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WEEKEnD EDITIOn, MARCH 24-26, 2017 | WWW.x254.CO

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PROBE ORDERED ON SEX-THIRSTY NAIROBI TEACHER UHURU SECONDARY SCHOOL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULKTING TEACHERS AND THREATENING THOSE DARING TO EXPOSE HIM WITH DEATH

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NEWS

URGE FOR RUSSIA 2018 TO PROPEL WALES IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER AGAINST IRELAND

HARAMBEE STARS CAPTAIN WANYAMA TO START DRC CONGO FREINDLY AFTER UGANDA REST

Church leaders cast doubts into IEBC poll preparedness

STORY ON PAGE 3

“It will be so unfair for the IEBC to deliver compromised results because it failed to adequately prepare” — Canon Peter Karanja

“The country is facing a serious electoral debacle and a constitutional crisis of monstrous proportions” — Senator James Orengo

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chief executive Ezra Chiloba speaks during a recent forum on election preparations as the commission’s chairman Wafula Chebukati (left) listens. Leaders have questioned IEBC’s readiness for the August polls.

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Hope for victims of historical injustices as state sets aside Sh1bn compensation WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

Victims who were detained without trial, tortured and suffered political repression whose accounts were documented by the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) will soon be compensated.

Attorney General Githu Muigai said the government already has Sh100 million this financial year and a further Sh1billion has already been set up in the next financial year for compensating the victims.

Speaking earlier today at a Nairobi hotel during the commemoration of the International Day for the right to the truth, the AG said the government is committed to fully heal the wounds of the past mistakes committed.

“I want to assure you here today that we are fully committed to compensate all the victims. My office already has Sh100 million this financial year and a further Sh1 billion for the next financial year for compensation. I want to assure you that next year when I stand before you again, a number of victims will have been compensated,” Muigai said.

The meeting turned into a sea of tears as majority of those who suffered narrated their ordeal. Some of the relatives also told the AG how life has never been the same again since most of their sons, mothers and husbands were tortured and killed at Nyayo house.

Muigai in a solemn message to the representatives of the victims said they government through President Uhuru Kenyatta had already apologised to all victims in his State of the Nation

Established in 1969

Miriam Lekisemon, a victim of historical injustices from Baringo County listens as Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai (inset) makes his remarks during the commemoration for the ‘International Day for Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Violations and Dignity of Victims’ at the InterContinental Hotel in Nairobi today. Prof Muigai said the government has set aside Sh100 million to compensate victims this year and another Sh1 billion is in the budget for the next financial year.

PHOTO: GITOBU IKUNDA/ X NEWS

address in March 2015.

Kenyatta made his apology during his annual state of the nation speech on March 26, 2015 before a joint sitting of the national assembly and senate.

“My brothers and sisters, to move forward as one nation, I stand

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before you today on my own behalf, on behalf of my government and all past governments to offer the sincere apology of the government of the Republic of Kenya to all our compatriots for all past wrongs,” said Kenyatta.

“I seek your forgiveness and may God give us the grace to draw on the lessons of this history to unite as a people and together, embrace our future as one people and one nation,” Kenyatta concluded.

He also acknowledged there had been

massacres, such as the one committed in Wagalla in northeastern Kenya in 1984 The AG said President Kenyatta had already set up a reparation restorative justice fund in March 2015 to deal with all the cases of the victims.

He explained the body has been embroiled in court cases over unfair compensation method but everything has now been finalised and victims will soon start receiving money.

On the full implementation of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation, the AG absolved the executive saying the matter now lies with parliament.

“I hope National Assembly will find time before August to complete the deliberations of the TJRC report,” Muigai said.

Chairperson Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Kagwira Mbogori said the State has not deal with systematic gross violations of human rights.

“From all corners of the country the violations as documented in the TJRC report still persists from Wajir to Kiambu to Kwale to Baringo and even in our own capital city of Nairobi.

We continue to witness systematic violations,” Mbogori said.

The TJRC report documented political assassinations in the past. Citizens had been detained without trial, and there had been political repression.

The commission submitted its report to President Kenyatta in May 2013. It was later tabled in the National Assembly, but to date it has not been debated or adopted. @sam_x254

Rights group questions impartiality of police ahead of August general election

The Coalition for Constitution Implementation Kenya has raised concern over the disruption of an Orange Democratic Movement rally in Kinango, Kwale Thursday that was to be attended by deputy party leader Ali Hassan Joho.

The group’s Convener, Cidi Otieno, said it was an affront to the constitutional right to peacefully assemble and was of particular concern so close to the August 8 General Election given it could be viewed as an abuse of the State machinery by the incumbent to frustrate the Opposition.

“The work of the police is to provide security to such gatherings. The police action amounts to taking political sides.

Furthermore Article 239 of the Constitution of Kenya states that in performing their functions and exercising their powers, the national security organs and every member of the national security organs shall not act in a partisan manner and shall not further any interest of a political party.”

The CCI Kenya is worried that the police action is likely to heighten political tension ahead of the August polls and has the possibility of casting doubts at the preparation of the August polls.”

The disruption of the planned rally follows the use of police by government to block

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho from attending the relaunch of the Mtongwe Ferry Services on March 13 when President Uhuru Kenyatta questioned why Joho sought to, “follow him around,” adding, “I am not his wife.”

It also follows the withdrawal of Joho’s security detail in January after he publicly accused the President, to his face, of taking credit for projects undertaken by the previous administration.

State House thereafter denied being behind the withdrawal of Joho’s security detail and that of Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi who is also an ODM stalwart and instead blamed it on a regional reorganisation of police resources.

Following an outcry, their security details were soon after restored.

As for the dispersal of Thursday’s ODM rally in Kwale, the Inspector General of Police has denied that it was done to appease President Kenyatta who has an ongoing feud with Joho.

He said the rally was dispersed as the venue was intended for use by a medical training college.

CCI has however expressed concern that the aforementioned events when taken together, evoke memories of the 2007 General Election in which the police stood condemned of taking sides and thereby contributing to the post-election violence that took place thereafter.

It was this unfortunate turn of events that led to recommendations that the police force be reformed to ensure greater accountability and independence from political influence.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho confronts police officers who blocked him on Nyali Bridge two weeks ago.

NEWS 3 Nairobi man wants NLC boss Swazuri removed from office A petition calling for the ouster of chairman National Land Commission (NLC) Muhammad Swazuri has been presented to parliament.

The petition signed by Nairobi resident Mugo Njeru want Swazuri claims that Dr Swazuri has violated the Constitution and should be hounded out of office.

According to Njeru, Swazuri has violated Article 201 of the Constitution by failing to practice prudent, responsible and clear use of public funds; Section 7(1) and 12(1) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, by failing to uphold a high level of integrity in his conduct during his tenure in office, and allegedly using his influence to have land compensation monies paid to him through a conduit.

He further accuses Dr Swazuri of violating Section 19 (1) of the fourth Schedule to the National Land Commission Act, by delivering determinations on behalf of the Commission without requisite quorum.

