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PS IGNORED MY ADVISE, SAYS MINISTER WATER AND IRRIGATIOON CABINET SECRETARY TELLS MPS HIS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY NDUITA MWANGI OVERRULED HIM

NEWS

W IN THE CONTROVERSIAL TENDERING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-MILLION DAM IN UKAMBANI REGION

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UNSETTLED AFC LEOPARDS TOP FAN JUMA DITCHES CLUB FOR KAKAMEGA HOMEBOYZ

SANCHEZ, OZIL CONTRACT TALKS HALTED UNTIL SEASON END, SAYS ARSENE WENGER

Poll gives Jubilee slight edge over Nasa in Nairobi

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resident Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee is most popular party in Nairobi according to the findings of a new opinion poll released today.

A survey done by InfoTrack indicate Jubilee is ahead of opposition coalition, the National Super Alliance (Nasa) by three points at 43.2 percent popularity.

However, the poll predicts a tight run with some 12 percent of the respondents yet to decide which party or coalition they will support in the forthcoming general election.

Another two percent of those polled refused to disclose their preferred political outfits while seven percent of the respondents said they don’t InfoTrack chief know who they will back. Nasa was given a 40 percent popularity executive officer Angela Ambitho. rating by the survey.

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Former CS Kamau’s graft case halted pending appeal The trial of former Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau for corruption has been stopped pending the outcome of an appeal he has filed contesting the criminal proceedings.

Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate Felix Kombo ruled the proceedings will be temporarily halted until June 30 when the matter will be mentioned and further directions given.

On Wednesday, appellate judges Milton Makhandia, William Ouko and Kathurima M’Minoti stayed Kamau’s proceedings which were expected to begin today.

The former CS is facing charges of flouting procurement procedures relating to the management of public funds in a tender on the design of the Kamukuywa-Kaptama-Kapsokwony-

Sirisia Road. The work was done by Engiconsult Consulting Engineers Limited at the cost of Sh33 million.

Kamau is the second CS under the Jubilee Administration to seek recourse in cases they believe were politically motivated. Last month, the appellate court terminated proceedings against former Lands Cabinet Secretary MORE ON THIS STORY Charity Ngilu. www.capitalfm.co.ke

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NEWS

Nasa, Jubilee neck-to-neck in Nairobi THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

From Page 1 The coalition’s delay in naming its presidential flagbearer was cited as the reason many are yet to decide whether they will support it.

Nairobi senator Mike Sonko would retain his seat if he opts to seek reelection according to the same poll.

Sonko’s popularity with those preferring him for the senate seat stands at 33 percent with new entrant Johnson Sakaja following at 26 percent.

“Senator Mike Sonko is rated the most popular candidate for the Nairobi senator’s seat at about 35% of those polled,” InfoTrak Harris Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho said during the release of the findings today.

Sonko is however seeking to become Governor and has already submitted his nomination papers to the Jubilee Party.

Former Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa is third at 9.9 percent while Mutinda Kavemba came fourth at just 2.4 percent.

Another 26.5 percent remain undecided.

On the Women Representative Race, incumbent Rachel Shebesh still remains the person to beat as she enjoys 36.7 per cent popularity.

Shebesh, is closely followed at second position by Milicent Omanga with 12.8 per cent, while lawyer Karen Nyamu and nominated MCA Wangui Ng’ang’a are third and fourth with 2.6 and three percent respectively.

Shebesh, Ms Omanga, Ms Nyamu and Ms Ng’ang’a are all eyeing the Jubilee party ticket.

Jubilee supporters at the Bomas of Kenya today. Goons disrupt the Party’s Nairobi County Board elections at the venue after supporters of Senator Mike Sonko clashed with those of Starehe MP Maina Kamanda.

Mountain View Member of County Assembly (MCA) Beatrice Kwamboka (ODM) is in between the Jubilee party aspirants with 3.5 per cent.

However, 41.3 of the respondents are

yet to decide on who to vote for as their women Representative.

In the parliamentary race, only four MPs will be re-elected back to office.

They included Tim Wanyonyi

(Westlands), Ken Okoth (Kibra), Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji), TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka) and George Theuri (Embakasi West).

However, MPs Joash Olum (Langata),

Waihenya Ndirangu (Roysambu), John Ndiragu (Embakasi Central) and John Njoroge (Kasarani) would be shown the door as they have lost favour with the electorate.

PS ignored me, Wamalwa tells MPs

Water Cabinet Secretary with Egyptian head of mission in the country Dina Sabry at Ardhi House early this month.

Mr Wamalwa today told MPs that his PS ignored advice on the tendering of a multi-million dam in Ukambani.

Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa today admitted before a parliamentary committee that his Principal Secretary Nduita Mwangi ignored his advice on multi-million water tendering project.

Wamalwa said he offered an advice to the PS on the award for the tender but was ignored hence he said he will not be held accountable when anything goes wrong with the project.

While appearing before the parliamentary committee on Agriculture, Wamalwa however said there is no bad blood between him and the PS and asked MPs allow the ministry official to continue with the process but he should be held responsible for any loss.

Wamalwa said the PS is still new in government and urged MPs to give him time.

“I’m confident the PS will make the right decision,” Wamalwa said.

Controversy has rocked the ministry over Thwake dam project worth Sh62.3billion in Ukambani. Appearing before the same committee on Tuesday, the PS said he did not act on the CS advice as the tender matter was still being investigated by EACC. “Let the project continue but the PS should carry his own cross and will be held accountable for any commission or omission,” Wamalwa said.

He said EACC had given the project a clean bill of health in a letter dated March 18. The antigraft body advised the PS to strictly adhere to the procurement rules, he said. Wamalwa said the PS is the accounting officer of the ministry

and he should do his work. “If he chooses to ignore the advice of his CS, EACC and the African Development Bank then that’s up to him,” Wamalwa said. “As the CS I can only advice and not direct. The PS has the power to award a tender,” the CS added. The CS said the development partners ADB already have the money to finance the project and it’s only the PS that is now a stumbling block. “The international companies funding us have their own standards on matters of procurement and tendering and we must adhere to them,” Wamalwa said.

Committee chairman Mandera North MP Adam Nooru said it is not good for the CS and the PS to hold different position over the matter as it’s not good for the ministry and the country at large.

Mumias East MP expressed concern that the position taken by the PS and the CS may make Kenyans to lose billions of shillings.

“I am a Kenyan first before becoming an MP and I fear that Kenyans might lose millions,” Washiali said. Kabando wa Kabando said every decision of the ministry is subordinate to the CS in as much as the PS is the accounting officer.

“There are no two centres of power in the ministry. The CS should not appear helpless the buck stops with him,” Kabando said.

Mr Kabando said that there’s no PS who can appear before any parliamentary committee without the authority of the CS. The committed directed the CS to go and address all the issues surrounding the project. sam_x254

NEWS 3

Musician Jaguar’s car hits and kills two in road crash Two people were yesterday killed when a car belonging to musician Kanyi Njagua, popularly known as Jaguar hit them in Kirinyaga County.

According to police, Jaguar was driving his Range Rover heading towards Makutano when he lost control and veered off the road before hitting a motorcyclist and his passenger at Rukanga, along the Sagana- Makutano road.

Bodies of the motorcyclist (Mugo Mwangi, 21) and his pillion passenger (James Maingi, 21) were taken to the nearby Kibugi Mortuary. The two died on the spot.

New of the accident have since gone viral on social media with the musician taking to Facebook to express his distraught about the incident.

“It is with grief that I share this post today. As it is now public, I was involved in a car accident. Sadly,

lives were lost in the incident. It is not any ones (sic) will to wake up and be involved in an accident such as this,” he posted on his Facebook page.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those affected. I pray God grant strength to the families affected as we all go through this trying moment,” he added.

The vehicle has been towed to the Sagana Police Station with officers it had loose chippings.

But social media claims from eyewitnesses paid a different picture.

Claims have since emerged that Jaguar was not the one behind the wheel of his fuel guzzler when the accident occurred.

Instead, a yet to be identified woman was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

They say Jaguar appeared after the accident and claimed to be the one

who was behind the wheel.

“The road is under construction, so the vehicles needed blocking to pave way for other road users and still give time to the constructors.

