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WEEKEnD EDITIOn, MARCH 3-5, 2017 | WWW.x254.CO

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SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN LATE GOVERNOR GACHAGUA AND HIS MCAs FOLLOWS HIM TO THE GRAVE

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NEWS

LIVERPOOL READY TO BOUNCE BACK AGAINST ARSENAL AS EPL ENTERS WEEK 27

MICHAEL CARRICK TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE SEASON UNLESS OFFERED A NEW DEAL

Kidero: Arrest PK, Sonko, Waweru over gun drama IEBC reviews electoral guidelines ahead of August polls

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Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero addressing residents of Riruta satellite yesterday. During the Kidero visited several Nairobi City County projects including Riruta Buspark construction on Riruta and construction of Salim and Muthiora roads in Kabiro, Dagoretti North.

STORY ON PAGE 2

he Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reviewed electoral regulations in line with the new laws ahead of the August 8th polls.

The Commission said it has revised the electoral regulations to reflect the changes that had been enacted in the new laws after the 2013 General Election.

Among the revised laws is the Electoral Campaign Finance Regulations to operationalise the Election Campaign Financing Act which has since been suspended by Parliament.

According to the commission, election Campaign Financing Act was developed to operationalise the provisions of the ECF Act by providing mechanisms to regulate the amounts of money that may be spent by a candidate or a political party.

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

Governor Kidero has threatened to arrest the two leaders over gun scuffle

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero wants his political rivals in Jubilee party arrested and charged for their allegedly involvement in gun drama last Sunday.

Kidero said former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru should be interrogated and explain the circumstances that led to altercations forcing their bodyguards to fire in the air.

The governor lamented that since the confrontations ensued the Inspector General Joseph Boinnet and Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery have been silent and with no action taken against the leaders.

Addressing residents of Dagoretti North Constituency on Thursday where he had gone to inspect road projects, the city boss pointed an accusing finger to CS Nkaissery of allegedly cordoning lawlessness and impunity among the leaders.

“Nkaissery has been the loudest CS but he has been quiet on the Sunday events. He must take action.

We cannot allow such stupid acts in Nairobi,” Kidero said.

“It is totally unacceptable to mete violence on innocent and peaceful loving Nairobians,” he added.

The governor has threatened to arrest the two leaders over the scuffle should the police and the interior ministry failed to bring to book by Sunday.

“On Sunday, I would have led the public to arrest the two leaders

Established in 1969

Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru (Red Shirt) and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko during a meet the people tour along the streets of Nairobi. Kidero wants the two interrogated and explain the circumstances that led to altercations forcing their bodyguards to fire in the air.

but decided to give the national government time to take action, but should they fail to do so, then we will swiftly move to action,” an angry Kidero stated.

However, it is not understood, which law governor Kidero will use to apprehend the three leaders over the Dagoretti scuffle that turned ugly threatening the safety of the football fanatics in attendance.

The leaders have already condemned the incident with each accusing one another of instigating the chaos.

Youth allied to Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru and Senator Sonko and their rival in the Jubilee party for

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the Nairobi Race Peter Kenneth got into a clash during a football match in Dagoretti South constituency.

Kenneth, who is seeking to replace Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in the August elections, faces bitter opposition from a rival Jubilee Party brigade in Nairobi.

On Tuesday while touring Wakulima Market, PK downplayed the Sunday political scuffle painting a picture of a gentleman in politics.

Mr Kenneth was a two-time MP for Gatanga Constituency in Murang’a County, but has since insisted that he was born and bred in Nairobi, where he wants to be governor, described

the incident and a series of other altercations, as “Jubilee’s internal democracy.”

“What you saw the other day is part of Jubilee’s internal democracy. But we have said that those that want to use insults and chaos, we will leave them. It is you, the people, that will decide,” Mr Kenneth told the market traders. But Kidero buoyed by united opposition alliance has told the Jubilee Party brigade eyeing his seat to prepare for a rude shock as National Super Alliance (NASA) will sweep all elective seats in Nairobi City county including those currently hillary_x254 hed by Jubilee.

I am here to stay, Marwa dismisses transfer rumours Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa has dismissed rumours that he has been transferred to the Rift Valley region for his incessant remarks on the war against narcotics.

Speaking today during a tour of an NYS rehabilitation camp in Miritini, Marwa rubbished the reports linking him with a move to the volatile region saying drug barons are worried that their peddling days are numbered.

“I am prepared to put my life on the line for this fight. That is how ready I am. I am not aware of these stories you people are talking about,” he said.

Rumours of the fierce administrator had been fuelled by ODM communications official Philip Etale who in a tweet said Marwa had been moved to the Rift Valley. However Director of Digital Communication in the Office of the President Dennis Itumbi dispelled the rumours urging Kenyans to ignore them.

The government has been on a campaign against drug sale and abuse especially in the Coast with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy President William Ruto ordering the dismantlement of cartels that have wrecked havoc among youths in the area.

Marwa highlighted the State’s twopronged approach in the war against drugs involved cutting supply from the barons and disrupting the market, composed of mainly the youth, by entering them in rehabilitation camps and giving them gainful employment.

He called on the six Coastal counties to join hands in the concerted effort against narcotics. harrison_x254

IEBC spells new terms to guide party primaries and August 8th elections From Page 1

“This is largely informed by the recent amendments under the Electoral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2016 and the Electoral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017 with the latter coming to effect on 30th January, 2017,” the Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati said. Wafula revealed that the reviewed elections regulations has since been submitted to parliament for approval.

The polls team has also reviewing the process and procedure for registering Kenyans living outside Kenya (Diaspora) and prisoners.

Also in review by the Commission is the statutory election declaration forms to reflect the changes in section 39 of the Elections Act, 2011 amongst other changes.

“Beyond registration activities, we seek to define roles of returning officers, enhance vetting of candidates in collaboration with EACC and clearly define key ICT regulations, such as what constitutes “complementary” systems to BVR,” Wafula explained.

He said the election data will be stored and managed, and mechanics of performing an audit of the system’ software.

MPS from both Jubilee party and opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) had expressed key concerns regarding the proposed regulations, particularly with regard to ICT. The lawmakers had proposed to IEBC criminal liability to be levelled against any commercial institutions which may sabotage elections under contract.