Temporary house speaker Jessica Mbalu directed the Departmental Committee on Lands chaired by Tharaka MP Alex Muiru to carry out the investigations and table a report in the House in the next 14 days to allow the National Assembly to deliberate on the matter.

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

Religious leaders raise doubts about IEBC election readiness Religious leaders have questioned the level of preparedness by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver credible polls with just 136 days to the August 8, general election.

Their concerns came barely a day after the opposition warned there could be a crisisin the management of the coming elections.

While IEBC maintains it is ready to the conduct the elections, church leaders think that the polls team is ill-prepared to carry out the high-stakes polls.

The opposition warned that the country is headed to a constitutional crisis and such IEBC should put its house in order before the August 8 polls.

“The country is facing a serious electoral debacle and a constitutional crisis of monstrous proportions. We need to wake up to this new reality,” said NASA National Coordinating Committee Co-Chairman James Orengo said in a statement on Wednesday.

And now, religious leaders who brokered the deal that saw former IEBC commissioners vacate office over

perceived unfairness, are demanding that the electoral body comes out clean and tell Kenyans the truth about their readiness to conduct a free fair and credible election in August.

Under the Multi-Sectoral Forum, the clergy noted that it was contradictory for the commission to claim it has sufficient time to conduct the polls and at the same time complain of having lost significant time. “It will be so unfair for the IEBC to deliver compromised results because it failed to adequately prepare,” National Council of Churches of Kenya Secretary General Peter Karanja said.

Canon Karanja lamented that previous and current court injunctions against the electoral body were a clear indication that if measures are not taken, the commission might deliver a compromised election.

The warning comes after the commission on Tuesday terminated the tender for the supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning, and support of the Kenya Integrated Elections Management Systems (KIEMS).

The leaders argue that fast-growing public

confidence in key institutions such as Judiciary should be emulated by the commission to allay any kind of suspicion in the electioneering process.

“We are worried that such low levels of trust have the potential to inspire politicians competing for power to reject the entire electoral process, regardless of the quality of the work done by the institutions,” Karanja warned.

He continued, “IEBC should set things right by cleaning up the voter register and party nominations,” The leaders reiterated that with only 136 days to the general election, the electronic voter identification devices and result transmission systems have not been procured.

On Tuesday, IEBC terminated a Sh3 billion tender to protect its image and integrity.

It has since emerged that taxpayers could have lost a massive Sh2 billion if IEBC had gone ahead to comply with an order to award the deal to French Firm Gemalto. @hillary_x254

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

CS Matiang’i orders probe after sickening expose on sex-thirsty Nairobi school head Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has ordered a probe following a chilling exposé of sexual harassment and death threats to teachers at a Nairobi high school.

Capital FM News yesterday reported how two teachers have received death threats and sexual pestering at the hands of the Principal of Uhuru Secondary School in Nairobi.

“Sickening! I instructed the Nairobi Regional County Education to followup immediately. Will accordingly liaise with TSC for action,” Matiang’i posted on his Twitter account.

The two teachers had narrated how the Principal, Duncan Juma, had ruined their lives, traumatised them and affected their families in fear that they could be killed with the latest warning sent last week advising them to drop their classes risk unspecified consequences. Caleb Okumu who left the school in 2015 wrote; “The story is so true. In 2015 we made him the Principal of the school but he has been like that since he became the Principal. Meanwhile, those who commented about the story have

I SWEAR IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF GOD I WILL KILL YOU. YOU CNT ESCAPE, TRUST YOU ME.’ — Text message Uhuru Secondary School deputy principal Dancun Juma allegedly sent to teacher Ancella Kessio after the later threatened to reveal his sexual advances to his wife expressed displeasure at the conduct of the Principal in question.

“This is horrible and sad. I hope with all intents and purposes, this Duncan is investigated, and sent to jail, not only interdicted. So sad, what is being investigated when evidence is all over?

I hope they will be over soon for justice to prevail.” John Kianja vented; “How can such a person govern a school… won’t the children also turn out as bad as their Principal? It seems TSC is asleep on the matter!”

Others wondered why the Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC) had taken so long to investigate the matter yet the two teachers were suffering and

that there was a clear rift in the school due to the complains raised.

“They said still under investigation but I am wondering what investigation they are doing yet there is evidence already. May justice be done to those ladies,” Jayne Imbali stated.

Others urged authorities especially those who work on women issues to take up the sexual harassment complaints raised by the teachers at Uhuru Secondary School; “Very bad that such things can happen at this day and age. Where are the women representatives, MCAs, MPs, Senators and all these people we are told that they represent ‘us’.”

Uhuru Secondary school Biology teacher Mary Karimi Muhia shows marks of assault on her thigh.

She is among those who have been sexually assaulted at the institution.

PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

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NEWS 5 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

London attacker identified as UK-born jihadist Police have identified Khalid Masood as the man who carried out the Westminster attack, as the death toll rose to five.

Masood, 52, was born as Adrian Elms in Kent and was shot dead by police. He had not been the subject of any current police investigations.

PC Keith Palmer, 48, Aysha Frade and US tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, were killed on Wednesday, while a 75-year-old man died on Thursday evening.

The so-called Islamic State group has said it was behind the attack.

The so-called Islamic State group has said it was behind the attack.

Three women and five men were arrested in London and Birmingham on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts following the Wednesday attack. Among them is a woman aged 39 who was arrested in the east of the capital.

Others are a 21-year-old woman and a 23-yearold man who were arrested in Birmingham.

Others were a 26-year-old woman and three men aged 28, 27 and 26 who were arrested at another address in Birmingham. Another man aged 58 was also arrested at an address in Birmingham.

The Met Police says detectives are continuing to search a number of addresses, including one in Carmarthenshire, three in Birmingham and one in east London. Addresses in Brighton and south-east London have also been searched.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told those gathered for a candlelit vigil in London’s Trafalgar Square on Thursday evening that terrorists “will not win”.

“We are all connected and today we showed that by coming together, by going to work, by getting about our normal business, because the terrorists will not defeat us. We will defeat them,” she said.

Masood drove into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before crashing his car into railings and then running into the grounds of Parliament, armed with a knife.

Khalid Masood after he was shot by officers at the Westminister on Wednesday.

He stabbed PC Palmer before being shot dead.

The Metropolitan Police said there had been no prior intelligence about Masood’s intention to carry out an attack.

But he was known to the police and his previous convictions included causing grievous bodily harm, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences. He was believed to have been living in the West Midlands.

PHOTO: EPA

Masood is believed to have lived at various times in Crawley, West Sussex, and Rye and Eastbourne, both in East Sussex.

He also appears to have been convicted of a knife crime in 2003 in Eastbourne.

His first conviction was in November 1983 for criminal damage and his last in December 2003 for possession of a knife.

He had not been convicted of any terrorism offences. Car hire company Enterprise said the

vehicle used in the attack had been rented from its Spring Hill depot in Birmingham.

The BBC understands Masood hired the Hyundai SUV in person, giving his profession as a teacher. The Department for Education said it had no record of him having worked as a qualified teacher in English state schools. It appears that he styled himself as an English tutor at one point.