The driver of the said Range Rover did not wait in line for cars to be cleared from her side, she was from Sagana heading to Makutano while the two were heading to Sagana. That’s when she hit the duo, who were almost joining the highway,” reads a witness account posted on Facebook.

“The boda boda they were using went to one side, while the two young men fell on the other side.

They were hit by a vehicle, a range rover sport, registration number KCB 808 J.” According to these accounts, the driver – the lady being ‘protected’ – stopped a few metres from the site of the accident while Jaguar arrived on the scene later to claim blame.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Musician Kanyi Njagua popularly known as Jaguar poses with his Range Rover before it was involved in an accident yesterday in Kirinyaga County. Two people, a boda boda operator and his pillion passenger were killed in the crash.

PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

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NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Policeman among five killed in London attack

Five people have died and at least 40 were injured after an attacker drove a car along a pavement in Westminster, stabbed a policeman and was shot dead by police in the grounds of Parliament.

The dead officer (pictured) has been named as PC Keith Palmer, 48, a husband and father.

PM Theresa May said the attack was “sick and depraved” and struck at values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.

The attacker has not been named by police.

Acting Deputy Commissioner and head of counter terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, Mark Rowley, said they think they know who he is and that he was inspired by international and Islamist-related terrorism, but gave no further details.

The attack unfolded at about 14.40 GMT when a single attacker drove a grey Hyundai i40 along a pavement over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London, killing at least two people and injuring many more.

The car then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament.

The attacker, armed with a knife, ran to Parliament where he was confronted by the police. PC Palmer - who was not armed - was then stabbed and killed.

The attacker was shot dead by officers.

Mr Rowley paid tribute to PC Palmer, saying: “He was someone who left for work today expecting to return home at the end of his

shift, and he had every right to expect that would happen.”

“Heartbroken” former colleague, Conservative MP James Cleverly, paid tribute to the “lovely

man” he had known for 25 years. The pair had served together in the Royal Artillery before PC Palmer became a policeman.

Foreign Office minister Tobias Ellwood a former Army officer whose brother died in the Bali terrorist bombing in 2002 attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation of PC Palmer.

One woman was killed after being hit by the attacker’s car before it reached Parliament.

She was confirmed dead by a doctor at St Thomas’ Hospital.

Mrs May said the attack was a “sick and depraved” attack on the heart of the capital.

Such attempts to defeat UK values were “doomed to failure”, she said.

She paid tribute to the “exceptional men and women” of the police force who responded to the attack, saying: “We will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.”

The prime minister added: “The location of this attack was no accident.

“The terrorist chose to strike at the heart of our capital city where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.”

The prime minister said the UK terror threat level would remain at severe - its second highest - meaning an attack is “highly likely” She is expected to make a statement in the

Commons later today.

The husband of murdered MP Jo Cox said the “name I will remember” from the Westminster attack was that of PC Keith Palmer - not the attacker.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My message to those that want to harm us and destroy our way of life is: You won’t succeed; you won’t divide us; we won’t be cowed by terrorists.”

BBC Newsnight reported there was a suggestion the car used in the attack was hired from an address in Birmingham.

However, this has not been confirmed.

Eyewitness Rick Longley said: “We were just walking up to the station and there was a loud bang and a guy, someone, crashed a car and took some pedestrians out.

“They were just laying there and then the whole crowd just surged around the corner by the gates just opposite Big Ben. “A guy came past my right shoulder with a big knife and just started plunging it into the policeman.

“I have never seen anything like that. I just can’t believe what I just saw.”

In other developments, the Westminster underground station was shut and remained open for interchange only with Home Secretary Amber Rudd urging everyone to remain calm but be vigilant and report to police if they see anything they are concerned about.

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NEWS 5

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NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 23 2017

NEWS PICTORIAL GOVERNMENT SPEAKS: Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe speaks during his weekly press briefing at the KICC in Nairobi yesterday. Mr Kiraithe denied reports that the government has banned mass action in the run up to, during and after the coming general election in August.

TERROR IN LONDON: An armed police push people back following major incidents outside the

Houses of Parliament in central London, Britain yesterday. Scotland Yard were called after an a man attacked police and people in the Westminister palace grounds and on Westminster Bridge during which five people including a police officer were killed and 40 others injured in central London.

PHOTO: ANDY RAIN/EPA

POLICE BRUTALITY:

Standard Media Group journalist Isaiah Gwengi leaves Usenge Police Station today morning after being released on a free bond. Mr Gwengi was last evening arrested

by Administrative Police’s Quick Response Team officers in Bondo town alongside local activists Rodgers Ochieng. Gwengi said he was stripped naked and beaten by the officers.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana is mobbed with women

supporters upon his arrivals at the foothills of Chyulu where there have been human-wildlife conflicts. He said the county government is now changing the conversation from human-wildlife conflict to tangible development.

PAKISTAN CELEBRATIONS:

A supporter of the banned Pakistan-based charity Jamaat-udDawa (JuD), attends a rally to mark Pakistan Day, in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, today.

Pakistan celebrates its National Day on March 23, to commemorate the adoption of the 1940 resolution (also known as the Pakistan or Lahore resolution) demanding a separate state for the Muslims of British-ruled India. PHOTO: SAOOD REHMAN/EPA

PASTOR PIUS MUIRU”S MOTHER KILLED: Police unearth

a cow grave at the home of pastor Pius Muiru in Murang’a where they suspect his mother was secretly buried after being murdered. Mrs Grace Wangari Mwangi went missing last weekend. Central Regional police boss Larry Kieng’ they had arrested two suspects who had volunteered to take police to the area where they claim the woman was buried in Karika Village.

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Morning newspaper summaries Uhuru; Politicians are Raila fanned poll violence, Uhuru, Raila clash over forming militia groups says Uhuru: The post election 2007 violence: President Uhuru for elections: Politicians are forming violence of 10 years ago is back on the political Kenyatta Wednesday reignited controversy

Treasury’s Sh20bn KQ loan terms alarm MPs:

Raila ‘ignited fire’ that led Doctors issue fresh threat Shocker for aspirants as 10 to 2007/8 post-election over salaries: Doctors have given the agencies gang up: The weeding ministry up to Friday to withdraw its out of politicians holding fake academic violence, says Uhuru: President Health communication to county governments that qualifications from the August polls began in

Munga fights to stop former partner’s Sh150m debt suit: Businessman Peter Munga

militias to protect themselves, ensure victory and cause trouble for opponents, reports the National Security Council headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The NSC also warns of the reemergence of outlawed criminal gangs in the campaign period. Uhuru, who attends all NSC meetings, on Wednesday last week tabled in Parliament the 43-page report saying candidates are mobilising gangs ahead of the August 8 polls.

Uhuru Kenyatta has accused NASA coprincipal Raila Odinga of being at the centre of 2007/8 post-election violence. The violence that followed a disputed poll left at least 1,300 dead and more than 600,000 homeless. “Raila has again started inciting Kenyans as he did in 2007 thus framing DP William Ruto. Yeye ndiyo aliwasha moto (He is the one who ignited the fire,” Uhuru said.

agenda, with the President and his main challenger trading accusations as to who bore responsibility. President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday charged that Mr Raila Odinga, the leader of ODM, played a central role in fomenting the violence in which 1,133 people were killed and Kenya left badly scarred. “Raila was at the centre of the 2007 chaos in which Kenyans fought but he blamed it on (William) Ruto.

over the 2007/8 post-election violence that saw him and his deputy William Ruto appear before the ICC. Speaking in Kisii County, Uhuru said Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who rejected the election results, played a role in the chaos that claimed over 1,133 lives. “He was the one who ignited the flames that set Kenya on fire in 2007 when he promoted the politics of what he called 40 tribes against one and later blamed (William) Ruto,” the President told the rally.

those who participated in the strike should not to be paid for the days they were away. KMPDU said this will ensure that the salaries withheld from December 2016, when the strike began, would be bumped up at the end of this month.

The ministry had written to governors on March 17 saying those who participated in the strike should only be paid the new allowances “with effect from the date they report on duty.”

earnest yesterday. More than 10 agencies came together to form a coordinating committee to scrutinise the documents submitted by poll aspirants. Working under the auspices of the Chapter Six Working Group on Election Preparedness, the team will also ensure that aspirants do not have questionable integrity. The agencies represented in the committee include the IEBC,EACC,DPP, KRA among others.