The electoral body seeks to enhance the provisions on voter education following the amendments to section 40 of the Elections Act, 2011 especially in increasing the role of the commission, accreditation and developments and dissemination of the voter education curriculum.

IEBC also revealed amendments to the Section 27 of the Elections Act (2011) requires political parties to conduct nominations against rules that must conform to regulations and guidelines gazetted by the Commission.

The Wafula Chebukati led-commission seeks to put in place standardized rules and regulations that would have the force of law and bind political parties towards ensuring fair nomination processes and promoting equal representation of all special interest groups as governed under Article 100 of the Constitution.

Of particularly interest is the party list nomination process where parliamentarians have expressed the need to reflect that persons vie to be elected on the party list to represent persons with disabilities.

The commission has also developed regulations that are tailored to ensure that the party list nomination process is guided by measures that reflect equal accessibility and representation of persons with disabilities in electoral processes through transparent measures.

However, MPs are of the opinion that the provision for payment of reasonable fees for the special interest groups should be left at the discretion of parties. hillary_x254

NEWS 3 Gachagua’s rivalry with MCAs follows him to the grave

Majority of Nyeri County Assembly members have vowed to skip Nderitu Gachagua’s burial on Monday claiming they were still receiving threats.

Speaking at the County Assembly chambers during Thursday afternoon’s session, the MCAs led by Majority Leader Duncan Gituanja said that they have been threatened through social media, adding that they have been attacked in the past and therefore cannot risk attending the funeral but will instead travel to Naivasha for the Annual Devolution Conference.

Gituanja claimed he had been personally threatened by a close ally of a relative to the late Gachagua but is yet to record a statement with the police. Mid last year the MCAs were whipped at Mbiriri area in Kieni East subCounty in a meeting that was attended by the late Gachagua.

Gikondi ward representative Kahiga Thieri echoed similar sentiments saying Gachagua’s brother, Rigathi, assailed the Speaker of the County Assembly Mwangi Mugo when he termed him an insincere mourner.

The motion to adjourn sittings was tabled

by Duncan Gituanja and was seconded by Aguthi Gaaki ward MCA Wachira Waruru who said that they are made to feel as if they are the ones responsible for the governor’s death. Gachagua will be buried on Monday at Hiriga village in Mathira constituency

Cityhall close company over fire safety &security threat

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has ordered the immediate closure of Super Haulier Company, one of the largest privately owned Transportation & logistics services within Africa located at Nanyuki Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi.

According to Kidero, the firm’s license was withdrawn due to the risk of fire as it is situated next to the Kenya Pipeline company oil depot.

Making the announcement this morning after a meeting with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) members at his City hall office, the governor said is currently welding next to fuel tankers and this is a huge safety risk. “I have today ordered the closure of Super Haulier’s owned by a Mr Shabbir, located on Nanyuki road as it poses a safety and security risk. I have instructed my officers to shut down the premise and arrest the owner,” he said. Kidero promised the delegation from KAM led their CEO, Phyllis Wakiaga, former KAM Chairman Arun Devani, representatives from KURA, Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) and Kenya Pipeline that the owner apprehended and arraigned in court this coming Tuesday “What is even more disturbing is that Mr Shabir continues to endanger the lives of residents. The memory of innocent lives that were lost during the Sinai

Governor Dr. Evans Kidero (Left), Cabinet secretary for Transport James Macharia (centre), Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua (right) during a meeting early today, to discuss NAMATA agreement for infrastructure development within Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu Counties better referred to as Nairobi Metro.

fire incident many years ago is still fresh in our memories,” Kidero lamented. The Governor said the County Government will continue enforcing County by laws by clamping down premises and organizations that continue to break the law. The Governor also assured the KAM team of the County Governments’ commitment to tarmac, refurbish and rehabilitate roads especially in Industrial area where most factories and industries are located.

He also revealed that his administration is a

standing agreement with KURA to implement projects on the County’s behalf.

Separately Governor Kidero today signed a Recognition Agreement with the KarenLangata (KarenNGata) Residents Association.

The specific service delivery areas upon which the two parties will collaborate. The County Government on Tuesday this week signed a similar agreements Association (KARA). @hillary_x254

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

School bans Muslim pupils from ‘provocative’ praying

A high school in a western German city has banned Muslim pupils from publicly praying, saying that all the religious acts associated with it are “provocative” to other students.

The school in Wuppertal sent a note to staff asking them to identify and report any cases of Muslim pupils praying on the school premises to the administration.

Several teachers and pupils had reported that they felt pressured by the behaviour of Muslim pupils, a spokeswoman for the regional administration of Wuppertal said.

“In the last few weeks, it has increasingly been observed that Muslim students are praying, quite visibly to others, indicated by ritual washing in the bathrooms, the rolling out of prayer rugs, and by the students putting their bodies in certain positions. That is not permitted,” the letter had reportedly said.

The letter was posted last week on Facebook, provoking an angry reaction from some social media users who attacked the school’s decision. After the criticism, municipal authorities said the wording was “unfortunate” and the school had only meant to bring affected students in to discuss a solution to allow their prayer.

Authorities say the school was, however, legally allowed to stop people “praying in a provocative manner”.

The regional administration said it backed the school’s stance. “Banning provocative praying in the school’s public space should promote peaceful coexistence and peace within the school,” the administration said.

The school’s prayer ban came as Germany, which has taken in more than 1.1 million refugees and migrants from predominantly Muslim countries, sees a rise in anti-Islam and anti-immigration sentiment.

The country’s right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been making big gains in a series of recent elections, has now adopted an anti-Islam stance as part of its new manifesto.

Commenting on the school’s move in a Facebook post, the AfD’s Wuppertal branch called it an “interesting and “sensible” measure.

Jeff Sessions under fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions has come under fire after it emerged that he met twice last year with Russia’s ambassador to Washington, contradicting statements he made in Senate confirmation hearings in January.

The revelation cast a fresh cloud over President Donald Trump’s administration — which has denied suspected ties between members of his election team and Russia — which US intelligence says interfered in the 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton.

The White House quickly labeled the report an attack by partisan Democrats, confirming the meetings but arguing Sessions did nothing wrong.

“I never met with any Russian officials to discuss the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about.” Sessions said.