Gun pointed at sacked Tanzanian minister Nape

Tanzanian Information minister Nape Nuaye who was sacked by President John Pombe Magufuli on Thursday.

PHOTO: COURTESY

A policeman in plain clothes pointed a gun at Tanzania’s sacked minister of information, Nape Nauye, in a bid to prevent him from holding a press conference at a hotel in the main city, Dar es Salaam.

There was also a scuffle involving plain clothes officers, a man who had accompanied Mr Nauye, and other men who could not be identified.

The gun was pointed at Mr Nauye to try and force him to return to his car.

He eventually spoke, standing up through the sunroof of his vehicle.

He was sacked by President John Magufuli in a mini-reshuffle announced Thursday.

No explanation was given on why Nuaye had been pushed out of cabinet but it is believed it could have been triggered by his decision to launch an investigation into a powerful government administrator accused of intimidating a popular private media station in Dar es Salaam.

Apart from journalists, many other people had come to hear Mr Nauye’s reaction to his controversial dismissal from the cabinet by President John Magufuli.

Mr Nauye said he respected the president’s right to sack him.

“Why would somebody point a pistol at me? I’ve been very patriotic to this country and my party, and I swear I will continue to be loyal,” he said.

On Tuesday, an investigating team, formed by Mr Nauye, recommended disciplinary action against embattled Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Paul Makonda following allegations that he stormed into the offices of Clouds Media Group (CMG) last week. Reports say that Mr Makonda was unhappy that the TV station had failed to run a story that would have portrayed a local cleric in a bad light.

Mr Makonda and the religious leader have had a public disagreement over an alleged drugs scandal.

President Magufuli appeared to defend his administrator, a move that sparked off public outrage, especially among social media users.

Mr Makonda, who is said to enjoy a close relationship with the president, is yet to comment on the incident.

WEEKEnD EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017 | www.x254.co

BUSINESS

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Young African population to hit 400 million mark in eight years Africa has the highest number of youth standing at 200 million people, a new report by internet services provider, Liquid Telecom has revealed.

“With nearly 200 million people between the ages of 15 and 24, Africa has the youngest population in the world,” read the report in part.

“This figure is set to double by 2025, ushering in a new generation with the potential to understand and solve pressing social and economic challenges by harnessing the power of digital innovation,” added the report’s authors.

The analysis notes that with a rapidly growing number of young people across the region, several sectors, including start-ups, are unearthing new ways to do business.

“From finance and energy through to agriculture and healthcare, entrepreneurs are developing solutions, services and platforms that are helping to refine the supply chain and drive efficiencies,” says the data.

As such, Liquid Telkom is creating a better flow of information across the entire region, which seeks at empowering businesses and consumers to make more informed and accurate decisions through its fibre network connections.

The firm said it is starting to shape the way people interact in the region’s rapidly growing urban areas,

A new report shows that young Africans will need to invest in technology and innovation to help lift them out of a cycle of poverty that has plagued older generations for decades. while bringing untold benefits to underserved rural communities.

The analysis covered the region’s key innovation hubs, identifying potential in Kenya, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

Together known as the KINGS countries, these five nations share an estimated 324.4 million mobile subscribers and 177.7 million internet subscribers, and offer insightful case studies into the development of African tech innovation.

“With Africa’s start-up ecosystem still at such an early stage of development, access to fund and other critical resources are needed for it to make the next crucial steps,” Liquid Telecom said in a statement.

Through a series of interviews with entrepreneurs, funders, market watchers and start-ups, the report identifies what is needed to better support start-ups and help them grow their business across the region and beyond.

Dingah mobile platform launched to bolster transport sector businesses Business owners in Kenya’s transport sector are set to benefit from a mobile based platform that connects car hire providers to potential customers at an affordable price.

Dubbed Dingah, the app has been introduced into the market by local company, Vacations Kenya Limited.

The app contains mechanisms to ensure both cars owners and drivers vetted to guarantee that they are fit for service.

The platform is overseen by administrators who decide whether a driver is fit to upload their car for hire or for chauffer-related services.

Users have the ability to select their respective delivery points, where they wish to have the car dropped and where it will be picked up. Prices are not fixed as they are determined by the car owner on the principle of willing buyer-willing seller.

The uploads are not only limited to personal cars, as trucks and other service providers within the transport sector can also offer their services in the system.

Heavy machinery for construction, tractors for tilling land as well as helicopter rides are all part of the system and providers are allowed to have unique rates for their target market.

Qualified drivers who have both a driving licence and certificate of good conduct will get a full employment contract after successful vetting where they will be placed in two categories, chauffeurs and ‘driver in a minute’.

The driver in a minute operates under a GPRS platform just like the famous Uber system where one requests a driver to pick them up at a specified location Vacation Kenya’s main aim is to ensure that car hire and chauffer services are part of any holiday destination.

The app is currently being launched in the country but has the ability to perform anywhere in the world. Going forward, Vacation Kenya says it will be rolled out to other regions. @enock_x254

From the data, it has emerged that increasing agricultural productivity is critical to lifting large numbers of rural households out of poverty.

The report also explores how technology and innovation can play an important role in supporting Africa’s agriculture sector by empowering farmers with information that can help drive efficiencies and ultimately increase yield and profit. @enock _x254

MEAN 102.8972 128.0494 111.1861 8.1550 34.9379 21.7013

BUY SELL 102.7972 102.9972 127.9067 128.1922 111.0367 111.3356 8.1445 8.1654 34.8553 35.0204 21.6317 21.7710

Trade Ministry opens Kenya’s first Sh618 million lingerie factory The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has opened a lingerie factory worth Sh618 million in a move set to bolster Kenya’s potentially high value garments sector.

Trade Cabinet Secretary, Adan Mohamed this morning oversaw the opening of Hela Clothing, a subsidiary of the Phillips Van Heusen Corporation, a US-based clothing conglomerate.

The factory will be based at EPZ in Athi River.

“The design and development functions within our service portfolio have helped us get that much closer to our customers. We work together to conceptualise product ranges aligned to current trends in fashion,” Hela Clothing said in a past statement.

The move comes at a time when experts say there is strong potential for poverty reduction in the textile and garments industry.

This is according to a World Bank report titled Deal or no deal: Strictly Business for China in Kenya.

The report says that poverty reduction is possible since the industry mainly employs women, who tend to increase a given household’s savings rate.

The group has exported intimate wear worth Sh150 million over the last six months for famous brands such as Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret among others. @Dennis _x254

Unaitas to open five new branches as Sacco seeks to increase membership numbers through regional expansion Unaitas Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited has announced plans to open five new branches this year as part of the financial services firm’s expansion strategy that seeks to increase membership and grow its asset base.

The new branches will be strategically located in Meru, Kisii, Kisumu, Eldoret and Embu and are set to be open by the end of the year, bringing the total branch network to 25 from the current 20 outlets.

Unaitas Chairman, Joseph Ngaai noted that the move to expand the Sacco’s footprint is a result of increased demand for financial services in these towns whose economies are growing on the back of increased opportunities from devolution, urbanization and a young and enterprising population.