Maina Njenga’s 4-hour It’s the Nasa presidential NASA principals to meet defection to Kanu, surprise ticket-or nothing: A 2013 pre- over flagbearer and split agreement appeared to rock the fears, Kalonzo: National Super return to Jubilee: Former Mungiki election National Super Alliance on Wednesday after leader Maina Njenga yesterday ditched the Jubilee Party for Kanu but four hours later was back in JP. Njenga had at around noon presented his papers for the Laikipia senator race on a Kanu ticket. He changed his mind later in the afternoon after the Political Parties Tribunal ordered JP to allow him to participate in the primaries. Njenga sued JP and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for “acting illegally and infringing [on] his political rights”.

the Wiper party said it would not settle for anything less than having its leader Kalonzo Musyoka named the opposition presidential candidate. Minority leader in the National Assembly Francis Nyenze said it was Wiper’s turn to produce the opposition flag bearer in line with a controversial 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) said to have been signed between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Wiper.

Alliance (NASA) principals have scheduled a meeting before the weekend to dispel fears of a looming split. Co-principal and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed to The Standard that a meeting was being fixed “sometime between now and weekend” to talk about the coalition’s welfare and put matters in perspective. Kalonzo categorically denied there was any meeting scheduled for Tuesday between him and his co-principals.

Kenyan taxpayers are facing the prospect of paying a Sh20 billion ($200 million) debt next year when a governmentbacked shortterm loan advanced to national carrier Kenya Airways matures. Members of Parliament have flagged the loan as a big risk to the stability of public finances as it has to be fully repaid in one lump sum. The Treasury guaranteed the bailout funds, meaning taxpayers must foot the bill in the event that cash-starved KQdefaults on the loan.

wants the court to stop a suit in which he is accused of irregularly selling his estranged associate’s shares worth Sh150 million and failing to remit the proceeds of the sale to the rightful owner. The businessman, who chairs Equity Bank board, wants the suit terminated on grounds that his accuser did not get the support of company directors and therefore lacks authority to sue him.

Irrigation PS Mwangi’s pick for dam job to cost Sh3bn more: Taxpayers risk

forking out Sh3 billion more if Irrigation principal secretary Patrick Mwangi awards the controversial tender for construction of Thwake dam to the second lowest bidder as recommended by the Ministerial Tender Committee. Official bidding documents show that the MTC, which Mr Mwangi appointed on February 9, 2017, overruled recommendations of the Tender Committee to award the Sh62.3 billion tender to CGGC the lowest evaluated bidder.

Top stories from X News global partners May condemns atrocity Terror Attack Kills 4 in A Brazilian meat scandal EU expansion dreams that left 5 dead and Heart of London: A knife-wielding damages the country’s fade as Britain’s exit 40 injured outside assailant driving a sport utility vehicle mowed two global producers: EVEN looms: European leaders will pledge panicked pedestrians and stabbed a police amid Brazil’s pungent stew of recent big in Rome on Saturday to “keep the door Parliament: Five people died after down officer outside Parliament on Wednesday in a a single terrorist attacked Westminster, stabbing a police officer to death as he tried to storm parliament, and killing three members of the public as he careered through the heart of the capital in a 4x4 vehicle. The attacker was among those killed and at least 40 other civilians were wounded in the first mass casualty terrorist attack on Britain in over a decade. The Commons and Lords were locked down for several hours because of fears of further attacks. The policeman who died was named as Keith Palmer, 48, a member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Service. He was married with children and had been a police officer for 15 years. www.theguardian.com

deadly assault, prompting the hasty evacuation of the prime minister and punctuating the threat of terrorism in Europe. At least five people, including the assailant, were killed and at least 40 others injured in the confusing swirl of violence, which the police said they assumed had been “inspired by international terrorism.”

It appeared to be the most serious such assault in London since the deadly subway bombings more than a decade ago. Throughout a turbulent afternoon, ambulances, emergency vehicles and heavily armed security officers thronged the area outside Parliament, as one of the busiest sections of London was cordoned off and evacuated. www.nytimes.com

corporate scandals, the latest is particularly stomach-turning. On Friday March 17th, in time for a traditional weekend churrasco, or barbecue, the federal police accused some of the country’s biggest meat producers of bribing health inspectors to turn a blind eye to grubby practices. These include repackaging beef past its sell-by date and making turkey ham out of soyabeans rather than actual birds.The police operation, dubbed Weak Flesh, could reduce Brazil’s meat exports, worth $13bn a year.Nevertheless, straight after that China, the European Union, Chile and South Korea, which together consume a third of Brazilian meat sold abroad, said they would ban some or all imports from Brazil. www.economist.com

open” for prospective member states when they mark the 60th anniversary of the EU’s founding treaty. But the rhetoric does little to hide the reality: an enlargement policy that made a six-country coal and steel community into a 28-nation colossus is stalled. The EU’s expansion was one of its historic achievements, helping to banish the ghosts of war, fascism and communism as waves of enlargement drew 22 countries to join the founders. Yet this policy is not just at a standstill: the Rome summit comes days before Britain triggers the first departure from the EU. After years of tumult in the bloc and its restive hinterland, there is no mood to widen the EU’s frontiers. www.ft.com

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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

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

Kenya ahead of Egypt and South Africa in international air arrivals

Kenya beat rivals South Africa and Egypt, on the leading African destinations for international arrivals in a new report released by flight monitoring company, Forward Keys.

The report, which compares flight reservation data from more than 16 million transactions daily seeks to shed light on the positioning of African destinations on the global tourism map, ahead of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in October.

Although most of the top ten African destinations saw good year-end performance; Ethiopia and Nigeria fell short of expectations owing to a decrease in intra-Africa international arrivals, making worrying drops of 4 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively.

Ethiopia also saw a drop in tourists from Europe and Middle East compared to the same period last year.

Kenya contributed to 18.2 per cent of the total arrivals in the period under review (September 2016 to January 2017), as compared to Egypt’s 17.2 per cent and South Africa’s 12.1 per cent.

Despite having one of the continent’s most connected landing fields, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the country still lost the top position to neighbouring Tanzania who led the pack at 19.3 per cent.

Overall, the continent registered growth in international arrivals, going up by 10.3 per cent for the period quoted. Europe remained the leading source of tourists at 47.3 per cent, while Asia Pacific made a mark as the fastest growing market; up 21.7 per cent as compared to the rest. The report

A Chinese tourist takes pictures of traditional Kenyan Masaai dancers after disembarking from a China Southern Airline plane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, August 5, 2015. At the time, China Southern Airline had made its maiden flight from Guangzhou, China, to Nairobi, Kenya, launching a regular service between the two cities. Under a codeshare with Kenya Airways, both airlines will provide 20 flights per week making it more convenient for passengers on transit to and from other African countries to China, South East Asia, North East Asia and Australasia through its extensive route network. EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU further attributes Asia’s growth to factors such as relaxed requirements for travelers from the region; visa waiver

by Morocco, reviewed restrictions by South Africa, direct flights to Kenya as well as the timing of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

On a regional basis, the East African Community’s (EAC’s) arrivals were up 16.4 per cent from September 2016 to January this year, mostly retaining their source countries of origin.

In a quick forecast, the report predicts a 16.5 per cent growth in arrivals for the first half of 2017 (H1), as compared to the same period last year.

Commenting on the report, Estelle Verdier, the Managing Director for Jumia Travel, an online platform offering all-round travel services such as flights, hotels and holiday packages across Africa, said, this report buoys confidence in the continent’s potential for growth in air traffic, which is

Nairobi startup feted at 4YFN Awards for linking farmers to low-cost innovations The country’s startup scene has received international recognition yet again after We Farm, a startup that connects farmers in rural Africa and Latin America to vital agricultural information, recently won the ‘Disrupted by Mobile’ category at the 4YFN Awards.

The Awards are the world’s largest start-up competition for mobile technologies.

“Winning the Disrupted by Mobile pitching completion at 4YFN is one of my proudest moments. Pitching alongside seven of the best mobile startups in the world, and winning, shows that people are recognising both our model, and the massive social and commercial opportunities we’re building,” said Kenny Ewan, co-founder and CEO of WeFarm. “The journey from one to 150,000 users has been incredible, and this gives us the chance to show WeFarm to the world,” he added.

