by example, The B Team Eastern Africa will catalyse CEOs, investors and entrepreneurs to lead their companies and sectors in a more sustainable direction.

The new leaders will commit to participate in at least one of the organization’s anchor initiatives: Net Zero by 2050; Governance & Transparency; 100% Human at Work and by joining calls to action and advocacy statements on key policy issues at critical moments.

Speaking at a conference hosted by Safaricom, company CEO, Bob Collymore said The B Team - Eastern Africa leaders will help more companies to go further and faster on their journey to sustainability.

“Working together, we can demonstrate that it’s possible to create companies in which doing what’s better for the planet and its people is also better for business,” Collymore said. “There is no business argument for a world that continues to consume and produce itself into oblivion.

We need an economic system that does a better job of extending prosperity to all.”

Through this, they will collectively respond to 10 critical challenges facing business, such as reducing environmental impacts, increasing business transparency, adopting longer-term business strategies and ensuring fairness and equity for workers throughout the supply chain.

The launch of The B Team Eastern Africa kicks-off a broader global campaign, in which The B Team will organize regional

Vineet Rai, Cofounder and Chairman, Aavishkaar Itellecap Group,Lord Mark Malloch Brown , formwer Deputy Secretary-General,United Nations (Chair), Hon.Adan Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives and Business and Sustainable Development Commission (BSDC) Commissioner and Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, during the launch of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission report at Radisson Blu Hotel. platforms around the world to increase the number of company leaders who are willing and able to step up and lead this transition. The announcement comes on the heels of a new report, produced by the Business and Sustainable Development Commission, which provides substantial evidence of the massive global economic opportunities that can be unlocked by new business models focused on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The commission reports that achieving the SDGs will be worth at least $1.1 trillion (Sh113.9 trillion) by 2030 for the private sector in Africa, potentially creating more than 85 million new jobs,

with affordable housing accounting for more than 13 million of these jobs. Africa is already the world’s second-fastest growing regional economy and signs of development are spreading across the continent. Research indicates that Africa is drawing even more interest from investors, and inspiring a rising generation of innovative young entrepreneurs. New data shows that literacy is increasing, and new-born survival rates have improved dramatically, while chronic malnutrition has fallen. At the same time, millions still lack sufficient access to quality nutrition, health care or education. Today, famine resulting from failing rains, aid delays and

armed conflict is causing a humanitarian crisis for tens of millions of people in Somalia, South Sudan, and Nigeria.

Many of these entrenched challenges trace back to a deeply flawed economic model which has produced worldchanging improvements in the quality of life - alongside vast inequality. The group states that new business models will help people, communities and nations thrive by creating jobs, reducing inequality, reviving the middle class, increasing access to quality health, nutrition and education and lifting billions of people out of extreme poverty. @kevin _x254

MEAN 103.5467 129.5122 109.5428 8.0447 34.6221 21.5700

BUY SELL 103.4467 103.6467 129.3672 129.6572 109.4244 109.6611 8.0323 8.0572 34.5404 34.7039 21.5058 21.6343

Drop in global oil prices will not affect Kenya’s oil and gas activity, experts say The current drop in global prices is not expected to impact on the oil and gas activity due to the fact that commercial production in Kenya is at least three years away, experts have confirmed.

By this time, a new global equilibrium (currently estimated at $80 (Sh8,300 per barrel) will have been established an analysis dubbed ‘Economic Forecast Kenya 2017’ has found.

The data indicates that a recent Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreement for supply cut-backs of 1.8 million barrels per day is not expected to reduce current oversupply in 2017, and prices will remain subdued at below $60 (Sh6,200) per barrel at which level US production of shale oil and gas flood the market.

Meanwhile another oil find in Kenya’s Block 13T was announced in midJanuary by exploration company, Tullow whose bosses stated that they are now confident of reaching a critical 1 billion barrels soon. The final design of the Turkana-Lamu crude oil pipeline are on-going for final investment decisions.