In a statement read on his behalf by Unaitas Board Member, Gabriel Mugo, Ngaai said the move is set to enhance accessibility of Unaitas products and services to supplement its mobile and online banking platforms.

“Unaitas has decided to expand to these growing urban centers to leverage on the new lending and

membership opportunities that are coming through.

Part of our strategy is to tap into a younger pool of members who are increasingly seeking credit from Sacco’s such as Unaitas over other traditional lenders who in recent times have become more conservative,” said Mr Ngaai.

Unaitas Sacco is a medium-tier financial services provider in Kenya. As at December 2015, the society’s asset base was valued at Sh9.3 billion, while the group had a loan book of approximately Sh7.42 billion At the time, shareholders’ equity was valued at more than Sh3.6 billion and the Sacco boasted more than 230,000 members.

The society was established in 1993 as Murang’a Tea Growers’ Society by a group of farmers who pooled resources to create a financial institution where they could save and borrow at affordable rates. In 2007, the Sacco expanded beyond Murang’a and it admitted members who were not tea growers and small businesses. The name was changed to Muramati Sacco and eventually to Unaitas Sacco in @enock_x254 2012.

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BUSINESS

Women feted for expanding role in decision making at CEO forum WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

As part of the African Women in Business initiative launched at this year’s edition of an annual event dubbed the Africa CEO Forum, a highlevel panel of female leaders gathered this week to discuss barriers to women climbing the corporate ladder.

The event sought solutions to tackling the gender gaps in leadership across the continent.

It emerged that even though women make up a little over half of Africa’s growing population, they have had little, albeit increasing, involvement in power and strategic decision-making.

The Forum, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland between March 20 and March 21, 2017, served as a platform for discussion and debate around the economic and industrial challenges facing the African continent.

Gender diversity was one of the recurring themes during the panel and it was stressed that gender diversity was growing, albeit slowly by 20 per cent each year.

Tonye Cole, CEO of Sahara Group and the only male on the panel, highlighted the differences in male and female leadership styles. He explained that women are more balanced and weigh their different options before making a decision. He added that unlike men, women were not driven by profit or making money.

According to an analysis dubbed the McKinsey & Company Women Matter Africa report, which outlines the continent’s progress in terms of women’s representation, there is a positive correlation between the proportion of female board members and improved financial corporate performance, whether in the private or public realm.

Rosemary Yeboah, Executive Director and Group Corporate Banking Head

Panelists speak at the Africa CEO Forum. A McKinsey & Company Women Matter Africa report has found a positive correlation between the proportion of female board members and improved financial corporate performance in both the private or public sector. at Ecobank therefore challenged companies to “create policies that will help the women to move up in their companies”.

The panelists discussed the double burden syndrome - balancing professional and personal life - which is one of the main barriers women still face when it comes to climbing the professional ladder. Madeleine Berre, Gabon’s Minister of Trade and Industry traced the problem back to the values instilled in young African women at a tender age, stressing that

“what needs to change is how young girls are raised”.

Jennifer Blanke of the African Development Bank talked about the responsibility of women leaders to be role models for younger colleagues, saying that “it’s not about climbing the ladder to get to the top. It’s once you’re up there what are you going to do?”

A public-private working group was organised on the second day of the Forum to share policies and get participants to commit to an action plan to promote gender diversity in the

workplace.

Developed in partnership with the African Development Bank, the Africa CEO Forum is an event organised by Groupe Jeune Afrique, publisher of Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, and Rainbow Unlimited, a Swiss company specialising in organising events promoting and facilitating business.

Launched in 2012, the Forum has become the leading international meeting on the development of Africa. @Dennis_x254

Kenya, Somalia in talks to re-launch NairobiMogadishu flights as countries deepen bilateral ties

Kenya and Somalia have announced plans to further deepen bilateral ties by announcing plans to open two border posts and re-launch direct flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu.

The two nations opened a new charter of cooperation on Thursday, March, 23, 2017. President Uhuru Kenyatta said the two nations have agreed to revitalise their engagement in all areas of mutual interests within the context of a reactivated joint commission of cooperation.

The head of state was addressing the press after leading his delegation in bilateral talks with Somalia’s President, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and his delegation at State House, Nairobi.

“In particular, we agreed to take the following actions: Within the shortest possible time, open two border posts in Dobley-Liboi, and Mandera-Bulahawa.

And to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services,” President Kenyatta said.

“Directed the security teams from both countries to meet immediately and agree on modalities of re-launching direct flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu within two weeks.

Deputy President, William Ruto, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretaries Amina Mohamed, Joseph Nkaissery, Raychelle Omamo, James Macharia, Cleopa Mailu, Willy Bett, Mwangi Kiunjuri and Dan Kazungu attended the talks.

President Kenyatta said the two neighbouring countries have resolved that forthwith there will be no visa requirement for diplomatic and service passport holders from both countries.

“We also agreed to meet regularly to monitor the progress of our bilateral

relations,” President Kenyatta said, terming President Mohamed’s visit a fresh start to the two countries’ close ties. President Kenyatta said Kenya will establish a technical training institute for youth currently in refugee camps and its environs. This, he said, would support the enhancement of technical skills necessary for rehabilitation upon return. He said Kenya has also committed to train 200 teachers, 200 nurses and 100 administrators within its institutions and at government cost.

“This region, and this continent, are rising: together, we are coming closer and closer to the freedom, the security and the prosperity that our people deserve. But we will achieve that freedom, that prosperity, and that security, only if we each lift the other,” President Kenyatta said.

“None of us can do it on our own:

we will either rise together, or fall separately. If Somalia prospers, so does Kenya. If Somalia is peaceful, so is Kenya. It is up to us, then, to do all we can to help each other secure these goods for our people,” Kenyatta said.

President Mohamed said Kenya was one of Somalia’s strongest allies and partners in East Africa, hosting the largest number of Somali refugees for decades and contributing to the peace and stability of Somalia through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

He said the authorization of the resumption of flights from Nairobi to Mogadishu in two weeks’ time

by President Kenyatta ushers in a new beginning that will enhance development of trade and economic growth between the two countries. @Dennis_x254

National Treasury encourages Kenyans to invest in bonds following successful launch of M-Akiba platform The National Treasury has called on Kenyans to purchase bonds and look into other investment vehicles following the launch of the M-Akiba bond, the world’s first mobile-only government bond.

M-Akiba, which was unveiled this week, will allow Kenyans to buy government bonds on their mobile phones. The M-Akiba bond went on sale on Thursday, March 23, 2017 after a delay of almost two years.

As at 4:00pm yesterday, a total of Sh2.4 million had been collected from 1,720 investors.

“There has been an overwhelming demand for M-Akiba bond, the traffic for registration and purchase was beyond what had been expected.

Due to the overwhelming response, any delays in subscription is currently being rectified to accommodate the high number of investors,” M-Akiba said in a statement yesterday.

The government is offering Sh150 million in the initial phase to test investor appetite.