But with US intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, and four Congressional committees examining the Russia scandal, Democrats demanded that Sessions recuse himself from investigations, and for Congress to name an independent special investigator to oversee a broad probe.

Investigators raid French presidential candidate home

The Paris home of France’s conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon has been raided by investigators.

The search was part of an investigation into an allegedly fake job given to his wife.

Fillon has vowed to continue his presidential campaign, despite growing pressure for him to step down.

He was once seen as the favorite to win the election but his poll ratings have dropped since the scandal emerged.

The allegations circling around the Fillon family focus mainly on his Welsh-born wife Penelope, who is also reported to be facing an investigation.

The Le Canard Enchaine newspaper alleges she was paid (£710,000; $900,000) over several years for working as a parliamentary assistant for Mr Fillon and his successor, but had no parliamentary pass - raising questions over whether she did the work she was paid for.

The raid yesterday morning happened as the candidate visited winegrowers in southern France. His parliamentary office had already been searched last month.

Many on the right will see the operation as another sign of how the scandal has totally eclipsed Mr Fillon’s ability to run a campaign.

For the first time since the affair broke out a month ago, there is open dissension in the ranks about his candidacy, our correspondent adds.

Senior Republicans have gathered support for ex-Prime Minister Alain Juppe, 71, who was defeated by Mr Fillon in the primaries.

Yesterday evening, thousands of supporters turned out to his rally in the town of Nimes.

“You have a fighter before you,” Mr Fillon told a cheering crowd. “I have no intention of giving in.”

On Wednesday, Mr Fillon said he had been summoned to appear before a judge over the case.

French consertive Presidential candidate Francois Fillion waving to his supporters at a past function.

He complained he was the victim of a “political assassination”, and vowed to continue his run for president - despite previously pledging to stand down if his case was placed under formal investigation.

Following his announcement, several key allies resigned, including his foreign affairs spokesman

and deputy campaign director.

Mr Fillon will appear in court on 15 March, just two days before the deadline for candidates to submit their final applications.

The first round of the election takes place on 23 April, followed by a run-off on 7 May.

Mubarak acquitted over 2011 protester killings Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been acquitted over his alleged involvement in the killings of hundreds of protesters in 2011.

The Court of Cassation’s final ruling yesterday could see Mubarak walk free.

After an all-day hearing, Judge Ahmed Abdel Qawi announced: “The court has found the defendant innocent.”

The Cairo-based court rejected demands by lawyers of the victims to reopen civil suits,

Supporters of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak carry his pictures outside the military hospital where the former Head of State has been staying.

leaving no remaining option for appeal or retrial.

Mubarak was accused of inciting the deaths of nearly 900 protesters in an 18-day uprising that ended when he stepped down on February 11, 2011.

He had been sentenced to life in 2012 but an appeals court ordered a retrial, which dismissed the charges two years later.

Mubarak, 88, has spent most of his time in a military hospital since his arrest in 2011.

He arrived to court yesterday on a stretcher.

In January 2016, the appeals court had upheld a three-year prison sentence for Mubarak and his two sons on corruption charges.

But the sentence took into account time served.

Both his sons, Alaa and Gamal were freed.

Most of the charges brought against Mubarak’s government members have been dismissed while the country still recovers from the aftermath of the uprising.

Mubarak’s successor, democratically elected Mohamed Morsi, served for only a year before the military ousted and detained him in 2013, launching a deadly crackdown on his supporters.

Morsi and hundreds of his supporters have been sentenced in mass trials, although many of them are appealing the verdicts.

NEWS 5 WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

NEWS PICTORIAL

An Afghan security official secures an area during an operation against Taliban militants in Laghman province, Afghanistan, 02 March 2017. According to media reports 21 militants and ten security officials were killed during an operation against Taliban militants in different area of Laghman province.

PHOTO: GHULAMULLAH HABIBI /EPA

Released Pakistanis wave before crossing over to Pakistan at the India-Pakistan Joint Check Post (JCP) at Attari border, some 30 km from Amritsar, India, 01 March 2017. A total of 39 prisoners were released by Indian authorities as a goodwill gesture towards Pakistan. The prisoners include 18 fishermen who had strayed into Indian waters while fishing and 21 Pakistan nationals who have served out their sentences in India. PHOTO: RAMINDER PAL SINGH/ EPA

Leader of France’s far-right Front National political party and candidate for the 2017 French presidential elections, Marine Le Pen (R), arrives to hold a news conference in Paris, France, 02 March 2017. Le Pen lost her EU immunity after a European Parliament vote on 02 March 2017 in connection with tweets of pictures showing so-called Islamic State (also known as IS or ISIS) violence.

French presidential elections are planned for 23 April and 07 May 2017.

PHOTO:CAROLINE BLUMBERG/ EPA

Honduran police uses a water cannon to disperse protestors in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 02 March 2017. A group of indigenous women and university students demanded jutice in Tegucigalpa, nearly a year after the murder of environmentalist activist and indigenous leader Berta Caceres. Caceres was shot dead by armed men on 03 March 2016. PHOTO:GUSTAVO AMADOR/ EPA

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Park Geun-hye, march toward presidential house as they gather in protest against Park’s impeachment on the downtown in Seoul, South Korea, 01 March 2017. The Constitutional Court held the last hearing session on 27 February to review whether to reinstate or oust Park who was impeached in December 2016 by parliament over a corruption scandal involving her and her confidante Choi Soon-sil.

PHTO: JUNG UI-CHE/L EPA

WEEKEnD EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 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

Over 3m Kenyans to be connected to renewable energy by 2020

At least 3 million Kenyans under the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) are set to be connected to renewable energy over the next three years.

The move comes after KUSCCO announced a partnership deal with Pamoja Life, a social enterprise incorporated in Kenya that will enable the two institutions to provide innovative renewable energy products to Kenyan SACCO members countrywide.

The pact signed is worth Sh25 million and would see the formation of a jointlymanaged Household Green Energy Fund that would enable vulnerable members to acquire quality solar products exclusively from Pamoja Life.

KUSCCO Managing Director, George Ototo says the project has the potential to fund up to 38,000 units on the lower end given the fact that the solar products would retail at as low as Sh650 whilst the most expensive ones would retail at Sh16,200.