At an estimated cost of Sh200 billion, the pipeline (and related components) is the key to the $25 billion Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia- Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project.

The Government plans to construct a new transport corridor covering rail, road and an oil pipeline from Lamu and connecting Kenya with Ethiopia and South Sudan. Kenya is spearheading the development of the LAPSSET corridor project to strengthen her position as a gateway and a transport and logistics hub to the East African sub-region and the Great Lakes region to facilitate trade, promote regional economic integration and interconnectivity between African countries. @Dennis _x254

State steps in as farmers refuse to Energy projects gain traction as regulator cut reliance on rain-fed agriculture seeks universal grid connection by 2020 Kenyans will continue to suffer the effects of drought as farmers refuse to make a shift from rain-fed agriculture, new data has revealed.

A study from research group, Metropol has confirmed that the sector is undergoing a serious food shortage in the arid and semiarid counties.

As such, the government has stepped in with food supplies. The state is planning to import up to 5 million bags of maize to stem a shortage that has seen the shelf price of flour rise marginally in recent months.

Metropol says the implementation of a 1.75 million acres Galana/Kulalu Ranch irrigation programme which is costed at Sh250 billion has been rejigged on realisation of the water reservoir at high grand falls dam.

“Not much is expected this year 2017. The main reason being absence of high grand falls dam at Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County. Now the project will go through an intermediate stage of 400,000 acres using flood control dam 1. This dam is now under design and will be ready in late 2018. The model farm and other infrastructure investment activities are on-going,” the group’s researchers explained.

The programme is intended to reduce food volatility connected with rain fed farming, particularly the supply of maize. The programme will create 1.5- to 2 million jobs and make the country a net exporter of maize at a production level of 25-30 million bags based on 2 harvests per year on 500,000 acres. @Dennis _x254

Kenya’s energy projects have gained sustained traction in recent months as government efforts to boost the sector take shape. The famous Last mile connectivity project financed through the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank at Sh60 billion expects to complete 2 million connections by 2017, to achieve 70 per cent connectivity. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on September, 2016 that the government expects a new target of 100 per cent connectivity by 2020 “Energy, particularly electric power is and has been a major constraint to development in terms of unit costs and availability,” states a recent economic forecast from Metropol, a Kenyan-based financial services group.

“This is attributable to historical underinvestment and low plant efficiency (56%) of installed capacity.

However, on recognition of lack of demand, the 5000MW program has been revised with some projects

rejigged for later periods.

In 2016, Kenya had 2,300 megawatts (MW) in terms of installed capacity. An additional 280MW from the country’s Olkaria 5 and 6 power plants are under implementation to be commissioned in 2017.

Metropol data has confirmed that a 105 MW Menengai geothermal project is also under construction.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s 310 MW Lake Turkana wind power is under active implementation due for completion over 2017. However, the feed-in of their first 100MW is tied to an Ethiopia-Kenya high voltage transmission line which is delayed owing to land disputes.

Other active wind power projects are Kipeto in Kajiado (80 MW), and KenGen’s 400 MW in Meru. The 50MW Garissa solar plant is under implementation. This is a KenGen project and is likely to be realized according to plan in 2018, according to the forecast. @Dennis _x254

10

BUSINESS

EACC partners with business community to fight corruption WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Global Compact Network Kenya and the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) have commissioned talks that will champion the sensitisation of the business community on the Bribery Act 2016.

The newly enacted law is an initiative of the business community aimed at supporting government’s efforts to curb corruption in Kenya and reduce the cost of doing business.

Speaking at the forum, EACC Chair, Rt. Archbishop Eliud Wabukala said that it is difficult to fight corruption individually, adding that EACC has already put in appropriate guidelines to assist the private and public sector curb corruption.