Based in the Nairobi Garage, one of Kenya’s leading incubators, WeFarm is a free peerto-peer service that uses machine learning algorithms to connect small-scale farmers

in rural Africa and Latin America to vital agricultural information.

Using the platform, farmers can share questions, insights, and low-cost innovations with each other globally in minutes and without needing an internet connection.

“WeFarm can then aggregate unique agricultural data and offer businesses insight into improving their supply chains, sustainability efforts and relationships with their farmers,” the Nairobi Garage said in a statement commending the WeFarm team.

The company has reached over 147,000 users in an industry where less than 0.1 per cent of mobile apps ever reach even half that number.

WeFarm has also secured £1.3 million (Sh167 million) in seed funding Since its founding in 2015, WeFarm has won Google’s Impact Challenge Award (2014), the MEFFYS Award for Innovation in Technology (2015) and the Business Rocks’ Global Startup Pitch Battle (2016) among others. @Dennis_x254

directly proportionate to growth in tourism.

“Overall, we expect more interest by international hotel brands to invest in Africa, as well as attract investment in businesses and conventions of global magnitudes,” she said.

The report cites inadequate provision of long-haul connectivity in the EAC as a challenge, naming JJKIA as the only one with connections beyond Europe @kevin_x254 and Middle East.

MEAN 103.1056 128.6164 111.3767 8.1217 34.8964 21.6769

BUY SELL 103.0056 103.2056 128.4711 128.7617 111.2533 111.5000 8.1107 8.1328 34.8140 34.9787 21.6074 21.7464

KTB targets corporate, leisure travellers following launch of Magical Kenya pre-paid card The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is seeking to further bolster the country’s recovering travel sector by setting its sights on the West African market.

KTB partnered with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Go Places and E-Gift Africa launched the first Magical Kenya Prepaid Travel Card, on Tuesday, March 21, 2016.

The Magical Kenya Prepaid Travel Card will target West African nationals who travel for corporate, education, medical and leisure purposes within Africa and will be distributed across the UBA Bank’s footprint to customers and potential customers.

The Magical Kenya Travel Prepaid Card will avail current and potential travellers value addition in bonus points, discounts and gifts.

Through selective criteria of age, deposit balance, number of types of accounts held by customer or corporate accounts the target list of customers will be engaged and enticed through registration campaigns as well as convenience for everyday use both in home market and when travelling to Kenya.

The Magical Kenya Prepaid Travel Card is a culmination of the partnership between KTB and UBA to promote travel to Kenya by travelers across the African continent. The card, which is designed with an embedded loyalty platform, will allow accumulation and transfer of points within the hospitality sector and encourage tourists to travel freely. @Dennis_x254

Investors express renewed concern over negative effects of August polls Domestic and external factors such as the upcoming general election may lead to a possible economic slowdown as local firms may delay their investment plans, a report by investment services firm Old Mutual has revealed.

The company says Kenyan firms are worried that insufficient rainfall towards the end of 2016 and the prevailing drought conditions - which is likely to lead to a decline in agricultural output, the largest contributor to overall GDP growth – will negatively affect their businesses.

Old Mutual has also cited a decline in the private sector credit growth and its possible negative impact on consumer spending, slowing corporate earnings growth.

The firm has expressed concern over volatility in international markets that is likely to have an impact on Kenya’s economic growth and the performance of investment markets in the short term.

“Investors within the fund should maintain a longer term investment horizon to allow profit and dividend growth in the companies held within the portfolio,” the firm said in a statement sent to X News.

The company’s announcement comes at a time

when Kenyans are increasingly investing in the capital markets using vehicles such as stocks, bonds and platforms like Old Mutual’s Balanced Fund.

The firm describes the Old Mutual Balanced Fund as an investment vehicle is designed for investors with a medium risk appetite and invests in a diversified portfolio of Kenyan shares, bonds and money market investments and in offshore markets offering a broad balanced portfolio designed for capital growth and income generation. It is suitable for investors with an investment horizon of greater than 3 years. Income distribution is paid quarterly and can be used to purchase additional units upon request to enhance returns through compounded growth.

The firm noted that Kenya’s February Inflation rate increased to 9.04 per cent year-on-year from 6.99 per cent recorded in January 2017. This was the highest inflation rate since June of 2012 and the spike was mainly as a result of the current drought which has led to an increase in food prices, especially staples like 2kg sifted maize flour that increased to an average of Sh126 in the month to February, and up from KES 105 same month last year. Prices reached as high as Sh131 this month. @Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 9

Balala seeks deal with British Airways to support travel industry’s growth THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Kenya’s Tourism Ministry is actively seeking a partnership with international carrier, British Airways in a bid to bolster the country’s travel sector.

In light of these efforts, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala recently hosted British Airways Area Commercial Manager for Kenya and Ghana, Kevin Leung, as well as British Airways Business Development Manager, Sophie Onyango.

On March 22, 2017, the CS invited Leung to a meeting with the UK’s top tour operators in London to discuss weekly flights to Mombasa.

Leung said that British Airways will consider introducing direct flights to the coastal hub once its Nairobi route is fully recovered, Balala confirmed.

Leung noted that British Airways was optimistic with regard to reaching a full recovery by the end of this year. The airline had seen poor numbers in 2010.

British Airways has since experienced a 90 per cent increase in bookings to Kenya in the last one year.

“British Airways has been in operation in Kenya for 84 years now and it intends to continue the long standing relations,” said Leung.

On his part, Balala challenged the

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala with British Airways Area Commercial Manager for Kenya and Ghana, Kevin Leung. flyer to ensure they offer same quality of standards globally with regard to the shuttle services. The CS promised to assist British Airways in acquiring space for putting up a visitor lounge at

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for its passengers.

He, however, expressed concern over a double security check of passengers flying out with British Airways at JKIA.

Balaa’s Ministry has seen renewed efforts in its path to aiding the tourism sector’s recovery. Over the past several months, the CS has held a number of high profile meetings with envoys and

Government, Power Globe discuss bid to develop country’s luxury tourism segment, KTB confirms Kenya’s government has announced plans to develop the country’s luxury tourism sector, a move that is likely to create thousands of employment opportunities across the value chain.

Tourism Principal Secretary, Fatuma Hirsi said she is eager to develop the industry and is willing to partner with international company, Power Globe to boost traveller numbers.

PS Hirsi recently hosted Dr Theodore Theodoropoulos, Chief Executive Officer of Power Globe, which deals with highend clients, the Kenya Tourism Board has confirmed.

Dr Theodoropoulos said in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 that he is willing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya’s Tourism Ministry to bring his elite clients to Kenya.

Hirsi urged Dr Theodoropoulos to bring many more high-end tourists to Kenya and to support any efforts to market the country.

Dr Theodoropoulos, who is also CEO of QCIP and Ahlen Travel, specializes in helicopters and high-end cars, said is eager to sample Kenya.

These developments come roughly a week after MS Sliver Cloud, a luxury cruise ship, docked at the port of Mombasa with 255 passengers and 224 crew.

The ship arrived on Monday, March 13, 2017 from Zanzibar with a total of 479 visitors and is expected to depart for Seychelles on Tuesday evening. The vessel brings the number of tourists who visited the country by sea this season to almost 3,000 compared to 6,000 visitors last season.

In January, MS Nautica, which is operated

by Oceania Cruises, brought 1,050 tourists while in December 2016 the vessel came with 991 visitors.

Tourism Principal Secretary, Fatuma Hirsi with Power Globe CEO, Dr Theodore Theodoropoulos.

foreign dignitaries in a bid to reignite the fledgling industry.

In August last year, Balala announced that a fund to offer affordable loans for hotel renovations would be set up.

At the time. He noted that talks were on with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to secure Sh10 billion in funding.

The fund will only be available to hotels built years ago and whose standards and quality are wanting. I it was also revealed at the time that the government would inject Sh1.5 billion into marketing.

Kenya’s tourism sector has suffered from the effects travel advisories by western governments occasioned by terror attacks. International arrivals dropped last year with high season hotel bookings hitting a low of 10 per cent.

Speaking at a tourism summit at State House, Mombasa in August, 2016, Balala said he was optimistic that the sector had started registering marked improvement with a 14 per cent growth between January and June.