The government first announced plans for the bond in late 2015, as a way to give ordinary Kenyans access to the country’s capital markets.

Investors can buy in increments as small as Sh3,000, compared to the minimum of Sh50,000 previously needed to buy government bonds.

“This product is for a mama mboga, farmer, employee, hustler or whatever,” the Treasury said in a past statement.

The bond is being be offered on M-Pesa as well as other mobile money networks. Investors can buy and sell the bonds on the Nairobi Securities Exchange via their phones. Coupon payments will be paid directly to their phones. Like M-Pesa, both smartphones and basic features phones can be used.

The three-year bond, which is being modelled as infrastructure bond, will be the first in the world to be sold on a mobile money platform.

It is expected to open up the bonds market, currently dominated by financial institutions and high-networth individuals, to retail investors.

Experts have said that a successful bond auction is likely to see the government move part of its fundraising activities to M-Akiba and make the mobile bond market a factor in the pricing of deposits among different players in the money markets.

“This is a product that will dramatically improve the savings culture of our people,” Central Bank Governor, Patrick Njoroge said. @Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 9

Selfless doctor partners with Health Ministry to treat more than just diseases WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

Despite his wealth of experience, level of education in the field of medicine and the numerous caps he wears in the private and public sector, Prof Lei Wang is as humble as a dove. Prof Wang hails from a family of doctors. His father and grandfathers as well as his older brother are doctors in China. He is however not just any ordinary medic, he is a doctor with a heart of gold.

Prof Wang is in Kenya courtesy of a bilateral agreement between Kenya and the Government of China on medical cooperation. He is the Deputy Head of the expert group on the Qifei project a collaborative project between China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

“I was inspired to join the medical profession by watching my grandfather treating ailing patients. I saw my grandfather turn the sorrow of patients into joy, and this inspired me to study hard to become a doctor,” says Prof Wang. Prof Wang, who is also a professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology besides being an Associate Chief Physician, adds that he was inspired to come to Africa by a movie about Africa, which he watched at a tender age.

“I remember watching the movie Out of Africa and I immediately fell in love with the continent,” he says.

His visit to Africa, he explains, came at a time when China required doctors to come to Africa as part of the Chinese overseas aid to Africa. “I was selected because I was the most suitable and an experienced candidate.”

Prof Wang’s tour in Africa, and particularly Kenya, led to the founding of the Sino Africa Firefly Charity, an organisation and platform that he founded to focus on elevating the quality of life of residents of Kibera, a slum in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. The organisation invites Chinese donators directly to visit the slum and donate directly thus allowing philanthropists to experience the local people’s lives

Professor Wang’s tour in Africa, and particularly Kenya, led to the founding of the Sino Africa Firefly Charity, an organisation and platform that he founded to focus on elevating the quality of life of residents of Kibera, Nairobi. first hand. Sino Africa Firefly Charity aims to elevate the relationship between the people of China and Kenya.

“I hope that by the end of my stay in the country I will have inspired a generation of Chinese doctors to provide high quality health services to the people of Africa in order to enhance even further the Sino-Africa friendship,” he says.

Apart from the low quality of lives in slums in the country, Kenya’s health care sector is suffering. Shortage of physicians and dilapidated health facilities against an ever growing population with numerous health care needs pretty much summarises the sorry state of affairs. According to

World Health Organisation (WHO), Kenya has just one doctor and only 12 nurses and midwives for every 10,000 people, which is way below the WHO’s recommended ratio of 1 to 1,000.

It is partly because of this sad state of affairs that Prof Lei Wang (the First China Post-Doctor Aid to Africa) is out to offer free medical aid to poor Kenyans as part of the growing Sino-Kenya cooperation. He says the Government of China has since donated four modular state of the art container clinics to the Kenyan ministry of health to boost response to killer diseases such as pneumonia, malaria, and typhoid, among others.

These clinics, Prof Wang adds, have been able to deliver advanced health care services to disadvantaged communities in Kenya for free.

“Our aim is to ensure that all people have access to medical services regardless of their-economic status,” he says. The mobile clinics, he points out, are assembled using modern Chinese technology and their design is sensitive to the local environment in Kenya.

These facilities, which cost (Sh10 million) $100,000 each, are currently operating in Turkana, Mombasa and Nairobi.

“In this way, even the poor people will benefit from the Chinese overseas aid

to Kenya, thereby reaffirming China’s commitment to helping African countries improve health care services against a backdrop of rising burden of infections and lifestyle diseases,” says Prof Wang.

The Sino Africa firefly charity on Tuesday this week donated foodstuffs to over 40 families who were left homeless after a fire at Kibera’s Soweto slum within the Nyayo Highrise Ward.

This was the charity’s fourth donation to Kibera residents. The items, which included flour, diapers among other assorted household consumables, were sourced through the help of Global Good Trust - a Chinese company. GGT retails sanitary and baby products in 16 African countries with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. They also have establishments in Angola and Liberia.

Speaking to recipients of the donations, Prof Lei Wang, founder Sino-Africa Firefly Charity, and the Charity’s new brand ambassador Lali Mwamaka urged the residents not to lose hope in life but rather stay focused. The Professor added that the Chinese government was keen on working with slum dwellers to enable them live a comfortable life.

“This charity is committed and will continue to work with other Chinese charity organizations in conjunction with our two governments to help residents in Kibera better their lives,” Prof Wang said.

He further pointed out that to date, they have set up about 20 medical camp operations in various parts of the country, the latest one being in Huruma Children’s Home last month, which targeted over 200 orphans who could not access quality medical services.

“We believe that guided by China’s One Belt, One Road, strategy the successful performance of Sino Africa firefly charity will open a new chapter in the field of cooperation between Kenya and China,” the professor concluded. kevin_x254

EatOut Kenya in move to secure number one market share

EatOut Kenya Founder, Mikul Shah.

EatOut Kenya, Africa’s largest online restaurant guide has confirmed plans to secure the largest market share in the industry as the firm expands beyond the country’s borders.

EatOut Founder and CEO, Mikul Shah said the group has done well to generate revenue and increase its presence as an industry authority.

Shah was recently featured on the Digital Kenya book - a landmark publication featuring fourteen key experts from Kenya’s startup scene.

The businessman, alongside Naked Pizza Founder Ritesh Doshi, appears in Chapter 13 of the publication, titled The Hustling Entrepreneur on Trial.

Among other topics, Mikul Shah discussed how he got into investing as well as some of the market opportunities he has tested.

“Our main goal with EatOut at the moment is to ensure that we have the number one market share within the industry and we have therefore explored many different opportunities.

Our magazine Yummy and activities such as Nairobi Restaurant Week have done well to generate revenue and increase our presence as an industry authority,” said Shah, referring to some of the market opportunities he has tested.

The Digital Kenya Book presents evidence- based recommendations

to help Kenyans to continue producing globally impactful ICT innovations that improve the lives of those that wait on the side-lines, and to inspire other nations to do the same.

Founded in 2010, EatOut’s mission has been to promote and grow the culinary industry in Kenya. Since its founding, EatOut has established several events towards their mission such as Nairobi Restaurant Week and Nairobi Burger Festival.