“Corruption is the single hindrance to socio-economic growth. The cost of corruption equals 5 per cent of the global GDP. EACC cannot do it singlehandedly, in partnership with the business community, we need to look into corruption and establish the right culture in our organizations to fight it. The implementation of this Bribery Act will be beneficial to all of us. Its purpose is to provide corruption penalties particularly in the business community,” added Rt. Archbishop Wabukala.

The Act came into force on January 13, 2017 and places obligations on public and private entities to put in place procedures that are appropriate to their size, scale and nature of operations, for prevention of bribery and corruption.

KAM Chairperson, Flora Mutahi stated that corruption threatens sustainable economic development, ethical values and justice. She also said that the enactment of the Bribery bill is a great move to enhance high ethical standards in doing business.

“A 2016 survey on Global Economic Crimes ranked Kenya second, rising from 17 per cent in 2014 to 61 per cent in 2016, with corruption and

EACC Chair, Rt. Archbishop Eliud Wabukala and KAM CEO Phyllis Wakiaga during the Bribery Act Sensitization Seminar at Sarova Stanley, Nairobi. procurement fraud contributing 47 per cent and 37 per cent respectively.

With the enactment of the Bribery Act, we are hopeful that the mechanism put in place will prevent corruption in our institutions. Apart from having to report acts of corruption, the Act puts us to task to reduce corruption in the private sector,” said Ms. Mutahi.

KAM CEO Ms Phyllis Wakiaga reiterated the importance of the implementation of the Bribery Act. Ms Wakiaga, who is also the

UN Global Compact Network Kenya Representative, said that any opportunity to curb out corruption is one that should be highly endorsed.

“KAM works in partnership with Global Compact to ensure that our membership is engaged in doing business with high ethical standards.

Corruption is an obstacle to economic and social development. Its negative impact on sustainable development impedes business growth, escalates costs and poses serious legal and

reputational risks,” stated Ms Wakiaga.

The new chair of the anti-corruption body also said that they are looking to advance the implementation of the Bribery Act by comparing it with other countries.

“The Act should be widely understood.

We will go to England to learn about their Bribery Act implementation, and hope it will provide useful lessons.

When we fight corruption, we honour the country,” concluded Rt. Archbishop @kevin_x254 Wabukala.

Pathways International in move to help SMEs double their revenue Businesses across the country are projected to more than double their revenue after Pathways International today rolled out a Business Intelligent (BI) software that uses data to help boost profits.

Pathways CEO, Joel Onditi says the company tested the software in the United States and has seen companies’ revenue climb by up to 40 per cent. The results have prompted Pathway’s to roll out the programme in its mother country, Kenya.

“The Business Intelligence will see firms’ profits up, especially in banking institutions and Small Medium Enterprises (SME) sector which has data of how their businesses have been running for quite some time,” Onditi told a news conference today morning.

Former Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Information and Communications Prof.

Bitange Ndemo lauded the move, saying as technology grows in Kenya, businesses can also expandtremendously through collection, analysis and dissemination of data.

“The information gathered can help us offer advisory services to a particular company seeking to drive up its sales as they no longer have to rely on an attendant with a notebook,” said Prof. Ndemo.

Onditi further confirmed that BI would deter rogue accountants from looting company resources as the the system would offer real time analysis with quick navigation, help identify waste in systems as well as reduce bottlenecks within a given firm.

He said Pathways will offer the best services at the cheapest price. @enock_x254

GE to address maternal health crisis in Sub-Sahara Africa General Electric (GE), a nongovernmental organization in partnership with Santa Clara University, has trained 14 social entrepreneurs from across the region in its efforts geared at improving and accelerating maternal child health outcomes not only in Kenya but across the continent.

The move comes at a time when the country’s health sector is facing major hurdles with a doctor’s strike now in its 82nd day.

GE Executive Director of global initiative, Healthymagination Robert Wells says the collaboration takes an innovative and highly

practical approach to combating maternal health-related challenges by providing entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to expand the positive impact of their interventions.