The CS added that full recovery is expected in 2018. @Dennis _x254

NIC partners with local charities to empower underprivileged students

NIC Bank has partnered with several charitable organisations to support under privileged children by helping them gain quality education. This is in line with the Bank’s citizenship agenda, which has identified education as a key pillar of its community engagement.

The bank announced that it has partnered with Edumed Trust Kenya to financially support 5 talented students through their four years of secondary schooling. Edmund Trust is a Christian funded organisation which supports people with learning disabilities. The bank has donated Sh450,000 so far this year, which will go towards supporting these students through their secondary schooling years. NIC Bank has been supporting the initiative for nine years.

“As a bank we strongly believe in investing in our youth. This is an investment in the future, and we are humbled to be given this opportunity to develop tomorrow’s leaders,” said NIC Bank Managing Director, John Gachora.

The lender also said that it will support the Palmhouse Foundation by sponsoring 15 students through their four years of secondary schooling. The Palmhouse Foundation provides scholarships for secondary education to bright and talented children from financially challenged families. The Bank began supporting the Foundation in 2008. The sponsorship has grown over the years with the current annual sponsorship standing at Sh1.82 million.

Another charitable organisation that NIC Bank has worked closely with is the Dr Choskey Albinism Foundation. The Foundation, which is run by Dr. Prahba Choskey, a leading Kenyan ophthalmologist, has a mission of improving the quality of life of economically disadvantaged children living with albinism in the country. The bank will be supporting 25 students in 2017.

According to the World Health Survey, in 14 of 15 low and middle income countries, people of a working age with disabilities are about one-third less likely to have completed primary school.

“With the rise of unemployment levels in the country, there is a need for persons with disability to have access to opportunities that will empower them and give them an equal footing in the job market,” said Mr Gachora. kevin_x254

10

BUSINESS

Nairobi residents set to benefit from Sh300m KBL water treatment project THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Thousands of Kenyans are set to access clean and safe drinking water after Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) yesterday commissioned a state-of-theart water process treatment plant at its factory in Ruaraka, Nairobi.

The plant, which has a capacity of 240,000 liters per hour, is set to significantly improve the company’s water quality, operational efficiency, while improving overall water supply within the production site and the neighbouring communities.

KBL Supply Chain Director, Patrick Kamugi said the company has invested over Sh300 million on the water plant project, terming it a milestone in promoting water efficiency not only within their production site, but across the region as well.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition, given the immeasurable benefits it will yield for our operational efficiency. The water from this plant will also be available to the neighbouring communities as well,” said Kamugi.

The new plant builds on KBL’s tradition of promoting sustainable water stewardship and its efforts to address the water challenges along its value

State Department of Water, National Director, Eng. Joseph Kamaru (left), Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), Head of Brewing, Agnes Acom and KBL Supply Chain Director, Patrick Kamugi holds a mug of water during the inauguration of KBL Water Treatment Processing Plant, located in Ruaraka. The Water Treatment Plant (behind) has a capacity of 240,000 liters per hour and is set to significantly improve the company’s water quality, operational efficiency, while improving overall water supply within the production site. chain. It is a further implementation of the firm’s Water Blueprint, a strategy designed to effect substantial, sustainable and measurable change and reflects the company’s increasing prioritisation of water.

“Water is one of the most essential

Microsoft unveils plan to empower communitydriven innovators Microsoft, a US-based international tech company, has called on local innovators to take part in its latest edition of an initiative dubbed the Insiders4Good Fellowship programme.

The firm’s East African arm is looking for problem-solvers who think deeply about the issues confronting their communities, visionaries who create solutions that could address these issues, and leaders that grow opportunities for their solutions to thrive in the market.

Microsoft is seeking to deepen their relationship with people living outside of traditional tech centers. For this reason, the firm launched the #Insiders4Good Fellowship that started with Nigeria and following up with East Africa, specifically in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda in 2017.

Microsoft has urged East African entrepreneurs with projects in the early stage to apply to become part of their second cohort of #Insiders4Good Fellows. Twentyfive entrepreneurs will be selected and will receive a premier suite of Windows hardware and software, and a 6-month mentorship program will be kicked off by a special oneweek learning event for Fellows and mentors.

The group will host an information session on Friday March, 24 2017, to help interested parties learn more about the initiative.

“The 6-month mentorship will include tailored technical and strategic mentorship from local and international leaders to help bring your unique idea to the next level,” Microsoft said in a statement. @Dennis_x254

ingredients in all our brands over 70 per cent of beer is water. We also use water within our factory for various processes including cleaning, cooling, heating and pasteurizing. It is also necessary for growing the raw materials we use to create our brands. Efficient

management of water is therefore of utmost importance to us and our communities,” said Mr Kamugi.

Stressing on the importance of such private sector-led initiatives to the economy, State Department of National Water Services, Principal Secretary Prof

Fred Segor said the water treatment plant will provide an opportunity to reduce the amount of water abstracted, as well as replenish both ground and surface water resources.

“Currently, Nairobi County water demand and supply stands at 30 per cent and water supply in Nairobi is estimated to be 20 per cent below total demand,” said Prof Segor.

He added that if the current trends continue, the water deficit is expected to be more than 60 per cent by 2035.

In Africa, the United Nations (UN) predicts that nearly 50 per cent of the population will face water scarcity by 2025. Locally, development group, WaterAid Global estimates that over 17 million Kenyans do not have access to safe water, a situation that continues to hinder growth and development across the country.

The commissioning of the water treatment plant coincided with the World Water Day. The affair is a day marked annually on March 22 to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. @enock_x254

Government in move HF Group banking subsidiary applies for license to capitalise to curb skilled labour on local investment markets shortage crisis Each constituency will have a technical training institute by 2019 as the government beefs up efforts to address a shortage of skilled labor in the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

Speaking during a leaders meeting at Nyanturago in Kisii County, the head the state said his administration is committed to ensuring that no Kenyan child is denied a chance to acquire secondary education as part of its effort to lay the foundation for youth empowerment.

“By 2019, every constituency in the country will have a technical training facility to equip youths with technical skills that will earn them a living,” said President Kenyatta.

He added that they government is moving towards making education compulsory as part of its plan of laying a solid foundation for youth empowerment.

President Kenyatta said the move is in line with government’s efforts geared at creating job opportunities as well as alleviating poverty across the

country.

The President further ascertained that the state has set aside Sh6 billion this year to improve infrastructure in public secondary schools to ensure all pupils who sit for their final class eight exams transit to secondary school next year.

President Kenyatta urged the youth to develop an interest in transforming their lives, saying the government is ready to assist them achieve their goals.

“As Jubilee, I want to assure you that we have a plan to transform your lives,” the president told youths in Kisii County. “We are putting in place policies that can bring our country back on track as far as development matters are concerned and to achieve that we require your support,” he added.

The announcement comes at a time when a recent World Bank report showa that high school dropouts in Kenya, coupled with the high cost of education and lack of enough technical institutes have widened the gap of skilled labour in the Kenyan market. @enock_x254

HFC, the banking subsidiary of HF Group, has applied to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) for a license to provide custodial services. The license will enable the subsidiary to play a role in the custodial business that enhances domestic and foreign investments into the local financial markets.

HFC’s Managing Director, Sam Waweru said the firm has already invested in operations, technology and human capital capabilities to roll out its custodial services.

“We have already put in place the necessary infrastructure to rollout our custodial service and we will roll out the services immediately upon receipt of the license,” Waweru explained.

The HFC MD said the size of the custodial business in the country has been growing steadily driven by increasing value of assets under custody as well as newer investor classes such as portfolio management services opting for custody services.

“HFC is seeking to provide asset safekeeping and other related custody services to institutional investors, including asset owners, insurance companies, asset managers, and pension institutions, as well as private wealth clients actively participating in capital and money market operations,” said Waweru.

Having a custodial license is expected to significantly improve the financial position of the HFC by unlocking additional non-funded income revenue streams as well as boosting foreign exchange flows for the business. Waweru said the strategy to offer custodial services was also in line with the bank’s strategy of offering a diversity of financial services under one roof.

“HFC is planning to increase its revenue stream through purchase and sales of assets held under custody. The firm will be able to earn additional revenues through processing payments and other transactions that result from client investment activities,” said Waweru.