“The purpose of this conglomerate is to build on the successful foundations laid

by KUSCCO and Winrock’s Jiko Safi programme, which is sponsored and buttressed by USAid,” said Ototo.

He confirmed that KUSCCO has over the decades, built infrastructure necessary to ensure members access quality services at an affordable cost.

“In 2014, we started a similar project with Winrock worth Sh12 million and recoded

The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) has entered into a partnership with Pamoja Life. The pact will see the formation of a jointly-managed Household Green Energy Fund that would enable vulnerable members to acquire quality solar products exclusively from Pamoja Life. overwhelming results that have prompted us to enroll this second phase,” Ototo told a news conference.

Edward Hanrahan, Chairman of Pamoja Life, termed the partnership with KUSCCO as life-changing, saying it will enable SACCO members to access

affordable household energy products.

“Pamoja Life is focused on improving lives through clean cooking and household solar lighting and we hope that this will be the part of a long relationship with KUSCCO, the SACCOs and the members themselves,” he said.

KPC pipeline 80 pc complete as project moves to improve Nairobi’s fuel supply The Nairobi-Mombasa oil pipeline, which is scheduled for completion by the end of April, is now 80 per cent complete.

The new line will increase fuel availability in Nairobi that will feed into spur lines into Western Kenya, Central Kenya, Rift Valley and South Nyanza regions.

At maximum utilization, the line will remove an average of about 700 trucks from the road daily.

Zakhem International, the project’s contractor, has begun installation works for the 8 mainline pumps which have arrived in the country.

Each of the line’s 4 stations (Maungu, Mtito Andei, Sultan Hamud and Changamwe) will have 2 mainline pumps each.

Four transformers for Line 5 are also in the country and installation works are underway.

The transformers will be installed in the line’s 4 pump stations in Maungu, Mtito Andei, Sultan Hamud and Changamwe.

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director, Joe Sang said the project is still on course and will be ready for commissioning by mid this year.

“The new line once complete will adequately

serve the country’s demand which is projected to be 6.8 billion litres in 2020,” said Sang in a statement to newsrooms.

The new pipeline will also improve the reliability of fuel supply to the export market of Uganda, Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which in 2010 stood at 2.4 billion litres but has since risen to 3.5 billion litres in 2016.

“This will enhance safety because pipeline transportation of fuel is the safest and most cost effective way of transporting petroleum products the world over. There will therefore be no tanker accidents, fuel fires, siphonings on our roads hence saving lives and conserving our environment,” said Sang.

KPC is replacing the existing MombasaNairobi pipeline that has been in operation for 38 years. A Vision 2030 flagship project, the construction of the 20 inch diameter 450km pipeline will ensure sustained, reliable and efficient transportation of petroleum products in the region and meet demand in the next 30 years. The pipeline will have an installed flow rate of 1 million litres per hour in phase one. @Dennis _x254

The move follows a government directive to lower the cost of electricity connection fees to Sh15, 000 from Sh35, 000 to enable low income Kenyans in rural areas to have access to electricity as it seeks to connect over 1.5 million to the national grid by 2025. @enock _x254

MEAN 102.8333 126.4436 108.2164 7.8352 34.9109 21.7343

BUY SELL 102.7333 102.9333 126.3050 126.5822 108.1033 108.3294 7.8231 7.8473 34.8284 34.9935 21.6645 21.8040

Hitachi to help local businesses with digital transformation

Businesses across the country and the region at large are set to benefit from a digital transformation initiative from Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Limited.

To achieve this milestone, HDS has appointed Niral Patel as General Manager for sub-Saharan Africa where he will be responsible for driving business growth across the region. Patel will work closely with global teams to accelerate the company’s growth.

“I will shape market opportunities for the entire region through the development of alliances and partnerships and will drive the consolidation of Hitachi Data Systems’ position in the market place,” said Mr. Patel.

Tom Pegrume, Regional VP, Emerging EMEA says HDS further seeks to strengthen engagement between the public and private sectors across key sectors.

HDS said Patel’s appointment comes at a time when businesses need a different approach if they want to maintain relevance and increase profitability. The tech company said he will help navigate the needs of customers in this era of digital transformation.

Data companies in Kenya have vowed to help smaller businesses to more than double their revenues at a time when the business environment has been especially tough on smaller firms.

Cyber-crime, for instance, has remained a major threat to local enterprises and corporate entities, negatively affecting their revenues. @enock _x254

Safaricom appoints former ICT Minister, Vodafone Africa CEO to Board of Directors Telecommunication services provider Safaricom has announced the appointment of two new Directors in line with its commitment to building a sustainable enterprise.

At a Board of Directors’ meeting that was held on March 2, 2017, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Vivek Badrinath as a director of the Company representing Vodafone Kenya Limited, with effect from 12 January 2017 and noted the resignation of Ms. Serpil Timuray from the Board of Directors’ with effect from the same date.

The Board also appointed Dr. Bitange Ndemo as a nonexecutive and independent director of the Company with effect from 2 March 2017. Mr Badrinath and Dr. Ndemo are seasoned telecommunications professionals.

“Both Board members will bring vast talent and understanding of the global business landscape, as well as unique insights into the world of telecommunications to our business. Our Board will be enriched by their knowledge which will enhance Safaricom’s ability to navigate an increasingly multifaceted industry,” said Mr Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Safaricom Chairman.

Mr. Badrinath is the current CEO, for the Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific (AMAP) Region for Vodafone, having joined Vodafone and the Executive Committee in October 2016. In his current role, he oversees Vodafone’s operations in the Vodacom Group, India, Australia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Qatar, New Zealand and Turkey.

Prior to that, he was the Deputy Chief Executive at the

international hospitality group AccorHotels where he was responsible for marketing, digital solutions, distribution and information systems. He was previously Deputy Chief Executive with Orange and has a long career in telecommunications, Technology, and Enterprise Services within Orange. Between 2000 and 2004 he ran the Indian operations of Thomson. He was a Board member of Nokia between 2014 and 2016. Mr. Badrinath is a recipient of the French National Order of Merit and was appointed a member of the National Digital Council by the President of France.

Dr. Ndemo is a noted ICT industry expert who currently lectures on entrepreneurship and research methods at the University of Nairobi’s Business School.