“GE believes there is much for social enterprises and large businesses to learn from each other. As the centre of the ecosystem, social enterprises are key to building Africa’s sustainable future,” said Wells.

Jay Ireland, President and CEO of General Electric Africa said the in-depth mentoring from Silicon Valley-based executives is designed to help social entrepreneurs acquire business fundamentals, improve

their strategic thought process and articulate a business plan that demonstrates impact, growth and long-term financial sustainability.

“We are thrilled to graduate our first cohorts of social entrepreneurs.

This group is helping solve some of Africa’s biggest health challenges through their initiatives aimed at improving mother to child care,” said Ireland.

According to Thane Kreiner, Executive Director of Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, addressing the global health challenges of women and children living in sub-standard conditions or facing high risk pregnancies

demands determination, diligence and creative solutions.

“Now the first cohorts of social enterprises is emerging, ready to begin making a tangible difference in maternal and child health by leveraging GE’s healthcare expertise and the business-building skills imparted by Miller Centre Silicon Valley mentor,” he said.

GE was started over 100 years ago in Sub-Saharan Africa and has offered more than 2,600 employment opportunities, contributing $3.9 billion (Sh404 billion) in revenue annually in all the countries that it operates. It has saved over 230 million lives since its inception. @enock_x254

BUSINESS 11

Entrepreneurs convene to promote innovation at Sankalp Summit

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

Over 1,000 entrepreneurs from around the world yesterday came together for the 4th edition of the annual Sankalp Africa Summit in Nairobi to help solve social-economic problems through cutting edge innovation. At the event, Mr. Mark Malloch, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nation and Chair of the Business Commission for Sustainable Development launched a report on the market opportunities and that would result from achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year, the Sankalp forum will discuss the potential for technology to help leapfrog Africa, while also focusing the spotlight on the need to get the continent’s basic infrastructure in place to ensure equal access to basic services for all. The two-day summit will offer development support for entrepreneurs to raise investment.

It will provide exclusive networking opportunities with over 1,000 global leaders. It will also allow for partnerships and collaboration with players across the value chain from investors to corporations, governments and deep sector insights through research and publications. Vineet Rai, Founder of impact investment firm, Aavishkaar Intellecap Group says: “Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group

(L-R) Winners of the Sankalp Africa Award Daniel Yu from SokoWatch(2nd Runner up) Joanna Bischel of Kasha, who was the overall winner, and Sam Wanjohi of Popote payments(1st Runner up) display trophies during the Sankalp Africa Summit 2017 held on February 23,2017.Photo:Gitobu Edwin/Xnews believes that key goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) can be met by building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that unleashes entrepreneurial action toward core challenges around employment, health, energy and financial inclusion.”

At the summit, Intellecap will launch a report on Africa in 2030 that

will showcase the future of Africa and the key shifts expected around access to basic services such as food and nutrition; water and sanitation and healthcare among others. The Summit will recognize high potential entrepreneurs where 10 will compete for the coveted Sankalp Africa Award.

Winners from previous years have

gone on to raise over $500,000 (Sh52.7 million) in investments.

This year’s Sankalp Africa Award winners are Rwanda’s, KASHA, which took the first position. Second and third place were taken by Kenya’s Popote Payments and Sokowatch respectively. @enock_x254

British American Tobacco posts 15pc drop in profit following new cigarette tax British American Tobacco’s (BAT’s) 2016 profit has fallen by 15 per cent to Sh4.2 billion following the introduction of excise duty and the use of excise stamps on cigarettes.

As a result of the new regulations, the firm’s taxes increased by Sh3.1 billion from the previous year to hit Sh19 billion.

The introduction of excise duty has also led to an increase in cigarette prices, lowering BAT’s sales.