HFC joins a growing pool of Kenyan and foreign banks involved in custody of securities. The license granted by the market regulator allows companies to offer custodial services to financial market participants including foreign institutional investors and foreign portfolio investors. @kevin_x254

PROPERTY DEALS 11

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

BRANTON INVESTMENTS LIMITED. P.O.BOX 55398-00200 TEL: 0202224233 / 0733288772. 3RD FLOOR HUGHES BUILDING NAIROBI

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!  1/8 ACRE PLOT IN RUIRU BEFORE ZETECH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SUITABLE FOR HOSTELS @ KSHs 7.5 MILLION.  10 ACRES AT KIMANA LOITOKTOK OPPOSITE KIMANA SECONDARY SCHOOL NEXT TO AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK. BOREHOLE AND 3 PHASE ELECTRICITY ON SITE. TOMATOES PLANTATION ON LAND. SUITABLE FOR FARMING OR CONSTRUCTION OF RESORT @1.5 MILLION PER ACRE.  5 ACRES IN (NAIVASHA) GREENPARK-THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY LODGE.CLEAR VIEW OF LAKE NAIVASHA CONTACT

{JULIUS ONYANCHA}

0733288772 / onyanchad1@yahoo.com

The Waiyaki Way Suites comprising of 2&3 bedroom apartments with over 350 parking Borehole, Recreational spaces, perimeter wall, serene & quite environment is being constructed in a prime location fronting the Waiyaki Way, with a rear access of Thiongo road which is on the Naivasha - Nakuru Highway and in between two pre-urban towns namely Uthiru and Kangemi located at Dagoretti division in Nairobi bordering the Kiambu area. The project is fronting Mountain View Estate. The project targets middle-income class which is mostly hit by the housing deficit.

The Project aims at realizing 204 housing units in 5 blocks, supporting infrastructural services that ensure a sustainable living environment and neighborhood. .The completion date will be December 2017 and the construction work is ongoing. The Waiyaki way developers are working out to see change of look of that area by putting down the shanties and putting up modern apartments.

Quick access to the CBD, having Waiyaki way only 15 minutes drive, thus the time spent on average to reach to the place of work/business is short. Transport is accessible since you can use any that is using the highway, in less than 10min you are in Westlands.

OUR

FACILITIES

are in place to ensure maximum comfort during your stay They include; * Stand by generator * Borehole * Secure Compound with Razor Wire * Electric Fence and cctv cameras * Gym * Secured parking * 8 lifts

Your HOME our PRIDE

2/3BR

Located

Waiyaki way Fronting Mountain View Estate 150m to Kabete Police station 5mins to Westlands

Apartments

Waiyaki Way Developers Ltd. | P.O. Box 13690 - 00800 | Nairobi, Kenya | Tel: +254 708 384 207/8 | 0787 288 823 Email:info@waiyakiway-developers.co.ke | Website:www.waiyakiway-developers.co.ke

Wainaina Real Estates Ltd. Registered Estate Agents, property consultants & Managing Agents 1st Floor Hughes Building, Kenyatta Avenue, P.O. Box 74194-00200, NAIROBI, KENYA Tel: 312911/2227207/2224995 Fax: 2220081;Cell Phone: 0724-256271/0735-993199 Email: waireal@nbnet.co.ke

PROPERTIES TO LET OTHAYA ROAD – Kileleshwa An Executive and spacious four bed roomed town house (all ensuite) with a family room, study room, dhobi area, spacious kitchen and servants’ quarter on a beautiful garden. Ksh 250,000pm MIREMA DRIVE – Kasarani An executive six (6) bed roomed (Three en suite) double storey residence on ½ acre plot with a borehole water in addition to the Nairobi Water Co Water Ksh 120,000pm MANDERA ROAD-Kileleshwa An executive four bed roomed maisonnette (Two En suite ) with servants’ quarter Ksh 100,000pm TATE APARTMENTS – Off Dennis Pritt Road A three bed roomed Apartment within a very secure court (All en suite) with servants’ quarter Ksh 90,000pm NGONG ROAD & VALLEY ARCADE Executive two bed roomed Apartments on 24-hour security. Ksh 65,000pm IMARA DAIMA – Mombasa Road Two bed roomed bungalow within the main Estate Ksh 25,000pm PARK ROAD – Ngara One and two bed roomed flats Ksh 18,000pm and Ksh 22,000pm respectively KIAMBU TOWN – On the main street One and two bed roomed flats Ksh 10,000pm and Ksh 14,000pm respectively PANGANI – Off Juja Road One bed roomed Flat – Secure Ksh 10,000pm OFFICES TO LET DAYKIO PLAZA –Next to Nakumat Prestige Ngong Road Executive self contained office suites ranging between 858 sqft and 2100 sqft with ample parking within a clean secure environment; Call for details WESTLANDS – Next to Unga House Secure office suites measuring 686 & 718 sqft @ Ksh 70.00 per sqft pm – Only two remaining NAIROBI WEST OPP T-MALL – Off Lang’ata Road Ground floor space measuring Appr 3700sqft with wash rooms, strong room, parking area suitable for bank, show room etc. Ksh 400,000pm HOUSES / FLATS FOR SALE DONYO SABUK ROAD – Off General Mathenge road A piece of land measuring 1.7 acres with an old house suitable for Apartments Ksh 500m KIAMBU ROAD – Muthaiga North Beautiful ½ acre red soil fully serviced plot on tarmac within a gated community Ksh 50m RIDGEWAYS ROAD A corner red soil plot measuring ½ of an acre Ksh 50m KIAMBU ROAD – Behind upcoming Quick Mark Supermarket Beautiful red soil ½ plots near the main tarmac road Ksh 30m each GARDEN ESTATE – Off thika Road Residential Red and Black soil plots measuring ½ acre; Ksh 35m and Ksh 30m respectively GUANCO ESTATE – On Banana Road off Northern Bypass A four bed room residence (master en suite) with Servants’ quarter Ksh 12.8m

13

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

ACCESS THEME NIGHTS AND GREAT FOOD, WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?

B-CLUB

N

airobi nightlife can be hard to keep up with so here is a little breakdown of where and what to do in a city that barely sleeps because what we truly need in this town is a dayclub.

THE ALCHEMIST BAR

First things first, The Alchemist Bar is not your average bar. It’s not necessarily a bar even but it has a definite ‘too cool for school’ vibe that will make you fall in love with it. There’s something new in every nook and cranny of the bar and it definitely does have a festival, free-love feel to it. But get ready for a long night when you go out because the only time you will actually leave the joint is at the crack of dawn.

PRIVÉE WESTLANDS

Privée is one of the classier spots to hangout in the city but the great thing about this space is that it is accessible.

Located at Fortis Tower, Privée has gained a reputation for hosting international and Kenyan artistes and has become an event ground in its own right. Only here you actually get the chance to sit down when you tire out from the dancing. Major

THE

Lazer’s Walshy Fire, Mi Casa and Trey Songz are just some of the names that have graced the hangout.

KIZA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

KIZA is in fact an international brand, it just so happens to have an offshoot in Kenya. Another elegant addition to the club scene, KIZA is a bit more mature in terms of the crowd that frequents the spot but that doesn’t mean that you can’t set foot in the place. Just keep it classy folks. With a terrace and all the works, clients are now able to smoke shisha to their hearts content. Theme nights and great food, what more could you ask for?

hottest clubs in the city KIZA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

WET LOUNGE

HOT TOPICS

Willy Paul signs deal with Wasafi dot com

W

@kevin_x254

BREW BISTRO AND LOUNGE

This bar has become more famous for its shameless plugs on Nairobi Diaries than its services. In the full light of day the décor is a bit much to take in but it might be that way to force guests awake when they are getting dreary from the drink. No matter Wet Lounge at the Royal Orchid Hotel might be an adult affair but the only thing that really counts is the change.

The storied B-Club, or billionaires club depending on who you ask, has built its reputation on exclusivity, extravagance and overpricing. Feel like getting drenched in champagne that costs Sh.20, 000 a bottle? You can get all this and more at B-Club. Bottle service, a legitimate VIP

usician and Starehe constituency MP hopeful Charles Njagua aka Jaguar has finally opened up about an incident he was involved in following rumours that he had killed someone in a car accident.