EatOut has also recently expanded to Rwanda and Uganda.

Digital Kenya Digital Kenya is the first book on management in Kenya and Africa, focusing on one country.

Dennis_x254

10

BUSINESS

IVECO returns to Kenyan market as firm moves to expand East African presence WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

Italian company, Industrial Vehicles Corporation (IVECO) has announced a new start to its commercial operations in Kenya with its new partner, Global Motors Centre Limited (GMC), part of the TransAfrica Motors Limited (TAM) group. The move seeks to expand IVECO’s presence in East Africa.

GMC will be responsible for the assembly and distribution of the brand’s full product range in the region (Daily, Eurocargo and Trakker). This will further consolidate IVECO’s leading position in the region, where it has established a strong presence in the markets since the 70’s through successful partnerships, such as its Ethiopian Joint Venture AMCE. “We are very pleased to be here today to lay the ground for a solid and growing presence of IVECO in Kenya with our partner Global Motors Centre, backed

by TransAfrica Motors’ experience. It is a company with a solid reputation, strong financial capability and an outstanding ability to move forward and develop with us the best business opportunities in the market,” said Fabio De Serafini, IVECO Africa & Middle East Business Director at an event to commemorate the move in Nairobi.

At the event, IVECO presented its plans for the Kenyan market, which has become increasingly strategic to the commercial vehicles business.

Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Mauro Massoni, Commercial Attaché, Mr Paolo Rotili and Director of the Kenya Investment Authority, Mr Moses

Ikiara, who were present at the press conference, welcomed the brand’s commitment to Kenya.

Global Motors Centre Limited is an affiliate company of TransAfrica Motors Limited (TAM), one of the

Tecno targets young smartphone users following launch of new Camon CX model

Mobile phone brand, Tecno, has unveiled the Camon CX, its latest handset to hit the African market at an event in Nairobi. Designed specifically for young, independent smartphone users, Tecno said the latest handset will be the “Selfie Camera” for this market’s generation.

“The Camon CX will be available in 41 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, allowing consumers to take brighter, clearer and faster selfies than ever before,” Tecno said in a statement.

Since the Camon series was introduced in 2015, over 5 million handsets globally have been sold.

Securing their position as the leading smartphone provider in African markets such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Kenya and Cameroon, Tecno Mobile stated that it has adopted the latest visual technology in the Camon CX. The smartphone uses what Tecno has described as a smart image sensor composed of 16 mega pixel sensors in the front camera Each pixel sensor detects light, captures individual images and converts the information into signals

before forming the final image, resulting in selfies that are 30 per cent brighter.

The smartphone also includes features such as a customised ring flash, light speed charge and a 5.5 inch Full High Definition (FHD) screen.

Tecno part of Transsion Holdings, has had a market share of over 25 per cent in Sub-Saharan African countries since 2014. Sales in the African market reached 25 million devices in 2015, including 9 million smart phones. Globally, it sold 60 million devices last year while the sale of smart phones manufactured by the company increased by 40 per cent.

“We are very excited to unveil the Camon CX, as our latest smartphone. The phenomenon of the selfie has in recent years taken over smartphone usage, and photo quality is important to not just younger consumers but increasingly wider age demographics,’ Stephen Ha, General Manager of Tecno Mobile said. @kevin_x254

leading automotive dealers in the East African region and a licenced Motor Vehicle Assembling company with an operational assembly plant. The group stated that with the backing of IVECO’s organisation and international teams,

Global Motors Centre Limited will be able to deliver prompt, efficient and reliable service to IVECO customers through its network of branches. @kevin_x254

Italian Ambassador to Kenya Mauro Massoni,Ministry of Industry,Trade and Cooperatives, Amb.Dr Joseph Kiplagat chat with IVECO Business Director for Africa & the Middle East, Fabio De Serafini.

Photo:Edwin Gitobu/Xnews

Samsung 2017 TV line-up receives premium certification as firm eyes larger UHD segment Samsung Electronics’ 2017 QLED TV line-up has been certified by the Ultra High Definition Alliance (UHDA) as Ultra HD Premium. The certification encompasses the 2017 QLED TV portfolio, including the Q9, Q8 and Q7 models.

The UHDA’s Ultra HD Premium logo identifies products and services that meet or exceed strict performance levels for 4K resolution, high-dynamic range (HDR), and wide colour spectrum, elements that define the picture quality that TVs can offer. Samsung said in a statement that these specifications enable televisions, content and other external devices, such as UHD Blu-ray

players, to fully display content in its richest form, allowing the consumer to experience a more accurate content experience from their living rooms.

The UHDA is a global coalition comprisingf more than 50 member companies – including leading film studios, consumer electronics manufacturers and content distributors – and was established to foster and promote the Ultra HD ecosystem and benefits of Ultra HD technology. The Alliance is also focused on helping consumers build a seamless, integrated and high-quality UHD ecosystem from end-to-end. Premium UHD devices and content will be clearly marked so

consumers can easily identify them instore.

“It’s an honor to receive this stamp of approval from the UHD Alliance,” said M S Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung.

“We are proud to continue offering our consumers a premium Ultra HD home entertainment experience with our 2017 QLED TV line-up.”

Announced at the 2017 edition of an event dubbed the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the QLED TV line-up features dramatically improved colour performance. Samsung’s new QLED TVs can express all colours at any level of brightness – with even the subtlest differences visible at the QLED’s peak luminance – exceeding UHDA requirements.

The tech maker said this breakthrough is a result of Samsung’s adoption of a new metal, Quantum Dot material, making it possible for the TV to express a significantly improved range of colour with much greater detail compared to conventional TVs. @kevin_x254

12

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

ACCESS

IT’S HARD TO MAKE FUN OF PHOTOJOURNALIST AND ACTIVIST BONIFACE MWANGI JUST BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE THINGS HE HAS DONE IN THE PAST. @christine_x254

T

he Starehe Constituency Parliamentary with approximately $ 130 million in revenues, Remember that video of him shouting on Despite the current news seat is gaining a lot of attention and is according to Steve.’ Never has a greater success the road at an MP? His Facebook page is also surrounding him –car accident turning out to be one of the most hotly story been told about anyone, this should be a littered with messy comments but that is not and such—it feels like Jaguar contested positions in the race to the Elections. movie because it’s unbelievable. really his fault. would do much more as the Who are these new entrants and what do they BONIFACE MWANGI CHARLES NJAGUA (JAGUAR) charitable person he is than bring to the table?

It’s hard to make fun of photojournalist and Another musician turned politician in our as a politician but that is just a STEVE MBOGO activist Boniface Mwangi just because of the midst. Despite the current news surrounding suggestion.