Last week, the Court of Appeal upheld the country’s 2014 Tobacco Control Regulations, rejecting legal challenges to the regulations from BAT. The court ruled that the regulations are constitutional and do not contradict the Tobacco Control Act as had been argued in suit papers by BAT. Kenya’s Tobacco Control Regulations stipulate that tobacco companies are to pay an annual fee into a designated tobacco control fund to assist the government in paying for the harmful health effects of tobacco use for Kenyans. @Dennis_x254

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

ACCESS

I FEEL EMBARRASSED AND ASHAMED BECAUSE I WAS SO GULLIBLE AND TRUSTING. Trap King Chrome is a man on a mission.

The emcee breaks the details down for XACCESS and this time he really is not taking any prisoners.

He has quite a few choice words concerning where he’s been, the things he’s seen, his exit from Grandpa Records and his future that is sure to be blindingly bright.

Here’s the juice. @christine_x254

W

hat have you been up to lately?

I left Grandpa Records so I’m a free agent and I like it this way. Right now I’m working on my growing company, called GTP Gang aka Get That Paper Gang. It’s an independent record label and clothing line. But in terms of the music, I’m dealing with it in a more western way in terms of business.

How has that process been like so far?

It’s been an emotional roller-coaster. 2017 is about doing everything myself with my in-house team and freelancers. Sometimes when you want something done, you have to do it yourself. That’s what this industry has taught me, but it’s made me stronger.

Is this where you thought you would be at this point in your career?

Everything happens for a reason. But due to my trusting nature, I wasted too much time on the wrong people that sold stories to me about how much they could get things done, it was a real set back. So I’m just trying to recover the time I lost.

There’s been a lot of noise coming out of the Grandpa government lately, do you have anything to say about that?

In my personal opinion, I left because I spent a lot of money with continuous false promises being continuously handed to me and my mother who is my co-investor. We spent almost half a million. I feel embarrassed and ashamed because I was so gullible and trusting. I got ripped off, like I’ve been with Grandpa Records spending money since 2014 June, yet they promised to promote my music, and have done nothing in terms of promotion. I feel like Lil Wayne. They wouldn’t drop anything.

Why did you choose to sign on to Grandpa?

My friends told me about Grandpa Records breaking in new artistes to the game. I checked them out and liked what I saw. I didn’t want to fly back to London without leaving my mark musically. I actually wanted to go back flying the Kenyan flag before conquering my London city too. I set up a meeting with Ref [Refigah] and we had an agreement that promo will be involved and that we’d work on splits. Which was great, but that’s back in 2014. If they are actually promoting, how come my

HOT TOPICS

song ain’t on radio? TV? Etc. It’s not even on their social media, yet I’ve almost spent half a mill. That can’t be for recording 4 songs yet I paid for a video by Thamos (Jaguar’s One Centimeter remix) which was never edited or finished for 165k.

What inspired ‘Bring Em Out’?

Khaligraph, Kristoff [laughs]! Actually a lot of Kenyan rappers not just them. I mean we can all brag, but who does it the best?

Who’s really talking the truth?

He said he’s a king, W e l l ‘King’ is my middle name.

I just f e e l like I have a lyrical point to pro v e and all

these emcees are my punching bags. ‘Bring Em Out’ was to remind the people that some people are just all talk no action.

What do you think of the current state of the hip-hop industry?

Right now in terms of Kenya, I feel we are moving on up and honestly because of versatile rappers like Khaligraph and Videz Hybrid , taking music to different heights. I am also a part of that as I represent Kenyan music in a lot of foreign countries outside of Africa.

But we as Kenyan musicians need to be respected by our own industry, like, how are you going to pay Chris Brown 9 million but give the so - called ‘President of hip hop’, Prezzo 30k for a show? That’s sad.

Do you think beef is a necessary thing in order to stay sharp in the game?

This beef thing can be handled in different ways, but in reality we won’t all like each other. And if you are going to go around saying you’re ‘King of Hip Hop’ I’m definitely saying something because no one has touched the crown on my head. I’m coming from a musical perspective, it’s better in a song than on the streets because I’m sure no one wants that. That’s why we do music. Win some, lose some and I haven’t taken an L yet.