‘It is with grief that I share this post today. As it is now public, I was involved in a car accident. Sadly, lives were lost in the incident. It isn’t any ones will to wake up and be involved in an accident such as this,’ Jaguar said in a statement. The ‘Kigeugeu’ hit maker further stated that investigations were ongoing and that the law would take its course in the matter.

He urged the general public to avoid confrontational remarks in consideration to the pain it is causing the bereaved families.

‘My heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those affected.

area and a money canon, if you are feeling rich then this is the place for you to rub shoulders with politicians’ children and other movers and shakers.

Another bar with a mature clientele, Brew Bistro and Lounge is unassuming from the first impression but stepping inside reveals an industrial yet sleek interior and its crowning glory is the terrace. Brew Bistro’s name should give away the one detail that makes it gets a cushy spot, the spot’s craft premium beers that are brewed in-house, so no generic brands that you could buy at any retailer are served.

B-CLUB

Jaguar opens up after rumours of fatal accident

M

WET LOUNGE

illy Paul has signed a deal with Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi records online platform Wasafi.com. Wasafi. com is an online music distribution platform, where artistes sell their music to the public. It is currently growing fast attracting music postings by artistes from the East African region and beyond and has been lauded by artistes as an effective medium for marketing their music. Even though Willy Paul has not revealed whether he has gotten the opportunity to record with Diamond, marketing his single ‘I do’ on his platform is a good enough start.

The song will retail at Tzsh. 300 on the platform.

N

ine years ago it was thought Katy was an enemy of the gay community, there’s no longer any doubt about Perry’s intentions as she was given a prestigious award for her LGBTQ advocacy by The Human Rights Campaign.

“We are thrilled to honor Katy Perry for using her powerful voice and international platform to speak out for LGBTQ equality,” HRC President Chad Griffin said. “Her compelling advocacy, from the stage to the campaign trail, has had a profound effect on the lives of LGBTQ people—and, in particular, young people.

receives Award for homosexuality rights advocacy

13

ACCESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

ALL ROUND NEWS AND UPDATES FROM UNIVERSITIES

@christine_x254

DATE

I

‘

@christine_x254

Kenya’s hottest party / funk band, an 8-piece band playing groovy dance funk soul grooves, ‘ will be putting up a tribute to the fallen musicians the world lost in 2016. They play groovy dance funk soul grooves featuring the soulful vocals of Denise Gordon and Linda, a toe-tapping horn section, fat back drums of Andy Salmon, funky percussion hits by Obuya, bountiful bass undertones of Wim Eising, crazy keys of Jazz the Mazz and wicked guitar licks of Alan Brozovich. The show will go down at Purdy Arms on March 25th, 2017 from 7pm and it’s absolutely free.

n anticipation of the KCPE exams, teachers will be required to undergo training to ensure that they are qualified enough to be invigilators.

Magazine Reel reports that each applicant will be required to pay a training fee of KES. 10,500.00 through a GENERAL PAYMENT account and KNEC collection accounts at either Cooperative Bank, National Bank, Equity Bank or Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).

Some of the training exams that the teachers will be put through include papers on English Composition for SNE, Kiswahili Insha and English Composition. Their criteria for qualification includes ‘Must be 50 years of age and below’, ‘Have a minimum teaching experience of three (3) years’ and ‘Must NOT be on interdiction or any other form of disciplinary action from the employer.’

After successfully completing the training they will be put into a KNEC EXAMINERS’ DATA BASE.

KCPE invigilators will soon be put under exam pressure T

presents A TRIBUTE TO

2016’s

Fallen Musicians

Moi University no longer teaching law as a course

he number of varsities that can teach law will be reduced to 10 later in the year after Moi Univeristy was excluded from the inventory put out by the The Council of Legal Education. The notice had listed all the institutions where the course will continue to be taught. The university administration expressed their displeasure with the move and have threatened taking legal action, “We have asked our lawyers to take up the matter since we cannot allow this decision to stand,” said Moi University Vice-Chancellor Laban Ayiro to the Nation.

Moi University’s licensing to teach law will end in March. Some of the Universities with renewed licenses are Riara University is valid until November 9th 2021, Africa Nazerene University’s will run up to May 29th 2019 and Kabarak University’s is up to September 8th 2021.

F I N D T H E K E Y W O R D I N RED A N D S M S I T T O 22333

How to ace that interview

A

nytime you have to be interviewed is nervewracking so follow these three simple tips and get better at it.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Always do your research on the company that you are interviewing with.

You’ll be more prepared to give specific answers on the questions you are asked.

ASK QUESTIONS

At the point where you are asked if you have any questions, actually ask

them. You will seem more interested in working for the company.

SHOW UP EARLIER THAN YOUR ASSIGNED TIME

It looks good when you are punctual. 15 minutes before the actual interview starts is the way to go.

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR

It helps to have more fun with the interview, it’ll also take pressure off your nerves.

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14

SPORT

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Eufa boss Caferin in bid to tame Europe’s big clubs

AFC Leopard fan Isaack Juma who has ditched the club for Kakamega Homeboyz during a past leage match involving the leopards and arch rivals Gor Mahia at Nyayo National Stadium.

No.1 afc Leopards fan Juma ditches club for Kakamega Homeboyz AFC Leopards number one fan Isaac Juma has ended his long time ‘love’ of the club and will now support rivals Homeboyz FC going forward.

The decision to part ways with Ingwe for the self-proclaimed number one local football fan was a personal one with the football enthusiast saying the past few months have been unbearable especially given the cold treatment from the club’s top brass.

“I lost my wife last month at the St Mary’s hospital. Efforts to get in touch with chairman Dan Mule and other members of the executive committee for help were repeatedly thwarted. That signified the end of my unwavering support for the club I have supported for nearly four decades now,” he told X Sport. His unsettlement was a huge gain for Homeboyz who moved in haste to

acquire the services of the well-known fan at least until the end of the season.

Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula says as a fan, Juma will also be among three hundred workers helping the club in various capacities with a Ksh15,000 monthly salary package attached to the deal.

“It is true we have brought him on board and so it is time to work. We have adopted him knowing very well that he will help us,” Shimanyula said while acknowledging the high energy fanatism the club will gain from their new acquisition.

The man who has supported the 12time Kenyan champions since 1980 admitted it will not be easy jumping shipsaying AFC leopards will always be part of his life.

“Deep down I will always support

The head of European football wants to change the transfer system to stop big clubs “hoarding” the best players.

Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football’s governing body Uefa, says a “luxury tax” on rich clubs and squad limits could also help to stop elite clubs dominating the game.

He said the “excessive concentration of talent with a few teams” had to change.

“Uefa has a duty to protect the whole of football and not just the elite,” Ceferin told a conference in Lisbon.

The Slovenian lawyer, who was elected to the role last September, told the that Uefa needed to address a “decrease in competitive balance” within European club football.

“We need to assess whether the transfer market is the best we can do,” he said.

“We cannot be afraid to touch it. We do have to examine new mechanisms like luxury taxes and in particular sporting criteria like squad limitations and fair transfer rules, to avoid player hoarding.”

He did not give any further details on what he meant by luxury taxes or fair transfer rules, but added that Uefa could work with global governing body Fifa to make changes to the transfer market - or do so via its own licensing regulations.

Some of Europe’s smaller leagues have complained about big teams signing up their best players at a young age, only to immediately send them on loan elsewhere.

In the Premier League, Chelsea had more than 30 players out on loan earlier this season, while in Italy champions Juventus have more than 50 players loaned out.

Ceferin also said Uefa would set up a new division entitled “Protection of the Game” to tackle doping, corruption, violence and match-fixing.

this club. But as senior fan, it is high time I accepted I am not valued. For that reason, I will quit spending lots of hours painting my body in Ingwe colors,” Juma added.

In his first assignment after the switch, the football lover rocked the crowd at Chemelil as his visiting side were held to a barren draw by hosts Chemelil Sugar.

He will however during this FIFA international week swift alliance as he has always done and support the national team Harambee Stars against Uganda Cranes today and Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday with both matches to be played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County. @amos_x254

Head of European Football Alexsander Caferin. He wants UEFA to stop hoarding of players be top clubs.

Kamworor charged for Cross Country title defense in Kampala Reigning World Cross Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor is confident he will defend his title when he gets down to the Kololo Independence Ground in Kampala, Uganda for the 2017 edition on Sunday afternoon.