Most of his research centres on the link between ICT and small and medium enterprises in Kenya. Prior to that role, Dr. Ndemo served as the Permanent Secretary of Kenya’s Ministry of Information and Communication between 2005 and 2013. During his tenure in Government, he initiated several transformative projects including infrastructural and development programs, as well as marketing Kenya as a destination for Business Processing Outsourcing.

He has spent more than two decades in the classroom and lecture halls with over 20 years of experience lecturing at the university level. @kevin_x254

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BUSINESS

receives NSSF recruitment drive targets State Sh1.5 bn loan India’s youth, counties, informal sector from Exim Bank to WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has today launched a nationwide recruitment drive targeting new members in the informal sector, counties and the youth.

The Fund states that it has tapped digital platforms in a move to drive up membership numbers.

The campaign is aimed at bringing over 1.7 million new members to the Fund. NSSF currently has 6.7 million members with less than 2 million active participants. The drive would therefore reactivate over a million dormant members.

The drive would further increase the number of NSSF employees from the current 245,000 by the time the campaign comes to a close.

“Kenya has one of the highest levels of old age dependency in the world, estimated at 56 per cent, while old age poverty rate stands at 55 per cent.

This underscores the timeliness of our recruitment drive,” noted Hon. Ndambuki.

The 45-day-long recruitment drive will cover Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kisii, Mombasa and Machakos, among other counties. It officially starts in Nairobi and was flagged off by NSSF Chairman, Hon. Gideon Ndambuki.

Hon Ndambuki said that an increase in membership and contributions would help Kenyans plan more prudently for their sunset years.

During its recruitment drive, NSSF will leverage on its mobile app to deepen penetration among the youth, who have a higher level of interaction with smartphones.

The app also allows members in the counties to access their statements through their phones and use mobile money to pay their contributions without having to go queue at the NSSF

support SMEs

NSSF Chairman, Hon. Gideon Ndambuki officiates a flag-off ceremony for the Fund’s new recruitment drive earlier today. The campaign is aimed at bringing in over 1.7 million new members. offices.

This nationwide recruitment drive comes against a backdrop of slow growth in formal sector membership due to massive retrenchments that characterized the industry in 2016. The recruitment drive is aimed at offsetting

this slowdown in membership growth in the formal sector by netting more members from the informal sector.

The move is also aimed at boosting savings in Kenya. Kenya’s savings as a percentage of GDP stand at 15 per cent against a target of 25 per cent. The

recruitment drive is aimed bridging this savings gap by creating and sustaining a savings culture, especially among the youth.

Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has opened a line of credit (LOC) to the Government of Kenya worth $15 million (Sh1.5 billion) to finance the development of various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The cash will cater for goods, including machinery, equipment and services including consultancy services from India for exports under a Foreign Trade Policy agreement between the two countries.

“Out of the total credit by Exim Bank under this agreement, goods and services of the value of at least 75 per cent of the contract price shall be supplied by the seller from India and the remaining 25 per cent of goods and services may be procured by the seller for the purpose of the eligible contract from outside India,” Chief General Manager, Deepak Kumar said in a statement issued yesterday.

The credit agreement under the LOC is effective from February 17, 2017. Under the LOC, the terminal utilization period is 60 months after the scheduled completion date of the project.

Kumar stated that shipments under the LOC will have to be declared on Export Declaration Forms as per instructions issued by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

Last July, Exim Bank extended a loan of $44.95 million (Sh4.6 billion) to Kenya for a textile factory and for the development of small and medium enterprises.

@enock_x254 @Dennis_x254

Hiring, sales activity slows down in February as private sector buckles under effects of drought, low credit uptake Slow credit growth and an ongoing drought in the country has weighed down Kenya’s output, hiring and sales, a new report released this morning has shown.

The analysis, dubbed the Markit Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), shows that activity in Kenya’s private sector barely grew in February.

The index, which is used to measure the sector’s performance, dropped to 50.1, a record low since the survey began in January 2014, down from 52.0 in January.

A reading above 50.0 indicates growth.

“The ongoing drought and decline in private sector credit access will

inevitably lead to deterioration in business conditions within the Kenyan private sector,” said Regional Economist for East Africa at Stanbic Jibran Qureishi.

Kenya is experiencing a drought that has hurt farming and left millions in need of food aid. Qureishi said if there is inadequate rainfall from next month, firms will face a tougher situation.

“We may potentially see an entrenched slowdown within the business operating environment,” he explained.

Private sector credit growth started weakening at the end of 2015 after the Central Bank of Kenya toughened supervision.

The sector’s growth stood at 4.3 per cent in December, the central bank said, far below the doubledigit growth rate it considers ideal.

Last year, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor, Patrick Njoroge (Pictured) said a new banking law capping interest rates at 4 per cent above the Central Bank Rate (CBR) had complicated the country’s monetary policy.

Njoroge was speaking in September following a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. He said although the new law will benefit existing loans, there could be adverse reactions on credit to the private sector.

“We are not sure of how banks will behave going forward but there is a possibility that risky borrowers could be cut off, and this may lead to a huge decrease in private sector credit,” he explained.

At the time, the growth of the private sector credit was already showing a decline with numbers indicating a growth drop from 17.8 per cent as of December 2015 to 7.1 per cent in July 2016 posing a risk to economic growth.

Njoroge said the CBK was monitoring how the new law is affecting the monetary policy and the general economy. @Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 9

Kenya revs up bid to host global meetings as sector moves to support 1.6m jobs WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

The government of Kenya will continue with its lobbying to host international conferences in a bid to grow the local meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

The MICE Sector in Kenya has experienced more immune to growth curtailing factors, supported by branding and positioning, devolution and improved infrastructure. A report

by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC 2016) reveals that business travel spending in Kenya contributed 32.5 per cent of the total revenue.

WTTC predicts a steady rise by 5.9 per cent per annum to Sh242.6 billion in 2026 This report comes at the backdrop of an ongoing wave of interest by international hotel brands to put their imprint in the country’s growing MICE industry, as the government bids for more distinguished global conferences through the year. For instance, the much-hyped World Ministerial Conference that took place in Nairobi towards the end of the year 2015 is estimated to have contributed Sh4.08 billion to the economy, with a larger fraction of the amount injected through the service industry.

The hospitality sector alone, which is directly related to the MICE industry,

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) looks on as Deputy President William Ruto (R) delivers his speech during the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa conference in Nairobi, Kenya, August 26, 2016. Abe was on a three-day visit to Kenya to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI).

EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU accounted for 9.3 per cent of Kenya’s employment in 2015. The sector currently supports an estimated 1.58 million jobs and will account for 9.5 per cent of total employment within the next decade.

Kenya has over time recorded steady growth in the Meetings, Conference, and Incentives industry, per a recent report by the Kenya Tourism

Board(KTB). In 2016 alone, the MICE industry accounted for 13 per cent of total international tourism arrivals; mostly consisting of business travellers.

In 2015, the sector welcomed 117,630 tourists, recording a remarkable 14% increase on 2014 and marking a total contribution of 15.6 per cent, of the total international arrivals for the year.

Cyrus Onyiego, the Country Manager

for Jumia Travel, which connects travellers to more than 25,000 hotels within the continent via its online portal, explains that unlike the leisure frontier, business travellers are less perturbed by factors that affect the wider travel and tourism industry as compared to their leisure-seeking counterparts.

Well-equipped conference centers and

high adaptation and consumption of technology have also supplemented the growing number of hotel conferencing facilities. Apart from favourable accommodation, and an equally promising business environment, access to the country’s capital via various international airlines and the fact that Nairobi ranks as Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination, as voted by World Travel Awards has granted the city a lead as compared to regional competitors.

It is in this light that the Ministry of Tourism and Brand Kenya, plan to market the country’s tourism and MICE destinations to further grow the fronts, which are key drivers of the country’s economy. Top on the bidding list for the Coastal region is the SKAL tourism congress that was scheduled to take place in Mombasa (2015) only to be moved to Spain, after persistent travel advisories from the West. The government is however garnering its power points to seek a re-appointment for the 2018 conference, commonly referred to as “congress on the beach”.

Leading conference and resort facilities include Pride Inn Paradise Beach Hotel with a holding capacity of 2500-plus delegates, and Leopard Beach Resort. kevin_x254

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

ACCESS

SOMETIMES I THINK UP A LINE AND IN MY HEAD I’M LIKE ‘THIS LINE IS GENIUS’.

You’ve been featured in so many events since last year. Was it your plan to switch things into high gear?

I’m putting in work. I’m out to get this money!

Which event stands out for you?

Koroga was a good one. The one I performed at, I really liked that one. Sometimes I don’t use a live band when I’m performing but when I get the chance to do it, I love it. I prefer using a band because it’s more flexible, there’s a certain richness to it and people get discovered that way. It’s a great experience and I think you interact with the audience better with a live band.

Your creative process, how do you come up with ideas for songs?

Sometimes I think up a line and in my head I’m like “this line is genius,” so I build a song around that one line. But also sometimes I get a melody in my head and if I like it and think it’s catchy, I go to the studio, I record it then I write the lyrics and the song is developed. Inspiration comes in many ways though; from something you hear, something you see, something you feel.

Which artistes do you take inspiration from in your work?

Other than the African divas of my childhood like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, M’bilia Bel, Khadja Nin, Tshala Muana, you name it; these women were beautiful, they were feminine and they had attitude so I draw a lot of inspiration from that. I love Brenda Fassie also Tiwa Savage, how she does her thing is great, her music is pop but soulful at the same time.

These strong women, that’s what I’m about.

How do select which artistes to collaborate with?

I like working with artistes who are going to challenge me musically. Ones who’ll take my music to the next level because it’s easy to stick to your comfort zone.

I want to be a fan of an artiste first before I decide to work with them because how will my fans react to that person’s music if I myself don’t like the music

HOT TOPICS

they are making? We’d end up clashing in the studio. I can’t work with just anybody because the product has to sound good in the end and lift you up as an artiste.

So which would you love to collaborate with, whom you haven’t work with before?

I would love to work with Tiwa Savage, I think we would mesh really well. I would also love to work with WizKid, he’s doing amazing things.

What was the Coke Studio experience like?

That was a definite highpoint in 2016. It was so much fun, I learnt so much from working with other musicians, my understanding of what music is grew. These were some big people in the industry I had the pleasure of working with so just seeing their outlook and process was thoroughly enjoyable.

Plus the song came out amazing!

Describe your style My style is just laid back. Sina maneno mob, I’m the laid back queen. Just once in a while when I want to surprise people, I surprise them. But I’m so laid back. I usually work with a stylist for costumes on stage but for the most part I just wear clothes I feel comfortable in.

f o n e e p u o q rop ul Af d so an

@christine_x254

@christine_x254

for POTUS 46

Remy Ma continues the onslaught on Nicki with yet another diss track

Just when you thought the noise had died down Remy Ma makes sure that you won’t be soon forgetting her name. The rapper decided to release another diss record entitled “Another One,” which premiered on Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex and bears a strong resemblance to “Back to Back” the Drake diss record aimed at Nicki’s ex Meek Mill.

Even the cover art for the single is a bit too on the nose. The picture featuring a ‘deceased’ woman lying a pool of blood is actually a picture of Minaj posted on Instagram 2 days ago.

Remy Ma didn’t really need the new diss record but who are we to say anything. It’s fun to watch the drama unfold.

Dela Maranga continues her reign as the Kenyan queen of Afropop and soul and XACCESS is so there for all the coolgirl, down-to-earth but still larger than life realness that she brings. The singer had a quick catch-up with us and it was clear that she had a renewed energy and zest for life that is a rare thing in the industry.

Nigerian sensation WizKid has added another notch on his burgeoning music CV by following in the footsteps of country mates Tiwa Savage and Davido by signing a deal with an international music label. The 26year old singer/songwriter and occasional rapper closed the deal with RCA that includes a multiinks deal with album worldwide arrangement at the start of the RCA Records month. Speaking to Billboard Magazine WizKid emphasized that his artistic integrity would not and Sony Music be compromised due to the deal, “It’s hard for me International to describe what I do, since I work with rhythms from Afro-Beat, reggae, hip-hop, dance hall and others. What’s important to me is for music to be real, authentic, raw and timeless. I don’t wanna be boxed in to any one genre.”