How is the future looking for Trap King Chrome?

I don’t wanna talk too much on that to be honest, you know people like to hate and sabotage. Just watch out ‘cause Get That Paper Gang, the label and clothing line are coming through this year. Join us.

If you had any advice for your 15-year-old self what would it be?

Don’t rush to get in this game. Take your time and be patient because success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to grind, hard work and time pays off with dedication. Music will always be here. Make money first ‘cause it’s expensive and you will have to lose a lot before earning a lot. Don’t believe everything you hear just because you believe it’s coming from a credible source, sometimes the source is ‘Suge Knight’. Last but not least, always be true to you.

g n i K p e k a c r ba e T rom g in ron h k C Tathe th

@kevin_x254

TZ media personality Mimi Mars launches music career with ‘Shuga’

Mdee Music has unveiled their latest music act Mimi Mars, sister to celebrated Tanzanian pop music queen Vanessa Mdee in her debut single “SHUGA”. Produced at Hightable Sounds and shot in Dar es Salaam by the Tanzania director Hanscana, the colorful music video has cameos by Tanzanian superstars like Navy Kenzo, Rosa Ree, Wildad, and Quick Rocka. Mimi Mars is a media personality who has over the years established herself as a respected YouTube, TV personality and MC. In her new music venture, the huskyvoiced songstress lures you into her world with a sultry tone and her amazing vocals. Thanks to Mdee Music, the creators of mega hits including Niroge, Hawajui, Never Ever, Nobody but me ft South Africa’s K.O. – Mimi Mars is already in great company as she takes on a new career path.

Tanzanian ex-beauty queen Wema Sepetu who was actively involved in politics ahead of Tanzania’s last general election has dumped President Magufuli’s ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for CHADEMA. Wema, who contested to be Member of Parliament in 2015 however conceded defeat after her short stint. She had however vowed to stay put in CCM in honour of her late father Abraham Isaac Sepetu who was a staunch supporter and member of CCM. In her court appearance on 22nd February 2017, the actress showed up in court flanked by CHADEMA party leaders. In connection to her case, the prosecution asked the court to be given more time so that they could conclude their investigation on the accused. Court session resumes 15th March.

Wema was early this year found in possession of bhang and was charged. It is perhaps this move by the government of the day that has prompted her move.

cancels Coachella performance

Ex Beauty Queen dumps Magufuli

Beyoncé, who is pregnant with twins, has pulled out of her headlining spot at the Coachella music festival in southern California. The event is among the world’s premier live music festivals and Beyoncé’s performance had been eagerly anticipated. Following the advice of her doctors to keep a less rigorous schedule in the coming months, Beyoncé has made the decision to forgo the festival but will headline the 2018 gig.

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

13

DEEPA DOSAJA AT NYFW 2017

SHIMMERY in a gold mettalic dress and black strappy heels.

12

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eepa Dosaja, one of Kenya’s leading designers in Africa, was recently selected to present her collection at New York Fashion Week 2017. In what was a very memorable and exciting evening, she presented her collection “My Flowers” on a runway show on 11th February 2017

at Studio 450, New York. The inspiration behind the Collection was to show the uniqueness, beauty and diversity that Deepa sees in each flower on earth as well as in each client she dresses. It was a celebration of nature and all the beauty within it.

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SPORT

Wanyama’s Spurs knocked out of Europe WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

Kenyan international Victor Wanyama scored but could not add another to prevent ten-man Tottenham Hotspur from being bundled out of the Europa League.

Spurs, who trailed 1-0 after the first leg of the last-32 tie, made a great start as Christian Eriksen slipped an angled shot under Gent keeper Lovre Kalinic.

But the Belgian visitors equalised through Harry Kane’s own goal, leaving Spurs needing to score twice more in front of a Europa League record attendance of 80,465. Their task became harder when midfielder Dele Alli was sent off shortly before half-time for a dangerous high tackle.