Kamworor, also the World Half Marathon Champion finished third in the national championship on February 18, 2017 but he reckons he has worked in training to bridge the gap in fitness and ensure he is ready for his title

defense.

“So far I have prepared well and the training has been quite intense. I am more than determined to defend my title and I know by the time I get to Kampala, I will be in good shape,” the 25-year old told Capital Sport.

He says he is under no pressure, but maintains competition will be tough from his own teammates, Ethiopians and naturalized Kenyans now running for different countries in the gulf and the United States of America.

“Normally there’s a lot of pressure when you are the defending champion because everyone is looking at you but I am not under any pressure because I have prepared well and done my best in training and ready to fight with anyone,” Kamworor confidently stated.

The two-time World Half Marathon champion is coming off an injury period that saw him perform below expectation at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he finished a distant 11th in the men’s

10,000m.

But he says he has regained top form and will be at his best as he seeks both an individual as well as a team gold medal in Kampala.

Kenya lost the team title to Ethiopia in Guiyang, China during the last championship in 2015, but Kamworor is confident the team is strong enough to reclaim the throne.

“We have a good group going to Kampala and if we all work hard and as a team, I know we can do it. Everyone is

looking forward to that,” he added.

Also in the Kenyan team is national champion Leonard Barsoton who finished fifth in Guiyang and 2008 silver medalist Leonard Komon who is also the team captain.

Barsoton who was crowned African champion on the same Kololo Ground back in 2014 has warned he will not be merely going to make numbers.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

SPORT 15 THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

Wales teammate defends Ramsey from fans criticism

Arsenal players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil react during a past Premier League game. The club has now pout contract talks with the duo on hold untill end of the season.

PHOTO: EPA

Arsenal halts talks with forwards Sanchez, Ozil

Contract negotiations with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been put on hold until the summer, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said.

Chilean forward Sanchez and German attacking midfielder Ozil, both 28, have just over a year left on their current deals.

Wenger says he has made up his mind about his own future, but is yet to sign the two-year extension on offer.

“At the moment we have not got an agreement,” said Wenger when asked

about the future of Sanchez.

The Frenchman, 67, told BeIn Sports: “We have decided to focus on the end of the season and talk about it during the summer.

“It is the same situation with Ozil, because once you don’t find an agreement and the negotiation lasts, it is not good.

“It is better you get it out and sit down in the summer.”

Arsenal have slipped to sixth in the Premier League following four

defeats in their past five games. They are currently two points behind Manchester United in fifth and a further four behind Liverpool in fourth although they have two games in hand against their Anfield rivals.

Regarding his own future, Wenger added: “No matter how long I stay I will be committed and completely focused as long as I stay at the club.”

The Gunners return to Premier League action on Sunday, 2 April when they host Manchester City.

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Chris Gunter has defended his Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey following criticism from Arsenal fans.

Midfielder Ramsey has been jeered by Gunners supporters and singled out by disgruntled celebrity followers such as Piers Morgan during the club’s recent poor form.

But Gunter, who was Ramsey’s best man at his wedding, believes his friend will be unaffected by the vitriol.

“He is fine, it’s not something that bothers him,” said Gunter.

“He doesn’t need to prove himself to anyone, and the stuff wouldn’t bother Aaron because you find out very quickly in football who to listen to.

“The only people you need to impress are your team-mates and your manager and everything else going around it, you take and it changes every week.

Injuries mean Ramsey has featured only once for Wales in their four 2018 World Cup qualifiers to date.

But the 26-year-old is fit and poised to start in tomorrow’s crucial fixture

against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

“People always say with Aaron ‘We could have done with Aaron in that game’ and sometimes with certain players you realise how good they are when you haven’t got them,” Gunter added.

“I think people take Aaron for granted in terms of the things he does with the ball and the things he sees and the passes he plays and when he isn’t on the pitch.

“We haven’t really got anyone like him to do that then you realise even more and we are a much better team with him in it.”

If he plays in Dublin, Gunter will join Craig Bellamy in joint-third place on the all-time list of Welsh cap holders with 78 appearances.

Still only 27 years old, the Reading full-back has been tipped to become the first Welshman to win 100 caps, which would take him past Neville Southall and Gary Speed at the top of the charts.

“It’s fantastic. Before you get your first one or two you never think years down the line,” Gunter said.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

SANCHEZ AND OZIL CONTRACT TALKS NOW PUT ON HOLD UNTIL SEASON END, SAYS WENGER

P15

Podolski ends Germany career in style

L

ukas Podolski ended his Germany career in style when he captained his side and scored the lone goal in their friendly match win over England in Dortmund last night.

The 31-year-old former Arsenal striker bade farewell to the international stage with another goals to add to his tally of 48 in a total of 130 caps that also include a World Cup win in 2014.

And he said goodbye in some style even apart from his spectacular final goal.

Podolski was given a presentation and delivered a speech that delayed the kick-off by several minutes while Germany fans unveiled a celebratory mosaic to a hugely popular figure in this country.

It may well have accounted for the flat atmosphere in the first half and a German performance to match on a night that almost seemed more about paying tribute to one of their great sporting servants than learning lessons from playing England.

The match-winner exited the stage a few minutes before the end, accompanied by a standing ovation and dramatic music. This was a night dedicated to him.

“It was like in a movie, dear god gave me a strong left foot and I used it tonight,” Podolski said. “It was a great game, a great result and a great way to say goodbye. That gave me goosebumps to get a reception like that,” the Galatasaray attacker added after the match.

His goal condemned Gareth Southgate to a first defeat in charge of England.

Southgate had been undefeated in four games as interim manager following Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure from the England post after one match - and he will feel the loss in his first match in permanent control was harsh on his side after a creditable performance against the World Cup holders. Adam Lallana struck a post and Dele Alli saw a shot blocked at point-blank range by Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the first half as England were superior for spells.

It was almost inevitable, however, that Podolski, given a hero’s reception before, during and after the game, made the decisive contribution with a rising left-foot drive from outside the area after 69 minutes that gave England keeper Joe Hart no chance. Germany’s reshaped side had the same experimental appearance as England’s but there was still plenty to satisfy manager Southgate in a losing cause.

The result will hurt because for a large portion of the game England were the more creative, threatening and energetic side.

“It was noticeable that England were playing more intensely, much more vigorously in the tackle

Retiring striker sinks England with sublime strike in his last game for country

Germany’s Lukas Podolski gestures to fans after the international friendly match against England in Dortmund, Germany, last night. Podolski who captained his side was playing his 130th and final cap for Germany. PHOTO: RONALD WITTEK/EPA

especially in the first half,” noted Germany coach Joachim Low. Southgate, though, will reflect on a three-man defensive system that worked effectively - although it was not put to the test too often by a Germany team who rarely went through the gears.

Burnley’s Michael Keane made an assured debut, almost scoring in the opening minutes, and while the attacking system occasionally left Jamie Vardy isolated it did allow Alli and Lallana to flourish and advance into dangerous positions.

England looked effective in possession and nothing that happened here will damage the confidence Southgate is looking to rebuild and put in place after his appointment as permanent successor to Allardyce.

It was a qualified satisfaction because the squad was nowhere near a full-strength or full throttle Germany.

But Southgate will still have plenty of plus points to take forward into Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley.

“We have to reflect on a very good performance - a new system that I felt worked well and allowed us to control possession of game but also create chances,” he said. “They scored a fairytale goal, but I’ve got to be proud of what the players have done,” he added.

Dele Alli gave a man-of-the-match performance when England beat Germany in a friendly in Berlin almost a year ago and this was another display that will have impressed the knowledgeable observers here at Signal Iduna Park.

Alli showed some sublime touches in a system that suited him and brought the best out of his natural creative instincts, making chances and also acting as a goal threat as Southgate looks to find the new way forward for England.

He had been the game’s best performer when he was replaced by Jesse Lingard with 20 minutes left - but he will have departed with one major regret from what was an otherwise excellent night’s work.

Alli was guilty of missing that great opportunity in the first half when he was played in by Vardy, who had earlier had a penalty appeal turned down.

Alli only had Ter Stegen to beat but shot straight at the German keeper with a surprisingly poor finish for someone of his calibre.

It was a blemish on his efforts - but not enough to disguise the great talent that is at Southgate’s disposal.

“All that was missing was the finish to get the winning goal I felt we deserved,” Southgate noted.

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