W

hen asked whether she would ever consider running for President on the show “The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations,” the talk show queen said, “Oh gee, I don’t have the experience, I don’t know enough,’ and now I’m thinking, ‘Oh! Oh.’” According to CNN the media mogul had always maintained that she would never enter directly into politics as an aspirant, despite her support for Barack Obama during his 2007 Presidential

campaign. Well that might soon change, it seems that Oprah Winfrey like most of America has had enough of Trump and his unbelievable win despite the businessman himself not having any prior experience in politics before becoming the leader of the free world. Here’s to 2020.

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

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ACCESS

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SPORT 13

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

Wacu drops gun for Sh2.3m Pipeline deal National women’s volleyball setter Jane Wacu has changed allegiance after penning Sh2.3 million -three-year contract with Kenya Pipeline to force away from Kenya Prison.

Wacu, currently Kenya’s best setter signed the deal Thursday with the reigning national champions, a shock move that will render her former club a big blow ahead of the new season of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) that is set to serve off on Friday in Nyeri, her home county.

Both Pipeline and Prisons are preparing the annual Africa Club Championship to be staged next month in Tunisia.

Her move away from Prisons brings to three, the number of senior setters who left the club this year. First to move was Salome Wanjala who joined KCB followed by Florence Bosire who moved to Nairobi Water after being sidelined for four good years with limited playing time.

“It’s all about change. I have been at Prisons for 10 years and I want to thank the management for the opportunity and support they gave me but it’s now time to move,” Wacu said.

Wacu was included in the Prisons squad that travelled to Nyeri on Thursday but she failed to show up at the pick-up point at Prisons Headquarters.

At the very moment, the player who dumped Pipeline in 2007 for Prisons was deeply involved in negotiation with top management of Kenya Pipeline which saw her sign with rivals Pipeline to return where she began her volleyball career after completing her secondary school at Tetu High School.

Pipeline has been seducing Wacu, seen as the perfect long-term replacement for Janet Wanja since October last year.

Wanja fired yet another warning shot to her employers that she will be hanging her sneakers at the end of the season hence the need to fill the void early enough.

National volleyball team setter Jane Wacu training with stationary bicycle previously at the Gym. The player has made a shock return to her former club Pipeline from rivals Prisons in a record breaking deal worth 2.3m (Photo MichezoAfrika)

The deal which was penned two days after the close of KVF transfer window, however, complicates things – It is not yet clear whether she will be allowed to turn up for her new club or if the contract allows her to continue playing for Kenya Prisons for the rest of the season.

The deal almost fell off Pipeline’s hands after they tabled a ‘contract’ and not a permanent job as demanded by Wacu but they managed to convince her to move the base from Kenya Prisons

Training College to Pipeline.

The finer details of the contract were not made clear but Pipeline is understood to have doubled her salary, in addition to a free house and a ‘good’ medical cover, with a promise of a permanent job within five months, according to sources within Pipeline.

“She will be employed with four others immediately after club championship,” our source added.

Prisons team manager David Kilundo had insisted that they are not ready

Setter Wacu pictured kissing Cub Africa Club Championships trophy. She has opted to ditch the gun for oil.

to lose their prized asset. “We cannot allow our top players to join local rivals.

The only thing we can do is maybe to release them to play abroad but not locally,” Kilundo was heard saying.

But Wacu, a senior sergeant at Kenya Prisons Service turned her back against her employer, when she dropped the gun for a sweet deal away to Pipeline, a

move that may see even further disintegration at the Prisons camp.

Wacu joined Prisons in 2007 from Pipeline who are yet to win an Africa Club championship title since 2001 and her presence in the squad will greatly boost their chances of winning their first continental title in over 10 years when they parade in Tunisia next month.

Pipeline has lost in the last two finals of the Africa Club Championships and coach Japheth Munala appetite for a maiden World club Championship appearance will be boosted with the new catch for the reigning Kenya Volleyball Federation champions.

Early this year, Pipeline players, a majority who have won three titles in a row (2014,2015, 2016) passionately appealed to the management to give them permanent jobs but the company’s head of corporate communication, Jason Nyantino in a quick rejoinder told them to ‘look for papers’ first before asking for MORE ON THIS STORY employment. www.capitalfm.co.ke

14

SPORT

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

Liverpool likely to hit back hard against Arsenal in EPL week 27

Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield, Tottenham Hotspur’s game against Everton at White Hart Lane and the meeting between bottom-placed Sunderland and high-flying Manchester City highlight the Premier League fixtures in Week 27.

Man Utd v Bournemouth Manchester United will be buoyed by their success in the EFL Cup final last weekend and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be looking to add to his goal tally.

Bournemouth have only taken one point from their past six league games and are having a terrible time of things.

Predictions 4-0 Man United Leicester v Hull City The Tigers upset Leicester in the first Premier League game of the season, which I did not see coming, so it is probably good news for Marco Silva’s side.

Predictions 2-2 Stoke City v Middlesbrough Stoke were well beaten by Tottenham last weekend, while Middlesbrough also lost, at Crystal Palace.

Boro have not won in the league since 17 December but I am not expecting Aitor Karanka to change his team around, and go for it a little bit more.

Predictions 2-1 Stoke

Swansea v Burnley Burnley’s draw at Hull last week was their first of four games in a row on the road.

Predictions 3-1 Swansea Watford v Southampton Watford are just in mid-table, doing what Watford do, and nobody really notices them.

The Hornets are one place above Southampton, who have not really got going in the league this season.

Saints’ best results have come in cup competitions, against Inter Milan in Europe and in the EFL Cup against Arsenal and Liverpool.

Predictions 3-2 Southampton West Brom v Crystal Palace West Brom just keep on going - they came from a goal down to beat Bournemouth last week with Baggies boss Tony Pullis showing again what a shrewd manager he is, as his side passed the 40-point mark.

Predictions 3-1 West Brom Liverpool v Arsenal Monday’s defeat by Leicester has led to Jurgen Klopp’s first real crossroads moment, in so far as he needs to have a bit of a rethink in regards to the make-up of his team.

It is difficult with his current squad, because at the moment the team basically picks itself excluding teenagers who have come through the system, he probably only has 15 or 16 players to

choose from. Liverpool are undefeated against the top six team, that seems to continue on Saturday.

Predictions 4-2 Liverpool Tottenham v Everton Tottenham made a disappointing exit from the Europa League but they never seem to be off the boil for very long, as they showed with their 4-0 win over Stoke.