Victor Wanyama’s curler into the top-left corner revived Spurs’ hopes, only for substitute Jeremy Perbet to prod Gent into the last 16 with less than 10 minutes left. Spurs’ elimination means they have only reached the Europa League quarter-finals once in the past six seasons.

Manchester United, who beat French side SaintEtienne 4-0 on aggregate, will be the only British side in the last-16 draw to be done today.

Despite them needing to score at least twice as the match approached half-time, few would have written off Spurs.

But they were then reduced to 10 men after Alli’s poor tackle.

The 20-year-old England midfielder has previously shown glimpses of a fiery streak, alongside his technical brilliance, but this was the first red card of his career.

Alli felt referee Manuel de Sousa should have given him a free-kick close to the halfway line

Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama with Moussa Dembele during yesterday’s Europa League match against Gent.

PHOTO: EPA

and briefly remonstrated with the Portuguese official before turning and launching into Genk midfielder Brecht Dejaegere with a studs-up challenge.

Alli caught Dejaegere just under his right knee - and luckily the Belgian appeared to escape serious injury. Tottenham did not escape without damage, though.

Rooney: I’m staying at Manchester United

England captain Wayne Rooney says he is staying at Manchester United, after being linked with a move to China.

The 31-year-old striker said he hoped to “play a full part” in the rest of the Premier League club’s season.

United boss Jose Mourinho had refused to rule out the prospect of Rooney’s exit this month, although a deal before the Chinese transfer window closes on 28 February was always unlikely.

“It’s an exciting time at the club and I want to remain a part,” said Rooney.

Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, had travelled to China to see if he could negotiate a deal, although it is not known which clubs he spoke to.

Two of the three clubs who looked the most likely options - Beijing Guoan and Jiangsu Suning dismissed speculation about a transfer.

Rooney’s representatives had already spoken to the third option - Tianjin Quanjian - but their coach, Fabio Cannavaro, said talks did not progress.

Rooney is United’s record goalscorer and has won five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy since joining them as an 18-yearold for £27m from Everton in 2004.

The forward, whose contract expires in 2019, has said he would not play for an English club other than United or Everton.

SPORT 15

Leicester City sack manager Claudio Ranieri WEEKEND EDITION, FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

Manager Claudio Ranieri has been sacked by Leicester City, nine months after leading them to the Premier League title. The sacking came amid demotion fears with the Foxes just one point above the relegation zone with 13 matches left. “The board reluctantly feels that a change of leadership, while admittedly painful, is necessary in the club’s greatest interest,” read a statement. Ranieri, 65, guided the Foxes to the title despite them being rated 5,000-1 shots at the start of the campaign. His departure comes less than 24 hours after a 2-1 defeat at Spanish side Sevilla in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Leicester took the Premier League title by 10 points but have won just five topflight games this season, and could become the first defending champions to be relegated since 1938.

They have lost their past five league matches and are the only side in the top four English divisions without a league goal in 2017.

“His status as the most successful Leicester City manager of all time is without question,” added the Foxes statement.

“However, domestic results in the current campaign have placed the club’s Premier League status under

threat.”

Earlier this month, Leicester gave their “unwavering support” to the Italian, who was appointed manager in July 2015 and signed a new four-year deal in August 2016.

“After all that Claudio Ranieri has done for Leicester City, to sack him now is inexplicable, unforgivable and gutwrenchingly sad,” said former Foxes striker Gary Lineker.

Correspondents say Ranieri was told he was sacked on Thursday afternoon in Leicester once the team returned from Spain, but the suggestion is the owners decided before that defeat by Sevilla.

“The decision was taken very reluctantly but the club’s owners are desperate to avoid relegation and its consequences. A news conference with assistant manager Craig Shakespeare will take place at the stadium at noon today Friday,” they added.

“This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City. But we are duty-bound to put the club’s long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be,” added Leicester City vicechairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha

Sacked Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. PHOTO: EPA

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