This ‘billionaire’ businessman with a very nature of the things he has done in the past. him –car accident and such—it feels like

Breaking down the Starehe Constituency aspirants

shady way about him and no tagline is on the hot ticket and this is all we know about him. ●He claims to be very rich although the source, exact amount and authenticity of this wealth is hard to pin point. The very rich businessman alleges to own a string of 4 star hotels, apartment complexes and other miscellaneous companies here and there. ●He uses the honorific ‘Hon’ before his name in a causal and formal manner but there seems to again be no proof of where and how he got this title. ●Check this out, ‘His entrepreneurial journey started 15 years ago as a high school student in St. Aquinas Nairobi, where he sold computers to his schoolmates and friends. That small trading operation grew into the Rhezor Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate

STEVE MBOGO

eality TV star and rapper Jackson Makini aka CMB Prezzo is one proud Kenyan. On a live TV show, Prezzo had put to the test the functionality of the Kenya Police emergency number 999 and to the shock of the nation, the number did not go through. Well, now the number is functional! ‘Do not, for one repulse, give up the purpose that you resolved to effort. 2 weeks ago I she’d light (on national television) on our emergency hotlines not working, I can now comfortably assure my fellow Kenyans to rest at ease because the hotline (999) is 110% functional. All you gotto do is speak coz someone out there is listening hence the saying “ a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”, Prezzo wrote on Instagram.

Prezzo brags about making 999 work again

Jaguar would do much more as the charitable person he is than as a politician but that is just a suggestion. ●He served as Director of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) for years. So he does have some leadership experience but that does not necessarily mean much. ●He’s reportedly an ally to President Uhuru Kenyatta which frankly is not very attractive to voters. It makes it seem like the status quo will maintain if he does get the seat. ●He has a long standing beef with rapper Prezzo. This has nothing to do with his political aspirations it just seems like an important thing to point out. Let’s also not forget that song ‘Matapeli’ he sang and see well it will hold up.

CHARLES NJAGUA

HOT TOPICS R

He seems to truly care about the future of this country so let’s put him under a microscope. ●He’s won a bunch of awards for his work— real honours (see: Steve Mbogo), TIME: Next Generation Leaders 2015, Commended by Hillary Clinton USA secretary of State 2009, is a Senior Ted Fellow and has won the CNN Multichoice Africa Photojournalist of the Year Award. ●He has launched his own party. The Ukweli Party that ‘aims to break away from traditional political outfits that have failed to address the country’s pressing issues’. More importantly it has a sugarcane as its symbol with its slogan titled “Power to the People”, also ‘Sauti ya Wanyonge’ is actually rather funny. ●He also engages with the people he meets, maybe a little too much.

BONIFACE MWANGI

@kevin_x254

N

igerian international superstar duo of Peter and Paul popularly referred to as P square may just be plotting a collabo with Lingala sokous music star Awilo Longomba. The trio who have been hanging out together lately are rumoured to be working on a project that will be released later on this year. P Square are known for great collaborations that have featured world renowned artistes such as Diamond of Tanzania and Rick Ross of the US.

P Square planning collabo with

‘Liar’ singer Wahu is one lucky woman, on her birthday, social media was abuzz with birthday wishes just for her! From celebrities, to fans and family the singer was overwhelmingly wished many more great years and she is thankful.

She took to social media to say a thank you, Wahu wrote, “Just a note or say THANK YOU to everyone for making my birthday so special yesterday. All the warmth and beautiful wishes I received just kept

thanks fans for birthday wishes me on a constant high! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. May God bless u all. One love!”

12

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14

SPORT

World Cup ‘desperation’ to drive Wales in crucial qualifier against Ireland tonight WEEKEND EDITION, MARCHw 24-26, 2017

It is considered a virtue in football not to look back - players and managers are often reluctant to reflect on achievements or to dwell on the past.

Sometimes, however, it is essential.

Chris Coleman says he and his Wales side will be driven by “desperation” when they face the Republic of Ireland on Friday - a desperation to succeed but, more specifically, a desperation to repeat the success of their recent past.

Absent from major tournaments for 58 years, qualifying for Euro 2016 - and then reaching the semi-finals - gave Wales a taste of what they had craved for generations.

And as they prepare for Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier in Dublin with their hopes of getting to next year’s competition in Russia in the balance, it is a taste they are desperate to sample again.

For Coleman, that feeling is particularly acute, as he has said this will be his final campaign in charge.

He cannot bare to think about a future when he will no longer lead his country and, for him to step aside satisfied with his legacy, he must replicate the sensation he felt in France last summer.

“I do think about Russia. Just because we went to France, it doesn’t mean Russia is less important,” he said.

“If you see the film [Don’t Take Me Home, the Wales Euro 2016 documentary], it gives you a taste for

it again. You want to be back in that environment so I’m desperate to do it again. Desperate. It’s the only word I can use.

“I’m desperate to go back, be in the middle of that type of pressure. I can’t describe to you how that felt. I absolutely want that again. I do. That’s all I think about.”

Coleman and his players have openly admitted how difficult they found the aftermath of Euro 2016, plunged into an emotional comedown after the searing highs of France.

They re-watched goals and games, text messaged each other occasionally - all to try and reproduce the magic of that summer.

That is the aim of this World Cup qualifying campaign but, with four points separating Group D leaders Ireland and third-placed Wales, Coleman’s men travel to Dublin in need of victory.

Coleman has previously said he would consider his position if Wales were out of contention after five games.

With four matches gone, however, he is putting that discussion to one side.

“I think until it’s mathematically impossible, I’ll always, and we’ve always, got to look at it and go: ‘We’ve got a chance’,” the 46-year-old adds.

“So unless we can’t finish top and we can’t finish second, if that happens, then I’ll see how I feel and Wales will

Wales’ coach Chris Coleman gestures during the UEFA EURO 2016 semi-final match between Portugal and Wales at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France, on July 06, 2016.

PHOTO: EPA

see how they feel, I imagine, because it is my last campaign.”

Wales’ match against the Republic of Ireland has the ingredients of a titanic battle - a big and noisy crowd, two

Gareth Bale and teammate Aaron Ramsey salute each other during a past match for Wales. The two players are expected to put in a decent display for the national team against Republic of Ireland toight.

PHOTO: ABIR SULTAN/EPA

teams familiar with each other from countless Premier League skirmishes, and the significance of precious qualifying points to play for.

There are echoes of Wales’ Euro 2016 group meeting with England - their only defeat in France before losing to Portugal in the semi-finals - and Coleman hopes his team will have learned from their mistakes in Lens.

“We went 1-0 up and then we wished our life away, rather than just enjoying those moments,” he explains.

“It’s the same for the Republic of Ireland - 50,000 people in the Aviva Stadium, they’re top, everyone is billing it as a must-win game for us. But the game will come and go. It only lasts 90 minutes.

“The build-up beforehand goes on a lot longer than the game itself. I think you forget sometimes when you’re in it that you’ve got to enjoy it, the players have got to enjoy it on the pitch, and they’ll do that if they do what they’re good at.

“We can’t miss the game - we did that I think against England. We were disappointed after the England game because it was a British derby and there was so much surrounding it, and we got sucked into that.”

Coleman admits he was crestfallen after the England game, so much so, he broke one of his own rules.

“It was a dry camp, we were together seven weeks. No alcohol - staff or players. But I had a double whiskey

by myself, a sneaky one out on the balcony,” he confides.