Generally Spurs are very good defensively and, at the other end, they just ripped the Potters apart last week - Harry Kane’s hat-trick was top drawer.

Predictions 3-3 Sunderland v Man City Sunderland will set up to try to be solid but stopping Manchester City looks like a tough task Aguero’s goals have been a big part of that but I don’t think he is doing it because he has a point to prove to Guardiola. Jermaine Defoe on the other hand is an intergral part of David Moyes side.

Predictions 2-1 Sunderland West Ham v Chelsea West Ham’s poor start to the season seems a distant memory now but Chelsea just keep finding a way to win games.

The Blues are favorites to get a win at the London Stadium and as it stands, its unlikely catch Antonio Conte’s side at the top of the table.

Miheso delght after joining Zambian side Buildicon FC The Kenyan community in the Zambia premier League is on the rise after Clifton Miheso signed with Buildicon FC on Thursday joining his fellow international David Owino, Jesse Were and Teddy Akumu with Zesco United.

The winger has had a season to forget which culminated with a huge fallout with South African club Golden Arrows, the horror ended with him the Kenyan being forced to terminate his contrite at gun point.

“I really want to put behind what happened in South Africa and look ahead to the future.

The work is cut out for me because I have to work hard to get back to top form,” said the player who penned a one year contact with the newly prompted side.

The immediate former AFC Leopards players has set his targets on getting down to business as soon as possible while acknowledging the presence of the trio will make his stay easier.

“I can consult my fellow Kenyans when I don’t understand how things are down here.

Obviously having been here longer have more things to share,” said the ex Sofapaka, Thika United and Finnish club VPS player.

SPORT 15

Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick ready to retire if no deal is offered

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 3-5, 2017

Michael Carrick has said he would “probably” retire if he is not offered a new contract by Manchester United in the summer.

Carrick, 35, has been at Old Trafford since joining from Tottenham in July 2006 and his current one-year deal expires at the end of June.

The England international has now been awarded a testimonial at Old Trafford.

Carrick, who has made 22 appearances for United this season, says he would not move to another English club.

“I just can’t picture myself playing for anyone else - certainly any other club in England,” Carrick told the BBC World Service Sportshour programme.

He is the second-longest serving player at Old Trafford after captain Wayne Rooney and has made over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2008, the FA Cup in 2016 and three EFL Cups.

Asked if he would retire if he were not offered a contract extension, he added: “I probably would say so, yes. I think so. I couldn’t say definitely but pretty much.”

Meanwhile, the midfielder’s stellar service over the past 11 years with a star-studded testimonial

at Old Trafford this June.

The benefit match on Sunday June 4 will see a Michael Carrick All-Star team take on members of the Manchester United side that won the Premier League and Champions League in 2008.

Those confirmed in the Manchester United 2008 XI are Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, while the All-Stars side will feature Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Owen with more to be announced.

All proceeds from the testimonial will go to the newly-created Michael Carrick Foundation, which will be based initially in Manchester and Newcastle, and focus of helping young people.

Carrick remains a key part of the United team under Jose Mourinho. On more than one occasion the Portuguese has lamented the fact that he did not get to work with the England international at an earlier stage of his career.

Carrick, who also won 34 caps for England, said: ‘To have played for the greatest football club for 11 years is something that I’m very proud of and it is an honour to have been given a testimonial.

‘The game will be very special for myself and my family and I hope it will also be a memorable day of celebration for all involved.

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick celebrates with the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Wembley in London, Britain, 21 May 2016.

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WINGER CLIFTON MIHESO SIGNS FOR ZAMBIAN SIDE BUILDICON FC

P14

Stoke Wilfred Bony says exclusion from team is a ‘crazy situation’ Stoke striker Wilfried Bony says his exclusion from the team is a “crazy situation” after he turned down a move to China in the winter transfer window.

The 28-year-old Ivorian joined the club on loan from Manchester City in August, but has scored just twice in 11 games and has not played since 27 December.

His contract allowed him to be sold to Chinese Super League clubs in January, but he choose to stay at Stoke.

“When you hear everything is fine and you don’t play, it’s crazy,” he said.

The Ivory Coast international added: “It is more than difficult. This is something that I want to know why, the coach told me I’m training very well and my attitude is very good. It doesn’t make sense. It’s painful.”

Bony, who joined City from Swansea £28m in January 2015, said he was not tempted by the money on offer in China. added: “My agent told me there was an offer but I refused to go because my plan is to stay in the UK to show more to show that I’m not at the end.”

INSIDE

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15

Carrick ready to retire

Torres stable after head injury scare A

tletico Madrid say striker Fernando Torres is “stable, conscious and lucid” in hospital after suffering a head injury in the 1-1 draw with Deportivo. The exLiverpool and Chelsea striker fell heavily after an 85th-minute aerial challenge with Alex Bergantinos.

He will remain under observation but Atletico confirmed scans showed he has “no traumatic alterations or injuries”.

The Spain international, 32, released a statement saying: “It was just a scare. I hope to come back very soon.” Speaking at his post-match news conference, Atletico

coach Diego Simeone said he was “worried and nervous” when the incident happened.

“We heard the blow from the bench, we saw how he fell and we were afraid,” he said. “We didn’t know if that noise was Fernando’s neck or not.”

Atletico finished the game with 10 men, having used all three substitutes, but earned a point thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s stunning 30-yard strike.

Deportivo had taken an early lead in Pepe Mel’s first game in charge when Florin Andone capitalised on a poor Jan Oblak goal-kick. “In the end I do not care about

Atletico Madrid players (L-R) Sime Vrsaljko, Gabi Fernandez and Jose Maria Jimenez attends Fernando Torres after receiving a blow and falling unconscious down during the Spanish Primera Division soccer match against Deportiv Coruna played at the Riazor stadium in La Coruna, Galicia, Spain, on 02 March 2017. PHOTO: CABALAR/EPA

the result,” said Griezmann. “I just want to know what’s up with Fernando and hopefully he’s fine. And he gets back to us soon.”

Atletico left-back Filipe Luis added: “It’s very ugly to see it, we were all scared but at least the news we have received so far is good and the most important thing is that Fernando is well.”

The draw leaves Atletico fourth in La Liga - 11 adrift of leaders Barcelona - while Deportivo are now 17th.

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