“As a manager you have to look at yourself and I thought I was preaching all the time, don’t get sucked into this game to England.

“So I was devastated, not because it was England, but we are at a tournament, it is the second game, we had a point in the bag and with four points we were going through really. But we let it slip.

“I was absolutely gutted.”

He however hopes it will be a different story this time.

“It’s all about us, not worrying about ifs and buts and what happens if we don’t do this,” he says.

“It’s all about preparation, sticking to our game plan - if the players stick to that and we lose it’s my fault. Nine times out of 10 our boys have produced.

“We’ve just got to go into this game not worrying about the outcome. Enjoy it.

Meet it. Let’s have a right go. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”

Other European fixtures tonight Turkey v Finland Georgia v Serbia Italy v Albania Croatia v Ukraine Spain v Israel Austria v Moldova Kosovo v Iceland Liechtenstein v Macedonia

8pm 8pm 10:45pm 10:45pm 10:45pm 10:45pm 10:45pm 10:45pm

SPORT 15 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017

Wanyama to start DRC game after Uganda rest

Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama in action in a past match for Kenya. Wanyama is expected to start in Kenya’s friendly against DRC Congo on Sunday in Machakos after being rested for yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Uganda.

PHOTO: COURTESY

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama is set to start in Kenya’s friendly match against DRC Congo after he was left out of the squad for a similar fixture against Uganda Cranes in Machakos yesterday.

Coach Stanley Okumbi decide to let Wanyama rest after he arrived in the country on Tuesday morning from London where he plays his professional club football with Tottenham Hotspurs.

Samuel Onyango was called to partner Anthony Akumu in midfield with Wanyama absent while Brian Mandela took the armband.

Striker Michael Olunga put Stars ahead ten minutes to the break when he latched onto goalkeeper Patrick Matasi’s long ball forward.

The Guizhou Zhicheng striker beat defender Habib Kavuma and shot low past Benjamin Ochan in the Ugandan goal from his powerful left foot.

Earlier, Uganda had created the first open chance after just 12 minutes when

Emmanuel Okwi’s tricky free kick from the left evaded everyone in the box and bounced just inches off target.

Posta Rangers attacker Geoffrey Sserunkuma then saw his shot parried away by Matasi four minutes later after Muzamiru Mutyaba planted the ball right behind the Kenyan defense to put the Ugandan through on goal.

Kenya appeared to be heading for a fourth straight win until three minutes from time when Ugandan substitute Hassan Waiswa broke Kenyan hearts with a late strike.

Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi did not hide his displeasure with his strikers’ failure to kill the game off when opportunities presented themselves.

“I’m not happy because we should have won this. We created so many chances; about four clear goals but we could not put them away. I expect more from Olunga and Were because they are scoring for their clubs, why not the

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national team?” Okumbi posed.

Olunga should have made it 2-0 a few seconds to half time, but he blasted the ball over after a defensive mistake from Uganda.

The Guizhou Zhicheng striker was also guilty after he was presented with chance moments later but shot wastefully wide after a neat through pass from his partner upfront Were.

Eventually, he was withdrawn on 66 minutes for winger Paul Were.

Earlier, Okumbi had been forced to withdraw Musa Mohamed after at the start of the second half after the Gor Mahia skipper picked an injury. He was replaced by Posta Rangers’ Simon Mbugua.

Uganda’s equalizer came from a tight angle with Waiswa beautifully beating Aboud Omar and chipping out Matasi in for the goal. @peter_x254

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-26, 2017 | WWW.X254.CO

WALES TO RELY ON DESPERATION TO REACH WOLRD CUP IN QUALIFIER AGAINST IRELAND

Italy’s ‘GG’ Buffon set for his 1000th professional game

Brazilain midfielder Paulinho points to the technical bench as he wheels away in celebration of his equalising goal against Uruguay during their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay today.

Paulinho scores hat trick as Tite’s side come from behind to beat Suarez-less Uruguay

Brazil surges as Messi goal lifts Argentina

I

taly goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will make the 1,000th appearance of his professional career in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.

It will be his 168th Italy game, making him the most capped European player above Spain’s Iker Casillas and Latvian Vitalijs Astafjevs.

He needs another 17 caps to break the 184-appearance world record of former Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan.

“It’s a huge pleasure,” said the 39-yearold Juventus captain.

Buffon has conceded 799 goals in his 999 games for club and country so far.

He made his professional debut for Parma in 1995 at the age of 17 and his international debut two years later. He has played 612 times for Juventus since joining them in 2001.

A World Cup winner in 2006, Buffon has previously said he plans to retire after next year’s tournament in Russia.

And he joked that he plans to go out as Zinedine Zidane did for France in the 2006 final - with a red card.

“Maybe, I’ll do a Zidane and headbutt someone on the the pitch.”

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Wanyama to start Sunday DRC match

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razil have all but confirmed their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after it leaped to an unassailable lead of seven points in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with a superb 4-1 comeback win away in Uruguay.

A Paulinho hat-trick ensured Brazil won the clash of the top two teams in the South American qualifiers early today. Uruguay were awarded a penalty on nine minutes when visiting goalkeeper Alisson took down Edinson Cavani after the PSG striker had beaten the Brazil keeper to a chested back-pass from left-back Marcelo. Cavani then stepped up and buried a superbly emphatic penalty kick. But Paulinho restored parity ten minutes later when he riffled home from distance after picking up the ball unmarked.

He then put Brazil ahead seven minutes after the restart when he pounced on a spilled save from Roberto Firmino. Neymar then raced

onto a long clearance by defender Joao Miranda which caught the home defence unawares and chipped over goalkeeper Martin Silva to confirm the victory. However, Paulinho wasn’t done yet. The Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder added his third just before the final whistle with a close chested finish from a perfectly weighted cross by full-back Dani Alves.

Brazil now have 30 points from 13 games with five more to go. Uruguay remain second on 23 while Argentina moved to third on 22 with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Chile in Buenos Aires.

Angel Di Maria went down in the box after minimal contact from Chile defender Jose Fuenzalida, setting the stage for Lionel Messi, who missed his penalty attempt in the 2016 Copa America final against the Chileans, who then sent Claudio Bravo the wrong way for the game’s only goal.

Earlier, Colombia needed a late James Rodriguez goal to beat a resolute

Bolivia 1-0 in Baranquilla to keep their hopes of reaching Russia alive.

Colombia, who came into the day a point outside the qualifying zone, needed a victory against ninth-placed Bolivia to keep pace with the top-five teams.

And Jose Pekerman’s men picked up the points in the 83rd minute through captain Rodriguez. Juan Cuadrado won a penalty just inside the box and the Real Madrid star slotted home the rebound after his initial penalty was saved back into his path.

In the other matches, Paraguay defeated sliding Ecuador a 2-1 win in Asuncion with defender Bruno Valdez opening the scores after just 12 minutes with a header from close range after a set piece. Junior Alonso then sealed the points before a Felipe Caicedo penalty in the 70th minute gave Ecuador some hope. Peru and Venezuela ended 2-2 in Monagas. @peter_x254

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